Double-minded

 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do. James 1:6-8

Double mindedness comes from doubt. Doubt about being in the right career. Doubt related to investing in the right relationships. Doubt in the Lord’s ability to handle the circumstances or the people. Chronic doubt is a detriment to faith and hope, because it causes instability and insecurity. Has doubt and double mindedness frozen your faith?

Do you feel torn between two people? Have your divided loyalties at work created conflict and confusion? Does your lack of conviction cause you to react like a whipsaw to the latest advice? Like a ship without a rudder or sail, you are tossed back and forth by the winds of change and conflict. Without confidence from Christ there is confusion.

“I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion, whoever that may be, will have to pay the penalty” (Galatians 5:10).

Wavering faith is made stable by reassurance from the Lord’s faithfulness. There is nothing distrustful about wisdom from above. You can count on Christ to lead you through the valley of uncertainty, along the upward path of prayer to the mountaintop of trust. Challenges allow you to grow in grace—and live out the advice you give to others.

So, determine by God’s grace to be single-minded, not double-minded. Your single-minded devotion to Jesus is simple, but powerful. Like the tip of a razor sharp spear, it cuts through the noise of competing voices and allows you to hear from heaven. This humble posture of believing prayer unlocks the Lord’s wisdom and discernment.

Whatever Jesus says to be—be, and whatever Jesus says to do—do. Do not complicate your conversation with Christ with contingency plans. Rather, simply trust and obey the truth. Do what He says to do today and trust Him with tomorrow. The Lord will handle the little details and the big outcomes—your part is to remain faithful. Wisdom is what He wants you to follow by faith. Single-mindedness is stable and secure in all its ways.

“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing” (1 Peter 3:8-9).

Honor

 Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:10

To honor is to give preference to another. It is the act of extending to another the first opportunity. Giving preference is more than good manners; it gives preference of another person’s needs over our personal needs and wants. For example, deferring to another’s choice for a meeting time and location or allowing a person to go ahead in line shows respect, and courtesy. Honor is incubated in a heart full of humility. It is the art of serving someone else, even at personal expense.

We can disrespect the process, but still honor the person. We may have been left out of the decision-making loop at work, but we can still honor those who made decisions that disturbed our work. How do we honor them? Honor does not gossip or make disparaging remarks about those who brought us despair. Honor thinks the best and does not assume the worst. Honor values the relationship over being right. It looks for potential in others.

How else can you honor those in your circle of influence? One wise habit of humility is to ask a friend for advice and then act on their advice. A spouse or colleague feels valued when their suggestion makes a positive impact on our life. When we truly listen to another’s opinion we give oxygen to their esteem and we give respect/honor to the relationship. Honor accepts a person where they are and looks to discern their heart.

Therefore, give others the honor of knowing what you really think and feel. Your authenticity is a gift of honor given to those who want to know you in an intimate way. Dishonor is shallow and sentimental, while honor is deep and substantial. Furthermore, make sure to give honor to the people, places and things that those you love honor. A loved one’s objects of honor, become your objects of honor, as you grow to know them.

Put off the fear of embarrassment and put on trust in God. He shows honor to those who extend honor. The Lord Jesus Christ is the most honorable example. His standards for honor are the good housekeeping seal of heaven. Thus, honor the Lord in all you do and say. His ways reap respect and the right results. It is the greatest honor to serve God and people above yourself. Invite others to the seat of honor, Jesus will find you a seat with Him.

“But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Luke 14:10-11).

From grumbling to gratitude

 Moses and Aaron told the People of Israel, “This evening you will know that it is God who brought you out of Egypt; and in the morning you will see the Glory of God. Yes, he’s listened to your complaints against him. You haven’t been complaining against us, you know, but against God. Exodus 16:6-7

I remember as a teenager complaining more than I should, though sometimes unspoken, “Why do I have to be home by midnight, everyone else can stay out later?” A friend used to tell his teenager when he complained about his curfew, “After 10pm, flirting with sin” Worn down, my parents would sometimes give in to my grumblings. 

God set free His people from 430 years of slavery, but quickly they stopped being grateful for their epic freedom and complained bitterly. The wilderness is not what they signed up for, instead they expected the promised land—full of milk and honey. But the Lord in His wisdom knew that the wilderness temptations and tests were a needed prerequisite to prune pride and grow humility in His people. Gratitude from being set free from physical and spiritual slavery grows a loving and generous heart to bless others. Complaints to God can be converted into gratitude to God. 

“And these children will honor me by living holy lives. In holy worship they’ll honor the Holy One of Jacob and stand in holy awe of the God of Israel. Those who got off-track will get back on-track, and complainers and whiners will learn gratitude” (Isaiah 29:24, The Message).

Are you tempted to not trust the Lord because of a trial or test you face? If so, remind yourself of His track record of faithfulness. Once you were blind to the grace and love of Jesus, now you can see how He has led in love to experience total forgiveness and acceptance in your beloved Savior and Lord. When you encountered Christ, you came face to face with the One who has your back, especially during a spiritual dry time. Just like your merciful Father wooed you to Himself before you tasted His satisfying salvation, so He still woos you back to His table of grace. Fear requires you to check boxes of performance, grace reminds you that all boxes were checked on the cross. Rest and be grateful for the rich relationships in your life. Glad gratitude replaces sad grumbling.

Of course, there are times to bring our complaints to God. Jesus even lamented, Why have you forsaken me? But our life in Christ does not consist of chronic complaining, but on occasion we do bring our grumblings to God and He graciously meets us with gentle doses of His love to revive our thankful hearts and remind us of His generous blessings. Trials and tests are preparation for the promised land of abundant living. Convert grumbling into gratitude! 

“Friends, don’t complain about each other. A far greater complaint could be lodged against you, you know. The Judge is standing just around the corner” (James 5:9)

Love one another

 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. Romans 13:8

There is a debt of love owed between believers in Jesus Christ. It’s wise to be debt free, but the debt of love is never paid off.  Love is a mortgage we take out to our Landlord Jesus to pay back on His behalf. It is an interest rate of integrity based on our consistent interest to love well. Love is an appreciating asset that never declines in value. We experience true riches when our wealth is measured in how well we love one another.

The job description of Jesus followers is love. The qualifications are: a child of God who regularly receives the love of their Heavenly Father, who then loves freely from the overflow of their heart. Like showering, sleeping and eating, love becomes the habit of our heart. Because gratitude grips our soul, our love for others spontaneously erupts in enthusiastic generosity. We love much, because we have been forgiven and loved much by Jesus.

“Therefore, I [Jesus] tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little” (Luke 7:47).

The love of Christ for us constrains us to love in Jesus’ name. His love does not harm, it heals. The Lord’s love is longsuffering, not intolerant. The love of Jesus gives joy, not ill will. God’s love goes the extra mile, it doesn’t give up for it is ever hopeful. So, since our Savior has filled us by faith with His great love, we replace: hate with love, hurt with love, judgment with love, anger with love, ego with love, manipulation with love and lust with love.

Who in our life needs our unconditional love? What is their love language? Perhaps they crave affirming words, kind deeds, generous gifts, warm affection or a sense of security. Look to love others like they want to be loved, which may not be like you naturally prefer to be loved. Moreover, be open to a loved one’s love for you. Let your cold shoulder warm, receive the love of your friends and family. Your genuine love invites love from others. Therefore, love and be loved for Christ’s sake.

“And walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:2)

Getting to Jesus

Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. Mark 2:4

Faith finds Jesus, especially when He seems hard to access. Faith is persistent to get to God, because it knows He knows what’s best. Like a honey bee is drawn back to the honeycomb for community and nutrition, so the soul is drawn to God by the Holy Spirit. In the presence of Jesus is forgiveness, healing, peace and contentment. So, faith does not rest until it rests in Christ. The condition of forgiveness and healing is faith and obedience is the fruit of faith. Faith finds Jesus.

Furthermore, faith finds creative ways to get friends and family to Jesus. Because we enjoy the love, healing and forgiveness of God, we want others to have access to His life changing blessings. Thus, we pray for opportunities to expose a person’s felt need to the power of Christ’s care. We may invite them to a Christian concert to enjoy an uplifting night of praise and worship. Or, we can take them for coffee, listen to their hurts, and pray for their heart to be healed by Jesus.

And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. Luke 14:23, KJV

Yes, our faith compels us to help friends find Jesus in personal salvation and forgiveness of sin. Perhaps, we pick them up in our automobile, promise them lunch after church, and take them to hear the Bible taught and the Gospel preached. Some religious people will criticize our zeal and even question the sincerity of someone’s salvation, but the fruit of faith is up to the Holy Spirit. Our part is to love people to the Lord, but it is God’s part to change their heart. Faith finds Jesus.

Lastly, if our faith does not compel us to help others find faith, we may have a false faith, or at best an immature belief. Mature saints are moved to tears over the sin stained souls of the lost. As we enjoy our sweet salvation, how can we sit still and not engage in serving those who have yet to taste the satisfying grace of God. Thus, by God’s grace we pray for innovative opportunities to get people to Jesus. Perhaps we give a book, offer a prayer, share a video or sit and listen. Whatever pure means we employ, we can trust the Holy Spirit to bring joy. Faith finds Jesus!

For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. 2 Corinthians 5:14-15

Our God is approachable

 Another time Jesus was praying, and when He finished, one of His disciples approached Him. Teacher, would You teach us Your way of prayer? John taught his disciples his way of prayer, and we’re hoping You’ll do the same. Luke 11:1

Jesus is approachable to all who desire His company. God did not create the earth like a watch, winding it up and then stepping back to let it run without His intervention. No, the Lord is personal and approachable. He invites His children to ask questions on how to pray, how to love, how to forgive, how to live holy, how to serve, how to minister, and how to give. Yes, He loves to engage and instruct in His ways. Jesus moves the mind with clear teaching and He captures the heart with riveting and relevant stories.

A disciple who walked with Jesus on earth struggled with his prayers to heaven. He watched Jesus pray, but the student still needed some direction in how to pray. So, even today as we grow in our faith, we still need the Holy Spirit to reveal to us the ways of God. We are disciples who sincerely want to know how to live for the Lord. He is not shy in showing us what to say and how to serve. Just as we love giving to our children, God loves to give His Spirit to all who ask.

At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” 1 Kings 3:5

Are you approachable? Do others feel the freedom to seek your counsel and ideas? When people see the fruit of your character they want to ask you about how you live life. As you lovingly lead others, learners will want to know why you lead so unselfishly. Questions are your opportunity to point people back to the Lord’s love for you and your reciprocal approach to leading others. Tell stories of your struggles to lead in love and how you grew in grace over time. Invite questions.

Approachability is the outcome of acceptance. When your children, grandchildren, friends and co-workers know you accept them for who they are, they will want to know who you are. Your unconditional acceptance of someone is an invitation to love them for Jesus' sake. Lastly, approach the Lord often with your fears, dreams and desires. He delights in your prayers and He unleashes His Spirit to all who call on His name. Humbly approach Him and expect to be loved!

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16

Loving discipline

 .the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in. Proverbs 3:12

There have been times in my life I have wondered about the Lord’s discipline. Exactly how does He discipline us and why does He do it?
 
Hebrews 12:7 says, “Endure hardship as discipline.”
 
This scripture reveals God disciplines us through difficult circumstances. Some of these circumstances come from our sin; some come from someone else’s sin that affects us, and some just come from the trouble of life and way of our world.
 
God can use any difficult circumstance to discipline us.
 
To ensure hardship as discipline says we need to trust God has our best interest in mind, that every difficult circumstance, no matter how awful, is being used by Him for our good and His glory. But it isn’t always easy to trust God during difficult times. Why?
 
First, because we may not have the right perspective of the Lord. We may not trust His heart and His love. Instead, we may see Him as mean, angry, or hateful.
 
This reminds me of a college friend who only saw Scriptures of wrath and punishment when they opened the Bible. They feared God and didn’t believe He loved them, so rather than being able to rejoice in their circumstances and trust He was working all things together for their good, they felt burdened under the weight of feeling they where not good enough and that the Lord wanted to punish them when they did something wrong.
 
If we have the wrong view of God when we go through troubles, we won’t be able to count it all joy as James 1:2 says and we won’t be able to see that His discipline is done in love. Instead, we will blame him and become angry with Him, perhaps even feeling betrayed and abandoned. But, the Lord wants us to have a deep conviction that we are held in His loving hands and that we are blessed in difficult times. 
 
Why does God discipline us? Hebrews 12:10 says, “God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in His holiness.” The purpose of God’s discipline is never to punish. Punishment is rooted in fear, but God’s discipline is rooted in love, because Love is who He is.
 
Discipline is never to subtract from us, but always to add to us so that we can become more like Christ. Even if that means God is removing bad habits or ungodly behaviors from us by disciplining us.
 
If the purpose of hardship is for us to share in His holiness, we must trust God knows exactly what kind of hardship and how much hardship to allow in our lives to make us more like Him.
 
He will never give us more than we can handle with His power.
 
During our time of discipline, it can be very difficult to see what God is doing. It’s only after we look back that we can see how He was molding, shaping, and changing us. It’s only after we have moved through the storm that we can see the purpose. As a result, we will experience greater faith and our relationship with Christ will be stronger.
 
Are you going through a difficult time? Remember that everything that happens in your life is filtered through His loving hand, and that He will never betray you.
 
“For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love” (1 John 4:18).