June 9, 2018

What Are Your Priorities?

“Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” – Matthew 6:21

What is an idol? The dictionary says it’s who or what you love, reverence or admire above all else. We know that God doesn’t tolerate idolatry. He said to put no one above Him. But we do it all the time.

In this teaching, Jesus admonishes us not to store up treasures on earth. He told us to focus on heaven. That’s where the real treasure is. But, well, there’s just so many awesome things on this earth and we don’t want to miss out.

Sometimes our idol is an object. It can be a house, a car, a phone. It can be a job, a volunteer organization, a ministry. And it can be a child, a spouse, a friend. It is anything or anyone we put before God.

People are quick to tell me I don’t understand because I don’t have children. They’re right to some degree, just as they don’t understand what it’s like to not have something you once desperately wanted.

But I do understand this: God loves your children more than you could ever love them. God is love. And no matter how hard you try to protect and guide them, you are human and you will sometimes fail. Can you put God first and place what you love the most in God’s hand? Can you trust His love for them?

Sometimes we cherish treasures that will never fill us up. Have you ever had lunch with a friend or family member that repeatedly responded to texts or checks Facebook while you are trying to have a conversation. You don’t feel valued, do you? You may even do the same thing to others. It sure cuts down on the personal connection, doesn’t it? It really lets us know how valuable they find us or how valuable we find them.

Do you know someone who has sacrificed everything, including their family, for a job or a house or a volunteer organization? What matters most is what shows up in how you spend your time. In other words, don’t tell me you care. Show me with your time and attention. What is your priority?

It’s the same with how we see God. Do we view church as a chore or do we see it as a glorious opportunity to worship God Almighty with other believers? Do we spend undivided attention getting to know Him or do we put that off for another day? Do we place our relationship with God above all other relationships or do we try to fit Him in when it’s convenient?

Stop for a moment and consider your thoughts, your words, your actions. If someone looked your way, would they see Jesus in you? Would they know without your loudly proclaiming it that you value Him above all else? Priorities show in how we live our lives. Make sure that yours show others the light of Christ.

May 8, 2018

Seek God First

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:33

Life gets overwhelming sometimes, doesn’t it? There are so many demands on our time, our resources, our minds. Sometimes I’m tempted to throw up my hands and shout, “I’m done!” and go hibernate for a while. Do you know what I mean?

Those who are in ministry talk about Satan’s attacks when they are stepping forward into God’s calling. Do you want to lead a Bible study? Expect an attack. Do you feel called to start a new outreach program? Expect an attack. Are you stepping out in faith toward God’s calling? Expect an attack.

Yes. We know Satan prowls around looking for ways to push our buttons. And we know that he will attack us and try to derail anything we are attempting to do for God’s glory. But expecting that attack and living through it? That’s tough.

We know to resist the devil and he will flee from us. We understand that we must wear the armor of God at all times. But some days, when we are battered and bruised, it just feels overwhelming.

That’s when it’s time to refocus and regroup. What’s most important? Seek God’s kingdom first and everything else will fall into place. I just had that conversation with someone yesterday. My prayer is that the wayward child – now an adult – will once again place Jesus as the center of her world. If that happens, wise choices will result and the prodigal child will return. It’s that simple and that hard.

In my own life, I am pulled in many directions. There is always work to be done, people and animals who are counting on me, responsibilities that can seem too much to bear. But I don’t face them alone. God is with me, guiding me and teaching me. He sends helpers when I need them. He gives direction when I need it. God surrounds me with His love and care.

A number of years ago I had someone ask what time I had gotten up. We were headed out on an early morning work trip. That person was astounded that I got up early enough to spend time with God before we left. I was astounded that he would think I would do anything else.

“How can I ask for God’s protection when I don’t make time for Him,” I asked. “How can I know what He wants if I don’t meet with Him and ask? How can I expect strength to resist temptations if I don’t spend time in His Word?”

And, yet, when we are busy, overwhelmed, filled with stress and worry, what is one of the first things we give up? Time with God. The thing we need most. Can you see Satan’s hand in that?

If there’s one thing Satan knows, it’s that he needs to pull us away from Almighty God. It’s the only way his attacks will work. Satan understands the power of the cross and the One who lives inside of us. The question then becomes: Do we understand?

Every season of life comes with challenges and difficulties, right along with blessings and joy. Find your strength in the One who controls it all.

January 26, 2016

Loosen Your Hold On Worldly Things

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." -- Matthew 6:19-21

 

I’ve got too much stuff. Most of us do. We accumulate things and then lose track of what we have. It’s not like we need it or, in some cases, even want it.

I’ve been going through stuff and throwing out or donating items I no longer need or want. I’ve discovered items I forgot I had. I’m finding things and wondering why in the world I ever saved that particular clipping or scrap of wood or fabric.

Isn’t that what we do? We keep everything. We keep the clothes we haven’t worn in years because one day we might fit in them again or they might be fashionable again. We keep knick knacks for no reason. We hang on to outdated phones and electronic gadgets. It’s just what we do.

Others who are less fortunate could wear those clothes. Someone else could use some of our stuff. But we are stingy. We are selfish. We are determined to keep close what belongs to us forgetting that really it all belongs to God.

What’s worse I think is that we waste money buying unnecessary items that we just have to have right now. Sometimes we go into debt so we won’t have to wait. Then we don’t care about the items two days later. It was the wanting that hooked us. The need to fill an empty space inside. A space that only God can fill.

We focus on things rather than what’s really important. Somehow all those things -- especially those with certain labels -- makes us better people. They don’t. We’re still sinners who fall short of the glory of God.

Loosen your hold on the things of this world. Seek first His kingdom. God will take care of all your needs and bless you beyond anything you can imagine.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Worship God With Football Enthusiasm

“No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” -- Matthew 6:24

I’d really never heard it described as a “worship chip.” But when Pastor Danny used that term to describe that place inside all of us that only God can fill, it sure did make sense.

And then he talked about football. Now this is Alabama and Alabama knows football. We live and breath it. We plan our lives around it, especially those who follow college football. We expect every year for our team to be headed toward a National Championship. We moan and groan. We get excited. We focus intently on the field.

The day after, the next morning, on Sunday, we file into church. We’re probably a little hung over from all the excitement. Maybe even a little hoarse from all the yelling. But we’re in church and we pat ourselves on the back for that.

Then Pastor Danny wants to know if we’re as excited about Jesus as we are about football. He asks if we’re just as enthusiastic about worshipping our Lord as we are about cheering on our favorite team. He wants to know if we’ve got that same intensity on Sunday mornings to worship God as we do when we’re watching the football game.

Sometimes truth is anything but pleasant. We don’t think of God and football as being in competition. We don’t consider football to be an idol. We don’t really worship football. We just enjoy it immensely. Like God wants us to enjoy Him.

God created us with a worship chip deep inside. We’ve got to fill ourselves up with someone or something. So do we do that with Jesus? Or do we do it with football.?

Now, don’t get me wrong. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a little football. Okay. A lot of football. This is the Deep South after all. The problem comes when we’re more excited, more enthusiastic, more determined to experience the game than we are to worship God.

Sunday afternoon our recreational ministries hosted a tailgate party. We had team mascots, tents, a worship band, flag football and grilled hamburgers and hot dogs. We all shared fellowship and laughter as we gathered for some church-wide fun. The only problem was that the tailgate party began at the same time that our Women’s Bible Study meets.

Choices. We all have to make choices. And we did. We had a wonderful study session that blessed us all. Afterwards, we headed downstairs to join the party. God blessed us with enthusiasm for His Word and for His people. That worship chip honed in on Jesus and filled us up inside.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

God Is Our Treasure

“Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be.” -- Matthew 6:21

What do you value the most? Most folks would probably say family, friends, health. Others might add home, job, church.

What do you think about the most each day? Do you spend your day focused on your job? Do your kids remain always in your mind? Are you looking toward the weekend football game or are you figuring out how to get in a little golf on Friday?

What do you worry most about? Money. At least, if you’re like most folks. That seems to be an ongoing saga in this economy. Next probably would be family. We worry about kids and grandkids, spouses and parents.

So where does God fit into all this mix? How much time do you spend each day thinking about Him? How much time do you spend each day with Him? How much time do you devote to doing the work He has called you to do?

What is the desire of your heart? To own a larger home? To get a promotion at work? To have healthy, happy kids? What is first on your heart list? Don’t give some quick answer. Think about it a minute.

Because what you focus your time on, where you focus your attention, what your heart yearns for -- that is your treasure. And if your treasure is anything other than God, you’re headed for trouble.

The dictionary defines treasure as a highly valued object or a beloved or highly valued person. While children or spouses or jobs or houses or cars might certainly be of value, are they really treasures on the same level as God? It only takes one time of being wiped out, betrayed, suddenly unemployed, or anything along those lines to come to understand that God truly is the only One we can count on.

Do you remember Job? He lost everything: his children, his wealth, his health. But he stayed true to God.

“I have not departed from his commands but have treasured his word in my heart.”

-- Job 23:12

No matter what happened, Job held tight to God’s Word. To God’s Truth. And God restored His faithful servant, blessing him in the second half of his life more than in the first.

True security can only come from God. True treasure? God and God alone.

The next time someone asks you who or what you value most, consider carefully before you answer.

Friday, June 17, 2011

Let Other's See God

But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. -- Matthew 6:3-4

Why do you do good? Do you give money because God expects it? Are you kind because it makes you feel good? Do you donate to charities or volunteer your time because it’s the right thing to do? Everyone’s motives are different so I’m just asking.

I’ve got another question for you: Do you do your good works in secret or do you shout it from the rooftops? Okay. You probably don’t actually climb on the roof and shout about it but are you proud of what you‘ve done? Do you share news of your good deeds with those around you? Do you hunger for those accolades that come your way? Are you squirming yet?

You should be. Good works aren’t meant to be proclaimed on the billboards around town. Did you give someone a bag of groceries? Good for you! Thank God for prompting you and providing you with the resources to do so. Now remain silent and let God have the glory that is due Him. Don’t brag about your tithe. You’re merely giving God back a portion of what He’s given you.

Many years ago a widow faced the daunting task of supporting herself and her seven children on a nurses’ aide salary. In her testimony, she tells of not having money to buy food for her children and asking God to provide. And He did. On more than one occasion she found a bag groceries by her front door. She doesn’t know who did it or even if it was the same person. She’s a grandmother many times over now but she still praises God for answering her desperate prayers.

That’s what happens when you get out of the way. God gets the credit He deserves. He sees you. He knows what you’ve done. And He’ll reward you one day. In the meantime, do good works whenever you can. Let Jesus’ light shine from within you so that others can feel His love and His glory.

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

People Are True Treasures

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal." -- Matthew 6:19

My Mother has a set of dishes she got when she married my Dad in 1953. The dishes aren't fine china, something she's pointed out numerous times over the years. They were poor when they married and had to select something they could afford to buy themselves. She keeps them in a cupboard in the kitchen, out of sight. I don't remember her ever using them.

I suppose she's saving them for a better day. I wonder what day that is. A family holiday perhaps? A celebration? We use bright red plastic plates at Christmas. We never use anything fancy. We're saving it. Once upon a time my Mother gathered silver and crystal into her home. And, slowly, it has found other homes. She is not a fine china person.

I don't see the point in saving all the good stuff for a better day. I'm not opposed to having it. I just think we should use it instead of waiting for a better day. But isn't that how we live our lives? We're saving up for a better day. We'll start a diet tomorrow. We'll invite our neighbor to church next week. We'll read the Bible another day. We've always got a good reason to put things off -- especially things that matter.

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

-- Matthew 6:21

What matters to you? Health? Financial security? Your family? What about all those things you're saving up to use on a special occasion? You won't be taking them with you when you leave this world so why not use them today? Invite those neighbors to church and lunch afterwards. Start a Bible study in your home. Let the dishes go while you play with your kids. Value what matters and let those earthly "treasures" go. Don't store fine things up to use another day. Use them to honor the people in your life today.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Embrace God's Gift Today

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." -- Matthew 6:34

I am good at imagining what could happen tomorrow. Sometimes I get so focused on tomorrow, and all the tomorrows after it, that I forget all about today. So I miss God's blessings for this time and this place because of something that might never be.

I know I'm a worrier. It's something I work on every day and probably always will. I know it doesn't help. I know it's a waste of time. I know Jesus said not to worry and I want so much to do what Jesus said. Then Satan's voice enters my mind, conjuring up all those "what ifs" that haunt my nightmares. And there I go again.

I want to be the person who lives in the moment. I want to enjoy this day as it unfolds, relishing the simple pleasures God has granted to me. It's not that I'm against planning ahead. I just don't want to worry about catastrophes that may never happen. I want to see the brilliant rainbow. I want to read that terrific book. I want to make that phone call and laugh and pray and do all those things I'm called to do right now.

Tomorrow may or may not happen. And what I fear may or may not come to pass. But I can embrace today for the joy it brings and trust God to help me with whatever tomorrow has in store for me.

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Don't Worry, Trust God

"Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?" -- Matthew 6:25

Do you ever wonder how much of life we miss because we're too busy worrying to enjoy the moment? I've always had an issue with worrying. I do too much of it. I know that and I'm working on it. I've been working on it for years. How about you?

We really can't control our lives no matter how much time we spend worrying about it. We can work hard. We can show up. We can be frugal and giving and obedient. But God controls everything. We don't want to think about that. Because if He controls everything, He can stop bad things from happening to us. And when He doesn't, what does that mean? It's scary. So we keep trying to control what we can't control. And worrying about it all the way.

I don't mean to sound fatalistic. Certainly, we make choices that determine our direction. But it's like Job found out.  Sometimes God allows bad things to happen to us. That's why it is so important to follow His lead and -- trumpet sound here -- let Him lead. Things always work out better if we just get out of the way and do what He says, when He says.

But I digress. When we waste time worrying, we miss things we might enjoy. Like a beautiful sunset. Or a child's laughter as we push her on a swing. Or simply the joy of loving someone who loves you back. Worry zaps us of the moment because when we worry we can't focus on the life around us.

I understand bad things happen. The economy has caused so many hard-working people to feel the sting of financial ruin. I'm not making light of that. But worrying doesn't change it. Worrying destroys our health, stresses everyone around us and keeps us from being productive. It also says quite loudly that we don't trust God to take care of us.

God knows what we need. He might not provide everything we want. (Do we really need that new car or do we just want it?) But he really does provide exactly what we need.

Sunday, May 23, 2010

"But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand it doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." -- Matthew 6:3-4

The woman was quite put out. She wrote that she had sent a check to someone who was struggling financially. She expected a thank you. She didn't get it. One day she ran into the person, who did offer thanks while admitting the check had never even been deposited. The writer felt her gift -- and herself -- were unappreciated. She urged people to be thankful. As indeed we should.

Perhaps her gift might have actually been used had cash or an anonymous money order been sent instead. I could imagine a money order made out to the recipient with Jesus listed as the giver.

Pride is an awful thing. Sometimes we struggle and, usually, we want to hide that. Then someone sends you money. Part of you would be thankful. But wouldn't you also be embarrassed? Finances are a touchy subject under the best of circumstances. It's difficult to accept a handout -- no matter how badly needed -- from someone. And that the person expects your gratitude only makes it that much worse.

Yes, we should be grateful when someone does something nice for us. We should offer thanks to them. And we should thank God for all we have and for the gifts that He sends us through others.

But when we give something to someone we shouldn't expect anything in return. When we do, we should ask ourselves why we're giving. Is it truly because we wish to help? Or is it because we want to feel good about ourselves and have others think highly of us too?

We should check our motives, then continue to give. When God blesses us financially, He expects us to share. He just expects us to do so to bring glory to Him and not ourselves.