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5 Steps In Dealing With “Rumblings of Discontent”–Acts 6:1

November 9, 2012 in 2012 Journey, Acts, Christian Living, Family, leadership, Parenting, Workplace with 0 Comments


Today’s Scripture Reading: Acts 6:1-8:1a

When was the last time you experienced the rumblings of discontent?

Was it in your…

  • Workplace
  • Community
  • Neighborhood
  • Children’s school
  • Home

Or, was it in your local church?

But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food.  –Acts 6:1

I’m the kind of girl that hates griping, complaining, conflict; i.e. discontent.  Thankfully, today’s scripture reading gives me insight into proactively dealing with these enemies of success.

So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.” –Acts 6:2-4

God’s Word is so practical, so applicable to any situation.  In these three verses lies a simple outline for handling the rumblings of discontent.  As Christian leaders in our homes, communities, workplaces, and churches we should follow this model.

The Leadership of the group/team/organization/family should:

Step 1: Get everyone together and addresses the rumblings; as soon as possible

Step 2: Remind the team of the mission of the organization, in this instance it’s teaching the Word of God

Step 3: Address the rumblings and explain the ways in which they are distracting the team from its mission

Step 4: Put a plan in place to handle the complaints so that the mission can go forward

Step 5: Appoint wise and mature leaders from the team to carry out the plan

One of the most important sayings I’ve ever heard in the world of teams came from Mary Kay Ash, “People support what they help to create.”  This includes problem-solving.  This is just what the Disciples did, they called everyone together, addressed the problem and pulled everyone into the plan to solve it.

The Bible is the greatest leadership book ever written!

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word.  Help us to be the kind of leaders You planned for us to be.

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!

 

© 2012 Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Acts 8:1b-9:43

When’s the Last Time You Took a Risk?—Mark 15:42-43

November 5, 2012 in 2012 Journey, Becoming a Christ Follower, Believing God in the Hard Times, Choices, Family, God Speaks today, Jesus, John, leadership, Luke, Mark, Matthew, Obedience with 2 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading: Mark 15:42-47, Matthew 27:57-61, Luke 23:50-56, John 19:38-42, Matthew 27:62-66, Mark 16:1-8, Matthew 28:1-7, Luke 24:1-12, Mark 16:9-11,  John 20:1-18, Matthew 28:8-15

Two years ago I was in full-on risk mode.

  • Stepping of my comfort zone
  • Going on an adventure
  • Taking a chance

I was doing what I believed God had spoken to me to do.

But my risk was nothing compared to the risk of Joseph of Arimathea…

This all happened on Friday, the day of preparation] the day before the Sabbath. As evening approached,  Joseph of Arimathea took a risk and went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. (Joseph was an honored member of the high council, and he was waiting for the Kingdom of God to come.) -Mark 15:42-43 (emphasis mine)

Up until this point Joseph had been a secret disciple of Jesus.  He was a wealthy member of the Sanhedrin (the supreme council and tribunal of the Jews headed by a High Priest and having religious, civil, and criminal jurisdiction). But on the day of Jesus’ crucifixion he gathered his courage and went to Pilate boldly. His action was risky because:

  • He was not related to Jesus
  • His request was a favor that would likely be denied on principle since Jesus had been executed for treason
  • He risked ceremonial defilement in handling a dead body
  • His request amounted to an open confession of personal loyalty to the crucified Jesus which would doubtless incur his associates’ hostility

(The Bible Knowledge Commentary)

He was a secret disciple no longer…

Joseph was part of God’s plan.  He didn’t just “suddenly” get the idea to do this, it demanded much preparation.  Had Joseph not acted boldly, the body of Jesus might have been disposed of like rubbish.

It was important that Jesus’ body be prepared for burial so that the empty grave-clothes could be left behind in the tomb (John 20:1–10). Also, the way He was buried fulfilled prophecy (Isa. 53:9). The fact that He was buried is proof that Jesus actually died on the cross, for the Roman officials would not have released the body without proof that Jesus was dead.  (The Bible Exposition Commentary)

The Holy Spirit prompted Joseph to go to Pilate and ask for Jesus’ body, but at some point he had to step up and do it.  It’s the same with us today.  The Holy Spirit will urge or nudge us  to step out or speak out for Jesus, but it will never happen unless we act on it.

Two and a half years ago I received an email from an organization I’ve been a part of for over fifteen years.  This email was announcing the 2010 Writer’s Conference.  When I read the announcement, something inside of me said, “You should go.”

I dismissed the thought for several reasons:

  • I’ve only been writing for a couple of years
  • It’s a big financial investment
  • This is a professional writer’s conference and I’m just a beginner
  • I’m not really clear on God’s plan for me beyond this year
  • I’m not even sure God wants me to be a “writer”

A month or so passed and I mentioned it to my husband, who is my greatest fan and cheerleader.  He said, “You have to go!”  For a few weeks I tried to talk him out of it; told him every reason I could think of why I shouldn’t go…

I prayed about it and asked the Lord to dismiss it from my mind if I wasn’t supposed to go.  Just the opposite happened.  It was constantly on my mind.  I really felt like God spoke to me to go.  So I registered, paid my money, and bought a plane ticket.

As I shared my plans with family and friends I kept apologizing for going. Saying things like:

  • I don’t know why I’m going
  • I’m not a real writer
  • I shouldn’t be spending the money

I heard the Holy Spirit speak loudly, “Dianne, you need to stop saying and thinking these things.  I set this up.  It’s a divine appointment.  Go with excitement and expectation!”

So that it what I did!  I took a risk.  But is not really a risk when God encourages you.  It’s an act of obedience.

God used that Conference to point me in the direction of my next season of ministry. It changed my life.  I’m so glad I took a risk and said, “yes” to God.

Joseph took a risk that fulfilled prophesy that is still talked about today.

What risk is God calling you to take today?

Step out in obedience and take it, it could change the world forever!

Heavenly Father, use us for Your Glory and Your Kingdom.  Speak loudly Holy Spirit.  Give us the boldness and confidence to step out!

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!

 

© 2012 Dianne Guthmuller
Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Luke 24:13-43, Mark 16:12-13, John 20:19-23, Mark 16:14, John 20:24-21:25, Matthew 28:16-20, Mark 16:15-18, Luke 24:44-49


Lord, Protect Us From The Evil One–John 17:15

October 31, 2012 in 2012 Journey, Believing God in the Hard Times, Family, Fear, Jesus, John, Parenting with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading: John 15:18-17:26

Let me just go ahead and tell you that I don’t like Halloween. I don’t like scary movies and I don’t like witches and ghosts.

I know it’s fun for the little kids to go trick or treating, but for me the whole Halloween thing just reminds me of evil.

The funny thing is that with all the attention “evil” gets during this 2nd most celebrated holiday of the year, most people don’t really believe evil exists.

Most people don’t really believe there’s a spirit world fighting for us.

In today’s reading Jesus was praying to His Father for his disciples and for you and me (John 17:20).

He had several prayer requests:

  • Protect them by the power of Your Name (John 17:11)
  • Keep them safe from the evil one (John 17:15)
  • Make them holy by Your truth and teach them Your word (John 17:17)
  • That they will all be one, just as You and I are one (John 17:21)
  • May they be in us so that the world will believe You sent me (John 17:21)
  • May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that You sent Me and that You love them as much as you love Me (John 17:22)
  • May these You have given Me be with Me where I am (John 17:24)

Friends, Jesus wants us to know…

  • That the evil side of the spirit world is a real danger
  • That Satan is real and there’s a battle going on for our souls
  • About the power His Name has over evil
  • His Word, because that’s what He used to overcome the evil one when He was on this earth (Matthew 4:1-11) and that’s what we use as well
  • About the importance unity plays is drawing others to Him
  • That we will be with Him one day

Enjoy the candy, enjoy the family time, and make some memories, but take a minute and thank God that He made a way for us to live a victorious life; He made a way for us to overcome the evil one!

Heavenly Father, thank You for praying for us.  Thank You for making a way of escape from all things evil. Teach us how to walk in Your Spirit today!

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!

 

© 2012 Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: John 18:1-2; Mark 14:32-42; Matthew 26:36-46; Luke 22:39-46; Mark 14:43-52; Matthew 26:47-56; Luke 22:47-53; John 18:3-24

“I’d Be Too Embarrassed”—John 13:3-5

October 29, 2012 in 2012 Journey, Discipleship, Family, Jesus, John, Luke, Mark, Matthew, My story, Pride with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading: Mark 14:1-2, Matthew 26:1-5, Luke 22:1-2, Mark 14:10-11, Matthew 26: 14-16, Luke 22:3-6, Mark 14:12-16, Luke 22:3-6, Mark 14:12-16, Matthew 26:17-19, Luke 22:7-13, John 13:1-17, Luke 22:7-13, John 13:1-17, Mark 14:17-26, Matthew 26:20-30, Luke 22:14-30, John 13:18-30

This is a story from a couple of years ago, but the message is timeless)

Wow!  What a morning!   I am at my daughter and son-in-law’s helping with the kids while my daughter recuperates from her C-Section, so getting up early is the best time to get my devotion written.   But this morning my phone alarm didn’t go off.  At first I was very frustrated, but then I thought “this must be Romans 8:28 morning!  It certainly was; the Holy Spirit was giving me a real life example for today’s devotion.

One of the things I’ve been doing since I’ve been here is to get my grandson up, dressed, and off to school.  It sure brings back memories of the days when my kids were little.  Today is dress-up day for Gavin’s kindergarten class.  He had it all planned, he was going to be Indiana Jones.  Last night before bed he laid out his costume and this morning that was the first thing he mentioned as he crawled down the steps from his top bunk bed.

After breakfast he put his costume on and realized it was too small.  He said, “I’ll just wear my regular clothes. My teacher said that’s okay.”  After a couple of minutes he remembered he had another costume, a Star Wars “something,” so he decided to wear that one.

All of a sudden he stops and looks down at the floor; I ask him what’s wrong.

He said, “Nanu, sometimes I get embarrassed.  If I wear this costume all the kids are going to look at me.”

I gave him a hug and said he didn’t have to wear it if he didn’t want to, but it would really be fun to be dressed up like everyone else.

So we picked out regular clothes and he got dressed.

I sent him back to his room for his socks and in a few minutes he came down the stairs with his costume on.  I said, “Gavin, I’m so proud of you for deciding to have fun and wear your costume!”

So I sent him off to find his shoes and in a couple of minutes he came back, with his regular clothes on.  He said, “I’ll be too embarrassed.”

By this time we’re getting close to being late for school, so I suggested he wear his regular clothes and take his costume in his book bag; he thought that was a good idea.

I can relate to Gavin’s feelings.  I don’t like to draw attention to myself; I like to blend in with everyone else.

I wonder how many times I’ve missed an opportunity to step out and doing something great for God because I didn’t want to be embarrassed?

But is that what Jesus wants us to do?

Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God.  So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him. –John 13:3-5 (NLT)

Can you imagine having a dinner party with twelve of your closest friends and wrapping a towel around your waist, pouring water in a basin, and kneeling down in front of each of your friends and washing their feet?

It was just as unusual in Jesus’ day as it would be today because only servants washed people’s feet.

Why wasn’t Jesus embarrassed to do something so unheard of in His culture?

Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. –John 13:3 (NLT)

This same confidence is available to every Christ follower.  Here’s the problem:  The world tells us we need self-esteem to be our best, but through Jesus’ example we see that we need God- esteem.

If we know

  • Who God is
  • That we were made by God for a purpose
  • That God has given us authority to fulfill His purpose and plans for our lives
  • We will return to God when our purpose is completed

Then…

We can do everything through Christ, who gives us strength. –Philippians 4:13

I hope Gavin is able to overcome his fear of drawing attention to himself today.  God has great plans for his life and stepping out from the crowd it part of every believer’s calling.

Heavenly Father, I pray that you help us to work to grow in God-esteem more than self-esteem.  Help us to remember that at the end of our life Your opinion is really all that matters. Use us for your Kingdom and Your Glory today.

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!

 

© 2012 Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  John 13:31-38, Mark 14:27-31, Matthew 25:31-35, Luke 22:31-38, John 14:1-15:17

My Prized Possessions—Mark 13:31, Matthew 24:35, Luke 21:33

October 27, 2012 in 2012 Journey, Family, Luke, Mark, Matthew, My story, Parenting, Spiritual Disciplines, Word of God with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading:  Mark 13:1-23, Matthew 24:1-25, Luke 21:5-24, Mark 13:24-31, Matthew 24:26-35, Luke 21:25-33

My oldest and most precious material possessions are my antique dining room table, china cabinet, buffet, and my piano.  All are over a hundred years old.  All were bought by my parents when I was a little girl.  When I look at these “things” my mind is filled with great memories of my childhood with my parents and brother.  And now my husband, children, and grandchildren and I are making new memories with these special “things.”

I hope my children and grandchildren continue to enjoy these “things” for many years to come. But there are some material possessions I will be handing down to them that are more important than my antiques…

These most important, most precious, special “things” are displayed in our shadow box coffee table.  At first glance, some of them aren’t much to look at; old, tattered, and falling apart.

But when I look at them my eyes fill with tears, my heart beats faster and my hands immediately move to touch them.

These special “things” are the ONLY things I know that are guaranteed to never disappear.

Actually they’re not things at all; they are diaries, historical journals, living love letters, and prophetical guides to the future; supernaturally written by the God of the Universe.

In this shadowbox are seven Bibles that God has used to communicate His love, promises, comfort, peace, direction, discipline, and holiness to me over the past 30 years.

Theses Bibles and God’s Word have help me to make it through times I literally thought I could not survive.

Three times in today’s reading God tells us that heaven and earth will pass away, but His words will never disappear (Mark 13:31, Matthew 24:35, Luke 21:33). I think He wants us to know…

His Words

His Words

His Words will never disappear…

As today’s reading tells us there will come a time when everything including heaven and earth will pass away.  My antiques won’t be around anymore, but the Word of God that I’ve hidden in my heart through Bible study, meditation, and daily devotions will last forever.

What are your most important “things”?

Will they last forever?

Pick up your Bible.

Take some time to think about the fact that you’re holding the Words of God and those Words will last forever.

Do you want something special to hand down to your family?

Give them a love for the Word of God.  It will out-live you, your money and your things!

Heavenly Father, help us to spend our time focusing on what will last forever; Your Word. Holy Spirit, draw us to Your Bible like a magnet!  Open our eyes Lord, we want to see you in and through Your Word.

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!

 

© 2012 Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  Mark 13:32-37, Matthew 24:36-51, Luke 21:34-38, Matthew 25:1-46

Are You a Praise Addict? Here’s a test –John 12:41-43

October 25, 2012 in 2012 Journey, Biblical Principles, Family, Finances, Jesus, leadership, Luke, Mark, Matthew, Pride, Sin with 1 Comment

Today’s Scripture Reading: John 12:37-50; Mark 11:12-14; Matthew 21:18-22; Mark 11:15-19; Matthew 21:12-17; Luke 19:45-48; Mark 11:20-33; Matthew 21:23-27; Luke 20:1-8

Isaiah was referring to Jesus when he said this, because he saw the future and spoke of the Messiah’s glory. Many people did believe in him, however, including some of the Jewish leaders. But they wouldn’t admit it for fear that the Pharisees would expel them from the synagogue.  For they loved human praise more than the praise of God. 

–John 12: 41-43

Hummm, desiring human praise more than the praise of God… I wonder if that is a description of a praise addict?

When I read these verses I wrote in the margin of my Bible, “Lord, help me.”  I’m one of those kind of girls who wants to be liked by everyone and who wants to be told they did a good job. That’s sort of a secret though, because I try to hide my desire for praise. (Don’t tell anyone, okay?)

We know we shouldn’t like praise, so we say, “Thank you, but.”

You know….

  •  I love your new hair….. “Thank you, but it’s not my real hair color”
  • That dress is gorgeous… “Thank you, but I think it makes me look fat.”
  • That was a delicious dessert… “Thank you, but I copied the recipe from a friend.”

We just don’t seem to know how to just say, “Thank You.” I guess we think it will seem as though we like praise.

I think there’s a better test of how much we need praise:

What goes through our minds when we don’t get the praise we think we deserve?

You know…

  1. When you give countless hours to a project and get no public recognition.
  2. When you give someone a gift that you thought was extra special and they didn’t so much as say, ‘thank you.’
  3. When you write what you think is an amazing blog post and get no comments. (ouch!)
  4. When your spouse points out everything you didn’t do and doesn’t even notice what you did do.

As usual, Jesus is looking at our heart, not our public reaction to praise and appreciation.  He’s not impressed with the “Thank you, buts…”

Let’s make a pact that we will seek God’s help in learning to graciously receive public compliments but we will only pursue and “need” the praise of our God.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word. Thank You for helping us to see our weak spots.  Teach us how to receive praise from others without becoming dependent on human praise.  Help us to grow daily in our desire to hear You say, “Well done my good and faithful servant.”  Lord, make us like You.

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!

 

© 2012 Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Matthew 21:28-32; Mark 12:1-12; Matthew 21:33-46; Luke 20:9-19; Matthew 22:1-14; Mark 12:13-17; Matthew 22:15-22; Luke 20:20-26; Mark 12:18-27; Matthew 22:23-33; Luke 20:27-40

You Won’t Always Have Me–Mark 14:7

October 23, 2012 in 2012 Journey, Family, Jesus, John, Luke, Mark, Matthew, Parenting with 0 Comments


Today’s Scripture Reading: Mark 14:3-9; Matthew 26:6-13; John 12:12:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Matthew 21:1-11; Luke 19:28-40; John 12:12-19; Luke 19:41-44; John 12:20-36

Are you missing someone today that you thought you would “always” have in your life?

Would you do anything differently if you had another chance to be with that person?

This was the message Jesus was trying to get across to His disciples in today’s reading:

Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. While he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard. She broke open the jar and poured the perfume over his head.

Some of those at the table were indignant. “Why waste such expensive perfume?” they asked.  “It could have been sold for a year’s wages and the money given to the poor!” So they scolded her harshly.

But Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. Why criticize her for doing such a good thing to me? You will always have the poor among you, and you can help them whenever you want to. But you will not always have me.  She has done what she could and has anointed my body for burial ahead of time. I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed. –Luke 14:3-9

This phrase, “But you will not always have me” jumped off the page at me.

I began thinking about the people in my life that aren’t with me anymore…

  • My first-born boy-child that was stillborn
  • My Dad
  • A close friend

All three gone, too, too soon.

But to me, today’s reading is more of a reminder of what I haven’t lost.  I need to savor every moment with my family and friends that are still with me because “I will not always have them.”

  • I need to go visit my 96 year old grandma more often
  • I need to resume my once a week visits with my Mom
  • I need to sit on the back porch with Harry more often
  • I need to get to as many of my grandkids soccer and football games as I can
  • I need to plan those quality times with my son and daughters
  • I need to arrange for more sleepovers and trips to the park with the grandkids
  • I need to get in the car and drive to see my out-of-town kids and grandkids as much as humanly possible
  • I need to go to lunch with friends and have them over for dinner

When Jesus told his disciples that they “would not always have Him,” they had no idea how short their time with Him would be.  He wasn’t telling them not to care for the poor, he was saying, “treasure this time with Me, because you won’t always have Me.”

Friends, let’s make sure that the most important things are the things we spend our time and money on.  Other than our relationship with our Lord our family and friends are our greatest treasure. Take some time to love on them today.

Heavenly Father, it’s very difficult to balance our time and attention with all the demands life puts on us.  Please teach us to have the priorities that You want us to have.  Help us to love like You love.  Help us to treasure each moment we have with our loved ones.  Make us a blessing today.

In Jesus Name.  Amen and Amen!

 

© 2012 Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: John 12:37-50; Mark 11:12-14; Matthew 21:18-22; Mark 11:15-19; Matthew 21:12-17; Luke 19:45-48; Mark 11:20-33; Matthew 21:23-27; Luke 20:1-8

What Every Mom Wants—Matthew 20: 20-22

October 22, 2012 in 2012 Journey, Family, Issues Women Face, Luke, Mark, Matthew, Parenting, Pride with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading: Matthew 20:1-6, Mark 10:32-34, Matthew 20:17-19, Luke 18:31-34, Mark 10:35-45, Matthew 20:20-34, Mark 10:46-52, Luke 18:35-19:27

Then the mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus with her sons. She knelt respectfully to ask a favor. “What is your request?” he asked.

She replied, “In your Kingdom, please let my two sons sit in places of honor next to you, one on your right and the other on your left.”

But Jesus answered by saying to them, “You don’t know what you are asking! Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of suffering I am about to drink?” –Matthew 20: 20-22

 

In Jewish and Roman circles the indirect intercession of a motherly woman was often more effective than a man’s direct petition for himself (see also 2 Sam 14:2–20; 1 Kings 1:15–21; cf. 2 Sam 20:16–22). Because James and John were in Jesus’ presence when their Mom made this request, she may have asked this question at the request of her sons.  (The IVP Bible Background Commentary)

At first glance this Mom looks like an ambitious, controlling, and prideful woman who wanted her sons to be exalted above everyone else.

I wonder if what this Mom really wanted was…

  • To make her sons happy
  • For her sons to be seen as a god
  • For her sons to have a higher position than the other disciples
  • To be seen as the mother who birthed and raised two sons of greatness

Maybe she just wanted her sons to be close to Jesus.

Isn’t that what every Christian mom wants for her children?

I know it’s definitely what I wanted and still want for my children.  When my kids were toddlers I dreamed of them being leaders in the youth group or singing on the praise team and then growing up to be world changers for Jesus… preachers or missionaries.

I’m sure I prayed and asked Jesus to make my desires happen. I wonder if Jesus thought the same thing about my requests that he did of James and John’s Mom’s request.

Dianne, you don’t know what you are asking!

Just like the mother of James and John, many mothers in today’s world misguidedly seek places of honor and greatness for their children.

Jesus used this occasion to teach James and John’s mom and every mom what true greatness means.

He showed us by His

• Willingness to suffer (Matthew 20:22–23)

• Willingness to serve (Matthew 20:24–28)

Christ’s warning that his apostles would suffer for his sake (Matthew 20:23) was fulfilled. All of them experienced great trials, and all except John suffered violent deaths. [Mark 10:35–45] (Wilmington’s Bible Handbook)

No Mom wants her children to suffer; our desire is to keep our kids from suffering.

Jesus, teach us about real greatness.  Help us to point our children and grandchildren to Your example of greatness.  Holy Spirit, convict us of our own pride and self-interest, as it relates to our desires for our children.  Help us to lead by example in our own desires for greatness.

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!

 

© 2012 Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  Mark 14:3-9, Matthew 26:6-13, John 12:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Matthew 21:1-11, Luke 19:28-40, John 12:12-19, Luke 19:41-44, John 12:20-36

Let Me Tell You About My Grandchildren—Mark 10:13-16

October 21, 2012 in 2012 Journey, Blessings, Family, Luke, Mark, Matthew, Parenting, Proverbs with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading: Luke 18:9-14,Mark 10:1-12, Matthew 19:1-12, Mark 10:13-16, Matthew 19:13-15, Luke 18:15-17, Mark 10:17-31, Matthew 19:16-30, Luke 18:18-30

Let me show you a picture of my grandchildren! Four of them are missing in this picture, but it was a rare photo opportunity to get this many of them together !

The one, true, living God of the universe spoke each of them into existence.

God could have chosen a million different ways to fill His earth, but He chose to do it through children…

Jesus made sure we knew the value of children.  He also told us that the only way we can receive the Kingdom of God is like a child:

One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him.

When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them!  For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.  I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”  Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them. –Mark 10:13-16

How do we receive the Kingdom of God like a child?

  • Children are helpless, unable to save themselves
  • Totally dependent on the mercy and grace of God
  • A child enjoys much but can explain very little
  • Children live by faith
  • They trust others to take care of them
  • Children immediately go to their parents when they are  hurt or have a problem

Wiersbe, Warren W.: The Bible Exposition Commentary

It’s so easy for children to believe in and have faith in God.  I see this in my grandkids.  When we pray for them to feel better, they believe they will.

They wholeheartedly believe God…

  • Is who He says He is
  • Will do what He says He will do

What happens?

How do we go from a little child who totally believes in God and believes God, to doubting who He is and what he says?

The pull of this sinful world is huge.  From the time a child is conceived a battle begins…a battle for their soul. That’s why we must train up our children in the ways of God and the things of God (Proverbs 22:6); so that when they grow up they still have child-like faith.

Children are a gift from God (Psalm 127:3).  Lord, help me to live a life that leads my grandchildren straight to you.

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!

 

© 2012 Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  Matthew 20:1-6, Mark 10:32-34, Matthew 20:17-19, Luke 18:31-34, Mark 10:35-45, Matthew 20:20-34, Mark 10:46-52, Luke 18:35-19:27

5 Courage Boosters When Sharing Jesus With Others—John 7:13

October 14, 2012 in 2012 Journey, Family, Fear, Friendship, Holy Spirit, Jesus, John, Luke, Matthew with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading:  John 7:1-9, Luke 9:51-56, Matthew 8:18-22, Luke 9:57-62, John 7:10-8:20

What have you taken a stand for lately?

  • Your favorite sports team
  • A pet project at work
  • A family member or friend
  • Your favorite “Dancing with the Stars” contestant
  • Your party’s political candidate

Talking “smack” about your favorite sports team or political candidate is pretty easy compared to…

Taking a stand for Jesus Christ

I live in the Bible belt.  During most of my working life I have been involved with organizations that had Christian heritages.  No, they weren’t churches or non-profits, but they were made up of many Christian people and were founded on Christian values; compared to many of you, I’ve lived a pretty sheltered life.

So, you would think it would be easy in that atmosphere to speak about Jesus, right?

Yes and No.

It’s easy to speak about God.

But you can feel the tensions rising when the name of Christ is mentioned, even in places where most people consider themselves somewhat “Christian.” (There is no such thing as some what Christian!)

The word “God” means different things to different people.  When we use that word, each person individually connects with it in their own way and everyone’s comfortable, but when we mention the name of Jesus Christ we draw a line in the sand and it forces people to get on one side or the other.

Don’t get me wrong when it comes to being a witness to those who don’t know Christ, it can be very helpful to open the doors with discussions about  ”God,” but at some point we have to distinguish “which God” we’re talking about.

It was the same way in Jesus’ day:

But no one had the courage to speak favorably about him (Jesus) in public, for they were afraid of getting in trouble with the Jewish leaders. –John 7:13 (explanation mine)

The “Jewish Leaders” here are clearly the Jerusalem authorities, who correspond in John’s day to the leaders repressing not only the Jewish Christians but also any other views within Judaism that they saw as competing with their own position. (The IVP Background Commentary:  New Testament)

In today’s politically correct society, many of us don’t have the courage to speak favorably about Jesus Christ to our family, much less our friends, co-workers, bosses, or political leaders.

Just like the Jews in Jesus’ day, we’re afraid…

Afraid of…

  • Being seen as “different”
  • Being left out of the “in” crowd
  • Being passed over for a promotion
  • Being punished in some way for our beliefs

What can we do to be more courageous in our stand for Christ?

Here are 5 Courage Boosters:

  1. Ask your Heavenly Father to give you courage to share Jesus with others
  2. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to prepare the way for you to share Jesus with others
  3. Develop a genuine friendship and concern for the individual as a person before you begin to talk to them about your Savior
  4. Live a life of exceptional integrity in the community, workplace, and home, which will leave others asking, “what’s up with this person?  Why are they different?”
  5. When God opens a door for you to speak, do so with love and compassion, not a preachy, judgmental attitude

What would you add to this list?

Heavenly Father, forgive us for our lack of courage.  Jesus, You told us that if we deny you on this earth, You will deny us before Your Father in heaven (Matthew 10:33).  Remind of us the importance of Your Name.  Give us boldness to serve You and speak of You to others in our day-to-day life.

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!

 

© 2012 Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  John 8:21-59, Luke 10:1-11:13

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