Motive...

Today's Readings: OT - 1 Chron. 17 / NT - John 11:45-12:8

 “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?”- John 12:5

Every church board meeting brings out a wide variety of thoughts. There is rarely a project or ministry that doesn't lead to many ways to achieve the goal. An old joke says, for every three board members there are four opinions. But you will find, that at the heart of every proposal is motive.

In this passage of John we meet Mary and Judas. Mary is willing to expend an entire wealth of ointment to express her devotion and love. Judas suggested that a better use would be found in caring for the poor. While both ideas were commendable, only one was was pure in heart. Mary was overwhelmed with gratitude and love while Judas was bound by selfishness and greed. At the heart of each proposal was motive.

You may not be as duplicitous as Judas, but your service and stewardship for the Lord will often walk on feet of clay. Time spent evaluating our sincerity, devotion and love quotient can make all the difference in how we minister. While our ideas may certainly sound wise and solid, we would do well to always double check our motive.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Psalm 25 / NT - John 12:9-36

"IF"...

Today's Readings: OT - 2 Samuel 7:18-29 / NT - John 11:28-44

"When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." - John 11:32

I recently read a book entitled, "The Collected 'WHAT IF?' - Eminent Historians Imagine What Might Have Been". It's a long title, but a much longer book of thought-provoking historic narratives.  "If" is a small word with a big "might of been".  Historians may question the movements of the past, but is it right for believers to question the movements of the Lord? Would life have been better "if" God had only intervened?

Martha and Mary suffered tremendous grief, not to mention the illness and death of poor Lazarus. God was fully aware of the heartache and pain, but had plans for both grace and glory. The Lord purposed this death to bring the grace of resurrection and "God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it" (verse 4). "If" Jesus had been there, this plan would not have unfolded and history would have lost a true story of timeless consolation.

Has the painful events of your life caused you to say, "Lord, if you had been here"? My friend, never doubt the one who has promised to never leave you. Never doubt that your Lord is at work in ways beyond your understanding. There are no "ifs" in the plans of God. From one man's death Jesus sent the message across the ages... “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die." (verse 25)  His question still stands... "Do you believe this?”

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - 1 Chron. 17 / NT - John 11:45-12:8

Give Him Time...

Today's Readings: OT - 2 Samuel 7:1-17 / NT - John 11:1-27

“But when Jesus heard it he said, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was.” -- John 11:4-6

How often have you prayed for the Lord's intervention only to be left waiting? Did you wonder, if only for a fleeting moment, if God really loved you? Were you filled with various questions concerning God's intentions? And did you struggle with God's timing, which called for patience and faith?

This event is commonly heard at funerals with the resurrection promise highlighted. But, rarely do we hear an emphasis on the Lord's waiting for two days. The situation was clear; Jesus knew the need, made His plan and loved His friends. All of the above worked together for God's glory, while at the same time demanding great patience and faith from Martha and Mary.

The end of the day brought a miraculous work of God that rocked Martha's, Mary's and Lazarus' world. The next time you find yourself waiting on God for an answer to prayer my friend, remember... He loves you, and has a serious plan for His glory and your faith. Give Him time and trust Him, because He knows what He's doing!!

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - 2 Samuel 7:18-29 / NT - John 11:28-44

Be Secure...

Today's Readings: OT - Psalm 132 / NT - John 10:22-42

"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” -- John 10:27-30

The well known insurance company slogan "You're in good hands with Allstate" has been around since 1950. The original thought originated from the company commitment to the insured individual. The safety and welfare of clients was of utmost importance to Allstate. Where else can we find such security today?

Security is a very significant word that springs from this passage. Jesus wanted to convey to his followers the thought of protection and provision for all eternity. Like sheep who rest in the ever faithful and watchful care of their shepherd, Jesus carries his flock in his powerful, yet gentle hands... hands that were pierced for them.

How is it possible for you to be fearful in the face of eternity? If you belong to the Good Shepherd, you are someone for whom he laid his life down. Since his hands were pierced for you and still took death by the throat in victory, are they not sufficient to hold you firmly forever? Be secure my friend... be eternally secure!

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - 2 Samuel 7:1-17 / NT - John 11:1-27

Follow Him...

Today's Readings: OT - Psalm 105:16-45 / NT - John 10:1-21

"... He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice." - John 10:3-4

If it's not bad enough that we have been reduced to mere numbers by most companies that we deal with, others can never get our names right. I get mail every day, addressed to Mr. Jimmie Sant, Mr. Sant Van, Mr. Van J. Sant and other mind-boggling mistakes. Does anyone, other my dear wife and children, really know my name?

Well, there is someone who not only knows my name, but also cares for me in a very personal way. He knows when I lay down to sleep and when I wake. He greets me in the morning, having already been there to prepare the way. "He" is Jesus, the Good Shepherd. I'm not a number to him, because I am one of his sheep, and there is no greater encouragement in life.

If Jesus is not your Shepherd today, He is calling you by name, to a brand new life. If Jesus is your Shepherd today, he is calling you by name, into a whole new day. He has gone ahead of you and simply asks that you follow him. He has laid down his life for you so "you may have life, and have it to the full" (verse 10). Jesus is calling... just listen to his voice and follow HIM.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Psalm 132  / NT - John 10:22-42

Go to the Doc!

Today's Readings: OT - Psalm 101, 105:1-15 / NT - John 9:18-41

"Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.” Some Pharisees who were with him heard him say this and asked, “What? Are we blind too?” Jesus said, “If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains." - John 9:39-41

When I grew up, Doctors would visit the home when you were sick, and today we visit them. When I was young, I was rarely interested in having such a visit. Little has changed over the years, because I would rather be healthy any day, than need to visit a medical professional. But when I'm hurting... I get my tired old bones up and off we go to get better. If I'm sick, I go to the Doc.

The real issue is not who makes the visit, but that the visit is made. When we are sick we need a physician. Going deeper though, is the question of whether we are willing to admit that we are sick. It's the same with our spiritual sickness. Jesus said, “If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin". In other words, if you will admit to your blind and sin-sick condition, there is a cure. If you're sick... go to the Doc.

You may be separated from God because you're sick with sin. You may know the Lord and still be sick with sin. As long as "you claim you can see, your guilt remains". Jesus came as the Great Physician "so that the blind will see". If you're willing to admit to your illness, there is a cure in Jesus.  If you're sick... go to the Doc!!

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Psalm 105:16-45  / NT - John 10:1-21

Work Hard...

Today's Readings: OT - Psalm 96, 100 / NT - John 9:1-17

"As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work." -- John 9:4

Every morning, Monday through Friday, parkways across this land are jam-packed with people headed to work. Then, as evening approaches, those same people make their way back home after a busy day. While time passes and progress leads to great change, the work day remains much the same. The majority of people work "as long as it is day".

Some have called it the "Puritan Work Ethic", but the idea of working hard was embraced by our Lord long before there were Puritan Divines. He came to do all the work given by the Father in heaven while it was day. He led a focused life of productive effort accomplishing the tasks assigned. The Lord knew that night was coming "when no one can work."

How diligent are you in the work of the Lord? Have you a clear sense of his purpose for your life? Time flies for everyone of us and the night is coming. Will you be able to say that you made the most of the "day" you were given to accomplish the task assigned to you by the Lord? Work hard my friend, because "today" is the only promise you have.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Psalm 101, 105:1-15  / NT - John 9:18-41