You Got Questions? So Does God!

“Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9).

We all have questioned God when adversity or disappointment occurs. I suspect we all excel at clearly telling God what we want. How many times have you questioned God? When will I get promoted? Why did my good friend die? Where am I going to live when I can no longer care for myself? What does God want from me? Who am I? A teacher encourages their students to learn. Of the 90 times Jesus was directly addressed in the gospels, on 60 occasions He was addressed as “Teacher.” Jesus himself used the term when He said, “You call me Teacher and Lord, and rightly so, for that is what I am” (John 13:13). When Nicodemus came to Jesus by night, he said, “We know that you are a teacher who has come from God” (John 3:2).

God is teaching us when He asks us questions. The purpose of the questions is likely for us to engage in a meaningful self-examination. God is omniscient and already knows the answer. Our answer to His questions provides an opportunity for spiritual growth. He wants us to think. The more we think, the more we learn. Some of the questions cut right to the heart of difficulties in our lives. If we answer honestly, we’ll be confronted with some ugly truths in our hearts and lives we’d rather not deal with. This is to be expected; any good relationship helps us know ourselves better, including seeing our faults more clearly. When this happens, we must remember to distinguish between the experiences of conviction and condemnation. Though both come from encountering ugly truths about ourselves, conviction often comes from God, but condemnation never comes from God. Condemnation is conviction robbed of hope. The difference is huge.

Below are five of my favorite questions from God. Imagine Him asking these questions to you, and your response, as you read.

Where are you?

“They heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. (9) Then the LORD God called to the man, and said to him, “Where are you?” (10) He said, “I heard the sound of You in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid myself.” (11) And He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” (Genesis 3:8-11).

This is the first question from God. God wants Adam to acknowledge where he is and why he is there. Adam was hiding from God. He had disobeyed, fallen into sin, and he was now fearful. This question from God is one that He continues to ask us each day. Man has continued to run and hide from God, and the Good Shepherd continues to seek us. How would you respond if God asked that question to you?

What is your name?

“Then Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. When He saw that He had not prevailed against him, He touched the socket of his thigh; so the socket of Jacob’s thigh was dislocated while He wrestled with him. (26) Then He said, “Let me go, for the dawn is breaking.” But he said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” (27) So He said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.”(28) He said, “Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel; for you have striven with God and with men and have prevailed.” (29) Then Jacob asked him and said, “Please tell me your name.” But he said, “Why is it that you ask my name?” And he blessed him there” (Genesis 32:24-29).

The story of Jacob is a fascinating story of a man that battles with others and even with God. God asked the question to get Jacob to acknowledge his identity. Jacob means “supplanter” or “trickster.” Jacob had tricked his father and stolen a blessing intended for his older brother. God had higher aspirations for Jacob and changed his name to Israel “Prince with God).” Israel’s twelve sons became the “Tribes of Israel.” God has always been in the business of changing people and a change of name is but an outward sign of the inward change. What would you say if God asked you your name?

What are you doing here?

“Now Ahab told Jezebel everything Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah to say, “May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them.” Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. … There he went into a cave and spent the night. “And the word of the LORD came to him: ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’ He replied, ‘I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too'” (1 Kings 19:1-10).

Elijah had faced down the prophets of Baal and was now faced with the wrath of Jezebel (wife of Ahab, King of Israel). Fear took over and Elijah hide in a cave. The word of the Lord came to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” (1 Kings 19:9). God did not want his prophet to physically or spiritually be in this condition. We all are members of a royal priesthood and God certainly does not want us to be hiding in a cave. So what does God want from us? For Elijah, God wanted Elijah to acknowledge that he was operating in fear, not faith, and had taken his eyes off the Lord and onto the circumstances. He wants us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5).

Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundations?

“Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm. He said: “Who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me. “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand” (Job 38:1-4).

The story of Job is a familiar one to Bible readers. You may recall how Job and his friends debated the reasons for Job’s problems. Everyone had a say and everyone had a theory. Job was a righteous man and could not understand why he was suddenly experiencing such misery, and he began to doubt the goodness of God. It is interesting to note that God remained silent throughout the early discussion but eventually asks some very soul-searching questions for Job (Job 38:1-4).

Job is unable to answer the questions, which is likely the point that God was trying to make with him (and also with us). God was, is, and will be a sovereign and omniscient God acting in power and knowledge of all things before Job (or us) even existed. God asked Job questions in order to remind him that His ways are often beyond our understanding (Isaiah 55:8-9). I wonder how often we doubt the goodness or justice of God in times of difficulty. In times like this we need to remember the questions of God to Job because it reminds us of His wisdom and power of our God. We can take comfort in knowing, “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28)

Whom shall I send?

“In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. (2) Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!'” (Isaiah 6:1-8).

Isaiah was a prophet during one of the most turbulent periods in Judah’s history. He saw Judah fall to Assyria. The Lord sent Isaiah a serious question, “Whom shall I send?” (Isaiah 6:8). God is still asking the same question. The Bible is full of examples of God using weak outcasts, orphans, poor, etc. to do His work. This included Isaiah in his day but could also include us, if we answer His call. We are all called into ministry through our baptism and profession of faith in Jesus Christ. This is both a privilege and a responsibility.

Prayer: Dear God: Thank you for asking us questions that cause us to think, learn, and grow closer to you. Please continue to sit as a refiner of silver. Amen.

Meet the Author

Todd Shupe is a Men’s Ministry Specialist through the General Commission of United Methodist Men and is in training to be a Certified Lay Minister through the Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church. He currently serves as the President of the Baton Rouge District of United Methodist Men and is a Board Member for Gulf South Men and serves on the Action Team for The Kingdom Group. He is a volunteer for the Walk to Emmaus, Grace Camp, and Iron Sharpens Iron. Todd resides in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

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Judge Others or Pray?

“No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin” (John 8:11).

It is so very tempting to judge others as we can go about our day. We often do not say anything negative but in our minds, we condemn others. Some of us will pass judgment when we see someone smoking cigarettes. Others will pass judgment when they see a person with multiple tattoos and piercings. We can even quote Scripture to support our case. Don’t they know that their bodies are a “holy temple”? (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

If we harbor negative thoughts in our minds, it is inevitable that negative words will come from our mouths. According to Matthew 12:34, “… for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” Negative thoughts and harsh judgment places us on the road to hate. “Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him” 1 John 3:15).

We judge harshly when a clergy has fallen to sins of the flesh. We assume the worst when a brother or sister in Christ is accused of some wrongdoing. We laugh when there is another political scandal, but if the accused is “our” person, we judge the motives of the accuser.

All sin is sin, and it is detestable to our Lord. There is no big or little sin. When we hear that a friend or neighbor is in trouble, rather than gossiping about them and accepting the accusation, let’s instead say a prayer for the accuser. May they all be surrounded by God’s love, mercy, and grace. Life will give us plenty of opportunities to pass judgment on others, but let’s use those opportunities to pass along prayers.

Imagine a world in which we all offer grace to sinners (each other) and encouragement rather than judgment. To me, this would be the answer to the Lord’s Prayer in which we pray “your kingdom come” (Matthew 6:10).

We are all God’s chosen people. We have been given grace upon grace from our Lord. Our response to such grace should be to extend it to others. Paul writes in Colossians 3:12, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”

Prayer: Dear good and gracious God, We have so many opportunities throughout each day to harshly judge our brothers and sisters in Christ. We know that this dishonors you and us. Help us to use these opportunities to offer prayers rather than judgement. May the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts always be pleasing to you. Amen.

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Want to Better Understand Your Identity?

“Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord!” (Lamentations 3:40 ESV).

I have some friends that are interested in genealogy. They want to better understand themselves by tracing their ancestry back as many generations as possible. This is a fun process and can provide some interesting anecdotes about your family tree. I think it is natural for all of us at some point in our lives to seek to better understand ourselves. I have taken several personality profiles and spiritual gifts assessments. They are interesting, useful, and yield very good information to help us better understand ourselves and fine our ministry niche.

When we think about our identify we seldom think about prayer. However, the power of prayer is beyond our wildest imagination. James 5:16 reads, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man

availeth much.” I note that the last word of that Scripture is “much.” This is interesting because I feel there is “much” we don’t realize about the use of prayer as a means to understand our identify.

Prayer is supernatural because it uncovers the deepest roots of our identity. As Christians, our deepest roots are in God. In prayer we seek God’s face and allow God’s word to penetrate our fears and doubts so that we can begin to hear what He wants us to know. God will reveal Himself to you and he will reveal yourself to you. We have to be intentional through prayer in the process as instructed in Matthew 7:7. “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”

God will reveal many things to you about your identify. Some will be encouraging and some not. The deepest truth of our human identity is this: “You are my beloved son. You are my beloved daughter. With you I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). Since Christ lives in us and we in Him, we are also beloved children of the Father. He is well pleased with His children. “Now if we are children, then we are heirs–heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory” (Romans 8:17).

I agree that we should “test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord!” (Lamentations 3:40 ESV). Our faith is stronger once we have carefully examined it. Prayer will allow us to test and examine our ways. We will better understand ourselves and the Holy Spirit will work through us and in us so we can “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us (Hebrews 12:1).

Prayer: We give you thanks and praise that our identify is in you. You know everything about us and still love us. You are our rock and redeemer. Amen.

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Put Down the Phone and Truly Engage with People

“Do not be interested only in your own life but be interested in the lives of others” (Philippians 2:4 NCV).

Everybody is busy. Anytime I ask somebody how they are doing the response is always “busy” or “really busy.” Americans are over worked and over stressed. Work has become the number one focus for many, family second, and God third (if time permits). This is not Biblical nor healthy. Our priorities need be examined.

I remember when smart phones were introduced into the market several years ago. I thought they would be great to help stay connected with work when out of the office. The problem is they are very effective at keeping us connected with work. We are always accessible. Many of us check our work emails at night and weekends when we are home with our families. We check and update or social media status all day and night.

When I go out a restaurant or a meeting, I am always surprised how many people that are sitting in a group are focused on their phones and not the group. We are checking voice mails, emails, texts, playing video games, or listening to music. Our friends are sitting right next to us, but we are more focused on our social media friends, some of which we have never met.

Today most of us are a slave to our phones, and we no longer pay attention to the people around us. As Christians we are to live in community and are taught, “Do not be interested only in your own life but be interested in the lives of others” (Philippians 2:4). How can we show interest to others when we are always on our phone? We can’t.

On-line communications is nice and necessary, but it won’t lead to relationships that feed your soul. To have happy and deep relationships, we need to learn the lost art of paying attention. We need to be present when we are present.

This is counter intuitive for many of us. Our flesh seeks the spotlight. We want the focus on us, and we desperately want to be liked and for others to know we are liked. To do this, we are very active on social media and treasure our followers rather than our real friends.

I have heard it said that people will not remember what you said, but they will remember how you made them feel. People feel good when you give them your attention. You honor someone by giving them your time. One of our most precious commodities is time because it cannot be restored, and we all have an unknown, finite amount of it.

So, next time you are with your family for a meal, ball game, movie, etc., give them your time and be mentally present, and just physically present. Put the phone down and model for them what it means to be truly present. Use active listening. when talking with friends, family, and colleagues. The other party will then know that you are seriously listening and interested in the conversation.

Years ago, Dr. Gary Chapman wrote a best-selling book “The Five Love Languages.” One of the five is “Quality Time.” We have quality time when we are truly present and actively listening to the other person. Quality time is a lost love language that can help transform your relationships and help you live a happy life.

Prayer: Dear God, There are so many voices competing for our attention. We know that your spirit is in all of us and we honor You when we when we show sincere interest in others. Help us to examine our priorities in life. Amen.

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Obstacles to Joy

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 NIV).

We all have stress and anxiety. These are obstacles to the happiness that we all seek. I think what is important is how we deal with these obstacles. A little bit of stress is natural and no problem. It can be helpful and protect us from dangerous situations.

Regardless of the source of our stress, we as Christians have a proven method to rid ourselves of it but it takes courage and faith. The Apostle Paul wrote, “The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). Think about that for a moment – a peace that surpasses all understanding. Below are a few thoughts that hopefully will help us all find that peace and navigate the obstacles to happiness.

Make peace with your past so it won’t impede your present and future.

Everybody has regrets from their past. Our hindsight is always 20/20. Your past is your testimony today and not your destiny for tomorrow. The enemy will constantly seek to remind you of your past failures to rob you of the joy that God wants you to enjoy today. God wants to give us a future with hope. “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope” (Jeremiah 29:11).

Do no worry about what others think of you. Teenagers are often obsessed with what others think of them. As adults we also want to fit in and be held in high esteem. Our identify does not come from our social media profiles, gossip of others, or even the support of others. Our identify comes from Jesus. The Bible states, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9).

Time heals most wounds.

There is an old saying that time heals all wounds. This is not from the Bible but is generally true in my experience. Some wounds are healed within days, others years, and others are healed upon death. We often struggle with patience while we wait. The Psalmist wrote, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3). God will heal us mentally and physically in His perfect time, not ours.

Do no allow others to control your happiness. We let others control our happiness when we worry about what others think of us or when we are jealous because of the success of a neighbor. Our true joy is based on the fact that we are children of God. You will always have people that gossip about you behind your back. That is their burden to carry, not yours. We are blessed when we “learn to be content whatever the circumstances” (Philippians 4:11).

Avoid comparisons to others. Jealousy is a terrible emotion and a favorite tool of the enemy. If somebody else has success, we should celebrate with them. God does not have a finite number of blessings to bestow. The Parable of the Lost Coin in Luke 15:8-10 tells of a woman that has lost a coin but sweeps the house in search of it. “And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin” (Luke 15:9). Surely, we should rejoice and not be jealous when God’s favor is on our neighbor. Don’t we want them to join us in times of celebration also?

Prayer: “The Lord bless you and keep you;the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24-26).

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Present but Absent

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2 ESV).

Many men are inherently competitive. We want to be the best at what we do. It pushes us to harvest the largest buck deer, catch the biggest fish, or grow the largest tomato. We even compete in fantasy football. A competitive nature helps us climb the ladder at work. This inner drive has helped us to be financial providers for our families. However, many men do not realize that they have other roles in the family besides financial.

I have talked to many men over the years that feel torn between responsibilities at work and home. They struggle to find a balance between the two. I have also talked to many men that have expressed an inner emptiness. Life is boring and seems to have no real purpose. Many of these men are very successful businessmen and want for no material items

Today’s professional demands are tough. Young professionals are traveling more for work today than any other time in history. The competition in the market is tough both within your own company for promotions and from competitors for sales. Many men will embrace the competition, either willingly or unwillingly and spend evenings and weekends at work to get ahead.

Sadly, these men are often absent when they are present with their families. Their minds are preoccupied with work, their fingers are busy texting on their phones, or their phone is glued to their ear. They are conformed to this world. The Apostle Paul teaches us, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2). I think it is admirable to do your best at work. Paul also instructed, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Colossians 3:23-24).

Working hard at work is admirable and good, especially if you are working as if for the Lord. However, remember the old adage, “On their death bed, no one ever wished they had spent more time at work.” I am not suggesting that you spend less time at work or more time at work. I am suggesting that you not only use your natural competitive spirit at work but also at home. Try to be the best father and husband that you can be. I saw a recent episode of Dr. Phil where he encouraged men to be a provider, protector, leader, and teacher for his family. I suspect that Retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Jerry Boykin would agree since they are both saying essentially the same thing. So, continue to do your best at work but remember to do your best at home too!

Prayer: Dear God: We want to provide for our families. Help us remember that all we have now and in the future is a blessing from you. Help us to do our best at work and at home. Amen.

Meet the Author

Todd Shupe is a Men’s Ministry Specialist under the direction of the General Commission of United Methodist Men and is concurrently in training to become a Lay Minister under the Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church. He enjoys writing inspirational Christian blogs at ToddShupe.com and Todd-Shupe.com .

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Reached the End of Your Rope?

“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:28-31 NIV).

If you are not at the end of your rope now, I am certain that you have been in the past. Also, I am certain that you will be again in the future. This is as certain as death and taxes. Also, this feeling of frustration is as old as the Old Testament and a good example of this is presented in the story of Elijah as detailed in 1 Kings.

Elijah was a prophet who lived in the northern kingdom of Israel during the reign of King Ahab (9th century BC). In 1 Kings 18, Elijah defended the worship of the Hebrew God over that of the Canaanite deity Baal. Elijah grew frustrated and scared and fled from Jezebel, wife of king Ahab and follower of Baal. When Elijah reached the end of his rope, God led him to do three things that helped him recover—and they’re things that can help us recover.

Rest your body. In the most famous Psalm the Word teaches us, “He makes me lie down in green pastures” (Psalm 23:2). Sometimes God will force you to lie down because you’re unwilling to do it on your own. You can’t be spiritually and emotionally strong while you’re physically depleted. You cannot be of service to others if you are exhausted. That’s what happened to Elijah. God did not scold Elijah but rather He simply let Elijah sleep. The Bible says about Elijah in 1 Kings 19:5, “Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep.” Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do when you’re emotionally exhausted is to take a nap.

Release your frustrations. Releasing your feeling is the beginning of healing. In 1 Kings 19:10, Elijah says this to God: “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.” Elijah didn’t hold anything back. He told God his frustrations. God isn’t shocked when you complain to him. He’ll listen to you until you run out of words and then the Holy Spirit will intercede for us (Romans 8:26-27).

Remember and refocus on God. When you’re emotionally exhausted and nearing burnout, you need to remember what God says and who He is. When we do that, we shift our eyes away from our problem and toward Jesus. We get a fresh awareness of God’s power and God’s presence and God’s personality. We gain a new perspective on our problem because it is so small compared to God. In 1 Kings 19:11-13, God demonstrated his power firsthand to Elijah. The Lord showed him who was in control. When we are struggling through burnout, it’s often because you’re trying to play God and control everything. When you refocus on God, you realize He is in control. You can stop exerting your own control and energy.

If you’re feeling burned out and emotionally exhausted, God hasn’t forgotten you. Just like God did with Elijah, God stands ready and willing to help.

Prayer: Dear God: Thank you for your patience, grace, and love. Please continue to help us through good times and bad. Amen.

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Purpose

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans” (Proverbs 16:3 NIV).

Planning is critical in life. Financial planners help us get our financial matters in order and plan for retirement. Doctors help us by establish a wellness plan when we are sick. Business leaders make plans to bring a profit to the shareholders. Our pastors help us to make plans that will bring honor and glory to God. We plan to accommodate our priorities. A priority is a value, goal, relationship, or cause of leading importance in your life: something for which you live, the shaping value, a commitment that has first claim on you and your resources. In practice we all have priorities, whether we are aware of them or not. They may be consciously chosen or set for us by circumstances. We all pattern our lives toward some end, center our lives around some loyalty or purpose, or base our security on some trusted power.

One of Henry David Thoreau’s most frequently quoted sayings is “The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.” I first learned of this by watching the 1989 film, Dead Poets Society. Life without a purpose can lead to listlessness and even depression or “quiet desperation.” A life lived on purpose gives your life purpose, direction, and meaning. A person with a purpose is growing, moving toward wholeness and fulfillment. A life without purpose is aimless.

Our purpose as disciples is to make disciples. Matthew 28 contains The Great Commission. “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20).

Each of us has been gifted with unique talents which we can use in our evangelism and ministry. Our discipleship plan must discern the intersection of our gifts and interests. This is the sweet spot for each individual ministry. I encourage you to talk to your close friends to discern and/or confirm your gifts.

Discernment of your ministry of discipleship is an enormous task. However, it is one of the most important ways we can be a positive role model for our family. Below are some ideas to consider in this regard.

Be wise and listen to advice

Remember the lesson of Proverbs 12:15. Surround yourself with Godly people and the Holy Spirit will speak truth through them to you. Pray for discernment and recall the words of Matthew 11:15 when with your friends, “Whoever has ears, let them hear.” According to my good friend Rev. Ted Fine, “The church’s role is to build communities of disciples where social justice and the general welfare of the people are protected by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit at work in the Body.” We are the church universal.

Give it to God

You are not God, and I am not God. The Great Commission is a Godly task. He does not expect for us to do this alone but with Him. The Psalmist wrote in 51:10, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” A clean heart, a right spirit, and a dependence upon God’s providence and grace for assistance will help us to speak words and do works that bring honor to God.

Patience

Luke 2 tells the story of the birth of Christ. The angels announced His birth to the shepherds who then went to see Jesus in the manger. Later, in the same chapter, Mary and Joseph took baby Jesus to the temple to give an offering to God for the birth of their child. The Holy Spirit had revealed to a man named Simeon that he would not see death until he had seen the birth of the Messiah. The Bible does not indicate how long Simeon waited for the birth of Christ, but the fact that it says he would not die until he saw the Savior indicates that he waited some time. Whatever the task is that God has called us to, we need to continue doing the work even if we don’t see the progress we would like to see.

Your purpose as a Christian is the same as mine, to make disciples of Jesus Christ. We are all called into ministry through our baptism and profession of faith in Jesus Christ. Our ministry is a product of our gifts and talents and all ministry helps to equip the body of Christ. Your purpose may or may not call you to pastoral ministry but be assured that your purpose is vital to the body of Christ.

Prayer: Dear God: “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom” (Psalm 90:12 KJV).

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Confronting our Confrontations

“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up” (Proverbs 12:25 NIV)

Our words will invariably hurt somebody’s feelings and cause pain. Proverbs 18:21 teaches us, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Our words can be used to share the Good News with others or cause pain.

I think most of us try to avoid confrontations. They are unpleasant and awkward. However, sometimes it is important that we have a serious conversation or a “confrontation” with someone. It may be needed to resolve a lingering issue, to improve the relationship, and to better understand each other. Yes, sometimes we need to prune our relationships if they are not bearing good fruit. So, we must confront our reluctance to have a confrontation. Hopefully, at the end of the

confrontation the two people better understand and appreciate each other than before. When in a confrontation, I try to remember the words of Proverbs 15:1, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

The purpose of the confrontation should not be to tear down the other person or get even. The purpose should be to try to identify common ground and should be done out of love and respect. Remember, one of the Fruits of the Spirit is self control.

Today, many of our confrontations become legal disputes. I understand that sometimes this is unavoidable, but we must realize the Word cautions us, “When you take another believer to court, you have lost the battle already” (1 Corinthians 6:7). The Apostle condemns the Corinthians because their tribunals were heathen, and the spirit of the litigation was void of Christ. The battle is lost because we have missed an opportunity to build up the Church. The Bible presents a better option that brings honor to God and both parties. “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector” (Matthew 18:15-17).

The Bible tells us that unresolved conflict blocks our fellowship with God and keeps our prayers from being answered. This is why Jesus commands us in to restore our broken relationships before we worship (Matthew 5:23-24). Job’s friends reminded him, “To worry yourself to death with resentment would be a foolish, senseless thing to do,” (Job 5:2) and, “You are only hurting yourself with your anger,” (Job 18:4). It has often been said that when you forgive someone, the prisoner you set free is yourself.

I was taught years ago that if you were going to have a “come to Jesus meeting” with someone, it was best to begin and end on a positive note and insert your concerns in the middle. This lightens the tension at the beginning and ends the meeting on a positive note. A meaningful confrontation will convey three messages.

1. 1. 1. 1. You love and care for that person.
      2. You will pray for and help that person.
      3. You believe that person can change.

The Apostle Paul did this in 1 and 2 Corinthians by beginning and ending with affirmation. For example, Paul starts one letter by saying, “I always thank God for you,” and ends with, “My love to all of you in Christ Jesus.” Between that he’s dealing with some very tough truths while also giving affirmation in the middle: “I have great confidence in you, and I have a lot of reasons to be proud of you” (2 Corinthians 7:4). Paul wisely used the word “and” instead of “but.” The former maintains engagement but the later will make the listener defensive and invalidate your previous words of affirmation.

Prayer: Dear God: Please be with us during times of confrontation and help us use these occasions to speak words of truth in love that will bring honor and glory to you. Amen.

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