We often think of the business world, non-profit organizations, or educational institutions of employing managers to oversee their operations. There needs to be a responsible person who can be relied on to ensure what has been entrusted to them will run smoothly. I, for one, understand completely the role of management from my forty-five years in retailing. Even though I am no longer in retail management, I am still a manager. This website ministry needs to be managed to see it remains organized, true to the Word of God, relevant to the needs of the subscribers, and continually bring glory to God. A huge responsibility and privilege the Lord has given me in overseeing His work. But my forty-five years in retailing was also a privilege He had given me to oversee His work as well. And He has entrusted me in managing my own life with His help.
Whatever position God had placed you in, you have a responsibility to manage what has been entrusted to you. You may be a manager of a large corporation, or a team leader in your place of employment, or the head of your neighbor watch group, whatever it is Paul encourages you to be faithful, in fact he says, ‘you must be faithful.’
Perhaps you are saying to yourself, ‘I am not a manager’ but you are. The Lord has entrusted every Christian with the responsibility of the gospel and how we live our lives. We are to manage our lives in a way that pleases and brings glory to Him. Opportunities to share the gospel should not slip by due to neglect. When you are managing your affairs with your family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, strangers you meet every day, and yourself, you are a manager who has God given responsibilities entrusted to you. Remember Paul’s words, “Now, a person who is put n charge as a manager must be faithful.” (1Cor.4:2 nlt)
“Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done.” Psalm 105:1 NLT
“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.” Matthew 5:14-15 NLT
Role models have paved the way for successful people to reach their goals in life. Mentors are involved in a more personal and deeper approach in influencing an individual to success. Both deserve recognition for what they have done and be able to help others the same way if their efforts were well known. The same is true for Christian role models and mentors. Those who benefit from them should spread the word of their influence enabling them to help others.
Not many of us share the same role models or mentors, but every Christian has the same role model to learn from, Jesus Christ. In fact, every person living today can learn from this role model and be influenced by His mentoring if they only knew of Him. For others to know Him, Christians need to be vocal first in telling what He has done for them personally leaving nothing out. Second, living the life that supports what was said to be true, and third mentoring them for them to mentor others.
Now to get personal. Think through very thoroughly all the Lord has done for you. It probably won’t be a bad idea if you compile a list, but make sure you have enough paper or space on your hard drive. It may surprise you and be an eye-opening experience all the Lord has done for you. Then let us as the psalmist says, “Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done.” (Ps.105:1 nlt) Jesus calls us the light of the world. We can’t help but shine naturally so may we add words to why we shine by telling everyone what the Lord has done for us.
“The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.” 1 Peter 3:12 NLT
There is an old saying that goes, ‘If I didn’t have bad luck, I’d have no luck at all.’ I suppose that is true if holding good things happening to you is a matter of luck. It is easy to assume that everything bad occurring in life is due to bad luck, therefore the old saying becomes a matter of fact. But is it always luck that is in play in the circumstances of life? Perhaps not. Perhaps it’s something more.
Peter, in writing to Christians of his day, wrote “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies.” (1Pt.3:10 nlt) Happy days which lead to an enjoyable life start with always telling the truth and not saying anything that is evil. You will never need to worry about anything coming back at you if you tell the truth. Peter went on to say, “Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.” (1Pt.3:11 nlt) Doing good things, striving for peace and living in it will never result in negative circumstances. There’s no luck involved.
There is also no bad luck involved when bad things happen. When we are not walking in obedience with the Lord, we should not be so surprised if bad things happen. Peter writes, “The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.” (1Pt.3:12 nlt) Going our way by turning our back on God, doing bad deeds, will not result in the Lord’s blessings.
Yes, bad things do happen to faithful Christians under the providence of the Lord for His purposes. But we can be sure His eye is always on us during these times, and he is attentive to our prayers. It is our disobedience that brings about most of our bad times. It is not our bad luck, but our bad deeds.
“If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” Esther 4:14 NLT
Chapter 4 of the book of Esther opens with the disastrous news of the scheduled destruction of the Jews reaching every province in the kingdom. “And as news of the king’s decree reached all the provinces, there was great mourning among the Jews. They fasted, wept, and wailed, and many people lay in burlap and ashes.” (Es.4:3 nlt) In the city of Susa in front of the king’s gate was Mordecai with his clothes torn and covered with sackcloth and ashes, the sign of mourning. The news of the king’s decree was unconscionable and caused great sorrow to every Jew in the Persian Empire, but especially for Mordecai. He realized it was his resistance to Haman that such a genocidal edit was given against all the Jews.
Innocent people are often considered guilty by association in our world today. To satisfy a self-perceived wrongdoing an entire class of people are found guilty. Mordecai clearly did nothing wrong, but Haman’s hatred for his actions were inferred through the entire Jewish race. Modern-day Christians are subject to mass hatred for their standing on Biblical principles. One or two individuals are referenced in committing perceived hate speech, intolerance, or proselytizing in the public square and Christianity is now subject to scrutiny by the authorities. This should not deter any Christian of speaking the truth in love.
Members of the royal court, the Queen’s maids and the eunuchs took notice of Mordecai, also a royal official, with his clothes torn and in mourning. After hearing of Mordecai’s appearance Esther sent out a change of clothes for him. She desperately wanted to know what had happened but couldn’t meet him inside the king’s gate the way he was dressed. To impress upon Esther how serious of a problem he had, he refused the clothing. Esther then sent out Hathach, one of the king’s eunuchs who attended to her to speak to Mordecai. “Mordecai told him the whole story, including the exact amount of money Haman had promised to pay into the royal treasury for the destruction of the Jews.” (Es.4:7 nlt) Mordecai gave Hathach a copy of the decree which he was able to obtain being a royal official, asking him to give it to Esther and for her to go to the king and beg his favor concerning the death sentence on the Jews.
Esther may have been queen and her husband the king, but she was put in a tough spot. It was a matter of life or death for Esther at this point. No one was allowed to make an uninvited visit to the king by entering the inner courtyard unless they were called by the king. It meant instant death unless the king raised his golden scepter. It was a matter of security as unannounced visits were viewed as possible assassination attempts on the king. Esther revealed she hadn’t been summoned to the king for thirty days and may certainly cause suspicion if she entered the court.
It’s hard for us to imagine a governing system as in those days. Yes, we also provide protection for our leaders, but to consider one’s wife as a possible threat would seem a little over the top. But maybe not so much in the days in which we live. Governments around the world are becoming more corrupt and the lack of trust within and outside the government is increasing year after year. Satan is actively busy making his moves as his time is starting to run out.
When Mordecai receives Esther’s answer, he is quick to spell out the truth. “Don’t think for a moment that because you’re in the palace you will escape when all other Jews are killed.” (Es.4:13 nlt) Mordecai tells her if she remains silent and doesn’t do anything that God will still save His people but by other means. But perhaps this was the very reason why she became queen. Mordecai had faith God would not abandon His people and would indeed rescue them. He persuaded Esther by explaining she may die either way, by the king’s body guards or as part of Haman’s extermination plot.
Esther reveals her true spirit, courage, and faith in God. She tells Mordecai to gather all the Jews in Susa and fast for three days, and she would do the same with her maids. Normal fasting was one day, but Esther asked for three due to the gravity of the situation. Scripture doesn’t mention prayer with this fast, but they always go together. No doubt they will also be praying to the Lord God for Esther’s uninvited approach to the king. Esther goes into action with conviction, courage, and faith in God. She submitted herself to God’s will whatever the outcome.
Esther provides a lesson for Christians today not be silent in the injustices of our brothers and sisters in Christ when we are able to do something. Speaking out against the wrongs and taking Esther-like action submitting ourselves to God may get us into trouble, but if we don’t respond, God will call someone else to do the work. It might as well be us. We are here ‘for such a time as this.’
Jesus, the great teacher, said, “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.” Matthew 12:25 NKJV
The United States of America has established itself as the leader of the free world since its founding in 1776. Based on principles found in the Holy Scriptures from God who created the heavens, the earth, and human beings in His image, these principles have guided the nation for 248 years. Sadly, the United States once united ‘in God we trust’ have abandon, not only the motto, but very God Himself. Although not every citizen has rejected God and His Word, enough has that the United States is now a country divided.
The founding fathers are at the heart of this current divide. Disagreements over the intent of the framers of the constitution and its stability or fluidity have risen over the years. Legislation has been created and court decisions have been entered seizing the opportunity to establish law not found in the constitution. There is naturally a division when these laws are enacted as both sides see their view as the right one. The truth is the only view that matters is God’s and what He has written in His Word.
Many laws have been passed and put into effect and by law are legal, but by God’s law they do not pursue equal justice and violate the dignity of men and women made in God’s image. The founding fathers knew they were just men with human flaws and needed divine revelation in drafting the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Biblical principles were applied to ensure liberty and justice for all. When these principles are neglected and God is no longer relevant in governing the nation, legislation will become law that will divide the citizens of the country.
The United States is more divided in 2024 than any time in its history including the Civil War. History books record for us the result of such division that occurred in the first half of the 1860’s. We may not be heading into a civil war as in the past, but we are in a civil war of ideas, justice, and morality. Jesus’ words need to be resounded across every state in the union, “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation.” The United States is on the verge of collapse in Jesus’ words if we don’t reunite under His rule and authority. May we pray for such a reunion.
“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.”Colossians 3:23-24 NLT
The phrase, ‘This is heaven on earth,’ reveals emotions one thought not possible in this world. This could include a special event you weren’t expecting, a fabulous concert, the brilliant performance of a Broadway play, a breathtaking view of one of God’s many creations, or the relaxing sounds of the ocean waves as they make their way over the rocks unto the shore. Perhaps even spending the day at home with family would be heaven on earth. But would you be able to say, ‘my work is heaven on earth.’
Wherever your vocation may be, for the Christian, you are working for the Lord. You are serving Him in your place of employment. Paul told the church at Colosse, “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” (Col.3:23 nlt) We serve the Lord in our work, and He is pleased when we serve Him. God is also pleased in the work we accomplish serving others. We should consider that ‘heaven on earth.’ Paul also says there will be an award for serving Him, “Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.” (Col.3:24 nlt) Indeed, it is the Lord Christ in whom we serve.
Charles H. Spurgeon wrote in one of his ‘Morning and Evening Devotions’ about our work on earth, “My Master does not treat His servants churlishly (as a peasant); He gives to them as a king giveth to a king; He gives them two heavens-a heaven below in serving Him here, and a heaven above in delighting in Him forever.” (1) Spurgeon considered our work (serving Christ) on earth as being in heaven, and I think he’s right. If we are not enjoying our time here on earth working and serving God something’s wrong, for God is constantly with us and in that we should find enjoyment. Don’t be so focused on the future heaven that you miss out on the present one.
(1) Cowman, Mrs. Charles E. Streams in the Desert 2. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing, 1966. Pg.223.
As the human body ages, it can become difficult to get around. Not everyone experiences this at the same rate, but eventually most aging individuals will need to take measures to prevent them from falling. Seniors have several sources to aid them in preventing falls from their health organizations, family physicians, and government regulations. Getting a little older I find myself paying closer attention to these precautions than I did even a few years ago. I am beginning to find out things happen fast and unexpectedly.
Aging spiritually does not prevent one from a spiritual failure or fall. Whatever your age, young, old or in-between despite how many years you have been a Christian does not guarantee you will not slip and fall. In fact, when we think we have it altogether is when we lose our footing causing us to slip. And if we are unable to catch ourselves, we fall whatever our age.
Our Lord God is not going to sit back and not provide any preventive measures for us. David wrote that the Lord ‘made a wide path for (his) feet to keep them from slipping’ from the attacks and battles he faced from his enemies including King Saul. Christians are under constant attack by the deception of the evil one creating circumstances enticing us to follow his lead causing us to slip and fall. But the Lord has made a wide path for every Christian to walk through in our spiritual journey.
When we follow Him through daily prayer and reading His Word, we will be able to spot the potholes on the road of life designed to make us fall. We will be able to resist Satan’s detour signs of a shortcut or scenic route encouraging us to go another way. Preventing physical falls made be more concerning for older adults, but preventing spiritual falls is a major concern for Christians of all ages. Stay on the wide path.
“And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.” Jeremiah 29:7 NLT
There are cities across the United States and around the world that have a relatively orderly, peaceful, and prosperous land for its residents. You may be saying to yourself, name some because I would like to move there. It is true that many of our cities don’t resemble a place of tranquility. We do live in a fallen world, so we might expect it, but that does not mean there can be no peace and prosperity in the days we live, even if it is only for a period of time.
You and I should be working towards the peace and prosperity of the cities where we live. Christians are the biggest influence in their surrounding communities to make things happen, because we have the biggest influencer supporting us, the Lord God. The first step in being an influencer to bring about change in your city is prayer. The Lord told the captive Israelites as they were carried off to Babylon to do just that. They certainly did not want to be exiled in the heathen city, but the Lord God told them to “work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.” (Jer.29:7 nlt) Very simply, God commanded them to pray for their city, a pagan city. As their city prospered, so would they and there would be peace.
You may be living in a pagan city, but the Lord’s command is the same to pray for your city. The second step is to start working towards peace and prosperity. You and a few others may be the only hope your friends and neighbors have of living a peaceful life due to your prayers and working as the Lord leads you. It will not only bring glory and honor to God as He answers your prayers through the welfare of all, but it will open the door to share the gospel of Christ, the only true source of peace in the world.
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.” 1 John 5:14-15 NIV
Waiting for an answer from someone could lead to impatience if you do not know that person well. If there is a delay, you may begin questioning yourself if the one you’re waiting for an answer ever got your request. Did my email or text go through? Was I clear to my intentions for the request? Perhaps they sent me a response and I missed it, or it went in my spam folder. When it’s not in my spam folder and haven’t received an answer in a reasonable amount of time, I convince myself that my request was never received, or they would have answered. But then in a day or two I receive the answer. I created those impatient moments on my own for no good reason, but even more concerning is when I create impatient moments when I make my requests known to God.
We never need to worry if God hears our requests in our prayers. He does. The apostle John tells us we can have the confidence that He hears us, but he adds this, “that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” (1Jn.5:14b niv) According to His will is not always something we like to hear. It would be better, so we think, if it was according to our will, that’s why we’re asking. But the Lord knows what is best for us and will only do what is best for us. If we haven’t received the answer we want from the Lord, perhaps the request went into His spam folder, oh He knows it’s there, but it’s not according to His will.
Be assured that God hears and will answer every request in every prayer to Him according to His will and in His timing. We need not worry if it is directed to His spam folder. God will delete them and will not grant you what is not His will for you. But know this, “if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.” (1Jn.5:15 niv) We always have God’s best for us and that includes deleting the spam mail we send them.
“I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.” John 17:23 NLT
Have you ever given thought that Jesus has prayed for you? Jesus had a specific petition for all future Christians who would make up His church. Near the end of His “high priestly prayer” recorded in John’s gospel chapter 17, Jesus made His requests known soon before He was to go to the cross. He prayed that we would be with Him in eternity and see His Glory, but His specific request was that we all be one in complete unity. Imagine as Jesus was about to be crucified, His concerned for us future believers were for there to be unity. So how are we doing?
Before we answer, perhaps it would good for us to know why Jesus made this request. Jesus reasoned, ‘that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them.’ You made have heard the statement; ‘The only Christ the world will see, is the Christ they see in me.’ That is very true, and Jesus confirms it later in His prayer as He says, ‘O righteous Father, the world doesn’t know you.’ (Jn.17:25 a nlt) Indeed, most of the world does not know God. Many have heard of God and have somewhat of a knowledge of Him, but they do not know the true God and Jesus Christ His Son.
As the world looks at the church and individual Christians today, do they see unity? Do they see the love of Christ between us? Are we in a unifying fashion convincing the world that Jesus is God’s Son sent to save us from eternal damnation? Does the world see their spiritual need by observing authentic Christianity in unity, or is it muddled by in-fighting, pride, and disagreements in doctrine not essential to Salvation? There are legitimate differences of opinion in the teaching of scripture in churches today, but they should not be at the expense of alienating those outside of Christ from hearing the message of the Gospel. So how are we doing in displaying our message of unity?
Word for the Soul 