Finite Minds

 

 

 

 

 

Beth Patch - Senior Producer, cbn.com

 

The plagues God used to convince Pharaoh to “Let His people go!” amazed both Egyptians and Israelites. The Egyptians, because they felt the brunt of God’s might. And the Israelites, because they received protection from the horrible plagues.

God parted the water ahead of the Israelites when their escape route dead-ended at a huge sea. They walked across the seabed on dry land with two large sea-walls beside them. The Egyptian army barreled in behind them. And the Israelites watched as God crashed the sea waters overtop their enemies.

Wow! Whoever saw such things could never doubt God’s power or provision for “His people.” Except, these very people.

They were thirsty. Several days had passed without water. They told Moses they would rather die in Egypt (as slaves) than suffer through God's plan (Exodus 14:11-12).

What? How could they not see that God is good, that He is for them? He had freed them from slavery. He had turned a raging sea into a dry pathway. He had done the impossible FOR THEM. But, they were thirsty.

Their present circumstances caused them to forget how much God had done for them in the past. Their human nature provoked them to doubt God's goodness.

Sound like you and me sometimes?

Oh, how wonderful it would be to have unwavering faith — always certain of God's goodness. No matter what our current situation.

But life brings a mixed bag of experiences. Our childlike faith in those we trust dwindles. And so it is with our faith in God. We prayed for financial help and ended up losing a house. We asked for healing and the person died. We don't understand and we lose faith. We become doubters.

Deuteronomy 6:5 says,

“And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.” (NLT)

Jesus says it is the most important commandment (Mark 12:29-30).

Loving God with all our heart, soul, and strength is key to overcoming doubt. It cements our faith and abolishes doubt.

Isaiah 55:8 says,

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine." (NLT)

Trying to understand God with our human logic wastes time. It's not a faith-builder. When we walk the dry seabed with water-walls one day and question God's goodness the next, it shows our faith depends on our circumstances. They change. God does not.

Instead, through faith, when the foreclosure happens, we choose to love God. When our friend dies, we love God. We accept His answer to our prayers and use all that heart, soul and strength to love Him. Especially when we don't understand.

We must remember it is not this life on earth we live for. Our time here is brief compared to eternity.

"If you cling to your life, you will lose it, and if you let your life go, you will save it." Luke 17:33 (NLT)

What are you clinging to today? Can you put your trust in God and let it go?

Heavenly Father, thank you for your promises. Thank you that we have yesterday, today, tomorrow, and eternity with you. Thank you for loving us despite our fickle hearts. Please teach us to love you like little children, trusting you in all things and with each moment.

When What God Gives Isn’t Enough … Or Is It?

 

 

Anne Ferrell Tata  cbn.com

“One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, “Praise God!” Luke 17:15 (NLT)

Luke 17: 11-19 tells the time Jesus was traveling and entered a village when ten lepers approached him. They begged Jesus to have mercy on them.

“Jesus looked at them and said, ‘Go, show yourselves to the priests.’” Luke 17: 14 NLT.

 As they went on their way, the Bible tells us they were cleansed.

While it is interesting to note they were not immediately healed upon their first petition, it is clear healing began the minute they encountered Jesus. Ultimately, all ten were healed, however only one of the men came back to thank Jesus. Not only did one come back, but the passage tells us he shouted his thanks and fell on his face at Jesus’ feet.

What happened to the other nine? Were they upset the healing wasn’t instant? Were they disappointed they had to go and show themselves to the priests? Maybe being cleansed wasn’t enough. They wanted more! Perhaps they, like many of us, simply forgot they asked Jesus for help, therefore forgot to thank Him. How many times have your prayers been answered, and you forgot to circle back and thank God?

We don’t know for sure, but we do know Jesus was not thanked for healing the nine. It is hard to condemn the nine lepers when I think of the many times I have forgotten to thank God when He promptly answered prayers and the many times I am not satisfied with His provision and want more!

I pray for healing for myself or others. I beseech God to help me or a friend or family member out of a situation. I beg for grace or cleansing. Time goes by, and sometimes I forget I asked. Sometimes when the answer doesn’t come immediately or the way I expect, it is out of my head. Not only do I forget to thank God, often, I find myself asking for more!

I remember a time when our third daughter, Riley, was just learning to talk. Her vocabulary was still limited, but she could convey her needs quite clearly. One morning I had to help with a project at our older daughters’ school. Riley had to come with me, and in my rush to get all of us to the school she missed a complete breakfast. My meetings went longer than expected, and I neglected to pack snacks to hold her over until lunch. Over and over she said, “Eat!” “Eat!” Unfortunately, I didn’t have my purse so I didn’t have cash.

I remembered my sentimental silver 50-cent piece. Years before, my father had given it to me, and I kept it tucked away in a special compartment in my car. As I vacillated between parting with my beloved possession and my beloved daughter’s wellbeing, I reluctantly decided I had no choice but to spend my 50-cent piece on a package of crackers!

Riley was satisfied and while she didn’t quite have the words to thank me, I knew she was grateful. That is until half way through her first cracker, the next word came out of her full mouth, “Juice!” “Juice!”

Like my daughter, why am I always asking for more? Why do I forget to be thankful? Why can’t I be satisfied and grateful for the abundant blessings God has provided?

My desire is to be like the man who shouts my thanks and falls on my face at Jesus’ feet! I pray I will be mindful of the psalmist’s words,

“Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are His. We are His people, the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving; go into His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and praise His name.” Psalm 100: 3-4 NLT

Lord, Have Mercy

 

Bonny Mulder-Behnia.  todaydevotional.com

Scripture Reading — Psalm 31:9-16

Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and body with grief. — Psalm 31:9

Sometimes the suffering of life feels overwhelming, as if we are under attack and can’t find any relief. We may be debilitated by the grief of losing a loved one. Or maybe we are sick from a medical condition or treatment. Whatever the case, there are days when we feel the weight of the world on us. Lord, have mercy.

The psalmist here is feeling besieged by relentless human forces, along with the abandonment of his friends. He uses words like distress, anguish, groaning, affliction, forgotten, and terror. He fears that he will die at the hands of his enemies, and he cries out to God in agony. Lord, have mercy.

Perhaps you can recall a time you felt that way, when the walls and ceiling seemed to be closing in on you. While my personal suffering pales in comparison to that of people with chronic illness, I do remember feeling particularly burdened when—a few weeks after my second surgery for cancer—my husband had a heart attack and also needed surgery. In his recovery room, a compassionate nurse prepared a bed beside him for me to rest in as well.

Looking back on turbulent times, we can see how the Lord was with us and delivered us. God answers the cries of his people and shines his loving face on us, lighting up the darkness.

Being Quick to Listen in a World of Talk

 

by Mike Pohlman, Crosswalk.com

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness that God requires.” –James 1:19-20

We live in a world of talk. Talk, talk, talk. Speak, speak, speak. Ours is the age of talk radio (news talk, sports talk, money talk, self-help talk, car talk, I-just-want-to-talk talk), podcasts and cell phones. Everyone, it seems, wants to be heard.

Speaking of cell phones, the other day I was in line at one of my local Starbucks and the gentleman in front of me was ordering a caramel macchiato while talking to a buddy on his iPhone. The barista was more than gracious as the customer stopped and started his order apparently not able to put his other conversation on hold (I like what one coffee house in Bellingham, Washington has done by posting a sign that says, “We’ll serve you once you hang up the phone”).

But it’s not just at Starbucks. After arriving home recently from a business trip, I left Los Angeles International Airport in one of those shuttle vans. I shared it with seven other passengers that were making the 40-mile trip north. While most of us were quiet, preferring to read or look out the window at the sea of cars that had us moving at a crawl, there were two college-age men who had to talk. They made call after call on their cell phones to chat with friends about all the amazing things that must have happened during their several days away. I got to hear about the party later that night, the car that broke down, the lonely girlfriend and the overbearing parents. Let’s just say they were conversations I didn’t need to be a part of.

We have become a culture full of talking heads regardless of where we find ourselves. Ad the chatter is deafening.

Into this noise come the words of James: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak. This exhortation is almost unintelligible to a culture intent on talking. We have it backwards: we are quick to speak, slow to hear.

But God would be the primary voice heard in the universe. He is the One who has much to say. He speaks, in the Bible, of the riches of His mercy in Christ. He broadcasts His forgiveness and love. He heralds the wonder of redemption. He calls us to repent and beckons us to draw near.

Am I listening?

Do you remember the story of Martha and Mary in Luke 10:38-42? Luke offers us a helpful contrast in speaking and listening. Martha was frantically trying to make dinner preparations for Jesus and the disciples. I envision her running around the house uttering things under her breath like, “I can’t believe Jesus is here on such short notice—not to mention all his disciples—and I have to pull this dinner together.” And, “Why doesn’t Mary get in here and help me?” Unlike Martha, Mary “sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching” (10:39).

Not surprisingly, Martha gets a bit frustrated at Mary’s lack of effort with the event. So Martha does what we probably all would do under similar circumstances—she starts talking: “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me” (10:40). We are not left to wonder which course of action Jesus commends. We see it in his gentle rebuke: “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

Mary was quick to listen and slow to speak. She knew when to be quiet. In a culture full of chatter I want to learn the discipline of silence so I can hear what the Lord wants to teach me. He’s speaking; am I listening?

Can I Have an Example, Please?

 

Jeff Schreve  Crosswalk.com

“Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.” 1 Timothy 4:12

When I was working in the chemical business, I had a customer named Dave who worked at the power plant of a major university. He was a quiet man with a great reputation among the other plant employees. One of the ladies who worked there told me, “Now, Dave … he is a real Christian.” Dave was not a hypocrite. He walked the talk. He was an example to the rest of the people at the power plant of what a true Christian really is. His speech and conduct glorified Christ. Because his walk was genuine and exemplary, his influence was great.

THE KEY TO GREAT INFLUENCE

Many people desire to live a life of great influence. To be sure, that is a good and godly desire. But how is that desire achieved? The answer is simple: through example. Paul told Timothy to show himself as “an example of those who believe.”

If you name the name of Christ, people will watch you like a hawk to see if your walk matches your talk. If it doesn’t—if you let your tongue loose in evil, if you listen and laugh at the dirty jokes, if you gossip about your boss and coworkers, if you lie, cheat, and backstab to get ahead—you will be quickly dismissed as just another Christian hypocrite. But, if you present yourself as genuine and true (not perfect because no one is), others will take note and will respect you greatly, even if they don’t agree with you. You will have influence on your job, in your neighborhood, in your school, and in your church. A godly example is a powerful witness for Jesus Christ.

Gandhi once said, “I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” How sad, but how true so much of the time. Gandhi was looking for a godly example, but he found none. A poem I like says this:

I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day.

I’d rather you go with me than merely point the way.

The eye is a more ready pupil than ever was the ear.

Good advice is often confusing, but example is always clear.

I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day.

LOOKING WITHIN

As you take a long and sober look into your own heart, what do you see? How is your example? If you were put on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you? Do the people you rub shoulders with each day see Jesus in you? Are you letting your light shine? If not, why not?

The Lord has called us to come out from among them and be separate. He has called us to be holy and live godly lives where we deal with sin and walk in the light with Jesus. God’s grace and the power of the Holy Spirit are available to each one of us. And only by His grace and power, can we rise above our circumstances to be the shining examples He has called us to be.

The world is watching. Your friends and neighbors and workmates and classmates are watching. May we be able to say with Paul, “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1

Well-Seasoned in the Word

 

 

Cathy Irvin, cbn.com

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.” (Matthew 5:14-15, NLT)

As the world grows darker in sin, we must find time to trim our wicks and fill our lamps with oil. We are to be light to the world and salt to the earth. But have we lost our flavor? If we are well-seasoned in the Word and we maintain our prayer life, we will be making an obvious difference.

It takes soaking up the Word of God daily for the words that flow from our lips to be a sweet savor, an encouraging word to the hearer. It is so easy to become dull and bland without those times of refreshing in God’s presence. Nobody likes plain ‘ole, plain ‘ole anything.

Many times, even a good steak needs some seasoning salt, a little garlic, butter, or steak sauce while it is marinating on the grill. The flavor of the meat is greatly enhanced. And so it is with us. When our lives reflect Christ, it will be evident after we have spent time with Him, because we will manifest His glory. The light will shine brightly for all to see.

People need to see Christ in us, the hope of glory, for them to want Him. Who wants what we have if we are not positive, and not full of joy and peace? I hear some Christians who always speak negatively. They are worrying all the time, and they are sad and gloomy. I think they must be lacking in some quality Bible study time, prayer, and church fellowship. We want those who do not know Him to say, “I know there is something different about you” or ask, “Why are you so happy?” Wouldn’t it be wonderful to hear them say, “I want whatever it is that you have”?

I remember that I said those very words more than 29 years ago. I gave my heart to the Lord while watching The 700 Club. I went to visit a local church. The people there were singing and clapping, and some even danced in the aisle to the songs. I was overwhelmed. I had always attended a very traditional church while growing up, and I felt no enthusiasm or joy in it at all. I recall listening to the message intently; I had blocked out everything and had focused intently on the preacher as he spoke. I sat on the edge of my seat like I was at a long-awaited concert.

At the close of the service, I remember a lady asking me if I wanted to receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. I didn’t even know what she was talking about, but I said, “Whatever you people have, I want it!” I was gloriously filled that very evening and spoke in tongues. My life was changed forever, and I have felt the joy ever since.

We can share the things we have learned by being salt and light with other believers so that they can enjoy their Christian walk and be better witnesses. It is important to remember that we are not offering a “religion” to anyone. We are telling them about a relationship with a loving, living Savior who can transform their lives and not only give them the gift of eternal life, but also the abundant life while here on planet earth. Jesus wants to add some seasoning to a bland spiritual life.

Got your lamps filled with oil? Follow me! Let’s shine our lights and pour out some salt on those who need to taste and see that the Lord is good.

Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him. (Psalm 34:8, NKJV)

Being Salty – Crosswalk the Devotional

 

By Debbie Holloway, Crosswalk.com

You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men (Matthew 5:13).

I think sometimes we get so used to our familiar metaphors, we fail to let their significance really sink in. What Christian hasn’t proclaimed brightly: “We’re salt and light!”? And yet, do we really think about the significance of that imagery? In a faith tradition where we have so many great metaphors and allegories, let’s remember to ponder this one that Jesus coined.

What does it mean to be “the salt of the earth”?

Salt Enhances

As we know too well in our sodium-filled modern world, salt makes things taste better. But condiment connoisseurs will make sure to explain that salt, when used properly, brings out the flavor already present in the food itself. Unlike pepper, which was used in ancient times to mask distasteful rotting and souring in foods such as meat, salt only enhances what’s there.

As Christians, we aren’t here to blot out the colors and flavors around us. We’re not here to ignore or destroy what we see and replace it with something else. Rather, we are to be (tasty) ambassadors of Christ on a mission to draw out and display goodness. God made a good world, and, though fallen, it’s still good! We still have the breath of life from God inside us. So let’s remember to point to the truth and be the people who enhance and brighten wherever we go, not overpower our surroundings like too much pepper.

Salt Preserves

Before the age of refrigeration, how did people preserve perishable food? That’s right: salt. Something about packing meat with salt slows down the process of decay, making it easier to store, transport, and save meat without it going rancid right away.

Likewise, let us as the salt of the earth remember to preserve what is good. In matters of justice and stewardship, Christians should be front and center to fight for what is right, what is safe, and what brings life to the world around us. Our homes, families, and communities should be solid and fresh, not rotting and fetid.

If we fail to protect and preserve, what good are we? If we fail to enhance the flavor of what’s around us, there’s nothing left for us “except to be thrown out” (so to speak).