Making a Choice

    We’ve all faced them.... You are standing in line at Universal Studios and the sign says “Children 9 and younger” get in at a reduced price.  Your daughter just turned 10.  What do you do?  It’s the middle of the night and you pull up to a red light.  You look left, right... nobody.   In fact, there are no headlights to be found anywhere...other than yours.  What do you do?  Run the light or stay put?  Too much change at a convenience store?   An extra zero on your tax return?   

     Our reputation is based on choices such as these.  What may seem like small decisions here or there actually determine many things.  How do we see ourselves?  Are we comfortable with past choices, our morality, or our closeness to God based on what we’ve decided in the past?  How do others see us?  What is our reputation around people that we partner with throughout the day?  Do we set the example... or are we swayed by the popular or selfish thing to do?

Scripture talks about this in the book of Daniel… 

“Then King Darius sent this message to the people of every race and nation and language throughout the world:

   “Peace and prosperity to you!

“I decree that everyone throughout my kingdom should tremble with fear before the God of Daniel.

   For he is the living God,
      and he will endure forever.
   His kingdom will never be destroyed,
      and his rule will never end.”   -  Daniel 6:25-26

Daniel was an advisor to King Darius of the Persians and had an airtight reputation.  Many of the nobles under the king spent a lot of time trying to find flaws in Daniel’s decision making... did he ever compromise what he knew to be right?  Was he disloyal?  Was he reflecting his God or himself?  Did he make the right decision regardless of the cost or did he sell out to selfishness?  They were convinced that Daniel’s reputation couldn’t be that spotless... 

But it was. In fact, King Darius was so impressed with Daniel that he declared to all of his people that they should serve Daniel’s God!  Daniel’s reputation for doing the right thing at all times reflected God’s character!   His choices weren’t always easy...and they cost him in many ways... but he knew that to be a person who honored God, he had to do so in all areas of his life.  You will have many decisions today... and many chances to reflect God in the way you handle them.  Tread with wisdom.  What you choose to do in the small things adds up...and the way others see you (and God) is affected.  

Three Ways

As I was reading through God’s word, I came across this important instruction from the Apostle Paul.  

“So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.”  Ephesians 5:15-17

In this passage of scripture, he gives three distinct ways we are all to live our lives. 

1) We are to live wisely… How do we do this?  We should make choices that follow God’s direction instead of our own.   We need to apply past failures to move us forward into future successes.  We are to surround ourselves with friends who help us in our walk rather than pull us backward.   And finally, spend our time serving and giving to others.  Generosity and a servant’s heart are two pieces of evidence that reveal a life moving in the right direction.

2)  We are to make the most of every opportunity… This includes maximizing our lives.  Eat well, sleep enough, save some money, seek joy over happiness, do something that fulfills us, connect with others, grow, read, etc.  And we do these not for their own sake… but so that we can be prepared when God gives us opportunity to move forward.  There is nothing more unfortunate than something we’ve been praying for coming to light… and not being prepared to seize the chance to make it happen. 

3)  We are to understand and act on what the Lord wants us to do.  What is that?  What is it that God wants  ALL of us to do with our lives?  We talked about it a few days ago.. fulfill the Great Commission as explained in Matthew 28:18-20.  To go out and share the Good News with those that have never heard it…. to be the hands and feet of Christ serving others… to be the living church…. active, loving, and providing for others.  

Paul is telling us to live wisely following God’s example, be prepared for and seize opportunity, and fulfill the Great Commission… are you willing and ready?

Fresh Breath

“Get all the advice and instruction you can,

    so you will be wise the rest of your life.”  Proverbs 19:20

When someone holds out a tin of breath mints to you... what’s the first thing that comes to mind?  If you’re like most people,  you think... “Is my breath that bad?”  In the book, Life’s Little Instruction Book author H. Jackson Brown Jr. says this:  “If someone offers you a breath mint, accept it.”  But why? Why is this such good advice?

Because often we don’t realize what we need.  Sometimes we don’t see things as they are, but as we think they should be.  That’s why Proverbs 19:20 is so important.  It tells us to listen to advice and instruction... because if we do, we’ll become wise.  Surround yourself with people you trust and hear them out (even if you disagree at first).  You’ll find yourself making fewer mistakes (and have much better breath in the process).

Experience

It has been said, “The only thing more painful than learning from experience is not learning from experience.”  A very true statement.  In fact, what we gain from our past is vital to future success.  The Bible calls this wisdom... and it’s not as hard to attain as one might think.  It’s simply a matter of intentionality.  In Proverbs 3, it says: ““Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her.”  

Want more wisdom?  Want to make better decisions?  Rather than just “getting past”  your challenges, briefly go back and look for the lesson in them.  Once you find one... store it away.  You never know when what seems meaningless now will become priceless in a future situation.  Once applied, these bits of wisdom help others and at the same time put meaning and perspective to our trials.  

Keep Watch

In 1911, circus stuntman Bobby Leach, threw himself over Niagara Falls in a steel barrel. Amazingly, he survived the fall. Fifteen years later, Bobby slipped on an orange peel and broke his leg in the fall. When it didn’t heal properly, the leg had to be amputated. Eventually gangrene set in and that simple accident took his life.

Our lives are a lot like this tragic story.   We think all is fine because we survive the monumental challenges.. only to damage ourselves with what we consider to be little issues:  A lingering glance at a person who’s not your spouse... a slightly higher number on a report... a “little white lie” about your past ... all seemingly harmless in their own right.  However, they all lead to the same destructive place.  Proverbs 16:17 tells us “The highway of the upright avoids evil; those who guard their ways preserve their lives.”  If we are going to live to our potential, we must intentionally keep watch for things that will throw us off course both big AND small.  And when we find one, no matter how small and insignificant it may seem, we need to seek God’s guidance and wisdom to avoid it.  

Wisdom

Researchers have concluded that there is more information in a single issue of the New York Times than a citizen in London during Shakespeare’s time would have had access to in a lifetime.  We live in an age with over 600 million websites... billions of facts... and 24 hour access to all of it.  Information is easy to find... but is it something we should dedicate our lives to gathering?  Maybe there’s something more...

Proverbs 4:7 says “Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom.  Though it cost all you have, get understanding.”  The Bible tells us that it’s wisdom, not just facts, that we should pursue.   Information is wonderful... but when it’s acquisition becomes the only goal, it tends to invite pride into our hearts.  When we know more... we sometimes think we’re more valuable or important.  Not so.  Scripture tells us that head knowledge is great but moving it down to the heart and using it to change the world is far better.  Seek wisdom not just facts... and you’ll be well on your way to reaching your God potential.

Meaning

It has been said, “The only thing more painful than learning from experience is not learning from experience.”  A very true statement.  In fact, what we gain from our past is vital to future success.  The Bible calls this wisdom... and it’s not as hard to attain as one might think.  It’s simply a matter of intentionality.  In Proverbs 3, it says: ““Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her.”  

Want more wisdom?  Want to make better decisions?  Rather than just “getting past”  your challenges, briefly go back and look for the lesson in them.  Once you find one... store it away.  You never know when what seems meaningless now will become priceless in a future situation.  Once applied, these bits of wisdom help others and at the same time put meaning and perspective to our trials.  

He Knows

“With your unfailing love you lead the people you have redeemed.

In your might, you guide them to your sacred home.”   -  Exodus 15:13

God is active, engaged, and present in your life.  

He leads those He loves.

He leads the people that know Him as Savior.

He leads them to a better place.

And He loves you.  

He will guide you, provide for you, and strengthen you as you battle through what kept you awake last night. 

There is not one moment of one day that you aren’t on His mind.  

God is love.

God gives love.

And He loves you.

When you need His wisdom...His grace...His peace...His strength...His protection...

He will be there.  Not a second before the perfect time.  You may not feel Him or think He’s there… But at the right moment...when you don’t know where else to turn...

He will intervene.  

And He loves you. 

God loves and protects His own.  You are precious to Him.  And when He steps in... you will be reminded once more of His goodness and unending passion to see His children succeed.  

He knows what’s best for you to do.

He knows the right time.

He knows how to get there.

He knows that you’re hurting.

He knows what it’s like to sacrifice.

He knows every tear you’ve cried.

He knows that blessings are coming.

He knows you.  

And He loves you. 

Sell Out

Just when you think your day is bad... think of Ronald Wayne...one of three co-founders of Apple Computers.  In 1976, he sold his 10% share of the company for $800.  In addition, he waived his rights to any part of the company for an additional $1500.  As of this writing today, Apple Computers is one of the most valuable companies in the world.  Estimated worth?  Around $600 billlion.  In today’s market, that 10% share of Apple would be worth around $60 billion dollars.  

At first glance, we see Ronald Wayne as foolish.  He could have had so much more... but he sold out... and lost.   But let’s not be so quick to judge...

Fact is... so many people do the same thing with something far more valuable...

Let’s take a look at Matthew 16:26:

“For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life? Or what shall a man give in return for his life?”

Instead of cashing out stock options and benefits like Ronald... people sell out the most precious thing they have:  themselves.   

They compromise their integrity to fit into a crowd...

Ignore Biblical wisdom for temporary pleasure...

Follow their own way instead of following the direction of Christ...

Try to earn Heaven instead of asking Jesus into their hearts...

Seek the applause of peers over Heavenly cheers...

Ronald Wayne only lost money.  So many people lose themselves.  They live their entire lives focused on climbing the ladder of success... only to find it leaning against the wrong wall.   They sacrifice their eternity at the altar of ego.  And in the end...when it’s all over...they tragically spend forever separated from their Creator.  Their once-important treasure left behind on Earth... inaccessible and useless. 

The objective of a Godly life isn’t to acquire possessions, fame, or fortune.  If we get them...great!  But keep in mind that those things aren’t the goal... they are simply tools to leverage and be used to bring people closer to Jesus Christ!  We’ve been given a precious soul...everything we are...to make a difference for God while we’re here on Earth. Value it.  Don’t vend it to the highest bidder or swap it for the short-lived.   The world will offer you tempting trades... but only give your life... your soul... to the One who knit it together.   God has a great plan for you... don’t sell-out to anything less.

Easter Week - Tuesday

     Yesterday we started our journey through Holy Week by looking at what Jesus did on both Palm Sunday and the following Monday.   Quite an amazing transformation in just 24 hours!  The Israelites went from laying down palms at the feet of His donkey to breaking His heart by money-changing inside the temple.  What appeared to be celebratory was not... the people of Jerusalem were patting Him on the back in public while many were plotting behind the scenes to speed up His demise.  What I love about Jesus is that He knew this was going on... yet continued to bravely do ministry in the face of it.  

He could hear the footsteps of His coming crucifixion but He never took His eyes off of His purpose.

On Tuesday of that same week, Jesus continued revealing the true intentions of those He came into contact with.  This time, He was tested with a series of questions.  Those that stood against Jesus were constantly trying to catch Him in a lie...or to cause Him to sin.  Here are a few of the questions they asked Jesus on Tuesday:

Q:  Who gave you the authority to do what you do? 

A:  “He answered them,

“I also will ask you a question. Now tell me, was the baptism of John from heaven or from man?”

And they discussed it with one another, saying,

“If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Why did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘From man,’ all the people will stone us to death, for they are convinced that John was a prophet.”

So they answered that they did not know where it came from.

And Jesus said to them,

“Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”  - Luke 20:3-8

Q:  Should we pay taxes to Caesar or not?

A:  “But he perceived their craftiness, and said to them, “Show me a denarius. Whose likeness and inscription does it have?”  They said, “Caesar’s.”  He said to them,

“Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

And they were not able in the presence of the people to catch him in what he said, but marveling at his answer they became silent.” - Luke 20:23-26

I love that.... they tried to catch Jesus in a trap... He left them speechless with His wisdom!  They weren’t done... but each question the people asked, Jesus gave them a flawless and holy answer...

But Jesus‘ Tuesday wasn’t over... He had yet more wisdom to share with the people...

As they exited the temple, the Disciples were marveling at their beauty. Jesus takes this opportunity to share some more incredible facts with them.  Here’s a quick list:

(from Matthew 24:1-25:46)

All of the beautiful temples would fall.

There would be many false prophets pretending to be the returning Christ

Those that follow Christ would be persecuted for His name’s sake

No one except the Father knows the exact date and time of Jesus‘ return

Be ready for the Son of Man will come at an hour you don’t expect

People will be separated like sheep and goats (believers and non-believers)

This lengthy passage is known as the Olivet Discourse by scholars and I recommend that you read it in its entirety.   Jesus continued to use parable to illustrate complicated concepts to His detractors... never once slipping... never once sinning.  Christ would be dead in just a few days and He knew it.   Yet He spent his last week pouring into the people who would mock and torture Him.  

They would try to silence Him forever. 

God had other plans.  

The resurrection is coming…  Praise God for His goodness and sacrifice today…

Wisdom

Researchers have concluded that there is more information in a single issue of the New York Times than a citizen in London during Shakespeare’s time would have had access to in a lifetime.  We live in an age with over 600 million websites... billions of facts... and 24 hour access to all of it.  Information is easy to find... but is it something we should dedicate our lives to gathering?  Maybe there’s something more...

Proverbs 4:7 says “Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom.  Though it cost all you have, get understanding.”  The Bible tells us that it’s wisdom, not just facts, that we should pursue.   Information is wonderful... but when it’s acquisition becomes the only goal, it tends to invite pride into our hearts.  When we know more... we sometimes think we’re more valuable or important.  Not so.  Scripture tells us that head knowledge is great but moving it down to the heart and using it to change the world is far better.  Seek wisdom not just facts... and you’ll be well on your way to reaching your God potential.

Experience

It has been said, “The only thing more painful than learning from experience is not learning from experience.”  A very true statement.  In fact, what we gain from our past is vital to future success.  The Bible calls this Wisdom... and it’s not as hard to attain as one might think.  It’s simply a matter of intentionality.  In Proverbs 3, it says: ““Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her.”  

Want more wisdom?  Want to make better decisions?  Rather than just “getting past”  your challenges, briefly go back and look for the lesson in them.  Once you find one... store it away.  You never know when what seems meaningless now will become priceless in a future situation.  Once applied, these bits of wisdom help others and at the same time put meaning and perspective to our trials.  

A Long Life

A pencil (remember those...) with a hard lead will write about 30,000 words or draw a line 30 miles long before wearing out.  A 100 watt light bulb will burn about 750 hours before it is done for good.  That one dollar bill in your pocket?  It will circulate for about 18 months before it has to be destroyed.   It seems that nothing lasts forever... even us.  The average lifespan for a human being?  78.3 years.

Everything wears out.  But did you know that the Bible gives us several ways to lengthen our lives?  The first way is to fear God.  Psalm 34:11 and Proverbs 9:11 tell us that fearing the Lord leads to wisdom... and that wisdom helps us to live longer.  The second way?  Live obediently.  Deuteronomy 4:40 says that if we obey all of God’s commands... we will live a long life.  The last way to lengthen our life?  Honor our parents.  Exodus 20:12 gives us that insight.  Let’s not waste our time searching for the fountain of youth... everything we need is in God’s word... and when we follow it, He promises to give us more heartbeats to be with those we love.  

Wisdom and Knowledge

Researchers have concluded that there is more information in a single issue of the New York Times than a citizen in London during Shakespeare’s time would have had access to in a lifetime. We live in an age with over 600 million websites... billions of facts... and 24 hour access to all of it. Information is easy to find... but is it something we should dedicate our lives to gathering? Maybe there’s something more...

Proverbs 4:7 says “Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” The Bible tells us that it’s wisdom, not just facts, that we should pursue. Information is wonderful... but when it’s acquisition becomes the only goal, it tends to invite pride into our hearts. When we know more... we sometimes think we’re more valuable or important. Not so. Scripture tells us that head knowledge is great but moving it down to the heart and using it to change the world is far better. Seek wisdom not just facts... and you’ll be well on your way to reaching your God potential.

Tree

Nature enthusiast, Ilan Shamir wrote a wonderful passage called “Advice from a Tree.”

Stand up tall and proud.  Sink your roots into the earth.

Be content with your natural beauty.  Go out on a limb.

Drink plenty of water. Remember your roots.

Enjoy the view!

Looking through these words of wisdom, I can’t help but see the Biblical parallels.  God has called each of us to live confident lives.. to stand tall in Him.  And as we read His word and begin to grow deeper roots in the truth... we begin to see ourselves in a new light.  We are masterpieces already...right now... the best God can do.  We’ve been created intentionally...to live confidently...to see life as a series of learning experiences even in times of trial and failure.  He is the Living Water... and when we drink in the magnitude of His perfection...and accept His sacrifice on our behalf... our eternity is secure.  We were put here to give glory to Him.  To honor Him.  And when we accomplish what we’ve been sent here for... we’ll prayerfully hear the words from the One who sent us... “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”  

I don’t know what you are going through as you listen to this... but I know God does.   He cares.  And He’s never going to leave your side through a second of it.  Stay strong as an oak, as flexible as a palm, and know that your best days are just ahead.  I’m praying for you..  

Self-Help

Throughout history, people have tried thousands of ways to improve themselves. Some are philosophical, some religious, and others scientific. After 2000 years of self-help, those ways can be boiled down to three common themes. The first.. if we want to change... we have to alter our surroundings. Just being in a different space can improve our outlook about ourselves and others. The next is to watch ourselves carefully. When we keep track of what we say and do, we increase awareness of what’s not working and can make the necessary shifts. Finally, the third most commonly used self-help tactic is accountability. When we partner with others, and ask them to point out what needs fixing, we are more likely to make the adjustments and improve our lives.

It’s no wonder why these seem to be the ways that work the best... they are Biblical! Proverbs 4:14 tells us to watch where we hang out... “Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men”. Lamentations 3:4 challenges us to watch ourselves at all times...”Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the LORD” Finally, Galatians 6:1 tells us to set up accountability so that we can become self-aware. “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted” Feeling the need to make some positive changes? Don’t turn to the huge self-help section in your local bookstore... open the cover of the book you spend time with each morning...the Bible! God’s word is filled with wisdom to help us keep good company, see ourselves accurately, and include others in our walk as we work at becoming who God created us to be.

The Great Commitment

Christian author, Lee Strobel, in his book The Case for Faith, talks about a sign on the door of his office. It’s a picture of two turtles. One says, “Sometimes I’d like to ask why God allows poverty, famine, and injustice when He could do something about it.” Next to him, the other turtle replies, “I’m afraid God might ask me the same question.”

So many question God’s motives... and silently they sit and wait on Him to do something about the problems in the world. They tweet about God’s apathy... and post Instagram photos depicting starving children with the caption “Where’s God?” All the while, the situation could be that He is waiting for us to act. Time and time again in scripture, we are told to go out and change the world... to make a difference... to be the salt and light in the darkness. We are charged to live unselfishly with convicted hearts filled with love and generosity. We are knitted together to be world-changers not critics... difference-makers and not judges. And all the while God promises to equip us with opportunity, wisdom, and the right words at the right time without fail. Let’s commit to spend less time complaining about the world and more time living out God’s commission for it.