The earliest Christian text we possess is 1 Thessalonians, written sometime in the early fifties of the first century. Paul tells this little church, which he had founded, to be ready for the coming of the Savior: “Now may God himself, our Father, and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you, and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we have for you, so as to strengthen your hearts, to be blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his holy ones” (1 Th 3:11-13).
Paul had seen the risen Jesus, and everything else in his life fell away. Everything he had considered central—the law, his livelihood, his own tradition—now appeared to him as “rubbish.” Everything was re-arranged around this new massive reality of a crucified man having come back from the dead.
The Resurrection meant that God was truly the Lord of history, that all of the suffering, anxiety, and injustice of the world would be conquered and that a new, transformed life was held out to us. And so now the obligation was clear and simple: start living life in accord with the coming Christ.
Wait and watch for him, for a new world is undoubtedly coming. Paul almost certainly felt that this new world would fully emerge in his own lifetime, but though he was wrong about that detail, his recommendation is of permanent value.
As Paul tells the Thessalonians, in light of Christ, risen from the dead, the old world is marginalized, disempowered, and passing away. And therefore, those who live in accord with Christ are, in fact, on the winning side. Extend a Helping Hand
It has been said that there are two kinds of people in the world: givers and takers. I actually think that they both live inside each of us all the time, and depending on the situation or circumstance, one of them takes over.
But it doesn't have to be that way…falling prey to the stronger of the two, I mean. We can decide which one wins. And if you will allow me to make a suggestion – choose to be a giver not a taker.
I have learned a valuable truth in my time here on this planet…a secret, you might say, that I want to share with you: GIVERS ARE GETTERS
I know…it's kind of short. But there it is, and I believe it with all my heart.
As a general rule, those who are givers, almost always seem to be the ones who seemed “filled up”, happy, content.
As a boy, I can remember hearing the saying, “It is better to give than to receive.” Do you remember the first time you heard it? Boy, I do. If you are like me, your next thought was probably, “Who is the loser who came up with that lame idea…give me some loot!”
OK, So I was 6 and not quite mature enough to understand that saying, but the older I have gotten the truer it has become.
Here's a practical idea for you to put my secret to the test: the next time you get down about the circumstances in your life, GIVE. Give of your time or your talent, or your treasure, but give. Find someone who is worse off than you and extend a helping hand.
An amazing transformation will take pace in your heart and mind: your problems suddenly shrink when you give to others. You do not want to “trade” your pile of issues for theirs. In giving, you get…a better perspective, a better attitude, a better outlook.
Catch of a Lifetime
He was 11 years old and went fishing every chance he got from a
dock at his family's cabin on an island in the middle of a New
Hampshire lake. On the day before the bass season opened, he and his
Father were fishing early in the evening, catching some fish and perch
with worms. Then he tied on a small silver lure and practiced
casting. The lure struck the water and caused colored ripples in the
sunset, thin silver ripples as the moon rose over the lake. When his
pole doubled over, he knew something huge was on the other end. His
Father watched with admiration as the boy skillfully worked the fish
along side the dock. Finally, he very gingerly lifted the exhausted
fish from the water. It was the largest one he had ever seen, but it
was a bass.
The boy and his Father looked at the handsome fish, gills playing
back and forth in the moonlight. The Father lit a match and looked at
his watch. It was 10 p.m. - two hours before the season (contest)
opened. He looked at the fish, then at the boy. "You'll have to put
it back, Son," he said.
"Dad!" cried the boy.
"There will be another fish," said his father.
"Not as big as this one," cried the boy.
He looked around the lake. No other fishermen or boats were around
in the moonlight. He looked again at his Father. Even though no one
had seen them, nor could anyone ever know what time he caught the
fish, the boy could tell by the clarity of his Father's voice that
the decision was not negotiable. He slowly worked the hook out of the
lip of the huge bass and lowered it into the black water. The
creature swished its powerful body and disappeared. The boy suspected
that never again would he see such a great fish.
That was 34 years ago. Today, the boy is a successful architect in
New York City. His Father's cabin is still there on the island in the
middle of the lake. He takes his own son and daughters fishing from
the same dock. He was right. He has never again caught such a
magnificent fish as the one he landed that night long ago. But he
does see that same fish - again and again - every time he comes up
against a question of ethics. For, as his Father taught him, ethics
are simple matters of right and wrong. It is only the practice of
ethics that is difficult.
Do we do right when no one is looking? Do we refuse to cut corners
to get the design in on time? We would if we were taught to put the
fish back when we were young. For we would have learned the truth.
The decision to do right lives fresh and fragrant in our memory. It
is a story we will proudly tell our friends and our grandchildren.
Not about how we had a chance to beat the system and took it, but
about how we did the right thing and were forever strengthened.
Friends, give up the bass, for one day you'll catch THE whale!
The father, a well digger, strong was he,
And as loving and kind as a father could be. And Mary his daughter, Just five years old,
Was very much dearer than millions in gold. To Mary her father was big, grand and nice,
So each had a treasure, beyond any price. One day to the well, little Mary was sent
To take daddy's lunch, how gladly she went. But when she looked down, not a thing could be seen.
The well, like a pocket, was dark as could be. The father saw Mary and heard her voice, too,
But made not a sound, just to see what she'd do. She dropped to her knees, the dear little soul,
And called down, "Oh, Daddy, are you down this hole?" "Why, yes Mary darling, I'm here at your feet,
Just drop my lunch for I'm ready to eat. Just let it go easy, I'll catch it all right."
She did and she saw it fall out of sight. "Why Mary," said father, "There's enough here for two,
Now this is the thing I would like you to do. You jump down here to me and we'll eat it together,
Down here in the cool and away from the weather." "Oh, daddy, I'm afraid, I can't see you at all,
Be sure now you catch me and don't let me fall." 'Twas just for a moment she wavered in doubt,
Then closing her dear little eyes she jumped out. In the darkness, yes, that was the test,
She trusted in faith At her father's request. And both were so happy he kissed her and smiled
Because of the sweet trusting faith of his child. "Oh, sweet little Mary, you put me to shame,
How often my Father Has called me the same, But because it was dark I turned back in doubt.
Refusing the call, though his arms were stretched out." (Author Unknown) December 4 - Jesus Calling My thoughts are not your thoughts; neither are your ways My ways. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways and thoughts higher than yours. Remember who I am when you spend time with Me. Marvel at the wonder of being able to commune with the King of the universe—any time, any place. Never take this amazing privilege for granted! Though I am vastly higher and greater than you, I am training you to think My thoughts. As you spend time in My Presence, My thoughts gradually form in your mind. My Spirit is the Director of this process. Sometimes He brings Bible verses to mind. Sometimes He enables you to hear Me “speak” directly to you. These communications strengthen you and prepare you for whatever is before you on your life-path. Take time to listen to My voice. Through your sacrifice of precious time, I bless you far more than you dare to ask. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
—Isaiah 55:8–9 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
—Colossians 4:2 I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the Lord.
—Psalm 116:17 |
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