What's Your Motive?

'...do not do your charitable deeds...to be seen...' Matthew 6:1 NKJV

God measures your giving in two ways: (a) Your means; how much do you have? (b) Your motives; why are you giving? 'Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in Heaven...do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.' (Matthew 6:1-4 NKJV)

Here are two stories that illustrate the point Jesus was making.

Story one: In 1977 a couple agreed to donate the three million dollars needed to build a new children's zoo in Central Park, New York. But problems arose because the 5 cm tall plaque acknowledging their gift wasn't big enough. Plus, a couple who'd donated half a million dollars thirty years earlier to build the original zoo had a bigger plaque. It was proposed that the names of the original donors be replaced by the names of the new donors. When the park commission refused, the couple withdrew their gift. Story two: It's said that Charles Spurgeon and his wife would sell, but refused to give away the eggs their chickens laid. Even close relatives were told, 'You may have them if you pay for them.' As a result the Spurgeons were misrepresented as being greedy. Only after Mrs. Spurgeon died was the full story revealed. All the profits from the sale of the eggs went to support two elderly widows. Apparently the Spurgeons were more concerned with how God felt about their giving, than how people felt.

Do the Numbers

'...My entire lifetime is...but a breath.' Psalm 39:5 NLT

Talking about a friend's funeral, Bryan Wilkerson says: 'The man...was a Christian - bright, hardworking, and dynamic. He helped start two hospitals...the local soccer association...travelled...sang in choirs around the world...a man of remarkable energy and ability...But nobody spoke of his spiritual influence. He introduced many to soccer but few...to Christ. The pastor could say nothing of his contribution...except he critiqued the sermon at the door on Sunday. His wife and children had few words; they got the short end of his attention and energy. Imagine what he could have accomplished by offering his time and talent to God. Compare that to another funeral I attended. This man was also...highly regarded in the secular community. But he was careful to number his days and resources and offer them to God. People didn't speak about his success and influence in the marketplace, but of his spiritual impact...how he pointed them to Christ...his leadership and support of Christian ministries...his years of church service...his mission trips to Moldova. His family spoke of his love of Scripture...his love for them...his faithfulness as a husband and father. I remember...wishing the whole church could be there to see what God can do with somebody who offers...every day of their life to Him.' So, how many people have you pointed to Christ? Where are you investing your time, treasure and talent? God's gifts are never loans, they're deposits and He expects a return. The only even thing in this world is the number of hours in a day. The difference between winning and losing is how you use them.

Do the Numbers

Just a reminder to our Tuesday night fuel Group: there will be no fuel Group for the next two Tuesdays. We will resume on January 4th 2011 @the Clark's. This Friday December 24th @7pm is our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service @Calvary. Come celebrate with your family the birth of Jesus our Savior...Merry Christmas!

'...seventy...or...eighty years...pass quickly...' Psalm 90:10 NCV

Our souls aren't hungry for fame, comfort, wealth or power. Those things create as many problems as they solve. Our souls are hungry for meaning. We want our lives to matter. The Psalmist writes, 'Our lifetime is seventy years or, if we are strong, eighty...' (Psalm 90:10 NCV) Eighty years is just under 30,000 days. Think about that in financial terms: $30 000 will buy you a car or make a deposit on a house. It's not that much money and it's not that much time. None of us knows how many years we've left, but we know how many we've been given till now. If you were to draw a line and add them up, eternally speaking, what would you have to show for your life? Job said, 'My days fly faster than a weaver's shuttle...' (Job 7:6 NLT); '...they flee away...' (Job 9:25 NAS) Bryan Wilkerson says: 'Teens count the number of friends they have, the number of colleges they get into. College students count grade points...credit hours...how many countries they've visited... Adults measure success by the number of bedrooms in their house, cars in the garage...or the yield on their investments. Most make two mistakes...they think they've so much [time] they can afford to waste it, or so little time they can't possibly do something significant, so they don't try. Our days are like suitcasesall the same sizebut some can pack more into them than others. 'A person who chases fantasies has no sense.' (Proverbs 12:11 NLT) Numbering your days means offering them to God and seeking His direction for your life.'

Peace Out

'Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.' Colossians 3:15 NIV

When God speaks to us He gives us a deep sense of inner peace to confirm that the message is truly from Him. Beware of false peace! When we have a strong desire to do something it can produce a false sense of peace that actually comes only from our excitement. As time passes this false peace disappears and God's true will for our lives emerges. So we should never move too quickly on important decisions.

When the devil speaks to us he cannot give us peace. And when we try to solve things with our own reasoning, we cannot get peace. 'But if the Holy Spirit controls your mind, there is...peace.' (Romans 8:6 NLT) Lay your decision on the scales of peace. Don't proceed if your inner peace cannot hold its weight against what you think or hear. You don't have to explain to others why you don't have peace about it; sometimes you won't know why. Just say, 'It's not wise for me to do this because I don't have peace about it.' There's power in having peace! And once you know you've clearly heard from God, you must do all you can to 'keep your peace' and not become anxious.

Peace is an inner 'knowing' that your actions are approved by God. 'Let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which...you were also called [to live].' (Colossians 3:15 AMP) God leads us by peace. His peace is like an umpire who decides what's 'safe' or what's 'out'. No peace? It's 'out.'

Your Self-Esteem Must Come from God

'...I have called you by your name; You are Mine.' Isaiah 43:1 NKJV

Dr Martin Lloyd-Jones said, 'Though you are one of the teeming millions in this world, and though the world would have you believe that you do not count and that you are but a speck in the mass, God says, 'I know you.' How wonderful is that? Take a moment and consider the things in life that rob us of self-esteem. Words such as, 'I don't want you; I don't love you anymore.' Or 'You're unsuitable for the job; sorry, we have to let you go.' Or, 'You keep making the same stupid mistakes. You'll never get it right.' Or, 'Why can't you be like your brother, or your sister, or so-and-so?' Understand this:

(1) Your self-esteem cannot be based on what you do for a living. Because when you can no longer do it you'll feel worthless. Think about some of the famous people you know: athletes, artists, speakers, etc. When they can no longer do what they do they often get depressed, even suicidal.

(2) Your self-esteem cannot be based on what you own. Recently the US housing market lost up to 40% of its value in one year. Millions of people saw their social status go down and their financial security go up in smoke.

(3) Your self-esteem cannot be based on other people's opinion because it will always make you vulnerable to rejection. What's the solution? Discover what God thinks about you and build your life on it. '...thus says the Lord, who created you...who...redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.'(Isaiah 43:1 NKJV) It doesn't get any better than that!

Integrity

'May integrity...protect me...' Psalm 25:21 NIV

Though repeatedly tempted by Potiphar's wife, Joseph said no. Faced with similar circumstances, David said yes. But the story doesn't end there. David married Bathsheba; when their son Solomon grew up 'He had seven hundred wives...and three hundred concubines, and his wives led him astray.' (1 Kings 11:3 NIV) Integrity may not seem like a big deal now, but your lack of it will have far-reaching consequences. Integrity means keeping commitments, even though the circumstances in which you made them have changed. One leader points out that when integrity is the referee, your lips and your life will be in agreement. Your beliefs will be mirrored by your behavior. There'll be no discrepancy between what you appear to be and what you are, whether in good times or bad. Integrity is not only the referee between opposing value systems, it's the decision maker between being at peace and being fragmented within. It frees you to become a whole person no matter what comes your way. There's a story about a job applicant who was asked why he was discharged from his last position. He replied, 'Because I wanted to take work home with me.' When asked who he worked for, he replied, 'The First National Bank.' We smile, but in a recent survey of employees, 55% said they didn't trust their top management. Are you trustworthy? Will Rogers said: 'People's minds are changed through observation, not argument. People do what people see. What they hear, they understand; what they see, they believe and follow.' That's why a corrected and contrite Psalmist prayed, 'Guard my life...let me not be put to shame...May integrity...protect me...' (Psalm 25:20-21 NIV)

Integrity

'...I have walked in...integrity...' Psalm 26:1 NKJV

To protect themselves from the barbaric hordes from the north, the people of China built the Great Wall. It was so high nobody could climb over it and so thick nobody could break through it, so they settled back to enjoy life. During the first hundred years of the wall's existence, China was invaded three different times. Not once did the enemy try to break down the wall or climb over it; they simply bribed the gatekeeper and marched in. While those who built it were relying on their wall of stone, they neglected to teach integrity to their children. As a result they grew up without moral and spiritual principles to guide them. Have you ever watched a big tree fall while others around it stood tall? How come the same storm that builds strength in one, topples another? You'll find the answer in the tree's core and roots. Getting the idea? When it comes to building integrity, here are some questions you should ask yourself regularly:

(1) Am I the same, no matter who I'm with?

(2) Am I willing to make decisions that are best for others, even though another choice would benefit me more?

(3) Can I be counted on to keep the commitments I've made to God, myself and others? Can you say like the Psalmist, 'Judge me, O Lord; for I have walked in...integrity...'? (Psalm 26:1 KJV) Life is like a vice: at times it will squeeze you. In those moments whatever is inside will come out. Image-building and self-interest promise much but produce little, but integrity never disappoints. So, work on your integrity.

Do it Gods way

'The thief comes only to steal...' John 10:10 NIV

Using his own home as a demo, TV anchorman Brandon Brooks showed his viewers how to protect their homes from robbers. He installed double locks on all the doors, windows that can't be opened from outside, sophisticated alarms the works. But what he failed to take into account was that thieves were also watching and learning the details of his security system and where the TV, VCR and furniture were located. The following week, while Brooks was on the air, they cleaned him out because that's what thieves do!
Satan is a thief! Jesus said he '...comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that [you] may have life...to the full.'(John 10:10 NIV) Henry Blackaby says: 'Since...Adam and Eve, people have had to choose whom to believe. Satan convinced them that [disobeying] God would gain them everything. Instead their disobedience robbed them of all they had. For the rest of their lives they experienced only a fraction of the blessing God had intended...The world seeks to convince you you'll find fulfillment by adopting its standards of morality for your marriage, raising your children, and advancing your career...If you believe this you'll never experience the blessings God intended... Sin brings death (Romans 6:23)...Jesus wants you to live your life with security, knowing that you are a beloved child of God. If you're not experiencing His love, joy and peace, you have settled for less than God intends... If you have been making excuses for why you're not living an abundant and joyful life, determine today to settle for nothing less than God's best. Instead of following the world's way...listen to the Savior's voice and...find...fulfillment.'

Making Marriage Work

'...if I didn't love others, I would have gained nothing.' 1 Corinthians 13:3 NLT

Former US Education Secretary William Bennett attended a contemporary wedding where the bride and groom pledged in their vows to remain together, 'As long as love shall last.' Bennett said, 'I sent them paper plates as a wedding gift.' If you want to build a great marriage, one that will go the distance, you must concentrate on doing these four things:

(1) Take responsibility for your own happiness. By blaming your mate you never have to face yourself honestly or change your own behavior. That's a cop-out! Relationships aren't dumping grounds. Happiness is an inside job; it comes from having a healthy self-esteem and a growing relationship with God.

(2) Be a friend. Ever notice how easily we accept our friends as they are, yet have trouble doing that with the one we're married to? Look out, familiarity breeds contempt! Doesn't your partner deserve at least the same respect, loyalty, patience, gratitude and appreciation you give others?

(3) Have a shared goal. You always need something to plan for and work toward together. Doing this will enrich your relationship and take it to higher levels. So, what's your next goal?

(4) Have courage. There are no perfect situations in life. You need courage to face whatever comes, to realize that what you can't solve, you can out-last and out-love! So work on your marriage today!

Prayer Gods Way

'After this manner...pray...' Matthew 6:9 KJV

Jesus taught us to pray: 'Our Father in Heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your Kingdom come. Your will be done in earth, as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one: For Yours is the kingdom...the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.' (Matthew 6:9-13 NKJV)

When it comes to praying, Jesus gave us a blueprint:

'Our Father' establishes the basis of your relationship with God. It reminds you that you're not just part of His creation, you're His child! Think about it; you can create something without being related to it, but once you father it, it's always part of you. 'In Heaven' affirms your connection to the God of the universe. 'The Lord...made the heavens His throne; from there He rules over everything.' (Psalm 103:19 NLT) You are acknowledging God's power and His unique qualifications to answer your prayers. 'Hallowed be Your name' reminds you that God is holy; that being His child doesn't give you the right to disobey or take Him for granted. When you 'Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise' (Psalm 100:4 NIV), it gets His attention, because by exalting His name you're recognising His character. 'Your will be done in earth' is reminiscent of Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane: '...Your will...be done, not mine.' (Matthew 26:39 NLT) Christ taught us to seek God's agenda, not our own; to have the same mind as our heavenly Father; to walk with Him by praying in agreement with Him.

Conquering Worry

'...do not...be anxious about tomorrow...' Matthew 6:34 AMP

Most of the stuff we worry about never happens, or turns out better than we anticipate. Worry, like faith, is a spiritual force. Like a magnet, it attracts the very things we fear, clouds our judgment and distorts our perspective. God never intended us to carry tomorrow's burdens along with today's. So, here are three steps to help you conquer worry: (1) Replace it. Telling somebody not to worry doesn't work. Worry is like an emotional spasm; the only way to break it is to replace it. '...whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable if anything is excellent or praiseworthy think about such things.' (Philippians 4:8 NIV) In other words, switch the channel! (2) Dissect it. '...fear involves torment...' (1 John 4:18 NKJV) Worry torments you; your imagination runs amok, conjuring up all kinds of scary scenarios. But it's also illogical; when you take it apart rationally and systemically, it loses its power to control you. (3) Rise above it. A well-known pastor was flying over the Mississippi River one day when the sky grew dark. 'We can't see where we're going!' he exclaimed. Calmly the pilot replied, 'We just need to rise above the ground heat, dust and smoke.' After climbing another 300 meters they emerged into a clear, beautiful world. Corrie Ten Boom called faith 'the radar that pierces through the fog.' When worry tries to fog you in, you can rise above it by placing your trust in the Lord. '...those who trust in the Lord...will soar...like eagles...' (Isaiah 40:31 NLT)

Put away your old Measuring Rod

'...it was a river...' Ezekiel 47:5 NKJV

Paul writes, 'Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.' (Ephesians 3:20 NKJV) You say, 'With my lack of education, limited income, poor health and past mistakes, I don't see how I can succeed.' When you're dealing with God, put away your old measuring rod! Ezekiel had a vision. He saw a river flowing from the temple: 'When the man went out...with the line in his hand, he measured one thousand cubits, and he brought me through the waters; the water came up to my ankles. Again he measured one thousand and brought me through the waters; the water came up to my knees. Again he measured one thousand and brought me through; the water came up to my waist. Again he measured one thousand, and it was a river that I could not cross; for the water was too deep, water in which one must swim...Then he said to me...it shall be that every living thing that moves, wherever the rivers go, will live...Along the bank of the river...will grow all kinds of trees used for food; their leaves will not wither, and their fruit will not fail. They will bear fruit every month, because their water flows from the sanctuary...' (Ezekiel 47:3-12 NKJV) Notice, this river flows from God. He is the One who determines your future and decides your abundance. No matter who sows or who reaps, '...God...gives the increase.' (1 Corinthians 3:7 NKJV) Who determines the extent of your blessing? God! So put away your old measuring rod!

We all Matter

'How good...when [people] live together in unity.' Psalm 133:1 NIV

Synergy is when the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. And creating positive synergy means having the right people, in the right place, at the right time, focusing on the right goal. After World War II, Chester Nimitz, Chief of US Naval Operations, wanted to keep alive public interest in naval aviation. As a result the Blue Angels Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron was created and performed its first exhibition within the year. To this day the team has clear objectives. They select only qualified candidates who consistently operate at peak performance. After being carefully screened, a pilot must receive sixteen votes from the existing members. If one votes no, the candidate is out of the running. No reasons or explanations required that's the level of trust and respect the members have for one another's judgment. As a Blue Angel your teammates become like your family, and when a new member is enlisted you're entrusting him with your life. Making the squad isn't a one-shot deal either. You're responsible for playing your part, demonstrating your value and pursuing excellence on a daily basis. You have to earn the right to wear the crest. Nothing short of total commitment is accepted. So, would you qualify to be a Blue Angel? Are you a sole-trader or a team player? Are you loyal and reliable? When the chips are down, can others rely on you to put their interests ahead of your own?

We All Matter

'...God has arranged the parts...just as He wanted them...' 1 Corinthians 12:18 NIV

Ever tried to complete a jigsaw puzzle with a piece missing? It changes the end result, doesn't it? In the church God is building today, everyone has a place. Paul writes, '...the whole building...fitted together, is growing...' (Ephesians 2:21 NAS) A bundle of sticks is stronger than a single twig. So, '...in Christ we...form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.' (Romans 12:5 NIV) A non-serving Christian is a contradiction in terms. In Nehemiah's day, it was the farmers of Tekoa who helped repair the wall, '...but their nobles would not put their shoulders to the work.' (Nehemiah 3:5 NRS) Bricklaying wasn't part of their job description, so they let others do the heavy lifting. We all know people who subscribe to that philosophy! Never underestimate the significance of your assignment. '...parts...that seem...least important are...the most necessary.' (1 Corinthians 12:22 NLT) Think about who's more important: a world leader or a sanitation worker. When Ronald Reagan was shot in 1981, although he was the leader of the free world, it was 'business as usual' for the nation. Conversely, when Philadelphia refuse collectors went on strike the city descended into chaos as piles of rotting refuse built up everywhere. The point is, you don't have to be a seminary graduate to pray and read the Bible, or a prophet to hear from God, or a specialist to minister to hurting people. To do great things for God, be faithful in little ones (Luke 16:10). Until you are willing to serve time on the assembly line, God can't promote you to management!

Are you to Busy?

'...that Satan might not outwit us...' 2 Corinthians 2:11 NIV

Addressing a worldwide convention of demons, Satan told them: 'As long as Christians stay close to God we've no power over them, so:

(1) Keep them busy with non-essentials.

(2) Tempt them to overspend and go into debt.

(3) Make them work long hours to maintain empty lifestyles.

(4) Discourage them from spending family time, for when homes disintegrate there's no refuge from work.

(5) Over stimulate their minds with television and computers so that they can't hear God speaking to them.

(6) Fill their coffee tables and nightstands with newspapers and magazines so they've no time for Bible reading.

(7) Flood their letter boxes with sweepstakes, promotions and get-rich-quick schemes; keep them chasing material things.

(8) Put glamorous models on TV and on magazine covers to keep them focused on outward appearances; that way they'll be dissatisfied with themselves and their mates.

(9) Make sure couples are too exhausted for physical intimacy; that way they'll be tempted to look elsewhere.

(10) Emphasize Santa and the Easter Bunny; that way you'll divert them from the real meaning of Christmas and Easter.

(11) Involve them in 'good' causes so they won't have any time for 'eternal' ones.

(12) Make them self-sufficient. Keep them so busy working in their own strength that they'll never know the joy of God's power working through them. Do these twelve things faithfully. I promise it'll work!' Have you figured out the difference between being busy and being successful in what God's called you to do? Sometimes being B-U-S-Y just means Being Under Satan's Yoke!