A week ago as my day at work came to an end, I received a phone call from a business associate. "I have a review with my boss tomorrow and I was wondering if you could write her an e-mail about my performance." I was taken aback by her request not only because it was on such short notice, but also because her performance on our project, or lack thereof, had been the source of much anxiety and stress.
I got off the phone and wasn't sure what to do. So I pulled up a chat session with several Christian co-workers to ask for their thoughts. As I explained the situation to the group, their common reply was that I should not give a recommendation, but that I should call her to explain my hesitancy.
After ending our chat session, I started to draft out some notes for my conversation. I then dialed her number, with a prayer to God for His assistance. When she answered, I graciously explained to her, using my notes, that I was not in a position to write her a review at this time. She however, again to my surprise, persisted and asked if I could just "write a few lines" to her boss.
As she spoke, I sensed the Holy Spirit beginning to nudge me a bit, "Can't you say anything kind about her?" I started to realize that my assessment of her was too harsh and my expectations may have been too high. So I kindly agreed to write her boss a few words of appreciation and did so before I left the office that night.
The next day when I got into the office I had an e-mail in my inbox from this woman's boss. She thanked me for my comments and said she thought the world of this co-worker! Now, I was a bit perturbed. I thought, "If it wasn't enough to give this lady a kind review, now her boss agrees with my comments!" I wasn't sure what God was trying to teach me through this situation, but He soon made it clear.
Fast-forward one week.
I had an appointment to meet with a pastor at my church for breakfast to fellowship and talk about life. I occasionally meet with this man who is older, wiser and has been through the seasons of family life that I now traverse. I put a reminder of this meeting in my calendar at work and read it just before leaving the office.
The next morning, when I was to meet with the pastor, I was sitting at my kitchen table praying and reading my Bible. My wife walked in the room and asked when I was leaving for my breakfast. A feeling of shock, dread and "OH NO!" hit me all at once. I had totally forgotten all about my breakfast appointment and it was now a half hour past the time we were to meet! I ran to my phone book, called the restaurant and spoke to the waitress who I could tell sensed that I was the culprit and said, "He already left. He waited about a half hour for you."
I felt mortified. What a gaffe on my part! I got in touch my pastor as soon as possible to apologize for my mistake. And of course, he graciously forgave me. Immediately, I was reminded of the review I had given a week before to my co-worker and I sensed God speaking to me, making me aware of my own need for grace.
It's not always easy to show people grace, it feels like we're letting them off the hook for something they deserve. At the same time, it's a wonderful feeling to receive grace. It's refreshing, like ice cream on a hot summer day. I'm convinced that grace is the world's most precious commodity - everyone needs it, but so few people want to give it. The demand is high, the supply is terribly low.
While the world tells us to "toughen up" and give people what they deserve, God's Word says, "For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment." (James 2:13) Some day when we meet Jesus, I highly doubt he will ever say, "You were too gracious, too kind and way too benevolent." No! I sense that He will laugh and dance with us as we celebrate the grace He showed each of us and the grace we then went on to share with others.
"He has showed you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8) Amen.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Turning Your Frustration Into Fruit
Well the US elections have come to a close, thank God! No more political campaigning for another 4 (well maybe 2) years.
I have no desire in making this website, nor this blog a politically biased medium. My focus is on the Bible. But I know some friends in the Lord who were disappointed with the recent election results because they feel that their values, namely those of being pro-life, will not be honored with the future administration.
These people are good, loving Christians who have a real hatred for abortion and care for children. Many of them feel like they've lost the battle and that the days ahead will be ones of sorrow.
So, I'd like to put the politics aside and just share a word about this matter. I will specifically use the "abortion issue", but you can replace this issue with any other policy that you don't agree with in your own country, state, or city.
It's true that the law of the land could change to make abortion at all stages of pregnancy a legal practice. I agree that this would be horrific. But do realize that making abortion legal is one thing, having an abortion is another. What I mean to say is that the real mission is about people, woman, who are looking at an unexpected and undesired pregnancy and feel like they have no where to turn.
You see, the ministry opportunity is still available. Woman are still in need. They feel desperate, alone, scared and helpless. And many who are in this state of emotional turmoil make the choice to end their pregnancy. While I can't agree with this decision, I can empathize with a woman, especially one who is young and unwed.
So while I understand it may be natural to feel upset about the laws of your land, it is obligatory to turn your focus off of the larger governmental laws and turn them onto the individuals who are in need. If your passion about this issue is from God, then it must be followed up with action, or in other words, compassion.
So, wipe the tears from your eyes if your president of choice was not elected and go wipe the tears from the eyes of a woman who is contemplating abortion. Make a sacrifice in your budget and help sponsor your local pregnancy help center. Pray for the children and for the thousands of woman who will make this decision in the years ahead. Do something. Anything. And make a difference in someone's life.
The point I want to make here is not really about politics, or even abortion. It's about practically living out our Christian faith in the world around us. It's as James says, "(being) doers of the Word and not hearers only" knowing that "faith without works is dead." (James 1:22, James 2:14-26)
It's time to move on and turn our frustration into fruit.
Amen.
I have no desire in making this website, nor this blog a politically biased medium. My focus is on the Bible. But I know some friends in the Lord who were disappointed with the recent election results because they feel that their values, namely those of being pro-life, will not be honored with the future administration.
These people are good, loving Christians who have a real hatred for abortion and care for children. Many of them feel like they've lost the battle and that the days ahead will be ones of sorrow.
So, I'd like to put the politics aside and just share a word about this matter. I will specifically use the "abortion issue", but you can replace this issue with any other policy that you don't agree with in your own country, state, or city.
It's true that the law of the land could change to make abortion at all stages of pregnancy a legal practice. I agree that this would be horrific. But do realize that making abortion legal is one thing, having an abortion is another. What I mean to say is that the real mission is about people, woman, who are looking at an unexpected and undesired pregnancy and feel like they have no where to turn.
You see, the ministry opportunity is still available. Woman are still in need. They feel desperate, alone, scared and helpless. And many who are in this state of emotional turmoil make the choice to end their pregnancy. While I can't agree with this decision, I can empathize with a woman, especially one who is young and unwed.
So while I understand it may be natural to feel upset about the laws of your land, it is obligatory to turn your focus off of the larger governmental laws and turn them onto the individuals who are in need. If your passion about this issue is from God, then it must be followed up with action, or in other words, compassion.
So, wipe the tears from your eyes if your president of choice was not elected and go wipe the tears from the eyes of a woman who is contemplating abortion. Make a sacrifice in your budget and help sponsor your local pregnancy help center. Pray for the children and for the thousands of woman who will make this decision in the years ahead. Do something. Anything. And make a difference in someone's life.
The point I want to make here is not really about politics, or even abortion. It's about practically living out our Christian faith in the world around us. It's as James says, "(being) doers of the Word and not hearers only" knowing that "faith without works is dead." (James 1:22, James 2:14-26)
It's time to move on and turn our frustration into fruit.
Amen.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
How to Make the Most of Your Trials
I seem to be going through a series of trials as of late. I am thankful that these trials are not severe in nature, none of them are matters of life or death. At the same time, they are enough to test my faith. Here are some ways I'm learning from the book of James, by the author of the same name, to make the most of my trials.
James starts off his book by identifying himself as a "bondservant" of Jesus Christ. That term bondservant literally means a slave, someone who is bound to another. The first step in making the most of your trial is to view yourself as a servant to God. By taking on this identity, you immediately overcome the temptation to feel that you "deserve better" and instead look for ways in which to glorify God, your Master.
James goes on to say, "count it all joy when you fall into various trials." (Jms 1:2) I've never met anyone who said that it was easy to obey this instruction. Like all of the Christian life, it is not easy, but it is possible. Or in the words of Jesus, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (Mt 19:26) In order to face a trial with joy, we must become fully dependent upon God.
Thirdly, it's also worthy to note that James said, "when" we face a trial, not "if". Trails are not optional in this life; they are guaranteed. Jesus taught that the Father "makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust." (Mt 5:45) Bad days do come to good people, just ask Job.
James then goes on to explain why we should consider our trials as joy. He makes a chain reference of words noting that when our faith is tested it produces patience or perserverance and when we've experienced patience long enough we become mature and complete. Any professional athlete will testify that it's only through persistent and progressively more difficult practice that perfection is reached. In the same light, our Christian character is developed over time as we face trials.
James advice for those who face trials is very simple - ask God for wisdom. When we come to God we must come in an attitude of faith, knowing that without faith we cannot please Him (Heb 11:6) It's important to ask God for wisdom during a trial because we are often faced with critical decisions and don't want to take them on hastily. Furthermore, if we make poor choices, it can possibly prolong the time we face going through the trial. When we ask, we must also listen for God's direction.
All in all, I know trials are inevitable, but that God works everything for my good (Romans 8:28) to help me conform into the image and likeness of my Savior (v.29) and He provides wisdom to go through the trial if I simply ask Him for it.
Friend, I don't know the trials you are facing today or those coming your way, but I do know that in Christ, God can make every obstable we face work for our good. Amen.
James starts off his book by identifying himself as a "bondservant" of Jesus Christ. That term bondservant literally means a slave, someone who is bound to another. The first step in making the most of your trial is to view yourself as a servant to God. By taking on this identity, you immediately overcome the temptation to feel that you "deserve better" and instead look for ways in which to glorify God, your Master.
James goes on to say, "count it all joy when you fall into various trials." (Jms 1:2) I've never met anyone who said that it was easy to obey this instruction. Like all of the Christian life, it is not easy, but it is possible. Or in the words of Jesus, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (Mt 19:26) In order to face a trial with joy, we must become fully dependent upon God.
Thirdly, it's also worthy to note that James said, "when" we face a trial, not "if". Trails are not optional in this life; they are guaranteed. Jesus taught that the Father "makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust." (Mt 5:45) Bad days do come to good people, just ask Job.
James then goes on to explain why we should consider our trials as joy. He makes a chain reference of words noting that when our faith is tested it produces patience or perserverance and when we've experienced patience long enough we become mature and complete. Any professional athlete will testify that it's only through persistent and progressively more difficult practice that perfection is reached. In the same light, our Christian character is developed over time as we face trials.
James advice for those who face trials is very simple - ask God for wisdom. When we come to God we must come in an attitude of faith, knowing that without faith we cannot please Him (Heb 11:6) It's important to ask God for wisdom during a trial because we are often faced with critical decisions and don't want to take them on hastily. Furthermore, if we make poor choices, it can possibly prolong the time we face going through the trial. When we ask, we must also listen for God's direction.
All in all, I know trials are inevitable, but that God works everything for my good (Romans 8:28) to help me conform into the image and likeness of my Savior (v.29) and He provides wisdom to go through the trial if I simply ask Him for it.
Friend, I don't know the trials you are facing today or those coming your way, but I do know that in Christ, God can make every obstable we face work for our good. Amen.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
God's Athletes
As people around the globe tune in to watch the Olympics, there is another group of athletes who may not attract world recognition, but have the attention of heaven.
The Saints Prison Ministry works to reach prisoners for Christ through athletics. Godly men and woman with athletic skills and compassionate hearts go into prisons to play basketball, softball, volleyball and soccer with the inmates. Then after the games, these men and woman share the gospel and their testimonies with the inmates.
Many prisoners come to know the Lord for the first time. Others who know the Lord already continue to grow in their walks through Bible study correspondence courses.
As a basketball player and lover of Jesus I have longed to play for the Saints. Yet my time is too limited with family obligations to be away for the practices as well as the games - the teams actually travel to prisons in others states to minister.
So earlier this year when I was reading the monthly newsletter from the Saints Prison Ministry and found out they had a pen pal program, I knew I needed to participate. What an awesome opportunity to use my gift of writing and to help someone in need!
After filling out an application, I waited to be assigned someone to write, but never heard back until this past week when I received a package in from the Saints, not with one, but three letters from prisoners.
As I read these letters, my heart melted with empathy and sorrow. It was obvious to me that these men were hurting, lonely and in despair. My mind started to imagine their life stories and how they ended up behind bars. Here are a couple samples of the letters I received (with no grammatical or spelling edits):
"I am writing you and asking you if there is someone there who would write me and share the word of God. I have no family to write to. I would like to have a pen-pal to share the word of God with. It's very lonely here in prison and its even loneler when no one write you - so if there is someone who would like to share the Gospel please write me. thank you for your time and effort."
"I can't find my brother...I had lost my mother in 1997 then after that all my family turn they back again me. But I am praise God that he did not turn he back again me and that he always love me not matter (what)go on. I thank God for his love toward me and he forgiveness of my sin and giving me a new life in Christ Jesus."
Another prisoner who is not yet a Christian wrote, a prayer request:
"I have legal fees and attorney costs that I am unable to pay and I need to raise the money to further fight my legal cases! Thank you!"
Even though I don't know these men personally, my heart was deeply touched as I read their letters. I don't know the details of their circumstances, but I do know that God has called his people to minister to those who have been forgotten.
When the day of judgment comes, Jesus will say to the righteous, "I was in prison and you came to me.", but to the unrighteous, "I was...sick and in prison and you did not visit me." The unrighteous will ask, "Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?"
And He will respond, "Inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me." (Matthew 25:31-46)
Friend, please pray that God will give me the right words to encourage and lift up these men (Dale, Robert and Daniel). Also pray and ask God if you should be a prisoner's pen pal too. There are many men and woman waiting for a friend like you.
[If you have an interest in writing a prisoner please contact the Saint's Ministry by visiting their website. (www.saintsprisonministry.org) All pen pal correspondence goes through the ministry so that no one ever has your home address. There are also other guidelines to assure that your privacy is protected.]
The Saints Prison Ministry works to reach prisoners for Christ through athletics. Godly men and woman with athletic skills and compassionate hearts go into prisons to play basketball, softball, volleyball and soccer with the inmates. Then after the games, these men and woman share the gospel and their testimonies with the inmates.
Many prisoners come to know the Lord for the first time. Others who know the Lord already continue to grow in their walks through Bible study correspondence courses.
As a basketball player and lover of Jesus I have longed to play for the Saints. Yet my time is too limited with family obligations to be away for the practices as well as the games - the teams actually travel to prisons in others states to minister.
So earlier this year when I was reading the monthly newsletter from the Saints Prison Ministry and found out they had a pen pal program, I knew I needed to participate. What an awesome opportunity to use my gift of writing and to help someone in need!
After filling out an application, I waited to be assigned someone to write, but never heard back until this past week when I received a package in from the Saints, not with one, but three letters from prisoners.
As I read these letters, my heart melted with empathy and sorrow. It was obvious to me that these men were hurting, lonely and in despair. My mind started to imagine their life stories and how they ended up behind bars. Here are a couple samples of the letters I received (with no grammatical or spelling edits):
"I am writing you and asking you if there is someone there who would write me and share the word of God. I have no family to write to. I would like to have a pen-pal to share the word of God with. It's very lonely here in prison and its even loneler when no one write you - so if there is someone who would like to share the Gospel please write me. thank you for your time and effort."
"I can't find my brother...I had lost my mother in 1997 then after that all my family turn they back again me. But I am praise God that he did not turn he back again me and that he always love me not matter (what)go on. I thank God for his love toward me and he forgiveness of my sin and giving me a new life in Christ Jesus."
Another prisoner who is not yet a Christian wrote, a prayer request:
"I have legal fees and attorney costs that I am unable to pay and I need to raise the money to further fight my legal cases! Thank you!"
Even though I don't know these men personally, my heart was deeply touched as I read their letters. I don't know the details of their circumstances, but I do know that God has called his people to minister to those who have been forgotten.
When the day of judgment comes, Jesus will say to the righteous, "I was in prison and you came to me.", but to the unrighteous, "I was...sick and in prison and you did not visit me." The unrighteous will ask, "Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?"
And He will respond, "Inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me." (Matthew 25:31-46)
Friend, please pray that God will give me the right words to encourage and lift up these men (Dale, Robert and Daniel). Also pray and ask God if you should be a prisoner's pen pal too. There are many men and woman waiting for a friend like you.
[If you have an interest in writing a prisoner please contact the Saint's Ministry by visiting their website. (www.saintsprisonministry.org) All pen pal correspondence goes through the ministry so that no one ever has your home address. There are also other guidelines to assure that your privacy is protected.]
Thursday, August 7, 2008
When God Speaks
Today was my first day attending a Christian Writer's Conference. There were some great speakers and wonderful worship, but the most touching experience came through a woman named Lyn.
One of the classes I attended today was entitled, "Listening to Hear His Answer". It was a course about hearing God's voice and then writing what you hear. The teachers were a couple in their 40s I'd guess, from Lancaster, PA. They were a lovely couple, who obviously loved Jesus wholeheartedly and believed in His miraculous power for today.
Toward the end of the course we were paired off in twos. I was paired with a woman named Lyn. We briefly introduced ourselves to one another. Our assignment was to try and hear from God for the other person. Lyn and I knew next to nothing about one another so anything that would come from each of us that sounded accurate would be a sure sign of God's voice. Lyn did not have any experience in trying to hear God's voice for another person although she said she knows His voice and admitted that she often runs when He speaks and doesn't obey immediately.
I tried to give Lyn some tips on hearing God's voice in the 30 seconds we had together to introduce ourselves. Although I'm well aware of Jesus' promise that says "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me" (John 10:27), I was skeptical and probably pretty doubtful that she would hear something for me.
We took about five minutes to listen to God's voice and journal what He was speaking to us. At the end of that time, Lyn and I turned to one another and read what we had. Here is what Lyn wrote:
"I believe God wants to speak & show Himself thru Pierre, to others, especially those who do not know Him. I want to say this would be thru writing since we are at a writer's conference, but I'm not sure that's what God wants. I believe this would come through another medium. I believe Pierre has a lot to share & needs to do this."
When I heard these words I got choked up. If you know me well, you know that my passion is to see people come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. There is nothing more deeply engrained within my heart. And here was Lyn, a woman who had no idea that my passion for evangelism existed, now confirming His calling on my life. Lyn was also touched by the words I shared for her life so we both stood up before the class and gave testimony of what God had done in our midst.
It was a powerful experience!
If you are a child of God, I want to encourage you to spend time getting quiet before the Lord and removing all distractions and listening for His voice. He has so many special things to say to each and every one of us. He is a wonderful God.
If by chance you have not yet come to know the Lord in a personal way, let me encourage you to open your heart to Him right now. He is ready and waiting to forgive you and give you new life through the power of His death and resurrection.
Friend, one last note. Please pray for me. Pray that God orchestrates the work He wants to do in my life and opens up greater doors to share the message of Jesus Christ with those who do not yet know Him personally. I will be forever grateful.
Amen.
One of the classes I attended today was entitled, "Listening to Hear His Answer". It was a course about hearing God's voice and then writing what you hear. The teachers were a couple in their 40s I'd guess, from Lancaster, PA. They were a lovely couple, who obviously loved Jesus wholeheartedly and believed in His miraculous power for today.
Toward the end of the course we were paired off in twos. I was paired with a woman named Lyn. We briefly introduced ourselves to one another. Our assignment was to try and hear from God for the other person. Lyn and I knew next to nothing about one another so anything that would come from each of us that sounded accurate would be a sure sign of God's voice. Lyn did not have any experience in trying to hear God's voice for another person although she said she knows His voice and admitted that she often runs when He speaks and doesn't obey immediately.
I tried to give Lyn some tips on hearing God's voice in the 30 seconds we had together to introduce ourselves. Although I'm well aware of Jesus' promise that says "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me" (John 10:27), I was skeptical and probably pretty doubtful that she would hear something for me.
We took about five minutes to listen to God's voice and journal what He was speaking to us. At the end of that time, Lyn and I turned to one another and read what we had. Here is what Lyn wrote:
"I believe God wants to speak & show Himself thru Pierre, to others, especially those who do not know Him. I want to say this would be thru writing since we are at a writer's conference, but I'm not sure that's what God wants. I believe this would come through another medium. I believe Pierre has a lot to share & needs to do this."
When I heard these words I got choked up. If you know me well, you know that my passion is to see people come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. There is nothing more deeply engrained within my heart. And here was Lyn, a woman who had no idea that my passion for evangelism existed, now confirming His calling on my life. Lyn was also touched by the words I shared for her life so we both stood up before the class and gave testimony of what God had done in our midst.
It was a powerful experience!
If you are a child of God, I want to encourage you to spend time getting quiet before the Lord and removing all distractions and listening for His voice. He has so many special things to say to each and every one of us. He is a wonderful God.
If by chance you have not yet come to know the Lord in a personal way, let me encourage you to open your heart to Him right now. He is ready and waiting to forgive you and give you new life through the power of His death and resurrection.
Friend, one last note. Please pray for me. Pray that God orchestrates the work He wants to do in my life and opens up greater doors to share the message of Jesus Christ with those who do not yet know Him personally. I will be forever grateful.
Amen.
Monday, July 21, 2008
The Cost of Integrity
Over the weekend, I took my sons to the grocery store to buy some apples. While we were out, I tried to make the most of the trip so I took them to the neighboring pet store and then down the plaza to the Dollar Store.
Of course my kids were touching everything possible within the pet store and making me cringe every time their hands neared their eyes or mouth. I couldn't wait to walk over to the Dollar Store and get some anti-bacterial soap on their little paws.
When we entered the Dollar Store I asked the cashier where I could find the anti-bacterial soap and she directed me to a display in the middle of the store. So I brought my boys over to the rack and gave each of them and myself a squirt from the bottle of berry scented liquid cleanser.
As I walked away from the rack, I did so without the bottle of soap in my hands. My conscience was actively notifying me that I needed to buy that soap and not just take a dab for myself and my boys. But against my own better judgment I continued to walk along in the store helping the kids pick out some toys for themselves.
The next day, I went to church and after getting my kids settled in childcare, I sat down to hear the sermon. The pastor was speaking about areas of our lives that can leave the devil a foothold. One of these areas was an unclean conscience.
Immediately, the Holy Spirit brought to mind that one dollar bottle of anti-bacterial soap that was still sitting in the Dollar Store. I knew at that moment that I not only had to ask God for his forgiveness, I also had to go back and buy that soap (even though my rational thinking said that it was no big deal at all.)
So after church we took another trip to the Dollar Store and I walked in to buy only one product - a used bottle of anti-bacterial soap. I got back into our van and took a healthy squirt of the bottle I now possessed. Ahh...I now not only had clean hands, I had a clean heart. My integrity was restored for a mere $1 ($1.06 with tax).
Integrity is doing the right thing no matter what the cost. Just consider what integrity (or lack of it) cost some characters in the Bible.
When David, a man after God's own heart, slept with Bathsheba and set up her husband Uriah to be killed in battle, it cost him greatly. The Lord was displeased with him (2 Samuel 11:27), he gave the enemies a reason to blaspheme His God (2 Samuel 12:14) and the son he bore with Bathsheba died. (2 Samuel 12:15-19)
When Judas agreed to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:15), he gave the devil entrance into his life (Luke 22:4), he conspired against Jesus to have him captured, then betrayed him with a kiss (Mark 14:43-46) and in his guilt, shame and regret took his own life (Matthew 27:3-5)
When Ananias and his wife Sapphira held back a portion of their offering from God and lied to the apostles and ultimately God, it cost them their lives. (Acts 5:1-10)
So what's the morale of the story?
The consequences of dishonesty are always greater than the cost of integrity. Amen.
Of course my kids were touching everything possible within the pet store and making me cringe every time their hands neared their eyes or mouth. I couldn't wait to walk over to the Dollar Store and get some anti-bacterial soap on their little paws.
When we entered the Dollar Store I asked the cashier where I could find the anti-bacterial soap and she directed me to a display in the middle of the store. So I brought my boys over to the rack and gave each of them and myself a squirt from the bottle of berry scented liquid cleanser.
As I walked away from the rack, I did so without the bottle of soap in my hands. My conscience was actively notifying me that I needed to buy that soap and not just take a dab for myself and my boys. But against my own better judgment I continued to walk along in the store helping the kids pick out some toys for themselves.
The next day, I went to church and after getting my kids settled in childcare, I sat down to hear the sermon. The pastor was speaking about areas of our lives that can leave the devil a foothold. One of these areas was an unclean conscience.
Immediately, the Holy Spirit brought to mind that one dollar bottle of anti-bacterial soap that was still sitting in the Dollar Store. I knew at that moment that I not only had to ask God for his forgiveness, I also had to go back and buy that soap (even though my rational thinking said that it was no big deal at all.)
So after church we took another trip to the Dollar Store and I walked in to buy only one product - a used bottle of anti-bacterial soap. I got back into our van and took a healthy squirt of the bottle I now possessed. Ahh...I now not only had clean hands, I had a clean heart. My integrity was restored for a mere $1 ($1.06 with tax).
Integrity is doing the right thing no matter what the cost. Just consider what integrity (or lack of it) cost some characters in the Bible.
When David, a man after God's own heart, slept with Bathsheba and set up her husband Uriah to be killed in battle, it cost him greatly. The Lord was displeased with him (2 Samuel 11:27), he gave the enemies a reason to blaspheme His God (2 Samuel 12:14) and the son he bore with Bathsheba died. (2 Samuel 12:15-19)
When Judas agreed to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:15), he gave the devil entrance into his life (Luke 22:4), he conspired against Jesus to have him captured, then betrayed him with a kiss (Mark 14:43-46) and in his guilt, shame and regret took his own life (Matthew 27:3-5)
When Ananias and his wife Sapphira held back a portion of their offering from God and lied to the apostles and ultimately God, it cost them their lives. (Acts 5:1-10)
So what's the morale of the story?
The consequences of dishonesty are always greater than the cost of integrity. Amen.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Like a Little Child
This past Sunday I took my three year old to a new Sunday School class. He graduated from "Lollypop Lane" (which was basically a play center for young kids) to the 3 to 5year old class. In this new class they draw, hear Bible stories, have snacks and play games.
Since it was his first time in this new class, I decided to stay with him for the duration of the class to see what took place and how well he interacted with the other kids. I considered this a minor sacrifice knowing I would not be able to attend our regular service and hear this Sunday's sermon. To my surprise, I learned many spiritual truths in the presence of these toddlers.
Jesus was fond of little children. In fact he made some profound statements about children and the kingdom of God.
"Verily I say unto you, Except you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever shall receive one such little child in my name receives me." Matthew 18:3-5
Here are some observations I made as I was in the midst of these little children.
Story time : The Bible story for the day was about Jacob and Esau, the sons of Isaac and Rebekah. The overarching theme of the story was that we need to "love one another". The simplicity of the message made an impact on my own heart. How often are we looking for the deeper revelations from God when we haven't yet mastered the clearest commandment of the entire Bible - love each other.
Ask in faith : When it came to snack time, the kids were offered Goldfish and apple juice. As some of the kids finished their snack they simply asked for more. "Can I have more fish?" "Can I have more juice?" I became the teacher's helper and had the privilege of serving these little ones. Their simple requests reminded me of Jesus' teaching that we need to ask God in faith for what we need knowing that our Heavenly Father desires to give us what is good. (Matthew 7:7-11)
Freedom and Joy : Toward the end of the class there was time remaining before the parents would return. The teacher played some Christian music and invited the kids to dance. When the music stopped, they would "freeze" in place. The kids had no hesitation to get out on the carpet and cut the rug. Each one had their own style of dancing from spinning in circles to a simple bend of the knees, but one thing they had in common was their unhindered ability to be free and happy. There were no concerns about what other people thought about them or if they would be criticized for their silly moves, they just danced because it was the fun thing to do.
As I sat there with these little children admiring their uniqueness and simple lives, I thought, "Maybe I should help out here more often." Shortly after the class, the Sunday School coordinator asked if I'd be available to help out during the Summer with the kids. I thought to myself, "Ok, God, I hear you loud and clear." So for the next few weeks I will have the honor of assisting in this class and being taught by 3, 4 and 5 year olds what it means to be a child of God.
Since it was his first time in this new class, I decided to stay with him for the duration of the class to see what took place and how well he interacted with the other kids. I considered this a minor sacrifice knowing I would not be able to attend our regular service and hear this Sunday's sermon. To my surprise, I learned many spiritual truths in the presence of these toddlers.
Jesus was fond of little children. In fact he made some profound statements about children and the kingdom of God.
"Verily I say unto you, Except you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever shall receive one such little child in my name receives me." Matthew 18:3-5
Here are some observations I made as I was in the midst of these little children.
Story time : The Bible story for the day was about Jacob and Esau, the sons of Isaac and Rebekah. The overarching theme of the story was that we need to "love one another". The simplicity of the message made an impact on my own heart. How often are we looking for the deeper revelations from God when we haven't yet mastered the clearest commandment of the entire Bible - love each other.
Ask in faith : When it came to snack time, the kids were offered Goldfish and apple juice. As some of the kids finished their snack they simply asked for more. "Can I have more fish?" "Can I have more juice?" I became the teacher's helper and had the privilege of serving these little ones. Their simple requests reminded me of Jesus' teaching that we need to ask God in faith for what we need knowing that our Heavenly Father desires to give us what is good. (Matthew 7:7-11)
Freedom and Joy : Toward the end of the class there was time remaining before the parents would return. The teacher played some Christian music and invited the kids to dance. When the music stopped, they would "freeze" in place. The kids had no hesitation to get out on the carpet and cut the rug. Each one had their own style of dancing from spinning in circles to a simple bend of the knees, but one thing they had in common was their unhindered ability to be free and happy. There were no concerns about what other people thought about them or if they would be criticized for their silly moves, they just danced because it was the fun thing to do.
As I sat there with these little children admiring their uniqueness and simple lives, I thought, "Maybe I should help out here more often." Shortly after the class, the Sunday School coordinator asked if I'd be available to help out during the Summer with the kids. I thought to myself, "Ok, God, I hear you loud and clear." So for the next few weeks I will have the honor of assisting in this class and being taught by 3, 4 and 5 year olds what it means to be a child of God.
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