Pointing Fingers

It Takes One To Know One

Rom 2:1-2 (ESV) —“Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things.”

Paul was writing mainly to Jews in Romans 2 that judged the Gentiles in the church, hypocritically and thought they were exempt from God’s judgment because they had not indulged in the sins Paul listed in Romans 1:28-32. Paul had recorded a whole catalog of human sins not confined only to immoral sexual sins as a result of turning away from God. These believers had more knowledge of the truth found in scripture. Therefore, they had greater accountability (James 3:1). “Every time you criticize someone, you condemn yourself. It takes one to know one. Judgmental criticism of others is a well-known way of escaping detection in your own crimes and misdemeanors.” Rom. 1b-2, from The Message. No one can escape the fact that we all are guilty of sin (Rom. 3:23). God does not have a list of any respectable sins that are not as bad as any others.

Paul addressed the Jews judgmental attitude. God did not condemn them merely because they judged others but because they had overlooked their own sins. They practiced some of the same sins on this list and their self-righteousness condemned them:

  • Envy
  • Murder
  • Strife – anger, harsh words, insults, sarcasm and ridicule
  • Deceit
  • Maliciousness and holding a grudge
  • Gossips
  • Slanderers – critical speech
  • Disobedient to parents
  • Foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless
  • Haters of God
  • Insolent – rude and arrogant and lack of respect
  • Inventors of evil
  • Pride
  • Lack of self-control
  • Un-discerning, untrustworthy, unloving, and unmerciful

Back in 2 Sam. 12:7 Nathan rebuked David. Nathan confronted David with a parable. He asked David what judiciously should be done? David denounced the guilty man in the scenario and became angry. He declared the man should die! Nathan’s response was: “You are the man!” Nathan went on to remind David all that God had done for him (anointed him king over Israel, delivered from Saul trying to kill him, etc.) and yet he fell into grave sin and in the end David did have sincere repentance.  Aren’t we all just like David in seeing other peoples sins before first examining our standing before the Lord? My own memory is often too short.

Why don’t I remember Matt. 7:2 automatically which states: “For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.” Ouch – I am often guilty.

When raised in a setting of legalism, criticism and judgmental attitudes are rampant. Perfectionists make others feel rejected and not accepted. “It is often said that it takes seven compliments to undo the effects of one criticism . . . Do we continually find fault with others, especially members of our own family or members of our own church?” Larry Osborne. Respectable Sins.

I think it comes down in the end to first praying and examining our own heart first before opening our mouth of judgment with humble love. We must thank God first for His righteousness and abundant mercy and grace – much undeserved that He has given to us. God’s judgment is righteous and just, but He is not soft. God judges our hearts and our real character.

Are you falling into any self-righteous traps today?

How can you apply Romans 2:1-2 along with Matthew 7:2?

We all must live out 2 Cor. 10:5b: “Take every thought captive to obey Christ.”

Listen to Mercy by Matt Redman with lyrics on YouTube.

When All You Can Do Is Live One Moment At A Time

Romans 1:17 NIV: “For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

Romans 1:17 is the key verse of Romans, announcing the theme of “the righteousness of God.” The word righteousness and other terms from the same Greek root – just, righteous, and justified, were used sixty times throughout Paul’s letter to the church at Rome. Paul quotes Habakkuk 2:4: But the righteous shall live by his faith,” in Romans 1:17. This verse is quoted three times in the New Testament (Rom. 1:17; Gal. 3:11; and Heb. 10:38). It is by faith that one receives the gift of salvation, through God’s Son. It is also by faith we must live out each day in victory, liberty, and security, out of our faith, hope, and trust in God Almighty from start to finish. For this to be repeated throughout scripture, it means we need to pay attention to this truth – “The righteous shall live by faith.”

What past trials in your life tested your faith? Is your list a long list or a short list? There was one big one that I went through years ago, that I remember that I had told the Lord, “If you get me through this I will never doubt you again!” Actually, there have been two or three since that one, that I have prayed the same prayer. But that one particular memory still stands out in my mind as God used it to move us from Minnesota to sunny California (Ps. 27:13-14 “. . . in the land of the living.” But that is another story for another time.).

What has caused your faith in God to grow? I think over my life and ask myself what has caused my faith to grow? It usually has come out of trials. God spoke to me, during a span of three or so years of several hard circumstances that were going on all at the same time, from Psalm 119:92-93, and I have never forgotten this: “If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life.” Those verses breathed life into those painful circumstances, and I saw God’s glory come forth later as I prayed the words of those verses. I had to trust in God’s righteousness, provision, healing, and justice, one moment at a time in faith, for God’s sovereign plan to be revealed. I asked God to let those verses be my testimony. Do you have a verse that you rely on to give you comfort, peace, and strength in your storm as you are anchored in your faith in God?

We start with a seed of faith in our heart, mind, and soul, at the time of our salvation. Trusting in Christ was our first step of faith by God’s grace (Ephe. 2:8), which was our undeserved privilege. The second step is for us to live out our faith one step at a time – and some days that requires just one moment at a time. Today is a new day. Live in the surrounding power of your faith in Christ’s righteousness as His presence goes with you today, leading you one step at a time.

A fitting song to listen to regarding faith and hope is David Crowder’s YouTube video of “ All My Hope (Official Music Video)” featuring Tauren Wells. Then listen and watch Danny Gokey’s “New Day (Lyric Video).” It will put a bounce to your step!

So What Is That To You?

John 21:22: “If I want him to remain until I come,” Jesus answered, “what is that to you?” As for you, follow me.”

Those five words said by Jesus to Peter, in John 21 have stuck out at me – from the last chapter of John – “what is that to you?”. Peter had looked at John, who served closely in ministry with Peter, was an intimate friend, and who was also a follower of Jesus as is stated in verse 20b: “follower whom Jesus loved,” and asked Jesus “what about him?”

I see Peter as having a magnetic personality and very human. Peter was strong, not lazy, a take-charge leader. He made decisions quickly. Peter knew how to get things done. He was sincere. However, he was impulsive and acted like a coward when he denied Christ (John 18:13-27) three times but wept bitterly in remorse afterward. Honesty was also one of his strong points, and he had charisma. Peter eventually learned to depend upon the Lord to accomplish things for God in his ministry instead of depending upon his own abilities.

Peter had a conversation with Jesus as they walked along the shore – just the two of them. Peter noticed John was following them behind the group. Of all of the disciples, John behaved the most honorably. John remained close to Jesus during His trials and crucifixion. We read that John was a follower “whom Jesus loved” in John 21:20. Peter had his ups and downs in comparison. I am sure Peter felt like a failure as he looked at John, and felt inferior to John. John was the God-appointed messenger to announce the arrival of Jesus. He was a fearless confronter. It was John who first realized the stranger on the shore was Jesus (John 21 – when they had gone fishing). No doubt Peter struggled with feelings of past shame, frustration, and guilt in comparison to John. But that is never God’s response. Sound familiar?

Jesus’ prophecy to Peter regarding his own death of martyrdom prompted Peter’s question. It could have been out of sincere concern regarding John’s future when Peter asks Jesus “what about this one” – what about John? Jesus tells Peter to do what Peter is supposed to do and let Jesus manage John. Jesus rebukes Peter and says: “What is that to you?” He then repeats His earlier admonition to Peter which was – “Follow me!

I believe we can learn from the impact of this verse in John 21:22, and then act on the application of, ”so what, what is that to you (my added paraphrase).” We all have weaknesses and imperfections. Peter emerged from his previous failure transformed with Christ-confidence instead of his own self-confidence. We don’t need to compare ourselves to anyone else doing good things too and feel we are lacking because each believer has the light of God within their heart, and we possess the light of salvation (Matt. 16:24). We are all called to bring glory to God in all that we do. We must live our life in supreme faithfulness to the Lord and not compare it to anyone else’s. We must not let distractions derail us. Jesus tells us too, “So what is that to you? Follow Me!

Listen to Lauren Daigle – You Say (Official Music Video).

Set Apart And United in Truth

John 17:17-19: “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.”

Jesus prayed for Himself, for His disciples, and for future believers, before He was betrayed, arrested, His crucifixion, and ascension up to heaven. In John 17, Jesus prayed that they would have unity in love just as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are united in one in the Trinity. This bond is bound in a common purpose, in growing in the truth of God’s Word and applying it to our lives daily while being filled with joy which is a display of God’s glory and a witness to the world. Jesus also prayed that God would “keep them from the evil one.” That God would protect His chosen believers from Satan and all wicked forces (Matt. 6:13) as Satan is a master deceiver. But God is the light that shines and overcomes with peace and comfort, as Ps. 27:1 declares: “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world (John 16:33).”

Jesus next prayed that God would set the disciples apart – to sanctify them. The definition of the word “sanctify” means to make holy. To free from sin; purify – to set apart. We as believers are being conformed to the image of Jesus Christ which is an on-going process of sanctification and is a result of our salvation. The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin and continues the process of purification. In reading God’s Word it purifies our attitudes, thoughts, and actions which involves the continual change in us of this word – sanctification. As we grow in Christ our life should reveal the character of Christ and His presence, as we become conformed to the truth as 1 Thess. 5:23 states: “Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

What intimate memories these disciples had of Jesus’ earnest prayer for them, to His Father, before His death, burial, and resurrection up to Heaven, that was just hours away, and who is the continuing intercessor. Romans 8:34 states: “Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died – more than that, who was raised – who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.”

What do you think Christ is interceding with God for you about right now?

As you read God’s Word, what verses give you inner joy, power for holy living, and more love for Christ and for others? How is that sanctifying you with the truth found in God’s Word?

Warren Wiersbe has said: “How can we be overcome by the world when we have the Word of God to enlighten us, enable us, and encourage us?”  Revelation 22:20 declares: “He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come Lord Jesus!”

Listen to David Crowder – Red Letters (Official Music Video).

That Special Finishing Touch

John 15:11-14: “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.”

Do you ever just feel irritable? You are not sure why, but your patience with people runs short. Your expectations were not met, and you are left disappointed and disenchanted. You feel let down. You don’t understand incompetence – not having the necessary skills to do something successfully which falls into your particular gifted strengths. Have you been there?

Jesus told his disciples in John 15:9 that He loved them and to abide in His love. He further explained that when we obey and follow His commandments, we remain in His love and that is when our joy will be complete. The Greek word “chara translated “complete” means total, perfect, thorough, delight, to make full, to complete. It involves having all the necessary parts – adding the final touch. It describes a feeling of inner gladness, enjoyment, cheerfulness and has to do with pleasure. The joy of Jesus abides in us out of His love for us, and therefore we are commanded to love others as Christ has loved us. Jesus repeated His command, in John 15:12 and again in verse 17: “Love one another.” The next time I feel irritated I need to remind myself of this command because that would change my view and my response – being obedient.

There is a difference between “happiness” and “having joy.” Happiness is an emotion and has to do with feelings ranging from satisfaction, contentment, to bliss. It is the opposite of sadness. John Piper defines “joy” as, “Christian joy is a good feeling in the soul, produced by the Holy Spirit, as he causes us to see the beauty of Christ in the word and in the world.” The Lord’s Word brings joy and is felt in our soul. Joy is produced by the Holy Spirit – “The fruit of the (Holy) Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, (and) self-control” Galatians 5:22-23.

When things are going well, we feel happy. Maybe elated is the word to use. But pure joy, as we abide in Christ and reflect on His eternal presence with us, transcends the rolling waves and mountains of our circumstances. Everyone has a Goliath in their life from time to time. Whatever gets us the most (the most irritated) can bring us down. You may feel intense pressure. But despite our failures, we can have the joy of the Lord that transcends difficult circumstances as Jesus declared in John 16:24b: “Ask and you shall receive, that your joy may be full.”

In the Old Testament, only Abraham and Moses were called “the friends of God.” Here Jesus calls us as obedient believers His friends. We are commanded to love others entirely as He has loved us, for then we are obeying Christ’s command. Then our joy will be complete – have no missing pieces – be given the finishing touch. Happiness is a choice. May you see and experience the beauty of Jesus Christ in creation, in people, and in your life, that will fill your heart up with joy more fully today. Choose to encourage more than you critique. Make your words a fountain of life (Prov. 10:11) and add that finishing touch to someone in need of receiving and seeing your joy that the Holy Spirit has made complete in you.

Listen and watch Give Me Jesus by Danny Gokey (YouTube)

When You Don’t Know What To Say

John 14:26: “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”

In John 14:26, Jesus stated to His disciples, that the Holy Spirit, who He called “the Helper” would be sent after Jesus’ resurrection as an intimate and permanent indwelling of the Spirit in the heart of every believer (Jn. 15:26). The Greek term parakletos was used here only by John (14:6, 26; 15:26; 16:7; 1 John 2:1) in describing the Holy Spirit. It means coming alongside, assisting. He would be their advocate, helper, counselor, intercessor, and comforter. The Holy Spirit was going to be sent to continue to teach what Jesus had said and help the disciples remember what He had been teaching them. The Holy Spirit is our modern day spiritual tutor and coach. He will teach us everything we need to know about the truth of the gospel and the truth found in God’s Word as we ask, dig, and seek to learn more. He is the only reliable source for transforming our mind and heart as we read His Word and gain understanding in instruction and encouragement from the scriptures so we might have hope (Rom. 15:4) as He works in us and through us.

Isaiah 59:21a states: “And as for me, this is my covenant with them, says the LORD: “My Spirit that is upon you, and my words that I have put in your mouth, shall not depart out of your mouth.” God has promised to bring what His Word says that we have read, back into our minds, that we will remember it (“will not return void” Isa. 55:11 KJV). The Holy Spirit will remind us of verses to convict us of sin when we stray from the truth, are self-righteous, and have wrong actions. He gives us an understanding of His will and teaches us when lacking wisdom. The Holy Spirit will bring back to our memory of God’s Word when we are witnessing to someone. Just this past week I saw two women at my front door, while I was working in my office. I needed to leave for a sales call meeting with a customer in LA, so I knew I only had five minutes to speak with them. Other times I have ignored the two callers at my front door and pretended I was not home. This time I decided to answer the door. The one woman tried to engage me with how many of us are suffering in this world, and the hostile political climate is frightening as she handed me her pamphlet. She started to talk about how we all are struggling with fears, knowing that I would agree and did. But since I have been reading in John recently, certain verses were fresh in my mind about Jesus that the Holy Spirit brought to my memory. The woman liked that I was interested in spiritual things and said so, as I saw she was smiling that we had a point of agreement (reminded me of my college class on the Art of Persuasion) when I said that the Bible has much to say about many of our fears we struggle with today. I continued to share with her about Jesus being God’s son and shared the gospel with her. Her face looked very puzzled and stunned. The look on her face suddenly changed. She suddenly looked sad and broke eye contact and stopped talking. She looked down. Then they left. I was thankful I had just been reading in the book of John and pray she opens a Bible and begins to understand its truth for herself.

Jesus said to his disciples in John 13:12, after washing their feet, “Do you understand what I have done for you?” I wondered if my few words that I spoke to this woman she understood or would think about what Jesus Christ had sacrificially done for her, and her choice is to accept or reject Him?

The Holy Spirit teaches us it tells us in John 14:26. When you read the Bible, ask – what is God teaching me about Himself? What are you being reminded of that He taught you before?

I need to ask myself, how can I set my mind and my heart to seek and live for the Lord, from what the Holy Spirit has taught me in my Bible reading today? The next time you are challenged, let the Holy Spirit remind you of Jesus’s words giving insight, transforming you to be competent, not merely trusting your feelings. Having courage, have a humble, just, and Christ-like response, and most importantly, have hope and peace twenty-four hours a day. Shalom.

Listen to Spirit Lead Me (Lyrics) Michael Kettterer & Influence Music. It is a song (YouTube) about following the leading of the Holy Spirit and the wisdom of the Word of God.

A Flashlight That Never Goes Out

John 3:21: “But whoever does what is true, comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”

When you lose power in your home, everything is dark. You can’t see without lighting a candle or turning on a flashlight that must have working batteries. Having a light dispels the darkness.

Light is used as a metaphor throughout scripture to symbolize God, our heavenly father, faith, holiness, the truth of the Word of God, and the gospel message according to Jesus Christ. Light refers to Biblical truth, moral purity or holiness, whereas darkness refers to sin or wrongdoing. There are 100 Bible verses that talk about light. Here are six of them to think about:

  • John 12:46: “I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.”
  • John 1:5: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
  • John 8:12: “Again Jesus spoke to them saying – “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
  • Psalm 27:1: “The LORD is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?”
  • 1 Peter 2:9: “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
  • Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.”
  • Matthew 5:16: “In the same way, let your light (like a lamp) shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

God’s Word is like a flashlight, shining the light into our hearts and mind. We receive its truth and it guides us, gives us hope, increases our faith, as we apply it to our life. A godly life gives convincing testimony of God’s saving power that brings glory to God. Our integrity will then reflect the light of God’s character.

Every person has a fundamental need to be loved, to be accepted by others. Showing love to the unlovely will reveal God’s light into their life. Our own words are just a piece of sharing the gospel, of shining the “light” into their life.

Here is a question we all must ask ourselves: Am I doing or saying what is true as a believer in Christ? When I have fellowship with God how is His “light” shining into my heart, soul, and mind? Is my walk showing His light throughout my day?

A Puritan, named Richard Sibbes, said: “Measure not God’s love and favor by your own feeling. The sun shines as clearly in the darkest day as it does in the brightest. The difference is not in the sun, but in some clouds which hinder the manifestation of the light thereof.”

Dear sister, loved by God, dear brother, loved by God, remember, God is accomplishing things in you, with you, and around you, as His light of truth speaks to you, as you read His Word. This supernatural light will never go out or ever need new batteries because you have the “light of life (John 8:12).”

Listen to Here I Am Lyric Video by Jeremy Camp.

Clothed With Power From On High

Luke 24:45; 49 NIV: “Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. I am going to send you what my Father has promised, but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

Are you in a period in life when you need guidance or wisdom from above? You are asking God, “What do you want me to do?” Or are you in an in-between time? Are you wondering how your current circumstance is going to all fit together? As Jesus supernaturally opened the minds of the disciples, He reminded them what He had taught them. He explained how it all fit together (the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms) before He ascended to Heaven so that they could understand God’s Word, the necessity for His suffering and death, and proclaim it to the world how lost sinners can be saved. He will do the same for us, through His Holy Spirit illuminating the text to our hearts and then to our minds as we read the Bible. That is our power source and manual for life on this earth in being a Spirit-filled witness. God’s Word has the power to penetrate our soul and spirit. That is where we find wisdom, guidance, and instruction in what is God’s will for our life – one day at a time as we may be feeling we are in yet another survival mode.

Our Pastor Todd said it so eloquently this past Sunday in his sermon: “Living spirit-filled is living moment by moment, being Christ-conscious, in a Scripture-saturated life. Being filled with the Holy Spirit is not getting more of Him but of Him getting more of you.”

Are you in a trial right now or experiencing a particular failure? What do you need God to remind you of what He has taught you? God did not ever tell Job the “why” regarding all the consecutive trials he went through. It had nothing to do with Job letting God down. Think about that. But in God’s eyes, there was no one like Job in all the earth, and for years people have found comfort in the book of Job. Someone may find support and help from your story. At times all we have is our faith and obedience – that is what matters as you guard your heart by delving into God’s Word.

Larry Osborne has said: “Success, failure, and inner peace don’t tell me much when it comes to measuring my spirituality or my relationship with God . . . obeying his commands remains the best way to know how I’m doing, and how to stay in the center of God’s will.”

The Holy Spirit may empower your trial to be a light to someone else in need someday. Discouragement can lead us in the wrong direction. Oh how that has happened to me at times! I have to continually remind myself to be faithful, available, and teachable when an anticipated expectation falls short and turns into a disappointment. I have to tell myself that that is when God may use me in some way that I didn’t expect, and I pray the words from Psalm 119:18: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

Humbly remember, you have been clothed with power from on high and are being gradually transformed into Christlikeness through prayer and through reading the Word of God. Side note – God is more concerned about the decision maker than the decision. As an author and Christian women’s speaker, Elize Fitzpatrick said over and over recently, at our women’s conference at Crossroads Community Church – “Flee to Jesus!”

“We humans must confess, ‘I am because he is.’ Only God can say ‘I AM WHO I AM’.” Jen Wilken. None Like Him: 10 Ways God Is Different From Us.

Listen to Fight on Fighter (Lyric Video) by King & Country.

Exalted Humility

Luke 14:11: “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

My NIV Application Bible has an accurate definition of what humility is and is not: “Humility is not self-degradation; it is realistic assessment and commitment to serve.”

What if I only compared myself to Jesus? Realizing my sinfulness, and comprehend, acknowledge, understand my limitations – but without making any excuses – just being realistic of how God created me. Then affirming that, and be thankful to God who created me, as I follow His direction in my life. That no doubt would dissipate a lot of fears regarding my success in my performance in my job, as a wife, as a mother, as a grandmother, in a group of women- oh the list could go on and on! God has a purpose for each person – He didn’t leave anyone out because He is the great I AM, Jehovah Nissi (battle fighter; gives us hope and should be our focal point), Elohim (God, judge, creator).

I remember one of my Grandma Helmers’ words of wisdom: “Linda, it is better that someone else says how great you are rather than yourself. Why don’t people get that?” I chuckle – she always had a few select nuggets of wisdom that were her pet peeves about people that I still remember from time to time that spoke such truth. I miss her.

A famous man that was a visiting professor in the early 1930s at Caltech in Pasadena, is noted for saying the following: “Try not to become a man of success,” said Albert Einstein, “but try to become a man of value.”

“Humility is a fundamental grace in the Christian life, and yet it is elusive; if you know you have it, you have lost it!” states Warren Wiersbe.

One of Satan’s greatest sinful weapon against us is pride. God wants us to be humble, but Satan will use our pride to trip us up and be drawn away from God (“Prone to wander Lord I feel it . . .”). God wants us to depend upon His grace, as James 4:6 says: “ But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Oh, how our ego loves to be fed and fanned. So often I am in need of God’s grace! Whenever I am feeling humiliation, it is generally due to my lack of humility and wishing I could take back my words (yes, that just happened again to me just this week). How about you?

“Whatever makes us feel superior to other people, whatever tempts us to convey a sense of superiority that is the gravity of our sinful nature, not grace.” Phillips Brooks.

Listen to the Newsboys newest song that came out in January 2019, “The Greatness of Our God” Official Lyric Video.

When Feeling Insignificant

Luke 12:6-7 “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.”

Often we women struggle with our value or worth when we compare ourselves to other women. Men do not seem to fall into this trap as often as us women (as often is the key phrase). We frequently compare ourselves to a woman we think is better gifted and has more talents than we do and it may turn into envy. We differentiate other women’s abilities as being better than our own, and we often feel we fall short and are not content. Then we struggle with needing approval and can’t get away from the merry-go-round of feeling invisible and wonder if anyone remembers us or cares? It is a puddle (or lake?) of dissatisfaction – feeling insignificant. It is another fear we need to deal with that can turn into a stronghold.

We all judge people by their performance, their achievements, and how they look. We live in a very competitive culture. But God looks at the heart – not the outward appearance. Why is that not our first inclinatioin?

Jesus declared in Luke 12:6-7 and in Matthew 10:31 that He controls the timing and circumstances of all of His creation – even the sparrows and the number of hairs on our head. God commands it all. “Divine providence governs even the smallest details and even the most mundane matters. These are very powerful affirmations of the sovereignty of God.” John MacArthur.

Sparrows are small seemingly insignificant birds. Sparrows were found in high numbers in Palestine and were of very little value. These birds were plentiful in population, troublesome, and five were bought for only about one hour’s worth of wages in Jerusalem. Sparrows were used as food for the poor. Therefore Jesus used a striking example of God not forgetting one insignificant sparrow and knowing the number of the hairs of your head show God’s providential care over the smallest details of our life. That shows us – we, you, I –  are of value to God. The most minor aspects of our life are all noticed by Him.

As Matthew 10:31 declared: “Even the hairs of your head are numbered. Fear not, therefore, you are of more value than many sparrows.”

It all goes back to redirecting our thoughts to God’s truths and promises to fight against the comparison idol. Here are some verses to keep close at hand when those thoughts arise of insignicance:

  • Psalm 18:2: “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, in whom I take refuge.”
  • Isaiah 41:10: “Fear not for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
  • Ephesians 1:11:In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will.”
  • Matthew 6:26: “Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap, nor gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”
  • Philippians 4:19: “And my God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
  • Psalm 86:11: “Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.”

“If you belong to Christ, God has a personal commitment to keeping you on His path – even if that means He will allow you to bang into a wall of dissatisfaction or get tangled in thorns of discontent every now and then . . . When you find yourself walled off from where you want to be, don’t focus on where you are. Rather focus on who God is and who He made you to be. Pray: Focus my heart on You, Lord, so I can honor Your name, not my wayward ways.” Jennifer Rothschild, Invisible. How You Feel Is Not Who You Are.

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