Doing Good for The Right Reasons

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“Is it not right to help the needy? It is not good to go to church and to pray? Sure it is! Jesus commands us to, but He also warns about doing them in order to be seen by others.”

Have you seen pictures of athletes, elected officials or other celebrities serving meals for the homeless? In our world today, it is so easy to take a picture or video of yourself or friends doing something good, and then instantly, everyone knows about it.

Jesus once said, “…I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.” (Matthew 25:35-36) Then He followed that up with, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” (Matt. 25:40) Without question, Jesus wants people to help the needy, as well as, to be part of a church and seek Him in prayer.

Jesus also said, “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:1) Practicing righteousness is simply doing what is right, wise and good; like the things Jesus laid out. Is it not right to help the needy? It is not good to go to church and to pray? Sure it is! Jesus commands us to, but also warns about doing them in order to be seen by others.

This refers to the desire to be acknowledged. We may want to be thanked, talked about, have a picture or video taken of us or have something typed up on social media or a blog post about our experience. Jesus states, if that is what we want, that is what we will get. And that will be considered our reward for doing good. However, Jesus also points out, if that is what we are after, we will not be rewarded from God. Jesus makes clear, we cannot pursue being be seen and rewarded by both man and God; it is one or the other.

Jesus gives us instruction in how to pursue being rewarded and accepted by God. He says, “…when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you…” (Matt. 6:2), and “…do not let your left hand know what your right hand and is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matt. 6:4) Jesus is illustrating, how we should not make doing good about ourselves, where it becomes all about us. He is teaching that when we do good, we should do so with a humble and servant-like heart. We are to serve with an understanding that we live for an audience of one, for His glory and praise alone and no one else’s.

The point Jesus is making, is at the heart of what it means to be a Christian. Here is the underlying principle He taught to anyone who wanted to follow Him, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23) When it comes to doing righteous or good deeds, we are to deny the inner urge to be seen by others. Instead, we are to take up our cross and do all, not for the glory of self, but for the glory of God.

Are we to never speak of the good we do? It may sound that way, but that is not what Jesus is teaching. When we are seen by others doing good, and have an opportunity to share, we should lower ourselves and lift up Christ. We are to decrease, that He may increase. No glory to us. All glory to God.

A prayer for you. “Lord God, compel us to go out today and do good. Let us love our neighbor and serve them with humble and grateful hearts. But let us do so, not for the praise of others, but for the glory of God. We confess we have done things to be seen by others. We repent of our sin, take up our cross and follow you with all our heart this day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Responding with Honor. Resisting Retaliation

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But how does God say we should respond when someone wrongs us? His Word tells us to “never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’” (Romans 12:19)

Hollywood has made billions of dollars off movies that feature an evil villain that commits unthinkable death and destruction. Then a hero rises in victorious retaliation against the villain and the crowd cheers. Why do we like these? Because there is something inside us, that wants to retaliate when evil is committed against innocent people; especially if it is ourselves, loved ones or friends.

But how does God say we should respond when someone wrongs us? His Word tells us to “never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’” (Romans 12:19) And it goes on to say, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Rom. 12:21) Let us admit, this is not easy. It does not come natural to anyone.

Jesus provides us an example through an encounter with His enemies. The religious leaders gathered to strategize how they could deceitfully trick Jesus into saying something they could arrest Him on. One day they approached Jesus with all sorts of flattery, then posed their question to entrap Him, “Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” (Matthew 22:17)

Jesus, being God, saw the evil intent in their hearts and how they only wanted to do Him harm. Therefore, He could have refused to answer their question. Instead, He chose to respond, “‘Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin for the tax.’ And they brought him a denarius. And Jesus said to them, ‘Whose likeness and inscription is this?’ They said, ‘Caesar's.’ Then he said to them, ‘Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.’” (Matt. 22:18-21)

Notice how Jesus exposed the evil in their hearts, and would not allow the religious leaders deceitful behavior to be covered over. Observe also how Jesus wisely spoke godly truth. The rulers presented something that needed an answer, so Jesus gave a wise response.

He overcame evil with good. Are you familiar with the word nike? It is not just a shoe company; it is the Greek word for “overcome,” which means to conquer and implies war. Jesus knew He was engaging in a spiritual battle with His enemies and conquered their evil with good.

Good means overcoming evil in an honorable and upright way, which first begins in the heart. A heart that is filled with nothing but the love of God for our enemies. In love, not retaliation, Jesus answered His opponents by wisely exposing their lie and sharing with them the truth. During His suffering through the events of the cross though, He responded to His enemies differently, speaking little and often remaining silent.

Though the methods of overcoming evil with good, can vary based on the situation, the one constant is the heart. Seek to always have a heart that resists retaliation, and chooses to respond in an honorable and upright way that pleases God.

But who can live this way? The one man who did, can enable you. If you call out to Jesus and admit your failings, He can pour His Spirit within you. And through His Spirit, He will provide all you need to live victoriously in the face of evil.

A prayer for you. “Lord God, search our hearts to reveal any bitterness or anger toward those who have harmed us. Help us to forgive and remove any desire to retaliate. And give us wisdom to know how and when to speak to our enemies, and when we should be silent. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

I Want it All!

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"He who loves money will not be satisfied with money . . ."  (Ecclesiastes 5:10)

Have you ever wanted something you did not have? Have you ever wanted more of something, you already had? And, have you ever wanted it with a deep passion? Millions of people experience this. If this is you, God urges caution.

A young man once asked Jesus to get involved in a personal matter and make his brother divide the family inheritance with him. In response, Jesus made a profound statement, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” (Luke 12:15).

Jesus laid his finger on the real issue with the young man. Coveting. What does it mean? It is a strong inner desire to get what you do not already possess, or more of what you already have. Jesus illustrated the danger of coveting with a story about a wealthy farmer that had a tremendous harvest. He said to himself, “What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?” (Lk. 12:17) He already had storage places, but his current harvest was so large it would not do, so he made a decision, “I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods.” (Lk. 12:18) He built, not just for the grain surplus, but for all his current and future goods he would purchase as well. With anticipation, he imagined his future, telling himself, “. . . you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.” (Lk. 12:9)

Do you see anything missing in the story? God and others. The heart of this man was exclusively focused on himself. God provided the light, rain, soil and growth for his crops, but He receive no acknowledgement. The farmer did not do this all alone, there were others that were part of the process, but neither did they receive any acknowledgement. And the farmer had all his basic needs met, he had so much beyond what he needed, yet he gave no thought to others who were less fortunate.

It was all about his desire for more, and to hold on to whatever he had. The Bible says, “He who loves money will not be satisfied with money . . .” (Ecclesiastes 5:10) How true! The farmer was walking down this deceptive path. He thought he could trust in his prosperity to enable him to “relax, eat, drink and be merry.” How wrong he was. For God spoke to him, “Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?” (Lk. 12:19)

That is a wise question from God, which points out two things. One. The man has a spiritual soul that would live forever, beyond the grave. He paid no attention to it. Coveting caused him to live only for the here and now, and to neglect preparing for the next life. Two. God pointed out that upon death, all the man has toiled to acquire and keep, will no longer be his. Death will mercilessly tear it out of his hands.

Coveting is condemned by God. Why? Because it causes a person to place their trust in things, rather than God, which is a form of idolatry. It puts one’s money and possessions above Him. This angers God, who is worthy of our worship and service. Coveting is also condemned because of its danger. It can lead people to commit fraud, extortion or other crimes, where one so desires something, they debase themselves in pursuit of it.

Jesus suffered, died and rose again that you might live to place your trust in Him. He is sufficient for all your needs. And in Him is life, peace and joy unlike anything else in this world. Today, admit your coveting. Turn from it and find all you need in Christ.

A prayer for you. “Lord God, we are sorry we have made things more important than you. We confess our coveting and idolatry of stuff in this life. Take our heart. Wash it clean. Become the highest priority in our lives. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

A Vision of Heaven

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“Tragedy, degeneracy, heartbreak, suffering, lies. Is there such a place where these injustices are nowhere to be found? Yes! Heaven!”

“Pastor resigns following affair revelations,” “Young athlete with wife and children dies after heart attack,” “Man murders college students,” “Nation at war accused of terrorizing its own people,” “Politician found guilty on all counts of election fraud.” Tragedy, degeneracy, heartbreak, suffering, lies. Is there such a place where these injustices are nowhere to be found?

There was once a man who had a vision of heaven. His name was John and one day he looked up and saw a door opened in the sky above. Then a voice spoke to him, “Come up here . . .” (Revelation 4:1) Then immediately, he was in the Spirit and taken up through the door.

What he saw when he first stepped into heaven was breath-taking. His attention was drawn to a large throne, with one seated on it. What he saw was no human physical appearance. Instead, there was a supernatural form described by John in terms of colors from the most beautiful gems. Surrounding the throne were 24 smaller ones with men like him sitting upon them called elders. Then from the throne came “flashes of lightening, and rumblings and peals of thunder . . .” (Rev. 4:5) In front of the throne were seven burning torches of fire, and a sea that was so placid and clear it looked like crystal. Then stationed around the throne were four creatures that kept repeating, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” (Rev. 4:8) Then John witnessed the 24 elders standing up from their thrones and falling down in worship before the Lord God saying, “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” (Rev. 4:11)

John’s vision of heaven was of a place where Almighty God reigned. He was the chief figure, where all attention surrounded the Eternal One. John was the last of the 12 apostles, and his fellow co-workers were in heaven, yet his vision shows how he was gripped by the stunning imagery and presence of God.

And what makes this picture of God so stunning? His holiness and power. No person, no other force in all of heaven and earth could challenge the power of the Lord God. He sits on His throne exalted above all.

We see God being called “holy” repeatedly. The picture of heaven itself, and God in all His beauty reveals how He is separate from all evil and perfect in every way. And as He is, so is His dwelling, which begs the question, “Who can live in such a place?”

There is the presumption, that everyone who dies, goes to heaven. As a minister, I have led many funerals, and there is always the assumption that their loved one has gone to live in the celestial city. Since God is the guardian of heaven, what does He say about who gets in?

He states, “Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.” (Rev. 22:14-15)

If you have placed your faith in Jesus and have been washed by the cleansing blood of Christ, you are welcomed in. However, if you continue in your practice of disobedience against God’s law, heaven’s door will be shut and you will be cast into hell for eternal judgement.

God desires you to be with Him and to enjoy the kingdom He has prepared for you, but you must turn from your ways, and place your faith in Christ alone.

A prayer for you. Lord God, the King of Heaven, draw people to yourself, that they might examine their ways. Bring them to turn from their disobedience and to you. Fill their hearts with the love of God, through your Spirit, and prepare them for eternity with you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Time for Change. Will it Take an Earthquake?

 Photo by Sanej Prasad Suwal

“No matter what your 2022 was like, nor what you hope 2023 will be, God wants to bring a spiritual change in you this year.”

For some 2022 was a year of hardship. A year they do not want to repeat. For others, it was a year of success and they want 2023 to build on it. Whatever last year was like, or whatever you hope for in the new year, I pray the Lord God will bring a spiritual change, that will impact the rest of your life. Such is one man’s story from centuries ago.

According to the Bible, there was once an unknown jailer who oversaw the prisoners in the ancient city of Philippi. It was part of the Roman Empire. As he was working in the prison, he overheard an uproar in the city. Soon the doors were swung open and authorities brought him two men named Paul and Silas, and ordered them bound. He had never met the men before. They were from out of town and had been beaten and bloodied by officials. He learned they were arrested for promoting some type of religious customs that were foreign to the citizens of Philippi.

The jailer put the men in the inner prison and fastened their feet with stocks. Then he went back to his routine business, spent the night at the prison and eventually feel asleep.

Paul and Silas though, never slept. In the midst of the dreariness of the prison and the pain from their wounds, they decided to sing. They started singing hymns of praise and thanks to God. Their voices rang throughout the prison, so all the other prisoners were listening.

As they were singing, something happened. The prison began to shake violently, like an earthquake had hit. It was so violent, the cell doors of the prisoners broke loose, along with their chains.

The chaos awoke the jailer. When he saw what happened, he drew his sword to kill himself, believing all the prisoners escaped. When Paul saw what the jailer was about to do he called out, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” (Acts 16:28) The jailer then came to Paul and Silas, and fell before them trembling. He knew these men were different, and how the earthquake was a result of them and the God they served. He brought Paul and Silas out of the prison and urgently asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (Ac. 16:29) For this is what they had been speaking to the people about in Philippi. The jailer wanted to have what they had.

Paul and Silas gave him a simple response, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” (Act. 16:31) They explained the gospel further, and after hearing more, the jailer and his whole household committed themselves fully to Christ.

Then immediately everything was new. The jailer became a new man. He also had a new family, new friends in Paul and Silas, a new joy, and a new future.

God sent two men, along with an earthquake, to carry the good news of Jesus to an unknown jailer, that he might have a new beginning. No matter what your 2022 was like, nor what you hope 2023 will be, God wants to bring a spiritual change in you this year. Will it take an earthquake? Will something have to so rock your world for you to finally listen to God? Will He bring some unknown people in your life with an important message? Will you listen to what God wants to say through them? Today, may your life have a new beginning like the Philippian jailer and his family.

A prayer for you. “Lord God, as we begin this new year may people commit themselves fully to you and be transformed like the jailer. May people finally stop resisting and willingly yield their lives fully to you, the One who died and rose again for them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”