It's not About You

The self interest that is within each of us drives our decisions, our reactions and our choices in any given situation. It's inherent in our human nature to want the best for ourselves and our families and in most cases we are willing to go to battle for those things when confronted. 

We need to take a look at the bigger picture though. Just because we believe something is best for our family, doesn't mean that it is. We have limited knowledge and as such we are constrained in our ability to see what may ultimately come from these decisions. Who might get hurt, what dynamics around us are impacted because of decisions we make? 

God is all-knowing and all-seeing. He alone has a perspective that can see the end before the beginning. What we must learn to do is rely on His knowledge, wisdom and guidance; and put aside our own desires and interests. 

God is not a Santa Claus though and just because we want something doesn't mean it will come to pass. He alone knows what is good and righteous and kingdom building. We are often found taking the blessings provided by God and using them to satisfy our own needs without expanding His kingdom at all. 

Can you imagine that if everyone who prayed to win the LOTTO actually won. The payout would be only slightly more than the cost of the ticket. God's hand is not in the LOTTO drawing. God is into blessing those that will share that blessing with others, and become a stronger servant as a result of doing so. 

Few men have this characteristic, mind you, and often those that do are quiet in the shadows, unknown to you and I. A braggart is doing nothing but trying to draw attention to themselves. Focus on going to the Lord with sincerity in your heart and asking to be blessed, that you might share that blessing with others, all the while giving Him the glory.

" What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." James 4:1-3

The Old Tractor

“…‘Friend, I am not being unfair to you. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius?  Take your pay and go. I want to give the man who was hired last the same as I gave you.  Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?” – Matthew 20:13-15
Inequality – It’s Not Fare – Jealousy – Envy – Lust – Greed – Cheated - Betrayed

What other words can you think of to describe the emotions that run through our mind when we feel someone has wronged us?  It’s so hard in today’s world to take one’s eyes off of our own struggles, our own trials and focus on the blessings and joy that God has provided for us uniquely.  We find it easy to praise God and to rejoice with others as long as we are getting our fare share of the spoils, but what constitutes a fare share?

This parable found in Matthew 20:1-16 tells us that God’s love, His generosity, His grace and His eternal blessing is equally available to all mankind.  Why should this bother us so much?  Why should we be angered when another person accepts the graciousness and beauty of God’s salvation?  If someone’s life is completely unrighteous and filthy as seen through our eyes, isn’t the plan of salvation just as important for that person as it is for the person who has tried to live righteously? 

It’s like this.  A farmer’s tractor break’s down right in the middle of the harvest season.  He hits his knees that night and prays for God’s blessings and help in this situation, so he might finish the harvesting of his crop before the rains come.  The next day as the farmer was going to town he passed by another farm, where an aged tractor sat by the road, with a sign on it – “FREE – Just pay for the gas”  He walked up to the door to inquire, feeling unbelievably blessed that the Lord would answer his prayer this way.  When the door opened, a young man stood there with a baby in his arms and a few more toddlers by his feet; his eyes were red and puffy.  The farmer asked, “Sir – are you giving away your tractor?”  Nodding, the young man said, “Yes I am, as long as you pay for the gas to get it back to your place.”  The farmer couldn’t believe it, so he asked “Does it run, and will it work for harvesting my fields?”  With a smile, he replied, “Without a doubt, it’s solid and trustworthy.  My father meticulously took care of it ever since I was a kid.”  The farmer counted it a blessing and wasted no time, “I’ll take it young man.” And they shook hands to seal the deal.

 Later in the day, the farmer got a ride back to pick up the tractor and there was a line of trucks and cars in the young man’s drive way.  As the farmer made his way through the crowd he found the young man.  “I’ve come to get the tractor.”  He couldn’t help but ask, “Sir, what are all of these people doing here?”  The young man with tears in his eyes said to the farmer, “They are here for the same reason as you.  I am giving it all away.  You see my father ran this farm, and died this past week.  I know nothing of running a farm and need none of this stuff, so I’m giving it all away.  Here are the keys to the tractor, take good care of it, won’t you?”  Looking around the farmer noticed all of the things being loaded into trucks, and hooked to the back of trucks to be towed away.  He said to the young man, “I’m sorry about your father, I truly am, but why didn’t you tell me you were giving all of this away?  I would have taken it all off your hands.”  Biting his lower lip, the young man managed to say, “My father loved this community and it was his wish that his love be shared with all of them.  I was hoping you would still be grateful for the free tractor.”  The farmer walked away but couldn’t help from feeling jealous, cheated and less than grateful as he hoped aboard the aged tractor.  Turning the key, it started perfectly and the farmer pulled away toward his farm, for there was still much work to be done.

We are conditioned to never be satisfied.  The latest gadget comes out and we have to have it.  The neighbor gets a new car, and all of a sudden my car isn’t quite as good anymore.  We need to learn to be content in what the Lord has provided for us.  Count the blessings you do have, rather than focusing on those you do not have.  When all is said and done, is there anything more valuable than an eternity with God the Father? 

Heavenly Father,
Maker of all things, You have blessed me with health, joy, a wonderful family and a roof over my head.  You have met all of my needs and then some, and I stand before You spoiled by Your grace, love and mercy.  Thank You for Your plan of salvation and for providing for my family’s needs.  I ask You Lord to bless those who are less fortunate, provide shelter for those who are homeless and food for those who are hungry.  Help me be a vessel of Your love to all that I meet.  In Jesus name we pray – Amen.
© Sondove Enterprises, 2011
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Passion Week: Fruitful Prayer is Blessed

"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." - Mark 11:24

The 3rd day of Christ's last week before His death and resurrection.  We find our Savior back in Jerusalem, teaching in the temple for the last time, sharing numerous parables with His followers and disciples.

This scripture has always represented such an open statement of truth, but so often misunderstood.  Does this mean I pray to win the lottery every week for the rest of my life and it will be mine?  Of course not.  Christ and his disciples were entering Jerusalem and had just walked past the fig tree that He had cursed the day before.  Within 24 hours, the fig tree was withered and dead.  Why had Christ cursed the tree?

The fig tree was known to have fully blossomed fruit by the time the leaves were in full foliage. In the case of this tree, the leaves were full and not a single fig had grown yet. This tree was deceptive in it's life.  Leading one to believe that it was full of fruit (based on the full leaves) yet upon a closer perspective no fruit exists.  This was indicative of those that would be condemning Him in the next few days.  Portraying themselves as filled with fruit of the Lord in their appearance, yet Christ knew what was inside of these people.  The living parable He shares with His disciples is a warning to be filled with the fruit of the spirit and the Lord will be with them in all that they do.

The fig tree was created by God to bear fruit for others enjoyment.  Likewise, as Christians we are created to bear fruit of self less service of mercy and love towards others.  When we are in the spirit of the Lord, He promises that He will grant all of our prayers to come to fruition.  The key is being in His will and serving His purpose.  Nothing is beyond His reach when His children seek His ways.  Be blessed my friends.
Prayer:Loving Father,
We are amazed at Your awesome power and the miracles of Your word.  We come before You, humble in our spirit and open for You to work in our lives.  We long to bear fruit for You in season and out of season.  Fruit that can flourish in the eyes of Your children.  Help us to realize the gifts You have placed in our hearts so we may in turn live for You and draw others to Your kingdom.  In Your name we pray - Amen.

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©Sondove Enterprises, 2011