Whisper of God
“So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”
Matthew 20:16 NIV
Observation
Jesus makes this statement following the parable of the landowner who hires workers throughout the day, yet when the work is done they are all paid the same. Those who worked only an hour received the same as those who worked a full day. What a deal! Sign me up for an hours work too.
I've read this parable many times and this verse many times. I think I might have it all wrong. I have often let others go ahead of me. I must confess that in my pride I've thought that now I am in a position to receive even more of a reward from God because I was willing to be last. Oh goody I get to move to the front of the line in heaven right? Umm, I don't think so.
Don't get me wrong I don't think there is anything bad about being kind and letting others go ahead of you, but I better not do it thinking that somehow I will increase my reward.
Instead I think what God really wants is to be content with what He gives to me - now and in eternity. If God's generosity seems unfair to me then the problem is not with God. I need to examine my heart and week out the desire to be first or have the most. All I have is from God - period. That's the same for all of us, so let's stop comparing and just be content.
Real Life Application
As a pastor I'm going to be content to let God put me in line and not worry about other ministers who might be ahead of me or get more in attendance, recognition or even finances. I'm thankful to have just been chosen.
Day's Prayer
Lord Jesus, I confess my pride and desire to be first. Yes even in my pride I've at times taken the back seat thinking that it moved me ahead of others in your sight. Help me to be content with what you give to me, and even more empower me to rejoice in your generosity when others are put ahead of me even if in the thinking of the world it does not seem fair. I'm not asking you to be fair. I just thank You for including me in the line!
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Who Amazes You?
Whisper of God
“When the princes in Israel take the lead,
when the people willingly offer themselves—
praise the LORD!
Judges 5:2 NIV
Observation
This is the beginning of Deborah's song. She led Israel as a one of the judges. When the people cried out because of the oppression of their enemies she instructed Barak to take 10,000 men to go out against them. He did so with the promise that she would go with them (but that's another part of the story).
After the victory Deborah sings this song of praise to the Lord. She in essence says when the princes or fighting men of Israel advance - when they offer themselves to take their stand against the enemy - THEN PRAISE THE LORD!
Barak went to battle but was intimidated. His confidence was not so much in God but Deborah. Her presence encouraged him to go to battle, but what help could she give? Deborah knew that the victory was possible only with the help of the Lord. Deborah sang like David: "Contend, LORD, with those who contend with me . . . . Say to me, 'I am your salvation.'"
Real Life Application
My confidence must be in God who amazes me for only He will strengthen me to stand strong against those who would oppose me.
Day's Prayer
Lord Jesus I need your strength today to not be like Barak. No one but You can bring me the victory. May my confidence be in You; I don't want to trust the wisdom or strength of even the people who love me. Nor do I want to try to impress others with what I might think I can do. I am powerless, but You are strong. Today I will stand and give you praise regardless of what may come my way for You are my salvation! You amaze me!
“When the princes in Israel take the lead,
when the people willingly offer themselves—
praise the LORD!
Judges 5:2 NIV
Observation
This is the beginning of Deborah's song. She led Israel as a one of the judges. When the people cried out because of the oppression of their enemies she instructed Barak to take 10,000 men to go out against them. He did so with the promise that she would go with them (but that's another part of the story).
After the victory Deborah sings this song of praise to the Lord. She in essence says when the princes or fighting men of Israel advance - when they offer themselves to take their stand against the enemy - THEN PRAISE THE LORD!
Barak went to battle but was intimidated. His confidence was not so much in God but Deborah. Her presence encouraged him to go to battle, but what help could she give? Deborah knew that the victory was possible only with the help of the Lord. Deborah sang like David: "Contend, LORD, with those who contend with me . . . . Say to me, 'I am your salvation.'"
Real Life Application
My confidence must be in God who amazes me for only He will strengthen me to stand strong against those who would oppose me.
Day's Prayer
Lord Jesus I need your strength today to not be like Barak. No one but You can bring me the victory. May my confidence be in You; I don't want to trust the wisdom or strength of even the people who love me. Nor do I want to try to impress others with what I might think I can do. I am powerless, but You are strong. Today I will stand and give you praise regardless of what may come my way for You are my salvation! You amaze me!
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