Entertaining a Fool

"Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will be like him yourself."

Proverbs 26:4

This may sound like a common sense type of statement.  But all to often this can be true of how we portray ourselves.  To many times we want to be right and we know what another is saying is not "the right way to look at it" or its not a correct view point so we argue our point.  We want to make sure that he is corrected.

What is the result of such actions?  We put the person in their place?  We feel better getting the "truth" out there?  Dont get me wrong, I am not saying not to challenge someone when the time is right.  Proverbs does go on to state:  "Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes."  There is a time and place to do such confrontation but this verse is saying check yourself.  

What is the motive behind the confrontation?  

Thought for the day:  Do I follow a fool in his folly or confront in love?

Be still

"The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still."

-  Exodus 14:14

I recently been reading Exodus and am currently reading about the Israelites.  They were just released by Pharaoh and are now in the wilderness camping by the Red Sea.  Pharaoh had decided that he wants the Israelites back and is now chasing them down. 

Immediately the Israelites start to panic and tell Moses they should have just stayed in slavery because they are not going to die and Moses response to them is, “The Lord with fight for you; you need only be still.”

There are two things that strike me here.  One is that the Israelites seem to have a sudden memory lapse about who God is.  They have witnessed all of the plagues that Egypt went though and have even seen God as a pillar of fire and smoke guiding them.  But when all or a sudden Pharaoh pursues them, they forget.

This is so true for us.  We forget what God has done in the past and look only at our current seemingly hopeless situation.  At this point God sometimes wants us to remember he will fight for us and we need only be still.

You see I relate to forgetting what God has done.  I forget and I rarely think to be still and let God fight for me.  I get to busy worrying about getting things done and making things happen.  When situations seem hopeless I may go to God but do I sit back when he wants me to and let him do his thing?  I wish I could say this was the case but its not.  This is a great passage to think about. 

Thought for the Day:  Sometimes we need to remember, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only be still.” 

Daily Bible Reading

As I was reading the Bible this morning and remembering the stories I have heard many times in the past, I was reminded of something shared in church this weekend.  The pastor was saying that some people get to a point where they think the have read the Bible enough and know the stories to a point that they dont need to continue reading, going to church or going to small groups. 

So as I was reading the familiar story of Moses this thought came to mind.  As I continued to read I saw parts of the story in new light.  This should not be surprising as this is the case almost every time I read the Bible.  The story in and of itself was a reminder of why we need to be reading the Bible daily even if we have read the stories thousands of times. 

The plain and simple reason is we to easily forget what we know about God.  One bad day, difficult experience or when there is overwhelming blessing we loose sight of the reality of God.  We forget who he is, what he has done and what he has in store for us in the future. 

Look at the Israelites, over and over they forgot what God had done for them and they had been witness to some of the most amazing miracles.  How could they forget?  They changed their focus to their circumstances and lost sight of God and all he had done.  This is what we do as humans in our sinful nature, look to ourselves and forget God. 

This is why we must continually be in the Word and seeking God.  To remind ourselves of who he is and how we need him. 

Thought for the Day:  Remember the Bible is God's way to speak to us and reading it daily allows a closer connection to God.

"The LORD said to him, "Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say."  But Moses said, "O Lord, please send someone else to do it."  Then the LORD's anger burned against Moses and he said, "What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well. He is already on his way to meet you, and his heart will be glad when he sees you.  You shall speak to him and put words in his mouth; I will help both of you speak and will teach you what to do.  He will speak to the people for you, and it will be as if he were your mouth and as if you were God to him.  But take this staff in your hand so you can perform miraculous signs with it." 

- Exodus 4:11-17

Reading through the story of Moses right now and I found this passage interesting.  I have read the story many time before but for some reason it hit me differently this time.  God asks Moses to do something and Moses asks God to send someone else.  Even though God gets angry with Moses, he gives him Aaron to help him.


God must get so frustrated with us.  Here it even says God was angry with Moses but he still helped him.  I Just think how true this can be for us.  God asks us to do something and we feel inadequate asking God to choose someone else but God knows were are the person for the job so he gives us someone to assist us.  

It never ceases to amaze me how God cares for us even when he is frustrated with us.  He has these amazing plans for us and we get scared but He still provides what we need.  He gives us support in those around us.

Thought for the Day:  What is God asking you to do that scares you?  Who is the support that God has put around you to help you?   

Trust in the Lord

"Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord."

- Psalm 31:24

It really isnt a wonder why a lot of people like reading the Psalms.  There are so many aspects to them that I feel I can relate to and David seems so human when writing them.  David allows himself to be vulnerable in front of God and just lay it out there.  He is open with God about how hurt he feels and how overwhelmed he is while at the same time praising God and giving him glory.

David is assured that God will protect him, provide for him and save him even in the darkest of times.  David had a lot to be "stressed out" about.  He was being hunted down to be killed.  I dont think many of us can say we have experienced the same.  He was living in caves and in fear of his life but he still chose to believe God was who He said he is.  He choose to give glory to God even when it didnt seem like things could get worse or that there was any way out.

I know there are times in our lives when we feel overwhelmed as if there is no way out of our situation.  In these moments do we give glory to God and praise him for who he is or do we turn away.  David is real with God.  David tells God what he is thinking and begs God to help him.  But even in his pleading, David gives God the glory deserved and remembers Him for who he truly is, God. 

I like this last verse because David is saying be strong and take heart, all who hope in God.  He said this because he knew God's heart.  He knew that God loved him and was there for him.  He knew that even when things were chaotic around him, God had a plan.  He knew even when it seemed as if there was no way out and his sorrow would overtake him, God was bigger then all of that.  He knew God, he knew God's character and he knew that even when his prayers were not answered right away or it seemed like God was not hearing him, that God was there.  He knew God cared about him and was more powerful then anything that he was facing or would face in the future. 

Thought for the Day:  Do you really know God and His character or is God just a being that should answer your prayers and never allow you to be in a difficult situation?

Strength and Peace

"The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace."
- Psalm 29:11

I find this chapter fascinating.  The chapter starts out with saying ascribe to the Lord:  glory, strength, glory due his name and it says "worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness."  It then goes on to describe the Lord and ends with this verse.

What I find fascinating about this verse if the fact that David states the Lord gives strength to his people and blesses his people with peace.  It doesn't say, the Lord gives strength to his people and no problems or challenges, or peace only in the good times.  It simply says that the Lord blesses his people with peace.

So God gives us strength and blesses us with peace.  Notice that is really all we need to get through any situation no matter how hard?  God doesn't promise a lack of trials and hardships but gives strength and peace through them.  This is a good reminder that we really have all we need through God no matter what we go through.

Thought for the Day:  Will we allow God's strength and peace to be enough for us?

Patience

Today I thought I would just write about some things I have been talking to Jesus about and what he has been sharing with me. 

You see I find myself in a continual conversation with Jesus about what His plan in for my life.  I know he has a wonderful plan that far surpasses any plan I could make for myself.  But even with this knowledge I still continue to ask when.  That question:  When is it going to happen Jesus?

You know that question:  when will I get that promotion, that job, that house, the provision Im looking for, that thing I think I need, that relationship, that marriage, kids...the list could go on and on about when will, fill in the blank happen.

Sometimes if feels like a lifetime has passed before we come to the answer to the when.  Because the when can come at the least expected time, I have to continually remind myself that Jesus timing is not my timing.  As I talk with Jesus, he consistently has to tell me, "I have a plan for you.  I know where you are to be and what you are to be doing.  I care for you and want to best for you and it will come." 

Do I feel comforted with these words?  The answer is yes and no.  I feel peace knowing Jesus is always in control, really does want the best for me and has a plan for my future but I also feel frustrated at times.  When ever I hear Jesus give me an answer I dont like such as wait, I imagine myself as a two year old stomping my feel as I walk around in circles with the knowledge that I am not going to get my way (what I want right this second). 

Having children has opened my eyes a lot to the childlike attitude I can have with Jesus when I feel like he is not providing or preforming up to my expectations.  It's no wonder that we need a father like God. 

No question about it, being patient and accepting what Jesus speaks to us can be difficult.  But there is comfort.  The comfort that he does have a plan and no matter how long we have to wait for it, it is worth more then we could have ever imagined. 

Thought for the Day:  Are you willing to patiently wait for God's plan for you to unfold, or will you be impatient and rush your own?

Leadership

"Since an overseer is entrusted with Gods' work, he must be blameless - not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain.  Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.  He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who appose it."

- Titus 1:7-9

Although I may not be an overseer in the sense that Paul writers to Titus, if I volunteer or help at church should I not have the same expectations of myself?  I may not be a pastor but I am a entrusted with God's work and living a life such as the one listed above can only be positive for my life. 

Is it easy to live a life with these characteristics?  No.  Because its not easy and I am not a pastor do I not strive for this life?  No.  Just because you or I do not pastor a church it does not mean that God has not "entrusted us with his work."  We are in a sense an overseer to those around up that are not yet following Christ:  family, friends, co-workers and people we met.  It is just as important for us "everyday" people to live the life Paul describes as it is for Pastors.

Thought for the Day:  Will I choose to live a life of character as if people are watching or will I leave that example to my pastor?

Influence

"I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints.  I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing that we have in Christ.  Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints."

-  Philemon 1:4-7

These verses always speak to me.  Paul writes in different letters that he is thankful for those he is writing to.  He is thankful because of their faith, how they live their lives and how they treat others.  It makes me think about my own life.  If I were to ask a friend why they were thankful for me, I wonder what they would say. 

Paul was a great leader and a pastor to men.  It was probably very refreshing for him to hear about Philemon's faith and love.  Are was acting out our faith and love or expecting someone else to do it for us?  Do we look to the pastor to be the one to show faith and love or do we openly show it ourselves, making ourselves known for these aspects?

Thought for the Day:  Am I showing my faith in Christ and love for others so much that others are talking about it?

God's Timing

"With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like a day.  The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness.  He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 

2 Peter 3:8-9

Although this verse is speaking of God's promise to come back and he is not slow to answer that promise, I think it has application in other parts of our lives also.  God's timing is not our timing.  When we feel that God has made a promise to us and he is not answering, we could just be looking to our own timing.

We are a society that wants things instantly and looks for instant gratification.  God doesn't work this way because he sees things differently.  As I think of this passage, I imagine a young child asking their parent for something.  "mommy, mommy, mommy" or "daddy, daddy, daddy."  They want the attention right that moment.  Its like we do the same thing to God.  I am not saying that we should not pray or talk to God about our needs and desires because he does care.  But just as a child will ask over and over and a parent may say not right now, no or I'm not sure, God does the same with us.

As difficult as it is to be patient and wait for God's promises we must.  Sometimes we actually don't have a choice.  What kind of attitude will we chose while we wait?  What type of person will we choose to be and show to others as we wait?  I always have to remind myself that life is not all about me.  A hard concept to accept at times and one that has be continually brought back to mind.

Thought for the Day:  God's timing is different then ours, what attitude will you have while you wait?

2 Peter 3-10

"His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.  Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.  For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge, and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance, and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.  For if you posses these qualities increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ...therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure.  For if you do these things, you will never fall."

The Bible never ceases to amaze me with all its messages.  Over and over again we are told how wonderful God is.  He has given us everything we need for life and godliness.  And over and over again we forget.  I know I forget.  Life gets hard, challenges come my way and I forget. 

I pray and call out to God and have to be reminded over and over again that he is there for me.  God is so good to us and we forget so easily.  But we are called to live life better, to live with:  goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love.  These things will increase our knowledge of Christ. 

So if we are not living these characteristics out can we truly know and remember who Christ is?  What do you think?  I know when I am living my own life, not reading the Bible and reminding myself of who God is and what I am called to; I forget. 

Thought for the Day:  Does your character reflect your knowledge of Christ?

 

1 Peter 5:6-10

  
"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.  Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for  you.  Be self controlled and alert.  You’re enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  Resist him, standing in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.  And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast."

1 Peter 5:6-10                                                                                            

This verse spoke to me because once again we are reminded of who God is.  We are reminded of his character and how he cares for us and wants to make us strong and steadfast.  All he asks is that we trust him.  He is always there, always loving, always providing (even when we cant see it), always waiting and always holding out a hand for us to hold even in the darkest of hours.  Why is it so hard for us to remember who He is?    

Thought for the Day:  Remember God's character; that he wants the best for us and he will do what he promises.