“³But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, ⁴so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” – Matthew 6:3-4 (ESV)

Transparency is something I know that I am taught and teach in my role as a corporate training professional. I have read and studied on that topic and truly believe that it is the best policy to let others know what you are doing and the reasons for it. It is vital to the health of an organization to allow others to see and know the work that is being done so they are able to assist and feel a part of the work, not just being asked to do the work.

And this is also a sticking point as to being outspoken about all that we are doing. It is important to allow others to see what is taking place so that they are able to take place themselves. What is being said here by Jesus is to guard against the seeking of rewards here in this world. We are to do what is right for His sake and not our own. It is not important that everyone see what we are doing and frankly we should not be drawing attention to ourselves or the actions we are taking. Boasting about “all of the charitable work” one is doing and showing all that which comes from it is self-aggrandizement and a demonstration of putting your work ahead of the charitable work. We should be doing what is right by God and allow Him to provide the reward for our actions.

It is great to celebrate the solving of a problem or providing for a need. It may even be a great idea to draw attention to the problem or need to drive others to help out where they can. But that is where we have to be careful. It is not about our work on that problem or need. We should draw attention to the problem or need and not our role in that. We should be careful to not make it about us. It is about the need or problem and who is there to solve it should not be of consequence. The person or organization that is to solve the problem or need should not be the point of the action taken. There does not need to be an awards ceremony or a press release to honor those that helped, only the celebration of the solving of the problem or provision for the need. The who should be secretive and known primarily to God as he will reward you for the work.

What role do you play where problems are presented and needs are found? Are you willing to help only if you get the credit for the work being done? What if you just do the work of God in secret and present the need for more work to be done in the interest of solving the problems and providing for the needs?

This morning I read in Hosea a verse that I have looked at before, by the notes left in my bible. I am continuing my study of the word “right” and this passage leads me to the LORD’s ways being right.

“⁹Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them; for the ways of the LORD are right, and the upright walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them.” – Hosea 14:9 (ESV)

The title of my thoughts this morning tell the obvious story behind this verse. I will say that where obvious, it is not something that is or would be easy to act on. I like to think that as a Christian, I am walking in the way of the LORD, but even as a Christian, I am still a sinner and as such find myself a transgressor and will stumble.

I mentioned above that I had been to this verse in a study once before and my notes indicate so. Here is what I wrote: “See your path forward with the light of the LORD. Avoid the stumbles where we can.” I will still stumble in this world. I am a transgressor and a sinner. I may stumble through life in this world, but I should be doing so as I walk in the LORD’s way. I stand upright with God and am proud of my heritage with him, but I also know that I am a sinner and will continue to struggle with the workings of this world.

I have to remember that this world is not my destination, but my work environment. Any work that I/we do has good days and bad. I have to look for the good days, however know that those bad days are going to be there and I have to find the way to power through the stumbles and get right back up, dust myself off, and walk upright in the way of the LORD. Whatever struggles there are on the path are worth the struggle when you consider the destination I am headed to in the end. Walk in the way of the LORD and work through the stumbles as a Christian they will be fewer than we think.

What path are you experiencing every day? Are you walking in the way of the LORD? What if you did and experienced the stumbles (knowing they will be there as a sinner) to experience the glory that awaits as a Christian?

“¹²There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” – Proverbs 14:12 (ESV)

I am sure that most have heard the saying, “If it seems to good to be true, then it probably is.” Well, that is what I get here in this verse from Proverbs. I have a number of times been going down a path and realized that things are progressing a little to easily and without much to stand in the way. There is a false sense of success as we move through things without much difficulty. We start to develop a “big head” at the wins and consider ourselves untouchable.

And then we reach a point and everything falls apart. We never saw it coming and did not prepare. We are “blindsided” by our own inability to see thanks to the rose colored glasses we are wearing that shield us from reality.

I have to remember that things that are worth having or pursuing are always going to be difficult. I am not going to be able to go on “business as usual” to achieve. I will have to give of myself and work for that which is the path God has in store for me.

Yes, salvation is a gift and is given freely from God to me. All I have to do is wholeheartedly accept the gift and then stay with God the rest of the way. This is not the easy path.

“¹³Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. ¹⁴For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” – Matthew 7:13-14 (ESV)

Jesus says the above and we should certainly take heed. Again, those things that seem easy enough, we should be weary of and question. That easy does not mean that something will go sideways, but the likelihood is higher as the “wide” and “easy” are just what the evil one is bringing to get us off track with God.

The big take away here for me is that I have to be on guard for that which seems to good to be true. I have to watch for the easy way and prepare for what might be coming in it’s place. Just because it seems right, does not mean that it is right.

When you are progressing through something, what is your reaction when things are going a little to right? Are you looking for the easy path as your move forward? What if we instead, embraced and understood to be careful when things seem right?

What a loaded statement and one that does not provide much help in understanding. Well let’s take a look at Proverbs.

“²⁵Let you eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. ²⁶Ponder the path of your feet then all your ways will be sure. ²⁷Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.” – Proverbs 4:25-27 (ESV)

In looking at these verses, I get a bit more clarity as to what it means to stay on the right path. It is up to me to start down the right path before I can stay on it. I have to find the point that I am striving to get to, as noted in verse 25 above. Then I have to “ponder” or “carefully consider” (CSB) every step I should be taking. And then finally I have to stay the course.

All of this starts with verse 25 as I wrote above. I have to know where it is I am looking to go. I have to have a destination and then in order to reach that destination I have to be sure a map things out for my journey. Jon Gordon writes in his book “Training Camp” about taking out the “telescope” to look into the distance at where it is we are looking to go. Have that far off vision of what it is we are working to accomplish.

After we have determined where it is we are looking to go, it is time to map out the route we are going to take to get there. It is important to take a critical look and plan accordingly to avoid missteps along the way. I have to take a close look at the path to achieve and then work to stay the course as there will be the firm and solid path to reach the goal God has for my life with Him.

And finally, I have to remember to stay the course as noted in verse 27. I have to stay straight toward the goal. There is evil and destruction on all sides of us. When I am following with discipline the path set out, I am more likely to avoid the significant challenges that will be presented. And that is the thing, more likely to avoid. I am going to be tempted to step off the path and it is that discipline that will keep me moving toward God.

Will there be times that sin will drag or knock me off the path I have set out to follow, of course. It is the discipline to follow the path that will aid in my avoiding the significant challenges and will lead me back to the path God has for me. I have to keep my eye through the telescope and know that I am working toward the vision that God has for me to achieve. I have to conscious of and working toward staying on the right path.

When you think about the path you are on, where are you focused? Are you looking to reach a particular goal, or just looking to move? What it you found and focused on staying on the right path that leads to and is for God?

“¹The LORD says to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.’” – Psalm 110:1 (ESV)

I was confused as I began reading this morning. Being referred to as Lord is kind of a big deal. It was not until I dig into the commentary that it makes more sense. I am reading Davids account and as the anointed king he was a Lord of the land and simply identifies himself as such. This helped me to understand more of the verse and passage.

David was a Lord by account and therefore was in a position of authority and power. He was certainly capable of doing things for himself and protecting himself from the likes of his enemies. But, take a look at the verse and how David relies heavily on God to do the work. David states that the LORD God says to him. And that is where the importance is as I see it. David is acknowledging his place with God. David is the receiver of the protection and not the giver. He is given the place of honor as God deals with all that is before him in the world. Even in his powerful stature as king, David was still under the authority and protection of God and he was excited to be there. He celebrated the idea that God was there to protect and fight for him to defeat his enemies.

David knew his place and where he fit into the kingdom of God. Yes, David was a king himself and he was the anointed one and a man after God’s own heart, but he was still just a man and needed God just the same as we do each and every day. I have to remember my place as I continue to go through this world myself. I am just a sinner in this world and I have to submit to the LORD in all that I do and remember not to place myself in His position at any time. I am just a man and the LORD is the LORD.

Where do you consider yourself in the world today? Are you one that considers yourself above the fray and in those positions that are greater than others? What if you were to submit to God and know your place as that of protected as opposed to protector?

Earlier in my study of the word “right” I was introduced to right meaning steadfast and firm and that it was a symbol and used in protection. This is not lost on me here this morning.

“⁸My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.” – Psalm 63:8 (ESV)

David laments the fact that he is in the wilderness and without sleep and constantly on alert. He is “running for his life” and yet, he knows that God is with him. He knows that he is out there physically on his own, but God is there with him spiritually and that gives him comfort. So much so does he know the power of God he exclaims that God’s “right hand” is there to protect and lift him up in this time of need.

Thankfully for me, God provides the same as He did for David. The LORD is here for me in all of my times. As we see with David above, He is there to protect me and gives the strength I need to be lifted up. When things are in what we would consider a dire time, God gives His “right hand” to us as uplifting and protecting. God gives me His hand to love at all times and when needed He gives me His “right hand”. What a wonderful God is He. Giving what I need most at all times. Whether a simple loving embrace, or a shield of protection with a side of fighting the battle for me. God is good.

I am not deserving of that which God gives and can only be thankful for it all. He knows my needs at all times and will give me His “right hand” when the situation calls for it. Thank you God for being my guide and protector and guiding and shielding me with not just your hand, but your right hand.

When you need it, where are you looking for guidance and protection? Are you still trying to do things on your own? What if you were to know and yield to the hands of God in your life and situations?

“¹⁰Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” – Psalm 51:10 (ESV)

As I was studying and reviewing this morning I found that here the word “right” is referencing the ability to be steadfast or firm or constant. It is a great reminder in this passage to look to God and His steadfast love to gain steadfastness for ourselves.

I want to be clear in my words as to not confuse our common thoughts and ideas related to being right. Normally when I think of being right, I think of being correct, and that is not at all what is being conveyed here. Having a “right spirit” is about alignment with God. I look and will strive to be right in line with God each day. I know that He and I will clash and not get along from time to time, however isn’t that the way it is with strong relationships. We are not always on the same page as each other, but the love we have for one another is more important than being correct in thought and speech. In our relationship with God, we have to lean on Him to love us and we do the same back and as such He will have the opportunity to lift us up and renew in us a steadfast, firm, and constant spirit.

I choose to look to be “right” with God. And when I do, He will be “right” with me.

When you are out there, what is your view of “right”? Are you looking at the relationship with God and others as opposed to just being correct? What if you were to rely on God to renew your spirit to “right”, how much better off might you be?

“⁸the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;” – Psalm 19: (ESV)

This morning, as usual, God provide what I need when I need it. As I read this passage, I was reminded of the absoluteness of God and how He opens our eyes to see understand that which is before us.

Today I have an opportunity to be a voice and whereas what I have to communicate is not necessarily what likely wants to be heard, it comes from a place of good and love as I look to improve the environment to which I am a part. With this passage, God provides the understanding that what I have to say may not be liked, but it serves a purpose and needs to be communicated.

God’s everything is right and enlightening is to mean for me that when we are following the will of God, we are doing what is right in His eyes and for that we are to be not ashamed. He provides us with what is right and it is our role to dig in and open our eyes to His will and be enlightened or seek to understand. When we seek to understand, things are revealed and our mind is cleared and we are able to go in the direction that glorifies Him.

I am enlightened today that God will provide me with the words to say to enlighten others to the needs for improvement that will drive a more effective environment for all involved. I cannot be discouraged by the inability of others to be enlightened, it is my task to bring the love of God to all and allow Him to do His work in them. I must however remain diligent in the seeking of understanding and know that when I am following the will of God, IT IS RIGHT.

What is going on in your life that warrants your attention to focus on the will of God? Are you looking for that which is right? What if you were to devote yourself to the will of God and approach with knowing that His will is right and allow yourself to be enlightened by Him?

“⁸I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.” – Psalm 16:8 (ESV)

I have looked into what “at my right hand” means as I am in a study of the word “right”. In the commentary of my Christian Standard Bible (CSB) it is noted that being “at the right hand” is the one protecting another. It was also where a soldier kept his sword in the right hand during hand-to-hand combat. I have this interpretation to be true in other scripture as well where God is at the right hand of Israel protecting them against enemies; Psalm 110:5, Psalm 63:8, Isaiah 63:12 to mention a few (as found here: What does it mean to sit at the right hand? – Follow In Truth).

I see here that David is celebrating the fact that the LORD is indeed at his right hand always. As such, David is confident in his ability to make it through whatever is before him. He has the greatest protection that there ever was or ever will be. David is ready to do battle against any foe with God at his right hand. In fact, the title to Psalm 16 in my CSB is “Confidence in the LORD” and in my ESV, “You Will Not Abandon My Soul”.

I should have the confidence as David does to progress in this world. God is at my right hand and gives me the strength to move forward for Him in all that I do. He is there in my defense all through every situation I have or will encounter.

What is your confidence in the LORD? Are you able to progress forward knowing that God is there to protect you every step of the way? What if we all approached the world with the confidence that the LORD is indeed there at our right hand providing the needed support for the work we do for Him?

Doing what is right is that which is on task. I am to do what is right “in the sight of the LORD”.

“¹⁸And you shall do what is right and good in the sight of the LORD, that it may go well with you, and that you may go in and take possession of the good land that the LORD swore to give to your fathers” – Deuteronomy 6:18 (ESV)

My goal is to do “right and good” for God. I strive to accomplish that goal and nothing else. What do I get for accomplishing that goal, well that is left up to God. That is the part that I do not have the control of although in accomplishing the goal, I know that I will be rewarded with what God has promised to reward. I will “take possession of the good” and that good is in heaven, not in this world.

I have to be willing to simply put my head down and do the work assigned and strive to reach the goal before me. What comes after is not for me to worry with right now. I have to look for the now and be content with the task at hand and work on that without concern for what is next. When I have done “right and good in the sight of the LORD”, I will have accomplished the Goal and will “take possession of the good” that has been promised, heaven.

I know that too often I look to the future to determine what it holds and that gets in my way of living and enjoying the moment. I have to remember that the moment is where I am, and until I get passed this moment, nothing else should be of concern. I am here now doing the work of God and that is my only priority and where my full focus and attention should be. What comes next will be whatever God has in store for me and will be there when I get there.

Our role here is to do that which is “right and good in the sight of the LORD”. When I am focused on that, I will reach the goal, exceed it and be rewarded with “possession of the good” that God has in store for me.

What are you focused on at this moment? Are you concerning yourself with what is to come? What if you were to focus instead on doing “what is right and good in the sight of the LORD” and allow the next to present itself when the next comes, knowing that the reward is the “possession of the good” God has for you?