“¹³As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him.” – Psalm 103:13 (ESV)

As a father, my role is to prepare my boys for what is to come for them. I am to care for, protect, celebrate with, and teach them so that they are able to carry forward as contributing heirs of God. I am to ensure that they have learned to do the work that God has for them in their lives. I am here to be their earthly example of what love is so that they are able to be the earthly example of what love is as they grow into who God has for them to be.

God is my example that I draw on for my role in the lives of my boys. The compassion that I have for them is modeled after the compassion shown me by God. I need just as my boys need and I get mine as an adult from God each day. My time is limited here in this world and I can be taken from this world at any moment. It is my duty to draw on the example of God’s compassion and be sure that my boys will receive it until they transition to receiving from God as I do now.

I have accepted salvation and owe my life to Christ who died for me. Now there is an example of demonstrated compassion. The LORD is my heavenly father who has a great compassion for me and all of my brothers and sisters that “fear him”. For all of us, we have His example to draw from and cascade to others. For me it starts with my boys and to those that are immediately in my life. It is my role to demonstrate the compassion of the LORD to all of those. I am to give to all without expectation of anything in return. I am to love unconditionally and know that I have done the work God has for me in this world.

In this world, what compassion have you been able to give to others? Are you even looking to do so and where are you drawing that compassion from? What if you were to use the compassion of God as your example and give the same that you have been given?

I have sinned and/or done wrong by/against someone. In some instances, I may have done so without even knowing. I may have been just carrying on and did not even realize that someone or God was gone against. These things happen and largely, I/we don’t recognize them. Other times, I have consciously committed sins or wrongs. How am I to handle either situation?

“⁶Speak to the people of Israel, When a man or woman commits any of the sins that people commit by breaking faith with the LORD, and that person realizes his guilt, ⁷he shall confess his sin that he has committed. And he shall make full restitution for his wrong, adding a fifth to it and giving it to him to whom he did the wrong.” – Numbers 5:6-7 (ESV)

Both situations are referenced in the above verses as the LORD speaks to Moses. I see in verse 7 that “he shall confess his sin”. The first thing that should be done is to confess the sin or wrong that has been committed. Yes, there may be times that I am unaware of my wrong or sin, and that is where verse 6 comes in. We have to be receptive when someone brings that wrong or sin to us. I have to acknowledge the wrong or sin so that I am able to confess to that which I have committed.

Once the confession has taken place, I am to be just getting started. It is one thing to say “sorry for my actions and forgive me”, it is something else to “make full restitution” for that which I have done. I am now responsible for not only acknowledging and seeking forgiveness, but I have to “restore them to the place they were” as I have written in my Bible. I have to make them whole again. I am responsible for tearing them down, and I am responsible to build back up once I realize that which I have done. This goes for God and man alike. I will sin and whereas God is bigger than I am and more forgiving, I have to work to restore the relationship with Him that I have damaged with my sin.

And now for the final action. The one that I know that I forget about and needed the reminder this morning. I have to not only make them whole, but I also should be “adding a fifth” or, adding to the one I have committed against to have “them be better off than before” as I again have written in my Bible. I know it seems like I have done my work to even things, but I had taken something and they had to do without for a time. I have to return them to where they were and then supply interest for that which they missed out. No, I do not have to “give them money” to make them more. It is about not just restoring them, but building them up. I have given back to them, now I have to give more to demonstrate my commitment to knowing I was wrong and being better as I go forward.

I have to be committed to doing the right thing and more when I have done the wrong thing. It is my “penance” if you will for the actions that I took against. When I do wrong, I am responsible for restoration and improvement once realizing the wrong.

What wrongs are you aware, or not, that you have committed? Have you been wondering of what to do now? What if you were to approach as the LORD says to Moses, confess, restore and build up?

I remember the many times I have been in an audience or congregation, on the receiving end of a speech, presentation, or sermon and the one speaking asks for some sort of audible response from us. That response is quiet and less than inspired. At which the speaker just looks out and makes a comment about the weak response or simply asks the group for more conviction in their response. Once I have given a heartier response I feel the conviction and commitment to take action related to the ask of the speaker.

In another example, committing to something is more concrete when it is written down for all to see. I may think that I want to work on something in my life, but until I write it down for all or at least some to see, it is just as thought and therefore there is no commitment or accountability to take action. Once I have let someone else know of the action I would like to take, they others are free to hold me to taking action and let me know when I am or have missed the mark.

“⁴⁶Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!’ And having said this he breathed his last.” – Luke 23:46 (ESV)

This verse is from and the death of Jesus. Notice His “calling out with a loud voice”. He was speaking to God, His Father and was not concerned with who heard Him as there were many watching on. Jesus wanted to make sure that God heard His cry and commitment to what was happening. Earlier, before even His arrest, Jesus committed out loud to go through with His death as instructed and a part of the plan laid out for Him.

“⁴¹And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, ⁴²saying, ‘Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.’ ⁴³And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. ⁴⁴And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” – Luke 22:41-44 (ESV)

Jesus did not lack for the commitment and especially out loud. Notice the audible commitment to follow God’s will, “saying,…not my will, but yours”. Jesus committed out loud to take action, even when that action meant additional or more excruciating suffering, “And being in agony”.

I have work to do in my commitments, and especially those commitments made to and around my relationship with Christ. First, I have to make those commitments and then secondly, I have to make those commitments for all to see in a public place or at least out loud or written down. I have to be willing to let everyone know so that they can help me accomplish that which I have committed to undertake. I have to continue to remember that public commitment I made to Christ with my baptism so many years ago. I have been washed clean and I have to start acting like it, and I need your help.

What about your commitments, which of them are you willing to make out loud? Are you keeping them to yourself to avoid them? What if you were to publicly announce your commitments to Christ so others could assist you in taking action?

Just because I do not take the outward action on something does not mean that I was not involved nor am I devoid of accountability.

“²⁸But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” – Matthew 5:28 (ESV)

As I am reading this morning I am reminded that even with my thoughts of impropriety, I have already begun. My mind is a powerful thing, so much so that it will lead to things of the heart and once those things enter into the heart, I have sinned and am responsible for them just as if I had done them outwardly.

It is up to me to understand what the “rules” or “laws” are and then it is my responsibility to know when I am being led to go outside of them.

“²⁷You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’” – Matthew 5:27 (ESV)

Jesus reminds us of the “law” or “Commandment” in the case of adultery and then in verse 28 reminds us of the fact that the action contrary is committed even before the action is take outwardly. The same holds true for all others.

Just thinking of something does not make it a sin or against, it is when those thoughts enter into the heart and there is the thoughts of how to make them happen that leads to the sin. I can admire a beautiful woman, but I have to stop there before I begin to think of how to “get with her”. When I know and understand the “law” and “rules” I will know and understand when I am going down the path to break them. Once the thought enters my mind, it is my responsibility to rationally think about that and decide to turn and go the other way before that enters into my heart committing to the breaking of or action against that “law” or “rule”. I must take the opportunity to turn to God for His guidance and directions so that I am able to repent now and avoid the negative consequences that come with the decision to “commit” the act.

What things have you allowed to enter your heart that you may not have taken outward action on? Were you aware that just allowing the though to enter your heart and your thought on how to get away with it has generated the committing of the action? What if you were to recognize the thought and turn to God and allow Him to guide you away from the thought so as to not allow it to even reach your heart?

Committing to God is obviously the thing to do. As noted in the 1^st commandment, you shall have no gods other than He. But there is another part to the committing.

“⁵Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.” – Psalm 37:5 (ESV)

It is about committing our way to Him, not just committing to Him. All that I do should be directed at Him to accomplish the work He has for me. The self serving way is past for me as a follower of Christ. I am to be Christ Serving. I have to commit all that I do to Him and His glory.

Why, simply because that is what I am instructed to do. I admit that I struggle with the idea that what I receive for the work I am doing is not something that I am able to touch or see right now. In fact, I question whether or not I am on the right path, because frankly, I am seeing less and less in this world even when I feel as though I am doing more and more. I feel as though I give and give and get nothing in return except more work is expected. Meanwhile those that I am giving to are receiving their rewards and I am left out in the cold only to be given more work.

“⁶He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.” – Psalm 37:6 (ESV)

And that is why I do what I do. I have to remember that the goal is to bring glory to God and I can only do that if I am committing myself and my way to Him fully. I have to look forward and not in the now or the past for what I am doing the work for. I am doing the work of God and He will make sure that work is fruitful. No, I may not get to see that which comes from my planting work. I may be gone before that happens. But I have to commit to doing the work and know that God will bring His glory where it needs to be.

What struggles are you having committing your way to the Lord? Are you still looking for the WIIFM (What’s In It For Me)? What if you committed yourself and your way to the Lord and allowed Him to manifest His glory and blessing where it should go?

This morning I was led to the 10 commandments. I am sure that most of us have heard of them. They are the edicts from God to the Israelites, and they are certainly for us to use today. I am sure that most of us know them as more along the lines of what not to do, as in don’t murder, don’t commit adultery, don’t steal, and the like.

What I think gets missed is the what to dos that are of more importance. In fact, when we do them, the others fall in line inherently. #1 Commandment – Put God first in all that you do. I know, that may not be the words, but to me that is what it means. The #4 Commandment – Keep the Sabbath Day Holy, and the #5 Commandment – Honor Your Father and Your Mother. These two are also there for us to start with in our lives. When we work through those three, the others will fall in line and are more easily adhered.

I am, as a sinner, going to struggle each day in going against God. As I go into the world, I am inundated with all that is against me, and when I am not careful, I will fall in the traps of being against my mission for God. I have to remember my kingdom purpose and lead a life that is in line with that purpose. In order to get there, I have to start with committing to God and doing that which is in line with His commandments. I have to start putting Him first.

“³You shall have no other gods before me.” – Exodus 20:3 (ESV)

There is the place to start for me and for you. Starting with God is what will put me on track for Him each day. I have the responsibility to put God first in my life. That does not mean just going to church on the first day of the week, Sunday. I have to open each day with Him and use that as a springboard into the rest of my day and week and month. I have to fully commit to doing His will at every turn. When doing so, the rest of the 10 commandments are easy to keep and abide.

When you look at your approach to each day, where are you starting? Are you working to do go works in hopes of honoring God? What if you were to commit to God and allow that commitment to drive the rest of the day, week, month, and your life?

“¹⁰I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity.” – Philippians 4:10 (ESV)

Here Paul is letting the Philippians know that he is okay. He is thanking them for their renewed interest in his well being. He acknowledges their concern for him and points out that since he was not with them, they had minimal opportunity to assist.

Isn’t that what I and we all experience. We may be concerned, but feel somewhat helpless as there may be little we can do in the moment since we are not there specifically to provide. We find ourselves in a situation where the opportunity to help does not match our concern for the need. I know that I will find myself in the position of settling on the idea that it is out of my hands and, there is nothing I can do.

But wait, we can always help. We have to look for and make the opportunity appear.

“¹⁶Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. ¹⁷Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. ¹⁸I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.” – Philippians 4:16-18 (ESV)

The Philippians did not do nothing. They made opportunities to help. They sent supplies and gifts to/for Paul, regardless of where he was. They found a way to give back. Shouldn’t we all do the same. I should not be giving up, I should be ramping up and making help possible. I should “just do it” as the famous slogan from Nike says. I have to create the chance to impact change and assist. I have to find the ones that are set up and join with them to do the work.

It is my responsibility to help and provide. I cannot take defeat and the attitude that all is lost. I have to look for and make opportunities to do the work and seize those chances to make a difference.

When have you given up thinking that the chance to assist was not available or had passed? Are you accepting the idea that you are not able to help? What if you made the opportunity and then did all you could to seize it in the interest of helping out?

The devil lives in the darkness and when we are in the darkness, that is where he will proceed to take his opportunities to influence me. Darkness in this sense is referring to evil. I want to be clear that I am not suggesting that I am evil, but I will say again that I am a sinner and will do evil from time to time in the form of sinning. That sinning comes from the place where I am not focused on the good that is God. I have to remember that where there is light, darkness is cannot be.

“⁵This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” – 1 John 1:5 (ESV)

You can see in the above verse that where God is, evil cannot exist. I have to remember to fill myself with light and let it shine.

“⁸for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light” – Ephesians 5:8 (ESV)

Now, walking in the light, as I mentioned, does not mean that I am without sin. I will still find myself in the darkness from time to time as I will become angry and upset with situations. When I am in the darkness the devil will take that opportunity to attack and lean on me to sin and commit evil acts. I am human and these times are going to manifest. However, it is my duty as a follower of Christ to avoid those times as much as possible and be aware of them to get out of them as soon as possible and lean of Christ to get me out with a focus on Him and the light He gives.

“³¹Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.” – Ephesians 4:31 (ESV)

“²⁶Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, ²⁷and give no opportunity to the devil.” – Ephesian 4:26-27 (ESV)

I look at the above verses and see how I should approach anger and evilness. I have to let it go. I cannot hold onto the anger and bitterness. First, it is not healthy, and more importantly, it is not being the example of Christ. Anger that is justified is certainly okay to have, harboring that anger in a situation or about another is not the thing of Christians. I have to get past the anger and move to the place of love and forgiveness as the example of Christ.

“³²Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32 (ESV)

When I am able to move back into the light and be the example of Christ’s love, I will remove opportunities from the devil in his quest to influence me. Yes, the devil will still be looking for his chances, but when I am in the light of Christ, those chances are few and far between.

When have you found yourself in the darkness and influence of the devil? Are you finding yourself in those situations often? What if you were to lean on the light of Christ and His light, where would the devil find his opportunities in your life?

“¹⁰So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” – Galatians 6:10 (ESV)

“Do good to everyone”, that is what I am seeing here in this verse. Take every opportunity, not only to serve, as I have written before, but to do good.

We are in a world today where everyone seems to be looking out for themselves and working for that self-aggrandizement. I see it at every turn, whether in the media, entertainment, sports, schools, the grocery store, and even on the highway. Everyone is about themselves in their thinking. Whereas there is some sense of caring for oneself needed, the extent of only thinking of oneself is not the idea.

Doing good is good. I should be a beacon of right in the world and others should see that I am not against others. I should be seen picking up trash, conserving energy, recycling, and doing charity work. It is worth it for others to see and use me as an example. But, doing good to others and everyone is much more impactful. I am not just here to do good, but to bring joy to others. I should be seen picking up those that fall, leading others to Christ, carrying groceries, praying with strangers, and allowing others to go before me. That is being good to everyone as opposed to just being good.

It is not about me and I have to remember that. I am here to do God’s work in the world for which I am a part. I am here to do good and to do good to everyone at every opportunity.

What opportunities have you to do good? Are you working to do good and do good to everyone or is there a sense of self-aggrandizement in your work? What if we focused on doing good to everyone, not just on doing good?

As a Christian, I have been set free from the law of man. I am no longer ultimately bound by man’s law. I live and abide by God’s law. That is a tricky subject when there is no explanation or understanding. I am ultimately bound by the law of God. When everything is in alignment that means that I will abide by man’s law as well. But that is the key, when everything is in alignment. When they are not aligned, I should be concerned with abiding in God’s law even to the extent of going against man’s law.

The freedom I have gained in God’s law, allows me to follow the tasks that God has for me more freely as I am not bound to adhering to the law of man to accomplish that which God has for me. The thing is that the tasks God has for me are to serve and not to rule and therefore there is little chance of me going against the law of man.

“¹³For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not user your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” – Galatians 5:13 (ESV)

And there it is. The edict from Paul. Serve one another with every opportunity presented. My freedom has been provided by God with my salvation and that freedom is for His glory and should be used in service of Him and all that we come in contact. I am tasked with taking all opportunities and using them to serve as opposed to being served. I am here to give, not to take. I am to seek His glory and not my own.

“²⁶It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, ²⁷and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, ²⁸even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Matthew 20:26-28 (ESV)

I have been set free by Christ and have a responsibility to Him through all that I do. As Jesus said in verse 28 above, “even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve”, I have the responsibility to serve as opposed to being served. The greatest will serve and the least will be served. I have to take every opportunity to serve and when I am serving, I am bringing glory to God and completing the tasks He has for me.

What service opportunities are you finding in your day to day? Are you looking for the chance to be of service to others or those opportunities to be served by others? What if we took every opportunity to serve for the glory of God as opposed to for our own glory?