A lot of people make a living advising others on how to invest their money. Most of them are very good at what they do in helping people invest wisely. Their livelihood is completely dependent on analyzing risk and advising their clients accordingly. Yet I seriously doubt that even the best of them knew what was going to happen to the stock market before it fell in 2008. Investors who hire the best financial advisers still lose a lot of money when the market turns south.
Thankfully, there is an investment strategy that does guarantee future reward. It is not subject to market conditions. It's earnings aren't eroded by taxes and inflation. Jesus said: Do not lay up for yourselves treasure on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasure in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal (Matthew 6:19-20). Laying up treasure in heaven means investing in God's Kingdom here on earth. It means being an active participant in his purpose and plan as revealed in Scripture. It means meeting human need in a way that shows others the love of Christ. It means using the gifts and talents that God has given to you for his honor and glory.
Most investment advise---even the best---comes with a qualifier such as "past performance doesn't guarantee future earnings." But God's guarantees reward for our faithfulness to him (Hebrews 11:6); regardless of market conditions.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
All and Some
One of the most important things we can do for God's Kingdom is to try and reach as many different people as we can with the Gospel. In 1 Corinthians 9:19-23, the Apostle Paul relates how he did everything he could to connect to those around him with the hope of reaching them for Christ. In verse 23, he says: I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.
Paul wasn't talking about compromising his beliefs or God's truth. He wasn't trying to blend into any culture by keeping his faith hidden. He was talking about engaging people of different ethnic backgrounds in a way they could understand and appreciate. He was talking about meeting human need the same way his Savior did. If we only interact with people of the same race, the same age, the same occupation, the same demographic background and the same economic status; we have completely missed the truth that Jesus died for the sins of all.
The desire to have this type of impact for God's Kingdom requires looking out for the needs of others---I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them (v. 19). It recognizes the urgency of sharing the Gospel---Woe to me if do not preach the Gospel! (v. 16). It understands that our eternal hope is best shared with as many as possible---I do it all for the sake of the Gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings (v. 23).
Paul wasn't talking about compromising his beliefs or God's truth. He wasn't trying to blend into any culture by keeping his faith hidden. He was talking about engaging people of different ethnic backgrounds in a way they could understand and appreciate. He was talking about meeting human need the same way his Savior did. If we only interact with people of the same race, the same age, the same occupation, the same demographic background and the same economic status; we have completely missed the truth that Jesus died for the sins of all.
The desire to have this type of impact for God's Kingdom requires looking out for the needs of others---I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them (v. 19). It recognizes the urgency of sharing the Gospel---Woe to me if do not preach the Gospel! (v. 16). It understands that our eternal hope is best shared with as many as possible---I do it all for the sake of the Gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings (v. 23).
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Are You a Martha?
If someone asked you the question: "Are you a Martha?", you'd probably think they were crazy. How could a man even consider answering yes to a question like that? That question is completely ridiculous. Or is it?
In Luke 10:38-42, Jesus came to visit his friend Lazarus and his sisters Mary and Martha. While Mary eagerly awaited to see Jesus and hear what he had to teach them, Martha was too busy preparing food to stop and spend time with Jesus. Martha got so frustrated that she voiced her displeasure to Jesus (v.40), who gently rebuked her and reminded her that Mary had her priorities right in choosing to spend time with him (v.41). Jesus said: but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her (v.42).
Let's be honest. How often are we too busy and too hurried to stop and spend time with our Lord and Savior? Do we get so wrapped-up in our own priorities and personal to-do lists that we miss His still, small voice? Are we so consumed with the minute details of our lives that we ignore the big picture of the eternal Kingdom?
We may be more like Martha than we want to admit.
In Luke 10:38-42, Jesus came to visit his friend Lazarus and his sisters Mary and Martha. While Mary eagerly awaited to see Jesus and hear what he had to teach them, Martha was too busy preparing food to stop and spend time with Jesus. Martha got so frustrated that she voiced her displeasure to Jesus (v.40), who gently rebuked her and reminded her that Mary had her priorities right in choosing to spend time with him (v.41). Jesus said: but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her (v.42).
Let's be honest. How often are we too busy and too hurried to stop and spend time with our Lord and Savior? Do we get so wrapped-up in our own priorities and personal to-do lists that we miss His still, small voice? Are we so consumed with the minute details of our lives that we ignore the big picture of the eternal Kingdom?
We may be more like Martha than we want to admit.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Winning Since 33 A.D.
I recently came across a rather disturbing poster that was titled "Atheists: Winning Since 33 A.D." This poster had a quote from the ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus: "Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is not omnipotent. Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent. Is he both able and willing? Then whence cometh evil? Is he neither able or willing? Then why call him God?"
Vain philosophy such as this always fails to recognize the sovereignty of God and tries to define Him in flawed and limited human terms. The question that the allegedly brilliant Epicurus couldn't answer---Then whence cometh evil?---speaks volumes about the problem with all other belief systems. Until you recognize that all evil comes from the heart of sinful man; who was created in God's image but also given a free-will that has the capacity to choose good or evil, then you will continually struggle to understand the goodness of God.
This poster did get one thing right. There was a victory and somebody did win in 33 A.D. Our Lord Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay our sin debt and rose from the grave to defeat death forever. All who claim Him as Savior and worship the One True God share with Him the eternal victory.
Vain philosophy such as this always fails to recognize the sovereignty of God and tries to define Him in flawed and limited human terms. The question that the allegedly brilliant Epicurus couldn't answer---Then whence cometh evil?---speaks volumes about the problem with all other belief systems. Until you recognize that all evil comes from the heart of sinful man; who was created in God's image but also given a free-will that has the capacity to choose good or evil, then you will continually struggle to understand the goodness of God.
This poster did get one thing right. There was a victory and somebody did win in 33 A.D. Our Lord Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay our sin debt and rose from the grave to defeat death forever. All who claim Him as Savior and worship the One True God share with Him the eternal victory.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
The Downward Spiral of Sin
Paul laid out some powerful truths about the corrosive effect of sin in his letter to the church in Rome. In Romans 1:21-32, we see the progressive erosion of character caused by unconfessed sin. A progression that can cause people to stray so far from the truth that they actually hate God and encourage others to as well.
Verse 21 shows that the starting point of the downward spiral is failure to give God the glory he deserves. Lack of fellowship with our Heavenly Father and failure to feed on God's Word allows our thinking to become poisoned with Satan's lies. Our hearts begin to darken. We then try and create God into our own image (v.23) and we begin to pursue things outside of His will. Now the downward spiral picks up speed and we open ourselves up to every kind of wickedness at our disposal (v.24-31). Notice how God doesn't cause this steady progression toward evil; but when people reject him, he allows them to live as they choose and experience the natural consequences of their sin (v.24, 26, 28). People who reject God's ways in the name of personal freedom now become slaves to sin.
These verses penned nearly 2000 years ago are just as true today as they were in Paul's time. Unconfessed sin is a steady downward spiral that leads to death and destruction. But praise God that through his grace and his mercy, we have a way back to Him through the shed blood of Jesus Christ.
Verse 21 shows that the starting point of the downward spiral is failure to give God the glory he deserves. Lack of fellowship with our Heavenly Father and failure to feed on God's Word allows our thinking to become poisoned with Satan's lies. Our hearts begin to darken. We then try and create God into our own image (v.23) and we begin to pursue things outside of His will. Now the downward spiral picks up speed and we open ourselves up to every kind of wickedness at our disposal (v.24-31). Notice how God doesn't cause this steady progression toward evil; but when people reject him, he allows them to live as they choose and experience the natural consequences of their sin (v.24, 26, 28). People who reject God's ways in the name of personal freedom now become slaves to sin.
These verses penned nearly 2000 years ago are just as true today as they were in Paul's time. Unconfessed sin is a steady downward spiral that leads to death and destruction. But praise God that through his grace and his mercy, we have a way back to Him through the shed blood of Jesus Christ.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
What Faith Can Do
Hebrews 11 is often referred to as the faith chapter and for good reason. Verse 1 gives us the definition of faith: Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Faith involves being sure and certain of our hope in God's promises. The very next verse tells us that though faith God rewards his people. Knowing that faithfulness is more important to our Heavenly Father than our abilities or our achievements should be a great source of comfort to God's men.
The benefits of faith are immeasurable. It gives us the strength to do what God asks; even when it involves moving out of our comfort zone. It allows us to trust God regardless of our circumstances or the resulting consequences. It gives us a common bond with other believers who also have faith in God and can help strengthen and encourage us. It allows us to look beyond our world and our current situations and view things from God's eternal perspective; recognizing that God blesses us here and now but even more so in eternity.
The remainder of the Hebrews 11 details many different individuals who accomplished great things for God and they all had one thing in common: They believed in God's character and they believed in God's promises; even when they couldn't see those promises materializing. And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him (v.6).
The benefits of faith are immeasurable. It gives us the strength to do what God asks; even when it involves moving out of our comfort zone. It allows us to trust God regardless of our circumstances or the resulting consequences. It gives us a common bond with other believers who also have faith in God and can help strengthen and encourage us. It allows us to look beyond our world and our current situations and view things from God's eternal perspective; recognizing that God blesses us here and now but even more so in eternity.
The remainder of the Hebrews 11 details many different individuals who accomplished great things for God and they all had one thing in common: They believed in God's character and they believed in God's promises; even when they couldn't see those promises materializing. And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him (v.6).
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Spiritual Maturity
The Jewish Christians probably struggled as much as any New Testament body of believers. Their belief structure--rooted in Judaism--hung onto age-old traditions and maintaining the Law; making it difficult for them to grow in grace that comes only through faith in Jesus Christ. The combination of staying in their comfort zones of Jewish traditions and trying to blend in with their culture actually made them spiritually immature and unable to discern truth.
Check out this admonishment: For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil (Hebrews 5:12-14). Sometimes our lack of spiritual maturity can result in us buying in to false doctrine and needing to go all the way back to the basic fundamentals of faith to get back on track.
Just as we expect to grow physically from being children to becoming adults, we need to grow spiritually by exercising our faith and becoming skilled in the knowledge of God's Word. Then--and only then--can we effectively build discernment and train our consciences, our senses, our minds and our bodies to distinguish good from evil and sound doctrine from our enemy's lies. Our spiritual growth allows us to feast on the solid food of a deeper knowledge of God.
Check out this admonishment: For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil (Hebrews 5:12-14). Sometimes our lack of spiritual maturity can result in us buying in to false doctrine and needing to go all the way back to the basic fundamentals of faith to get back on track.
Just as we expect to grow physically from being children to becoming adults, we need to grow spiritually by exercising our faith and becoming skilled in the knowledge of God's Word. Then--and only then--can we effectively build discernment and train our consciences, our senses, our minds and our bodies to distinguish good from evil and sound doctrine from our enemy's lies. Our spiritual growth allows us to feast on the solid food of a deeper knowledge of God.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
A Woman to be Praised
I find it interesting that in the book of Proverbs---a book known for sound, practical advice on day-to-day living---the final chapter ends with an acrostic poem about the excellence of a woman (31:10-31). For God's men, Solomon--in pouring out godly wisdom--may have indeed left the best for last. It is an appropriate read today as we honor our mothers and our wives (who are likely also mothers).
It begins with a mention of the woman's excellence (v.10), which is fitting as excellence runs throughout the description of her character and diligence. The woman is devoted to the well-being of her entire household (v.11-13, 15, 17, 19, 21-22, 25, 27), she is involved in outside economic concerns (v.14, 16, 18, 24), she is generous to the needs of others (v.20) and she passes on her wisdom to her children (v.26). Talk about multi-tasking! The result of all of this is that her husband and family honor and cherish her (v.11-12, 23, 28-29). She is far more precious than jewels (v.10), many have done excellently, but you surpass them all (v.29), a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised (v.30).
This overwhelmingly extensive list of qualities is not to be used as a measuring stick, but rather a recognition of the many ways that our wives and mothers bless us each and every day. It is a fitting reminder of the multitiude of things that they do and do well; often for the benefit of others. As we honor them today (and hopefully each and every day), let us remember and give thanks to God for the wonderful gift he has given us.
It begins with a mention of the woman's excellence (v.10), which is fitting as excellence runs throughout the description of her character and diligence. The woman is devoted to the well-being of her entire household (v.11-13, 15, 17, 19, 21-22, 25, 27), she is involved in outside economic concerns (v.14, 16, 18, 24), she is generous to the needs of others (v.20) and she passes on her wisdom to her children (v.26). Talk about multi-tasking! The result of all of this is that her husband and family honor and cherish her (v.11-12, 23, 28-29). She is far more precious than jewels (v.10), many have done excellently, but you surpass them all (v.29), a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised (v.30).
This overwhelmingly extensive list of qualities is not to be used as a measuring stick, but rather a recognition of the many ways that our wives and mothers bless us each and every day. It is a fitting reminder of the multitiude of things that they do and do well; often for the benefit of others. As we honor them today (and hopefully each and every day), let us remember and give thanks to God for the wonderful gift he has given us.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
A Work in Progress
Many sayings and cliches that are bantered around have a spiritual element to them, yet sadly most are completely false. One that does ring true comes to mind: "Be patient, God isn't finished with me yet." This is a truth that we may not always completely embrace, yet it is cause for great praise.
Hebrews 10:14 says, for by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. Two very powerful things happen here. As believers in the person of Jesus Christ, we have been made perfect for all time in God's sight through his Son's shed blood on the cross and resurrection from the dead. At the same time, he is sanctifying us; daily cleansing us and conforming us into Christ's image and setting us apart for a place in his Kingdom. We truly are God's work in progress.
We should never be surprised, ashamed or confused by the fact that we still need to grow. God is not finished with us, nor will he be until Christ returns or calls us home. And thankfully, He is abundantly patient with us. We can encourage this growth process by staying connected to God through prayer, by applying His Word to all areas of our lives, by accepting the guidance he provides and by giving him control of our desires and plans.
Hebrews 10:14 says, for by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. Two very powerful things happen here. As believers in the person of Jesus Christ, we have been made perfect for all time in God's sight through his Son's shed blood on the cross and resurrection from the dead. At the same time, he is sanctifying us; daily cleansing us and conforming us into Christ's image and setting us apart for a place in his Kingdom. We truly are God's work in progress.
We should never be surprised, ashamed or confused by the fact that we still need to grow. God is not finished with us, nor will he be until Christ returns or calls us home. And thankfully, He is abundantly patient with us. We can encourage this growth process by staying connected to God through prayer, by applying His Word to all areas of our lives, by accepting the guidance he provides and by giving him control of our desires and plans.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
An Audience of One
My friends at Delaware Christian Athletes have a terrific motto: Perform for an audience of One. Their motto should be the personal mantra of everyone who calls Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior. When you think about it, everyone has a motivation for everything that they do. Personal gain, prestige, comfort, security, recognition and self-satisfaction can drive most every decision we make.
Performing for an audience of One ensures that our motivation lies exactly where it should. Colossians 3:17 says: And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Honesty, integrity, perseverance and giving our best effort are always our hallmarks when we work as if we are working for God and not for man. Our audience of One would have us do things that enhance his Kingdom, that meet the needs of others and show them the light of Christ. Our audience of One would have us maintain the right balance so that in our quest to achieve, we don't lose sight of the priority that God and our families should be in our lives.
Throughout my working career, I have received several awards, certificates of achievement and commendations. While it is nice to be recognized, I realize that none of these accolades have any eternal significance and the vast majority of them are now occupying a landfill somewhere. Performing for an audience of One means that He, not I, receives the honor and glory and that the rewards I receive from Him will be significant and eternal.
Performing for an audience of One ensures that our motivation lies exactly where it should. Colossians 3:17 says: And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Honesty, integrity, perseverance and giving our best effort are always our hallmarks when we work as if we are working for God and not for man. Our audience of One would have us do things that enhance his Kingdom, that meet the needs of others and show them the light of Christ. Our audience of One would have us maintain the right balance so that in our quest to achieve, we don't lose sight of the priority that God and our families should be in our lives.
Throughout my working career, I have received several awards, certificates of achievement and commendations. While it is nice to be recognized, I realize that none of these accolades have any eternal significance and the vast majority of them are now occupying a landfill somewhere. Performing for an audience of One means that He, not I, receives the honor and glory and that the rewards I receive from Him will be significant and eternal.
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