"And of some have compassion, making a difference."
I really appreciate this promise and have used it many times to comfort myself. Deep within all humans is a desire to live a life that matters. Whether young or old, all will examine their own life and ask, "Did/Does my life matter?" The answer to that can sometimes be scary for many. Here in this verse God has promised how we can live in a manner where the answer will be a resounding YES!
This promise hinges on one profound condition; compassion. He is speaking about our actions to others, so there can be no scapegoating on how they react. This spiritual law is as constant as the laws of nature. Just as sure as an object at rest tends to stay at rest, so to will compassion yield a result. While you may not see the results, acting with compassion will always make a difference in people's lives.
Think for a moment about Mother Thereasa. I may not totally agree with her doctrine, but there is no mistaking her compassion for people. The result of that compassion has made a differerence in many lives, most of which were not the direct recipients of her compassion. God doesn't need a world stage, your community will work just fine. He doesn't need a gifted person, just a willing vessel. God doesn't need a multitude, just you. Despite what the devil will say, compassion always yields a result that makes a difference because God said it would. Are you willing to demonstrate compassion on others, so that God can honor His promise and make a difference in their lives?
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Friday, May 20, 2011
James 4:7
"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
Do you remember that annoying kid in elementary school? The one who always had soemthing to say. The one who always bothered you. Sometimes that kid was also a bully. Did you ever do anything about it or where you the kid who was a tattle-tale? Maybe you were the kid who tried to hide, even going out of your way to avoid an encounter. If you were the kid who silently endured, may I appologize on behalf of all the bullies?
On a serious note. The devil is a bully and he will always have something to say to you. Often there will be no place to hide from him. Trying to silently endure, hoping he will quit, will only yield a life of frustration and sadness. God has something else in mind for you and it reminds me of a vivid childhood memory. After my parents divorce I was forced to attend a new school that was vastly different and much larger than what I was used to. My first day a kid, three years my elder, kept thumping my ears and kicking my feet trying to trip me. As soon as I got off the school grounds I dropped my bag and squared up and said, "Let's get this over with."
While I don't advocate this kind of violence to people, it sure needs to be employed for the devil. After my fight at the new school that kid left me alone. That is exactly what God has promised us. If we will "square up" against the devil, by God's strength he will flee away. If you find the devil keeps thumping you maybe its time to consider if you have really resisted. God said there is a victory waiting for you.
Do you remember that annoying kid in elementary school? The one who always had soemthing to say. The one who always bothered you. Sometimes that kid was also a bully. Did you ever do anything about it or where you the kid who was a tattle-tale? Maybe you were the kid who tried to hide, even going out of your way to avoid an encounter. If you were the kid who silently endured, may I appologize on behalf of all the bullies?
On a serious note. The devil is a bully and he will always have something to say to you. Often there will be no place to hide from him. Trying to silently endure, hoping he will quit, will only yield a life of frustration and sadness. God has something else in mind for you and it reminds me of a vivid childhood memory. After my parents divorce I was forced to attend a new school that was vastly different and much larger than what I was used to. My first day a kid, three years my elder, kept thumping my ears and kicking my feet trying to trip me. As soon as I got off the school grounds I dropped my bag and squared up and said, "Let's get this over with."
While I don't advocate this kind of violence to people, it sure needs to be employed for the devil. After my fight at the new school that kid left me alone. That is exactly what God has promised us. If we will "square up" against the devil, by God's strength he will flee away. If you find the devil keeps thumping you maybe its time to consider if you have really resisted. God said there is a victory waiting for you.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
John 14:18
“I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.”
Jesus spoke this promise to His disciples. It is implied to all who will receive his comfort. This reminds me of the nature of humans, which is to be curious. Let’s face it. You have gone by an accident scene and starred. It is as if we can’t help ourselves. Have you ever noticed how many dozens of people quickly fill the role of curious onlooker, yet very few do anything to really comfort. Jesus promises not to be a curious onlooker who passes by, more concerned about His own agenda. He will come directly to you, not to your general vicinity.
As a child I was playing in a pool unattended. Long story short I cracked my head open on the edge of the concrete. I ran inside the house screaming wildly with blood gushing out of my skull. My cousins looked on with amazement while my mom quickly rushed to my side. Instead of berating me for all that I had done wrong, she simply began to comfort me. It began with her loving embrace followed by the pain of cleaning my wound, and ended with her keeping me awake to avoid further complications. Like a compassionate mother, Jesus is quickly drawn to your side with the sole intention of easing your discomfort. His primary motivation is to assist you, regardless of what you have done.
It is easy to be consumed with guilt over what you did wrong but dwelling on that prolongs the comfort He offers. By the same token, dwelling on what others have done to you will cause you to never experience His comfort. Will you allow Him to fix the situation? Let Him do what He wishes. Even though it may hurt, it is always best for you.
Jesus spoke this promise to His disciples. It is implied to all who will receive his comfort. This reminds me of the nature of humans, which is to be curious. Let’s face it. You have gone by an accident scene and starred. It is as if we can’t help ourselves. Have you ever noticed how many dozens of people quickly fill the role of curious onlooker, yet very few do anything to really comfort. Jesus promises not to be a curious onlooker who passes by, more concerned about His own agenda. He will come directly to you, not to your general vicinity.
As a child I was playing in a pool unattended. Long story short I cracked my head open on the edge of the concrete. I ran inside the house screaming wildly with blood gushing out of my skull. My cousins looked on with amazement while my mom quickly rushed to my side. Instead of berating me for all that I had done wrong, she simply began to comfort me. It began with her loving embrace followed by the pain of cleaning my wound, and ended with her keeping me awake to avoid further complications. Like a compassionate mother, Jesus is quickly drawn to your side with the sole intention of easing your discomfort. His primary motivation is to assist you, regardless of what you have done.
It is easy to be consumed with guilt over what you did wrong but dwelling on that prolongs the comfort He offers. By the same token, dwelling on what others have done to you will cause you to never experience His comfort. Will you allow Him to fix the situation? Let Him do what He wishes. Even though it may hurt, it is always best for you.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
I Corinthians 10:13 #3
I Corinthians 10:13 “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
When you read this promise can you see who is really in control? He will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able. God is affirming His control of the situation while also promising you will be competent to deal with it. Admittedly, there have been times I have looked at a situation in my life and ask, “God I appreciate the vote of confidence, but is it possible you think too highly of me?”
As a kid I watched a show called Macgyver. Every episode he found himself in serious trouble, even life threatening. Every time he used past experiences and knowledge to escape the situation. This is what God is promising you. The temptations you face are escapable but not necessarily avoidable. Like Macgyver, God has given you knowledge in His word and provides you with many experiences all of which are designed to show you the way of escape.
He has promised you will be able to bear it. It may require you to stop whining about your situation or complaining about others. It definitely will require you to seek to know where God is in the situation. Once you seek Him you are on your way to realizing the fullness of this promise.
When you read this promise can you see who is really in control? He will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able. God is affirming His control of the situation while also promising you will be competent to deal with it. Admittedly, there have been times I have looked at a situation in my life and ask, “God I appreciate the vote of confidence, but is it possible you think too highly of me?”
As a kid I watched a show called Macgyver. Every episode he found himself in serious trouble, even life threatening. Every time he used past experiences and knowledge to escape the situation. This is what God is promising you. The temptations you face are escapable but not necessarily avoidable. Like Macgyver, God has given you knowledge in His word and provides you with many experiences all of which are designed to show you the way of escape.
He has promised you will be able to bear it. It may require you to stop whining about your situation or complaining about others. It definitely will require you to seek to know where God is in the situation. Once you seek Him you are on your way to realizing the fullness of this promise.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
I Corinthians 10:13 #2
“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
But (Behold the Underlying Truth) God is faithful. The apostle, inspired by the Spirit, wrote this promise. This statement came from a man who nearly lost his life, for the sake of the gospel, a dozen times. When you consider the life experiences of Paul, you then begin to understand the fullness of those three words; God is faithful.
In a post-modern society faithfulness appears as an obscure concept. We are constantly let down by people seeking their own interests and agendas. When God promises to be faithful, He is saying, “I am seeking your best interest, not mine own.” The best examples are in nature. When considering how faithful God is, we have to look at things like Ol’ Faithful at Yellowstone or the vast celestial bodies that always do what they were designed to do. I’m thinking on the magnitude of the sun. Has there ever been a day the sun didn’t shine in the world, even if it were just above the clouds?
Don’t forget that this promise was made in the middle of a discussion about temptations. When you feel overwhelmed, you can rest assured that God is not only present, but that He has a way. Always. Why? He is Faithful. If He were a student, God would always show up on time, with paper, pencil, and book, and His homework would always be done. Couple this with the fact that your temptation is “common” and you know God can be counted on to get you through, regardless of what you face!
But (Behold the Underlying Truth) God is faithful. The apostle, inspired by the Spirit, wrote this promise. This statement came from a man who nearly lost his life, for the sake of the gospel, a dozen times. When you consider the life experiences of Paul, you then begin to understand the fullness of those three words; God is faithful.
In a post-modern society faithfulness appears as an obscure concept. We are constantly let down by people seeking their own interests and agendas. When God promises to be faithful, He is saying, “I am seeking your best interest, not mine own.” The best examples are in nature. When considering how faithful God is, we have to look at things like Ol’ Faithful at Yellowstone or the vast celestial bodies that always do what they were designed to do. I’m thinking on the magnitude of the sun. Has there ever been a day the sun didn’t shine in the world, even if it were just above the clouds?
Don’t forget that this promise was made in the middle of a discussion about temptations. When you feel overwhelmed, you can rest assured that God is not only present, but that He has a way. Always. Why? He is Faithful. If He were a student, God would always show up on time, with paper, pencil, and book, and His homework would always be done. Couple this with the fact that your temptation is “common” and you know God can be counted on to get you through, regardless of what you face!
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
I Corinthians 10:13 #1
“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
You are unique. You have a distinct personality. God loves you as an individual. While this is all true, you are also similar to the rest of humanity. You battle the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, just like everyone else. God has promised that what you face is common to all of humanity.
Contrary to the comic strip, there are no “born losers” in this world. I have friends who are millionaires, middles class, and poverty stricken. I also know they have similar types of problems that revolve around their humanity. This is promised of God. There will not be a “special” hill for you to climb because you were born with certain attributes or circumstances. Basically, God is telling you that all of humanity is in this together.
You are unique. You have a distinct personality. God loves you as an individual. While this is all true, you are also similar to the rest of humanity. You battle the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, just like everyone else. God has promised that what you face is common to all of humanity.
Contrary to the comic strip, there are no “born losers” in this world. I have friends who are millionaires, middles class, and poverty stricken. I also know they have similar types of problems that revolve around their humanity. This is promised of God. There will not be a “special” hill for you to climb because you were born with certain attributes or circumstances. Basically, God is telling you that all of humanity is in this together.
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