Lessons From Gideon

Lessons From Gideon
Lessons From Gideon

Lessons From Gideon

Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.”  The Lord answered, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive” (Judges 6:15-16 NIV).

I love the story of Gideon as told in Judges chapters 6-8.  Below are a few of the many lessons that we can learn from this Holy Scripture.

1.  You Shall Have no Other Gods but Me

The Israelites were worshipping the false god Baal, and for seven years the Israelites were under the control of the Midianites.  God spoke to His people in Judges 6:10, “I said to you, ‘I am the Lord your God; do not worship the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you live.’ But you have not listened to me.”  God is expressing His jealousy.  What He is jealous of belongs to Him; worship and service belong to Him alone, and are to be given to Him alone.  The Israelites had broken the first two of the Ten Commandments that were given two Moses in Exodus 34.

2.  God is Slow to Anger

An angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon to let him know that the Lord is with him.  Gideon has his doubts that God is with him and tells the angel “the Lord has abandoned us and given us into the hand of Midian” (Judges 6:13).  Gideon also does not believe in the power of God by telling the angel, “How can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family” (Judges 6:15).  Later in Judges 6 the Midianites, Amalekites and other eastern peoples joined forces and were prepared to fight the Israelites.  Gideon asks God on three separate occasions to give him a sign that He is still with him and will help Him defeat the enemy.  God obliges each time.  Gideon was experiencing the blessing described by the Psalmist in Psalm 145:8, “The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.”

3.  The Battle is the Lord’s

Perhaps the most remarkable part of the story is told in Judges 7.  God told Gideon that he had too many men for battle.  God knew that if the Israelites had overwhelming numbers and defeated Midian they would claim victory by their own actions and not the Hand of God.  God told Gideon to send away anyone who trembles with fear and twenty-two thousand men left and ten thousand remained.  There were still too many men so God had Gideon to separate the men based on how they drink water – lap the water with their tongues or with cupped hands

“The Lord said to Gideon, “With the three hundred men that lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hands. Let all the others go home (Judges 7:7).”  The army that was left was not a special unit.  It was a group that was outnumbered 450 to 1.  We are best able to tap into God’s strength when we can acknowledge our own weakness.  The Apostle Paul knew this and stated “for when I am weak, then I am strong (2 Corinthians 12:10).  The young shepherd boy David, later to become King, defeated the giant Goliath of the Philistine army and then stated, “All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give all of you into our hands (1 Samuel 17:47).”

4.  Trust God at ALL times

It is our nature to claim credit for our victories and blame our defeats on others or God.  God is actively working in the lives of those that have completely given their lives over to Him and trust Him completely.  The Bible is full of such stories, and these stories continue today with clergy and laity alike.  A true relationship with God is based on faith.  Hebrews 11:1 teaches us about faith.  “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”

Prayer:  Dear God:  Thank you for the story of Gideon.  May we learn all of the lessons from this story that you intend for us to learn.  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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In Search of Wisdom

In Search of Wisdom

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10 NIV).

If you are reading this, you are older today than you were yesterday.  However, just because we are older does not necessarily make us wiser.  Not everyone grows wise with age, but everyone does grow old with age.  It is important to note that we should all show respect to our elders, regardless of their level of wisdom.

However, I think society tends to confuse wisdom with age.  However, a person can be old and not necessarily be very wise.  Education is fine and knowledge is great.  However, a person that has understanding of a subject has mastered the topic and is on the path to wisdom.  To understand something goes far beyond education and knowledge.   A person with understanding can use their education and knowledge to figure out (understand) any new situation or problem

I have always been attracted to older men just like a moth to a light at night.  They have experiences, stories, and knowledge.  I believe that I can learn something from everyone that I meet, even if they are unable to speak or heart.  These people in particular can teach one of the greatest lessons of all – gratitude.

Yes, I enjoy spending time with older men and hearing stories of the good old days.  I particularly enjoy spending time with older men that have wisdom to share.  Wisdom isn’t about knowing how to operate the latest piece of technology or keeping up with popular culture. Those with wisdom discern truth and justice in a world filled with many, many false voices.

The discernment of truth begins by loving God and gaining wisdom through His word, Holy Scripture. Proverbs 2:1-6 gives us insight into wisdom.  “My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to fear the LORD, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the LORD grants wisdom! From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.”

Knowledge of the Bible will provide you the wisdom to make proper decisions.  We tend to make poor decisions when we are hungry or tired.  We are told in Matthew 4:2 that Jesus had fasted 40 days after His baptism and was hungry.  It was in this condition that the Spirit delivered Him to Satan.  The first words that Jesus spoke to the enemy was “It is written…” (Matthew 4:4) and then He proceeded to quote Scripture.  Jesus is showing great wisdom in the face of great temptation because He has a complete understanding of Scripture. 

Prayer:  Dear God, Renew in us a clean spirit that seeks to gain true wisdom that only comes from you.  Your Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light to unto our path.  We love you and need you.  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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Serving Single Dads: How the Church Can do More

Serving Single Dads: How the Church Can do More

Serving Single Dads

Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court” (Psalm 127:5 NIV).

How the church can do more?

According to a recent post in the DailySignal.com, one in three children live in a single-parent household. This clearly presents challenges for the parent who is raising the children. A child needs an active father and mother in their life and when one is missing or present on a limited basis, it can be difficult for the child. Men face the same challenges as women in raising children, but some churches fail to offer programs and support for single fathers.

Mark May with Caedan and Kamden

Jermaine Maberry with Trinity and Tristan

Peter Signorelli with Seth and Luke

James Haase with Sophia and Olivia

This issue is very personal for Mark May. During the day, he is the chairman and CEO of his own company. But his real job is raising his two boys, Caedan, 15, and Kamden, 13. May has been a single dad for four years, and he shares joint custody with his ex-wife.

May says that when he sees a single mom, his instinct is to offer help and assistance, but as a single dad, he doesn’t feel the same concern from others. (Perhaps they feel that men don’t need help?) Or it could be that since most pastors have not been divorced, they are at a disadvantage in relating to the needs of single dads. They don’t have the necessary experience to relate to these men who tend to be quiet and low-key. As a result, church leaders tend not to develop ministries for them … the “squeaky wheel gets the grease” theory.

A few close friends can make all the difference. May has a small circle of friends that he can meet 

Paul Murphy with Kara and Jaelyn

with immediately if he needs parenting advice or emotional support. His circle is totally comprised of married men who are caring and very good listeners. They are a valuable resource because of their availability and willingness to help with any problem.

As for the children, an active church-based youth program is critical. Mark felt blessed by a youth pastor who was engaged in his kids’ lives and made sure they always felt welcome and had a good time. Because of an open door policy, the children felt comfortable talking with him about problems such as “Why are my parents getting divorced and what does this mean for me?”

Mark is passionate about helping the next generation of single and divorced dads. He does not want them to have to go through the same hardships he did. He says he “muscled through it,” but he encourages fathers to do more than that.”

“Keep your kids involved in youth programs at church and attend church on a weekly basis,” he said. “Engage them in Bible studies at home and reinforce God’s love for them. Show them God’s love with your actions as well as your words, and get a small group of friends or an accountability group that has open, confidential and honest communication.”

Single Dads Share Their Thoughts

“ it is important to remember that we are the church, the Body of Christ, and we are called to serve each other. The church has the opportunity to help single dads raise children as effectively as a single mom. The church can provide fathers with the confidence to know they can do it alone. ” – Erik Burns, Denham Springs

“ Churches need an engaged youth program to help children understand divorce and that God’s love is greater than divorce or anything created by man. ” – Peter signorelli, Prairieville

“ i would say the biggest struggle as a single dad was feeling the void that i imagine my daughter felt from the absence of her mother. ” – Jimmy Haase, Addis

“ Single dads need help to address the needs of young girls. Women in church can advise them on a number of issues and provide a strong faith-based woman in their lives. ” – Paul Murphy, French Settlement

“ Church and society seem to believe single dads can do everything alone and tend not to provide them with the assistance that they give single moms. ” – Pastor Jermaine T. Maberry, Crowley

Prayer:  Dear God, Thank you for the blessing of children. Help us to raise them to seek Your face.

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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Unity in the Body of Christ

Unity in the Body of Christ

Unity in the Body of Christ

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called” (Ephesians 4:2-4 NIV).

Unity in the Body of Christ

Church attendance and tithing continues to plunge.  Sadly, many churches close each year due to insufficient funds to operate.  As disciples of Christ, it is incumbent upon us to raise up new disciples.  We must find our “Timothy” as did the Apostle Paul.  Actually, we must find at least two or three for the church universal to grow.

I have spoken to friends that tell me they are not interested in attending any church because of “division, gossip, and politics.”  If there is any place that we should be able to go to avoid division, it should be to the church.  However, we are all human and are all sinners.  As humans, we have a

desire for sin.  Scripture warns of actions that are despised by God.  “There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community” (Proverbs 6:16-19).   Our mutual love for God should always be greater than our individual differences in politics or theology.

People do not want to join any secular or religious organization in which they feel uncomfortable.  Also, people want to join groups that build them up.  We have all been hypocrites at various times.   Remember, a disciple is one that is actively seeking to disciple others.  How can we disciple others when our words don’t match our actions?

Christians are called to live in community and not in isolation.  This experience of community stands in marked contrast to the fractious ways we meet together in most other places in our culture.  We all need to be taught how to be “together in Christ.” It does not come naturally. Our national political discourse reinforces polarizing viewpoints. Rarely are we taught how to watch over one another in love. By coming together in a prayerful posture and listening for God’s message through scripture, a sense of community is created.  Unity in the Body of Christ is essential for us to fulfill The Great Commission.

Living in peace with our neighbors is essential for our discipleship efforts.  We are a royal priesthood and sanctified for His purpose.  Our sin separates us from holiness and prevents us and others from an intimate relationship with Christ.  Hebrews 12:14 teaches us, “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness, no one will see the Lord.”

Prayer:  Dear God, Help us to live in unity with our neighbor.  Help us to use our words to build up the Body of Christ.  We ask that love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness guide our words and actions.  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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Nurture Your Friendships

Nurture Your Friendships
Nurture Your Friendships

Nurture Your Friendships

Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me” (John 15:4 NIV).

I love to grow plants.  Every gardener knows that the key to a bountiful harvest of flowers, fruits, or vegetables is to carefully nurture the plants.  Gardening is a test of patience.  We plant and then wait. 

Our friendships are similar to gardening in that both require nurturing.  If we don’t feed our relationships with our friends, we will eventually have no friends.  Life is about priorities.  We make time for the things and the people that are important to us.  A friendship with God is like any other friendship—you have to make time for it.  God is a jealous God and does not want you to have any false gods before Him (Exodus 34:14).   The Word teaches us in 2 Timothy 2:15, “Do your best to present yourself to God.”  If God is your best friend, then doesn’t He deserve your best?

So, how do you build a deep friendship with God?  This is a life-long process of growing closer each day.  Some days I make more progress than others.  Below are a few tips I have learned over the years.

1.

Slow down.

We all live busy lives.  We tend to focus on what is in front of us.  There is so much noise in our lives.  God is not going to try to out shout all the other voices in your life.  To build a relationship with God requires us to slow down, be quiet, and listen. The Bible says, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).  Think about how many times Jesus sought out a quiet place to be alone with the Father.

2.

Seek Him

Psalm 25:14 teaches, “Friendship with God is reserved for those who reverence him. With them alone He shares the secrets of his promises.”  A blessing for the righteousness is friendship with God.  Our righteousness is not from our own doing but is the fruit of our faith in Jesus.  One of my favorite Bible verses is Matthew 6:33. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”  A friendship with God requires us to slow down and turn away from the desires of the secular world and intentionally turn toward the desires of the Spirit.

Throughout Scripture, God provides invitations for a relationship with us.  The key is how we respond to the invitation.   The invitation is given to all but not all respond so not all bear good fruit.  The Parable of the Sower is a parable of Jesus found in the three Synoptic Gospels in Matthew 13:1-23, Mark 4:1-20, and Luke 8:4-15.  This Parable illustrates that sower sows the Word but not all respond positively.

Prayer:  Dear God, We want to hear the Word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold but not for our own glory but for yours.  Help us to find time to nurture our relationship with you so we can bear good fruit to help build Your kingdom.  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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Keep Your Eye On The Prize

Keep Your Eye On The Prize

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”  (2 Timothy 4:7 NIV)

We all have so many distractions that it is very hard to stay focused.  We all want to obey the first commandment and put God first in our lives, but we are pulled in so many directions from family, work, and friends.  I love the expression “keep your eye on the prize.”  It is often associated with athletes that are focused on performing at the highest possible level.   The Bible speaks to this in 1 Cor. 9:25 “All athletes are disciplined in their training.  They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.”  As Christians, we must realize that our ultimate prize will not be found on earth, but it is much greater than any earthly prize.

Scripture teaches us how to achieve our prize by storing up our treasure.  “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and

steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matt. 6:19-21).  We store up our treasures in heaven each time we “feed His sheep” (John 21:17) and each time we see someone hungry and provide food, see someone thirty and provide something to drink, see a stranger and invite them in, or someone in need of clothes and provide clothing, and see someone sick in prison and go to visit.  (see Matt. 25:31-40).

We all have been given a unique gift and role to help build up the body of Christ.  Luke 9:62 warns against distraction from our roles.  “Anyone who lets himself be distracted from the work I plan for him is not fit for the kingdom of God”  (Luke 9:62).  Many people express a desire to be used by God but sadly they will not.  They are exercising their free will and have decided that they are too busy.  They are “… wise in their own eyes…” (Proverbs 3:7).  They want to climb the corporate ladder, or want to buy a second house, or purchase other earthy treasures.  These are fine goals but should receive priority over God.    In the midst of their busyness, they try to carve out a little sliver from the pie of life and give it to God.  This is the definition of a lukewarm Christian.  The Bible speaks to this attitude in Rev. 3:16-18.

 “So I will spit you out of my mouth, because you are only warm and not hot or cold.You say, `I am rich and have many things. I need nothing.’ You do not know that you are in trouble and need help. You are poor. You are blind. And you have no clothes to wear. I tell you what you should do. You should buy from me gold that has been made clean by fire. Then you will be rich. And you should buy from me white clothes to wear. Then people will not see that you have no clothes, and you will not be ashamed. You should buy from me healing oil to put on your eyes. Then you will be able to see.”

If we are serious about being used by God, we must pray for God’s help to discern what we must prune so that time can be freed and then use the gift of time wisely.  We all have 24 hours in a day, but we all don’t use our time for the same purpose.  God has laid out a race for us all to run.  Adversity will come and try to slow you down.  Each time we must meet adversity with perseverance.

I feel that the enemy really enjoys keeping good people busy with church activities that have little or no impact on The Kingdom.  Much of our busyness is cast on us by the enemy as a means to keep us occupied and away from Kingdom building – time alone with God, ministry, mission, and reading The Word.

Prayer:  Dear God, We want to use the talents that you gave us to join with fellow Christians to build your Kingdom on earth.  Help us to use our secular responsibilities in such a way that they bring glory to You.  Help us avoid meaningless busy work that does bear good fruit.  We know that you sit as a refiner of silver.  Burn off our impurities and help us lead a more Christ-like life each day.  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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Meal Time is Ministry Time

Meal Time is Ministry Time

When He was at the table with them, He took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them” (Luke 24:30 NIV).

Many people have the false notion that ministry only occurs inside the walls of the local church.  The truth is we go to worship on Sunday to be fed the Word so that we can be the hands and feet of Christ – to feed others.  However, it should be noted that we need to feed ourselves throughout the week by reading Scripture, prayer and meditation, and small groups.

We are all ministers.  We are all called into ministry through our baptism and profession of faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord.  We all have a ministry that 

we have been gifted with through the gifts and graces of the Spirit.  The big question is how and where should we do our ministry?  The Spirit will guide you in this and close, Christian friends will affirm you as appropriate.

Jesus is the perfect role model for ministry.  Yes, he did ministry in the temple by teaching to His fellow Jews.  However, the vast majority of His ministry was done outside of the temple.  It is interesting to me how many times in Luke’s Gospel Jesus sits around a table for a meal.  He regularly shared meals with others, whether they were Pharisees, sinners and tax collectors, or His disciples.  Scripture provides us the ability to learn more of what He teaches about His heavenly Father on these occasions than from what He says in the synagogue.

Meal time is an ideal time not only for fellowship but also to drill down deeper to offer a word of hope, grace, peace, and love.  Meals at the table are some of Jesus’ favorite settings for Him to make visible to others the good news of God’s mercy and acceptance of all people.

One of the primary roles of a husband as stated in the Bible is to lead his family to Christ.  Meal time is a perfect opportunity for the husband to lead by giving thanks to God for the food and all the blessings that He has provided.  Leadership simply means influence. Therefore, a biblically-based husband should influence his family. Husbands are not dictators, they should not demand, they should not rule over their wives. Instead, husbands should influence their wives and families in accordance with biblical teaching. They should exemplify, with their voice and their actions, attributes that bring glory to God and value and honor to their spouse and family.

Meal time is ministry time.  Men, I encourage you to serve your family by leading them in prayer at this time.  The fruit of a good biblically-based husband is a strong, confident, spiritually mature wife and family. 

Prayer:  Dear God:  We are blessed to have an abundance of food.  May we always be grateful that you are the provider of this and all of our blessings including our families.  Please help us to lead our families in such a way that brings honor and glory to you.

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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The Stranger

The Stranger
The Stranger

The Stranger

“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it”  (Hebrews 13:2 NIV).

A friend recently told me an amazing story of kindness that begin with the simple words “excuse me.”  She was walking to her car in a parking lot when a voice from behind called out to her, “excuse me.”  She froze for a second and did not immediately respond.  She thought that this is likely a con man or a beggar wanting a hand out.  Questions raced through her mind.  Why doesn’t he get a job?  If I give him money, is he going to use it to buy drugs?  Doesn’t he realize that I have stuff to do? 

She turned and looked at the man and before she could respond she saw a man with no arms.  She was shocked but managed to respond,  “yes?”  The man said, “I am sorry ma’am, but I have not eaten for a few days and if you could find it in your heart to buy me some food, I would be very grateful.” 

She told me that she knew that this man was authentic because he was not asking for money.  He was kind and polite and it seemed sincere as if it was natural part of his inner being.  She responded, “yes let’s go to the Wendy’s next door and I will eat with you.”

As they sat and ate the man told her that he was a military veteran and was wounded in action.   She was cautious that he may be lying but was reassured by an inner voice in her head that he was sincere.  As they finished the meal, she told the man to go back and order more food to take with him – whatever he wanted.  He did so.  He then thanked my friend and prayed a blessing over her and left.   She said that by the time he left she felt a calming presence from him that she had never felt before.  He was gentle and humble.

Now as I reflect back on the story, I see the hand of God.  First, the man approached my friend and waited for her response.   Doesn’t that sound like the invitation “Come to me” (Matthew 11:28) that God extends to us and waits for our response “Come to me” (Matthew 11:28).

Then, I noticed that my friend agreed to provide food for the stranger.  Doesn’t that sound like the command “Feed my sheep” that Jesus gave Peter in John 21:17.

Finally, as he left, I note that my friend felt a gentle and humble presence.  Doesn’t that sound like how Jesus described himself in Matthew 11:29 – “I am gentle and humble in heart.”

We are all children of God. I have no doubt that my friend met Jesus that day. The Holy Spirit is in each of us so we met Jesus each day when we meet each other. Imagine if we treat each stranger we meet as the child of God.  Imagine.

Prayer:  Dear God:  You are truly gentle and humble in heart.  Create in us a new heart that is also gentle, humble, and seeks only to please you.  Help us to see You in everyone that we meet.  We love you.  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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We Grow In The Light

We Grow In The Light

We Grow In The Light

“But if we live in the light, as God is in the light, we can share fellowship with each other. Then the blood of Jesus, God’s Son, cleanses us from every sin. If we say we have no sin, we are fooling ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:7-8 NCV).

We Grow In The Light

Light is essential for all life on earth.  Many plants will alter their growth to maximize the amount of light that their leaves can capture.  I love watching sunflowers move as the sun changes positions in the sky. 

The secular world thinks intimacy occurs in the dark, but true intimacy only occurs in the light. Jesus taught us in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  True intimacy is a close relationship with Jesus Christ and that comes when we bring our entire life to His light, which is the only true light.  He is the light of the world!

We tend to use darkness to hide our hurts, faults, fears, failures and flaws. But in the light, we bring them all out into the open and admit who we really are.  I am reminded of the story in John 3 of Nicodemus.  He was a Pharisee, a member of the Jewish ruling council, but he knew that God was with Jesus.  It is important to note that in the second verse of John 3 it begins, “He came to Jesus at night…” (John 3:2).  Nicodemus was using the darkness to hide his fear of being seen with Jesus.  This is ironic because he was using darkness as a cover to go see the light of the world.

For us as Christians to grow we need meaningful relationships.  This requires us to be authentic and humble.  This is the only way to grow spiritually and be emotionally healthy.  In this atmosphere, we can bring our sins out to the light among our trusted friends.  James 5:16 teaches, “Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed” (James 5:16).

Authenticity is rare today.  It only happens when people get honest about who they are and what is happening in their lives.  It happens when people share their hurts, reveal their true feelings, confess their failures, disclose their doubts, and ask for help and prayer.

If we become open about our lives, we experience the blessing of authentic fellowship. The Bible instructs, “But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).   What a friend we have in Jesus!

Prayer:  As a moth is attracted to an artificial light, our souls are attracted to you dear God – the light of the world.  Continue to draw us closer to your way, truth, and light.   In Jesus name we pray.  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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What Does God Want From You?

What Does God Want From You?
What Does God Want From You?

What Does God Want From You?

“For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings” (Hosea 6:6 NIV).

Through our prayers and petitions we make it very clear what we want from God, but have you ever stopped to think what does God want from me?  I had a friend once tell me that for years he viewed God as a “mystical vending machine.”  Many Christians believe that if we give our tithes and offerings to our local church, then we have “done our part.”  Moreover, we sometimes confuse God with Santa Claus and think that if we are outwardly religious such as attending church every Sunday and volunteering for church activities then we will get an extra helping of God’s favor.

So, once we do our part, it is time for God to do his part, right?  This is the basis behind the mystical vending machine theory – I put money in and then I  get to select what I want to come out.  Tithing is a good thing and a ten percent tithe is not only encouraged in Scripture but comes with a great promise of provision.  Malachi 3:10 reads, “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”  God is pleased when we return to Him our first fruits.  The key to giving is to give with a pure heart.  Give with a desire that others will be blessed.  Give to God because you trust in Him.  Jesus rebuked the religious leaders of His day by, saying, “But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others” (Luke 11:42).

Please note that I used the term “outwardly religious” in the first paragraph.  Now, please consider the words of Matthew 23:26-28.  “26 You blind proud religious law-keepers! Clean the inside of the cup and plate, then the outside will be clean also.27 “It is bad for you, teachers of the Law and proud religious law-keepers, you who pretend to be someone you are not! You are like graves that have been made white and look beautiful on the outside. But inside you are full of the bones of dead men and of every sinful thing. 28 As men look at you, you seem to be good and right but inside you are full of sin. You pretend to be someone you are not.”

God doesn’t want a phony.  He does not need our offerings but is pleased when our offerings are given as a sincere manifestation of our faith.  What He does desire is a relationship.  In Hosea 6:6, God says, “I don’t want your sacrifices—I want your love; I don’t want your offerings—I want you to know Me” (Hosea 6:6). That’s the first purpose of life. The most important thing you can know is that God created you so that He can love you. And the most important thing you can do in life is to know and love Him.

Prayer:  Dear God prune us from everything that separates us from you.  Send forth your Holy Spirit to draw us closer to You.  Grant us a peace that transcends all understanding as we grow closer to You.  Give us a pure heart that seeks Your face and sincerely desires to honor You in all that we think, say, and do.  We love, seek you, and need you this day and every day.  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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