Greater works than these -11/18/14

Have you ever considered that most of life's success comes in the small packages? The world measures success by quantity, measurable growth, and money. Jesus measured success by the small things that are done in the secret place. Phrases like, "don't let your right hand know what your left hand is doing" and, "whoever does these things in secret, your Father who sees will reward you."

Maybe the greater works than these is not just or mostly referring to supernatural signs and wonders, but success in the mundane. The way we treat our spouses, our children and those we work with everyday matters greatly. Victory comes in small steps and packages. Sometimes it is manifested in great church growth or increase in measurable amounts, but not most of the time. We must not forget that often we take two steps forward and one step back. We persevere and endure and struggle to gain ground. The mega church mentality is not the standard that God sets. That often has to do with mans personality, flashiness, and ability to promote great marketing strategies. Gods way is humility, purity, meekness and selflessness. It's an upside down kingdom.

Rejection

What do you do with rejection? How do you react when you have felt rejected by those you love? Those that misunderstand your intentions?

We all in small ways experience rejection possibly on a daily basis. You might not have been through a traumatic experience where someone you love intentionally hurt you and rejected you that left you clearly scarred, but what about the daily interactions with your spouse, friends, co-workers? Was it something they said that hurt you, the way they looked at you, that you perceived rejection. Words either build up or tear down. I also like to say a lack of encouraging words also have the potential to tear down. Sometimes it's the thing we should have said to speak life and courage into someone that changes a life.

He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Isaiah 53:3-4

Jesus knew rejection in the most intense way. He was love incarnate, a man with no sin. He loved all without judging or condemning. Why was this man rejected? He should have been the most accepted and loved person in the whole world. Right? Why was he crucified by men who hated him? Misunderstood? Clearly. Whatever rejection you have been to pails in comparison to what the Messiah experienced for you and I. He understood rejection to the point of death. Whether you are rejected because of your faith, or simply because you don't "fit" into the click or cool group, understand and know that the One who loves you and gave his life for you, understands your pain.

He alone is worth following and living for. There is no greater form of healing than to receive the wounded Savior's affirmation and love. Would you take a minute and thank him that because of His rejection you have life!

The way of honor

Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.
Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. I Peter 2:16-17

Freedom for the believer in Jesus Christ is the way of honor. We honor God first and secondly one another. We live as servants of God, but even more importantly as friends of God. Jesus said that no one has any greater love than this, to lay down ones life for his friends. He then went on to say that you are my friends if you obey what I say. (John 15)

In all of our relationships, the good and the hard, the easy and those we find challenging to love, we must learn to honor and love in a way that reflects Christ. We hold in high honor one another and we tread carefully with our words, our thoughts, and our actions towards each other. I am convinced that if we were to master one thing in the church, love and honor for one another would in itself produce a harvest of revival that would spill outside of the four walls of the church. You see at the core people are vulnerable, easily wounded, and not easily trusting. Everyone carries around whatever weight they have carried from past blows dealt by the enemy, a family member, a spouse, or a friend. Therefore we must not judge one another, but rather seek to bless and encourage each other. If we can touch the Fathers heart to get the affirmation we need from Him alone first, then we can give that same affirmation out to a brother or a sister without the fear of how they will treat you or respond to you. The way of humility is how we progress in the kingdom of God. We do not demand from anyone that they change, rather we seek to change regardless of another persons response or attitude towards us. Let God be God, and every man a liar. He is the only one who can soften hardened hearts and restore the broken walls in relationships.

Seize the day. Love the brotherhood. Honor someone today practically. You will be blessed.