Life is filled with interactions with others.  As children we interacted with other children.  Every one possesses a unique personality; some are quiet, others loud and boisterous, still others seek a middle ground.   A common trait in most everyone is the desire to please others.  Childhood taught most of us to seek the approval of others, that is, we desired to hear positive affirming words or receive a pat on the head or a high five.  Who doesn't enjoy a word of affirmation?

As adults we bring those desires with us.  Most everyone craves the praise of their superior, colleague, or friend.  Even the Bible speaks about giving honor to whom honor is due.  An affirming word can make our day, infuse us with a sense of worth and value, and put a spring in our step.  But who are we trying to please in this life?  Who really matters the most?  Kevin East in a recent blog article at Crosswalk.com stated:" As I lead, I don't want to try to please people, but I want my life and leadership to please God. It is He who I seek to serve."

The context of Kevin's comment related to leadership but it is a question worth grappling with for every believer.  Certainly we should give our best service to our employer and who doesn't want to please their employer, but when the day is over what matters most:  That we pleased our employer or that we pleased God? 

"Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. ²³ And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, ²⁴ knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ" (Col 3:22-24, NKJV). 

The apostle Paul sets the proper priority for the believer.  We should seek to please God with a sincere heart in all that we do, not for the praise of men, but for the glory of God.  Service rendered to and for others with a sincere heart that honors God, will indeed please God.  Our service should not be motivated by the fear of men but from love and reverence for God.  This puts matters in an entirely different light.  Most everyone has worked a job that presents challenges and frustrations, however when approaching it from an awareness that whatever we do we should do it as unto the Lord, the job can take on a more positive perspective.  Although we may be working for men to earn a living, we should always remember that we should work as if it were for God.  In one sense we are.  Our attitudes can convey a positive witness or cast our profession of faith in a poor light.

A question that each believer should grapple with is:  Who am I trying to please, man or God?

This is a good question to ask in all of our relationships.  Do we crave the praise of man more than the praise of God?  Are we spending our life energies seeking the approval and praise of others or are we living in a manner that brings glory to our Lord?

At the end of our day (life), may it be said of us, there is a person who really loved God and sought to please Him.  What are you and I living for?  Who are you and I living for?

Think about it!

The Psalmist David asked a very important question in Psalm 15:1.  He asked:  "LORD, who may abide in your tabernacle? Who may dwell in your holy hill?"

A ponderous question indeed!  The question centers on the conditions necessary for genuine worship to occur.  The tabernacle represented the presence of God.  To abide in the presence of God pertains to ones fellowship with the Almighty.  The holy hill represents Zion, the place of God's dwelling for David and the people of God in that era.  So what are the conditions necessary for True Worship to occur in the life of God's children?

The Psalmist lays out numerous conditions, and they all pertain to the heart, that is the innermost being. 

1.  "He who walks uprightly" v. 2a.  This speaks to a lifestyle, a way of living.  The person who expects to enjoy the presence of God must live in a consistent manner that honors God. 

2.  "And works righteousness" v. 2b.  Living a life that honors God will include right actions.  Working righteousness pertains to what comes out of the heart of a person in right relationship with God.  One performs acts of righteousness as a result of being in a right relationship with God, not as a means to gain God's favor.

3.  "And speaks the truth in his heart" v. 2c.  Truth is an essential element in the life of the believer.  Truth honors God and God honors those who live truthfully.  Speaking the truth in one's heart pertains to the spiritual.   One can hardly expect to experience the presence and power of God while willingly engaging in a deceitful lifestyle or practicing lies.

4.  "He who does not backbite with his tongue" v. 3a.  To backbite involves the idea of speaking slanderously about someone else, bearing tales, engaging in malicious gossip, etc.  God is never honored when we willfully engage in spreading rumors, gossip, or slandering another person.  

5.  "Nor does evil to his neighbor" v. 3b.  The Scripture makes it abundantly clear that we are to love our neighbor as ourselves and never to bear false witness against them.  God's love (Agape) requires that we actively seek the good for others, including our enemies.  Thus, we are to do no harm to our neighbor.

6.  " Nor does he take up a reproach against his friend" v. 3c.  We are to avoid holding our friend in contempt, scorn, or taunt. 

7.  "In whose eyes a vile person is despised, but he honors those who fear the LORD" v. 4a.
The Psalmist is simply saying that those who desire to enter God's presence and fellowship with the Almighty is to despise that which is evil and wrong.  This is not about becoming self-righteous, rather, it is to hate what God hates, and God hates evil.  Believer's who expect to experience communion with God must hate what God hates, and love what God loves.  We are to honor those who fear the LORD.  So if we find ourselves despising those who fear the LORD it will hinder our communion with God.

8.  "He who swears to his own hurt and does not change" v. 4b.  This speaks to the matter of integrity.  The person who makes a commitment is to honor the commitment, even if it costs them, even if they have to absorb the loss.  God takes our commitments and vows very seriously.  In fact, the Scripture warns about making vows to God and then failing to keep them.  But this deals with integrity.  If we make commitments and then willfully ignore them, our integrity is less than God honoring. 

9.  "He who does not put out his money at usury, nor does he take a bribe against the innocent"

The Jewish people were forbidden to charge their fellow Jew interest (usury) on a loan.  God's people must look out for their fellow believer's best interest.  We are to care for one another, not take advantage of one another.  Nor are we to take a bribe against the innocent.  Again this speaks about integrity.  If we expect to experience God's presence and power in our lives then we cannot knowingly and willfully engage in dishonest practices that harm the innocent.

David concludes this Psalm by saying: "He who does these things shall never be moved" (v. 5)

So what's the point?  If we desire to experience the presence of God in our lives, we must live in a manner that embraces Righteous Living.  Our actions, words, and heart must honor God.  Certainly this Psalm challenges every believer to allow the Holy Spirit to search their attitudes, actions, and perspectives.  The passage is not about self-righteousness but God's righteousness.  God desires truth in the inward parts, that is, our hearts and lives.  Yes, we have all failed, but we cannot use that as an excuse.  May God grant each of us a spirit of repentance and a willingness to examine ourselves honestly. 

It has been said that life is fragile.  How true!  Life is indeed a sacred gift given by God and only He has the right to take it away.  The Bible clearly establishes human worth in the Creation account found in Genesis 1:26-27, 2:7.  God breathed into the nostrils of man and he became a living being ( soul).  When Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him, God had something to say about the matter ( Gen. 4).  Another biblical passage that clearly establishes the sacredness of life is found in the Decalogue (Ten Commandments); "thou shalt not kill"(Exodus 20:13, KJV). 

"For by grace are you saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9, KJV).

Have you ever pondered the meaning of grace?  It has been said that grace is receiving that which we do not deserve.  How very true!  God's grace exceeds our ability to comprehend, yet thankfully, we can experience through Jesus Christ.

Grace is a gift.  It cannot be earned, bought, or bargained for.  People often have difficulty accepting that which costs them nothing.  Human nature in its self reliance, hence pride, chaffs at the idea of receiving something for nothing.  The grace of God is a gift however and it is accessible only through faith.  As Jesus told the story about the young Prodigal son to the Pharisees in Luke 15:11-24, He was attempting to demonstrate the power of God's grace.  A young Jewish man (probably and older teen or young adult at most) violated every imaginable rule possible.  Mosaic Law would certainly have allowed for his being stoned to death, yet Jesus used this extreme example to demonstrate the Love and Grace of God.  The Pharisees were so concerned about keeping the Law, that there was no room for mercy or grace.  Undoubtedly in their minds, this story would have earned condemnation.  Yet, when the younger son, "Came to himself", he recognized his sin and folly for what it was and he decided to return home.  The young son had a change of heart and mind.  He realized that he had played the fool and he was willing to return to his father, confess his sin, and throw himself upon his father's mercy.  He did not expect anything but he went home to his father just like he was, dirty, destitute, and despised.  What happens next must have been highly disturbing (Perhaps even offensive) to the Pharisees.  The young man's father saw his son in the distance, and "he ran" to greet his son.  The father "fell on his neck" (embraced him) and "kissed him".  All that filth, ragged and tattered clothing, the father ignored.  This father valued his son's return.  The son began to confess his sin, and take responsibility for his wrong, but he never was able to finish, because his father was ready to receive and restore his son. 

Just like the father in the parable, God is ready to receive and restore those who have journeyed into the "far country."  If you are searching for the meaning of life and purpose, you can find it in Jesus.  God loves you.  No matter how badly you have failed, sinned, messed up, there is nothing that God will not forgive, if you are willing to acknowledge your sin, repent (that is, turn away from it and turn toward the Lord), and come to Him.  God wants you and I to come to Him just like we are, with all our sin, with all our faults, with all our sorrows, with all our fears, and place our faith in His Son, Jesus. 

You and I have failed to measure up to God's required standard.  Paul puts it this way:  "For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23, KJV).  But the Good News of God's love and Grace, is that no matter how far we have gone astray from Him, He will receive us and restore us.  Do we deserve His forgiveness, mercy, or grace?  NO!  But then that is what is so Amazing!  God will not cast ANYONE away (THAT MEANS YOU) who humbles their heart and life before Him, turns away from their sin and turns toward Him in faith (trust).  God's Grace is indeed AMAZING!

Friday, November 11 is a day set aside to honor all of our veterans, those men and women who have served in our nations military.  Thank you hardly seems enough.  As we honor the service and sacrifice of so many one's thoughts are drawn in many directions.  Images of the U.S. flag waving in the wind, the playing of the National Anthem, the Pledge of Allegiance to name only a few.  Other images that come to mind as we reflect upon Veteran's Day are images of men and women in uniform saluting the flag, marching in order, or engaged in combat.  God has blessed our nation with freedom.  The freedom of speech, the freedom of peaceful assembly, the freedom of religion, to name only a few.  All of these freedoms have come at a tremendous cost.  Many have ancestors who fought in the Revolutionary War.  The founding of our great nation was divinely sanctioned, but it cost many of our forefathers their lives to secure our freedom.  So when you see a veteran, take the time to express your gratitude for their service. 

For those who are currently serving in our nation's military, thank you.  Let us honor our veterans and support our troops.  Perform an act of random kindness for those who are currently serving.  When you see someone in uniform in a restuarant pay for their meal.  When you see them in a public setting, make the effort to express your gratitude for their service.  Yes, many may be surprised by a total stranger thanking them, but most will be touched by your kind gesture.

May God bless all of our Veteran's, all of our active troops, and the USA.  To all of our veterans, THANK YOU!

The title of the blog is an old cliche that most everyone is familiar with.  It is a euphamism that conveys the idea of reality versus non reality.  God's Word is filled with passages that challenges the believer to live by a standard far above our own ability.  The apostle Paul stated in Romans 12:9-10:  " Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.10 In love of the brethren be tenderly affectioned one to another; in honor preferring one another" (ASV).  

If that isn't a challenge, I don't know what one would be.  Loving one another (that is fellow believers) without hypocrisy is a tall order.  It is so easy to use the language of the church when it comes to daily living.  To love one another without hypocrisy, that is pretense, is possible only through the power of the Holy Spirit.  It is easy to love those who love you, who treat you with kindness and always affirm you, but Paul's words leave no room for exceptions.  How can you and I love (agapao) those believers who offend us or make us uncomfortable?  The passage says to let love be without hypocrisy--ouch!  In my human frailty, I must confess, I don't always live up to that.  It is only as we are willing to be led by the Spirit and depend upon Him that we can love (seek the good of others).  We must hate evil without hating people.  This is another tall order.  Can we hate evil without hating people who practice evil?  Again, only though the power of the Holy Spirit.  We should always hate evil and evil practices, but remember that God loves everyone.  He hates wickedness, yet Christ died for the sins of the whole world in order to provide GRACE and REDEMPTION for a hopelessly lost and sinful people. 

Lastly, the Scripture says that we are to  be "tenderly affectioned one to another; in honor preferring one another"  Believers are to hold one another in high esteem.  We are to show tenderness toward one another in a way that honors our Lord.  Again, that is a tall order and is possible only through the empowering Holy Spirit.  In our flesh we are weak, but through a surrendered life, that is a surrendered will, we can love without pretense, we can be tender toward fellow believers, we can hate evil and cling to that which is honorable and good.  So how is the truth of this passage being lived out in your life?  How are you doing?  The best place to start is to allow the Lord to search our hearts.  In my flesh, I cannot live up to God's standards nor can you, but as you and I come humbly before our Heavenly Father and do honest business with Him, HE will enable us to love those who don't always act loving.  We can forgive those who sometimes are down right unloving in their attitudes and actions, and we can treat our fellow believer with tenderness. 

Dear Father,

Thank you for your holy Word that always sets your standards for living.  Forgive me Lord when I do not always love others as you command.  Enable me Lord to humble my life before you and live out of your love and power.  I will to obey you today.  Help me to be authentic for your glory.  In Jesus' name, AMEN!

May our lives match up with our confession.  May that be where the rubber meets the road.

Does the idea of an emotionally healthy family sound impossible?  What is God's design for the family?  The apostle Paul writing to the Ephesian Church under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit lays out God's design for a healthy family.  A healthy home begins with a healthy marriage.  The Bible lays out God's intention for a healthy husband and wife relationship.
  22 Wives, be under the authority of your husbands, as of the Lord.23 For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ is the head of the church, being himself the saviour of the body. 24 And as the church is under Christ's authority, so let wives be under the rule of their husbands in all things.  25 Husbands, have love for your wives, even as Christ had love for the church, and gave himself for it; 26 So that he might make it holy, having made it clean with the washing of water by the word, 27 And might take it for himself, a church full of glory, not having one mark or fold or any such thing; but that it might be holy and complete. 28 Even so it is right for husbands to have love for their wives as for their bodies. He who has love for his wife has love for himself:29 For no man ever had hate for his flesh; but he gives it food and takes care of it, even as Christ does for the church; 30 Because we are parts of his body. 31 For this cause will a man go away from his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.  32 This is a great secret: but my words are about Christ and the church. 33 But do you, everyone, have love for his wife, even as for himself; and let the wife see that she has respect for her husband. (Eph 5:22-33 (BBE)

Wives are to be in submission to the spiritual leadership of their Christian husbands.  God designed it that way.  Men are to love their wife sacrificially, just as Christ loved the Church and gave himself for it.  In order for a marriage to be healthy, Christ must be the true center of the marriage relationship.  A husband and wife that truly puts Jesus first will be able to work their differences out as long as they seek to honor the Lord in their lives. 

The Scripture continues to lay out God's design for the family unit.  Children are to obey their parents "in the Lord".  Children are to respect and obey their parents for this is well pleasing to God (Col. 3:21)  Fathers and mothers have an obligation to instruct their children in the ways of God, instill His word in their lives, and provide appropriate discipline on a consistent basis. 

Parents that provide consistent and appropriate discipline benefit their children's future.  Children will always test the boundaries, parents must enforce the boundaries consistently.  While there are no perfect families, God has provided a perfect plan for a healthy family.  

Parents do well to honor the Lord before their children.  Children learn what they live.  It is true that actions speak louder than words.  Children need positive role models, parents have the opportunity of instilling God's values in young hearts and minds that will last a lifetime and help their children adapt and grow into healthy young adults.

While there are no perfect parents, God's Word provides a perfect plan for a healthy family. 

Let us pause to remember all those whose lives came to a horrific end on 9/11.  Who will ever forget the scene of a jet crashing into each of the twin towers and the billowing black smoke and flames?  We pause as a nation to honor the memory of every passenger, citizen, and first responder who perished on that day.  Our hearts were touched as a nation and despite the inexcusable actions of the terrorists, Patriotism was rekindled amid the masses.  The terrorists intention was to destroy but God has brought good out of evil.  So today, may we solemnly reflect upon and remember all those who perished, and their families who still grieve.  May we continue to be "ONE NATION UNDER GOD with liberty and justice for all."  Pray for our nations leaders that they will seek after God and His righteousness.  Take the time to thank a first responder for the service they provide.  Most important of all, let us remember the Lord, who gave up His life willingly to deliver us from the penalty of sins eternal consequences.  Quoting a first responders recent prayer; "Let us remember that God was The First Responder"  God saw our helpless estate and made a way of deliverance from sins penalty through Jesus Christ the Lord.  Let us honor the memory of all those affected by 9/11, but let us also honor the sacrifice of Jesus who makes eternal life possible.  Always remember:  "GOD LOVES YOU"

"Commit your way unto the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass" (Psalms 37:5, NKJV). 

There are different kinds of commitments that you and I make in life.  We make personal commitments to individuals or groups.  When a man and woman stand at the altar of matrimony and exchange vows they are making a commitment to one another.  When you and I buy a vehicle, assuming that we finance it, we make a commitment to a bank or financial institution that we will pay for the vehicle on a monthly basis until the debt is settled.  But what about our commitment to the Lord?  In this particular passage the Scripture makes reference to commiting our way unto the Lord.  Without context however we would not be able to understand the nuance or meaning.  In this passage the context pertains to commiting one's burdens or troubles to the Lord.  The phrase "commit your way unto the Lord" literally means "to roll it over on" the Lord.  What a beautiful picture of care!  The Lord has made a commitment to His people to care for them.  The apostle Peter echoed a similar truth in his first epistle, chapter five, verse 7:  "Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you."  It is great to know that God's commitment to us is unwavering.  You and I can take great comfort in knowing that God is interested in our well-being.

How about our commitment to the Lord?  While on a recent trip with a group from the church a movie was played on the bus.  The movie was based upon Paul Bunyan's classic book A Pilgrim's Progress.  Listening to the movie reminded me of the many challenges that believer's are confronted with as they journey along in this life below.  "Christian" made a commitment to the Lord, even though his wife and children were unwilling to follow.  The movie highlighted various and sundry dangers that true believers face along the way to heaven.  The movie falls under the genre known as an allegory.  An allegory is a story that represents a truth or moral.  The truth is that from the moment that a person comes to know Jesus as their Savior, the journey of faith begins.  A person makes a commitment to Jesus, to live for Him and serve Him with their life, their resources, and all that they are.  How quickly the enemy will place snares and temptations before the child of God.  Selfish ambition, self serving goals, lust, pride, desire, allurements that appeal to the fleshly nature, yes even religious activiites that mimic service but really have less than honorable motives.

Christian, where are you in your level of commitment to the Lord?  How is our love relationship with the Savior?  The Lord wants our hearts, our affection, our devotion.  He doesn't want feigned service, service that is motivated by guilt, He wants our hearts and devotion. 

Father,  search our hearts and know us.  Forgive my failings to love you with all my heart.  May my commitment be in earnest and given from a heart that has been touched by your love.  Father, may you increase and I decrease.  May I serve you with my whole heart, with pure motives that glorify you.  Thank you Jesus, for your unfailing love and care.  Teach me Lord to walk in your ways, In Jesus' name. Amen