My Way or the Highway

During my career, I have worked with and for people who were very controlling. They would give people a task to do, but then they want to control every aspect of the task. The subordinate would finish the task and the manager would then criticize many aspects of the work, even though the quality was good. The manager was not satisfied because the work was not done the way they would do it, even though it was good work.

Luke 13 recounts the story of Jesus’ healing of a woman who had a disabling spirit for eighteen years. Because He did this on a Sabbath, the synagogue ruler complained. But Jesus answered him by saying, “You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the manger and lead it away to water it? And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham who Satan bound for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath day?” We should encourage and support those who are doing good works, even if the way they do it is not done the way that we would do it. Putting artificial standards, even religious standards, on good works limits the quantity and the quality of good works. Blessed are those who do good works for other people.

Promises, Promises

We rely on the promises of others. The doctor tells us that if we take this medicine or have this procedure done, we will feel better. The mechanic declares what the problem is with our car or appliance, and says if we undertake a certain repair, the problem will be resolved. The politician states what he or she will do if elected, and with great optimism prophesies that our problems will be resolved. However, these and other promises are subject to many other factors that determine whether the promises can be kept or not.

God told the prophet Isaiah, “Remember this and stand firm, recall it to mind, you transgressors, remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.'” (Isaiah 46:8-10) Our God has always been and always will be. He alone can accurately and with certainty declare what will happen and what is to be, because no one and nothing can stop Him from accomplishing all His purpose.

Knit Together in Love

In our world today, it is commonplace to receive criticism and judgment from a variety of sources. The world, it seems, tends to try to bring us down, rather than lift us up. It is so easy to become discouraged. The essence of love, on the other hand, is the desire to love others in a such a way that they are encouraged and full of hope.

In Colossians 2:2 Paul describes the core of his prayers for the saints by saying, “that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ.” We all need encouragement from time to time. Encouragement comes from loving one another and growing in the understanding and knowledge of Jesus Christ. Love lifts us up in uncertain and desperate times. Knowing Jesus blesses our soul so that we know and understand our place in this world and the nature of God’s love and plan for us.

My Thoughts Versus God’s Thoughts

Sometimes, I can speak to myself pretty negatively. When I make a simple mistake, I can criticize my efforts and my execution. When I say something harsh or unkind, I can question my intentions and character. Fortunately, God thinks about me in far different ways and with much different terms. It amazes me that He thinks about me at all, let alone that He thinks about me with love and compassion.

Psalm 40:17 says, “As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God!” No matter how weak and foolish that we think we are, we can take courage knowing that God is thinking about us and will provide the help that we need. He is thinking about you and me all the time, knowing what we need and making the right moves to give us what we need. He desires the best for each of us. Let us respond to Him in praise, thanksgiving, and love.

Eternal Celebration

People love parties. Parties differ by size, invitees, and what occurs during the parties. Some last a long time, some not so long. Some invitees are important people, some are not. Some parties are meaningful celebrations and others are just gettogethers. Some parties require formal attire, some are casual.

Acts 2:28 says, “You have made known to me the paths of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence.” The Bible records several instances of Jesus joining in celebrations. Jesus invites us to the best celebration by offering the gifts of salvation and redemption found in trusting in His sacrifice for our sins. This celebration fills us with joy that lasts for eternity. Everyone is invited to this celebration, but only those who trust Jesus will be able to attend.