Fill the Gaps - The Entitlement Trap

As I stepped carefully over puddles and half sidewalks, I could see the smiles coming from through doors and windows. Children came up to us. Parents waved as they held babies. Chickens, dogs, even cows at times roamed the streets, grazing through trash and mud. Barbed wire twisted around some houses, while other houses stood barely held together by sheets of scrap metal and cement blocks. I saw children laughing and playing as they flew plastic bag kites and pulled a milk carton car along the road. Some rolled bike tires down the hills, like it was the best thing ever. I used to ask why does everyone seem so happy here? Maybe it's a front or a face, but there is a genuine way of life that shows contentment as I walk through the village in the Dominican Republic. True, deep contentment. And I finally realized that entitlement is the factor. There is an epidemic of entitlement that runs rampant in America, even with the best of intentions.

Entitlement robs you of contentment. It doesn't take long if you are watching TV, listening to a radio, or walking through a store to realize that our culture and media urges us to think we "deserve" it. Even if you didn't want it before, you find yourself saying, "yeah...maybe I do deserve a (truck, vacation, new house, phone, etc.)" We fail to see what we have all of the sudden and realize we are more wealthy than much of the world we live in already.  Entitlement has you looking at what everyone else has, rather that what you have. Entitlement has you thinking you deserve when in reality we all deserve nothing. As Lecrae's song "Boasting" goes: "Tomorrow's never promised, but it is we swear. Think we're holding our own, just a fist full of air. God has never been obligated to give us life, if we fought for our rights, we'd be in hell tonight. Mere sinners owed nothing but a fierce hand. We never loved Him, we pushed away His pierced hands."

Entitlement says, "I deserve." We were created by an almighty God who can give us what we need when we need it. He gave us exactly what we need to live the best life now and the eternal life after this life, we only need to accept it. We entered this world with nothing, and we can take nothing out of it either. (1 Timothy 6:7)
"I don't deserve bad health."
"I deserve to be noticed."
"I deserve a raise."
"I deserve a better job."
"I deserve to be heard."
"I deserve to go first."
"My kid deserves the best."

We feed this mentality as a culture as soon as our kids are out of the womb. The truth is, our kids don't deserve everything, but sometimes they get everything. The truth is, we don't deserve bad health, but sometimes we're handed that card. We don't deserve anything but condemnation as we stumble around a perfect God. It's harsh, but it's truth. If we don't grasp it, we will be surprised indeed once we reach eternity.

Does this mean we beat ourselves up? Not at all. It means we stop expecting, and we start being grateful. As we continue to look to our model for this series, Ruth, we have seen how much she didn't expect, but showed complete gratitude to her mother in law and to Boaz. She came to this foreign land with Naomi, knowing full well she probably wouldn't have a future there, and started out working hard for her means, and for Naomi's means. She humbled herself to Boaz and showed gratitude for his favor. Ruth didn't expect a single thing. She found contentment.

Furthermore, Ruth's situation was one that anyone had the "right" to be discontented with. Widowed, no signs of a future, and forced to work harder to make a life. There is a good reason Naomi changed her name to Mara (meaning bitter), as Naomi displayed this emotion. And then when Boaz tells Ruth that she needs to wait for him to do the right thing and find a way to marry her legally. As exciting as this is, Ruth was content with this. Whether it worked out or not, she waited.

How do we get by entitlement and the sense of deserving everything in our time, and embrace contentment and gratitude?

Stop asking what people can do for you, and start asking what you can do for them. A huge part of realizing what you have is giving what you have to offer. God's perfect plan is worked into our gifts, talents, skills, resources. When we give, without expecting anything back, we find contentment indeed.

Count your blessings. Sure, your budget isn't as big as the Jones', but you can still get by. Your kids probably have toys that aren't only milk carton cars, but ones you step on every day. Maybe your health is terrible, but you still find joy in the small things that God places before you and you have a different appreciation for life because you know how precious each day is. You may feel like you have nothing, but you have people. You may believe no one is there, but God is, and if you've accepted His grace and gift, you have a gift that will never be taken away. There is always something to be thankful for, and if you can't find one, keep looking.

Let's change the norm in America and fill our gaps with Jesus, not with things we wish we had. Nothing will satisfy more than He.

Scripture to Read:
2 Kings 5:11, Philippians 2:3

Questions to Ponder:
How does entitlement cause us to completely miss seeing grace in our lives?
In 2 Kings we read about Naaman expecting to be healed. How does his attitude reflect one of entitlement and discontentment? What might he be missing in God's plan?
How does not expecting from others help you embrace contentment?

Agape Love - Protects

When I became a mother, something changed. Not only the fact that I had a colicky, screaming baby in the house, but the fact that my instincts became more...is "fierce" a strong enough word? I gained a mama-bear drive that hasn't yet left to this day, as we look ahead to her turning five. I hear that never goes away and that one day when she's a teenager, it will drive her crazy. But the day she came home and told me a kid wasn't nice to her at school stirred up all sorts of emotions for me. Mama-bear wanted to go give that kid a piece of my mind, but mama-bear also just wanted to hold my daughter and let her know the kids who aren't nice to her shouldn't matter in her life. How do we embrace this agape trait of protection?

Protect others. We can agape people by protecting them when they can be/should be protected. There is a lot to be said when someone says "I've got your back." It shows innumerable amounts of love to that person. Not only does the person feel like they have a place to belong, but they also have people to do life with. How do we protect people? Consider a few things:

By taking your own blame. When you are in question, and you know you've screwed up, don't throw anyone under the bus, but yourself. Nothing says I devalue you more than blaming someone that was not at fault for your mistake.

By standing up for them. This not only goes for the injustices of the world, like human trafficking and slavery, but this is important in our everyday exchanges. If someone is gossiping about someone, stick up for the person they are gossiping about. I'm sure if there was dirt going around about you, you would want the same dousing going on for the rumors flying around. Even if you know the rumors are true, they are not warranted without the person there.

By providing to the ones you committed to. If you are wearing a wedding ring, you better be protecting the one who gave you that ring. If you gave someone a wedding ring, you better be protecting the one you gave it to. If you brought a child into this world, you better be providing for that child in every aspect they need provision for, even in faith.

By respecting them. The word "respect" is one that gets thrown around a lot by people today, even by people who don't show it. However, we lose sight of the fact that God loves even the ones who don't love Him, and we are called to love them too. This may look like not taken advantage of another person. They may look like seeing potential in someone even if you don't agree with what they are doing now. This may look like allowing opinions to be just opinions, not reasons to hate each other.

1 Peter 2:13-17
"Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and commend those who do right. For it is God's will that by doing good, you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God's slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor." 
By protecting their faith or potential faith.

We see the examples of when Jesus protected others, even when everyone was thinking the person was wrong. Zacchaeus, the woman caught in adultery, the woman who spilled the perfume on His feet. Jesus displayed a protection over people that was so incredible and surprising.

Respect yourself. As God's chosen masterpiece, you need to look at the potential He sees in you. Ephesians 2:10 tells us that we are HIS workmanship, created in Christ to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. If you really stop and consider yourself for a moment, you could see all the pieces God put together in you to bring about something much bigger than what is going on in your life today. If it's one thing I'm learned through the storms and waves of this life, it is those storms actually made me prepared for what was ahead. God wants you to remember how treasured you are in His eyes. The plans He has for you are great, but you need to look past the negative feelings you have for yourself today. Don't allow anyone to take advantage of you or your gifts - your God-given, delicately planned out gifts.

Agape always protects. Some versions say Love (agape) bears all things. When we really dig to the roots of what this is saying, we'll find that love covers or roofs, placing protection over. Or it covers in silence - not as an accomplice, but as a protector for one with faults. In other words, it doesn't walk around boasting about someone's short comings. How are you protecting others and yourself?

Scripture to Read:
1 Peter 2:13-17, Ephesians 2:10

Questions to Ponder:
What is one of the traits of respecting others you would like to work on?
Why should be respect others? How is this a way of "protecting"?
How do you need to protect yourself? Why is it important to do so?

Agape Love - Self(-Seeking) Destruct

The hardest parts of working on a team is people. I've been a part of so many teams, committees, ministries, crews, groups, etc. and I have learned many things about how it's going to go just by looking at the people around me and how receptive they are to new ideas. I've also learned how it's going to go by how receptive I am to new ideas. I've been a part of teams that thrive and move in powerful ways because every person on the team knew how to set aside something they found valuable for the greater good of the mission/project. I've also been in groups that were just painful because no one listened to anything except their own words and ideas and the group went absolutely nowhere, and was frankly a train wreck that looked horrible once rubber met the road. The success or failure of these two types of groups stemmed from the next characteristic of agape love, which is "love...is not self-seeking". 

Not only does this character trait of agape affect teams, but it affects your life and your relationships on a very personal level. From social media rants to your marriage, selfishness is a poison that needs to be kept in check. There are many things we need to remember as we approach working with other people, whether we are face to face with them, through screens, or on teams so that the relationships can thrive best. As we look deeper at this concept of love not being self-seeking, we'll discover that many of the other traits we've talked about will come into play, as they all work together to form the perfect love of agape. 

One way we need to keep self-seeking in check is by setting aside our own opinions, ideas, traditions, etc. so that we can allow those who aren't from your world to see more clearly. It seems counter-intuitive. After all, why would you not share those things to help them understand more clearly. But we need to remember that good things, while truth-filled, can actually end up being stumbling blocks for those new to the whole idea of faith or the idea of whatever group/team you're apart of. We tend to blast people who aren't in tune with Christian customs or the ways of the group, and that causes much more damage than you could ever imagine.

Parts of Romans 14 says,
"Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters...for God has accepted them. Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand...For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us doe for ourselves alone. If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord...You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God's judgement seat...Therefore let us stop passing judgement on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister...For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval. Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food...So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God."

Next, remember to ask God for His opinion. I think we spend a lot of time planning, formulating ideas and thoughts and opinions, and while they "sound" good or seem right, we don't actually always stop and ask God to tell us His thoughts in that moment. We may look up a verse that "agrees" with our point, but we don't necessarily look at the entire context of the Word, thus we make the verse "fit" our point, which is self-seeking. If we really wanted God's approval on things, we go to Him first, in prayer, in quietness, in word (as a whole), and in the consultation of other wise followers of His.

We set aside worldly "rights" and "opinions" for the greater good of the heavenly kingdom. I think lately our world (maybe just our country) has become so wrapped up in what are my "rights" and standing up for them, that we forget that earthly rights are worth nothing in an eternal perspective. These formulated "rights" may sound good and fair and seem, well, right, but those too can be a very blinding perspective of self-seeking love.

Galatians 5:13-15 states
"You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself." If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other." 

Don't always look to your best interest in this world or your rights, because those will fall eventually, and won't matter. The best thing you can do for yourself and for others is to share a Hope that is immovable, and a love that will start someone in the process of seeing something greater, more powerful, stronger, more lasting than anything else in this world can offer them. Look beyond tomorrow and what this world has to offer for you, and look ahead to an eternity and what needs to happen to get people needing that hope there. Our self-seeking will hinder these things if we are not careful.

Scripture to Read:
Romans 14, Luke 10:25-37

Questions to Ponder:
How can doing "good things" end up not being that good after all for others around you that you interact with?
What are some ways our thinking we're doing good things for Christ actually be a stumbling block or a "push away" to others?
What are some practical ways you can show selfless love to someone this week?

Agape Love - Set Aside the Pride

I hate asking for help, but then get frustrated when no one helps me accomplish something that should be a team effort. I hate asking for help because I feel like every piece of me is weak and it shows hard. Asking for help would be the next level of weakness, and I feel this way because of a dangerous thing called pride. I'm too prideful to say I need an extra buck to get somewhere, or that I need help moving something, or even that I need a prayer. Pride not only deprives me the opportunity to practice humility, but it deprives someone else the opportunity to bless and offer a helping hand.
The time I went through open chest surgery after my daughter was born was humbling for me, yet so frustrating, because of pride. I hated having to be with someone every minute when I came home from the hospital. I hated that I didn't have energy to cook or clean (let's be honest, I still don't!!), and I hated not being able to care for my new daughter without people "checking in". It was a pride issue.
On the flip side, there is a pride from those who think they deserve things to be handed to them. Rather than wanting to lend a hand, they hold their hand out looking for someone to place a "blessing" in it, over, and over, and over, so much so that they don't know how to fend for themselves in life, and pride essentially destroys them.

I have always believed that humility is the most powerful position you can take. It seems like an oxymoron, but there is a deeper understanding when you can take a knee in humility when dealing with people. Pride is the opposite of this position. There is a place of vulnerability that can either be crushed by a person's pride, or affirmed by a person's humility.
Love is humble, not prideful.
Pride has no time of day for anything by oneself. Love gives time freely.
Pride can't see past self. Love sees every opportunity to lend anything they can offer.
Pride is a root of selfishness. Love is selfless.
Pride hardens. Love softens.

There are verses and verses throughout God's word that would tell you how dangerous pride is, and in this case, pride is not an intentional way to pursue agape. It destroys agape because it encompasses every piece of it and makes it negative.
Pride is not patient. Pride is not kind. Pride boasts. Pride is envious...it fits. Pride seems to be the root of the problem in many cases, yet humility and love seem to be the solution.

So how do we strive for humility and try to wipe off pride?

Believe you don't have to be the most intelligent, strongest, and better to do what you are called to do. I think we fall into the pride trap when we believe we are the best, which is never true. The truth is someone else is always better, stronger, and more intelligent. Know that God is the most at everything. He created you with your gifts and He knows you better than you know yourself.

"You turn things upside down, as if the potter were thought to be like the clay! Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, "you did not make me?" Can the pot say to the potter, "you know nothing?" - Isaiah 29:16

Conquer pride by remembering Who made you and where your role is in that.

Secondly, keep yourself in check. When you start thinking you are indispensable, or better than someone else, or that your accomplishments entitle you, stop. Remember that the ultimate judge is God. Nothing in this world matters beyond eternity.

"For by grace given me I say to every one of you: Do you think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgement, in accordance with the faith Go has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us..." -Romans 12:3-6a

Conquer pride by remembering that God gave each of us unique gifts and that we are all serving the same purpose as ONE. None of us is better than the other, but God is our greatest pursuit.

Admit your wrongs. When you mess up, confess it. Bring it before God and be sure to say "sorry" to the people you wronged. Saying sorry is probably the most humbling thing you can do in a hot-button, prideful world. I have come to learn that people who won't say "sorry" are the ones who will ditch you under the bus just to keep themselves looking good. Don't be that person. Life's too short to carry around our wrongs, even if you don't think you're wrong. Consider the "what if I am wrong?"

Pride is something that starts very small, but then grows and grows until it's all about you. It may start with an achievement, a reward, but eventually turn into every conversation turning back to your achievements, your qualifications, your experiences, to the point of never wanting to admit you need help. Or that you are wrong. Or that your achievements aren't yours. Keep pride in check and stay humble.

Scripture to Read:
Romans 12:3-6a, Isaiah 29:16

Questions to Ponder:
Where do you struggle in the area of pride?
Which one of the steps can you work on this week to conquer the pride that threatens to come forth from you?
What is something God has done in your life that is truly amazing?

Agape Love - Deflate the Boastful Balloon

I have always felt that I wasn't intelligent enough, strong enough, adequate enough, whatever enough...Because of that place of insecurity and fear of what people think, I make up for it in sharing about myself a lot in certain contexts. Then I walk away from the conversation where I talked about myself and I feel dumb, and just say to myself "why can't you just keep your mouth shut, and your ears open, woman." Boasting is something I believe many struggle with, because our humanness makes us think about ourselves first. We try to sound like we either measure up or are on the top, and because of that place of insecurity and talking about ourselves, we fail to show love to the person who is trying to share with us. 

The word "boast" means to "puff oneself up in speech". IE: Talking about yourself to make yourself look good. However, we are told that this is not love. Love...It does not boast. (1 Corinthians 13:4) If you really get to the root of it, and think about boasting, you can see that when you boast about yourself, it doesn't show love for another at all, yet when we boast about God and His work in our lives or in the world around us, we are now showing love because you are bragging about Him, not yourself, which is what Paul riddles throughout his writings to the church of Corinth.

2 Corinthians 12:1-10:
I must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to be gained, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord. I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows. And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows— was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell. I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses. Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool,because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say, or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

When we spend our energy boasting about what we can do, have done, will do, we tend to miss opportunities. When we can boast about what God has done, can do, will do for us, we catch every opportunity.

So, how do we combat this state, and this desire of boasting and remember to give God credit in our lives? Remember some things:

Remember where you have come. No one has ever been perfect. No one has a clean past. So why do we boast that we have those things? Let's be humans to each other and admit our messes and shame because we all need a breath of the imperfect air. We all have something to be ashamed of, but we all have the option to be redeemed from our shame and THAT is something we can boast about. Remember to think about the days you were low and Who pulled you out. Nothing is done by our own means because it is done by God Himself. If that can't be admitted in your life, it's time to see it and consider this great Hope for your life. It's easier to cope with it. It's a more hopeful life now. And it's a sure thing for your eternity. Paul's past is messy, but he boasts in Christ alone. In weakness, we can boast because of where He has brought us.

Remember Who you live for. The One Who knows where you are going, more than you know. Who remembers where you've been and how He brought you through it. Who knows what you need more than you even know. Who considers your desires - Who GAVE you your desires, talents, gifts, skills, heart, circumstances...all for a reason. You can't boast in what He created. You can boast in how great He is for how He works.

Remember what you're here for. What is the purpose of talking about yourself if your marching orders are for expressing God's glory and furthering His Kingdom? We do all we can to follow Him and to replicate His image. Boasting in what Christ has done for us is a sure way to keep this in your mind as you walk the steps of this life, trying to work through those times of insecurity and weakness. If you're trying to promote someone for a position in something, do you talk about yourself and how wonderful you are, or do you do all you can to talk about how great they are?

Agape love does not boast. Always be looking for ways to promote others, especially God in your life and what He has done for you. You will find many more opportunities to be a light to someone because you are shining Christ's Light through what He has done for you. Love others by not puffing yourself up, but by building them up.

Scripture to Read:
Galatians 6:14, Philippians 2:3-4

Questions to Ponder:
How do we intentionally work on not being boastful?
What are some things you are insecure about that may cause you to boast?
In your own words, how does boasting about yourself contradict love? How does boasting in Christ encourage love?

Parables of Jesus- Specks & Logs

To set this up, preview a video a friend of mine made here. 

"And why worry about a speck in your friend's eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying to your friend, 'Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,' when you can't see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend's eye." - Matthew 7:3-5

I think we can all relate with the fact we sit in a Sunday service and hear a convicting message, but then start thinking, "geez, too bad so-n-so isn't hearing this." Or we decide how we'll strategically place the verses used on our facebook page so those less than perfect friends will see them and hopefully change their evil ways. Or we get into a conflict with someone and instead of looking at how we contributed to the problem, we immediately start considering every little thing (related or unrelated) with the other person we're mad at and hate. "I can't believe so-n-so won't clean up her work messes...uhg! And she is a cat person. I totally can't stand cat people!" The worst part is our work mess is probably bigger, but we don't see it because we've grown so used to it, plus we probably have a cat too.

We won't grow if we're busy pointing out everyone else's faults, and according to Matthew 7, we will be judged more harshly for judging others. I think sometimes people misinterpret the word "evangelism". Some see it as finding a person to "change" or to provide "direction" to so that "you" may bring them to the Lord. The problem with this is that God makes the change and He provides the Hope for them. If you don't see yourself on a level playing field as you do the next person, the one who hasn't found Jesus, then you have some work to do. We all have specks and logs in our eyes.

The woman caught in adultery and her story is a great reminder of this concept for us all. As she is shamefully drug out to the middle of the road and accused by Pharisees and Religious Leaders. Even though these religious ones knew this was a sin indeed, they still were using this woman to trap Jesus into saying the "wrong" things so they could use it against Him. But Jesus, the One Who had indeed shared about specks and logs brought this concept into play told the crowd to stone her, as this was the punishment of the day, but for the one who had never sinned to go first. He gave this woman grace, and He gave the Pharisees truth, just what each of them needed.

This illustration Jesus uses has to beg some questions of each of us. We all have work to do. We all have a log in our eyes. We all to an extent see the specks in everyone else's eyes, because we are insecure. We don't want people to see our faults, so we point out others' faults. We may say passive aggressive things to the person who annoys us. We may get into conflicts and think it is ALL the other person's fault. Everyone is a critic in life. We all are insecure, and if we are confident, we are still seeing faults. Don't fool yourself. Humble yourself and start doing some checking into your own life. Start applying sermons to yourself. Start finding ways to change your heart before your go around trying to Bible-beat everyone else. This indeed says a lot about a person.

Scripture to Read:
Matthew 7:1-6, John 8:1-11

Questions to Ponder:
When has been a time you felt like judging someone, or did judge someone? Why do you think you felt this way?
When has been a time you felt judged or were judged? How did you feel?
What do you think Jesus would say in the case of your life being drug out into the middle of the road to be judged? What about to the people you want to judge?

Day 125: Standing Up to Yourself

Day 125
Judges 6-8; 1 Corinthians 9

Whenever we go on a trip to the Dominican Republic for our missions outreach with a group, we always get the same questions from females: "Why can't I wear a tank top in the community?" "Why can't I wear a bikini?" Why do I have to wear a skirt to the church services?" Paul wrestles with the concept as why we "become all things to all people" in order to reach some for Christ. Today, we'll look at how Gideon found courage to carry out Christ's commands and Paul's words on why our own desires can actually become a distraction to those around you when trying to be a light for Christ.

Stand up to your desire to do it yourself. We once again see the Israelites have turned away from God, (I'm seeing a pattern here) and are once again crying out to Him. When they finally realize that they are in trouble once again because they have leaned on the side of their desires, rather than His, they do the right thing in crying out to God and God hears them. Are you too stubborn to cry out for help when you know you are in trouble? God is with you when you cry out to Him, and maybe this is against your selfish desire as well, but He wants to rescue you. You only need to seek Him.

Stand up to your desire to be the strongest. One thing I struggle with is always feeling weak. I am most definitely a Gideon, and feel looked down on because I am always the sick one, the weak one, the emotional one. It's a hard pill to swallow, but eventually you just come around and accept it, as Gideon had. Gideon had all sorts of excuses, but God had all sorts of power to match them. God uses the weak to move His mission. This is a common theme throughout the Bible, though it is not a common theme throughout the world. Be encouraged by Gideon's story and allow God to work mighty plans through you!

Stand up to your self-confidence. I think so many times we rely on how confident we are feeling in whether or not we are willing to stand up to a task. In reality, we need to be relying on God's confidence in us. God had Gideon do many things that were huge risks. Yet, Gideon did them and as a result, Israel able to see God's hand once again. Never rely on your own understanding, but on what God's understanding is of you  We read how Gideon did not stay confident in the Lord, even after his victories that were brought only by the Lord. He fell into the snare of reward and got too confident in himself, separating from God and making poor choices at the end of his life.

Stand up to what you think you deserve. Paul's words here are really gold here for a Christian that wants ultimate impact for Christ. Paul has a list of things that are "perks" in this world or as one who shares the gospel message, like marriage and financial support for sharing the gospel. Yet Paul says that though these things are not wrong as a Christian, he doesn't want them to hinder God's work through him. He sees his call to singleness as a way of taking advantage of the opportunities to move more for Christ. He doesn't suggest marriage is wrong, as other apostles were married, but that he was perfectly fine as a single man, working for Christ, because Christ is his first obligation, as He should be for married folks as well. Paul took a second job so the gospel could be shared for free to all. He wanted to stay above reproach and be an example of Christ without hindering others to seeing Him. Rather than wasting time worrying about a spouse or a living from God's work, he did what it took to stomp out worldly desires for God's desires.  "We would rather put up with anything than be an obstacle to the Good News about Christ." (vs. 12) Are you willing to put up with anything to move the Kingdom?

Stand up to your point of view. As Americans, I've seen so many instances of shock as to how other cultures behave or how they conduct themselves in certain situations. As I opened today's reading, I brought up how many question the dress code in the Dominican outreach trips we do. This is something that is hard to explain, but Paul does a stellar job of it here. To reach certain groups of people, you need to form a mutual respect. If the women in the Dominican Republic view Christians as being modest, than that is what we'll be. If our clothes are a distraction to those we have come to be examples of Jesus to, than we will not wear those revealing clothes, because we know that Christ is worth more than a bikini or a tank top. We will become whatever we need to become to not be a hindrance to Christ's work through our attitudes, our clothes, our actions, etc. That is why we don't allow those clothes. Paul will become all things to all people so that many can be brought to Christ without the distraction of his own point of view. This does not mean we are uncomfortable or that we change anything that changes the gospel, but we meet people where they are.

What desires and points of view are you gripping on to that can be a hindrance to others when trying to see Christ in you? Gideon was able to stand up to his weaknesses and accept God's power in his life so that God's work could be carried out. Paul tells us to be all things to all people so that we are not a hindrance to sharing the gospel. If we can't wear a tank top because it will be too distracting in a culture, than we won't wear it. The gospel is more important than our desires and our points of view. Consider your desires as way less than what God desires for you.

Day 121: We Will Serve the Lord

Day 121
Joshua 20-22; 1 Corinthians 6

You have a choice in this life as to whom you will serve. Your actions will speak volumes of where your allegiances lie. Making wise decisions and solving conflicts in a Godly way are huge in speaking of your Christian life.

Joshua pushes the people as he gets ready to die, telling them that they will choose this day whom they will serve. Joshua states that famous statement, "as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." This is such a grander statement than a plaque on your living room wall, however. The way you carry yourself and raise your family attest to this statement. This may be a hard thing to do, but that is why being in tune with God's Word and voice are crucial in your daily life. Things seem right by the standards of this world, but until you truly know what is right by the standards of God, you can't fully embrace the service in Him.

Joshua tells them to choose THIS day. We tend to be so wishy-washy in our commitment to God. When we can fit Him in, we will. When He can do us a favor, we'll talk to Him. Rather than spending those off times from God pursuing your own desires and doing what's best for you, choose this day who you will serve. Be bold in being in service to Him and allow your life to reflect His standards and His ways, rather than avoiding conflict with the world and agreeing with it.

The way we resolve our conflicts is one way we look differently from this world. The Old Testament example with the tribes of Reuban, Gad, and half of Manasseh building the alter before crossing back over to their land. The Western side of Israel assumed the worst and were ready to go to war against them. They assumed they were building an alter for foreign gods. Luckily, representatives were sent to investigate before the people reacted. They received the full and very acceptable story of them building it as a reminder of Who their God is for their descendants. Because of this, they knew the Lord was with them because of the way their conflict was handled (22:31).

Paul talks about how to solve conflicts among each other too, suggesting to just take the loss. (vs. 7) This may seem counter-intuitive, but the testimony of it will create ripples. God will bless you and use it to spread His Name, because you look differently from the world. We live in a world that wants fairness for oneself, or one's group of people. There isn't anything wrong with that, but consider what Paul is suggesting here. What statement would it make if you simply gave up what you wanted to reveal that you have something so much bigger and greater in your life in Christ?

Paul also challenges the people of Corinth for taking each other to court, even worse to court with secular judges. It is very frowned upon to dispute in front of unbelievers. That is an opposite testimony of Who God is - humble, loving, all-providing... When we fight for what we want, we are essentially saying we don't have enough in Christ. Why would an unbeliever want to even get involved in a place where their foundation wasn't enough for them? Why would an unbeliever want to bring more conflict into their lives in stepping into the church? A secular judge wouldn't know God's ways - only the world's. If you need to settle a dispute, look to one who knows God's way of settling these things.

Serve the Lord with your bodies, your actions, and your motives. The sins we fall into can not only affect you today, but they can affect you in the future and affect the people around you. God wants you to stay pure in testimony and look to Him when things fall out. We will fall and fail, but cleanse yourself in Christ and move forward, being a testimony to others who are struggling in the areas you had struggled in.

Choose this day whom or what you will serve. Don't be lukewarm in your faith, only using God when He is convenient for you. Serve Him in your actions, your motives, and your daily living. Make it greater than what you believe you need to be happy. Live a life serving Christ and doing what makes Him happy. You will find the greatest happiness in return.

Day 120: When Emotions Fly

Day 120
Joshua 19-21; 1 Corinthians 5

Things seem so gray today, as we decide what is right and wrong. We do things because it feels good, or because our heart tells us to, or because we are so angry, emotions take over. Today, we'll read about how we need to stand up to our emotions and hearts sometimes and follow what is right in God's eyes.

Sometimes, we can get so angry at someone that we jump to conclusions about the situation before we hear the entire story. This is why cities of refuge were created. When someone does something offensive to us, whether it's something as serious as murdering a loved one, or standing on the wrong side of the political arena in someone's opinion, emotions tend to fly. Rants are posted on Facebook. People want revenge. They call names. It's messy in general if someone can't handle emotions. The same was true when someone accidentally killed someone in Old Testament times. In order for the person who accidentally killed someone to be protected, there were the cities of refuge they could hide out at until it was all settled.

Sometimes our hearts and minds tell us to seek revenge and hurt someone like they have hurt us. When people face judgment and need to state their case, it is important to create space for them to do that without someone talking over them or someone who is too on the warpath to listen. Sometimes it's time to back away and let the other side cool down. If it's an argument that you know you will never win, perhaps it's time to back away for good from that conversation and call it an area you don't agree on. Don't ever allow emotions to get in the way of common sense. Emotions will get you into trouble. Your heart and it's "feelings" will get you into trouble, whether those feelings are good or bad. Listen to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and rely on God's leading - not yours.

1 Corinthians today talks about a different viewpoint of emotions and allowing them to rule you over God's ruling. We walk through this world thinking we deserve it. We deserve to find love with that person, no matter how moral it is. We deserve to be "happy". We deserve what our heart wants right now, no matter how against it God speaks on it. Then we twist His words to say it the way we want it said so we are fulfilled and not ridden with guilt. "Since God loves me, He means to say..." We put ourselves ahead of God because we think this world will fall apart without those things we want, that person we want, that lifestyle WE want. But the God who created you and knows your heart and what can fulfill it is shoved out for what you think you need. This is a harsh topic - I get it. We can twist words all we want to make it fit our life.

Paul is quite clear here. If a person living in sin has no intention of turning, they need to be removed from the protection of the church. They are still welcome in the church, but their sin will not be endorsed, no matter how "right" they think it is. As harsh as this idea sounds, it's in the Word. God wants all to ultimately come to Him. A church family is not to applaud the sin and accept the open-mindedness, then pat themselves on the back for being so accepting. They are to be loving, but not supportive of the sin. We are to encourage each other to live with pure lives, repenting for the sake of our eternity with Christ and living in a testimony to the power He has in our lives. We are not to come to church, living the way WE want, by OUR rules, not seeing anything wrong with it, and insisting we get a say in how the church is run. We need to see our need for a Savior. We can claim we WANT Him in our lives, but we need to also recognize our NEED for Him in it, and strive daily to put Him there.

The other side of the coin here is we need to be open to the correction of trusted friends in our church family. Don't deny the sin in your life, then call others judgmental when they lovingly try to steer you. God is the ultimate judge, and your friends will warn you, but God can make that final call and surely will. Be open, humble and in tune with God's direction - not yours.

Don't ever follow your heart or emotions. Those tend to cover your ears, your judgment, and your eyes to God's Word. Don't twist His Word to fit your heart. Do the hard things of making necessary changes in your life so that God is put at the front of your decisions - not your feelings. This is hard and harsh, but remember what is possible with the power of God.

Day 119: The Whole Story

Day 119
Joshua 16-18; 1 Corinthians 4

How often have you jumped to conclusions about someone you didn't really know? And by really know, I mean know their struggles, their heart, their weaknesses, their pain. When someone opens up to you about those things, they really trust you, thus they will trust your advice, opinion, etc. There are some lessons to be taken in jumping to judgments in today's readings.

We need to remember that we are all loved by God. God cares for each of us, whether or not we have accepted Him into our lives. He loves each of us, no matter what we've done, are doing, or will do. He pours out mercy on us every single day. We deserve so much less, yet He gives and gave us so much more. As the land continued to be divided up in Joshua, I can't help but consider how God chose these people to do His work and carry His Name. It is no different for us as His followers. He has chosen us to carry His mission and do the tasks that seem tedious or less than glamorous. If God chose you, can He trust you? Your ministry begins the minute you say "yes, Lord. I want you in my life."

The daughters of Zelophehad were a prime example of why traditions can lead to misleading judgment. Moses had put what was right ahead of the tradition of women not inheriting land back in Numbers, and now we are seeing their land distributed to them. Don't decide on actions, judgments, and a path because "that's how it's always been done" or "that's the way that always has been." Scope out the whole story or situation and rely on God to be the judge and make the direction clear to you. Imagine the impact you can have on someone's heart and life because you went a different direction than the typical treatment or judgment they always get.

There were seven tribes that procrastinated in getting their share of land. I think we tend to procrastinate because we think something will be hard or that we feel we are incapable of doing it. Even if something ends up being hard, it makes you stronger and teaches you something. If you are feeling incapable, allow God to show you His power through you. He is waiting to teach you how capable He is. Who knows? You may even completely misjudge the situation and end up having fun with it. Work at seeing something as an opportunity, rather than a task and you will continue to grow in Who God is and feel the power He has in your life.

Paul leans in pretty hard toward the people of Corinth as he warns them not to make judgments ahead of time about people and riches. This is still true for us today. We cannot count on riches to make us happy and carry us to eternity. We cannot judge people because we think we know how they view God and how they walk with Him. The truth is, that is for God to do. Paul reminds us that we are all human and we don't have the ability to judge one another, and we will all fail at one point or another. What we think is worthy is this world is actually foolish in God's eyes. What is looked down upon in this world is actually honored in God's eyes. Leave the judgment to Him.

Nothing in this world is as it seems to God. He views what is rich as poor, and what is poor as rich, as well as greatness as the lowest, and the lowest as the greatest. We shouldn't rely on past traditions to be a judge in every situation, nor is it our job ever to judge the heart of other people when it comes to their relationship with God. We are merely humans with human eyes and human intentions. God sees the heart for what it truly is. Before you jump, get the whole story. Before you decide about something, see it as God would see it.

Day 115: Disunity

Day 115
Joshua 7-9; 1 Corinthians 1

You're not going to agree with everyone you run into at church. (gasp*) We are all human, with different opinions, backgrounds, passions, etc. We just need to learn to use our differences to create a well-rounded body of Christ to reach people in different ways, but facing the same direction. As a Church, however, we need to keep the bottom line the bottom line. Today, we'll see how disunity and a self-serving attitude can really affect more than just you.

The battle against Ai should have been an easy one. Even the scouts said not to send all of their people to defeat them, as it wouldn't take any ore than 2,000-3,000 people. However, the Israelites were soundly defeated by Ai. Joshua cried out to God, knowing that this defeat would spread a horrible reputation to the other nations they needed to defeat. However, it wasn't long until Joshua was notified that one of their own had already disobeyed the covenant made with God.

Achan completely underestimated the importance of obeying the Lord. What he viewed as something small and self-serving, turned into a huge issue and affected his entire nation, and more so, his family. When we acquire a self-serving attitude, we create disunity, whether we mean to or not. Because of Achan's disobedience, it fell on all the people. As a result, he, his family, and 36 others were put to death. Keep your selfishness in check. You may think it only affects you, but in the long run it affects people around you too. A self-serving attitude in the church can be completely toxic and cause discord. Don't be that servant. Be God's humble servant that listens to His voice and heeds it wisely.

As a result of banishing the evil from the nation, Israel returns and easily defeats Ai. Joshua could have easily taken the credit for keeping the nation pure, but we read that he built an alter to God after defeating Ai. Give God complete glory when you succeed in purging evil from your life. He is the One that does it. The Gibeonites became servants as a result of their deception, however, they became servants for the Lord. They in the end were unified with the Israelites, but had a more humble role, whether the Israelite people liked it or not. Even if you have sinned and been deceptive, God can still use you in the family of Christ. Be unified with them and find your purpose.

Paul was speaking out to a church that was in desperate need of unity among its people in Corinth. There was discord among them over who their leader was, and Paul writes, reminding them that we are all in nee of grace and we are unified as one under the family of Christ. We can argue about so many things within a church, yet forget we have all been redeemed and bought by grace in Jesus' blood. We need to remember that God uses things that seem foolish to shame those who think they are wise and vise versa. He sees the bigger picture, and we can fight over things that are not pertinent to the Kingdom.

Disunity within the church, if unhealthy, can be very damaging to folks looking in from the outside. The church is to be a safe place for those seeking what they need in the midst of their own hardships, battles, sin, etc. Unhealthy conflict is a killer for your church. There can be healthy conflict, however, that discusses, listens, understands, and humbles itself, remembering that we are all sinners in need of grace, no matter what our status or leadership role is. Be careful how you handle disunity, and strive to work as one body in the direction of Christ.

Since the beginning of human kind, there has been conflict and disunity. We all have an opinion, a passion, a gift, and a cause. When it all boils down, however, it is important to remember that we are all in need of grace and we can be humble people in the midst of disunity. There is no reason to shake a fist or demand one's way when we have God's Word right in front of us and remember He loves each of us. He has gifted each of us to move as one body in His direction. Respect each others' gifts and opinions, but be careful to stay the course of your marching orders, rather than fight for the battles out of the way.

Day 112: Leading a Legacy

Day 112
Deuteronomy 32-34; Mark 14:32-72

There are many things that go into the lives we leave here on this earth. We can live our lives trying to fill it with everything we have ever wanted or wanted to do, which always brings temporary happiness, and we leave it all behind. Or, we can live our lives trying to fill hearts with Christ and what He can do to grant everyone eternal happiness. When trying to find your own happiness, you may actually stumble into Christ, and realize He is the ultimate, eternal happiness you need.

Moses goes out, continuing to spread wholeheartedly the words of the Lord to the people he's leaving behind. You can truly see how Moses' heart beats for the people and more for His God as he obeys and shares what God wants him to. He is truly a leader for the memory books who brought the people into freedom from Egypt, and continued to push them past the struggles and doubts they had as they went. We recall how frustrating Moses' journey with the people was at times, but as we wrap up Deuteronomy, we read the words of the Lord and the words Moses shares about the tribes.

The people respected Moses, and being a respectable leader is huge in sharing the ultimate legacy of Christ. While Moses didn't get to enter into the Promised Land, he humbly handed over his leadership to Joshua, who was chosen by the Lord. It's interesting to reflect back on Moses' life and see the kind of leader he was formed into as the journey progressed. A man who was too afraid to go and demand the people be set free by Pharaoh, now a man who wrapped up his life with speeches and eloquent words from the Lord to the people to continue this legacy for generations.

What kind of leader is God forming you to be? Even if you are reluctant to lead, you are leading someone in someway. The question will be if it is in a way that is holy, or a way that seeks temporary fulfillment from a world that can never offer you eternity. Watch how you lead and who you lead.

As Jesus nears His crucifixion in Mark, we read about how even the disciples were weak in standing by Him. These leaders that Christ had worked side by side with for months were now fleeing the scene when things got rocky. However, just because the disciples fled, we know that Peter still becomes a key leader in the foundation of the Church. He denies Christ, as predicted, but that is not his fate.

Have you felt like you have fallen away from Christ, or even denied Him? There is still hope. Peter was redeemed and lived to serve His Lord after he was frozen in sin and fear. Don't ever feel like hope is lost for you. You can still make an impact and you can still be redeemed if you have a heart that seeks the Lord and longs to do His work.

Christ Himself was willing to go to the bitter suffering on a cross for us. He prayed to His Father if it were HIS will let it be done. I think we hesitate to follow the will of God, even in the simplest of forms, because we are either too fearful, or we wouldn't believe God would make us do something so crazy. We need to be open to His leading and His will, no matter how scary it may seem. When He calls us to it, we know we're taken care of, because it is His will. Christ took the biggest risk and conquered death for us. If we take a risk for God, you never know the ripples it could cause around you. Think of the big picture and allow God to start small with you.

We may start out rocky in our lives of leading for Christ. Moses was afraid he couldn't speak. Peter denied Christ. But God used both of these men to do amazing things for Him. You don't need to be qualified to lead; in fact, you are a leader in some way right now. Someone is looking to you and watching what you do - especially if you claim to be a Christian. Take a step out and allow Christ to work through you in amazing ways. Lead with a legacy that seeks His will and His bigger plan, rather than you desires and the here and now agenda you carry.

Day 106: The Truth Matters

Day 106
Deuteronomy 19-21; Mark 11

The truth always makes a difference. If it didn't, people wouldn't lie so much. Even in Old Testament times, it was work to try and figure out the truth, and there was a process and ritual if the truth couldn't be solved. Today, we'll see why the ultimate Truth matters, as well as the effects of telling the truth in Biblical times when it came to all sorts of situations.

When someone was murdered, there was opportunity for the guilty party to prove it was accidental. There were cities of refuge set up for people to flee too in the event of an accidental murder. God provides a way to give time for the truth to come out and set the accused free. He also provides a boundary for witnesses to be sure there is more than one testifying to prevent any false accusations due to grudges or hatred of the innocent person. God, however, makes it very clear how He felt about murdering and lying in the Old Testament, as He commanded Israel to purge the evil from their community through stoning. Luckily, not all the laws of this time apply anymore, as Jesus' coming changed the rules of how the Old Testament did things, and more grace is provided in lying. It still is a sinful thing in God's eyes and will be judged accordingly, however.

There is powerful truth in God fighting for us if we are on His side. As we read through the regulations for the people going to war, it is stated right off the bat that God is with them. If you are facing a battle in your life now, the same truth holds strongly for you if you are truly a Christ-seeker. The men who went to war also had to be honest with their lives and their selves as they faced a battle they may not have returned from. There is a list of things the officers of the army were to address with the troops, but the one that most stood out to me was the question: "Is anyone afraid or worried?" If the answer was yes, they were to go home so as not to frighten others. The men had to be very truthful as they probably faced taunting and teasing if they answered yes to that question. How often do we try to pass off how we truly feel to avoid judgments from others around us? The truth matters in your heart and in God's eyes.

Chapter 21 is filled with many instances of being truthful and the best practices of being truthful, starting with what to do when the truth can't be found. There are so many things in this life that we'll never know. The ritual laid out at the beginning of this chapter was how closure was made in Old Testament times. God gets pretty specific when it comes to the rights of the firstborn as well. I can imagine many favored kids over others because of the multiple wives, but God makes it clear that they must be fair to the firstborn and to grant them their rights to the inheritance. Don't lie out of favoritism, as this isn't only hurtful, but arrogant.

I think we try to lie to ourselves about Who Jesus is as well. As we read about His triumphant entry into Bethany during the Passover, the different reactions of the people say it all. While it's hard to pick it out in this text, we read about the "Christ-followers" of the time praising Him and laying garments and palms before Him as He rode in. Turning back to the reading of this particular event in Matthew, chapter 21, we read that others asked "who is this?" You may think you know Jesus and what He is really about, but do you? Or have you formed this ideal Jesus in your mind? People in that time saw kings riding into the city on horses, while Jesus rode in on a donkey colt. They were king of war, and Jesus was of peace. Jesus was not the king they were expecting. You may be looking for a Jesus who will provide, and heal, and give you a spouse, and a pretty life that you are picturing. While Jesus is very capable of that, He is ultimately the Jesus Who saves us. That is the truth. Are you disappointed in this truth? Renew your mind and see Jesus for Who He is.

He is one who curses the fruitless, as He did with the fig tree. The disciples were impressed He had actually cursed it, and Jesus told them that they needed more faith to believe in what the Lord could deliver.  Are you living a life that is fruitful and faithful? Or one that is self-serving and complacent, like the money changers who took advantage in the temple? The hard truth is that God wants you to believe that He can move anything with no doubt in your heart. Forgive others fully before making your request to God. If you do, God will forgive you. A scary truth is if you don't, He won't forgive you. The religious leaders couldn't handle Christ's truth. They wanted Him gone, as He made them look bad. Are you too stubborn to accept God's ultimate truth?

Take inventory of your life and think about the truths that are throughout your Bible. Many of these truths are very encouraging and meant to help you through the toughest situations. Others are to protect you from false accusations and hurt. Others, however, will hurt if you truly grasp them and apply them to your life. See Jesus for Who is truly is, and not the ideal Jesus you have made up in your mind. Are you disappointed in Who truth says He is? Remember He is a humble King and a saving King. The truth matters. Learn it, embrace it, apply it.  

Day 104: Worldly Yearnings

Day 104
Deuteronomy 13-15; Mark 10:1-31

One of the biggest struggles for us as a culture is the need for stuff. We always want more or the next best thing we can get. Savvy electronics, fun toys, a bigger camper, a bigger house, nicer car, etc. It's hard to walk in this world and not get bombarded by the media and it telling us what we need. Because everyone falls into the trap, you too, may find yourself in the trap with them. None of these things are bad. I like my toys and smart electronics as much as the next person. However, we can't allow those things to take the place of our zeal for Christ in our hearts. Check your heart this morning and make sure that you not only know your need for Christ, but you know your level of want for Him.

The Israelites are warned over and over again throughout Moses' final words to be careful of not allowing other gods to rule in their hearts. This may sound like something of the "older times" to you, but other gods can be more than a spirit or sculpture. They can be the way we long for certain things more than we long for God. A video game. The newest iPhone. An achievement you're working towards. A Pinterest-beautiful house. A person. The idea of your future and daydreaming constantly about it. If you aren't careful, these things can completely take over your mind and cause you to not even acknowledge Christ in the center of your life. We read about these gods of that time that God warned the people about. He wanted them to have nothing to do with them. In fact, they were to burn that land to the ground. How serious are you about getting rid of something that comes before God in your life?

The flip side of this, is to give to God. Rather than obsessing about your Pinterest-beautiful home, obsess about how God would want you to open your home. Rather than obsessing about that achievement you so desperately want to earn, give God your morning, then go work on it, pray over it, and give God the glory no matter the outcome. Rather than always being on your iPhone, use your iPhone to study scripture and connect with someone that needs to know Christ through it's ridiculous features. God tells the people to bring their tithes to Him before anything else. Do you give your money to yourself, or do you give God the FIRST of it? Trust Him. Allow Him to use those desires of your heart or to get rid of them if they don't align with His plan for you.

One thing mentioned in Deuteronomy 15 is that there should be no poor among the people. Could you imagine if there were no poor in your community? If we all give a little and take care of one another regardless of what we believe about poor people, the world would be a better place. We tend to jump to conclusions about the poor - like they got themselves there, or they don't deserve what you have earned, etc. We aren't called to judge though; we are called to love. Don't bother asking questions if you have the opportunity to be a light to those in need instead. Your grace towards them will be a beautiful picture of God's grace. We need to let go of this world's perception of "you deserve it all", and the entitlement of keeping what is ours. Give and give freely, to God and to others.

Jesus states something a little scary in Mark 10. "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than it is for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God." Talk about a statement. What Jesus is getting at here however, is that you can't love money more than Him. The rich ruler loved his stuff. He had a lot of it and he didn't want to part with it or his money. If you look at all you have, including your material possessions, your money, even your family, your friends, etc., would you still love God if those things went away? This is the foundation of your heart. If you can't picture life without something or someone and still love God and trust in Him, you have a heart issue. It is a tough pill to swallow and even one that you may believe is a cruel one, but it is where your loyalties truly lie. It's hard to lose someone, or a lose a huge sum of money, but ultimately our hearts belong to God. Those things and those people He has given us also belong to Him.

What does your heart long for? Are you in a struggle between what you want and what God wants for you? Do you trust Him enough to be able to look at all of your stuff and the people in your life and truly say "yes, Lord. Those things, those people are Yours." If you were to lose everything, would you still love God? The world says we need more and greater. God says we need Him and less. You may tell God you need Him, but He wants to know that you actually want Him too. Consider this concept today and take inventory of your heart's desires, longings, and spiritual health.

Day 103: How We Love Christ

Day 103
Deuteronomy 10-12; Mark 9:30-50

As parents, we feel most loved when our kids listen and obey us. Good parents want what is best for their kids, even if our kids can't see why they need to follow the rules immediately. Truth is, the rules are made so that they will be safe and grow into a life that has good foundation. We read today how God is like a parent for us. In fact, God is the ultimate parent to us, not because of the rules He makes, but because of the care He has for us. He knows us better than even our own parents know us. When we choose to commit ourselves to Him, the rules come naturally as we strive to please Him and do right by Him.

We read that the Lord requires us to to do some simple things to show our allegiance to Him: To respect Him and His authority in our lives. To live according to His will for us. To love Him. To worship Him. To obey Him. It's so easy to complicate faith with the man-made legalism. We never have to jump through hoops to meet God. He is open to us 24/7, no matter how messed up we are, or how ashamed we are. He has already taken care of us through the sacrifice on the cross. We only need to acknowledge and accept it.

When we are most tempted to to disobey God, it is because we don't trust that He has the best plan for us. Trust that God will still provide for you if you give to Him. Trust that He will bring you exactly what you need in this moment. I think we get fearful to defend the outcasts and love those who are on the outside, yet God calls us to love them, specifically the outsiders, the orphans, and the widows. Learn to trust Him as you strive to serve Him. Start small. You aren't called to go big, but to simply love, even if it's one life.

There is great blessing in obedience. We may feel restricted at times by obeying, but in the bigger picture, you will see the blessing that comes from obedience. We are called to teach our children these commands, and permeate our lives with them. When we follow the commands that God gives us, we save ourselves a world of hurt and cleaning up in the end. We end up weighed down by our guilt and shame. However, in obedience, we are told in verse 8 of chapter 11 that we will experience strength.

As we read into Mark chapter 9 today, we learn about some of the characteristics it takes to be holy as we strive to obey God's commands and show our love for Him. One of the things Jesus teaches His disciples is when they were arguing who was the greatest. Jesus explains that to be first, you must be last. In other words, a heart of humility is a huge part of having a heart purified for Christ. When we make humility priority, we stop thinking about our situations, what we want, what we think is best, what we deserve, etc, and we begin to put Christ and others ahead in our minds. Because of humility, we'll stop asking ourselves the question "if I help that person, what can I get back from them?" Jesus shows this by placing a child in His arms and says how welcomed they are. Our love for those who are lesser will also purify our hearts.

The disciples also told Jesus that they had told someone to stop trying to cast out demons because he wasn't apart of "their group". Does this sound familiar somewhere in your life? Jesus says however, that if someone isn't against them, they are for them. Don't stop people from trying to find their faith and trust in Jesus. Obey Christ and allow others to as well.

Finally, in Mark 9, we read about cutting things out of our lives that drag us down. Jesus uses our body parts, like hands, eyes, feet as pictures of getting rid of the toxic things in our lives. We may have people in our lives that continually cause us to sin or question who we are as a child of the King. Those people need to be cut out. We may continually turn to something that we know is keep us from growing in our Savior. Those things also must go. Jesus doesn't want you to actually cut off a body part, but He is displaying how serious of a matter it is to cut those things out that cause you to stumble. Make sure that you are not one to cause others to stumble as well.

Showing our love for Christ comes with obedience to Him. We will fall many times and stumble over things, but we must continually strive to follow His commands and humble ourselves to be open to His leading in our lives. What is something in your life that needs to go? What is causing you to stumble and question who you are in Christ? Get rid of it. Show you trust that God's plan is better than yours by trusting Him with whatever He brings you. He truly knows what you need most and will equip you to face what is coming. Love Him by showing your trust and obedience to Him.

Day 101: Humble Pie

Day 101
Deuteronomy 7-9; Mark 9:1-29

It's not hard to think that you are all that and a bag of chips (hopefully you've heard this expression) at times, when really what we need is a piece of humble pie to keep us in line. (Sorry, apparently I'm hungry, and slightly corny today.) It's easy to give yourself glory for the achievements you earn, or claim the things you have as yours because you've earned them. In fact, it is very easy to get caught up in our material possessions and the amazing things we've done, and forget what really matters and Who all of those things, including yourself, belong to. Today, as you read the passages, keep that in mind.

It is reiterated over and over that the Lord will hand over the land to the people from other nations, even though they are greater and bigger than they are. God says He'll hand the land over bit by bit, as the people scatter away the other nations and take over their land. However, God also states that it is not because they have been good or obedient that they'll be handed the land, but because He is good and will be faithful to what He promised them. How many times in life do you stop and thank God for His faithfulness to you? We never deserve what we get. In fact, what we deserve is eternal separation, yet God grants us goodness in this life, and if we choose it, eternity of even better and greater goodness with Him.

The Lord tells the people over and over to remember and obey His commands. Another way we rise above what we deserve is when we think we can call all the shots and fail to listen to what God tells us to do. We think He's bossing us around, when really, He knows the consequences of going against the things He suggest. We can throw a fit and call God unfair, yet when we disobey, we will reap the consequences. God tells the people to destroy the people who are against Him and all of their idols. He doesn't even want the people to hesitate and mess around with this because He knows the weakness of human will-power. Do you push the limits and mess around with things that God wouldn't approve of? What may you need to cut out of your life to keep yourself in line with God? We can think we have it all under control, but really, one slip can send us downhill quickly.

Hardships are another way we are humbled. Any moment, your life can change course south and leave you absolutely at a loss of what to do. I've certainly been there, and know how much that can make you question. However, if you focus on what God is providing you in those hard moments, you will see past the hardship and see the growth He gives. It's amazing how humbling it is to be left with nothing and no options. God tells the people that this is a way He made them humble and provided them manna, making them realize that they need Him more than food itself.

We can view the greatest people on this earth with such awe and admire all they have achieved or what they are good at. But the world's way of success and achievement aren't that of heaven's. The transfiguration of Christ shows Him alongside of the greatest in the Biblical times - Moses and Elijah. While our idea of a celebrity isn't usually someone who comes to be rejected and suffer, that is heaven's idea of one. Jesus came and was rejected by the greatest religious leaders. He still is. The Name Jesus tends to set some people off. Without Him, we are nowhere, though. Realize your need for Him daily and how invaluable He is in your life.

We rely on our own selves to solve everything, when we have God's power right at hand. The disciples were unable to heal the boy because of their unbelief. We tend to want to see things in order to believe, yet we are told that faith is the evidence of what we can't see. Jesus would tell folks to believe, then to see. We can think we know it all, have it all, and have it all together, but without Christ and faith in Him, we have absolutely nothing.

Think highly of who you are, but don't think too highly and often of yourself. We are not intended to live for ourselves. When you can see your weaknesses and admit them, you give God the room to move in and change you and strengthen you in ways only He can. Know what can push you over the edge of temptation and cut those things from your life. Remember what Christ has done and the ability you needed from Him, and not of yourself. Thank Him today and everyday for all He has done in your life.

Day 99: Leadership Qualities

Day 99
Deuteronomy 1-3; Mark 7

As we dive into Moses' final words and the book of Deuteronomy, we can see the qualities that made him a great leader. The words Moses shares shows who he is and how he valued God's direction in his life and in leading the people. Jesus also has some things to say and show about what a good leader has and values.

Moses opens his sermon with a reflection on where the people had been, remembering the hardships and the victories God gave them. While reliving hardships and battles we have faced can be a hard thing to do, it can also give us hope for conquering what is up ahead and remembering the God can take care of things there too. A good leader remembers what God has done for them and they know God will provide ahead, as well as empower people to feel that confidence in God as well, encouraging them to remember there is hope.

Moses continues on, remembering the heavy load he had in managing the people. It was then he learned that a good leader delegates and finds other good leaders to help them. A good leader can pick out great traits in others that make up a good, honest leader. In doing so, more is accomplished with less struggle. A good leader communicates clearly what needs to be done and allows other leaders to grab the reigns without feeling like the need to micromanage. When there is lack of communication, that is when micromanaging tends to happen.

Other traits of a leader are listed off as Moses explains. Well-respected. Wise. Understanding. Those who lead well can understand where a person is coming from, or at least strive to understand. They take the time to listen and know the struggles and needs. Some of the leaders that were appointed were judges and had to have good discernment and fairness. They needed thick skin, as Moses mentions, "don't be afraid of anyone's anger, for the decision you make is God's decision." (1:17) Leaders also know when things are over their heads and need a little extra guidance, as Moses had told them to bring difficult cases to him.

Good, Godly leaders know that their secret weapon is the Lord. They rely on His wisdom and guidance through every hard and easy thing. Moses recalls the victories they had over what seemed impossible. Leaders seem fearless because they know that God will fight for them if it is His will. Their strength comes from God, not of themselves. Managing people and hard things seems impossible, but we have a God Who can accomplish the impossible. Leaders remember this and handle the hard stuff through Christ.

Jesus displays what a good leader is all throughout His ministry. Though His way isn't the world's way, it is the best way. One of the key things Jesus displays here is having a pure heart. A heart that puts God's Word and ways ahead of traditions and what the world tells you to do. We see that there were religious leaders who ultimately crucified Christ because His ways didn't match theirs. Don't be that leader - who is so focused on what you want and what is convenient for you, that you fail to see what God's mission is for you.

A good leader also sees the needs people have, no matter who they are. Jesus helps a Gentile woman, even though He says it is right to help His own people first, the Jews. The woman replies humbly, knowing that Jesus has even enough for her to heal her daughter. Jesus sees the need and replies her daughter is healed. We can also get so caught up in our passions and what is immediately near us, that we forget there is need outside of our circles. Jesus proves this is important here. This woman pursues what she knows to be true whole-heartedly and Jesus respects that.

A good, Godly leader first and foremost, follows God. They realize their need for Him, and they strive to lead in such a way that honors Him. The entire Word of God is filled with leadership qualities and ways you can pursue Christ in leading others. Leaders get their strength from Him and can delegate tasks to others without micromanaging the scene. Clear communication and vision make up a great leader as well, and can keep you from micromanaging. We can learn from the best in the Bible, such as Moses, and the greatest yet in Jesus. Strive to be a leader that puts Christ first and that gives Him the glory in all of your accomplishments.