The leader of our Men's Bible study posed a question to the group, "When are you the happiest in life?" One of the guys quickly responded with a grin, "Whenever the Pittsburgh Steelers win!"
When the laughter settled, the leader again inquired, "How long does it last?"
"Usually a week, until they play again...Unless of course they win the Super Bowl."
We all began to laugh again and shake our heads. We could relate to these sentiments. When times are good, it's easy to be happy. When our hometown football team wins a game, or when our favorite meal is served, or when the work week is over and the weekend begins, it's easy to feel happy.
Unfortunately, happiness that is based on how well things are going can only last as long as our circumstances deem favorable. Once things start turning for the worse, our happiness heads south. It's Yo-Yo happiness.
I believe there is a very simple key to sustainable happiness that is often overlooked. In fact, it's found in a single word - contentment. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the word contented as "feeling or showing satisfaction with one's possessions, status, or situation".
How many people do you know who are truly satisfied (content) with their current possessions, status or situation? Not many, I presume. Yet without contentment, there can be no true happiness. I like the way the Apostle Paul put it,
"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:11-13)
The secret to finding contentment is realizing that although your circumstances will always change, God will not. Whether times are good or bad, you can always rely on God's steadfastness in your life. "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8)
You may be facing tough times economically. You may have problems with your health. You may have relationship strains that can't be fixed overnight. All of these circumstances can leave us feeling unhappy and longing for better days. But if you don't CHOOSE to be content today, then you've resigned to unhappiness until all of your circumstances are favorable. And who knows when that will be?
When we choose contentment, we are not accepting an unfulfilled life or small dreams. We are simply saying, "By God's strength and sufficient grace, I will be satisfied in the place I am today." Don't stop hoping, praying and working for a better future, just don't forget that God wants you to enjoy Him on the way.
"Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." 1 Timothy 6:6-10
Amen.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
The Emptiness of a Christmas without Christ
I don't have the most vivid memory of my childhood. It's not because I'm suppressing some deep wounds from my past or trying to forget a horrible upbringing. In fact, I think I had it pretty good. The problem is that I have a pretty poor memory. But there are those few occasions that I will never forget. You know, those special moments, whether good or bad, that are etched in your mind for all your life.
One of those moments that I can recall happened when I was a young boy. It took place towards the end of Christmas day after all the gifts had been unwrapped, our meal had been eaten and the house was settling down. Well, when you have six kids in a family, it never really settles down, but relatively speaking, it was a little less chaotic.
I am the youngest in my family and my next oldest sister is about six years older than I. So, to put it plainly, I was spoiled. I don't remember one Christmas when my parents didn't get me that special gift I was longing for. One year is was an electronic, animated Etch-A-Sketch, another year it was the latest Nintendo video system, the list goes on. I had everything a little boy could ever want. Not to mention I had five older siblings who looked after me, played with me and only occasionally found pleasure in picking on me.
But on this one Christmas, at the end of the day, I found myself kneeling down by my parent's bedside next to the stand where their perfectly square digital alarm clock sat. And here I was, a boy who had everything he could possibly want, with tears, rushing down my face. I couldn't even explain why I felt so terribly sad, I had no good reasons, except for the fact that I felt lonely, empty and lost.
I remember one of my sisters coming into the room and finding me on my knees silently but steadily weeping. "Pierre, are you ok?" Of course I denied that anything was wrong - I guess that's a trait for even young men too! "Did you not get something you wanted for Christmas?" I shook my head to say no and explained through tears, "That's not it." She left the room to go get my mother who also came to console me.
I'm not sure if my sister or my mother would remember this day, but it's one I will never forget. I truly believe it was one of the earliest points in my life where God was beginning to show me, in a very subtle, but tangible way, that life without him is void and empty.
My parents did a wonderful job in not only supplying for what our family needed, but also for everything we could have wanted, yet there was something that was missing. This was something that money could never buy, but ironically came without a price.
I now realize, looking back, that the emptiness I felt at that tender young age could never have been filled by any material gift. The only way to fill that void is through a relationship with Jesus Christ. It wouldn't be until my early twenties when God would open my eyes to the true reason for Christmas and the only gift that will satisfy, the gift of His Son Jesus Christ.
This Christmas, I encourage you to make a concerted effort to get away from all the hustle and bustle around you and spend some time with Jesus, God's most precious gift. Open your heart to Him knowing that He is the only one who can fulfill the deepest longings of your soul.
Jesus told the woman at the well,
"If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give Me a drink,' you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water. Whoever drinks of this water (from the well) will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life." (John 4:10,13,14)
One of those moments that I can recall happened when I was a young boy. It took place towards the end of Christmas day after all the gifts had been unwrapped, our meal had been eaten and the house was settling down. Well, when you have six kids in a family, it never really settles down, but relatively speaking, it was a little less chaotic.
I am the youngest in my family and my next oldest sister is about six years older than I. So, to put it plainly, I was spoiled. I don't remember one Christmas when my parents didn't get me that special gift I was longing for. One year is was an electronic, animated Etch-A-Sketch, another year it was the latest Nintendo video system, the list goes on. I had everything a little boy could ever want. Not to mention I had five older siblings who looked after me, played with me and only occasionally found pleasure in picking on me.
But on this one Christmas, at the end of the day, I found myself kneeling down by my parent's bedside next to the stand where their perfectly square digital alarm clock sat. And here I was, a boy who had everything he could possibly want, with tears, rushing down my face. I couldn't even explain why I felt so terribly sad, I had no good reasons, except for the fact that I felt lonely, empty and lost.
I remember one of my sisters coming into the room and finding me on my knees silently but steadily weeping. "Pierre, are you ok?" Of course I denied that anything was wrong - I guess that's a trait for even young men too! "Did you not get something you wanted for Christmas?" I shook my head to say no and explained through tears, "That's not it." She left the room to go get my mother who also came to console me.
I'm not sure if my sister or my mother would remember this day, but it's one I will never forget. I truly believe it was one of the earliest points in my life where God was beginning to show me, in a very subtle, but tangible way, that life without him is void and empty.
My parents did a wonderful job in not only supplying for what our family needed, but also for everything we could have wanted, yet there was something that was missing. This was something that money could never buy, but ironically came without a price.
I now realize, looking back, that the emptiness I felt at that tender young age could never have been filled by any material gift. The only way to fill that void is through a relationship with Jesus Christ. It wouldn't be until my early twenties when God would open my eyes to the true reason for Christmas and the only gift that will satisfy, the gift of His Son Jesus Christ.
This Christmas, I encourage you to make a concerted effort to get away from all the hustle and bustle around you and spend some time with Jesus, God's most precious gift. Open your heart to Him knowing that He is the only one who can fulfill the deepest longings of your soul.
Jesus told the woman at the well,
"If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give Me a drink,' you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water. Whoever drinks of this water (from the well) will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life." (John 4:10,13,14)
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Lessons from a Day of Jury Duty
This week I was called in for jury duty. It was my first experience being called in so I was a little nervous and someone excited. Now I know what you're thinking, "Excited for jury duty!?" But why not? I mean how often do you receive a "Get Out of Work Free" pass all the while getting paid a whopping $17.84!
Here were a few of my thoughts from this experience:
Jesus said, "Judge not that ye be not judged." I thought about this scripture a few times as I waited in the jury room wondering if I would make the jury selection. I don't know about you, but I'm not keen on judging other people to determine their innocence or guilt in a court of law. So I asked a couple potential jurors what they thought about the responsibility of judging another and one man honestly responded, "We do it every day." And isn't it true? How often do we make quick judgments by what a person wears, how they look or even the color of their skin.
I'm so glad that God does not judge by outward appearance, but looks at the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7)
I was brought into the courtroom with other potential jurors to go through a process called "Voir Dire" (French for "To see to say"). This is an opportunity for the lawyers of both sides to ask questions of potential jurors in order to decide who will be selected as the 12 jurors and also two standbys. One of the questions asked of us was, "Would you be more likely to believe the testimony of a police officer because of their position?" I raised my hand in the affirmative. On the basis of that question and my answer, I was excused from being on the jury.
My thoughts were that a police office should be obligated to tell the truth and my hope would be that he or she would do just that. But in a court of law, everyone is to be given equal credence to start so there is no impartiality in one's judgement. I contemplated my response for some time and even spoke to my sister Paula and friend Matt who are both lawyers. While my earnest hope would be that a police officer would tell the truth under oath, I realize his humanity makes him just as vulnerable to lying as anyone else. "let God be true, but every man a liar" (Romans 3:4)
During the jury selection, I spent some time praying for the defendant, a young man accused of assault. The court room had a very cold and threatening feel to it. I could only imagine what it felt like for him. The judge grabbed the attention of the entire courtroom and even his slightest attempt at humor brought about a nervous giggle from a room of grown adults. It made me also consider that great day of judgement we will all one day face. I thought to myself, "If there is such fear in standing before men, how ought we to fear the living God who sees all things?!"
After my brief appearance in court, I am now free from serving jury duty for another 3 years. But I can't help but think that every day, people around the world are sitting in the same seat of that young man waiting for their verdict. And each day, there are men and woman who will leave this world to stand before God's great throne.
I know that before a holy God, I will one day stand guilty as charged, but I'm so glad that I have a friend in Jesus - my advocate, my defense, my refuge and my Savior - the One who has paid my penalty in full! Thank you Jesus! Amen.
Here were a few of my thoughts from this experience:
Jesus said, "Judge not that ye be not judged." I thought about this scripture a few times as I waited in the jury room wondering if I would make the jury selection. I don't know about you, but I'm not keen on judging other people to determine their innocence or guilt in a court of law. So I asked a couple potential jurors what they thought about the responsibility of judging another and one man honestly responded, "We do it every day." And isn't it true? How often do we make quick judgments by what a person wears, how they look or even the color of their skin.
I'm so glad that God does not judge by outward appearance, but looks at the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7)
I was brought into the courtroom with other potential jurors to go through a process called "Voir Dire" (French for "To see to say"). This is an opportunity for the lawyers of both sides to ask questions of potential jurors in order to decide who will be selected as the 12 jurors and also two standbys. One of the questions asked of us was, "Would you be more likely to believe the testimony of a police officer because of their position?" I raised my hand in the affirmative. On the basis of that question and my answer, I was excused from being on the jury.
My thoughts were that a police office should be obligated to tell the truth and my hope would be that he or she would do just that. But in a court of law, everyone is to be given equal credence to start so there is no impartiality in one's judgement. I contemplated my response for some time and even spoke to my sister Paula and friend Matt who are both lawyers. While my earnest hope would be that a police officer would tell the truth under oath, I realize his humanity makes him just as vulnerable to lying as anyone else. "let God be true, but every man a liar" (Romans 3:4)
During the jury selection, I spent some time praying for the defendant, a young man accused of assault. The court room had a very cold and threatening feel to it. I could only imagine what it felt like for him. The judge grabbed the attention of the entire courtroom and even his slightest attempt at humor brought about a nervous giggle from a room of grown adults. It made me also consider that great day of judgement we will all one day face. I thought to myself, "If there is such fear in standing before men, how ought we to fear the living God who sees all things?!"
After my brief appearance in court, I am now free from serving jury duty for another 3 years. But I can't help but think that every day, people around the world are sitting in the same seat of that young man waiting for their verdict. And each day, there are men and woman who will leave this world to stand before God's great throne.
I know that before a holy God, I will one day stand guilty as charged, but I'm so glad that I have a friend in Jesus - my advocate, my defense, my refuge and my Savior - the One who has paid my penalty in full! Thank you Jesus! Amen.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Stories of Grace: The World's Most Precious Commodity
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.
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.
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.]
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