Be Silent

We Americans believe that we should stand up for our rights. If no one will speak on our behalf, we will. If something needs to be done, speak up! If we are not treated in the way that we want, we will complain. All this is well and good, but when taken too far, anger grows and resolution becomes distant. We have become a country of complainers and division.

Exodus 14:13-14 says, “And Moses said to the people, ‘Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.'” Stuck between the Red Sea and an angry army, Moses spoke to God’s people. When we are walking close with God, we need only to stand firm in our faith, not crying out in fear or complaint. God will fight for us, protect us, and lead us through our troubles to a place of peace.

Choosing the Best

Someone estimated that we make 35,000 decisions per day. No wonder we become mentally exhausted. Some decisions are somewhat minor, but others have long-term impacts. On what basis do we make these decisions. Sometimes, it is just basically necessity. But many times, we make decisions based upon what pleases us at the time. Making decisions based upon selfish motivation will often keep us from making the best decisions.

Mark 10:21 says, “And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, ‘You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.'” Is there something that is holding you back from wholeheartedly loving God and following Jesus? Is it worth keeping this thing in your life, but then missing out on the fullness of joy, love, peace, salvation, redemption, and hope that fully walking with Jesus by faith brings to our lives?

Pure and Blameless

Our behaviors and attitudes do not occur in a void. These things affect our lives and those around us. When we choose to be kind and love another person, it will positively impact their lives and our lives as well. When we choose to become angry and take it out on another person, it will negatively impact their lives and our lives as well. When we choose to follow Jesus and receive His love and grace, it will forever lovingly impact our lives and those around us.

Philippians 1:9-11 says, “And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” We find a progression in these verses. Increasing love, together with knowledge of God, leads to a discernment that chooses the excellent over even the good. These excellent choices lead to a pure and blameless walk with Jesus Christ that then bears the fruit of righteousness in our lives. All this comes together to bring glory and praise to God.

Father With Compassion

My favorite part of the Prodigal Son story told by Jesus is when the son returns home but is still a ways from home. The father has been looking for the son to come back home and then this happens:

Luke 15:20 says, “And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.”

The prodigal son in this story had left his home abruptly, squandered his inheritance, and disgraced the father. Yet, when the son returned home, the father ran to his son and embraced him as his son with compassion. Our Heavenly Father does much the same for us. From time to time, we abruptly leave Him, squander His blessings, and disgrace Him. But when we choose to return home to Him, He runs to us, embraces us with compassion, and welcomes us home.

We Are Better Together

The saying, “We are better together”, is popular among social activists and churches today. It reflects the truth that we can accomplish more when we work together. We can more productive people when we work together, because our talents may be complementary providing synergism to the tasks. Another benefit to working together is the availability of encouragement by having others near us.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!” We need each other. Work more fruitful when it is shared. Life is more beautiful with loved ones. Encouragement is only available when we have someone alongside us.