If I want to live my dream, I have to promote myself. I want to be the center of attention—the topic of conversation. Everyone needs to know who I am.
These attitudes are prevalent in our society. Everyone wants to have their moment of fame. How else can you explain the reality programming? How else can you explain the videos people stage and share? How else can you explain much of the degrading activities people engage in to get on TV? For what other reason would people post some of the stuff they put on Facebook and other internet venues?
“But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth…For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice." James 3:14, 16 NIV
As I researched what the Bible says about selfish ambition, I was astounded to find it listed with some rather serious sinful behaviors.
"The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God." Gal 5:19-21 NIV
Apparently God considers selfish ambition to be a very serious sin. But aren’t we to watch out for ourselves?
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." Phil 2:3-4 NIV
So, we are to look after our own interests but not have selfish ambition. This lack of selfishness will be evidenced by how we demonstrate our concern for others.
Lord, I pray for you to “Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain.” (Psalm 119:35-36 NIV)
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Friday, August 13, 2010
Inside Out
I am always trying to improve things I have control over. I look for a better way to do my jobs, less expensive options, methods requiring less energy, and even new techniques. Researching ideas through reading, asking questions, and experimentation are a natural part of my life. Learning keeps life from being boring, and it gives me a sense of purpose. I set goals using the knowledge I gain. Sometimes I am successful at meeting my goals. Sometimes I am not. Generally the level of success is directly related to what I have gained internally--knowledge.
My Christian walk follows somewhat the same pattern. I love researching what God has to tell me in His Word. I read, meditate, and ask questions. I set spiritual goals. Sometimes I am successful and sometimes I am not. My success is directly related to my internal condition. Is my heart right?
For my heart to be right I have to have knowledge which I get through reading, meditating, and memorizing Scripture. But that is not enough. I must be willing to change. I don’t mean the superficial “I know I need to” willing to change. It has to be a heartfelt desire to please God in all I do.
“So I went down to the potter's house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him.” Jeremiah 18:3-4 NIV
My Christian life is marred--the pot is not perfect. The good news is that God can mold my heart because he is the master potter. He can make me a perfect vessel for serving Him. This reformation must happen at the heart level before it can happen in actions and words.
"…’Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand,’…” Jeremiah 18:6 NIV
So, if I want the abundant Christian life, I must be willing to give up status quo and embrace changes God is calling me to make.
Lord, mold me into a useful vessel for your service. Thank you for the assurance and promise in 2 Peter.
“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.” 2 Peter 1:3-4 NIV
My Christian walk follows somewhat the same pattern. I love researching what God has to tell me in His Word. I read, meditate, and ask questions. I set spiritual goals. Sometimes I am successful and sometimes I am not. My success is directly related to my internal condition. Is my heart right?
For my heart to be right I have to have knowledge which I get through reading, meditating, and memorizing Scripture. But that is not enough. I must be willing to change. I don’t mean the superficial “I know I need to” willing to change. It has to be a heartfelt desire to please God in all I do.
“So I went down to the potter's house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him.” Jeremiah 18:3-4 NIV
My Christian life is marred--the pot is not perfect. The good news is that God can mold my heart because he is the master potter. He can make me a perfect vessel for serving Him. This reformation must happen at the heart level before it can happen in actions and words.
"…’Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand,’…” Jeremiah 18:6 NIV
So, if I want the abundant Christian life, I must be willing to give up status quo and embrace changes God is calling me to make.
Lord, mold me into a useful vessel for your service. Thank you for the assurance and promise in 2 Peter.
“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.” 2 Peter 1:3-4 NIV
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Wealthy--ME?
I recently heard a commentator say that most Americans live better than the aristocrats and kings of the past. We have many modern conveniences, technology, utilities, comfortable transportation, and excellent health care. We are truly a wealthy people. Being wealthy is not good or bad. What is important is how we view our wealth.
“Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work — this is a gift of God.” Ecclesiastes 5:19 NIV
So if we have possessions and financial resources, we are to enjoy them. It is God’s gift to us. Wealth is only a problem if we have the wrong attitude towards it. Actually, whether we are wealthy or poor does not matter if our attitude about our possessions is wrong.
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” 1 Timothy 6:17 NIV
The temptation to have a wrong attitude about our prosperity is strong. It is so easy to think we deserve our belongings. We think our money will always be readily available. Not true. Our resources are a gift from God that we are to enjoy and use as he directs.
“Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.’" Luke 12:15 NIV
What does God say to the greedy person who hoards his possessions?
"But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?… Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.” Luke 12:20, 23
What is the spiritual person to do if he is seeking to please God instead of being greedy?
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” James 1:27 NIV
So is your treasure with your possessions or with God?
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Luke 12:34 NIV
Lord, you are more precious to me than anything I own in this life. Forgive my digressions into selfishness and greed. Guide me in using all the possessions you have blessed me with controlling in such a manner as to please you.
“Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work — this is a gift of God.” Ecclesiastes 5:19 NIV
So if we have possessions and financial resources, we are to enjoy them. It is God’s gift to us. Wealth is only a problem if we have the wrong attitude towards it. Actually, whether we are wealthy or poor does not matter if our attitude about our possessions is wrong.
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” 1 Timothy 6:17 NIV
The temptation to have a wrong attitude about our prosperity is strong. It is so easy to think we deserve our belongings. We think our money will always be readily available. Not true. Our resources are a gift from God that we are to enjoy and use as he directs.
“Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.’" Luke 12:15 NIV
What does God say to the greedy person who hoards his possessions?
"But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?… Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.” Luke 12:20, 23
What is the spiritual person to do if he is seeking to please God instead of being greedy?
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” James 1:27 NIV
So is your treasure with your possessions or with God?
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Luke 12:34 NIV
Lord, you are more precious to me than anything I own in this life. Forgive my digressions into selfishness and greed. Guide me in using all the possessions you have blessed me with controlling in such a manner as to please you.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
My Rights
I know what I want and I am going to get it. No one is going to tell me what to do. No one is going to control me. I am going to live my life the way I want. It is my right to do so.
Oh really? Have you read God’s Word lately? God had to get my attention today as I was feeling independent and behaving as if I could do as I please, but John 14 makes it clear that is not true.
“Jesus replied, ‘If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.’” John 14:23-24 NIV
So as a Christian I cannot do as I please. I must obey the teaching of Jesus.
“This is my command: Love each other.” John 15:17 NIV
What a tough one to obey! I cannot do it through my strength. I need the power of the Holy Spirit in me. Jesus did give many examples of how we are to love others. One way he said we can love others is to teach them about living for him.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” Matthew 28:19 NIV
How am I to go about making disciples? I do not have to figure it out on my own. God will confirm what I am to do just as he showed Abraham what he was to do. I am to trust God and, like Abraham, do as he commands even if it makes no earthly sense.
“By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” Hebrews 11:8 NIV
So Abraham was sent and later blessed because he acted on faith. He did not demand his right to undersand all God was going to do and how he was going to do it. Abraham just did as God was leading him. Oh, that I will do the same. I like to understand a whole plan before I start implementing it.
Lord, forgive me when I insist on my rights to do what I please and when I demand to know what you have planned for me.
Oh really? Have you read God’s Word lately? God had to get my attention today as I was feeling independent and behaving as if I could do as I please, but John 14 makes it clear that is not true.
“Jesus replied, ‘If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.’” John 14:23-24 NIV
So as a Christian I cannot do as I please. I must obey the teaching of Jesus.
“This is my command: Love each other.” John 15:17 NIV
What a tough one to obey! I cannot do it through my strength. I need the power of the Holy Spirit in me. Jesus did give many examples of how we are to love others. One way he said we can love others is to teach them about living for him.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” Matthew 28:19 NIV
How am I to go about making disciples? I do not have to figure it out on my own. God will confirm what I am to do just as he showed Abraham what he was to do. I am to trust God and, like Abraham, do as he commands even if it makes no earthly sense.
“By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” Hebrews 11:8 NIV
So Abraham was sent and later blessed because he acted on faith. He did not demand his right to undersand all God was going to do and how he was going to do it. Abraham just did as God was leading him. Oh, that I will do the same. I like to understand a whole plan before I start implementing it.
Lord, forgive me when I insist on my rights to do what I please and when I demand to know what you have planned for me.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Simple Pleasures
My summer plans have been obliterated. Ray and I have only had the opportunity to have one afternoon by ourselves away from home—one time dining out to celebrate my birthday. Today we had another very special time away from home. We spent a glorious day with our great-niece in honor of her upcoming tenth birthday.
It wasn’t what we did. It was the unrushed, relaxed time together. We moseyed through the zoo watching the animals acting like animals. We laughed at the orangutan on the other side of the glass eyeing my camera as I changed the battery. We snacked as we watched two gorillas play shoving games, turn somersaults, and play tag around a tree. Because we were tired of walking, we took the boat tour of the waterway which we pretended was the Nile.
Conversing and laughing as we worked the children’s sheet with a blue crayon at the restaurant was more fun than eating the food we ordered for lunch. After consuming a Braum's ice cream cone, a trip through the grocery store became an interactive adventure.
“Shout with joy to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious!” Psalm 66:1-2 NIV
God created us to enjoy relationships. He provided us the ability to take delight in the simple pleasure of spending time with someone we love.
“Come and see what God has done, how awesome his works in man's behalf.” Psalm 66:5 NIV
Today I needed to relax, have fun, and to feel loved. God graciously granted me all these and more.
“Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me.” Psalm 66:16
So we are not only to praise God for everything including the simple pleasures in life, but we are to also tell others about God’s goodness to us. We are not to brag for that is prideful and self-seeking. But we are to give God credit for what he does. Today, God was exceedingly good to me. He made sure my emotional bucket was full of love and joy.
Lord, thank you for the pleasure you allowed me to experience today. Forgive me when I do not give you credit for my blessings.
It wasn’t what we did. It was the unrushed, relaxed time together. We moseyed through the zoo watching the animals acting like animals. We laughed at the orangutan on the other side of the glass eyeing my camera as I changed the battery. We snacked as we watched two gorillas play shoving games, turn somersaults, and play tag around a tree. Because we were tired of walking, we took the boat tour of the waterway which we pretended was the Nile.
Conversing and laughing as we worked the children’s sheet with a blue crayon at the restaurant was more fun than eating the food we ordered for lunch. After consuming a Braum's ice cream cone, a trip through the grocery store became an interactive adventure.
“Shout with joy to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious!” Psalm 66:1-2 NIV
God created us to enjoy relationships. He provided us the ability to take delight in the simple pleasure of spending time with someone we love.
“Come and see what God has done, how awesome his works in man's behalf.” Psalm 66:5 NIV
Today I needed to relax, have fun, and to feel loved. God graciously granted me all these and more.
“Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me.” Psalm 66:16
So we are not only to praise God for everything including the simple pleasures in life, but we are to also tell others about God’s goodness to us. We are not to brag for that is prideful and self-seeking. But we are to give God credit for what he does. Today, God was exceedingly good to me. He made sure my emotional bucket was full of love and joy.
Lord, thank you for the pleasure you allowed me to experience today. Forgive me when I do not give you credit for my blessings.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Pity Party
“My tears have been my food day and night,…” Psalm 42:3a NIV
Sometimes nothing goes right (as I want). Everyone else seems to have all the luck (get what I want). Life isn’t fair (true). I never get a break (not true).
I had a pity party tonight. I had two wonderful vacations planned for this summer and did not get to take either one. Instead, my summer has been one of hard work and major lifestyle adjustments.
“I say to God my Rock, ‘Why have you forgotten me?’...” Psalm 42:9a NIV
I am doing what God has commanded for me to do. I am honoring my husband and his mother. That is more than most modern women do (slight exaggeration). Shouldn’t I be rewarded for doing what is right?
My pity party was all about me. It was selfish and prideful. But it was very real. The emotions were strong and the frustrations intense. I am most vulnerable when I am tired and things have not gone as smoothly as normal. The trigger for the pity party this time was not having enough time to complete what I had hoped to do today. I need a break and a good night’s sleep. However, often these periods of feeling sorry for myself may be triggered by witnessing the “perfect life” of another or by hearing someone talking about a wonderful experience. Is that jealousy? What an ugly sin jealousy is! Jealousy, pride, selfishness--the causes of a pity party are totally negative.
"Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God." Psalm 42:11 NIV
So I am to praise God when I am downcast. This verse reminds me of one of the hymns we sang when I was a child.
Count Your Blessings
When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
Refrain
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
So when I am having a pity party, count my blessings.
Lord, thank you for all you have done for me and those I love. Make me a encouragement to all with whom I come in contact today.
Sometimes nothing goes right (as I want). Everyone else seems to have all the luck (get what I want). Life isn’t fair (true). I never get a break (not true).
I had a pity party tonight. I had two wonderful vacations planned for this summer and did not get to take either one. Instead, my summer has been one of hard work and major lifestyle adjustments.
“I say to God my Rock, ‘Why have you forgotten me?’...” Psalm 42:9a NIV
I am doing what God has commanded for me to do. I am honoring my husband and his mother. That is more than most modern women do (slight exaggeration). Shouldn’t I be rewarded for doing what is right?
My pity party was all about me. It was selfish and prideful. But it was very real. The emotions were strong and the frustrations intense. I am most vulnerable when I am tired and things have not gone as smoothly as normal. The trigger for the pity party this time was not having enough time to complete what I had hoped to do today. I need a break and a good night’s sleep. However, often these periods of feeling sorry for myself may be triggered by witnessing the “perfect life” of another or by hearing someone talking about a wonderful experience. Is that jealousy? What an ugly sin jealousy is! Jealousy, pride, selfishness--the causes of a pity party are totally negative.
"Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God." Psalm 42:11 NIV
So I am to praise God when I am downcast. This verse reminds me of one of the hymns we sang when I was a child.
Count Your Blessings
When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
Refrain
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
So when I am having a pity party, count my blessings.
Lord, thank you for all you have done for me and those I love. Make me a encouragement to all with whom I come in contact today.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Fixer Upper
When my husband and I bought our first house, we bought a fixer-upper. In other words, we had no money and only a few dollars in savings for a down payment. But we were young and positive we could make that little two bedroom house with a floor furnace into a mansion. We worked hard to make improvements. It is a good thing that we had very little extra cash for we used what we had to make that house ours. It took a while, but we eventually realized that putting any more money into the house was financially irresponsible. We sold that little house and with the profits made a nice down payment for an upgrade in housing.
I challenge you to take inventory of your spiritual condition. Are you a fixer-upper? Are there some areas of your life that need fixing? Are you reading the Bible? Praying? Controlling your tongue? Being a Christian servant? What needs fixed in your walk with Jesus?
“He who is full loathes honey, but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet.” Proverbs 27:7 NIV
Are you full of yourself? Or are you hungry for the truth about your sin?
"I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:104-105 NIV
Do you hate your sin? Is God’s Word what you turn to when you need to know what is right and what is wrong? Does Biblical truth guide your life?
So how much time and effort are you willing to put into fixing your sins? Are you willing to put all your resources and efforts into following God’s commands? Are you putting any effort into preparing for your eternal life housing upgrade when God calls you to Heaven.
“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.” 2 Peter 1:3 NIV
Lord, show me my sin. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, give me the wisdom and ability to fix it.
I challenge you to take inventory of your spiritual condition. Are you a fixer-upper? Are there some areas of your life that need fixing? Are you reading the Bible? Praying? Controlling your tongue? Being a Christian servant? What needs fixed in your walk with Jesus?
“He who is full loathes honey, but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet.” Proverbs 27:7 NIV
Are you full of yourself? Or are you hungry for the truth about your sin?
"I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:104-105 NIV
Do you hate your sin? Is God’s Word what you turn to when you need to know what is right and what is wrong? Does Biblical truth guide your life?
So how much time and effort are you willing to put into fixing your sins? Are you willing to put all your resources and efforts into following God’s commands? Are you putting any effort into preparing for your eternal life housing upgrade when God calls you to Heaven.
“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.” 2 Peter 1:3 NIV
Lord, show me my sin. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, give me the wisdom and ability to fix it.
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