What Can Job Teach Us About New Year’s Resolutions?

“Yet if you devote your heart to Him and stretch out your hands to Him, if you put away the sin that is in your hand and allow no evil to dwell in your tent,then, free of fault, you will lift up your face; you will stand firm and without fear. You will surely forget your trouble, recalling it only as waters gone by (Job 11:13-16 NIV).

The Book of Job is a 42-chapter book in the Bible that explores the theme of unmerited suffering and how to trust in God during difficult times. The book is named after its main character, Job, who is the subject of a wager between God and Satan about how much he can suffer while remaining loyal to God.

I can imagine that some are approaching this new year with concerns for their health and their family, maybe fear about the economy while on a fixed income, or political unrest both at home and abroad, or any number of topics.

Job’s Suffering and the Role of His Friends

During Job’s continuing suffering, his friends….. (after falsely accusing him of committing some sort of evil) eventually tell him how to get rid of painful memories and move on with his life.

Job’s friends said to him, “Put your heart right, Job. Reach out to God . . . Then face the world again, firm and courageous. Then all your troubles will fade from your memory, like floods that are past and remembered no more.”

The Power of a Resolution

A resolution is really an intentional decision to take action. Job was facing tremendous adversity in his life ….. the loss of his family and fortune, but he made a resolution to remain faithful to God. And God honored that resolution. All of our resolutions would benefit from such faith.

I think it is important to note that God is offering us a different way of thinking in how we view our adversity and how we make resolutions to address it. God is teaching us to (1) put our heart right, (2) He is also giving us a plan on how to do this, and finally….. (3) He is telling us the blessing that awaits on the other side.

“Put Your Heart Right”

What Does This Mean?

A key phrase of our reading today from Job is to “put your heart right.” So, what does that mean and what does that actually look like in practice?

The Pathway to a Right Heart

The pathway to get OUR heart right, is to reach out to God and invite Jesus into every room in the house of our heart. Psalm 51:10 reads, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”

When our hearts are clean, they are aligned with God’s Heart and we both are seeking the same things for my life. This is important because the best resolutions are made when we have a clean heart and a right spirit.

When to Make a Resolution

A resolution can be made at any time of the year but should be done AFTER “getting our heart right” and with our eyes on a promised future of glory and not by a past history of hurt and anger.

A good resolution is a faith-based prayer. We use the prophetic perfect tense in which we thank God in advance for answering our prayer and knowing that the answer will come at His perfect time and in His perfect way.

A resolution is a manifestation of the things that we hold dear in our hearts. The Word of God teaches us in Matthew 6:21, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” One way to examine our heart is to ask ourselves …….. where am I storing my treasure?

A Call to Self-Assessment

I believe that the best resolutions begin with an honest self-assessment that begins with prayer and an invitation to the Holy Spirit to help us in our discernment process of what is God calling each of us to do.

So, with that in mind, as we consider any resolution for the new year, I encourage you to join me in doing your own honest self-assessment of what is God calling you to do. Do so privately, prayerfully, and honestly. This is my call to action today for all of us.

Confession, Repentance, and Grace

Our self-assessment needs to include asking the Holy Spirit to reveal to us our sin so that we can confess, repent and receive His grace. God will not hear the resolutions of our mouths if unrepentant sin is present in our hearts. Isaiah 59:2 teaches, “Your wrongs have separated you from your God, and your sins have made him hide his face so that he doesn’t hear you.”

Don’t Confuse Santa and God

Christmas is over and Santa has gone home to watch football. So, let’s don’t confuse Santa and God. We ask Santa for the things we want, but we prayerfully listen for the Spirit to tell us what God is calling us to do. If God is calling us to do it, then He will equip us and even part the sea for us to get there.

My Daily Resolution

As for me, my resolution on each new year is the same resolution on each day of the year. It has remained the same since I was a pilgrim on the Walk to Emmaus many years ago. My daily resolution is …. I want to see more of Jesus in me and less of me in me.

God’s Promise for Our Resolutions

Whatever your resolution is today or any day, I pray that it allows you to claim God’s promise to Job and also to each of us today – “all your troubles will fade from your memory, like floods that are past and remembered no more.”

Be blessed as you bless others. Happy New Year to all!

Prayer

Prayer: Dear God, Thank you for the blessing of a new year. Pour out Your Holy Spirit upon us to lead us in making resolutions that bring honor and glory to You. Amen.

Meet the Author

Todd Shupe is a Certified Lay Minister and Men’s Ministry Specialist through Francis Asbury Methodist Church in Baton Rouge, LA. He is a Board Member for Gulf South Men, an Action Team member for The Kingdom Group, and a Board Member for the Lagniappe Country Walk to Emmaus. Todd is a contributor to Project XII and Baton Rouge Parents Magazine. He is a Past President of the Baton Rouge District of United Methodist Men and remains active in this and many other local, regional, and international ministries. Additionally, he’s the author of the inspiring book “Fathering A Special Needs Child.” Todd also enjoys filling the pulpit to share the Good News of our Lord and Savior. Todd is the proud father of Emma and Kyle and resides in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

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Truth

What is truth?” retorted Pilate. (John 18:38 NIV).

One of my favorite Bible studies was about the questions that Jesus asked while He walked the earth. But when it comes to questions one that is especially contemporary is the one from the Roman governor Pontius Pilate in an effort to understand “the truth.” John 18:28-40 details the complete encounter of Jesus with Pilate. Jesus states, “I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” Pilot responded,“What is truth?” (John 18: 37-38).

I find it particularly noteworthy that this whole discussion of truth is subsequent to an arrest of Jesus by the Jewish leaders based on false allegations.

One problem with truth is that it can be weaponized if spoken absent of love. Somebody could truthfully tell me that I am old, computer illiterate, and very naive. Yes, all of this is true, but there is not much love or kindness in that previous sentence.

I was advised once that before I speak the truth, I should ask myself three questions. Is this truthful? Is this kind? Is this necessary? If the answer is no, to any question, then the statement needs to be rephrased or just let it remain as a thought. Also, not every thought needs to be given voice. On my better days, I follow this advice.

Satan is a crafty adversary. He devises clever, cunning, convincing ideas to draw us away from God’s truth. The enemy tempted Jesus after He had fasted for 40 days in the desert. After each of three temptations. Jesus told a conniving devil, “It is written” before stating relevant Scripture. He modelled for us today how to confront the deceiver and divider with The Sword from the Armor of God (Holy Scripture). We should spend time in the Word so we can refute the enemy with The Sword. This particularly includes thoughts that we have that are not God’s truth.

Scripture is not just intended to be read, but we must pay close attention to it. I invite the Holy Spirit to be present and teach me and I anticipate a new message from God even though I am likely reading something that I have read numerous times before. Remember, Hebrews 4:12 teaches us that the Word of God is active and alive. If we pay close attention to Scripture, we will be better equipped when faced with man’s truth.

Scripture tells us that God is love. Therefore, we know the presence of the Holy Spirit when we see His love, which is so beautifully defined in 1 Corinthians 4-8.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease.”

Pilate’s question is simple but so very profound. He was not a Jew. He did not know the truth that Jesus was the Messiah. However, the Jewish leaders were intimately familiar with the scroll of the prophet Isaiah. They had heard Jesus read the scroll and declare, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21). The Jewish leaders had long waited for the Mesiah and when they finally met Him, they failed to recognize Him. So, even the Jewish leaders when the Truth was revealed to them could not accept the Truth. We have the benefit of the New Testament, and we know the Truth. Let’s act like it.

Prayer: Dear God, Thank you for revealing yourself to us through Your Son and Your Word. We are confronted with many “truths” on a daily basis. Help us to seek You first, Your righteousness, and Your truth. Amen.

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Can I Show Christ In My Anger?

Can I Show Christ In My Anger?

“In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,and do not give the devil a foothold” (Ephesians 4:26-27 NIV).

We typically associate anger as a “bad thing.” We know that senseless, stupid anger and wrath are “works of the flesh.” We are drawn in to the TV news when they show clips of somebody expressing their anger, particularly if we have never seen the person express such an emotion. It generates a raw rubber necking response like an accident on the side of the road.

Anger is not necessarily a negative emotion but can be the appropriate, healthy, and even the Christian response. We can show Jesus and even model Him to others in our anger. Jesus certainly showed appropriate anger in response to various situations. Let’s take a look at a few of the times when Jesus got angry.

Christ got angry at the lack of true fruit of righteousness (Mark 11:12-14).

“Then he said to the tree, ‘May no one ever eat fruit from you again.’”

Jesus cursed the fig tree as a symbolic act, demonstrating the consequences of spiritual barrenness and the impending judgment on Israel for its lack of genuine faith and good works. The tree, which appeared to be fruitful with leaves, was actually barren, representing the religious leaders and the nation of Israel who outwardly showed their religion but inwardly lacked the true fruits of righteousness.

Christ got angry at unbelief (Mark 3:5).

“And he looked around them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart…”

Christ wanted to heal a man on the Sabbath. The religious leaders were adamantly opposed to Sabbath healings, deeming them “work.” Thankfully our emergency rooms and first responders work on the Sabbath today! The Work of our Lord continues today and is never ending.

Christ got angry at the merchandising of the Gospel (Matthew 21:13).

“It is written,” He said to them, ‘My House will be called a House of prayer, but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’”

Nobody should pay a fee to enter the House of the Lord. The Pharisees, however, were marketing animals and doing dishonest money exchanges throughout the temple. Christ called them a “den of thieves” and started turning over their tables with a whip in hand! His anger was a righteous indignation. This House was His house and they dishonored Him and His House.

The Gospel is not intended to be sold. The price has already been paid.

Christ got angry at sickness (Mark 1:41).

“And becoming angry, He stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be made clean.”

Some translations use the term “compassion,” while others use “anger.” Why would Jesus be angry at leprosy? Leprosy was usually a terrible nine-year disease that gradually destroyed your entire body. This disease, as all others, was introduced by the serpent in Genesis 3.

The leper asked Jesus “Are you willing to make me whole?” Jesus’ anger was at the terrible effects of disease upon those He loved. He touched the man (making Himself ceremonially unclean) and said, “I am willing, be made clean.”

Faith for healing may begin when we get furious at the disease and the enemy who brought sin and sickness upon mankind.

Christ got angry at religious hypocrisy (Matthew 23).

“Woe to you…blind guides…blind fools…blind men…hypocrites…serpents…brood of vipers!”

The Lord was angry at Jewish leaders who harshly enforced rules on the Sabbath but showed no fruits of the Spirit. We were unable to keep the 613 laws of the Torah. Jesus gave us two laws: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-39).

So, let’s go ahead and get angry at the injustice and cruelty in this fallen world! We just need to be sure we do not sin and give the enemy a foothold.

Prayer: Dear God, Thank you for giving us the emotion of anger. Help us to show this anger in ways that bring honor and glory to You and not in ways that lead to sin. We love you and need you and thank you for Your presence in our lives. Amen.

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Who Do You Say That I am?

Who Do You Say I Am?

“In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will” (Ephesians 1:11 (NIV).

The first part of this blog series began by focusing on the first question posed by Jesus in Matthew 16:13-17 (below). If you missed it, please click HERE.

“Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus said to Him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.”

The second question in this Scripture is critical – “Who do you say I am?” How we answer this question will profoundly shape our Christian walk, inform our sense of self, and ultimately determines if we pass by the Father with the goats on His left or the sheep on His right.

Jesus disciples witnessed His many miracles but yet after He calmed the seas in Luke 8, they still struggled to understand the true identify of our Lord. In fear and amazement, they asked each other, “Who is this?” We have the benefit of having the Old and New Testament so we all should be able to answer this question.

Pop psychology is wrong when it tells you to look inside yourself to find your value.

Scripture teaches that you are good simply because God made you in His image as stated in Romans 8:29. “For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.”

You were made so He could love you. 1 John 4:19 reads, “We love before He first loved us.” 1 John 4:9-10 reads goes a little bit deeper by reading, “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.” The sacrifice allows us to be presented pure and without blame to the Father. Moreover, the blood of Jesus ensures that nothing can come between us and God (Romans 8:39). The love of the Father and the sacrifice of the Son is fundamental in understanding ourselves and God. Note that the sacrifice “allows us to be presented pure and without blame,” but this applies to those that “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it (Matthew 7:13). Sheep find the narrow gate.

Once we begin to realize how much God loves us, then we are better equipped to “consider it all joy” (James 1:2), “be content in any and every circumstance” (Philippians 4:12), and “be content with weaknesses, with insults, with troubles, with persecutions and difficulties for the sake of Christ” (2 Corinthians 12:10).

So, once we understand who God is, then it helps us to understand who we are and gives us a sense of satisfaction and fulfilment in life in all circumstances. True satisfaction happens when you engage in your role as an image bearer of God. Such was the view of King David. “As for me,” he wrote, “I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness” (Psalm 17:15). David was on a journey to have more of Christ in him. He knew that God was working in him to burn away the impurities just as a refiner of silver as described in Malachi 3:3. The refinement is done when the Refiner can see His face in the silver. The Holy Spirit resides in you, but can a stranger look at you and see God?

God wants us to learn to think, act, and treasure the things that Jesus did. We all need to be more Christ-like and less flesh-like. Jesus was perfect and we grow in Christian perfection as we grow toward Him. An outward manifestation of this growth is we begin to show more of His traits known as the Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Once we begin to seek the same things that Jesus sought, then at the perfect time and manner we will receive whatever we ask of God, often even better than our wildest dreams. The Psalmist put it like this – “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.”

Ephesians Chapter 1 is our basis for understanding who we are and our relationship with God. We (1) were chosen, (2) are holy and blameless, (3) have been adopted, (4) have redemption, (5) were granted forgiveness, and (6) were sealed with the Holy Spirit.

I pray that your answer to the question, “Who do you same I am” is that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. Also, do not let yourself be defined by society or unhappy people on social media but instead commit yourself to living and knowing you are a child of God that was made in His image so He could love you. Let’s commit ourselves to the pursuit of righteous living with very frequent stops to invite the Spirit to search us of the sin (and unrighteousness) that clings so tightly. Then, we can repent from the sin, turn to God, and return on our journey.

There is joy and freedom when we understand why God loves us so much. The Bible speaks to this in 2 Corinthians 3:17, “wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” I have freedom in my heart because I daily invite the Spirit into my heart to search and reveal to me the many, many areas where I have missed and continue to miss the mark.

When I encounter bitter and unhappy people, I realize that they do not know the truth about God nor themselves. That is the sad result of a poor choice. You are free to choose bitterness and hate, but as for me and my house, we choose faith, hope, and love. The choice is yours. Choose wisely. Choose very wisely.

Prayer: Dear God, There is so much hatred and bitterness in this fallen world. Forgive me for my role when I have added to the hatred and bitterness, and for the times I have failed to subtract from the hatred and bitterness. Help me to live out your Teaching: “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.” Forgive us for failing to forgive and love others as You have loved us and free us for joyful obedience to You. Help us to make wise choices, to live in covenant with You, and when finally Healed from this fallen world to pass with the sheep on Your right side. Amen.

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Who Do People Say That the Son of Man is?

“Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus said to Him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 16:13-17 NIV, emphasis added).

The issue of self-identity is not only a key question in Christianity but also the secular world, philosophy, and metaphysics. In 1978, the rock band The Who debuted a song entitled, “Who Are You.” The song was one of the band’s biggest hits in North America, peaking at number 7 in Canada and at number 14 on the US Billboard Hot 100, and has become one of the band’s signature tunes at their live shows. The starting lyrics are below.

Who are you?
Who, who, who, who?
Who are you?
Who, who, who, who?
Who are you?
Who, who, who, who?
Who are you?
Who, who, who, who?

The song did not offer any answer to the question it repeatedly posed. However, perhaps I had the song in my subconscious when years later, I did a Bible study based on the 307 questions in the Bible that Jesus asked. Each one offers us the opportunity for self-reflection and growth. I think these questions are particularly profound because they provide us the opportunity to prayerfully gain a greater insight into both Jesus and ourselves. As one who has endured many, many depositions as an expert witness, the deponent is not the only person revealing information about themselves. The individual posing the questions reveals their priorities in the form of questions.

As I think about all of the questions asked by Jesus, my mind is drawn Matthew 16:13-17 (emphasis added). “Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus said to Him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.”

I think the first question is important because it reminds us that others may have an incorrect understanding of Jesus. If somebody has an incorrect understanding of Jesus, they will not be able to have a proper understanding of themselves or others and all their relationships will be hindered because of this.

It is somewhat common for those going through a divorce to cite 2 Corinthians 6:14 as the primary cause for the rift. It warns, “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?” The questions contained herein are important. Indeed, righteousness cannot be partnered with lawlessness. Perhaps a deeper question to ask both parties is that of Jesus, “But who do you say I am?” It is possible that both parties are unable to answer this question or are truly equally yoked but yoked in varying degrees of unrighteousness? Although the enemy was the first to suffer from false righteousness, he was certainly not the last.

Our relationship with Jesus is personal and should not be based on the opinions of people that don’t truly know Him. Yes, we are called to love others and be in community with others but our relationship with God is one on one and is strengthened, see Proverbs 27:17, by others in the Body of Christ, not those with knowledge of Christ but chose to remain outside the Body. Sadly, they have foolishly exercised their freewill to choose death over life. Proverbs 14:12 warns, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”

Some people today, even Christian leaders, fail miserably to answer the question – “Who do people say that the Son of Man is? In contemporary Christian circles, the answer can range from a good role model, an important part of the Bible, or one of several pathways to Heaven. The Scripture “No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6) signifies that Jesus is the only way to God and that salvation and eternal life are found through Him. This is not a reductionist, conservative, or a literal interpretation of Scripture but in fact is the Word of God. The only reliable method to interpret Scripture is with Scripture, and I would suggest starting with Hebrews 4:12-13.

Prayer: Dear God, Thank you for speaking to us through Scripture. Send your Spirit to teach us as we read much like You taught the travelers on the road to Emmaus. Help us to understand the significance of Your questions and grant us the wisdom to meditate on these questions to learn more about You and our identify in You. In life we are faced with many questions and many choices. Help us to make decisions that bring honor and glory to You and us closer to You. Amen.

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The Warning Signs of Pride

“So then, Your Majesty, follow my advice. Stop sinning, do what is right, and be merciful to the poor. Then you will continue to be prosperous” (Daniel 4:27 GNT).

Pride is often the unintended and inevitable consequence of success. Far too often when life is going well, we become prideful. Many of us have heard it said, “pride goes before the fall, which is true. As Proverbs 16:18 says, “Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.” Pride blinds us and makes it so easy to miss the warning signs of an impending fall.

We can make some simple choices that will help keep us humble and help us spot the warning signs of a coming fall before it’s too late. If we find ourselves in a position of influence or wealth, for example, we might simply need to go home, mow our own lawn, wash our own dishes, and personally take care of the people around you.

But no matter who you are or what your life is like, you also need to be on the lookout for messages from God that you’re headed down the wrong prideful path and need to be humble enough to turn around.

Nebuchadnezzar’s life is a clear picture of this. God cared enough about this pagan king to warn him about what was coming his way in Daniel 4. God could have just removed Nebuchadnezzar from power but instead He warned him and gave him a chance to change his ways. God gave him a dream and brought Daniel to interpret the dream. Daniel told Nebuchadnezzar what was going to happen and how to avoid it. You can’t get much clearer than that!

Daniel told the king, “So then, Your Majesty, follow my advice. Stop sinning, do what is right, and be merciful to the poor. Then you will continue to be prosperous” (Daniel 4:27 GNT).

Through Daniel, God gave Nebuchadnezzar three things to do and said success would follow. But the king chose to ignore this warning.

Is it possible we are ignoring or missing God’s warning signs too? Maybe you are having conflict in a relationship. You’re just passing it off as the other person’s problem, but God wants to use it as a warning sign—to show you that you’re off track in some area of your life and trouble is on the horizon.

It could be a temptation you’re battling because you’re continually putting yourself in a bad situation. Or maybe it’s chaos and confusion in your life. These all are signs that you’re not trusting God—that you’re trying to do life on your own terms.

God’s trying to tell us through these warning signs: “Stop sinning! Come back to me!”

If you’re heading down the wrong path, God loves you enough to give you a warning. Listen to His warning, repent of your pride, and return to him in humility.

Just as the prodigal son humbled himself and returned to his father, so can we do likewise and return to our Father.

Prayer: Dear God, Thank you for love, grace, and mercy. Thank you for the warning signs you give us when we become prideful. Send Your Holy Spirit to help us discern your warnings and grant us the courage to take appropriate action that honors and glorifies You. Help us to remember that humility is a fruit of Your Spirit, and pride is a sin of the flesh. Amen.

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Hearing God’s Voice

Hearing God's Voice

“God does speak—sometimes one way and sometimes another—even though people may not understand it” (Job 33:14 NCV).

I have long been envious of my friends that when seeking the Father’s guidance in making a big decision are able to come away with a clear answer after time spent in prayer. For over 40 years I yearned for this but never experienced this.

I still struggle to hear His voice but have put myself in a much better position by attempting to silence the other voices (self, society, and the enemy) when seeking His voice.

God has designed us to hear His voice. In a sense, there is a “receiver” in us that allows us to get guidance from God.

What channels does God use? The primary way that God speaks is through the Bible. This is why it’s important to read the Bible every day. God’s will is found in his Word. That’s how you know if an impression you get is a message from God.

God also speaks through godly teachers. Have you ever been in church or at a Bible study and felt like the pastor or leader was speaking directly to you? In that moment, God was speaking directly to you.

If somebody truly has the spiritual gift of teaching, they are going to agree with the Bible. Period. I don’t care how entertaining someone is or how much emotion you feel from that person’s message. If what is said does not agree with the Bible, then the speaker does not have the gift of teaching and is certainly not honoring God or the white clerical collar.

The Bible talks about this in 1 Corinthians 2:13: “We do not speak in words taught by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit, as we explain spiritual truths to those who have the Spirit.”

For me, I have often heard God’s voice through other Christians. Hopefully, they hear His voice through me. As we stay tuned in to Him and learn his Word, sometimes God will use us to say things to people that He wants them to hear. It’s not something reserved only for pastors. God speaks through every believer at different times.

I am convinced that God has spoken to me through pastors and friends but also homeless people and complete strangers. For example, I was very homesick when I went to college at the age of 17. The first semester was hard, and the weather was so cold. I was sad and homesick. One day I saw a blind boy walking toward me. He said nothing to me, but I felt God telling me, “This boy is also struggling, but he is preserving and so can you!” Thirty-five years passed and last week I was feeling sad and processing some things while going for a walk. A blind boy that looked like that same boy from 35 years ago was approaching me. Again, he said nothing, but I felt the Holy Spirit from the head on my hair to my feet, and I felt His assurance once again. This time I prayed for the boy and gave thanks to God for speaking to me.

Last but not least, God speaks to us through our circumstances and pain. That’s not always our favorite way to learn God’s will, but it is often the most powerful ways God speaks to us. God never wastes your hurt! God does not cause pain or hurt but can use it to get our attention and provide us a renewed opportunity to yoke up with Him.

God is speaking all the time. All communication is based on the signal to noise ratio. It’s important to be intentional in seeking and following the Holy Spirit. As we listen patiently, we will gain clarity at the right time and way. He will show us the right path.

Prayer: Dear God, Thank you for speaking to us. Help us to silence all other voices and to hear your Voice. Equip and empower us to take actions based on your Voice and your Word so that our words and deeds bring honor and glory to You. Please pour out your Spirit on those that have spoken Your word to me especially the blind boys that spoke Your word without saying a word. Amen.

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What Does God Think of the Five Love Languages?

What Does God Think Of The Five Love Languages?

“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love” (1 John 4:8 NIV).

First, I am the last one to understand the mysterious ways of God. I have read the Bible and the book Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman, which has been an international best-seller for years, and I see some interesting similarities.

Christians knows that God is love, and we know this because 1 John 4:8 tells us. So, if God is love how does He show His love? I wonder what God thinks of the Five Love Languages?

The five love languages are receiving gifts, physical touch, words of affirmation, quality time, and acts of service. Let’s take a look at each one.

Receiving gifts

I love to receive gifts and suspect many others do too. The gift indicates that the giver loves us and has invested time and money into a gift to bless us. Our God is the ultimate gift giver. He gave us Jesus to rescue us from sin and death. He created the world and gave us stewardship of this gift. He gave the fellowship, love, and wisdom of the Holy Spirit that resides in each one of us. James 1:17 reminds us of the source of gifts.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows (emphasis added).”

Physical Touch

I have felt the touch of God. Many Christians don’t realize that God wants us to “feel” Him. I feel God in so many ways such as when the wind blows in my face, or I feel a tingle from head to toe after a friend or stranger has made a comment that I know was from God. I have received a hug from a stranger when I was feeling down and walked away knowing that God was hugging me through this person because I had a peace that transcended all understanding. We can feel His touch in prayer or being prayed for by others. A blessing given or received is a touch from God.have

Words of Affirmation

For many of us, we love to hear compliments when we do something well. In fact, God will say to each one of us individually when we enter heaven, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” He gave His affirmation to the Son after His baptism in the Jordan river by saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him.” We are also His children, and when we obey Him that pleases Him. God can affirm us through Christian friends, prayer, and Scripture.

Quality time

Some people feel loved when you stop what you are doing and choose to spend large amounts of time together with them.

God wants to spend quality time with us. through prayer and worship. Moses spoke to God “as a man speaks to His friend.” We do not need to have a formal conversation or a specific time for a conversation. He is always speaking to us but are we always speaking to Him? Better yet, are we listening for His voice? One way I enjoy quality time with God is to be in His presence outdoors to see His masterpiece.

Acts of Service

Through Acts of Service, we are putting love into action. Jesus washed the feet of His disciples as an act of service. Wherever we live, there are opportunities for service within and outside of your church. Jesus modelled for us how to be a servant leader. Jesus humbled himself and took on the “form of a servant.” We also can show God our love for Him by serving others: the poor, our family, our congregation. God has specifically called us to visit (serve) those most vulnerable in our society: elderly, orphans, prisoners, and the sick.

Prayer: Dear God, Thank you for all of your love languages. Help us to joyfully give and receive these love languages. We know that whenever a blessing is given and received that You are there. Thank you for teaching us about Your love, and send your Holy Spirit to equip us to be givers of Your love to others. Amen.

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Buy A Tent – It’s Important!

“Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching” (1 Timothy 5:17 ESV).

It is natural when many people think of the Apostle Paul they think of his ministry as his work, and this is true, but perhaps we can look at his situation from a different perspective. I think his ministry was his calling from God, and he was gifted and equipped with the spiritual gifts of

teaching and preaching to step into his calling. His actual work was making and selling tents as described in Acts 18:1-3.

Paul knew that he must work to support the ministry that God had entrusted him with. This was the very same Paul who wrote, “For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: ‘The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat’” (2 Thessalonians 3:10).

I am blessed to serve as a “Timothy” under two “Pauls” who have dedicated their earlier lives to pastoral ministry and now to ministry to men. I have known Rev. Elmo Winters and Rev. Mark Lubbock for many, many years, and in my 53 years on earth, I have never met anybody else who has their level of dedication, perseverance, and effectiveness to advancing God’s Kingdom here on earth.

They both need our help. They need our prayers and words of affirmation. Today’s ministry leaders no longer sell tents but need financial support. We are stewards of the money God has blessed us with, and investing money from God back into the Kingdom is a blessing for the giver and the receiver.

These men have worked secular jobs their entire lives, as have their Proverbs 31 wives, and continue to do so. Much of their income goes to support their church first, their ministry second, and their family third with what is left. They all know the teaching of Paul in 2 Thessalonians better than anyone.

I think one of the greatest weapons that the enemy uses is to instill a sense of apathy within us that hinders us from supporting our church and ministries. Clearly, not all of us are called or able to support all ministries. However, many reading this blog have (1) a personal friendship with Mark and Elmo and are aware of their integrity and effectiveness in ministry, (2) an awareness of the positive impacts of the ministries that Mark and Elmo steward, and (3) knowledge of the need for financial support but fail to do so due to apathy. I am the first to admit that this has been one of my many faults for many years, but it stopped as I got more involved in ministry and grew closer to God, Mark, and Elmo.

Below, I want to share a few thoughts about Elmo and Mark’s ministry and how you can partner with them. I can assure you that each dime is prayerfully and wisely used.

As for my dear brother Mark, I encourage you to prayerfully consider joining me in donating to Rev. Mark Lubbock’s ministry – Gulf South Men. Please visit Gulf South Men’s website and GSMen.org to get a glimpse of the scope and impact of this ministry. Donations can be made HERE. Mark’s ministry helps men become disciples who are servant leaders as modeled by Jesus. His work cuts across boundaries of denomination, race, age, etc. His goal is to raise up Godly men that bring Christ into their homes and families and then out into the world. There have been dramatic impacts on men, but the ultimate beneficiaries are wives and families.

I have been blessed to have worked alongside Mark in ministry for several years and have seen the Holy Spirit work through him. If you have any questions or suggestions about the ministry, financial plans, etc., please give Mark a call at (225)252-3331 or email at marko@gulfsouthmen.org

To donate to Gulf South Men, please click HERE or mail a check to 7533 Quorum Dr, Baton Rouge, LA 70817.

Now for my dear brother Elmo, I also want to bring to your attention a dynamic ministry that is making a positive impact locally and nationally. The KINGDOM Group International, Inc. is a Baton Rouge based organization that is successfully addressing racial and cultural divisiveness. For the past several years, this ministry has held meetings and special events that have resulted in very positive changes in the area of unity and reconciliation.

Giving to the KINGDOM GROUP is easy. You can visit the Kingdom Group website and click the GIVE NOW button. Or, you can mail your donation to KINGDOM Group, 8733 Siegen Lane, Ste. 141, Baton Rouge, LA 70810. You can also call Rev. Elmo Winters at (225) 305-3006 or email at elmo@kingdomgroup.co for additional information.

Both of these ministries are 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, so your gifts are tax deductible. Giving to any ministry is a second-mile donation. Your home church should receive your first mile, your tithe. After prayerful consideration, if you discern the ability and need to give more, then and only then should you give to any ministry. Please ask God what amount He would have you contribute, and whatever amount He puts on your heart is certainly the right amount, even if that amount is zero.

I pray that you can join me and call both of these godly men to learn how you can support and participate in their ministries. Please prayerfully consider becoming a monthly donor. Most importantly, I ask that you pray for God’s provision and protection for these men of Christ, their wives and families, and ministries.

The image above is that of a mite coin embedded in a ring. The mite, also known as a lepton, was a Jewish coin and the smallest used in New Testament time. At the time of Mark’s writing, it was worth 1/64 of a denarius. A denarius was a day’s wage for a common worker. In today’s terms, it would be worth about 1/8 of a cent. In Luke 21:1-4, we learn about a poor widow’s offering. “As Jesus looked up, He saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. ‘Truly I tell you,” He said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she had to live on.’” The same can be said of Brother Mark and Elmo.

Prayer: Thank you for the teachers and preachers that You have called, gifted, and equipped to help point us to You. Help us to consider financially supporting ministries that are bearing good fruit prayerfully. Most importantly, send your Spirit to remind us to pray daily for the success of all ministries that are seeking to glorify and honor You and point Your children to You. Amen.

Meet the Author

Todd Shupe is a Men’s Ministry Specialist through the General Commission of United Methodist Men and a Certified Lay Speaker with the Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church. He is a Board Member for Gulf South Men, an Action Team member for The Kingdom Group, and a Board Member for the Lagniappe Country Walk to Emmaus. Todd is a Past President of the Baton Rouge District of United Methodist Men and remains active in this and many other local, regional, and international ministries. Todd is the proud father of Emma and Kyle and resides in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Additionally, he’s the author of the inspiring book “Fathering A Special Needs Child.” Todd also enjoys filling the pulpit for pastors to share the Good News of our Lord and Savior.

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Sin Is Never Private

“There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs” (Luke 12:2-3 NIV).

One thing we all have in common is that we are sinners and all fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Most people work very hard to keep their sin a secret. Indeed, we may be successful at keeping most, or even all, of our sins secret but it is foolish to think that sin is private. Some sins are revealed here on earth, but many are not.

Our entire lives will be judged when we die, and most assuredly even the sins that remained private on earth will be revealed. Scripture teaches that everyone who has ever lived will be there (heaven) in their resurrected bodies. Jesus separates the sheep on His right; the goats on His left (Matthew 25:32, 33). There is but one judgment day (Revelation 11:18). Both the saved and lost will be judged (Romans 14:10, 2 Corinthians 5:10).

Perhaps the most sobering verse in the Bible is Numbers 43:23, “You may be sure that your sin will find you out.”

Our sin also has consequences here on earth. All of our actions, good or bad, are going to affect both directions on the cross. Our sins separate us from God, which is the vertical axis. And all of our actions, including sins, affect other people, directly or indirectly.

Not all sins are due to commission. Some sins are an act of omission. If a person that regularly plugs into God through worship, prayer, study, service, and tithing and then stops, there will be a change in this person. The “lens” on how they view the world will change as manifested in how they react to people and situations and how they reflect (or don’t) the Fruits of the Spirit. They have omitted God from their life and are no longer connected to the Vine. A person that is not plugged in, does not have spiritual power nor desire to fight sin. Romans 14:7 teaches about our connectivity to each other. “None of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone.”

A lot of people will say, “What I do with my life is my business. As long as I’m not hurting anybody, why should anyone else care?” Our sins are hurting other people. God made us to be connected to other people. We are one Body and what we do and say always has an effect on others. We hurt ourselves and distance ourselves from God with sin, particularly unrepentant sin. A sinful life limits our ability to reach our potential, the impact we can have on the Kingdom, and the blessing that comes from a life lived in and for our Lord and Savior.

There is only one way to move past the sin that clings so tightly. Confess it, repent from it, and abide in the love of the Father.

Prayer: Dear God, Thank you for the victory that we have over sin and death through the blood of Your Son. Send your Spirit to reveal to us the sin that separates us from You and give us the strength to repent from that sin so that we may grow closer to You on this earth and be presented holy and blameless to You upon the day that we are Healed. We love you and need you. Amen.

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