Greed comes in many forms. It is a sin I struggle with from time to time. Just this morning, I confessed to Christ that my mind was falling into the temptation of greed. I repented, received forgiveness, and wrote this blog.
Once again, I find myself wanting more, and I am disappointed in that. How many times do we find ourselves wanting more? There are all kinds of examples, such as:
For ministry and marketplace leaders, who are always trying to achieve more, this is a great paradox. How do we choose what we have and yet strive for improvements? Where is the line that, once crossed, becomes greed? Let’s see what Scriptures have to say. To address this paradox—the balance between striving for success and being content—there are several passages that offer insight and guidance, such as: Philippians 4:12-13 (NIV): "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength." This passage speaks to the idea of finding contentment in every situation, relying on the strength provided by faith in Christ. 1 Timothy 6:6-10 (NLT): "Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows." This passage warns of the dangers of greed and the importance of finding contentment in what we have. This one really hits home for me as I contemplate starting to phase into semi-retirement. Hebrews 13:5 (NIV): "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'" This emphasizes the importance of avoiding the love of money and finding contentment in God's steadfast presence. For me, the most precious thing I do every day is this one hour I spend with Christ. I find myself wanting more time with Him. This is a good “desire for more.” Proverbs 16:8 (NLT): "Better to have little, with godliness, than to be rich and dishonest." This proverb highlights the value of godliness and integrity over material wealth. The test for me is how I behave and the actions I take in secret, where only God knows my heart. Matthew 6:33 (NIV): "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." This verse suggests that by prioritizing spiritual pursuits and righteousness, other needs will be met. I must always put Christ first. When we do this, every other question is answered for us. But there are many ways it can seem that we are putting Christ first, when that is not the case. That is why daily times with Christ for self-examination are critical to vibrant spiritual health. CONCLUSION It's not wrong to strive for improvement and success if we have a heart free from greed, anchored in contentment and trust in God's provision. As ministry and marketplace leaders, we need to keep a biblical perspective on finding the balance between ambition and contentment. Let me know what you think about this. Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. November 29, 2023 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. Upon awakening today, my first thoughts were worried ones. “I have so much to do today! How will I get it all done? Today is going to be an intense day of work.”
Immediately, I could feel anxiety welling up inside me. I jealously looked at my sleeping wife, wishing to join her for another hour of slumber. But no, I had to get up, or I would miss my hour with the Lord, which is so vital to my serenity. Then, the next set of thoughts gently washed over me, leaving me comforted and at peace. What were those thoughts? Glad you asked! Let’s just say that my initial vision was obscured, and God quickly restored proper focus to my sight. Here is what I realized. WE BECOME WHAT WE FOCUS ON If we focus on what we don’t have, what we are not, or what is missing, those issues become larger, and the gap between who we are and who Christ wants us to be becomes wider. My worry about not having enough time to get all my work done today was unfounded. I was looking at what I did not have (time) rather than what I do have (eternity). PROPER FOCUS We need to remember who we are (a child of God) and where we are going (eternal bliss) and with whom we shall be (Christ Jesus, the embodiment of absolute, pure love, peace, joy, and more). The second set of thoughts this morning were about these eternal things, and I was immediately restored to peace. CONCLUSION There are several great scriptures that remind us of who we are and where we are going. Dwelling on them can help us maintain a proper focus and an eternal perspective. Here are but a few:
Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. November 28, 2023 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. Conflict can be very healthy if it is resolved in a Christ-centered way.
Look at 2 Corinthians chapters 12 and 13. The Apostle Paul is being quite confrontational with the church at Corinth. Yet, the conflict was resolved to such a degree that the Book of Romans, arguably the most epic of all Pauline letters, was written from there during Paul’s 3rd missionary journey. CONFLICT IS INEVITABLE I don’t know any ministry or marketplace leader who does not find themselves in conflict with fellow Christ-followers from time to time. It is not “if” but “when.” And when conflict does occur, we are told to resolve it, to the best of our ability, in a Biblical way. Here is a biblical proof that conflict is inevitable: “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church, and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.” - Matthew 18:15-17 NIV BIBLICAL CONFLICT RESOLUTION We should engage in conflict resolution. For example:
It is not easy, but we must continually strive for unity with our fellow Christ-followers. "I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought." - 1 Corinthians 1:10 NIV This verse underscores the importance of unity and agreement in the church. RESOLUTION OF CONFLICT RESTORES UNITY Christ-followers must stick together. As I recently read: “Embers in a fire die quickly if separated. If close together, they jointly preserve the heat. Christians in communion add strength to the congregation. The fire of the ember that goes on its own will quickly lose its heat.” - Pastor Grant C. Richison WE MUST BE PATIENTLY PERSISTENT UNTIL UNITY IS RESTORED When trying to resolve conflict and restore unity with a fellow Christ-follower, humility, gentleness, and patience are required in large doses. "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." - Ephesians 4:2-3 NIV This emphasizes the importance of maintaining unity through humility and patience. CONCLUSION For ministry and marketplace leaders, conflict with fellow Christ-followers is inevitable. Significant effort must be put into conflict resolution, for avoiding this is wrong and sinful behavior. Resolution of these conflicts is critical. Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. November 27, 2023 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. Can you honestly say that Jesus Christ is your best friend?
What goes into a best friend? Here are a few things that come to mind. When I think of a best friend, I think of someone that I:
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines a best friend as 1: a person's closest and dearest friend; 2: a person's most desirable or valuable possession or resource. Notice that sometimes, a person’s best friend is not actually human. It can be a pet, or a thing. Sad as that may be, it is reality. As ministry and marketplace leaders, we need to take a hard look at who or what is truly our best friend. Some candidates for this position, other than Jesus Christ, are:
The second most common condition I see from the most well-intentioned Christ-followers is that children or parents are the most cherished relationships. Christ also has something to say about that. “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife[a] or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.” (Matthew 19:29) The point is that anyone or anything that we put ahead of Christ is misplacing our priorities. Our best friend needs to be Jesus Christ. And, if that is not the case, then we need to take corrective action to bring our priorities back into right order. I acknowledged Jesus was my best friend in my quiet time today before writing this blog post. I can honestly say He is the one I trust the most, who I know will never leave me, and who I can be totally open with. He gets me. I believe the same “best friend” relationship is available for all Christ-followers. We just have to put our priorities in order and spend enough time with Jesus Christ on a daily basis so that a true “best friend” relationship can evolve. For me, I cannot have a friendship with Christ and spend less than one hour per day in that endeavor. I used to have either no quiet times or short 15- to 30-minute quiet times, and they did not really work to build a deep friendship with Christ. To experience the friendship part, I find that there is no substitute for time. And, it needs to be a conversation. Not just one-way prayer. I need to listen to what Christ is saying. In order to hear Christ, I must spend time with Him. Quick prayers here and there do not cut it. And treating God as Santa Claus or a magic genie doesn’t either. Christ is more real than this world that I see. And a deep, intimate, fulfilling “best friends-type” friendship awaits anyone who will spend time with Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior. May you discover Christ as your very best friend, or if that is already the case, may you help others to discover that for themselves. Amen. Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. November 24, 2023 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. Friends, on December 27, 2022, God led me to this scripture during my quiet time that morning.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 NIV Join me in allowing God’s Word to comfort us who may be tired and need rest and recovery. Let’s look at each verse. WE ARE PROMISED REST “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 NIV This is an invitation for anyone. For ministry and marketplace leaders, this call is especially important to answer. It is far too easy to lead in our strength. This leads to burnout and is not sustainable. And even if it were, it is sinful, and we need to repent every time we try to take control. We must stay surrendered to Christ and His plan for our lives. Question: “Are you a ‘human doing’ or a ‘human being’? Be with Christ. Dwell in His presence. Soak it in. All of our ‘to-do’ lists can wait. We need to sit daily at the feet of Jesus for nurturing, learning, and guidance. TO REST IS A LEARNED BEHAVIOR For ministry and marketplace leaders, we have to intentionally work at learning to rest. Christ promises that if we give over our burdens to Him, He will give us rest. If we watch what He is doing, we will learn how He gives us rest, so it is easier in the future to find rest in Him. “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:29 NIV May our souls rest in Christ alone. Not in our bank accounts, job title, or family status. May we only rest in Christ. CHRIST’S EXPECTATIONS FOR US ARE REALISTIC Christ does not put unreasonable expectations on us. Overachieving ministry and marketplace leaders can certainly set unreasonable expectations for themselves, which can rob them of the rest Christ wants us to have. We can ease off and just enjoy Christ’s presence. “For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:30 NIV May we enjoy the present of Christ’s presence today and always—one day at a time. CONCLUSION Life is good if we rest in Christ, and Christ alone. May we remember that His yoke is easy and His burden is light. Accept this and rest in Him who deeply cares for you. Amen. Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. November 23, 2023 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. Yahweh Rapha means “The Lord who heals.”
Christ is our healer, in body, mind, emotions, soul, and spirit. "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." (Psalm 147:3 NIV) As humans, we are susceptible to diseases in all of these areas. Christ can and will heal us, in His time. I find this scripture encouraging: "Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases ..." (Psalm 103:2-3 NIV) Let’s look at each area. I’ve provided a sample prayer for each one for your consideration. BODILY HEALER "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds, we are healed." - Isaiah 53:5 NIV Prayer: Christ Jesus, if it is according to your will, please heal my body and take away any and all physical ailments, and give me a healthy body. MENTAL HEALER "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7 NIV Prayer: Christ Jesus, if it is in accordance with your will, please heal my mind and take away all anxiety and worry. May I be mentally sharp and use my mind to serve you. EMOTIONAL HEALER "The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." - Psalm 34:18 NIV Prayer: Christ Jesus, if it is in accordance with your will, please heal my emotions and lift my spirit, that I may better glorify your name and be an encouragement to your people. SOUL HEALER "He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake." - Psalm 23:3 NKJV Prayer: Christ Jesus, if it is in accordance with your will, please heal my soul, and may my thoughts, desires, passions, and dreams all be in service to you. SPIRIT HEALER "And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh." - Ezekiel 36:26 ESV Prayer: Christ Jesus, if it is in accordance with your will, please heal my spirit, that my faith, hope, love, character, and perseverance all be in honor of you, my Savior and Master. SUMMARY These scriptures collectively emphasize the holistic healing that is found in Christ, covering physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and soulful aspects. Note about Soul and Spirit: I had a question about this. Are they different? Here is a quote from someone much more knowledgeable than me. “I’ve found it helpful to think of soul and spirit as your inner-life viewed from two sides. Your soul speaks of your inner-life in relation to your own experience: your mind, heart, will, and imagination. It also includes your thoughts, desires, passions, and dreams. But your spirit speaks of the same inner-life in relation to God: your faith, hope, love, character, and perseverance.” - Colin Smith, Senior Pastor, The Orchard Evangelical Free Church, Chicago. Founder and Teaching Pastor for Open the Bible. Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. November 22, 2023 POSTSCRIPT:Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. Father God, thank you for giving us so much for which to be thankful. Even in the midst of trials and tribulations, there is always a future and hope to which we can look forward.
Life has many ups and downs. However, we know Heaven awaits us, where there is continuous joy, total peace, and unconditional, pervasive love. What a glorious vision God has given us. It comforts us in our earthly condition, especially during difficult times. This eternal perspective gives us peace and makes us feel thankful. Father God, thank you for the tremendous blessings you have bestowed upon us. We are grateful to be your children and under your care. Thank you for giving us a future and hope. "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) May we always be thankful, for we do have this amazing vision for our future. Let us not get too attached to this world, for the time is short, and “those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.” - 1 Corinthians 7:31 (NIV) Keeping an eternal perspective helps us to be thankful, even during the difficult challenges this early life often brings us. Thankfully, Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. November 21, 2023 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. The New Testament is filled with exhortations for Christ-followers to encourage one another. The opposite, discouragement, is what Satan and his demons try to achieve.
“Oikodomē” is the Greek New Testament word for encourage. It means the act of building, building up, edifying, edification; the act of one who promotes another’s growth in Christian wisdom, piety, happiness, holiness; or a building of any kind. (Strong’s Concordance) We are given clear direction on this topic from scriptures. Let’s explore three key points:
2. We are to avoid discouraging each other. “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” - Ephesians 4:29-32 NIV 3. We are to intentionally encourage one another. “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” - Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV A WORD ABOUT THE GIFT OF ENCOURAGEMENT While we are all called to encourage one another, some of us have the specific gift of encouragement. Consider this: “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” - Romans 12:6-8 NIV CONCLUSION It is easy to be critical of one another and discouraging. It takes intentional effort and obedience to the Holy Spirit to be encouraging. It is easier to be encouraging with strangers or acquaintances; it is much harder to do with employees and family members with whom we have daily interactions. Let’s examine our hearts, and if we are being discouraging to anyone, let’s repent and turn away from that behavior. And, let’s emulate those that have been given the gift of encouragement. Amen. Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. November 20, 2023 POSTSCRIPT:Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. Friends, you and I are greatly blessed. Amen? And you could say that you are abnormally greatly blessed, way beyond what we would say is a normal “greatly blessed” Christ-follower.
VERY GREATLY BLESSED It is not that we are better than those normally greatly blessed, but as ministry and marketplace leaders, there are special skills, abilities, and talents that have been bestowed on us, giving us much greater responsibilities. As a result of these giftings, it is critical that we:
Following is a list of responsibilities I believe we have as ministry and/or marketplace leaders:
May all ministry and marketplace leaders who are true Christ-followers fully recognize their gifts as coming from God, embody humility, understand the greater responsibilities that come with these blessings, and continually seek God's guidance in fulfilling them. Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. November 17, 2023 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. Note: All scriptures quoted are from the NIV. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. The title suggests there is inauthentic love. Since my focus is on ministry and marketplace leaders, I wonder what that looks like and what can be done for us to move away from inauthenticity and into greater authenticity. As always, let’s first turn to God’s Word to see what He has to say about this subject.
INAUTHENTIC LOVE "If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal." (1 Corinthians 13:1) Inauthentic love is like empty noise, lacking substance and true meaning, even if it appears impressive. It is not what we say, but what we do that counts. It is easy to sound good on Sunday morning, preaching a sermon, or at a board meeting giving a presentation. What counts is how we are behind the scenes when no one is looking except our family. Are we making time for them? Are we making them a priority? Are we honoring our spouses as Christ wants? Are we honoring our children? LOOKING GOOD Narcissism is a frequent problem for ministry and marketplace leaders. Many who look good on the outside are plagued with dirt (sin) on the inside. Every leader I’ve ever known is at least a little narcissistic. The question is this: “To what degree are you allowing your narcissistic tendencies to get in the way of authentically loving God, yourself, and others?” "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside, they are full of greed and self-indulgence." (Matthew 23:25) Here, Jesus criticizes the superficiality that masks inner corruption—an example of inauthentic love that focuses on appearances rather than genuine care and righteousness. AUTHENTIC LOVE Authentic love is clearly described in scriptures, such as: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud." (1 Corinthians 13:4) This verse beautifully encapsulates the essence of authentic love, highlighting its enduring and humble nature. God gave us the model for the most amazing love ever: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." (John 15:13) Christ calls us to lay down our lives as well and take up our cross. We must surrender our will and our way, and let Christ direct our every path. As successful ministry and marketplace leaders, it is easy to slip back into a position of command and control, making decisions and driving results. We can easily find that the ladder of success that we are climbing is leaning against the wrong wall. Are we reaching for worldly success, or eternal significance? The latter does not care about how many are attending church to hear us preach or what our title is in the marketplace. What matters is the ultimate expression of authentic love—self-sacrifice and putting others' needs above one's own. True servant-leadership. ACTION PLAN
Moving from inauthentic to authentic love involves a deep, introspective journey guided by the principles laid out in God’s Word. As ministry and marketplace leaders, it's crucial to embody the characteristics of authentic love—patience, kindness, humility, and selflessness—as these not only transform our personal lives but also profoundly impact those we lead and serve. By rooting our actions and decisions in the love described in scriptures, we can cultivate environments that reflect the true nature of Christ's love, thereby making a lasting difference in our spheres of influence, especially at home, where it counts the most. Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. November 16, 2023 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. Note: All scriptures quoted are from the NIV. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable are his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?” For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. Romans 11:33-36 Dear Father God, Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit - The One True God, please hear our prayer. CHRIST IS THE ONLY JUST JUDGE “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!” (Romans 11:33) Lord, we accept your judgment of all things and acknowledge that we are not in a position to be a just judge of anyone, including ourselves. We surrender all judgment and the right to judgment to you. You have all wisdom and knowledge, and we defer to you for all guidance. CHRIST HAS ALL WISDOM “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” (Romans 11:34) Lord Christ, you have all wisdom. Please lead us and guide us. We surrender to you. THE GIFT OF CHRIST’S PRESENCE “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?” (Romans 11:35) Dear Heavenly Father, you have given us the gift of your presence. We don’t need anything else. Please take away distractions from us so that we may keep our eyes fixed on you, your glory, and our eternal home in heaven that awaits us. ALL GLORY BELONGS TO CHRIST “For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.” (Romans 11:36) From you, Lord Jesus, we get life. Through you, Lord Jesus, we get your Holy Spirit. For you, Lord Jesus, we now live. We praise your Holy Name. Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. November 15, 2023 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. Note: All scriptures quoted are from the NIV. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. Friends, today God has led me to Proverbs 16:18: “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
Lord, please help me to correctly convey what you want me to today regarding this topic. Dear child, many ministry and marketplace leaders are prideful. They don’t appear to be prideful to those that they lead, but their heart is infected with pride. Some have mild infections and are easily cured. Some are deeply consumed and have completely lost their way. Yes, Lord. Sometimes I am prideful. You cure me of this malady when I need it, and I am grateful for your forgiveness and restoration. Your word says: “For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11) Lord, help me to not exalt myself in this world so I can be exalted in Heaven. My wife agreed with me (she is doing this quiet time with me) and said, “Good idea.” Child, listen to your wife. I have given you a humble wife to help you to be more humble. She is being very helpful to you in avoiding pride and embracing humility. Father God, thank you for Patty. I am grateful for her willingness to speak into my life and give me the feedback and accountability I need to avoid becoming prideful. Dear child, spouses are very useful for this, but they have to be given a safe space to speak into the lives of their mates. Continue to give Patty that freedom to hold you accountable and avoid sinful pride. Reflect on this: “In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another because, ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.’” 1 Peter 5:5-7 Lord, those are beautiful, impactful words of life to live by. Thank you. CONCLUSION Let us all take the following actions to avoid sinful pride:
Dear child, the more time my children spend with me, the more they will avoid pride and achieve true humility. Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. November 14, 2023 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. Note: All scriptures quoted are from the NIV. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. When we declare that we belong to Christ, the expectation is that we start behaving like Him. Here is a good universal prayer for everyone, from the new believer to the Biblical scholar:
"Show me your ways, Lord; teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God, my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long." (Psalm 25:4-5) HAVING A TEACHABLE SPIRIT In order to have a teachable spirit, we must realize that we need to be taught. This scripture helps us realize that no matter how much we know, and no matter how pious our spiritual lives, there is an infinite gap between our ways and God’s ways: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9) We must stay teachable and never think we have "arrived" at a place where we don’t need to be taught by Christ. EMBRACING GOD'S TEACHINGS WITH A HUMBLE HEART As Christ-followers, our spiritual journey is an ever-evolving path of growth and learning. This journey is beautifully encapsulated in James 4:6, which says, "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble." This scripture reminds us of the importance of humility in our walk with God. It's not about reaching a state of perfect knowledge or spiritual enlightenment but rather continually seeking God's guidance and wisdom with a humble and teachable heart. THE ESSENCE OF HUMILITY The essence of a humble heart lies in recognizing our own limitations and the boundless nature of God's wisdom. Our understanding and knowledge, no matter how profound, are minuscule compared to the vast wisdom of God. In Romans 11:33, Paul exclaims, "Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!" This passage calls us to marvel at the incomprehensible wisdom of God, encouraging us to always remain students of His word and His ways. HUMILITY IS DIFFERENT FOR DIFFERENT PEOPLE We are not able to effectively judge each other’s humility or teachability. Humility in our spiritual journey involves respecting the individuality of each believer's path. The diversity of our experiences and understandings enriches the body of Christ. We are reminded in 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, "Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink." This scripture teaches us that diversity within the body of Christ is not only natural but necessary for the growth and edification of the church. BEING OPEN TO CORRECTION Being open to correction and new understanding is also crucial in our walk with God. Proverbs 19:20 advises, “Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end, you will be counted among the wise.” This verse emphasizes the value of accepting guidance and correction, viewing them as stepping stones to greater wisdom and spiritual maturity. HUMILITY IS ESSENTIAL In order for even the most learned among us to stay humble, it is critical to realize that God is so far above us in our behavior and mindset, and no matter how Christ-like we become, we always need to stay humble and teachable. As scripture states: “In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’” (1 Peter 5:5) CONCLUSION Let us always seek to walk humbly with our God, as Micah 6:8 urges us, “And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” By embracing humility, we open our hearts to the endless lessons God has in store for us, growing ever closer to Him and becoming more like Christ in our thoughts, words, and deeds. Let our daily prayer be one of surrender and willingness to learn from our Heavenly Father, trusting in His perfect wisdom and guidance. Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. November 13, 2023 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. Note: All scriptures quoted are from the NIV. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. Moral failure is the number one sin that destroys great leaders. Sexual sins are the single most common point of moral failure for vocational and marketplace ministry leaders.
Satan will ultimately lose the war for a Christ-follower’s soul, but right now he is winning millions of battles with his attack on our sexuality. Pastors and workplace leaders are failing in epidemic proportions within this arena. Why? Consider this: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.” Matthew 5:27-30 I struggled with sexual purity early in my Christian walk. As a result, I was inconsistent in my relationship with Christ. I find it impossible to maintain true intimacy with God when I am not sexually pure, for he knows what I look at every second of every hour of every day. We can put up a facade for the world to see, and let everyone think we are living a holy, sexually pure life, but Christ knows the truth, and our sin will cause us to pull away from our relationship with him. It is ironic. Our need for intimacy, which is ultimately best fulfilled with an intimate relationship with God, is exactly what we damage when we lack sexual purity. Only Christ will ever fully satisfy our sexual appetite. ACTIONS TO STAY SEXUALLY PURE Personally, I had to make the following changes in my life to eliminate temptations and keep my eyes focused on Christ. Here is my “Top Ten” list to do so, in no particular order:
Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. November 10, 2023 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. Note: All scriptures quoted are from the NIV. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. This morning, I found myself in an hour-long prayer and scripture-reading session, asking God for today's topic. There were so many candidates, for the Bible is incredibly rich with a plethora of themes worthy of reflection. After searching diligently for one such theme, here is where I landed.
As Christ increases, we decrease. This is a familiar theme for us. We echo John the Baptist's words: "He must become greater; I must become less." (John 3:30) The question is this: "How do I enable Christ to increase in power and control over my life, and I decrease in the same?" At the highest level, there must be action and inaction taken for Christ's influence over our lives to increase and our flesh's influence to decrease. Reflecting on James 2:17, "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." Likewise, the inaction I need to take is around running my own life, acting in my own self-interests, and catering to my fleshly desires. Here are some actions we can take. Please join me in taking them. But also remember, there is also the inaction of self-serving, selfish behavior to also "take." ACTIONS TO INCREASE CHRIST'S INFLUENCE OVER OUR LIVES
In our quest to let Christ increase in our lives, these actions serve as tangible steps we can take. They are not merely tasks to check off but invitations to a deeper communion with God. As we decrease and Christ increases in us, our lives become a testament to the transforming power of the gospel. May we all do this. Amen. Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. November 09, 2023 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent "Conversations with Christ" blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. Note: All scriptures quoted are from the NIV. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. DOES GOD VALUE SOME APPOINTMENTS MORE THAN OTHERS?
Father God, I don't know which appointments are divine and which ones are ordinary. Do you value some more than others? Dear child, I order your steps: "The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand." - Psalm 37:23-24 (NIV) HOW DO WE DISCERN GOD'S AGENDA IN MEETINGS? I am about to have an important (at least to me) meeting this morning, and I would like to know how to discern: Is this of you, or not? Dear child, reflect on this: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28 (NIV) ANNOYING OR ANOINTED Sometimes, over the years, I have felt sure that your hand, Father God, was on a meeting, and there was something special that was going to come of it, yet nothing ever did, or what came of it was not beneficial to what I was trying to accomplish. Dear child: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) Yes, Lord, this is one of my main "life verses" you have given me. Thank you for that! I can trust that each of my meetings is divine, even those that may seem annoying. I need to realize that there is value in every meeting. Keeping an eternal perspective really helps me here, when I remember. Please help me remember, especially during times that my interactions with people seem so innocuous and meaningless (to me). GOD IS SOVEREIGN OVER ALL OUR MEETINGS I know you have sovereignty over all my appointments, but if there were a way to better discern your hand, that would be most helpful. Dear child, what I care most about is your motives. Why are you meeting with this person? What is your true motive? "A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart." - Proverbs 21:2 (NIV) Thank you Father. My job is to have the right motive for the meeting. Got it. What other scripture would be good to look at, Lord? DO NOT JUDGE THE QUALITY OF MEETINGS BY HUMAN STANDARDS Dear child: "Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God." - 1 Corinthians 4:5 (NIV). You will not know much about the divine agendas for your meetings until you are face to face with me. Father God, thank you. I will not judge my meetings by my own agenda. Help me to always have a loose grip on "what I want" out of a meeting and care most about "what you want" out of that meeting. Do not judge the quality of the meeting except by this: "Did I love this person with God's love?" WE ARE CHRIST'S AMBASSADORS IN ALL MEETINGS Father God, I am your representative, your ambassador. Help me to always remember that and behave accordingly: "We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God." - 2 Corinthians 5:20 (NIV) Yes, child, you are my way of reaching people, to let them know that I have a plan for their lives, and that they need to seek me to discover that plan. My motives are pure. I want the best for every person. I want all people to know me and be in fellowship with me. OUR GODLY AGENDA FOR ALL MEETINGS Thank you Father God. I see my mission clearly, as my agenda for every meeting: "We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ." - 1 John 1:3 (NIV) Dear child, do this, and you will always have the right motive for meetings. Now, go and enjoy Michael. Tell him I love him and have a plan for his life. Help him to get to know me better. And leave the results of any earthly work together up to me. Trust me with the relationship. Put it, like all others, in my capable hands. Father God, thank you. I will. Thank you for this very practical direction this morning on driving meetings and trying to drive outcomes. Help me to place all meetings in your hands. May your will prevail in all of them. May I be your instrument of peace. May you use me to help all whom I meet to come closer to you. Amen. Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. November 8, 2023 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. Note: All scriptures quoted are from the NIV. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. I don’t know about you, but sometimes I just need a little encouragement.
Leadership is hard. There is a never-ending stream of people depending on you, and you're always having to perform for others. It can be tiring. Sometimes, you need a break, but often times that is not possible. So you press on. What would help, though, is a little bit of encouragement from the right source. THE BEST SOURCE OF ENCOURAGEMENT Turning to God's Word is guaranteed to be a rich, vibrant, and relevant source of encouragement. When the weight of leadership feels burdensome, it's often the enduring words of Scripture that offer solace and companionship. The Bible, with its vast reservoir of wisdom, provides encouragement and strength. Consider Philippians 4:13, "I can do all this through him who gives me strength," or the empowering command in Joshua 1:9, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." These passages remind us of the omnipresent support and unfailing strength that come from Christ Jesus, our Lord. ENCOURAGING SCRIPTURES As you face the challenges of leadership, let these additional scriptures be a source of comfort and motivation: • Isaiah 41:10 - "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." • Psalm 31:24 - "Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord." • 2 Corinthians 12:9 - "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." • Psalm 121:1-2 - "I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." • Romans 15:4 - "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope." SHARING THE ENCOURAGEMENT As leaders, it's not only important to find encouragement for ourselves but also to be a source of encouragement for others. Sharing these scriptures with someone who might be struggling can lift their spirits and show them that they are not alone in their journey. CONCLUSION In conclusion, remember that leadership, while demanding, is also a role of great honor and potential. On days when the pressure seems too much, these scriptures can be your refuge and strength. Turn to them, meditate on them, and let them guide you back to a place of peace and confidence. The encouragement you need is always there, waiting in the sacred texts, ready to offer you wisdom and peace. Keep these verses close to your heart and let them fuel your journey as a Christ-follower and as a leader. Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. November 7, 2023 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. Note: All scriptures quoted are from the NIV. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. Biblical leadership is what all leaders are expected to employ as they influence others. Leadership is a responsibility that can take many forms, but Biblical leadership is a unique vocation that calls individuals to guide others not by might nor by power, but by the Spirit of the Lord (Zechariah 4:6).
THREE QUESTIONS THIS POST WILL ANSWER
Biblical leadership is fully explained in the Holy Bible, God’s inerrant Word for us. Biblical leadership is the act of influencing and guiding individuals according to the principles outlined in the Scriptures. It stands apart from secular leadership in its foundation, methods, and goals. BIBLICAL VS. NON-BIBLICAL LEADERSHIP While secular leadership often prioritizes personal success and organizational goals, Biblical leadership is characterized by a servant’s heart, as exemplified by Jesus when He washed the feet of His disciples (John 13:14-15). It is not about authority or prestige, but about humble service (Matthew 20:26-28). Biblical leadership is focused on: • Serving others before self • Surrendering to Christ and relying on His direction • Discerning decisions that Christ is making through the Holy Spirit Non-Biblical leadership is focused on: • Leading in one’s own strength • Relying on one’s own wisdom • Making decisions on where and how to lead people without God’s direction EMBRACING THE HEART OF A BIBLICAL LEADER To become better stewards of this call, we can incorporate several practices into our lives, such as:
In pursuit of becoming a more biblical leader, consider these daily actions: Today, I will strive to become a more biblical leader by taking the following actions:
By integrating these principles and practices into our lives, we can move closer to the Biblical paradigm of leadership. It’s a journey of continuous growth, requiring patience, humility, and an unwavering focus on the ultimate leader, Christ Himself. Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. November 06, 2023 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. Note: All scriptures quoted are from the NIV. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. Dear Lord, please help me write the words you desire on this important subject.
There is a continuum of controlling behavior, ranging from those who are very demanding to those who are extremely permissive. Where do you fall on this scale? Are you more inclined towards dominating, directive, and driven behavior, or are you more easygoing, tolerant, and lenient? Leaders often display varying degrees of controlling behavior, which can sometimes lead to trouble. God has endowed us with the skills and abilities to lead people. Depending on your effectiveness as a leader, people are more likely to follow and be influenced by your words and actions. Those in leadership roles are frequently tasked with guiding individuals along a specific path. Yet, it is essential to be cautious not to overstep and exhibit excessively controlling behavior. Personally, I must remain vigilant and regularly consult with the Holy Spirit to ensure that I am not crossing the line from influencing others to controlling them. Let's see what scripture has to say on this matter. When viewed through the lens of God's Word, it becomes evident that leadership requires a delicate balance—a balance that respects free will while offering guidance. Ephesians 4:2-3 encourages us to "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." This message advocates a leadership style characterized by patience and love, rather than coercion or dominance. In the Gospels, Jesus provides the perfect example of leadership. He led with authority, but His authority was rooted in love and servitude, not in control or demand. Mark 10:42-45 emphasizes this when Jesus tells His disciples, "You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be a slave of all." Jesus' message is clear: true leadership lies in service, not in being overly controlling. As leaders, whether in a church, in the workplace, or within our families, we need to remember the distinction between being a shepherd and an autocrat. A shepherd leads, cares for, and protects the flock, guiding them gently. An autocrat demands, controls, and instills fear. Which are we called to be? James 3:1 reminds us, "Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly." This is a sobering thought that should prompt us to reflect on our motives and methods in leadership. The balance between influence and control can be delicate. It requires self-examination and a continuous return to the feet of Jesus, seeking wisdom and guidance. The book of Proverbs offers valuable advice on this topic. Proverbs 16:32 says, "Better to be a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city." Patience and self-control are highlighted as virtues of great value, surpassing the power and control that a warrior might exert. In conclusion, as we navigate the complexities of leadership and influence, let us do so with a heart that strives to mirror the heart of Christ. Let us lead not by control but by the example of love, service, and patience, trusting that God's Spirit will move in the hearts of those we are guiding. The words we write, speak, and live by should reflect this understanding, always aiming to build up rather than confine, to free rather than bind. May we pray continually for discernment and strength to embody this godly approach in all areas of influence we are privileged to steward. Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. November 3, 2023 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if these daily, transparent "Conversations with Christ" bless you, please visit www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, along with a repository of all of them in English and Spanish. Note: All scriptures quoted are from the NIV. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you abundantly as you engage in your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. Dear Lord, today I woke up feeling anxious, and I know that this is not from you. I expressed how I felt to you in my quiet time earlier, and it just made the feelings more intense, like I was giving power to the feelings I was having by acknowledging them. Now, I am speaking your truth into my feelings, and they are beginning to dissipate. Why is that? What is the principle here that you want me to learn?
Dear child, perfect love casts out fear. Anxiety is a form of fear. The more you look at it, the more anxious you can become. My love, which is the only perfect love, casts out that fear. Looking at me and my love for you solves your problem with anxiety. True? Yes, Lord. Your Holy Word is clear: “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:18) Lord Jesus Christ, my Master and Ruler of my soul, please bathe me right now in your perfect love. May I revel in it, Lord. In order to grasp onto my love, you need to let go of your fear. A FUNNY STORY TO ILLUSTRATE THIS POINT A man is hiking when he suddenly slips and falls off a cliff. He manages to grab onto a branch sticking out from the side of the cliff, saving him from a deadly fall. Dangling high above the ground, he starts calling out for help. "Help! Is there anyone up there?" he shouts. After a few moments, he hears a powerful voice: "This is God. I will save you. Just let go of the branch, and I'll catch you." The man looks down at the dizzying drop below him, then back toward the sky. After a long pause, he yells, "Is there anyone else up there?" SURRENDER, SURRENDER, SURRENDER Why do my quiet times always come back to the concept of surrender, Lord? You lead me back here over and over again. In order to fully receive your love, I need to fully surrender myself, which includes my mind, which is the culprit here. My mind wants to think about earthly things, and all that I need to accomplish, and then I feel overwhelmed and anxious. In order to fully receive your love, Lord Jesus, what I am hearing is that I need to let go completely of these worries that are crossing my mind. Child, go to my Word and dwell on verses that will help you. TOP SEVEN SOLUTIONS TO ANXIETY Lord, here are the “Top 7” verses in the New Testament that I found most helpful:
Child, my Word will always comfort you if you surrender to it. CLOSING PRAYER Yes, Lord. I once again fully surrender to you. I repent from trying to live my life, once again, in the flesh. I totally trust you. Do with me as you please. Use me as you see fit. Make me into the man you want me to be, and lead me along the path you want me to go. I will faithfully follow you. I repent for having anxious thoughts. Please forgive me and help me not to sin again. Amen. Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. November 2, 2023 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. Note: All scriptures quoted are from the NIV. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. Dear Lord, good morning. How are you today?
Dear child, do you see what is happening in your world? I am grieved by humanity's utter evil against each other. It grieves me greatly. OUR LORD GRIEVES DEEPLY Christ Jesus sees all the evil in this world, and He also sees all the good. I imagine Christ has a balanced view of humanity, where He rejoices in all goodness and grieves over all evil, simultaneously, as only God truly can. My question to our Lord this morning was simple: "How are you today?" I expected to receive the usual, innocuous response we often give to each other, such as, "I'm fine." However, the point is that our Lord is not fine. He is hurting. He witnesses people committing terrible atrocities against each other every second of every day. Since the rebellion of Adam and Eve, all of humanity has continually repeated the Cain and Able saga. CAIN AND ABEL "Then the Lord said to Cain, 'Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.'" (Genesis 4:6-7) Since that time, there has been a raging battle in the spiritual realms. Sin is always crouching at our door, ready to lead us away from Christ and into evil. How do you think God feels about this? I believe He grieves deeply. DEEP REGRETS The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled. So the Lord said, "I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created—and with them the animals, the birds, and the creatures that move along the ground—for I regret that I have made them." (Genesis 6:5-7) So profound was our Heavenly Father's regret that he wiped out everyone except Noah and his family and started over. Every living thing on the face of the earth was wiped out; people, animals, creatures that move along the ground, and birds were wiped from the earth. Only Noah was left, along with those in the ark. (Genesis 7:23) GOD'S PROMISE The Lord smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart: "Never again will I curse the ground because of humans, even though every inclination of the human heart is evil from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done." (Genesis 8:21) We are born needing a Savior, someone to rescue us from our natural inclination toward evil. We must be redeemed, and Christ has provided the only solution to our dilemma. Our path is one of Acceptance of the Way of Christ. Accepting The Way:
ACCEPTING THE CONDITION OF THIS WORLD As I seek to draw some conclusions here, what comes to mind is further acceptance. Not only do we have to accept Christ Jesus and His leadership over every aspect of our earthly lives, but we also have to accept that this world, in its present form, is: • Filled with evil. • Tempting us with sins, both large and small. • Trying to distract our attention from Christ Jesus. ACTIONS TO TAKE Here are a few actions you may want to consider: • Realize that this world is not our home. • We are only "visitors" here for a short time. • Our true home is in heaven, and we are headed there if we remain faithful. • Being faithful requires surrendering to Christ. A WORD TO CHRISTIAN LEADERS Those called to be leaders in the Christian community need to role model behavior. It begins with the condition of our hearts. As we see, the "inclination of the human heart is evil from childhood." Each of us must be redeemed and surrender to Christ and His will for our lives every single day. For we know that if we don't, sin is crouching, waiting to pounce on even the most seemingly godly Christ-follower. No one is immune. All we have is a daily reprieve. Let us surrender today and every day to Christ. CLOSING PRAYER Lord Jesus Christ, have your way with me today in every aspect of my life. May every fiber of my being surrender to you, and may your Holy Spirit control all I think, say, and do, today and always. Amen. Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. November 1, 2023 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent "Conversations with Christ" blesses you, please visit www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posts and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. Note: All scriptures quoted are from the NIV. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. ADORATION
Dear Jesus the Christ, You existed before the world began and are all-powerful and all-knowing. Words cannot adequately portray your majestic brilliance and pervasive love. Your love is perfectly unfathomable and eternally never-ending, given to us, whom you have created. We are born of your will to serve you and bring you pleasure. May we do that today as we worship you. CONFESSION Dear Christ Jesus, we are sinners saved only by your amazing grace and generous mercy. You know us to the very depths of our souls. There is nothing you don't know, and yet you still love us. Thank you for your love. Please forgive us for our sins of commission and omission. We confess that at times we do or don't do that which does not please you. We repent of these times and turn away from these failures of obedience. We don't want to run our own lives but want you to control us with your Holy Spirit. Please do so. You have our permission to come into our lives and fully lead and guide us on paths of righteousness to bring you greater glory. THANKSGIVING Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for forgiving us and washing us clean of the stain and blemishes of sin on our souls. Thank you for loving us so much that you always guide us back to an intimate relationship with you. Thank you for our life in you. We praise you and thank you for all that you do for us. We are your grateful children. SUPPLICATION Lord Christ, our Master, please give us knowledge of your will today and the strength to carry it out. Use us as you see fit to bring you glory. May you fully and completely have your way with us, and may we fully surrender to you. May all we do and say bring you honor and glory, and when we fail to do so, may we quickly confess this sin, repent, and be restored to a deep, intimate relationship with you. Amen. Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. October 31, 2023 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent "Conversations with Christ" blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. Note: All scriptures quoted are from the NIV. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. |
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