Blessed to Be a Blessing.

Why are you here? Did God put you here to have fun and be happy, or could there be a bigger purpose?  When you meet new people, do you ask what they can do for you, or what you can do for them?

Twila spoke of this last week.  She said something to the effect that God had sent her certain friends not so they would bless her or enrich her life, but maybe so God could use HER in their lives.  It was an entirely new way to think about friendships and our calling on earth: it’s not about ME, but THEM.

That is the way I think about relationships.  Of course, I have lapses and selfish decisions.  But in my deepest thoughts and prayers, I am looking for ways to bless others, to be a light in the darkness. 

To be more specific, I have one consideration in mind: will this decision help people accept Christ? Will this action or habit or purchase or activity point people to Jesus?  Such an others-centered focus is easy and natural when you spend time sharing your faith.  The more you tell others about Christ, the more you hope your ACTIONS will make up for the weaknesses of your words.  If evangelism is on your mind, it will cause you to take an inventory of your actions.

When David was successful, he realized God was not blessing David FOR David.  God blessed David in order to bless Israel.

“David knew that the Lord had established him as king over Israel and had EXALTED HIS KINGDOM FOR THE SAKE OF HIS PEOPLE Israel.” 2 Samuel 5:12.

God blessed David for the sake of God’s people.  David was BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING.  So are we.  When God blesses us, He is giving us an opportunity to bless others with truth and joy and encouragement and hope.

“Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in Heaven” Matthew 5:16.

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Why Are You Blessed?

Have you been blessed? Are there blessings in your life, things you did not earn? Do you have talents others lack? Why is that? Why did God choose to give you those gifts?

David was the youngest son. He had SEVEN older brothers. Yet God chose “the baby” to defeat Goliath. Later David became Israel’s greatest king. But why David? And why me? Why did God give me gifts and talents? And why you—why did He give you the gifts that you have?

“King Hiram of Tyre sent envoys to David; he also sent cedar logs, carpenters, and stonemasons, and they built a palace for David. Then David knew that the Lord had established him as king over Israel and had exalted his kingdom for the sake of His people Israel.” 2 Samuel 5:11-12.

So WHY did God bless David? “FOR THE SAKE OF HIS PEOPLE ISRAEL.” (It was NOT about David.) And that is why God has blessed you—not for you, but for OTHERS.

He gave you gifts and talents for the sake of His people. He blessed you so that He can USE you to bless others. He gave you tools to bless His people.

If someone gives you a nice gift for your birthday, you recognize how special it is and you speak well of it, right? Speak well of the gifts God gave you. They are great, AMAZING gifts. Thank Him. (Any perceived “weaknesses” in your gifts simply indicate areas to work on; gifts need developing, just as tools need sharpening.)

Recognize your gifts. Write them down. Talk to God about them. You are BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING.

Pray. Dear God, thank you for giving me the gifts of _____________. Show me how to develop those gifts. Help me to work hard and help me to do it for others, not for myself. I want to serve You and Your people. Show me how to develop and use my gifts in a way that gives YOU glory.

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Make a Joyful Noise.

Church choirs include many skill levels: exceptional singers who can sight-read music, some who follow others and eventually learn their parts, and some who “make a joyful noise,” Psalm 100:1.  I have played each of these roles!

During one rehearsal I was at the top of my game: reading the music like I’d written it myself, turning through the coda, following the bass line like there was nothing else on the page.  I knew when to get louder, softer, faster, slower.  It was perfect execution.  During a break, Charles spoke up next to me:

“Boy, look at those words.  Don’t you know a man’s got to really be walking with God to write words like that?”

Suddenly I realized I had not thought about the words.  I had to look back at the music to find out what we had been singing about.  I had been so focused on perfect execution of the music, that I had never noticed the meaning of the words. 

I had missed the point entirely. 

When King David brought the ark of the Lord to Jerusalem, he danced—and his wife did NOT approve. 

“Michal looked down from the window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, and she despised him” 2 Samuel 6:16. Michal told David he had made a fool of himself. 

“I was dancing before the Lord who chose me …  I WILL celebrate before the Lord, and I will humble myself even more …  And Saul’s daughter Michal had no child to the day of her death” 2 Samuel 6:21-23.

God smiles on David’s worship, but frowns on Michal’s disapproval.  God punished Michal with barrenness because she shamed David’s worship.  Why barrenness?  Because worship brings life and fruitfulness, but shame and judgment bring death.  The queen’s haughty pride left her dead inside.

It is easy for me to get caught up in rules—the rules of music, the rules of how we do church—and miss true worship. Yet God is not interested in our rules, but our hearts. 

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Unity in Spite of Differences.

David recruited history’s greatest warriors.  Jashobeam killed 300 with a spear. Eleazar and David stood back-to-back and slew a Philistine army. Benaiah killed a lion and killed an 8-ft giant with the giant’s own spear. Saul’s relatives could use either spears or slings and fight equally well with their right or left hands.  Another group was “expert with shield and spear, their faces the faces of lions, and they were swift as gazelles… the least was a match for a hundred, the greatest for a thousand” 1 Chronicles 12:8, 14.  The man who slew Goliath could recruit fighters as well as anyone.

But the thing about fighters is—they FIGHT.  Many of these had been loyal to David, but the relatives of Saul had fought AGAINST David.  This was not a feud, it was a civil war. 

Only David could fix it.  He went to Saul’s troops in a spirit of unity:

“If you have come in peace to help me, my heart will be united with you, but if you have come to betray me to my enemies … may the God of our ancestors look on it and judge” 1 Chron.12:17.  The men swore their allegiance to the young king and he “received them and made them leaders of his troops” v.18. 

Finally, the fighting between Saul and David was over. It was time for peace in Israel (and for fighters to focus on foreign enemies). 

Jesus values unity.  He said “blessed are the peacemakers” Matt.5:9.  You can be a mighty warrior—but don’t fight your own team!  Christians should not fight each other over politics, vaccines, or church doctrine.  Sure, these issues matter.  But lay down your weapons and have a conversation in love, unity, and godliness.  It’s not a bitter civil war.  Remember the story David Self told about Grandpa: when deacons’ meetings went from civil to bitter, he spoke up—not taking sides but calling his brothers to unity.

“By THIS shall all men know that you are My DISCIPLES: if you love one another” John 13:35.

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Prayer Request.

I need wisdom. Don’t you? Don’t we all? Our leaders really need wisdom during this quarantine of 2020. All the decisions they are making are based on predictions about the virus and what the future holds. But there are so many factors that influence those predictions—accurate reporting, inaccurate reporting, good science, bad science, emotions and public opinion (whether right or wrong).

We need God to give us an accurate, clear understanding of the times, of what lies ahead, and of what He is doing in the world.

The Bible speaks of men with that kind of God-given wisdom in a little-known verse about the descendants of the tribe of Issachar:

“From the tribe of Issachar, there were 200 leaders of the tribe with their relatives. All these men understood the signs of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take.” 1 Chronicles 12:32.

Join me in praying for two things:

  1. That you and I and our leaders would “UNDERSTAND THE TIMES,” and
  • That you and I and our leaders would “KNOW THE BEST COURSE FOR [the USA] TO TAKE.”

Dear God, give us wisdom. Please help us and our leaders to understand what You are doing in the world and to know the best decisions for our people to take. Keep us safe, and draw us closer to You.

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David’s Army.

First Chronicles 11 and 12 records tales of King David’s greatest warriors. What trait do you think was the most prized among them? If you were building an army, what would you look for? Consider:

  • Jashobeam wielded his spear against 300 men and killed them; Abishai later did the same.
  • The “Three” broke through the Philistine lines to bring David water from Bethlehem.
  • Benaiah went into a snowy pit and killed a lion, and killed an Egyptian who was 7.5 feet tall.
  • A group of Saul’s relatives “were archers who could use either the right hand or the left hand, both to sling stones and to shoot arrows.”
  • There were the Gadites, expert fighters “with faces like lions and swift as gazelles on the mountains… The least of them was a match for a hundred, the greatest of them for a thousand.”
  • 200 chiefs from the Issarchites, who “understood the times and knew what Israel should do.”

In all, 341,100 men left Saul to support David. That is just less than the US Army (471K). The tiny nation of Israel had a massive army.

So what was the key trait? If you were holding a military draft, what would you look for?

The Chronological Bible places Psalm 133 just after this roll call of heroes. Look what David values:

“How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony! It is like fine oil on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, even onto his robes.” Psalm 133:1-2.

David prizes UNITY. The ability to work in harmony is an ANOINTING, like the anointing of Aaron. Are you a person of unity? Do you create unity, or do you spread dissension? Do you support the leadership, at your school, your church, or your job? Or do you doubt the leadership and create problems for your leaders? Are you a skeptic, mocking authority? (Why?)

Ask God to make you loyal, one who encourages others to be loyal. Train yourself to look for good in people and to be a peacemaker.

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Wait on the Lord Like King David.

How old was David when he killed Goliath? And when he became king? Do you remember what happened in between? David spent the in-between years running from Saul, the king who wanted to kill him.

First, David is anointed the future king by Samuel. Then he kills Goliath and does many other great feats. Everyone loves him, but he spends a dozen years on the run from Saul. Why? Why did God make him wait?

God was growing David, maturing him and preparing him for the challenges he would face as king of Israel.

After Saul’s death, one of his sons became king briefly. But eventually, “the elders of Israel came to the king [David] at Hebron… and they anointed David king over Israel. David was 30 years old when he began his reign; he reigned 40 years” 2 Samuel 5:3-4.

Does 30 years old seem old to you? Does it seem like a long time to wait to “arrive” at God’s destination for you?

Jesus was also 30 when He began his ministry. Why? Because God was preparing Him too. That’s right—even Jesus had to grow and prepare for the plan God had for Him.

So be patient. God has a great plan for your life. Submit to Him. Ask Him to lead you—and then follow Him.

Trust Him when you have to wait and wait and wait.

God knows what He is doing. And waiting is part of His plan too. You can be right in the CENTER of God’s will, right in the PALM of His hand, and still be waiting for years.

But then one day, they will anoint you king over a kingdom bigger than what you ever expected. One day, God’s plan will come to pass. Be patient.

“Wait on the Lord. Trust also in Him and He will do it.” Psalm 37:5.

Pray. Ask God to give you the patience and wisdom to wait on Him and to trust His plans.

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Of Warriors and Wisdom.

King David surrounded himself with amazing men.  There was THE THREE.  Then there was THE THIRTY.

“Jashobeam … wielded his spear against 300 and killed them … Abishai … raised his spear against 300 men and killed them …  Benaiah went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion.  He also killed an Egyptian who was seven and a half feet tall …  [There] were archers who could use either the right or left hand, both to sling stones and shoot arrows from a bow …  The Gadites … the least of them was a match for a hundred, and the greatest of them for a thousand….” 1 Chronicles 11 and 12.

David’s “Mighty Men of Valor” are amazing.  But the group that intrigues me most comes later:

“From the Issacharites, WHO UNDERSTOOD THE TIMES AND KNEW WHAT ISRAEL SHOULD DO” came 200 chiefs with all their relatives” 1 Chronicles 12:32.

Lots of people can fight—but in a world of mechanized weapons where the skill of hand-to-hand combat is less and less useful—I am intrigued by these men of wisdom.  The Issacharites were warriors like all the others, but they were ALSO men who “UNDERSTOOD THE TIMES AND KNEW WHAT ISRAEL SHOULD DO.”

We need more people like that.  We need people who understand the world we live in.  How can you and I understand the times?  How can you and I know what our nation should do?  Where does such wisdom come from?

The Bible.  We must be people of the book.  We must read it and study it every day.  Memorize parts of it.  Pray using words from scripture.  God is the Giver of Wisdom.  Ask Him for understanding.  May we do our part by studying and working hard to learn the word.  But may we also remember to pray for insight.  We need God to lead us through difficult times. 


Dear God, make us men and women who “understand the times and know what our leaders should do.”

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Are You Capable and Can You Be Trusted?

This morning I ran across an article from 1960 commemorating my grandfather’s 40 years of service at what was then the world’s largest oil refinery, Esso, Baton Rouge.  His bosses reported:

“He seems able to cope with almost any situation, no matter how critical. He has a level head, practical manner, and I think he is one of our most valuable employees. He is looked up to by his fellow employees as a sort of ‘grand old man’ around the units. Everyone likes Mr. Willie.” 

The Bible speaks of men like Willie Wales, men “able to cope with almost any situation, no matter how critical.” 

“These were capable men employed in the ministry of God’s temple … The total number of those chosen to be gatekeepers at the thresholds was 212….  David and Samuel the seer had appointed them to their trusted positions” 1 Chronicles 9:13 and 22.

My mother says when she thinks of her father-in-law, she thinks of the old cliché that says “he’s a doorkeeper in the house of the Lord.”  That comes from this chapter of 1 Chronicles where it is repeated over and over in what might otherwise be another “dull” chapter filled with genealogies. 

What is interesting about that is that these roles were passed down from generation to generation.  What does that mean for you and me? It means that there is value in your Christian heritage. Perhaps if your father and mother are capable people, serving the church with good judgment and hard work for decades, then you too will “be a doorkeeper in the House of the Lord.” And for those without such a history, focus on the future: if you are faithful with your life, it will bless those who come after you.

May each of us remember those who have come before.  Remember those who have cultivated and nurtured your faith. Pray for them. Thank God for them. And as Paul says, “imitate their faith.”  Grow, like Jesus, “in wisdom and in stature.” And God will give your life meaning by giving you greater purpose and a greater opportunity to serve His Kingdom.

“Only one life, ‘twill soon be passed. 

Only what’s done for Christ will last.”

—C.T. Studd

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Is it Wrong to Desire Rewards?

Bruce Wilkinson wrote A LIFE GOD REWARDS, examining the statements of Jesus about rewards in Heaven. Wilkinson concludes Heaven will be loaded with rewards.  God will lavish rewards on you for things you do for Him.  But isn’t it wrong for you to WANT rewards?  Wouldn’t it be better to serve God without thinking about rewards? The answer may surprise you: NO!  God LONGS to reward you—and He wants you to LONG to be rewarded!  This is completely different from coveting riches on earth. Why? Because longing for heavenly rewards is AN ACT OF FAITH. 

There is NOTHING selfish about desiring rewards you cannot see, that will be given to you in a heaven you have never visited, during an eternity you cannot possibly imagine. 

Longing for heavenly rewards is living by faith, just as Jesus lived. See Heb. 12:2.

It is not ‘just okay’ for you to desire rewards—God WANTS you to desire heavenly rewards. He wants to reward you, and He wants you to be excited about it.  But if God LONGS to lavish rewards on you, and He wants you to LONG for those rewards, how can you earn those rewards?  Short answer: Live a righteous life of surrender to His will, and submission to His word.

“The righteous… STILL BEAR FRUIT IN OLD AGE, healthy and green, they declare: ‘The Lord is just. He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him’” Psalm 92:12-15.

Obey God and serve Him every day—that will earn you many rewards.  AND it will likely extend your life (as you avoid bad choices), resulting in many more years in which to earn rewards.  And remember: GOD LONGS for you to LONG for Heavenly rewards.  That motivation requires FAITH and, after a lifetime of serving Him, heavenly rewards will actually become your deepest longing. 

Finally, this truth illustrates what may be the greatest failure of “health and wealth”/“prosperity gospel” teachings: the pointless obsession with rewards on earth leads to a complete neglect of rewards in heaven[1].

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[1] P.S. When was the last time you heard a preacher of the so-called “prosperity gospel” encourage his flock by preaching about rewards in heaven? Instead, a single “prosperity” sermon may include a dozen phrases such as “your best days are yet to come,” “things are about to turn around,” “those bills are gonna be paid,” etc.  The truth—as anyone sitting in those audiences knows—is that sometimes things do not turn around.  Sometimes the bill does not get paid and the car gets repossessed.  Sadly, many then draw the discouraging conclusion that things did not “turn around,” because they did not have enough faith. 

By contrast, a message based on scripture can encourage those with problems, even when they do NOT magically improve:

“Do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing.  Don’t think that some strange thing is happening to you alone.  For the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren all over the world.  Rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ!” 1 Peter 4:12.