Spark

Could a spark of your love light the whole church on fire?

When we care for our neighbor more than we care for style.

When we breathe in hope, and breath in grace, breathe in God

Yeah, we’ll breathe out peace, and breathe out justice, breathe out love

Oh, this little light’s gonna shine

With just a spark light a fire

Just a spark (Spark, The City Harmonic)

What is the function of a spark plug? A spark plug has the tough but important job keeping the power producing combustion inside your engine alive and well, for without spark there is no flame.

The resulting explosion pushes the piston back down the cylinder and creates the power your car needs to go. If a spark plug fails entirely you will lose fire in that cylinder altogether and suffer a "dead hole."

A car with no spark plug will not go anywhere. Similarly, a Christian without the spark of the Holy Spirit in their heart will not be an effective witness for Christ. They will be a “dead Christian” and ignore the Great Commission!

The tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. James 3:5

According to James 3:5 a small part of the body can make a great boast. Also, a great forest can be set on fire by a small spark. Even though the small tongue and spark have a negative connotation associated with them in this passage of Scripture, there is something positive we can glean from it. This Scripture reminds us that something small, like a tongue or spark, can accomplish astounding feats.

Have you ever wanted to make a difference in the world, but felt too insignificant to try? James 3:5 is a pertinent reminder that you don’t have to be someone famous, wealthy, or influential to make an impact in the world. In fact, you can be someone “small” in the eyes of the world and make a huge difference. Just like a small tongue or spark, one person can start a revival or awakening.

How can a person start a revival or awakening?

One person can spark a revival by getting on fire for God. Apostle Paul was such a man.

2 Corinthians 11:23-28 gives incredible insight into the passion Paul possessed, and his willingness to suffer, in order to make his Lord known. It reads:

23 Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. 24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. 27 I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. 28 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.

Apostle Paul’s passion for God led others to Jesus and inspired them to follow Christ with wholehearted devotion. One of those young men was Timothy, who became a “spiritual son” to Paul. While in prison, Paul exhorted his young disciple to let the fire of God burn in his heart, and remain faithful to his calling. Read his exhortation in 2 Timothy 1:6-7:

6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

You cannot kindle a fire in any other heart until it is burning within your own. Apostle Paul was a spark to others because he possessed the flame of God in his own heart.

How do you light a fire for God in your own heart?

“When you set yourself on fire, people love to come and see you burn.” John Wesley

1. Be filled with God’s Spirit and let it burn bright inside of you!

Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Ephesians 5:18

Do not put out the Spirit’s fire. 1 Thessalonians 5:19

John the Baptist baptized people in water after they repented of their sins. His baptism prepared people to receive the ministry of Jesus in their lives. John knew he was not the Messiah, and that one greater than him was soon to come. In Matthew 3:11-12 John the Baptist describes the ministry of Jesus. It says:

11 “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

When we are filled with God’s Spirit and fire, we receive many benefits that accompany this filling. First, his Holy Spirit marks us as God’s children. Second, the Holy Spirit sanctifies (to make holy, set apart, consecrate) us. Third, we possess supernatural power to be a witness for Christ. Acts 1:8 says:

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Dunamis is a greek word used 120 times in the New Testament. It means “ability to perform”; for the believer, power to achieve by applying the Lord’s inherent abilities. In short, it is the ability to do the Lord’s marvelous works with power and might.

2. Read the Bible and walk and talk with Jesus.

When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” Luke 24:30-32 On the road to Emmaus, Jesus appears to and talks with two discouraged people after his resurrection as they walked. The tow people were discouraged because they had misunderstood the plan of the Lord. Jesus walked with them and explained the Scriptures to them. As they walked and talked about the Scriptures with Jesus a fire was burning inside them. 3. Live holy, pray and never compromise!

“Catch on fire with enthusiasm and people will come for miles to watch you burn.” John Wesley

King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, ninety feet high and nine feet wide, and commanded the people to fall down and worship it as soon as they heard the sound of the musical instruments. Whoever did not fall down and worship was immediately thrown into a blazing furnace.

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused to fall down and worship the image. When questioned by the king, they replied with the following answer:

“If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” Daniel 3:17-18

Nebuchadnezzar was furious with the three men and had them thrown into the furnace that was made seven times hotter than normal. When the king looked into the furnace he saw not three men, but four who were walking around unharmed. The fourth looked like the son of the gods according to the king. Then Nebuchadnezzar praised the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who had sent his angel and rescued his servants. Then the king said the following:

“They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. 29 Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way.” Daniel 3:28b-29

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were not burned up in the furnace because the fire of God burned in their hearts. This fire compelled them to live a holy life without compromise.

Are you ready to be a spark?

Should Women Be Test Driven Before Marriage?

Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. Hebrews 13:4

I am proud to announce that I celebrated my 15^th wedding anniversary with my wife Cindy on December 14^th, 2011. On that day I updated my status on Facebook with this good news and received 74 likes and 25 comments. I was very appreciative of all the likes and kind comments, but one comment really stood out to me. It said, “You're one lucky man!!! LOL! ;-) Congratulations on 15 yrs.! That's huge in today's world.” This person was correct! I am one lucky man, and unfortunately, being married for 15 years to the same woman is huge and rare in today’s world!

For the past decade, the overall American divorce rate has remained stable, at around 50% for first marriages. The statistics become more depressing for each successive marriage, with 65% of second marriages ending in divorce and even higher rates for third marriages and beyond.

Why do so many marriages end in divorce? No couple ever enters marriage with the expectation of getting divorced. Over 11 years as serving as a pastor, I have officiated many weddings. Every single one of them included vows that communicated a wholehearted commitment “till death do us part”. How are these vows so easily forgotten and broken by at least 50% of married people today?

I believe one of the main reasons is that too many men treat women like cars. Please allow me to explain. On the commentary show Hannity, he has a segment called “The Great American Panel”. On a recent show one of his guests Rebecca St. James, a singer and actress, was promoting her new book and talking with strong convictions about her great marriage. Rebecca and her husband waited to have sex, and consummated their marriage on their wedding night. It was obvious to witness that Rebecca was happy, content and fulfilled in her marriage.

Another guest on the panel was Jay Thomas, a Sirius XM Radio Host, who adamantly disagreed with Rebecca’s view on the sanctity of marriage. His philosophy is that women are like cars and need to be “test driven” before the marriage. He thought it was absurd to wait until marriage to have sex. It was obvious to witness that Jay was not happy, content and fulfilled in a relationship.

Before I received Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I lived a very promiscuous lifestyle. I thought that if I had compatible sex with a girl it would lead to a loving and committed relationship. This never happened! Sex between two people without a marriage commitment always leads to confusion and heartache. “Friends with benefits” just doesn’t work. Even Hollywood knows this fact.

After I received Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I learned that sex is reserved only for a man and woman in a marriage covenant. I made a pledge to never have sex again until I was married. After five years of abstaining from dating and sex, I met Cindy and married her. Our first kiss was on our wedding day at the end of our ceremony!

Cindy and I chose to abstain from sex, and not to indulge our emotions, desires and feelings during courtship and engagement. This allowed us to build a strong foundation, and establish a culture of trust, respect and honor in our relationship. Like Rebecca and her husband, we are content, happy and fulfilled in our marriage. Yes, even after 15 years!

Should women be test driven before marriage?

I answer that question with an emphatic no! I’ve tried it Jay’s way and I’ve tried it Rebecca’s (God’s) way. Experience has taught me that the latter is far better. Women are not like cars! They are far more complex, valuable and beautiful. You don’t purchase a wife! Instead, you enter into a lifelong covenant with your wife. A wife is not an item to be traded in later on down the road for a more updated model (no pun attended). She is worth a wholehearted commitment “till death do us part”!

Any man wanting to test drive a woman before marriage should be booted off the lot!

Hold on to the Good!

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 2 Corinthians 5:17

One of the incredible benefits we receive in Christ is that He makes all things new in our lives. He gives us a new nature, a new hope, a new purpose and a new future. In Christ, we get a new start. Who doesn’t need a new start?

2012 is here and at the beginning of every New Year there is the possibility of embracing the new things that God has in store for us. I can’t believe 2011 has come and now is gone. Many of my Facebook friend’s status updates on New Year’s Eve indicated that 2011 had been a difficult year for them. I must admit 2011 was also a challenging year for me in many ways. Several things in my life didn’t work out the way I was hoping they would. However, a new year always brings a fresh hope to my soul.

In Isaiah 43:18-19 the Lord says, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. (19) See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.”

In this passage of Scripture, the Lord is reminding us to not dwell on the former things, but focus on the new things in the upcoming year. When we only focus on the unpleasant moments of the past, it causes us to not perceive the new blessing that is going to spring up in the future. God has the supernatural ability to make refreshing springs in the desert and wasteland places of our lives. He can turn that which has been barren into a fruitful place in the future.

One of the keys to entering the New Year in the right manner is practicing the discipline of letting go of the bad and holding on to the good. 1 Thessalonians 5:21 says, “Test everything. Hold on to the good.”

Unfortunately, it is human nature to forget the good events and only hold on to the miserable moments of life. When we do this, bitterness develops in our soul that poisons us, and causes us to be disillusioned with life.

I am committed to entering into 2012 “holding on to the good” and releasing the disappointments of 2011. I will use them as learning lessons, make the necessary changes in my life, and move forward in faith.

How do we hold on to the good?

We do it by giving thanks to the Lord, remembering that he is good, and his love endures forever (Psalm 118:1). As our Eternal Father, his thoughts toward our future and us are positive ones. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Remember, as you enter into 2012, make sure you leave the old behind and grab a hold of the new things God wants to do in your life.

What old things of 2011 are you releasing, and what new things are you reaching for in 2012? I would love to read your comment and pray for you!

Happy New Year!

There's Something About Mary!

Every time I read the story about the birth of Christ, there is one character that impresses me like no other. This person was a young virgin girl, visited by an angel, with an assignment from God. One of the most fascinating people in the Christmas story is the woman who carried Jesus in her womb. There is something about Mary!

Read Luke 1:26-38 below.

26 In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. 31 You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.”

34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”

35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. 37 For nothing is impossible with God.” 38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.

See what I mean? What an amazing story! Although Mary was uniquely chosen to carry the baby Jesus in her womb, we all in a similar fashion, are called to carry Jesus in our hearts. Many throughout history have deified Mary for her prominent role during the birth of Christ, but we must remember that she was just a normal human being like the rest of us. Since Mary was a human being, there is much we can learn and apply to our lives in regards to her calling, faithfulness and obedience to God.

As we examine the life of Mary in the Christmas story, there are four things we should never forget about the birth of Christ as we carry his message in our hearts and declare it to the world.

1. The birth of Christ gives us an opportunity to be born again.

What does it mean to be born again? It means that all those who repent of their sins and put their faith in Christ can now see and enter the kingdom of God (John 3:1-16). It means we get to trade in our sinful nature for a righteousness nature. It means that the Holy Spirit now fills us and comes upon us so we can live by the power of God. It means we become new creations and now have a new hope of a new future centered in God’s good, perfect and pleasing will. The fact that Jesus was born with flesh and blood and became the perfect sacrifice for our sins makes all this possible.

2. The birth of Christ means, that by God’s grace, all who put their faith in Jesus are highly favored.

Ephesians 2:9-10 says: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.”

God not only saves us from our sins, but He also makes us the children of God by His grace. Grace is the unmerited favor of God. The fact that grace is unearned and unmerited does not tell us everything about grace, because it does not tell us what grace does. A more practical definition of grace could be "God's life, power and righteousness coming to us, the undeserving, as a gift. Just like Mary, God saves us, calls us and empowers us to do His will.

3. The birth of Christ proves to us that God is with us.

Matthew 1:22-23 says: “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”—which means, “God with us.” No matter where we go or what we face, we can be secure knowing that our God is with us. God will guide us, guard us, and govern us as we faithfully obey Him.

4. The birth of Christ reminds us that nothing is impossible with God.

A young virgin conceived a child by the power of the Holy Spirit. The angel pronounced that Elizabeth, the relative of Mary was going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren was in her sixth month (Luke 1:36-37). The Christmas story should encourage us that we are never to young or old to be used by God for His purposes. Our physical limitations and current obstacles are no hindrance to God. All we have to do is believe in Christ and trust Him with all of our heart.

If we are going to carry Christ in our hearts, and declare Him to the world, it is essential we know that we have a new nature, are highly favored, God is with us, and nothing is impossible for God. Why? Because the story of Christmas teaches us that, just like Mary, we are going to face adversity during our journey with the Lord.

Let’s examine the trials of Mary during the birth of Christ, and remember we will face similar ones also.

1. Fear

29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. 31 You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.” Luke 1:29-33

9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:9-11

Both Mary and the shepherds were initially afraid when the angel of Lord appeared to them with the good news of Jesus’ birth. When we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we have to quickly overcome our fears if we are going to live for Him and boldly declare Him to the world.

2. Relational Strife

18 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. Matthew 1:18-19

Mary was excited to give birth to the new baby Jesus, but she had to deal with the misunderstanding of Joseph and the relational tension of his plans to divorce her. Fortunately, an angel appeared to Joseph and told him how Mary had conceived Jesus by the Holy Spirit. However, the point is that quite often people don’t understand what God is doing in our lives. In fact, sometimes those closest to us give us the most trouble when God is birthing Jesus inside of us.

3. Inconvenience

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:4-7

When God designated Mary to give birth to Jesus, He did not make it convenient for her. She had to travel pregnant while at full term, and because of a census, the towns were crowded and full. This meant that there was no room in the inn for Joseph and Mary, and therefore, Mary would eventually have to give birth to Jesus in a manger. As a husband, I can’t imagine asking my wife to give birth in a manger. If we are going to carry Christ in our hearts, and declare Him to the world, it will not be convenient.

4. Spiritual Warfare and Opposition

13 When they (Magi) had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” Matthew 2:13

The star over Bethlehem was clear for all to see that the King of kings and Lord of lords was getting ready to be born. Threatened by this new king Jesus, Herod issued a decree to kill all the boys under two in Bethlehem and its vicinity (Matthew 2:16). The demonic forces working through Herod were trying to prevent the reign of Christ’s kingdom coming to earth. Similarly, we will face spiritual warfare and opposition as we spread the good news of the gospel of Christ.

By God’s grace, Mary overcame fear, endured relational strife, inconvenience, spiritual warfare and opposition as she carried Christ in her womb and delivered Him. Her faithfulness and obedience to God is worthy of emulation. As we carry Christ in our hearts, and declare Him to the world, we can stand secure knowing that we are God’s children, we are highly favored, we have God with us, and nothing is impossible for our God.

God has a good work for us to do, and He will be faithful to carry it on to completion. But, it won’t be easy. Just ask that young lady from Nazareth, a town in Galilee. There’s something about Mary!

Merry Christmas!

Whose Job Is It To Get Me A Job Anyway?

2012 is quickly approaching and with it a new election year. As Americans prepare to vote for their President one big question still remains: Will Barack Obama be a one-term or two-term President?

While watching most of the Presidential debates this year, and listening to many of the pundits on the news stations, it seems once again American’s are mostly concerned about one issue. Do you know what it is? It’s the economy stupid!

The reporters indicate that people are waiting for the “right” candidate to articulate a job growth plan for our country. I thought the main role of our government is to protect the righteous and punish those who do evil. I thought the main role of the President is to be the commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces.

When did it become the President’s responsibility to create jobs for Americans? It is frightening to me how much we rely on government to do for us. For example, we expect government to educate our children, take care of our elderly, meet the needs of the poor, and create jobs for the unemployed. The more government increases the more we lose our individual liberty and sense of self-responsibility. When this happens, our country fails to prosper because people lack a work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit.

Sure, I understand a President’s policies can affect the economy, and I know there is a financial impact when a President leads a country in war, but it is never his responsibility to create jobs. I think we have made the grave mistake of looking to our President as our Provider instead of God our Creator.

The Parable of the Talents, in Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus teaches certain principles on prosperity. Let’s read a few of them (I encourage you to read the rest of this parable to see what happened to the two who were good stewards, and to the one who was not a good steward).

14 “Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them. 15 To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. 16 The man who had received the five talents went at once and put his money to work and gained five more. 17 So also, the one with the two talents gained two more. 18 But the man who had received the one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money."

First, the parable instructs us that God is the owner of everything. The owner (who represents God) entrusts his property to his servants (us). We need to look to God as our Provider instead of our President.

Second, God gives us the resources on planet earth so we can prosper. We have plenty of materials to create or invent products, sell, trade or invest. It is imperative to understand that our current economic downturn in America is not a resource problem. We still have everything we need to prosper! Our lack of prosperity is a result of poor stewardship!

Third, God gives us ability to steward His resources and make an increase with them. We should work hard and be entrepreneurial with the ability God has given us. It is important to note that not every person has the same ability or the same resources to work with. God never intended for every person to be exactly equal. However, he does expect every person to work equally hard and be a good steward of what he or she possesses.

Lastly, God gives us opportunities to work. As we obey God, He reveals to us our calling. As we steward our abilities and resources well by working hard and bringing increase to that which we have been called, more resources are given, and more opportunities to work are created.

Unfortunately, too many Americans are like the man who received one talent and went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. In other words, he did nothing with what he was given to steward. He was irresponsible, negligent and lazy. Again, let me emphasize, he was not a good steward!

Do we really think that filling in a circle or box in 2012 next to a Presidential candidate’s name and putting it in the ballot box will change the condition of America’s economy? I hope we are not that deceived.

Instead, I suggest we turn our hearts back to God and look to Him as our Provider, repent for being poor stewards, pray, and make a commitment to practice the Lord’s principles of prosperity once again as a nation (Jeremiah 29:11-13). If so, maybe God will be gracious and give us a President who doesn’t want to increase his or her role, or the institution of government, but would rather faithfully fulfill his or her responsibilities while acknowledging the limitations of the President.

I had the chance to visit George Washington’s estate at Mount Vernon last week while in Washington D.C. for a winter conference. During the tour, I was reminded of the humility and integrity of our first president. After serving two terms and having the opportunity to become “king” of America, President Washington chose instead to return to his estate at Mount Vernon as a farmer. No leader in history, anywhere in the world, who had led a revolution, had ever relinquished their power. His humble act was unprecedented and set an example that many in government should emulate today. It would be better to get out of the way!

Whose job is it to get me a job anyway? It is not you Mr. President. No offense, but I am going to trust God and steward my calling well by making the most of the opportunities, resources and abilities He has given me!

You Reap What You Sow!

Our Creator has put into place certain laws, both natural and spiritual; to remind us that He is a God of order and justice. One natural law, the law of gravity, displays God’s order in creation. This law makes playing catch with my boys and the football in my front yard possible and fun. It would be frustrating if the ball flew off in a different direction every time I threw it. Instead, the law of gravity makes it easier for me to judge how far, and how hard I need to throw the football.

One spiritual law, the law of the harvest, manifests God’s justice in the world. Galatians 6:7 says, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” We know that this is certainly true in agriculture. If you plant 10 acres of potatoes, you will not reap 10 acres of corn. God has established this to be true in His universe. You only reap what you sow.

I was reminded of this the other day in the simplest of ways. The Friday before the Florida State home football game against Maryland, I went on campus to have lunch with a friend. If you have ever tried to park on a university, you know it can be quite a challenge. Fortunately, I was able to find a parking spot with a meter.

After lunch, I was getting in my truck to leave when a gentleman, who was visiting Tallahassee for the Saturday football game, called to me to get my attention. He had also found a parking space close to mine, but had no quarters for the meter. Politely, he asked me if I had four quarters he could borrow. I said yes and gave him the quarters. As I handed him the quarters, he reached out with his other hand to give me a one-dollar bill. I told him to not worry about it and to have fun at the football game. He insisted that I take his money, but I refused his offer.

I got in my truck feeling good that I was able to bless a complete stranger in a small but practical manner. Once I pulled out of the parking lot, I never thought about that incident again until a few days ago when I found a one-dollar bill on the asphalt as I was getting in my truck to drive home from work.

Now, let me take a minute to clarify a few things. First, I gave away those four quarters with no expectation of receiving anything in return. Second, I never find money on the street. In fact, when I used to work at Florida State University, there was a group of runners who would collect the money they would find on the road at the bottom of their lockers. Pennies, nickels and dimes were valued treasure, but finding a quarter was like hitting the jackpot. They introduced me to the idea. After ten years of running on and around the campus, the bottoms of their lockers were full and mine was empty.

So, for me to find a dollar bill on the street was like winning the lottery. As I picked up the dollar bill, the incident of me giving the gentleman those four quarters popped into my mind with the scripture: “You reap what you sow”! I felt like God was reminding me that even the small and somewhat insignificant acts of kindness are huge in his eyes.

I know God is omniscient, sovereign, and I believe His providential hand guides us daily. He knew I was going to have an opportunity to help a stranger, and he knew I was going to find that dollar bill later on. God also knew that he was going to connect those two incidents in my brain with his scripture to encourage me to keep doing good deeds.

It is easy in today’s cruel world to become cynical and allow our hearts to become calloused. When this happens, we spend our time living full of bitterness, unforgiveness and anger. I believe one of the ways we prevent this from happening is by doing good deeds.

Galatians 6:9-10a says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people.”

The omnipotent God used a simple request from a stranger, four quarters, and a dollar bill to remind me of this important truth. Be aware of the little ways God is demonstrating that “you reap what you sow”, and don’t miss your opportunity to do something good for someone else!

First Things First

25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life[b]? 28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6: 25-34

The state of our union in America is causing many people to worry about our future as a nation. Too many Americans are unemployed, possess upside down mortgages on their homes, feel insecure about future terror attacks, are concerned about the state of health care, and worried about their retirement plans. It seems that we are living in a time period of our nation’s history when it is legitimate to worry.

However, in this passage of Scripture, Jesus teaches us that we should not worry. With so much uncertainty in our world today, how can we live a worry free life? This blog will address this issue.

Three Ways To Live a Worry Free Life:

1. Make Christ and His Kingdom your first pursuit.

Jesus teaches that our Heavenly Father feeds the birds of the air and clothes the lilies of the field. Neither the birds nor the lilies have ever had to worry about God providing for them. Reminding people of this fact, Jesus instructs them that they are much more valuable than birds and grass. Therefore, we should have great confidence that our Heavenly Father will take care of us.

Possessing this confidence allows us to focus on what is most important: seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. When we are insecure about how our heavenly Father will provide for us, it causes us to seek first the material things of this world. Pursuing the wrong things, thinking they can take the place of God in our lives, leads to unhappiness and stress.

2. Rearrange your priorities so you can seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.

It has been said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting different results. Many people know they need to change the way they are living, but are unwilling to rearrange their priorities to make a necessary life change a reality. Therefore, they stay stuck in the same old situation as time passes them by. These people end up missing the will of God for their lives.

18 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 At once they left their nets and followed him. 21 Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, 22 and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. Matthew 4:18-22

Many of Jesus’ disciples made mistakes as they followed Him during His ministry time on earth. John and James possessed selfish ambition and had to learn servant leadership. Peter lacked revelation and denied the Lord. However, one thing they consistently did right was they never stopped following Jesus. When Jesus called them, they immediately left their nets, boats and father to follow Him. In other words, they rearranged their priorities to walk with their Lord.

3. Write down your plans and calendar them.

If you are serious about rearranging or ordering your priorities so that you know you are seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, then it is essential to write down your plans and plug them into your calendar. It is also important you learn how to say no to things or activities that hinder your walk with the Lord.

Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:3

In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9

The Lord guarantees our success when we commit whatever we do to Him. Committing our plans to the Lord is how we make sure our motives are pure. Too often we want God to bless our personal agenda or selfish ambitions. When we commit our plans to the Lord with a pure heart, He will determine and direct our steps by keeping us in the center of His will. Living in obedience to God’s will is the only way to possess peace.

Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21

It is humanly impossible to know if all of our plans are from the Lord. However, we can trust in the sovereignty of God, knowing His providential hand is guiding us in His purpose, as we commit our plans to Him. We don’t have to worry about figuring everything out; we just have to keep the heavenly Father’s kingdom first in our heart.

Do you have first things first in your life?