Daily Devotional Dives - A Bundle of Words

Words, words, words...

There are numerous verses about our words in the Bible.  Words can build up, heal and bless or curse, tear down and destroy others.  Do a mini, or a maxi if that helps, word study on those many verses and memorize them so they are in your mind and heart and at your finger tips.

One saying of wisdom that often swims through my mind, with good reason, is:  "The least said the soonest mended".  The Holy Spirit activates that maxim on a regular basis for me.

Look at some of the verses...

Proverbs 10:19 instructs,

"When words are many, sin is not absent, he who holds his tongue is wise."

How about Proverbs 12:18,

"Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing."

These can become a habit that is difficult to break.  Growing up with five siblings, words were often great weapons wielded to tear a brother or sister down.  It felt good to hurt one with ones' words.  But God's Word often brought us up short.

The same goes for adults in a family or church or even at work.  When someone gets frustrated or angry what words do we use in response?

Another verse that makes me chuckle is Proverbs 17:28 which says,

"Even a fool when he holds his peace is counted wise."

Would you like to be a wise fool?

Attempt to say fewer words to your children, siblings, brothers and sisters in Christ, &/or colleagues at work.    Think more before speaking and bring healing to your little ones and loved ones.  Try to figure out the necessary words of teaching, guidance, etc and not of ranting and raving; say them with God-propelled calmness and goodness.

Proverbs 14:29 enlightens,

"A patient man has great understanding but a quick-tempered man displays folly."

Patience is definitely needed.  Many folks say, "Count to 10" or "Bite your tongue" before your throw your darts.  Good advice, yes!  The longer we can put ourselves "on hold", the more chance to moderate the words, tone, and facial expressions and any other body language such as hand gestures.

Think.  To display great understanding or folly?  That is the question.  The individual has the choice.  What type of person do you wish to be noted for?  Patient or quick-tempered?  Wise or foolish?  Cutting-edge sword pierces or wise & healing?  

Make a vow with yourself if you have to and affirm, "I will try to be more understanding and to see situations from the other person's point of view."  Every little bit will help that bundle of words that spring forth to be sweet and not bitter.

Proverbs 16:24 tells us,

"Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."

Does someone of your family or among your acquaintances have creaky, achy bones?  Speak sweet words to them no matter how ornery they may be.  Sweet and healing are excellent adjectives that could characterize your words and reputation.  Who doesn't want that?    You know what to do.  Attempt to be more pleasant in word and deed and attitude.

Proverbs 17:9 is another gem:

"He who covers over an offence promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends."

This does not mean to hide a wrong, but those small grievances; be a bit more tolerant.  Protecting someone else's character and reputation or being a busybody gossiper is another choice one has; a promoter of love or a separater of close friends.  Which would you prefer to be known by?

If you are dealing with children or other immature folks try to discern what is childish behavior and not repeat nor report naughty behavior to others.  Try to show more love in disregarding childish behavior.  It may be irritating and frustrating but patience and love and sweet words may help immensely in building that loved one up.

As Proverbs 19:11 wonderfully expostulates,

"A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offence."

Again, we have an advocate with our heavenly Father, God.  Talk to Him and avoid taking offence so easily.  Ask the Lord for wisdom and by so doing gain patience in dealing with your little ones and others.  Overlook behavior that is not disobedient, disrespective, destructive or dishonest; these need addressing.  But the 'how' of so doing is included in the prayer for wisdom, patience, understanding and words of kind effect.

Proverbs 29:20 cautions,

"Do you see a man who speaks in haste?  There is more hope for a fool than for him."

These are all fabulous morsels of Godly wisdom that give corrective guidance to one and all.  May we all bless one and all with our well chosen daily bundle of words.

                                                        ~ERC  2017~
                                             Originally written 1996; adapted for blog August 2017

Daily Devotional Dives - Jesus Speaks Some More - Part 10

It's a balmy and sunny day, excellent chance for another "beach combing" saunter through the Gospels to espy some more exquisite "seashells" among Jesus's words and conversations with the diverse folks He met along the way.  

To the blind man that Jesus had healed and who had gotten thrown out of the synagogue by the religious leaders of the day, Jesus found him afterwards and asked, 

"Do you believe in the Son of Man?" (John 9:35)

Humbly, almost desperately, the man  asked who that was and when Jesus told him that He was the One, he says,

"Lord, I believe"  and then he worshiped Him."  (John 9:38)

What deep gratitude and appreciation.

By contrast the Jews were about to stone Jesus and He asks them for which miracle they wished to stone Him and why they accused Him of blasphemy because He had said,

"I am God's Son" (John 10:32, 34-36).

They either did not recognize Who He was, or did not wish to acknowledge it.

What life, Jesus could give.  Even Mary and Martha could not comprehend the immediacy of Jesus telling them, in regards to the resurrection of their brother Lazarus,

"I am the resurrection and the life."  (John 11:25).

Imagine their shock that erupts into overwhelming joy, when they approach the tomb where Lazarus had been laid and calls to him,

"Lazarus, come forth!"  (John 11:43).

And Lazarus comes forth.

Do you feel the goosebumps on your arms?  Oh the divine power of Jesus' words!!

This is Jesus, Emmanuel:  God with us!!

And Jesus asks Philip,

"Don't you know Me?!"  (John 14:9-10)

Do you know Him?  We could never fully know Him,  but we can spend our lifetime learning and learning to know and love Him, to serve and worship Him.  As we read and meditate upon His Word and build our relationship with Him, we will scratch the surface and know Him some.  We can have as much or as little as we wish.  He waits for us.

And then the soldiers and the officials from the chief priests and Pharisees come stromping along like a herd of elephants into the quiet of the garden where Jesus was with His disciples.  Jesus knew they were coming for Him, yet still asks,

"Who is it you want?"

If it wasn't so serious a setting, it could almost be amusing.

The troop says,

"Jesus of Nazareth"

Jesus answers,

"I am He"

And they fall back and to the ground.  (John 18:1-9).

After Jesus arrest, the High Priest questions Him but Jesus tells him to ask those who had been His audiences:  the common, everyday people.  They will know what He has said.  (John 18:21, 23).  Jesus's life spoke for itself; was good testimony.

How are we living our lives?  Will they speak to good or to bad reputation?  What have we done/what are we doing with our lives?  Are they worthwhile?  Jesus'ministry was about three years worth culminating at the cross and beyond.  We do not know how long we have to live; live your days in a worthwhile manner to please and honor and glorify Him.  Finish well.

And then that lull when Jesus was in the tomb then resurrected and the disciples were kind of at a loss as to what to do.  They'd ended up going back to their boats and fishing nets.  Jesus shows up on the shore cooking a breakfast of fish for them.  Good thing they didn't have weak hearts.  He seemed to show up when people least expected it and in unusual manner.

Jesus connects with Peter's heart here.  Peter had denied, three times, that he knew who Jesus was at the time of Jesus trial pre-crucifixion.  Peter had been scared.  But then Jesus looked at him.  Peter's heart did break and he went out and wept bitterly at what he had done.  So Peter's heart needed mending.  I feel like weeping here too.  

We often fail.  We often break Jesus's heart.  Yet Jesus seeks us out to reinstate  the repentant heart of us.  He knows we are but human and fail.    Yet He also seeks commitment.  He asked Peter,

"Do you truly love me more than these?"  (John 21:15).

Jesus asks him three times and Peter breaks down,

"Yes, Lord, you know I do." (John 21:17)

Isn't Jesus so gracious?  I know I can count on Him again and again.

So can you.

"The love of God is greater far than tongue or pen could ever tell", 

so goes a song.  Here's the Bill & Gloria Gaither version of singing it.

As we can see through this series of Jesus Speaks Some More that Jesus did not waste words.  He spoke to a person's heart leading them to healing conclusions; rooting out evil, hypocrisies; gently tender, compassionate drawing the 'sinner' out and to Himself; teaching and setting examples for His disciples to follow; restoring (Peter) and showing them how to love one another (foot washing-John 13:1-17).  Isn't He wonderful!?

What does all this have to do with hospitality?  I guess we have to be discovering and sensitive to others' needs.  Jesus could say things very directly especially to hypocrites (Pharisees, etc) but because of our human-ness we really need to depend on the Spirit of God to teach us what to say, and do, and to pray for wisdom in relating to others.  The objective is to help to bring healing and maturity and to edify one another with Christ's words.

I hope you have enjoyed this 'beach combing' and will take a stroll through the Gospels yourself to uncover gem shells of your own.  God's blessings be upon you now and forevermore.

                                                       ~ERC  2017~
                                             Originally written May 1996; adapted for blog August 2017

Daily Devotional Dives - Jesus Speaks Some More - Part 9

As we continue our 'beach combing' stroll through the Gospels, some more interesting 'shells' turn up.  

I love how Jesus pursues people...Here's a sampling:

From John 2:4...

To His mother at the wedding in Cana of Galilee...

"Dear woman, why do you involve me?...My time has not yet come."

From John 3:10 & 12 to Nicodemus...

"You are Israel's teacher,...and do you not understand these things?"

"I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak heavenly things?"

From John 4:7 to the Samaritan woman who came to draw water from the well...

"Will you give me a drink?"

From John 5:6, to the invalid by the pool waiting for the waters to be stirred...

"Do you want to get well?"

Of course, he did, but...

From John 5:44 to the Jews persecuting Him...

"How can you believe if you accept praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God?"

From John 8:43 to the Jews...

"Why is my language not clear to you?  Because you are unable to hear what I say."

Again from John 8 and verse 46, also to the Jews...

"Can any of you prove me guilty of sin?  If I am telling the truth, why don't you believe me?"

As you can see from this sampling, Jesus asked a lot of questions.  Jesus had no fear of man and could meet them head on with thought provoking questions that would lead His hearers on to the truth if they would only admit it.  These questions would help allow them to think things through with their God-given intelligence, and come to logical conclusions, that yes, Jesus is God's Son.  Yes, He is the One spoken of in the Old Testament that they had.

You almost want to help these people; come on, "get it";  this is Jesus the one that should come from God.  Yet we too are often unbelieving and "untrusting".  May we all in faith, trust in Jesus with our life:  mind, heart, soul and spirit.

                                                        ~ERC  2017~
                                            Originally written May 1996; adapted for blog August 2017  

Daily Devotional Dives - Jesus Speaks Some More - Part 8

As our "beach combing" through the Gospels continues, I've discovered another interesting "shell"...

The chief priests and teachers of the law had been questioning Jesus as to, upon whose authority He taught and preached and healed people, etc.  Jesus answered their question with a question.  If they could, or would, answer, then they would also have their answer to their question.

He asked,

"I will ask you one question.  Answer Me, and I will tell you by what authority I am doing those things.  John's baptism-was it from heaven, or from men?  Tell me!" (Mark 11:29, 30)

That put them all in a tailspin, then didn't it.  What fluster!

Perhaps at times, our work for Jesus may be questioned.  And, yeah, we should exam ourselves to see if the accusations and questioning is legitimate.  If there is nothing to it, then keep on, if there is something to it, then address it.  However we too can count on His authority as, as Christians, we are His children and we have so many blessings in Christ (Ephesians 1), and our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit enables us to work for Jesus in a Christlike manner under His authority.

As Jesus did His work of doing good to all mankind under the authority of His Father, God, His work spoke for itself.  For us, by our fruit, others will know us and our true authority:  are we working for ourselves or for the glory and honor of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior?

                                                       ~ERC  2017~
                                                Originally written March 1996; adapted August 2017

Daily Devotional Dives - Jesus Speaks Some More - Part 7

Here's another 'shell' of wonder...how Jesus' words had such power.  

Jesus said to His disciples, 

"Why are you so afraid?  Do you still have no faith?""  (Mark 4:40)  

Jesus turned to the wind and waves and calmed them.  His words had instant power over the elements.

I think that must have been rather shocking to the disciples.  They were experienced fishermen and weathered storms before and knew the instant halt of a storms didn't happen.  Was it any wonder why they wondered who this 'guy' was?  Got their attention didn't it!?

Sometimes He has to get our attention that way too during the storms in our lives.  "Peace, peace, be still and know that I am God."   "Who is He!?" we gasp.  He is Jesus the Son of the Living God.

And then there was the man made wild by evil spirits possessing him.  He was so, so wild and strong he could break free from binding chains.  And Jesus asks the demons, 

"What is your name?"  (Mark 5:9)

And then Jesus's words commanded the demons to leave and they left.   Jesus had power over evil and evil spirits.

In the Name of Jesus, we too, can have victory over the addictions and lusts and fears in our lives.  In the Name of Jesus and a willing heart.  Jesus has the power to help us.  Call out His Name, He hears and He answers.

I always liked the story of the woman who had had an issue of blood for so many years and had sought the help of many doctors yet never got better.  I love her faith.  Faith as the grain of mustard seed propelled her to even ju-u-ust touch the hem of Jesus' garment and then skedaddle out of there and melt into the crowd.  

"At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from Him.  He turned around in the crowd and asked, "Who touched my clothes?"  (Mark 5:30).

Jesus actually didn't say anything to heal this lady, yet He did, and still does, have power over disease.  However, His words, "Who touched my clothes?" did have the power to arrest her and bring her to Him so He could acknowledge her faith directly to her.  He appreciates that.  He responds to our faith.

I'm not saying that every time we might want to reach out and be healed that he grants instant healing, or even gives any healing at all.  But He does have the power to do so as He desires.

Do we realize who this Jesus of Nazareth is?  Is He Someone who we will trust and put our faith in?

                                    He is the Almighty God Whom we serve.

                                                            ~ERC  2017~
                             Originally written March 1996; adapted for blog August 2017

Daily Devotional Dives - Jesus Speaks Some More - Part 6

OH, the cry of Jesus' heart in His most excruciating hour...Speaking to His Father, God...

"About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, 

"Eloi, Eloi, lama sabacththanai" which means, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?"                                                                                                        (Matthew 27:46)

The agony Jesus suffered for us; for me.

God had to forsake Jesus because of my sins; because of every single last person's sins.  Jesus suffered for our sake, so that we did not have to earn our own salvation and redemption for the consequences of those sins.  He had no choice, so out of love for us, He even forsook His One and Only Son.  God's grace cost Him everything.

But us?  How do we treat this gift?  We have a choice.

Lord, help us all not to forsake You nor to offend You via offending some "little one".    Our approach to people can be so rude and offensive at times but we seek You to help us to change to be more like Your Son Jesus.  Meekness.  Mildness.  More hospitable, forgiving; also like Yourself.  Thank-You for the Holy Spirit, that Comforter, whom You have given to dwell within those of us who have accepted Your gift of salvation and belong to You.  Thank You that He will be with us until You come.  Convict and help us to live to please You; to grow and mature in our spiritual life and relationship with You through Your Son Jesus Christ in whose Name we ask...

                                                          ~ERC   2017~
                                                    Originally written March 1996; adapted for blog August 20

Daily Devotional Dives - Jesus Speaks Some More - Part 5

Another seemingly, small, yet beautifully awesome "shell"...

"Aware of this, Jesus said to them, "Why are you bothering this woman?  She has done a beautiful thing to me.  The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me."  (Matthew 26:10)

This was the time an unnamed woman came and anointed Jesus' head with the alabaster jar of ointment.  She was criticized for spending so much, a waste, to pour it all onto His head so it ran all over the place...what a mess; so wasteful.   Better to sell the ointment and buy food for the poor.

Yet Jesus affirmed her actions and said she was preparing Him for burial (Matthew 26:12).

Gracious words.

Words of appreciation.

Often it is the small things, that are done for others, that add up to big things.  This may have appeared to be a small, wasteful thing, but the sacrificial devotional offering,  spikenard (perhaps mixed with olive oil), which was very costly, spoke volumes of her love for Jesus.

Jesus said what the woman in Bethany had done would be preached and remembered (vs13).

Would that our hearts were full to the brim and overflowing with gratitude, love and worship to the Lord Jesus Christ.   Would that there would be outpourings of that appreciation in service for Him.   Such gifts given from the heart of one's innermost being will never be forgotten, especially by God.

                                                    ~ERC  2017~
                                   Originally written March 1996; adapted for blog August 2017









.

Daily Devotional Dives - Jesus Spoke Some More - Part 4

When Jesus spoke to the Pharisees and teachers of the law, He often spoke very bluntly.  That echelon of God's people were the spiritual leaders who should have known better in how to behave themselves in things regarding to God.  They should have known to walk in sincerity.  They apparently did not.  In another place Jesus told them that they bound on to the ordinary Jewish person, burdens more grievous to be borne than what God had originally commanded (Matthew 23:4).  Those leaders did not practice in private what they preached in public.  They put emphasis on the wrong thing for their own interests more than for God's.

Jesus rebuked them, as we can see in Matthew 23:17, 19, and 33, saying...

"You blind fools!  Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes the gold sacred?"

"You blind men!  Which is greater:  the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred?"

"You snakes!  You brood of vipers!  How will you escape being condemned to hell?"

Such strong words.  Wake up, people!   Realize the direction you are going!  This seems to be what Jesus is saying to them.  Perhaps among those spiritual leaders would be one or two who would take heed.  Jesus is gracious in providing these warnings of destruction ahead.  Find the way out.

Nowadays, we do well to take the same heed especially if we find ourselves in a leadership position.  Others will always be checking us out to see if we practice what we preach.  I just had someone tell me today that he observes me from a distance and called me "a teacher and mentor".  To me that is scary to know someone is taking note; I'm not even in a leadership role!  

But Scripture also admonishes us to...

"Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.  Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you...?" (2 Corinthians 13:5)

And in 1 Corinthians 11:28...

"A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup."

If we, not just the spiritual leadership over us, would do just that there would be a lot less judging (I hope) of others against us, or us against others.

Yes, leaders do fall that's why I like another verse that says...

"Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you.  Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith."  (Hebrews 13:7).

Yes, focus on their faith, not on their mistakes.   Yet, leaders, do take the warnings of Jesus seriously and examine yourselves whether you are walking in God's will and ways to please and honor Him.  There will always be critics but God is the Judge of all the earth and He knows your genuineness and that is what matters.   

So whether you are a pastor, teacher, elder, or deacon, etc...take heart and let Jesus be your mirror.    He is gracious and forgiving.  I always like to remember 1 John 1:9 where we have recourse for our failings...

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 

Matthew 24:45 is a comforting verse and binds this subject together nicely...

"Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the Master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time?" 

Praise be to the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.

                                                          ~ERC  2017~

                                        Originally written March 1996; adapted Aug 2017

Daily Devotional Dives - Jesus Speaks Some More - Part 3

"Oh, bite your tongue!"    "Keep your trap shut!"   Don't you know, the "least said, the sooner mended?!"  These are sayings and exhortations we may have heard flung at ourselves or someone else or even stated ourselves at someone else.  Often said with good reason.

Read Matthew 15:15-20.

Jesus was talking to the disciples after they'd come and told him the Pharisees weren't pleased with what he had said to them earlier.  Peter then asked the meaning of the parable.  And Jesus said, 

"Are you still so dull?"

"Don't you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body.  But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart and these make a man 'unclean'....For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.  These are what make a man 'unclean'; but eating with unwashed hands does not make him 'unclean.'"

In the book of James, who must have been listening and remembering what Jesus had said, said...

Our tongues are unruly...

"a fire...and...no man can tame the tongue..."  (James 3:3-12)

Often what comes into our minds finds its way to our hearts.  But what makes it all so 'unclean' is when it comes out of our mouths.  

I've mentioned this before about being in a Sunday school long, long ago, a brother told us kids that God was merciful and gave us two gates to stop us from speaking out the wrong things.  He said we have lips that we do not have to open.  But in case they open, then we've got teeth and they do not have to open either.  We've got a choice to keep that tongue from wagging and causing trouble.  

The choice is ours.  

But I believe that even what we allow to come into our minds and down into our hearts needs wisdom too.  This too is a choice. 

Let's fill our minds and hearts with God and His Word so when it gets processed, it will be like fresh springs of water to refresh ourselves and others.  We can then praise and honor our Heavenly Father with sacrifices of praise, the fruit of our lips giving honor to His Name (Hebrews 13:15).


                                                           ~ERC  2017~
                                        Originally written March 1996; adapted for blog August 2017

Daily Devotional Dives - Jesus Speaks Some More - Part 2

Continuing the 'beach combing' through the seasides, mountain sides, and  along the dusty road sides with Jesus and His disciples as written in the New Testament.  As we comb through Matthew we see the loving compassionate Jesus, and the true and just and pure Jesus; as He lived and spoke and walked among the children of men.

Whenever I've read about the time John the Baptizer (that's what one preacher I've listened to likes to call him), had been imprisoned and sent his disciples to Jesus to inquire whether Jesus was really the "one who was to come or should they look for another", I can almost feel John the Baptizer's despair.  

What was all the purpose of his preaching and warning and baptizing if Jesus wasn't The One.  Was it all worth it, this winding up in prison with death looming?  Jesus tries to reassure His cousin with the 'works' He had wrought and was still doing with the healing of lepers and the lame, etc.  

The crowds of people heard the question and answer.  When John's disciples left, Jesus turns to the crowd and talks about John the Baptizer almost like He was still giving John a part 2 of an answer instead of word of exhortation and reassurance to the people.  

"What did you go into the desert to see?  A reed swayed by the wind?...If not, what did you go out to see?  A man dressed in fine clothes?  No...A prophet?....More than a prophet..." (Matthew 11:7-9).

Actually reading this passage wants to make me weep.  Many people go into "the desert" during trials and tribulations.   Why do they have to go through such hard times?  What was the purpose of it all?  Did they learn anything?  Some people don't and become bitter and turn away from God.  

When the people went out there to see John the Baptizer, likely out of curiosity at this strange character who eats locusts and wild honey and wears camel's hair clothing and dunking people in the river,  what did they see?  Maybe some of them did 'repent' and were baptized even.    What was the purpose?

Most of us at one time or another have gone through "the valley of the shadow of death" (Psalm 23:4).  What did we learn?

John the Baptizer learned that Jesus was indeed the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.  He learned that Jesus is God's Son.  The voice of God who spoke from heaven declared it and that He loved Him (Matthew 3:13-17).  Yet, in true human fashion we do have our doubts as John did.

Let us learn that too.  And that God loves us.  Maybe we will not always see a reason for our 'valleys' in life but do learn that Jesus is all you need.  Learn to depend upon Him. Our lives are in His hands.  Make us fit, oh Father God,  to serve You and others as John the Baptizer did.

As others look on at our distress and see how we go back and review all Jesus has done in our lives (it's good to record our prayers and requests and how they are answered, even reviewing years later to see what God has done for you), let us hold on to hope so that they may have hope; as Jesus did for John the Baptizer in the answer He gave to send back to John.   "The proof is in the pudding" the saying goes.   Look to God and all He has done for us over the years and be thankful.  Worship Him with gratitude in your hearts.

                                                           ~ERC  2017~
                                         Originally written March 1996; adapted for blog Aug 2017 

Daily Devotional Dives - Jesus Speaks Some More- Part 1

When you go "beach combing" through the four gospels in the New Testament in search of Jesus's direct words to the various groups of people you'll make amazing discoveries and many little nugget shells of advice, admonition and wisdom from above.

From Matthew 7:3, 4, 9, 10, and 16 the admonition was about hypocrisy.  Beware of the pointing the finger at others.  Examine your own eye and see what you can see.  Confess your own faults to God before looking at someone else's.

God gives good gifts even better than an earthly father can give to his offspring; those that are not dangerous or hazardous to one's self.  However, if God gives such good gifts and only has our good interests at heart, why do we have so little faith?  Why so afraid to trust (Matthew 8:26)?  Let's learn to trust Him.

Do we produce fruit for Jesus?  Time will tell what kind of fruit.

There will always be people who criticize us and our methods of doing things but just focus and continue on serving the Lord to the best of your abilities.  You can examine yourself to see if there is any truth in the accusations and then deal with them, otherwise continue on.   Jesus was not exempt from criticism but He did confront it head on.  Of course He had the advantage of knowing men's hearts.   You can see that in Mathew 9:4.

When we feel hurt and are tempted to grumble and complain about those who would criticize, remember the thoughts of the following poem...

Job or Ministry		Author: Unknown
Source: Unknown

Some people have a JOB in the church.
Others involve themselves in a MINISTRY.
What's the difference?
If you are doing it just because no one else will, it's a JOB.
If you are doing it to serve the Lord, it's a MINISTRY.
If you quit because somebody criticized you, it was a JOB.
If you keep on serving, it's a MINISTRY.
If you'll do it only if it does not interfere with your other activities, it's a JOB.
If you are committed to staying with it even when it means letting go of other things, it's a MINISTRY.
If you quit because no one praised you or thanked you, it was a JOB.
If you stay with it even though nobody recognizes your efforts, it is a MINISTRY.
It's hard to get excited about a JOB.
It's almost impossible not to be excited about a MINISTRY.
If our concern is success, it's a JOB.
If our concern is faithfulness, it's a MINISTRY.
An average church is filled with people doing JOBS.
A great and growing church is filled with people involved in MINISTRY.
Where do we fit in?
What about us?
If God calls you to a MINISTRY, don't treat it like a JOB.
If you have a JOB, give it up and find a MINISTRY.
God does not want us feeling stuck with a JOB,
But excited and faithful to Him in a MINISTRY.

Continue on because the Holy Spirit of God is still busily at work on earth so we too, need to be busy while there is still time and hope for those who do not yet know Christ as Lord and Savior (Matthew 9:15).  Spread the message of Jesus when and where you have opportunity and live the Christian life in such a way that your good words match your actions.

In Matthew 10:28-31 there is hope and encouragement to those of God's children who are being persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ.  May they be encouraged and spurred on to God's good work despite scare tactics from Satan, his minions and/or people.  The Lord Jesus cares about them and knows what they are going through.  He did promise in Psalm 23:4 to be with you in the valley of the shadow of death.  I pray though that you, my brothers and sisters in Christ who are reading this and do have to face this type of situation, that you will have courage and can overcome any fear you may have.  God is with you wherever you are.

Matthew 10:30 and 31 encourage...

"And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

"So don't be afraid, you are more valuable than many sparrows."

May we all be found faithful to our loving heavenly Father, God all the days of our lives until He comes for us.

Do stay tuned, for more "beach combing"...Jesus had much to say to mankind.

                                                    ~ERC  2017~
                      Originally written March 1996; adapted for blog July 2017