I Peter 2:20 says- “For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.” As I read this verse the other day I was reminded that sometimes life is just hard. Sometimes we can do every. single. thing. right and still be found at fault by someone.

    If you find yourself in this place don’t get upset…you have simply found yourself smack dab in the middle of an opportunity to exercise Biblical truth. Take comfort in knowing you now have the opportunity to shine a light for Jesus. Analyze your situation carefully and prayerfully and, if you’re truly not at fault,  acknowledge their rebuke with the assurance that you did the best you could. Pray for them. Pray for your reactions and move forward remembering “if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, that is acceptable with God.”

How easy it is, when we go through struggles, to assume that the Lord has forgotten us. Trials hit and our answers don’t come immediately or the answer we get is not the one we wanted and all the sudden we assume the Lord no longer has His hand over our lives. 
     
However, this is simply not true. Proverbs 10:3 says-“The Lord will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.” In this verse we see that God cares for those who care for the things that He cares about. Note though, that it doesn’t say those who are righteous will have everything they want and the wicked will get nothing. It says that those who are righteous will not famish which, by definition, means starve.

         It doesn’t say we won’t have lean days. We will. It doesn’t say we won’t have times where we get a little hungry and wonder where that next blessing will come from. We will. It doesn’t mean that we won’t have days where we are given what we need instead of what we want, we will. What it does say is that, as long as we concern ourselves with the things of God, He will preserve us. Don’t think today, because you don’t have all you’ve ever wanted, that God isn’t for you. He is. This just may be a lean season, but better days are coming. God will never leave you with nothing.

2 Chronicles 20:17 says-“Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the Lord with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the Lord will be with you.” 

In this verse we see God telling His people not to fear the upcoming battle because He will be fighting it for them. He then tells them to “set themselves and stand ye still” so they can see the salvation of the Lord.

       As I read this, I thought about the many times we fight battles we were never intended to fight. We rush headlong into the fray without waiting for, or speaking to the Lord. Then we act shocked when we lose the battle. Sometimes the battles we face must be fought, but sometimes God is just waiting for us to turn to Him so He can fight the battle for us.
       
Are you fighting a battle today that you were never intended to fight? Are you battling uphill alone while God is waiting for your surrender so He can win the war? You have been fighting alone long enough. It’s time to hand it to God. He’s never lost a battle and you can be certain He never will. Trust in the Lord. Stand still. He will fight for you.

One day, while singing at church, I accidentally sang one of the choruses  wrong. Instead of singing “nothing can change the way you love me” I accidentally sang “nothing can change the way I love you.” As soon as I sang those lyrics I was convicted in my heart because I realized that while the correct version “nothing can change the way you (God) love me, " was true, my incorrectly sung version is often untrue. Sadly, my love for God has often been conditional. I loved Him when all was going right, but was angry and frustrated with Him when it wasn’t.

     Unfortunately, as part of the curse of being carnal, human love is fickle at times. We’ve all seen it. Those couples who are so in love it’s sickening one week and then can’t stand each other the next. That is how human love often is. Because of this, we struggle to understand the depths to which God’s love for us goes. It isn’t determined by how we look, what we accomplish, what we do for Him, or how much we love Him back. God loves us unconditionally and His love never changes or fails.
 
       Romans 8:37-39 says-“Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” I encourage you to truly give God your whole heart. Stop holding back for fear that something will change his feelings toward you. God loves you unconditionally, unfailingly and without end. Give your heart to Him. Nothing can change the way He loves you.

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     “I’m going to eat better!...on Monday. How many times I have uttered that phrase and how many times I have had to do the hard work of getting back into a routine to live my life a better, healthier way because I chose to allow the appeal of easy, fast, unhealthy food and lazy days to win out over healthy choices and a commitment to exercise. Because of this, many days, instead of progressing in my health, I have simply made the same small gains again. Pushed myself to walk that mile...for the 100th time or lost that same 2 lbs again and again.

       This is how many of us choose to live our life for God. Hebrews 6:1 says-“Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,” This verse reminds us that yo-yo Christianity is every bit as real as yo-yo dieting. We live our life right one day, yet allow the appeal of the easier way to cause us to stray from the path the next day. Then, before we know it, we have spent years making those same small steps towards the right way again and again and never seeing true progress because we keep having to return to our first works.

       Where might you be in 1 year, 2 years, 5 years, or even 10 years if today you committed to not doing the same works time and again?  Where might you be if you truly put forth the effort to be consistent and faithful? There is no limit to what you can do if you learn to live a consistent and always progressing life for Christ. Can you commit today to not needing to repeat those first works?

This morning, as I fed the animals, I began to think about instincts which, by definition, are basically our tendency to default to certain behaviors that were either born into or fixed in our nature at an early age. Chickens, for example, instinctively return to their coop at the first signs of dusk. Kittens, instinctively wrestle and playfully fight with one another to build their prowess as a hunter. Goats instinctively run to the first sign of food they see. All of these instincts serve a purpose, to keep the animals alive and thriving.

As humans, we have instincts as well. Unfortunately, however, sometimes those instincts, especially those that were picked up due to things like trauma and poor choices, cause us to react in ways that are not Christlike. What can we do? Are we doomed to continually react in unfavorable ways? Absolutely not! We are reminded in Romans 12:2 “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” The world and your actions may have placed some instincts in your life that are difficult to let go. However, the Bible reminds us time and again that God is stronger than any enemy we will ever face, even if that enemy lies within our own psyche. Don’t let instinct win when God’s way is better. Retrain your brain by filling it with God’s Word and consistent efforts to react the right way rather than the instinctual way. Strive in all areas to instinctively react with the heart, mind and reactions of God.

A long time ago I watched a show called “what would you do?” The premise of the show was that paid actors would act out a scenario in which one or more of the actors would horribly mistreat the other actor or actors. Those who were sitting or standing around as the other person was being mistreated were filmed. It was a social experiment of sorts to see if people would react and help others who were being treated poorly. As I watched the show I would get so angry at the people who stood by and did nothing because I couldn’t understand how someone could just stand by and let someone else be mistreated so horribly.

For some reason this show came to my mind the other day along with the thought that if someone was being mistreated in my presence…I would do something!! However, right after that thought came another: How many people do I allow to be lied to, mistreated by, and roughed up by the devil and I do nothing?

• How many times do I hear someone sharing their troubles, someone who could use a Godly word, and I walk on by because I’m too busy to stop. 
• How many times do I choose not to follow through on a kind gesture that comes to mind because my to-do list trumps their needs? 
• How many times do I feel led to stand up, step out, and make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate and I hesitate and ultimately sit down because the effort seems like too much to bear.

I think most of us would like to see ourselves as a champion to the downtrodden, broken, and hurting, but if we are disregarding spiritual needs, which are even more crucial than physical needs, are we really?

James 2:15-17 says-“If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.”

Are you a champion for the spiritually broken and hurting? Are you willing to set aside your schedule, your desires, and your  comforts in order to ensure that the devil doesn’t claim another victim today? Finally, are you being honest with yourself in your previous responses? If not, it’s time to pray and start working towards BEING the person God called you to be. I know I could do better…How about you?

After one quick scroll on social media or after listening to one newscast you will be as convinced as I am that the world wants to be noticed. From scantily clad images, to crazy stunts, from life risking photos to excessive displays of wealth and pretty much everything else in between the world is, in some cases, literally dying to be seen. Yet, the church remains silent and still.

It’s time we stand up, step out, and share the good news we have been given. Romans 10:13-15 says-“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved". How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!”

The world wants to be noticed. Be the one who notices and praises the good in your fellow man. Be the one who shares the good news someone shared with you one day.  Be the one to remind them that they don’t need a worldly audience because even the very hairs on their head are numbered (Matthew 10:30) by a God who loves them more than all the followers in the world ever could.

In class yesterday, we talked about the pledge of allegiance and the reason why we recite those well known words every school day. As I spoke to the children I explained to them why we stand, why we hold our hand over our heart and why we feel it’s necessary to pledge our allegiance to the country that has given us so much. I told them I wanted them to say the pledge, not because it was something they had to do, but because it was something they understood and wanted to do.

    Upon reflection of the lesson I taught my students, I began to wonder how many of us know why we do what we do in the kingdom of God.

• Why do we pray to God and ask Him to meet our needs?
• Why do we fast for those needs we desperately need met now?
• Why do we train up our children in a home that shows Christ is the only way? 
• Why do we clap our hands, sing and worship to the father?
• Why are we called to live a life as a light to those around us?

In essence, why in the world do we do what we do? I don’t know about you, but I am so much more invested in the things that make sense to me and that have a purpose for me and my life. Because of that, I choose to read my Bible.

Proverbs  19:8 tells us-“He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.” 

Don’t forsake the wisdom that comes from being closely connected to your Word. Take the time to learn the whys and you will soon find yourself fully invested in the purposes and plans God has for your life.

In our world today there are so many voices. There are voices on social media, voices on tv and on the radio, voices in our workplaces, and voices in our homes, voices literally everywhere we go. In the midst of all these voices it can be so easy to forget who we are. It can be easy to buy into the lies of those voices that we allow to speak loudest into our lives. Voices that tell us we aren’t good enough. We aren’t strong enough. We aren’t pretty, wealthy, or articulate enough. Voices that tell us everything we can’t be, but literally nothing that we can. Voices of defeat, despair, and destruction.

However, there is one voice that, if we allow it to speak loudly enough into our life, will drown out the lies of all the others: God’s voice. In Psalm 139:14 the Psalmist says-“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” This is just one example of the truth about us that can be unearthed when we choose to listen to the voice of God over the voices of the World.

What voices are you listening to today? Are they bringing you hope, life, joy, and peace…if not, maybe it’s time to tune them out and tune into the Word.

Have you ever worked in an environment where working was not the first thing on the majority of the employees minds? A place where most of them did what they had to do to draw a paycheck, nothing more, and nothing less. In that environment it isn’t long before even the “good” workers begin to give up because the environment isn’t one that supports those who put forth effort above and beyond the call of duty. On the flip side, have you ever worked in an environment where people enjoyed their job and were truly dedicated to making a difference? Many of your coworkers went above and beyond the call of duty and did more than was asked because they were invested in the work that was being done? In that environment you likely felt pushed to excel, not because you had to, but because your coworkers inspired you to.

This is exactly how it works in the spiritual workforce. Hebrews 10:24 says-“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:” If you surround yourselves with spiritual “coworkers” who insist on doing the bare minimum, just enough to barely make it, before you know it you will likely follow suit. However, if you surround yourself with spiritual “coworkers” who do more than is expected of them because they are fully invested in the work being done, it is very likely that you will find yourself going above and beyond because you have become invested as well. Who you surround yourself with spiritually matters. Are you surrounding yourself with motivated and called workers or are you hanging out with the “don’t care” crowd? Whichever you have chosen, they will help determine your eternal destination.

Have you ever experienced a sickness in your body and struggled to perform the daily things that are typically a breeze? Things like getting out of bed, eating a meal, or walking across the room seem like almost more than you can take. Most of us, when we reach this stage of “I just can’t”, due to our illness, finally take a trip to the doctor. Once there, if we are lucky, we get the answers and resources we need to get on the road to recovery.

This very same scenario can play out in our spiritual walk as well. We can become spiritually sick and the things that are typically a breeze suddenly become difficult. Things like getting along with our spiritual family, reading our Word, and saying our prayers. However, unlike the first scenario many of us reach the “I just can’t” stage in our spiritual walk and decide it’s the church’s fault, or our brothers and sisters fault or maybe even God’s fault and, instead of turning to the great physician to get our healing, we turn our backs on God. We give up our spiritual wellness and trade it in for all the sickness this world has to offer.

Why is it that we don’t treat spiritual illness with the same urgency and care as physical ailments? Pride. We don’t want to admit we aren’t spiritual enough to fight the battle we are facing, but God came, as a sacrifice for not only our sin, but also as a healer of ALL our diseases: physical, mental, and spiritual. We discover this truth in Matthew 8:16-17 which says-“When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.”

Don’t spend another day unable to be the Christian God has called you to be because you refuse to admit your are spiritually unwell. Talk to the great physician. Tell Him about your pain. He knows just how to heal you.

I read the following quote the other day and it really spoke to me. It said-“yes, there are frustrated wives, just as there are frustrated engineers, airplane pilots, and karate instructors. But the frustration does not stem from the nature of the word; rather it comes from the boredom inevitable in any job done poorly or unimaginatively.” As I read this quote I was blown away by the simple truth hidden within. So many of us are living our lives dissatisfied, joyless and depressed simply because we have allowed ourselves to buy into the lie that if something isn’t pleasing to us and our flesh it isn’t a worthwhile pursuit.

This thought process simply isn’t Biblical. We are assured of this in Colossians 3:23-24 which says-“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”

We have to stop living our daily lives as though they are something to be muddled through while on our pursuit to self satisfaction. We must remember that what God has placed in our lives for us to do, whether it is raising children, nurturing our marriage, working for the church, or being a light and example of work ethic at our jobs, we are to do it to the best of our abilities because it is a God given gift to be entrusted with the responsibility. It’s time to live a fulfilled life, rather than a life simply fulfilling obligations.