God’s Chosen Servants

 

 

Ken Barnes, cbn.com

“For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; …” (1 Corinthians 1:26 NASB)

We all want to be significant, and we are all important in the eyes of our Creator. The problem is we often seek our worth through the eyes of man. God uses ordinary people with hearts inclined toward His.

One Sunday, I was asked to speak at a small church near my home in Virginia. A man greeted me upon arrival at the Church who then let me into the building. In small churches, you often have a pastor who does the preaching and the teaching and then an elder or deacon who does everything else. I sat down at the back of the church to review my sermon notes.

The man busily went about making the coffee and setting out the snacks. He then took a small broom and a dustpan and proceeded to sweep up between the rows of chairs set up for the service.

As I watched this man, a question came into my mind. Lord, who is more valuable today for this service, him or me?

As I pondered this thought, the answer became clear to me. Neither. We had equal value just a different function.

I asked the Lord a second question. Lord, who is most pleasing to you?

The answer to the second question came quicker than the first. The one who does their part of the service with the greatest amount of love in their heart for God.

Sometimes we confuse value and function. We do not get value from what we do; we bring value to our work. Each individual has intrinsic value before God. Billy Graham and Pat Robertson have a greater function in the Body of Christ than I do. Therefore, in some areas, they have the greater privilege. Jesus gave Peter, James and John greater access to Himself, not because he valued them more, but that they would have a more significant role in the Kingdom of God. He loved all his disciples equally.

We often make the mistake of trying to win the Lord’s approval by how we perform before man. People pleasers never end up as God pleasers. This is an exercise in futility. We don’t need to strive for what we already have.

What does impress the Lord? It’s not the height or even the breadth of our task, but the depth of our love motivating us to serve that catches the eye of the Father. It is not how we serve, but why, that gets His attention. Is it done out of a motivation of love?

Those who serve around a church in roles that do not bring a lot of public applause just may be God’s heroes. Remember there are not many wise, mighty or noble.

The next time you walk past one setting up chairs in your Church without taking notice, you may have missed an opportunity to interact with one of God’s chosen servants.

That day, when I spoke in that Church, the most honored servant may not have been the one in the pulpit but the one sweeping the floor.

Crayons on the Rug

 

 

Brooke Keith, cbn.com

“… I couldn’t be more proud of you!” (Romans 16:19 MSG)

When my daughter was smaller she used to draw these wonderfully simplistic self-portraits. I remember how she would pluck the purple crayon from the Crayola box ever so carefully and grip it tight between her pudgy, pale hands. She did her very darnedest to keep them steady.

I used to love to sit and watch her doodle away on the living room rug, her tiny pink toenails kicking as if completely filled up with artistic energy that just had to get out.

I’ll never forget the first picture she ever drew. It still graces our refrigerator to this day. Her crayon-etched head so wiggly and large with two giant, skinny legs sticking straight down from her chin. While it certainly was no Monet, to me it was worth just as much. She’d worked so hard to create the little bit of something she had created, and knowing it was her best, made it the best piece of art I ever owned.

Of course, as the years passed by I taught her to hold her hands a little more steadily. I showed her how to use different shades of crayon to capture the essence of her golden-brown hair and her rosy pink lips.

If you were to look on our refrigerator today you would see a freshly drawn “after” portrait. You might not see much difference in the two since her tiny little people still have giant heads and absolutely no neck to speak of – but because I am her mother, the little changes would be so evident to me. I would point them out to you in vast numbers because I appreciate every little “work in progress” improvement her self-portrait has made – from the slightly straighter legs dangling from her chin to the ever so slightly steadier circle, no matter how robust.

Sure, I know there is room for improvement; but together we will work on that little by little until someday those little legs will have feet attached and those giant heads will be within normal scale. As mommies, we look forward to the milestones still somehow being completely wrapped within the “head over heels” feeling for the here and now scribbles on our fridges.

Isn’t this a lot like our Heavenly Father? He watches proudly as we scribble with our purple crayon, teaching us little by little how to bring out all of our living colors. He points out how we can improve, but never misses a chance to celebrate who we are in the moment along with the little changes that we make to become better, more rounded men and women. After all, He even promises that He has “drawn” us “with loving-kindness” and “everlasting love.” (Jeremiah 31:3)

As you grow and change and you shuffle your pink toenails from the living room rug of life, know that God takes notice of each improved stroke. And if you ever doubt His celebration of who you are, even in the unchanging moments, just ask Him to show you His wastebasket. You’ll find it completely empty. His refrigerator, on the other hand, you will find completely full.

Watching Over Me

 

 

Daphne Delay  cbn.com

My family says I have nine lives. I say God has rescued me more times than I can count.

Even before I knew God, He was in the business of watching over me. In the second grade, I was hit by a car. In high school, my head went through a windshield in an auto accident. At the end of my senior year of high school, I was robbed at gunpoint in a convenience store robbery. And after getting saved, getting married, and having three kids, I was struck by lightning in a storm.

There may be a couple of other events I’m forgetting about, but you get the picture. One thing I am is grateful. When I look back over my life (just naturally), I’m thankful the Lord was with me. I relate to the Psalmist when he said, “

Unless the Lord had helped me, I would soon have settled in the silence of the grave” (Psalm 94:17 NLT).

But then I can’t help but think of my life spiritually as well. As Jesus said,

“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (Mark 8:36 NKJV).

I’m certain God has been my help and refuge in things I couldn’t see far more than those things I could.

The Message Translation of Psalm 94 says,

“Who stood up for me against the wicked? Who took my side against evil workers? If God hadn’t been there for me, I never would have made it. The minute I said, ‘I’m slipping, I’m falling,’ your love, God, took hold and held me fast. When I was upset and beside myself, you calmed me down and cheered me up” (Psalm 94:16-19 MSG).

I’m reminded often of an Amy Grant song from 1984 called “Angels.” The song talks about how God has angels watching over us all the time— removing obstacles and rescuing us from unknown accidents. I’ve always loved that song (and never forgotten it) because I believe it. I’m sure you could list, like I did, the many things you’ve been through in this life. But I imagine there are countless other things I have no idea about.

The unseen enemy of evil has set itself against all of us. So we should never take for granted the times God has delivered us from the hidden traps of the enemy — known or unknown. But notice the Psalmist said it was God’s love that took hold and held us fast. I say, yes!

The love of God has been the guardian of our soul all along. From start to finish, from birth to death, it is the never-ending love of God that saw us, found us, saved us, and delivered us. He could’ve so easily turned a blind eye — but He didn’t. He chose to send His love to earth to be a part of us. And then He purposefully and willingly gave His life for us.

Whereas we try desperately to avoid traps and save our own skin, Jesus stepped into the trap for us. The love of God saved us all. And naturally still does — every day. I’m still here for a purpose and it could only be the love of God that has saved me and held me.

“If God hadn’t been there for me, I never would have made it.

A Psalm 91 Life

 

Richard Spangler,cbn.com

Issues of the day begin to crowd my mind as I sit in my chair, trying to decide what to write. Will there be an economic collapse or boom? Will upcoming congressional decisions mean change for the better or the worse? Will there be war? Will there be another terrorist attack in our country? Then on a personal level: will I be able to lose the weight I want to lose this year? Will I get my first book published? Will I move forward financially? What will it be like being a grandfather?

Just one of these questions can lead us down the road of fear and anxiety if we allow it. Put them all together and we have a mountain of uncertainty. Many people are fearful and panicked because of these questions, including many Christians. They are asking, “Is there hope? Can I survive? What, if anything can I do?”

Yes, there is hope in God! In the Bible, God promises,

“Because you have made the Lord your refuge, and the Most High your dwelling place, There shall no evil befall you, nor any plague or calamity come near your tent.” (Psalm 91:9-10, AMPC)

God also states in Psalm 91 that He will cover you; He will give angels charge over you, no pestilence (no disease), no sudden death, nor any evil shall befall you. And the list goes on.

The key to these promises is found in verse 14,

“Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him; I will set him on high, because he knows and understands My name [has a personal knowledge of My mercy, love, and kindness — trusts and relies on Me, knowing I will never forsake him, no, never].” (Psalm 91:14, AMPC)

As you determine with your mind to love God and set your heart to do so, you take the first turn of the key for the promises of God found in Psalm 91.

Many of you have taken that first turn of the key by accepting Jesus Christ into your heart. For those who have not, there is no better time than now.

The next turn of the key is equally important. It is getting to know God with personal knowledge of His mercy, love, and kindness. It is discovering who God is, and not just by reading the Bible and praying.

This happens two ways. First, meditate; don’t just read the Bible, but think about what you are reading. According to Webster’s Dictionary, meditate is “to engage in contemplation or reflection; to focus one’s thoughts on; reflect on or ponder over.” In other words, take time to think about what you are reading. In our fast-paced society, we scan more than we read.

Take time with the Bible; stop and ask, “What does this mean? How does this apply to my life?” Ask the Lord to help you understand and to teach you. Don’t scan it and walk away saying, “I’ve done my Bible reading for the day,” and check it off of that never-ending To-Do List.

Secondly, it happens by making time for God, spending time with Him. Remember, God created man to spend time with Him. An example of this is in the Bible.

“And out of the ground the Lord God formed every [wild] beast and living creature of the field and every bird of the air and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them; and whatever Adam called every living creature, that was its name.” (Genesis 2:19, AMPC)

God would create an animal, and then bring it to Adam to name. God was interested to see what name would be given. I imagine there was some discussion of the creature’s design and purpose between God and Adam. This took time.

Also in Genesis, “And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day … But the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, Where are you?” (Genesis 3:8-9, AMPC)

This shows God coming to spend time with Adam and Eve. This was not unusual for Adam and Eve. They even knew the sound of God walking and would go out to meet and spend time with God. This is what God wants, for us to know Him. This is why Jesus came to earth so that a way would open for man to be able to spend time with God and know him again.

Set aside time every day to get to know Father God better. Sit and listen for His voice. Get to know His presence. Have personal knowledge and relationship with God.

This will unlock all the promises in Psalm 91 and much more will become yours. It will not matter what happens, good or bad, for you will be hidden in God’s presence and protection.

 

When the Future Feels Stressful, Trust Your Provider

 

AUGUST 13, 2021

Tracie Miles

 

“Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Look, I’m going to rain down food from heaven for you. Each day the people can go out and pick up as much food as they need for that day. I will test them in this to see whether or not they will follow my instructions.’” Exodus 16:4 (NLT)

Sleep escaped me as I lay in the darkness, filled with worries that grew bigger and bigger in my mind as the night dragged on. When sunshine peeked through my bedroom window, I finally began to pray, pouring out my concerns to God as I had done countless times before.

My marriage had fallen apart a few months earlier, and suddenly my future was not as secure as it had once seemed. Money was scarce, and I was struggling to keep a roof over my head and provide for my children’s needs. My stress was further worsened by a myriad of other adversities that constantly stole my peace and sleep.

But on this morning, as I continued to pray, I began to notice a pattern in my pleas. No matter what circumstance or concern I mentioned, they all seemed to share one underlying theme — fear of lack of provision.

I felt God convicting my heart to stop fearing the unknown future and start trusting Him with the future instead. Then I heard a gentle whisper in my spirit, which simply said, “I alone am your Provider.”

Feeling somewhat startled, I knew this was from my Father. With eyes closed and tears threatening to emerge, I mumbled the words, “Yes, Lord. You are. Forgive me for doubting Your provision, and help me to fully trust You. Please fill me with peace. I don’t know what the future holds, but I know You hold my future and will provide for all my needs. Amen.”

Today’s key verse reminds us of a situation in biblical times where God’s children were also facing an unknown future and struggling to trust if He could or would provide for their needs. Exodus 16:4 shows us God’s response despite their doubt: “Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Look, I’m going to rain down food from heaven for you. Each day the people can go out and pick up as much food as they need for that day. I will test them in this to see whether or not they will follow my instructions.’”

The people of Israel had been slaves to the Egyptians, and after God set them free, they had to fully trust Him for all their needs — which apparently they were having a difficult time doing. Although they were physically free, they were still mentally enslaved to their habit of looking for provision from people and things rather than from God.

The Israelites were convinced they would starve to death in the wilderness. Even after the Lord promised to provide for every need, they were discontent at having to “wait and see” if He would stay true to His promise of daily manna. They failed to trust Him, didn’t obey His instructions and constantly complained. Athough their complaints were directed to Moses and Aaron, they were essentially complaining against God as well.

After my sweet encounter with God in the early-morning hours, I realized I had been doing a lot of complaining, too, not only to my Provider but against Him. I was not trusting in His sovereignty over my life.

Feeling as if I, too, were in the wilderness like the Israelites, I now had to fully depend on the Lord’s provision above all else. He was the same Lord who had always provided for me in the past, just in different ways, and the only One who I could trust to do so in the future.

Acknowledging my need for His provision alone and committing to trust Him with my future — despite still sometimes doubting — lightened my heart and changed my perspective and attitude from that day forward.

Over the past few years, God has miraculously provided for all of my needs in more ways than I can list, and He will do the same for you. Although it takes a daily recommitment to trusting God when stress and worry sneak in, trusting Him with our future helps us endure those stressful times with peace in our hearts.

Soul Wounds

 

Daphne Delay, cbn.com

Soul wounds are real. They are the result of our mind, will, or emotions being so abruptly jolted that a wound is made upon the soul, leaving a scar that must be dealt with.

I’ve had many soul wounds in my life — each one bringing me to the brink of despair.

The death of a loved one, family strife, a wayward child, addictions, accidents, a stab in the back, the list could go on and on — things that can hit us out of nowhere and leave us spinning. It’s why David is so relatable in the Psalms. We call his writings the Book of Songs (Psalms) but when you read through it, it becomes apparent we are reading David’s Journal.

The word soul is mentioned 341 times in the New Kings James, and 100 of those are in the Book of Psalms alone. David understood soul wounds. He said,

“For my soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near to the grave. I am counted with those who go down to the pit; I am like a man who has no strength.” (Psalm 88:3-4 NKJV)

Nothing has changed between his day and ours — we too, face the trauma of the soul being wounded and want to throw in the towel. It’s a natural reaction of the soul.

But David is also the one who prayed,

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul…” (Psalm 23:1-3a NKJV, my emphasis)

The truth is, our soul would not need to be RESTORED unless something had damaged it.

But God knew. And David discovered this beautiful realm of healing. In another place, he said,

“O Lord, You brought my soul up from the grave; You have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.” (Psalm 30:3 NKJV)

This is the complete opposite of his writings in Psalm 88. Is he confused? No. This is soul healing.

When my life and ministry fell under attack, I couldn’t see a way out. The tears wouldn’t stop flowing. Anger and frustration boiled. The temptation to find blame in a person knocked on the door of my heart daily. But thankfully, God’s Word, that I had hidden in my heart for years, came rising up like a rescue boat over a demolishing wave of grief. I found soul healing through God’s written word. I was reminded we don’t wrestle against flesh and blood, but against demonic influences that want to derail us.

Jesus said He would give us the Holy Spirit as a comforter and counselor, and I found the consolation and guidance I needed through God’s precious Spirit. But ultimately what I discovered about soul healing is that it takes TIME, TEARS, and TRUTH.

Healing for soul wounds takes time. Each of us has to walk through the valley but we’re never alone. When our faith is in Christ, we can be assured God is working on our behalf.

Healing for soul wounds takes tears. When the woman wept at Jesus’ feet, He didn’t reject her. We can learn from her posture. Don’t avoid your Healer. Cry to Him; fall at His feet; I promise you’ll find help in time of need.

And lastly, healing for soul wounds takes truth. The Bible says Jesus experienced every anguish of soul. He is your great High Priest. But if you don’t know the truth about your Savior, the devil will gladly feed you lies.

I pray you will make God your dwelling place. Our soul will remain wounded or at the least scarred if we only visit Him when we’re in anguish. Go to God regularly. He is the lover (and healer) of your soul.

Y’all Come

 

Cathy Messecar, cbn.com

“… They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:46-47 NIV)

“Y’all come.” Cline Paden said those were the sweetest words a young boy could hear. Those words meant the Paden family had an invitation to dinner after Sunday morning worship.

During the Great Depression, food was often scarce so an invitation to dine at a neighbor’s house signaled a plentiful week. A growing boy knew the host’s table would most likely be laden with mouthwatering fried chicken and homegrown vegetables. Boys with cavernous stomachs could eat their fill.

Sadly, “Y’all come” is spoken less and less in my busy life. Most ancestors’ food production was labor-intensive from seed and stall to table. My great grandmothers grew their own vegetables, milked cows, churned butter, baked bread, made jam, wrung chicken necks and fried their own chickens.

These chores were part of rearing large families. Yet, women still made time to invite neighbors to “sit a spell.” They also set aside time to prepare a pot roast and have the visiting preacher over to eat Sunday dinner. Today, far too many neighbors are strangers to me. Sometimes the color of a neighbor’s car and house is all that’s known about those who live near me.

Desiring to be more hospitable, I planned a luncheon for a few people I wanted to get to know better. I invited the moms and children to meet me for an early blueberry picking at a nearby farm. Afterward, we’d eat a light lunch at my home. Luncheon day arrived, and the phone began to ring with cancellations. A sick child. A Saturn slipped a transmission. Hard candy broke a tooth. Need to go to the dentist. Pet cat broke a toenail.

As I walked out the door at 9:00 a.m. to go pick blueberries, my daughter phoned from her workplace to see how preparations were going. I explained my dilemma of too much food and no diners, and she suggested bringing the secretaries in her office over for lunch. The “working girls” were delighted by the impromptu invitation to eat homemade chicken salad and munch on fresh blueberry muffins.

Strangers began eating at my table that day, but when the final iced tea was sipped, new friendships had begun. One girl eventually began a Bible study with us and later became a Christian.

Romans 12:13 encourages me to “practice hospitality.” The words hospice, hospital, and host embody the idea of treating strangers as guests. Hospitality isn’t limited to meals, but the simplest form of entertaining usually does include a meal.

Although modern food conveniences and microwaves have decreased my kitchen workload, I still find issuing meal invitations a challenge. I’ve yet to serve popcorn as a main course, but I’ve discovered meal ingredients need not be fancy. In a pinch, I’ve served takeout food to my kitchen diners, and even when the house was a bit mussed, guests truly didn’t seem to mind folding the laundry while I diced potatoes for the soup.

My goal is to host more strangers, to practice hospitality, to phone more neighbors and say, “Y’all come.”