Lessons From Life

by Brenda Boen
March 14, 2014

Solomon was the son of King David and succeeded him in the throne over Israel.  His father told him to always follow God and walk in His ways and he would prosper in all he would do and everywhere he would go and the Lord would keep His promise that there would always be one of his descendants on the throne of Israel (1 Kings 2:1-4).

When Solomon was a young king God told him to ask of Him what he wanted Him to give him.  So Solomon asked for a discerning heart to govern God’s people and to distinguish between right and wrong (1 Kings 3:7-14)  God was pleased with his unselfish request and made Solomon the wisest man who ever lived.  He also gave him a bonus of both wealth and honor, unequal to any other king and added that if Solomon would walk in obedience to Him and keep his decrees and commands that he would give him a long life.  Years later God reinforced what He had previously promised by telling him that if he would walk before Him faithfully with integrity of heart and uprightness and observe all His decrees and laws, that He would establish the royal throne over Israel forever as He had promised his father David (I Kings 9:4-7).  But He added that if he or his descendants turn away from Him and go off and serve others gods that they would be cut off from Israel.

Solomon became the richest and wisest king of all time.  And because he sought God, there was peace, security and prosperity for the nation of Israel.  He built God’s temple and people sought his wisdom from all over.  However, Solomon began to engage in habits that would make his kingdom ineffective.  He knew what was right but he made choices that were not consistent with what God told him to do.  He lusted for women and had 700 wives, most of them foreign princesses, and 300 concubines.  These foreign women lured him to worship false gods and idols.  He turned to worldly pleasures and surrounded himself with them, rather than pursuing the things of God.  He taxed his subjects heavily and forced thousands upon thousands of men into slave labor for his building projects.

Later in his life he realized that all that he had gained and all he had done were in vain apart from God.  None of his pursuits or possessions gave him security and contentment.  He had more wisdom than anyone else but it didn’t satisfy him either.  All his successes were only temporary. 

In Ecclesiastes 2:10-11 he says “I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure.  My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor.  Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.”

He came to realize that all that he could personally do or experience was meaningless on its own.  You can work hard and gain wealth and pleasure and experience and wisdom but in the end we all die with none of it. 

He summed up life in Ecclesiastes 12:13 when he wrote “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter:  Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.  For God will bring every good deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”

Solomon did learn some very important life lessons before it was too late.  Unfortunately his son Rehoboam, who succeeded him on the throne, abandoned the law of the Lord (2 Chronicles 12:1) and the kingdom was divided.

What can we gain from all of this?  We must pursue the things of God, not our own pleasures and desires.  Whatever we personally deem important needs to be put in perspective according to God’s commands.  Are we striving to gain things that will satisfy and gratify ourselves or is it pleasing to God?  Do we trade real living for things that don’t last?  Are we sacrificing our own bodies for momentary excitement?  Are we risking our personal integrity for wealth that will fade?  Are we trading honesty for lies?

In the end, whatever we do or achieve for our own benefit will just be chasing after the wind.  Security and contentment can only be found in a personal relationship with God.  And like Solomon, we can have all the knowledge in the world but if we don’t act on what is right it’s all in vain.  Only spiritual pursuits will last and have an impact that will satisfy and be meaningful.  Seek after God and keep His commandments.

Keeping Yourself in Check

By Brenda Boen
December 19, 2013

Recently I read a post by someone responding to a comment she didn’t like.  She made reference to people politely expressing their views and keeping themselves in check.  What does that really mean to keep yourself in check?

In the game of chess the object of the game is to checkmate the opponent, which happens when one player makes a move on the board that limits their opponent from making any other moves, thereby ending the game.  So in reference to the statement I read, this lady meant that people should keep themselves in check without getting themselves in trouble or in a bind by expressing their views on particular subjects.  That would be defined as being politically correct.  What does that mean?  Wikipedia defines it this way:
 

Political correctness is a term that refers to language, ideas, or policies that address perceived or actual discrimination against or alienation of politically, socially or economically disadvantaged groups.  The term usually implies that these social considerations are excessive or of a purely "political" nature.  These groups most prominently include those defined by gender, race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation and disability.

So if you have ideas and beliefs, in order to be politically correct, you must keep them to yourself because you certainly don’t want to offend someone by trying to influence them with what you believe.  Now, if someone is way off base and coming out of left field, I don’t want someone trying to cram it down my throat either.  So, it is understandable why people would prefer everyone be politically correct.  But what if someone is right and trying to convince you of the truth?  How do you discern what is true and what isn’t?

God is truth.  His Word, the Bible, is truth.  Truth is that God created us and wants a relationship with us.  But because we are sinful we cannot get to God.  But He loves us so much that He sent His Son Jesus Christ in the flesh to save us.  (John 3:16)  Jesus willingly died on a cross to bridge the gap between sinful man and God.  Because of His death we are made right with God.  But we have to accept His free gift of salvation in order to get to Him.  That is the truth that the world must hear.

 

If I am trying to spread the truth from God, I can’t just be politically correct and avoid the issue for fear of offending someone.  How else is the world going to be changed if we don’t tell the truth?  Sure, many will reject the truth because they don’t want to accept it.  And many will have blinders on.  But are we to keep it to ourselves?  I think not.  God has commanded us and Jesus Christ said……

“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.  Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.  Mark 16:15-16

So if I am spreading the gospel and trying to help others from being condemned, should I keep myself in check?  I think not.  I’d rather be politically incorrect.  Hate me if you must but consider how your life will end.  You can only end up in one of two places, either heaven or hell.  I’d much rather be hated if I can help someone else avoid hell.
 

God’s Love Overwhelms Me!

Brenda Boen
January 26, 2013

God never said everything would be perfect but He does promise He will go through everything with us.  He allows us to go through trials to strengthen and deepen our faith and our relationship with Him.  It is not always what we want to happen but He has a purpose.  All along the journey if we keep our eyes focused on Him who is in control we begin to trust that “He’s got this!”  And He sees the bigger picture. Make no mistake.  He has a plan.  We can’t see it but our wise and Holy God does.  And in the end, when the trial is over or perhaps along the journey, God comes along and does something that is just so miraculous that it can overwhelm us.  The sense we get that God is THAT loving and really cares, just makes us want to drop on our knees and cry thanking Him for caring so much.  His unmerited grace is freely given to bless our socks off!  When we ask God for something and it aligns with His will, He is happy to grant them.  He loves us that much.  Oh, that I would love others (and show it) as much as God does.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”  James 1:2-3

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.”  James 1:12

Stay faithful under pressure!

 

See my related God Story that inspired this devotion:

God Still Performs Miracles

Do You Have Scruples?

By Brenda Boen
December 5, 2012

Anyone ever ask you if you have scruples?  Do you even know what that means, really?  The dictionary defines scruples as “a doubt or hesitation that troubles the conscience or that comes from the difficulty of determining whether something is right.”  So, if someone asks you if you have scruples they really want to know if you know right from wrong.  So do you?  I have learned from experience that if you don’t know the truth you will believe a lie.  I have also learned that you can know the truth and deliberately ignore it to satisfy your own sinful desires.

Romans 1:18-20 says “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness,  since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them.   For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”

The Bible packs a pretty good punch saying we can clearly see and are without excuse.  And it also calls people wicked and godless those who suppress the truth.  That is all well and good when you realize how bad the world has gotten with all the sinful desires and acts that are prevalent.  But what about you?  Do you classify yourself in this category?  Do you act wicked and godless?  What do you struggle with that makes you doubt or hesitate and troubles your conscience?  Do you look the other way when something is obviously wrong?  Do you participate in things that you know is wrong but do it anyway?  Are you satisfying your own sinful desires and trying to tiptoe away hoping no one will call what you do sin, not to mention God seeing it?

Maybe you speed knowing that you are breaking the law.  Maybe you keep that extra change at the store knowing it doesn’t belong to you.  Maybe you are having sex outside of marriage knowing full well that God does not approve.  Maybe you just told a “little lie” or a really big one for some selfish reason.  Maybe you are around people that are leading you in the wrong direction.  What could be clouding your conscience to do the right thing?

We are all clearly sinful, that is a fact.  The good news is that God forgives sin.  When we humble ourselves and confess our sins God will forgive us and set us on a new path.  But, we have to choose to walk that path in the correct direction following God’s ways and His truth.  That is not only a day to day process but a moment by moment process.  The enemy tempts us constantly to make the wrong decisions.  But with God as our strength and our power we can resist that temptation.

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13

So how do you keep a clear conscience and have scruples?  You must first know what truth is.  We learn that by studying God’s Word.  And we have to train just as a runner does for the race.  That means constantly training, not just to read it sometimes.  If a runner runs only a little here and there he will not have built up the endurance he needs to run a successful race.  We too, need endurance to run this spiritual and moral race of life.  When moral dilemmas are presented to us we must know how to respond and how to resist.  And the more we resist the easier it becomes.  Oh, we will still be tempted.  That is a fact.  However, the more we practice resistance the more commonplace it will become.  Then we will be able to stand against evil.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”  Ephesians 6:10-17

So let me ask you again.  Do you have scruples and a clear conscience?  Strive today to resist evil and walk the path of righteousness.  Get into God’s word and find out how to live.  And keep reading and resisting and live a righteousness life so no one will ever have to ask you if you have scruples.  Live your life in such a way that people know without a doubt where you stand.

Where is Your Focus?

By Brenda Boen

December 1, 2012

The rush is on!  The rush to shop for all those presents, the rush to get the house clean to get the tree and decorations up, the rush to finalize the year end reports and the dreaded New Year’s resolutions on how we are going to make next year different.  Feeling any pressure?  During all the hustle and bustle how many times do you stop to reflect and keep your focus on what is important?  I was told several years ago to “keep the main thing, the main thing.”  What is the main thing for you?  If you could turn off the entire world and sit in quiet for a moment what would you reflect on?

My husband has Stage 4 Cancer.  This past year has been a hustle and bustle of surgeries, chemo treatments, endless tests and doctor appointments.  We’ve had the conversations about “what if” and “when” and taking care of needed things. We’ve had to deal with the financial burdens and stress of a mountain of medical bills as well.  At first we didn’t focus too much on the future because there simply wasn’t time between keeping up with appointments and treatments.  Then there was the not feeling good and the caregiving and the unknown.  But as my husband’s body began to recover from the initial shock of everything that had been thrown at it, we were able to settle in and look forward to each day. 

My husband remarked that cancer was just a bump in the road of life.  I replied that it was more like a pot hole.  But all during everything we both commonly remark that God is still in control.  He did not give Paul cancer but has allowed it in his life.  We don’t always understand everything but we know that God is always with us through it all.  And as we have experienced, life is precious, every moment. 

So, even throughout all we have been going through, we have kept the main thing the main thing.  What is the main thing?  It’s our focus on our relationship with God.  It is paramount to our existence and our being.  Without God, life doesn’t make sense.  We certainly have had many opportunities to question God and we could have cursed Him as well.  But we haven’t.  God hasn’t changed and He hasn’t done this to punish us.  If anything, this experience has grown us closer to God and made us realize that all the hustle and bustle of life is just blowing in the wind as Solomon put it.  What matters is how we relate to God and to other people.  It’s not being successful in business or accumulating things or being better than others.  When it’s all over all that matters is your relationship to God, the One who created you in the first place to have a relationship with Him.  And oh, what a sweet loving relationship that is.  I can’t imagine going through what we’ve been through without the love of God.  With Him we have the hope of a future without pain and suffering that this world offers.  When Paul was first diagnosed his remark was that it was a win-win situation for him.  Either God would heal him here on earth or he’d get to go home to heaven sooner for the ultimate healing.  Now that is something to look forward to!

Our sole purpose of existence is to have a relationship with God.  God created us for that purpose—to have a relationship with Him.  He has given us His Word, the bible, with instructions to know how to have a relationship with Him.  But because we are sinful we cannot get to Him.  So He sent His one and only Son who sacrificed His life and blood on the cross to bridge that gap and cleanse us from that sin and make us a new person.  All we have to do is repent and turn from our sins and walk a new path, the path He has for us.  And when we live with God our life has meaning and purpose.  We have joy and happiness and God’s blessings.  It all sounds so simple because it is.  But first we have to die to ourselves meaning we must get our own pride and self out of the way and let God live through us.  Sure we will still have troubles, but God is with us through it and we can see the sun through the clouds.  I can’t image a life without God.  I can’t imagine all that I’ve gone through in my life without God.  I have true happiness in spite of sorrows and sickness and the sinful world around me.  And I do mess up on a regular basis.  But God forgives me.  He says that when I repent that He will remember my sins no more.  “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:12  The past is the past.  I just have to work on the present and continually ask God to forgive me where I mess up.  And He is faithful to do that every time.  Oh I can’t imagine what life is like without God in my life.  I know some people think they are happy but inner peace and understanding that come from God is priceless and worth more than anything you could ever experience.

“He has showed you, O man, what is good.  And what does the Lord require of you?  To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”  Micah 6:8

What are you focusing on?  How is your relationship with God?  Are you walking with Him or away from Him?  You have a choice every minute of the day.  All the choices you make will shape the outcome of your life.  Are you keeping the main thing the main thing?

Sitting on the Sidelines

By Brenda Boen
March 25, 2012

Recently I watched my grandson play baseball.  This was one of the first games of the season and his coaches had chosen to play an older team for a scrimmage.  These boys were taller, older and much more experienced at playing baseball.  They were very good at working together and throwing and catching the ball when needed.  They could hit the ball very well and actually where they intended it to go.  One boy was very good at bunting too.  They were also very aggressive in stealing base, which netted them several runs because the younger team made bad throws and were not as quick reacting.  When it was all said and done, the other team won 12 to 1.  I talked to my grandson after the game and pointed out all the things that the other team did and how they could learn from them.  When I asked him what he learned from that game he said “Don’t play with older kids!”  A somewhat wise remark but it got me to thinking about how we sometimes avoid things in life because they are too hard.

Life is like this.  We can sit on the sidelines and observe what to do and what not to do.  We can get in the game or sit and watch it from the stand.  I always used to tell my daughters that you don’t always have to experience things for yourself.  You can watch others make stupid mistakes and then just not do what they do.  You can observe how others live and pick up pointers in what is good and what is not.  And you can also sit on the sidelines and not participate in life at all thinking you will make mistakes.  Sometimes life involves risks.  Most are not life threatening or result in disaster.  Some things are actually good to experience.  Most are things we can experience and make a difference in our life or the lives of others.  And some things will teach us much needed life lessons.

Are you afraid to get in the game for fear of failing or making mistakes?  Do you prefer to sit by while life passes you by?  Or are you willing to get in the game of life and live even though it does sometimes take risks on your part?  Often times what we fear is the unknown.  Do we lay it all on the line and hope it doesn’t turn out bad?  Or do we just go for it praying for the best?  Or do we play it safe and just avoid it altogether?

What are some risky things in the Christian life for you?  Is it telling others about Jesus?  Are you afraid you are going to fail because you don’t know enough scripture or just the right words to say?  Are you afraid to commit to a ministry because you feel inadequate?  Are you afraid to play in the big league because others know more than you?  You know, God doesn’t call the qualified and the experienced.  He calls the willing.  When we step out in faith and do things for Him He will bless it and He will be with us through it. 

God tells us to have faith in Him.  He will not give us more than we can handle.  “I can do all things through Him who give me strength.”  Philippians 4:13  The power we receive in union with Christ is sufficient to do His will and to face the challenges that arise from our commitment to doing it.  So don’t be timid, God is your strength.  Rely on Him and have faith.  And get into the game!

Who Loves Ya Baby?

By Brenda Boen
March 29, 2012 

Years ago that was the trademark line of Detective Kojak on TV.  But have you ever really thought about who really loves you?  That is the inherent need for every human being, to love and be loved.  It doesn’t matter what we have in life, where we live, what we do or how we spend our time.  The bottom line is that we want to love and be loved.  We can be at the top of our game or be at the lowest point in our life.  We still want to be loved, by someone who cares about us and our well-being. 

Recently my grandson got his feelings hurt while playing with all of his cousins and sort of disappeared for a very brief time to see if we had missed him.  It didn’t take him long to appear in front of me crying “Doesn’t anyone even care?”  To be honest, I’ve said the same thing many times over the years.  We all want verification that we are important.  We all need affirmation that we are loved on a regular basis.  Without love, what is left? 

We are loved by family and close friends.  Often times it comes from strangers.  “How can that be?” you might ask.  “How could someone who doesn’t even know me love me?”  What about loving you before you were even born?  Ever thought about that?  Your parents loved you even before you were born because you were, most likely, a product of their love between each other.  And they had already decided beforehand that you were going to be loved and loved dearly. 

There is someone else who loved you before you were even thought about.  In fact He created you.  God loved you so much before you were even born many years ago.  He created a world for you to live in.  He created the food you eat.  He created the water you drink and bathe in and wash your clothes in.  He created the air you breathe.  In fact, He created you in His image!  Think about that for a moment.  God thinks so highly of you that you were created to bear His image and provides everything you need to sustain you. 

“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.  God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”  Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.  And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.” And it was so. God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.”   Genesis 1:27-31 

So do you feel loved now?  God made you more important than the fish and the animals.  And there are some very beautiful fish and animals that He created.  He created you special.  You are beautiful.  You are God’s masterpiece. 

Think about what life would be like if God created it differently from the way He did.  We could have had dark skies all the time, grass that hurts when we walk on it, food that doesn’t taste good and people incapable of love.  God made this world and it is so beautiful.  If you are in doubt, try Googling nature photos.  When visiting the Grand Canyon for the first time my comment was “If anyone doubts God created everything, they won’t now!” 

Do you go through daily living appreciating people and the things around you?  Or do you complain about what is wrong with the world.  God created everything and said it was good.  The bad in the world is a result of sin and Satan.  We can exist, even with the bad, and realize how loved we are and appreciate everything.  Don’t miss life by being preoccupied by its flaws.  Instead of taking off your shoes to feel the feathery grass beneath our feet, we complain that it’s growing so fast we don’t have time to mow it.  We complain that traffic is too slow.  We look in the mirror and find that our nose is too big or our hair looks terrible.  And we complain about all the sin in the world.  But guess what?  God loved you so much that He did something very profound so that you can be free from sin which results in death. 

“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.  This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” 1 John 4:9-10 

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”   John 3:16 

God made a way for you to escape sin’s grip.  All you have to do is accept His gift of eternal life!  When you do you will find that you are truly living.  So let me ask you again.  Who loves ya, baby?  God does!

The Comfort Zone

By Brenda Boen

March 28, 2012

Have you ever heard the statement "You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink?  This statement can apply to so many situations in life. It can be the same way in the Christian life as well.  Some of us have a desire to grow in the Lord and our faith increases daily as we learn to depend on Him.  Others can become stagnent and never really grow because they are not taking those steps to learning and growing as they should.  As we grow in our Christian faith we are often times asked to step out of our comfort zone and do something for the Lord.  It's not always easy but if God is leading He will help.  But the key is that WE have to step out and trust God. 

I don't know about you but I refuse to just sit back and let life pass me by.  I don't want to just get by and always be in the comfort zone.  As good as that sounds, there will be many blessings that will not come from the comfort zone.  God doesn't ask us to be qualified or skilled, He just asks that we be willing.  Has he asked you to step out and do something for Him lately?  Maybe the following poem will motivate you.

Butt Prints In The Sand

 

One night I had a wondrous dream,

One set of footprints there was seen,

The footprints of my precious Lord,

But mine were not along the shore.

But then some stranger prints appeared,

And I asked the Lord, "What have we here?"

Those prints are large and round and neat,

"But Lord they are too big for feet."

"My child," He said in somber tones,

"For miles I carried you alone.

I challenged you to walk in faith,

But you refused and made me wait."

"You disobeyed, you would not grow,

The walk of faith, you would not know.

So I got tired, I got fed up,

and there I dropped you on your butt."

"Because in life, there comes a time,

when one must fight, and one must climb.

When one must rise and take a stand,

or leave their butt prints in the sand."

author unknown

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize?  Run in such a way as to get the prize.  Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.  They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.  1 Corinthians 9:24-25

How is your race going?

Determination

By Brenda Boen
January 28, 2009

Have you ever met a woman who seems to have it all together?  She knows just she wants and how to make it happen.  She is task oriented, covers all her bases and people take notice when her name is mentioned.  If you need something done you just let her know and it’s gets taken care of.  There isn’t a shy bone in this woman’s body.  She is aggressive, won’t take no for an answer and somewhat bigger than life at times.   In the corporate world this woman is a highly prized employee.  In other areas of life she is valued because she can be in charge of something and see it successfully through to the end.  Imagine all the good this woman can do if her focus is pointed in the right direction.  A woman of God could accomplish much for the Lord in this area.  But on the other hand, a woman with evil intent can do much against the Lord.  One such woman is mentioned in I and II Kings.  Her name was Jezebel. 

Jezebel was a princess who married a king, a very powerful woman.  She was a woman of great conviction and unwavering devotion.  The problem was that her intent worship was not of God, but directed to the pagan god, Baal.  She was determined that she was going to convert Israel to her own religion.  She went so far as to hunt down and kill all the priests and prophets she could find and replaced them with 850 or her own.  She used her strong convictions to get whatever she wanted.  She even had a man falsely accused and killed so her husband the king could have his vineyard.  What an evil woman she was.

Let’s think for a moment.  What if Jezebel had been working for the Lord to further His kingdom?  Oh, what she could have accomplished.  Can you just imagine it?   You know, it’s not enough to be committed or sincere.  What’s important is where your commitment lies that makes the difference.  Where do your commitments lie today?  Is your life showing signs that you are working FOR the Lord or AGAINST Him? 

Taming the Tongue

By Brenda Boen

February 12, 2009

 

When it comes to our tongue, we are all tempted at every turn to use it wrongly.  But remember that regardless of the circumstances or our surroundings, we still make the choice about what comes out of our mouth.  Temptation is always there but we choose whether or not to fall into it. 

 

Something we don’t usually think about when we read these verses on the tongue is that gossip and profanity are not the only way we can misuse it.  Are you a hypocrite teaching others something you don’t do yourself?  Do you criticize others, especially behind their back?  During solemn moments do you engage in levity or small talk that distracts from what is going on?  When you retell a story do you exaggerate to impress others?  Do you always tell the truth even if it means you loose face, friends or finances?

The best way to avoid falling into the temptation trap is to make up your mind beforehand what you will and will not do.  Discernment goes a long way.  Be on your guard and watch for what is wrong and recognize it for what it is. Be prepared before you face the situation and pray for God to keep you strong so you will not so easily slip into participating in it.

 

“Watch and pray that you will not fall into temptation.  The spirit is willing but the body is weak.” Matthew 26:41 

 

“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man.  And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.  But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13

Draw a line in the sand and say I will not go there.  Then when you hear or see things you shouldn’t or are tempted to say the wrong thing you will recognize it for what it is and since you’ve already committed to stay away from that, you will have an easier time resisting.  Our bodies are weak, but the Holy Spirit is stronger and God can help us to resist it.

Seek The Truth

By Brenda Boen

February 10, 2009 

Has anyone ever told you something and you immediately gasped and then told the next person what you just heard? Sometimes, we tell others out of concern and also to inform them so they can be concerned as well.  On the other hand, if it’s juicy gossip we just can’t seem to keep it to ourselves, whether it’s true or not.  As a kid I was told to keep things a secret.  Oh, my goodness how difficult that was!  Still is.  It’s like putting a “fresh paint” sign on something. You just want to touch it to see if it’s still wet.  Admit it.  You’ve done it or wanted to do it.  The temptation is too great. 

In God’s Word Jesus said “If you hold to my teaching, you are my disciples.  Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”  (John 8:31-32)  Jesus himself is the truth that sets us free.  When we know and seek Him we are free from continued slavery to sin, from self-deception and from deception by Satan.

A few years ago God really impressed on me the need to always tell the truth and seek the truth in all things.  At times I would wonder if I was just suspicious of people or not trusting because sometimes it’s hard to know if something is true.  If I hear something and don’t understand it, the best way is to find out is to seek it out on my own.  If that is not possible I go to sources that “should” know.  Of course, God’s Word is absolutely true and I can rely on it.  I also ask for God to show me and guide me in the truth.  Knowing what is true sure helps to know when people are trying to pull the wool over your eyes.  The bottom line is if you don’t know the truth you can be easily deceived and believe a lie in a heartbeat.

 

You know, as humans we tend to want to trust everyone.  If this person seems knowledgeable of facts, seems to have it all together, then surely it’s true.  Also we tend to believe if it’s in print, on the news or on the internet, it must be true.  Wrong!  Granted, if you know the person and trust them chances are they are going to be straight with you.  But what if they have the wrong facts?  What if you believe them and then you pass it on to others and it’s completely wrong?  Then you have been instrumental in passing on incorrect information.  Before long several people are believing a lie. I certainly don’t want to be responsible for that. 

If you have ever opened an email you have certainly dealt with rumors, myths and shared information.  As Christians we want to make sure that everyone else is informed about things that should concern us.  We are compassionate and our heart goes out to the cause.  But is it true?  Check it out before blindly forwarding it others. It only takes a few minutes.  Otherwise you have been part of a big lie, whether intentional or not.  Ignore the claims that it was checked out and true.  Go find out for yourself.  Often times it’s not true.  Be responsible.  Break that email chain of deception!

In the same way, if you hear gossip, find out if it’s true.  If you don’t know if it's the truth, then don’t tell spread it around.  I don’t know how many times I’ve said this and heard this:  “I don’t know if this is true, but…”  Gossip can be very destructive.   Sure we all want to be concerned and pray for situations and people.  But think about this.  If we are praying for something that is not true, can you imagine what God hears?

The thing about gossip is that if you’re not part of the problem or part of the solution, it’s none of your business.  It’s like a fire.  If you let it go on and on and fan the flames it will spread quickly and do a great deal of damage.  On the other hand if you throw water on it pretty soon it will go out.  Make sure you are not part of the problem fanning the flames!  Throw that water where needed.

Always seek the truth in all things, God’s truths.  Remember the truth will set you free.  Jesus Christ came to set us free.  He is the way, the truth and the life. (John 14:6)

Do You Feel Defeated?

By Brenda Boen
January 2, 2009

Often times we feel attacked by the enemy and want to lash out with all the strength we can muster.  We have hurtful words and circumstances hurled at us from every side.  The unrelenting attacks keep coming and we eventually begin to get tired and weak.  Then we begin to feel defeated when all our strength is depleted.  We then begin to give up.

In the book of Samuel (1 Samuel 17) there was giant of a man who intimidated the people with all his strength and stature.  His name was Goliath.  He was a giant with an attitude.  He immobilized an entire army of Israelites who had forgot that their champion was the Lord their God.  Goliath had weapons, size and arrogance on his side.  The people were overwhelmed by the mere size of this man and his threats.  But there was a bold young boy who brought Goliath to his knees.

 

David was a shepherd boy.  He took a bold stance.  “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?” (1 Samuel 17:26).  He took action and stood up to Goliath.  What an unrealistic approach you say?  He was a mere shadow next to Goliath.  But what we have to remember is that David had faith in God and knew that with His help that he could defeat Goliath. 

 

David was given suitable armor and weapons to defeat Goliath but turned them all away.  He knew that all he needed to rely on was his trust in God and his shepherd’s sling.  When others looked at Goliath they saw someone way too big to defeat.  But David saw a target too big to miss.  When David stood up to Goliath he used his sling and one of the stones he hurled at him found a weak spot and defeated the huge giant in a single blow. 

 

What we need understand here is that God used a small boy to defeat a huge giant.  He transformed Goliath’s strength into weakness and David’s weakness into strength.  You see, David was equipped with God’s spiritual armor.  Ephesians 6:10-18 describes all the armor that is available to Christians every day at every moment.

 

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”

 

God makes these weapons, our spiritual armor, available to us any time we need them.  How sad it is that we often neglect them and try to defeat the enemy on our own.  God’s armor will never fail us.  Be sure to put your armor on daily and it will always be available to you when the enemy attacks.

Dumping Rocks

June 16, 2009

Often times Christians begin to feel overburdened, overworked, and overwhelmed.  We start out excited and ready to work for the Lord, putting all our efforts into what we are doing.  We take on one thing after another and feel like we are accomplishing God’s work.  But then all of a sudden what started out joyful quickly becomes drudgery and we feel like giving up.  What’s wrong?

Let me tell you a story about a man who met God in a lonely valley one day.  He asked God if there was something he could do for Him.  God responded that He had a wagon with three stones in it that needed to be pulled up a hill.  The man gladly responded, happy to do something for the Lord.  So God gave instructions where he wanted the stones carried. He was to go through the woods and up the road that winds up the side of a hill.  As the man began his journey he noticed it was easy and began to whistle and praise God.  What a joy it is to help the Lord, he thought.

As he rounded the third bend, he walked into a small village.  A man there stopped him and asked him what he was doing.   The man pulling the wagon explained that God gave him a job to carry three stones up the hill.   The other man said that he had been praying about how to get his rock up the top of the mountain and wondered if he wouldn’t mind carrying his for him.  Joyfully, the man responded that he was sure God wouldn’t mind.  The wagon seemed a little heavier but the man didn’t mind, knowing he was helping another brother as he served God.

Soon the man came to another village and ran into an old friend.  He explained what he was doing for God and his friend said he too had a bag of pebbles he needed to take to the top of the hill but just hadn’t had the time to do it.  The man responded that he’d be able to help him out and it shouldn’t be much trouble and was glad to help his friend.

The wagon began tugging at his arm and swaying, however it wasn’t too uncomfortable.  As he started up the incline of the hill he began to feel the weight of the stones, rock and pebbles.  Still, he was glad to be working for the Lord and helping his friends.  He thought to himself how proud God would be of how energetic and helpful he’d been.

One little stop followed another as he took on more and more in his wagon.  The man began to feel the weight and strain of the heavy wagon.  The joyfulness and praise suddenly began to turn into resentment.  Surely this is not what he signed up for.  God had given him a burden heavier than he could bear.

The wagon began to sway and the man began to have visions of giving up and letting the wagon go.  Finally after much sweat and bruises of the heavy load slamming against his legs, he thought “This is it!”  He called out to God and told Him that the burden was too heavy and that someone else would have to do it.  It was just too hard for him.

God walked over to the wagon and began to ask the man about all the extra weight in it, removing each piece and asking what they were.  The man began to explain how he was helping others because they needed his help.  God removed all the extra weight and told the man that if he would be content to let others carry their own burdens He’d help him with his task.  The man protested that he promised he’d help his friends and couldn’t just leave them lying on the ground.  God told the man to let others shoulder their own belongings.  He told the man “I know you were trying to help but when you are weighed down with all these cares, you cannot do what I have asked you to do.”

The man jumped to his feet suddenly realizing the freedom God was offering him.  He asked God if he really only had to take the three stones after all.  God responded “That is what I asked you to do.  My yoke is easy and my burden is light, I will never ask you to carry more than you can bear.”

The man was excited and a new song filled his lips. With great joy he reached the top of the hill.  It had been a great day because he had done what the Lord asked him to do.

Have you ever felt like this man trying to bear a burden that you were not called to carry?  God does tell us we are to bear one another’s burdens, but He has not asked up to step in and do what other people are not willing to do themselves.  There are many needs but God has not asked us to meet every one.  We can’t do it all.  If you are like this man, maybe you need to pray about out how to dump out all the extra rocks that you were not intended to carry in the first place.  Spend time with God and let Him show you what He wants you to do.