Where Are We Leading?

An example, that you should follow …

1 Peter 2:21

As early as age three, Erica could be found trying to pull Daddy’s tools from his work belt as it hung from a wall peg in the mudroom. She piled detergent boxes like steps to reach her goal. And several times she attained that goal only to be scolded for playing with Daddy’s tools.

So Erica was beside herself with delight when on her fifth birthday she received her very own tool belt! Daddy explained to her that, like his own tools, her tools could be used to work on and repair broken things. Wanting to know the application of each tool, she asked Daddy to show her. As he removed each tool from his belt, Erica took its equivalent and did her best to imitate his actions. For weeks she went around the house fixing things.

One evening as Daddy was reading the paper, he noticed Erica playing with her hammer. He watched as she intentionally struck her thumb and hollered, “Stupid hammer!” then turned to seek her Daddy’s approval.

What an eye-opener! She had apparently observed him earlier that day when he had done what she had just mimicked. With startling clarity, he understood the implications of his actions on his little girl. In that moment, he determined to be the best example he could.

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Every step we take is an invitation for someone to follow. And living an upright life is not always easy. But we are responsible for the impact our actions have on those who watch us. And make no mistake—someone is always watching.

Many of us live as if there are no consequences for our actions. We think that because God has not judged us swiftly, His judgment is not coming. If we are insensitive to the truth that no act, good or evil, will go unnoticed or unpunished, the fallout of an unrighteous life can have disastrous consequences, on us and those who look to us for guidance.

Jesus left us an example to follow, one that requires commitment and discipline, one that shows others the Way, the Truth, and the Life!

Prayer

“Help me remain aware of my influence on others. May my life lead people to You, Lord. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 Carved by the Master

Your works are wonderful.

Psalm 139:14

Bob Birney had plied his trade for more than a few decades, turning out works of art unparalleled by his peers. Such was his gift that his works were sought by other woodcarvers from around the globe.

The tools of his trade were intricate and razor sharp. He knew how to use each one. As he made each cut, removing what didn’t belong, a masterpiece began to emerge.

On this occasion, he was carving the bark of a cottonwood tree. It was the perfect media for small carvings. Two and a half inches thick, its heavily lined structure required great imagination and steady hands to reveal the beauty hidden within. Bob was equal to the task. As he carved, he whispered to himself, “This piece does not fit. It must give way,” and, “You cannot hide. I have seen you for what you are.”

Some found his manor a bit quirky; others understood. The master was at work. He could see things others could not. He was revealing hidden splendor.

As Bob proceeded, the distinct outline of a cabin with steep, sloping roof began to take shape. Over the next several hours, the cabin took on life. Windows carved in relief with shutters to each side were so realistic you could imagine the firelight flickering inside. The stone chimney broke through the rough exterior of the bark at just the right height with smoke curling up as on a cold winter’s day.

Yes, Bob had a gift. In his experienced hands, wood came to life.

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I marvel at the intricacy of such delicate work. It is sharing God’s gift with the world.

The One Who created us knows why He did so. In His hands, we become purposed. He alone sees the masterpiece hidden within, waiting to be revealed. And only by His hands can what He sees be revealed. He alone knows how to remove the things that mar the true beauty of what is hidden inside. Yet, He can only do this if we yield our lives to Him. And in the yielding, the Master Carver can create in us the likeness of His Son.

Prayer

“Lord, reveal in me the best I have to offer. Cut away anything that stands as a deterrent to that purpose. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 What’s Algegra?

She is a tree of life to those who embrace her.

Proverbs 3:18

Matt raised his hand and asked, “What’s algegra? I heard my sister talkin’ ‘bout it last night, an’ she said she hates it! Is it like spinach or somethin’?”

Ms. Dennis pursed her lips tightly until her laughter was under control. “I believe your sister was speaking of algebra, Matt,” she enunciated. “It is a form of mathematics,” she said, writing the word on the blackboard so they could see the correct spelling.

Taking advantage of this teachable moment, she explained that algebra is the use of numbers in sets. She made the lesson comprehensive to first graders, finishing with, “And yes, Matt, some people hate it as much as spinach. But math, like spinach, is good for you, even if it leaves a bad taste in your mouth.”

Arriving home, Matt told his sister, “You need to do your algegra.” (He hadn’t taken notes.) “I hate spinach. But Ms. Dennis said I should eat my spinach, and you should do your algegra ‘cause it’s good for us,” he concluded.

Looking at him through squinted eyes, she asked, “What in the world are you talking about?”

“I heard you say last night you hate algegra,” he said innocently. “So I asked Ms. Dennis ‘bout it.”

Amused by her little brother, she ruffled his hair and said, “Okay, you eat the spinach; I’ll do the algegra.”

†

God wants to reveal to us the intricacies of life. As babies we have beginner-level comprehension. As we mature, we are able to assimilate more complicated matters. The more mature, the deeper our understanding.

Nowhere in Scripture is retirement mentioned. The reasoning behind our self-imposed work stoppage is flawed; it creates a stop-learning mentality.

No, I am not suggesting you never retire. But …

Knowledge is the accumulation of experience. Wisdom is the ability to apply that knowledge. When we cease to learn, our brains begin to deteriorate for lack of stimuli.

God’s desire is that we embrace learning until the day we die. And although to some it’s like eating spinach, we should always strive to learn. Because, in Matt’s words, “It’s good for us.”

Prayer

“Lord, may I never stop learning the things You have set before me. Stimulate my mind to be sharp and sensible. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 Prophet and Provider

Surely this is the Prophet who is come into the world.

John 6:14

Gwen stood completely still, not wanting to disturb the deer that had come to the saltlick in her backyard. She had come out on the deck to replenish the bird feeders and discovered a doe and her two yearlings eating hungrily from one of the mineral blocks Gwen’s husband, Shaun, had set out for the wildlife in light of the harsh winter months.

The doe finally noticed Gwen, yet somehow recognized she was not a threat and therefore didn’t respond in the normal preservation-driven act of flight. They nibbled away as Gwen watched. From time to time one would surreptitiously watch the human in the funny-looking tree and then return to eating. Their acceptance of Gwen’s close proximity made her wonder if they somehow knew this human was the provider of the life-giving substance they so hungrily accepted.

As Gwen began to feel chilled, she slowly retreated to the warmth of her kitchen to observe the deer until they had eaten their fill. Watching their struggle for survival triggered a deep sense of awe in Gwen. She was moved by the knowledge that God was using her and Shaun to provide sustenance for His Creation.

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The crowds on the shores of the Sea of Galilee were enamored with Jesus because of the great works he had done. Feeding over five thousand men, not to mention women and children, was something to take notice of! They believed this work showed Jesus to be the great prophet who would be like Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15).

And because He had met their physical need, they missed His true identity. And that’s what Jesus told them when, the very next day, they came looking for Him.

He proclaimed a new message: that what He came to provide was life everlasting; more than physical, it was spiritually eternal.

Jesus came to provide nourishment that endures forever. And the food He provides never spoils. He has come so that we no longer have to hunger and thirst for eternity. As we partake of His Living Word, we are nourished and well fed.

Prayer

“Thank You, Father, for Your perfect provision in Jesus Christ. Create in me a desire to continually feed on Your Living Word. Thank You for Jesus. Amen.”

 Seal of Approval

On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.

John 6:27

Each June, area churches work together in conjunction with a local bakery, and pass out free loves of fresh bread to the community.

The day begins early with runners, as they are titled, shuttling bread between the bakery and drop off sites. Trucks full of bread, dinner rolls, croissants, and flatbread arrive throughout the day.

Deliverers are assigned designated sections of the community. They pick up supplies and go door to door passing out the baked goods, offering words of God’s love and encouragement.

There are pick up sites where people from outlying areas come for bread as well. No limits are placed on how many items one may receive (up until the bakery runs out). If you have great need, you receive an amount equal to that need.

When asked, “Why do you do this?” by recipients, they tell them of Jesus’ love and how He is the Bread of Life and how this act is symbolic of that gift.

Some ask, “Is the bread stale?” and are guaranteed, “Each item has the freshness seal of approval.”

Some life-changing stories shared during this day are truly inspirational. Men and women alike cry, telling the deliverer they had no food in the house.

Bread of Life changes lives on both sides of the effort. For no one can ever be the same after witnessing or having a desperate need met.

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Such outreach for Jesus is a tremendous thing. Yet we do not have to wait for one day in June to deliver the Bread of Life to our communities.

Even as some are in desperate need of the physical nourishment this type of event provides, everyone in the world is in need of God’s spiritual gift of life through His Son. So much so that God put in His written Word His seal of approval on what His Son did on our behalf.

We are to be light and salt in a dark and tasteless world. This is one example of how to do that. We have God-given creative ability. Put it to use for His kingdom.

Prayer

“Lord of all Creation, show me how I can make a difference in my community. Give me the vessel with which to help transform lives. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 Not Unlike My Own

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize … we have one who has been tempted in every way.

Hebrews 4:15

As Gary shared with Preston about an ongoing temptation he was dealing with, he said, “Nobody understands what I’m going through.”

“I hear what you’re saying, Gary,” Preston said. “But your struggle is not unlike my own. Not necessarily literally, but we all deal with some kind of temptation.” He shared briefly of his battle with vanity.

Happily married, Preston was a handsome man. But he turned women’s heads in public. It created a tug-of-war between his pride and ego and his faith. “Believe me when I say it required God’s intervention to get victory over my pride.”

“So how’d you work it out?” Gary asked. “You know, how’d you stop looking in the mirror all the time?”

Preston chuckled. “I still look in the mirror, Gary. I have to shave,” he joked. “But seriously, I had to be humbled myself. And as God humbled me, He adjusted my attitude. What I look like does not define who I am. It does, however, present temptation. And that’s the point I’m trying to make. We’re all tempted.” He paused and then added, “But the great part is that Jesus knows how we feel. He’s been tempted the same way we’re being tempted. You’re neither alone nor unique. And if you’re willing to seek His guidance, Jesus is willing to help with the victory.”

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When we’re under attack and can’t free ourselves on our own, it’s hard to admit that others have been where we are and gained a victory. It’s easier to believe that no one else has ever experienced the kind of trial we’re in. It’s one of the ways Satan keeps us where we are. And if successful, he’ll continue using it against us.

God put on skin so we would know He could relate to our human suffering. Jesus knows exactly what we’re going through. He is the way of escape and wants to help. And if we cry out to Jesus, He’ll answer, “Your battle is not unlike My own was. I know how to help you.”

Prayer

“Lord Jesus, I need Your help. Give me wisdom beyond my own; lead me into a victorious life. Amen.”

 Peace … At Whose Expense?

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

Matthew 5:9

The brothers had been estranged for years. Neither felt they were wrong. For a fact, they each felt the other was to blame. Consequently, neither of them took the initiative to resolve the issues keeping them apart, so small in light of the impact it had on these once-close siblings. 

A childhood friend had been praying for them for a few years when he had a revelation: talk to them individually about the joy they had shared growing up, the laughter and tears, all of it. He got them to recall times of swimming in the farm pond, camping in the mountains, even the time they had hitchhiked to a rock concert in ’76. 

As they continued to remember the wonderful times they’d had, they began to gain a renewed perspective. Warmth replaced bitterness; forgiveness replaced anger. The chasm melted away in light of the truth; it wasn’t bigger than their love. Because of the devotion of a friend, they learned to share their lives once again.

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Unresolved wounds breed. They never give in or go away. If we choose to embrace the wound, we give it life, and it takes hold in our heart. Untreated, it can become a stronghold of bitterness. Most of the time, we can’t even recall what the initial offense was; we just want vindication! Self-vindication never heals. This friend decided to take positive action that would hopefully lead to reconciliation. The action required the brothers to recall the better, more important times. No offense should outweigh the value of the relationship. We are asked to become peacemakers, to place relationships above anything that would threaten them. Peacemakers are sons of God because they understand how priceless relationship is to the Father; without it, we are damned.

Prayer

“Lord, Thank you for the peacemakers in my life. I admit that it’s hard for me to forgive and be the one to ask for forgiveness for any part I played in the rifts of my life. Help me understand that being a peacemaker starts the beginning of healing in my life. Please give me strength as I take that first step. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”