The Jury Is Still Out

                                                                     The Jury Is Still Out

Who remembers the old "That's Good! No.. That's Bad!" skits from Hee Haw in the 70s?   (listen to a little clip to refresh your memory if you need to. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnH1IWxjsvQ)

Life is like that!

Paul said in 1 Corinthians 4:3,4 (see footnote) that he didn't care if others judged him.  In fact, he said that he didn't even judge himself. He said he would wait the final verdict.  God knows ALL the facts.  We only know part of the story.

Even though I only know part of the story.. I know that every story can have a good ending according to Romans 8:28 (see footnote)  God causes all things to work out for our good.

For me... I would rather live my life based on Romans 8:28   with a motto of "When it's good... its good!  When it's bad.... it's good!"

Head in the clouds?  Perhaps... but I'm tired of being Chicken Little!

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1 Corinthians 4:3,4 3 I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. 4 My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; (NIV)

Romans 8:28 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.(NIV)

It's not about the package

2nd Corinthians 4:7
We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.

I have been meditating on this verse all week. I have a tendency to focus on the outside of the present ie, how I look, how I feel,  what I have, and those situations and circumstances around me.  That is just like focusing on the wrapping paper or the box that a gift or treasure comes in without even paying any attention to the gift that's in the package.

As I turn my attention to the treasure that is placed in the side of me and not focus on the wrappings and the package, I start to realize how much I have and how blessed I am.

This Treasure Inside

You've Got Good Stuff In You... Go Share It! (or... Why You Should Go To Church)

 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels,... 2 Corinthians 4:7

 I assume you are awake , if you are reading this. Perhaps you are facing a decision whether to go to church or not. Or maybe you weren't facing a decision.. but you are now from reading this question. Feel like you don't have any good reason to go to church? I have been there and done that. But let me tell you this. You (all of us do) have this treasure that has been placed inside of you.

 I don't know about you.. but when I find something good... I want to share it with others. Whether it is a new restaurant, a good bargain at a store. Perhaps a beautiful scenic or historic site. I want to tell everyone.

 We all have this treasure placed inside of us by our Creator and we need to share it with others. It's not our looks, our talents... no... it is something placed inside of us by God. It's about Him... not us. So... go! Just show up! Allow that treasure to be around other people who want to know about this treasure inside of you. You'll be glad you did!


As I think about it further... if we get down on ourselves it is because of being self-centered! It boils down to that. But.. if we stay focused on the treasure that Christ placed inside of us.... it will encourage us. What is that treasure? It is the fact the Jesus Christ lives in our hearts. The fullness of God Himself... lives on the inside of us... Amazing!

Chew On This!

Joshua 1:8King James Version (KJV)

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

The Word of God is like a good steak.  In order to get the full benefit from it.... you've got to chew on it.  The more you take your time and chew on it... the more flavor you will get out of it.  Just to read it is nice... but take your time.  Cut it up... Enjoy the richness.  Let it permeate your whole being.

I Don't Want To Feed Sheep

He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. John 21:16

So many times we read in the Bible what some of the Bible characters have done.  Sometimes we see other people doing things for God and we think.. "man.. in order for me to be pleasing to God.. I've got to be doing what they are doing!"

This particular verse comes across my mind frequently.  I have heard numerous sermons on this passage... That we all have to be "feeding the sheep" if we are going to do the will of God.
Well.. I am realizing that John 21:16 was spoken to the disciple John!  Not to the disciple Kevin!    God has other things for disciple Kevin to do.  Just like Jesus spoke to John and revealed to John what he was to do... Jesus can reveal to us what task he wants us to do.  Our assignment will look like no other's assignment.  So... stop copying off your classmates assignment paper and ask the Teacher for YOUR assignment. 

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.   Ephesians 2:10