4GIVEN

Pride is the real weapon of mass destruction. The bible says that pride undeniably comes before destruction. I have been warring this formidable vice for years and I’ve learned its attacks are covert, subtle, and often goes undetected. Clives Staples Lewis said, “There is one vice of which no man in the world is free; which every one in the world loathes when he sees it in someone else; and of which hardly any people, except Christians ever imagine that they are guilty themselves….The essential vice, the utmost evil, is Pride. Unchastity, anger, greed, drunkenness, and all that, are mere fleabites in comparison: it was through Pride that the devil became the devil; Pride leads to every other vice: it is the complete anti-God state of mind… As long as you are proud you cannot know God. A proud man is always looking down on things and people; and, of course, as long as you are looking down, you cannot see something that is above you!” I am thankful for God’s mercy and for emptying me of this deadly vice! Humility is the only way to a fruit producing life!   

I am not encouraged, motivated, nor fueled by earthly incentives. The spark that ignites my fire derives from within. It is the working of God’s Holy SPIRIT that provokes me to pursue excellence. In addition, I find unshakeable comfort, joy, and peace in knowing that nothing could ever sever God’s love for me. Paul said in Romans 8:28, “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow–not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.” 
#HisLoveIsInseverable

I’d rather be stupid and believe in God and know there is a devil than to be unequivocally brilliant and believe that neither of them exist. Both are real! However, ONE is the Creator and the other is created….(rhetorically speaking ) which ONE possesses greater power, dominion, and authority? Yes, of course God is greater and He desires for us to be great as well. His only request is that we believe!    

Taking a non-biblical stance for Christ actually becomes an act of self righteousness. Author Shannon Alder wrote, “When you think yours is the only true path you forever chain yourself to judging others and narrow the vision of God. The road to righteousness and arrogance [self-righteousness] is a parallel road that can intersect each other several times throughout a person’s life. It’s often hard to recognize one road from another. What makes them different is the road to righteousness is paved with the love of humanity. The road to arrogance [self-righteousness] is paved with the love of self.” It behooves us not to judge others from an exegetical mind of non-biblical convictions and perceptions. Even man’s highest standard can never compare to the exceptional standard in Christ Jesus.   

We are Servants of God (AKA Serv-Ants). Did you ever notice the last four letters of this word? While ants are everywhere, we generally think little of them. Yet the Bible tells us to study and learn from these insects: “Go to the ant…consider her ways, and be wise” (Prov. 6:6). Ants are fascinating insects however, they possess an impeccable work ethic which on occasion includes biting me! Solomon unambiguously admonishes the sluggard of the consequences of being idle. Proverbs 13:4 says, “A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.” Narratively speak, as God’s servant we too should be as diligent and faithful in our service to God, our marriages, our families, our church, and our communities. Colossians 3:23 says, “Work diligently at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord…” Jesus submitted His own life to sacrificial service under the will of God (Luke 22:42) and He sacrificed His life freely out of service for others (John 10:30). Simply put, we ought to do the same!  

  
The tongue is boneless but it has the capacity to break bones and hearts! We all need to seek God’s help at times to tame the beast behind our ivory bars!
James 3:7-10 This is scary: You can tame a tiger, but you can’t tame a tongue—it’s never been done. The tongue runs wild, a wanton killer. With our tongues we bless God our Father; with the same tongues we curse the very men and women he made in his image. Curses and blessings out of the same mouth!

I’ve heard it said,”When life gives you lemons; make lemonade.” This idiom sounds good however, lemonade may quench our thirst but it’s ineffective in quenching our spirits. I’ve learned that when life hands out lemons to rely on the One that created ALL life and the lemons. There are no miracle potions nor prescriptions that can curb life’s struggle but there is a Savior who can! Paul said to the church at Corinth, “We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair, We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.” (2Cor4:8-9) David said in Psalm 34:8, “To taste and see that the LORD is good” and Jesus said in John 4:13-14, “Anyone who drinks this water [lemonade] will soon become thirsty again but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” 
  

It doesn’t matter the vocation, making excuses for inactivity, disobedience, and lack of follow thru has been around since the Garden of Eden. Adam clearly understood his job responsibility as Caretaker of God’ garden however, temptation got the best of him. Adam’s response to sin is candidly similar to our response today. God called out to Adam in Gen.3-9, “Where are you?” Adam replied in v.10 “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.” (Excuse #1) Then in v.11 God said to Adam, “Who told you that you were naked?” the LORD God asked. “Have you eaten from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat?” Adam said in v.11, “It was the woman you gave me who gave me the fruit, and I ate it.” (Excuse #2) Adam sold Eve out and he not only blamed her and he also blamed God. I wander how the story would have been written if Adam held Eve and himself accountable for their disobedience. Proverbs 28:13 says,”Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” 

So on this Columbus Day, I pray that we all discover that we are stronger than our excuses! The path of least resistance is never the best path to take! 

God has one of the return policies ever! I mean it’s epic! There is no time limits and a receipt is not necessary. Jesus said in Matt 11:28-30, “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” God is saying, I am always open for business! You can always exchange Your world’s hate, disappointments, frustrations, and hurts for my comfort, peace, strength, and love! If you are holding on to junk, I will exchange it with my treasures! God is not as concerned about where you been because He cares more about where you are going! 

One guiding principle for taking multiple choice test is to strike out the choices that don’t make any sense and focus on the two that does and then pick the best answer. In Jeremiah 17:10 we learn that God will subject us to testing; “I the LORD search the heart and tests the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.” In both the OT and the NT, the words translated “test” mean “to prove by trial.” Therefore, when God tests His children, His purpose is to prove that our faith is real. So, if this is your ‘current situation’ remember that God will never test you beyond your capacity and that His grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in your weakness!