Did you know that today, April 30, is National Honesty Day in the United States? According to ‘Our Daily Bread’- author M. Hirsh Goldberg established this day in the early 1990’s as a way to honor the honorable and encourage honesty. This day was selected because “April begins with a day dedicated to lying [April Fool’s Day] and should end on a higher moral note” (M. Hirsh Goldberg).
As I think about what it means to be honest, my thoughts land on the reality that honesty is more than just about what we say. Honesty has so much to do with how we live our lives on a day-to-day basis. It is about living lives of integrity and being authentic.
Looking at the words of Jesus Christ, one word that jumps out at me that He used several times is the word: “hypocrite.” The word was spoken to different groups of people but the point was the same – Jesus wants us to be authentic. He wants us to be real. He wants us to be honest!
On several occasions, Jesus called the Pharisees and scribes “hypocrites.” Why? Because they were so focused on “looking” religious on the outside that the inside was tragically filthy. Listen to how Jesus put it: “Now you Pharisees make the outside of the cup and dish clean, but your inward part is full of greed and wickedness” (Luke 11:39).
Wow! But we are not Pharisees or scribes! No, we are not. However, as Jesus a few verses later: “. . . there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known” (Luke 12:2).
It is so important that we be authentic. We live in a world where the masks people wear are numerous. All of us, at times, put on a false façade. We have been commanded to “be ready to give a defense (apologia – apologetics – an answer) to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you . . .” (1 Peter 3:15).
Friend, we will NEVER be asked if we are not being authentic! There is enough “acting” in the world today. It is time that we be real, authentic, honest.
Let me challenge you with some commands taken directly from the Word of God and let these be what you strive after in order to be authentic! Please take time to read this passage slowly, meditate, and ask the Lord to reveal to you which one’s you need to work on.
READ: Ephesians 4:17-32
Now, go and be AUTHENTIC!!
Friday, April 30, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
How have you asked lately?
Take a few moments and read 1 Kings 3:1-14. As you do so, put yourself in Solomon’s shoes and imagine the situation he is in as king.
What I want you to see is that Solomon asks for a “discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong” (v. 9). It is amazing to me that of ALL that he could ask for, Solomon asked for the ability to discern between good and bad, right and wrong.
Now, there is nothing at all wrong with this request. As a king, I would like to think that I would want that same ability. But Solomon did not ask for power, prestige, wealth or anything that would be considered something just for him to enjoy. He ultimately asks for something that will help him be a more effective ruler over Israel.
Let’s look now at God’s response. In verses 11 & 12 God says, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a ‘wise’ AND ‘discerning heart,’ so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be.”
Wow! Above receiving the discerning heart, God grants Solomon a ‘wise’ heart. The word ‘wise’ in Hebrew means “skillful in technical work, wise in administration, wise ethically and religiously.’ So Solomon received the ability to discern between right and wrong, and on top of that he also received the skill to use what he had been taught and learned in a skillful and administrative manner.
But God was not done giving to Solomon; check out verses 13 & 14: “Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for – both riches and honor – so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. And if you walk in my ways and obey my statutes and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life.”
Can you believe it? Solomon received a discerning heart, wisdom, riches, honor and if he obeyed God, a long life. And to think that all he asked for was the ability to discern between right and wrong.
As you reflect honestly on what you ask God for, do you have to admit that it is extremely personal in nature? How much of what you ask for benefits you? How much benefits others?
What Solomon asked for was really for the benefit of those he was king over. What he received benefited everyone involved.
The key to all of this is found in verse 7: “Now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties.” The description of himself as a “little child” is not in age, but in experience. Solomon acknowledged that in and of himself he was unable to perform the duties of a king. He admitted his weakness. When was the last time you admitted to God that you are weak and that only through Him are you strong?
I believe that due in large part to Solomon’s humility, God granted to him what he asked for and more. As you go about your day, as you seek the Lord in prayer, I challenge you to acknowledge the greatness of God and the lowliness of yourself.
As I close, allow these verses to impact you as you seek the Lord in prayer: “But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ . . . Humble yourself before the Lord, and he will lift you up” (James 4:6, 10).
What I want you to see is that Solomon asks for a “discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong” (v. 9). It is amazing to me that of ALL that he could ask for, Solomon asked for the ability to discern between good and bad, right and wrong.
Now, there is nothing at all wrong with this request. As a king, I would like to think that I would want that same ability. But Solomon did not ask for power, prestige, wealth or anything that would be considered something just for him to enjoy. He ultimately asks for something that will help him be a more effective ruler over Israel.
Let’s look now at God’s response. In verses 11 & 12 God says, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a ‘wise’ AND ‘discerning heart,’ so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be.”
Wow! Above receiving the discerning heart, God grants Solomon a ‘wise’ heart. The word ‘wise’ in Hebrew means “skillful in technical work, wise in administration, wise ethically and religiously.’ So Solomon received the ability to discern between right and wrong, and on top of that he also received the skill to use what he had been taught and learned in a skillful and administrative manner.
But God was not done giving to Solomon; check out verses 13 & 14: “Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for – both riches and honor – so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. And if you walk in my ways and obey my statutes and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life.”
Can you believe it? Solomon received a discerning heart, wisdom, riches, honor and if he obeyed God, a long life. And to think that all he asked for was the ability to discern between right and wrong.
As you reflect honestly on what you ask God for, do you have to admit that it is extremely personal in nature? How much of what you ask for benefits you? How much benefits others?
What Solomon asked for was really for the benefit of those he was king over. What he received benefited everyone involved.
The key to all of this is found in verse 7: “Now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties.” The description of himself as a “little child” is not in age, but in experience. Solomon acknowledged that in and of himself he was unable to perform the duties of a king. He admitted his weakness. When was the last time you admitted to God that you are weak and that only through Him are you strong?
I believe that due in large part to Solomon’s humility, God granted to him what he asked for and more. As you go about your day, as you seek the Lord in prayer, I challenge you to acknowledge the greatness of God and the lowliness of yourself.
As I close, allow these verses to impact you as you seek the Lord in prayer: “But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ . . . Humble yourself before the Lord, and he will lift you up” (James 4:6, 10).
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Men and the Home
I want to start off by defining a word for you. That word is “responsible”: answerable or accountable, as for something within one's power, control, or management.
As I think about that word, I know that it comes fully loaded. Sometimes we are “responsible” for someone or something we don’t really want to be “responsible” for. Other times, it just comes with a lot on the plate.
Today, I want to speak to the husbands and fathers. I realize that Father’s Day is still weeks away, however, after a conversation two weeks ago, I have not been able to shake these thoughts.
As husbands and fathers, we are responsible for not only the physical and emotional well-being of our families, but also the spiritual growth of our families. Not only must we seek to see our families grow in their faith but we must also see that growth lived out.
It is crucial that we lead by example. That means our attendance at church, use of our spiritual gifts, devotional life and practical living of our faith if we expect our families to follow suit. No longer can we think that our inconsistency will not be seen or emulated by the rest of our family.
Over the last 2-3 years, much has been discussed and written on the fact that a large percentage of 18-25 year-old's are leaving the church. Depending on who is leading the discussion, many different reasons are given for this. However, I believe one of the greatest reasons for this, is the lack of leadership by husbands and fathers in relation to their own spiritual growth and the effect that has had on the family.
Men, it is time for us to accept the “responsibility” that God has given us and step up to the plate. No longer can we sit idly by and think that our every-once-in-a- while participation will do the trick. Most employers expect 5 straight days of work. And when that does not happen, that job is not ours any longer. In order to be successful at work, consistency is the key. The same is true spiritually when it comes to our families.
Men, get your families to Sunday school, worship services, children and youth meetings and activities, your wife to ladies group and yourself to a men’s group. I believe that no matter what is going on in your life or your family, church and all related activities must be priority.
Let me share with you something very personal. When I was younger I had a drug problem. I was “drug” to church for Sunday school, worship services, children’s church, youth choir, Awana, youth group, and many other activities. I honestly did not appreciate it every time, but you know what? I saw in my parents a love for the Lord that was exemplified in their living. Not once did I see in my father an inconsistency in his relationship with the Lord.
Men, it is time that our families see consistency in us as we take on willingly, the responsibility that He has given us. Whether you like the responsibility or not, is not the issue. You have it, so take it. To do anything less, is falling short of what God has given you to do.
As I think about that word, I know that it comes fully loaded. Sometimes we are “responsible” for someone or something we don’t really want to be “responsible” for. Other times, it just comes with a lot on the plate.
Today, I want to speak to the husbands and fathers. I realize that Father’s Day is still weeks away, however, after a conversation two weeks ago, I have not been able to shake these thoughts.
As husbands and fathers, we are responsible for not only the physical and emotional well-being of our families, but also the spiritual growth of our families. Not only must we seek to see our families grow in their faith but we must also see that growth lived out.
It is crucial that we lead by example. That means our attendance at church, use of our spiritual gifts, devotional life and practical living of our faith if we expect our families to follow suit. No longer can we think that our inconsistency will not be seen or emulated by the rest of our family.
Over the last 2-3 years, much has been discussed and written on the fact that a large percentage of 18-25 year-old's are leaving the church. Depending on who is leading the discussion, many different reasons are given for this. However, I believe one of the greatest reasons for this, is the lack of leadership by husbands and fathers in relation to their own spiritual growth and the effect that has had on the family.
Men, it is time for us to accept the “responsibility” that God has given us and step up to the plate. No longer can we sit idly by and think that our every-once-in-a- while participation will do the trick. Most employers expect 5 straight days of work. And when that does not happen, that job is not ours any longer. In order to be successful at work, consistency is the key. The same is true spiritually when it comes to our families.
Men, get your families to Sunday school, worship services, children and youth meetings and activities, your wife to ladies group and yourself to a men’s group. I believe that no matter what is going on in your life or your family, church and all related activities must be priority.
Let me share with you something very personal. When I was younger I had a drug problem. I was “drug” to church for Sunday school, worship services, children’s church, youth choir, Awana, youth group, and many other activities. I honestly did not appreciate it every time, but you know what? I saw in my parents a love for the Lord that was exemplified in their living. Not once did I see in my father an inconsistency in his relationship with the Lord.
Men, it is time that our families see consistency in us as we take on willingly, the responsibility that He has given us. Whether you like the responsibility or not, is not the issue. You have it, so take it. To do anything less, is falling short of what God has given you to do.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Easter and the Bunny
In a recent survey by the Barna Research Group, only 42% of those polled link Easter to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Which means that 58% of those contacted, do not see the true significance of the death, burial and resurrection of the Messiah.
When Easter is discussed, it is usually about how much candy will be eaten, how many eggs will be found and the joy of not having to work.
What we have to keep in mind is that no matter what others believe, it is crucial for us to acknowledge the true meaning of Easter and take the time to reflect on the truth that Jesus Christ died on the cross, was buried and rose again the third day.
Despite the fact that it seems redundant, it must be constantly on the forefront of our mind. Paul put it this way: “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death” (Philippians 3:10).
Easter is all about wanting to “know Christ and the power of his resurrection.” We must pursue knowing Christ and becoming impacted by Christ and the power that raised Him from the dead. Why? Because the same power that raised Christ from the dead is:
> The same power that gives us life eternal.
> The same power that is made “perfect in our weakness.”
> The same power that gives us victory over sin.
When the National Retail Foundation announces that consumers are planning on spending more money on candy and gifts for baskets, we must take notice. Is there anything inherently wrong with candy and baskets? No. But if that is the focus of this weekend, then “knowing Christ and the power of His resurrection” is not the priority.
So when you take away all the frills and fun, candy and consumerism, is Easter all about Christ who died for the sins of the world and rose again to give life to those who believe in Him or is it about the bunny?
When Easter is discussed, it is usually about how much candy will be eaten, how many eggs will be found and the joy of not having to work.
What we have to keep in mind is that no matter what others believe, it is crucial for us to acknowledge the true meaning of Easter and take the time to reflect on the truth that Jesus Christ died on the cross, was buried and rose again the third day.
Despite the fact that it seems redundant, it must be constantly on the forefront of our mind. Paul put it this way: “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death” (Philippians 3:10).
Easter is all about wanting to “know Christ and the power of his resurrection.” We must pursue knowing Christ and becoming impacted by Christ and the power that raised Him from the dead. Why? Because the same power that raised Christ from the dead is:
> The same power that gives us life eternal.
> The same power that is made “perfect in our weakness.”
> The same power that gives us victory over sin.
When the National Retail Foundation announces that consumers are planning on spending more money on candy and gifts for baskets, we must take notice. Is there anything inherently wrong with candy and baskets? No. But if that is the focus of this weekend, then “knowing Christ and the power of His resurrection” is not the priority.
So when you take away all the frills and fun, candy and consumerism, is Easter all about Christ who died for the sins of the world and rose again to give life to those who believe in Him or is it about the bunny?
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