Truthworks

“The LORD is sitting in His sacred temple on His throne in heaven. He knows everything we do because He sees us all.” (Psalm 11:4, The Message).

There is no snooze button anywhere in the proximity of God – and that’s everywhere! He is the Unsleeping God; He never dozes off in slumber, nor drifts away in idle daydreams. He is always on the job, and always in charge. He is the God who can handle it.

He is both all powerful and intimately personal. He holds the universe in His hand, and yet knows the number of hairs that are on your head. He calls each and every star by name, and yet feels pain each time a sparrow falls to the ground.

He is the God who can handle it.

The Psalm goes on to tells us, “He’s in charge, as always, His eyes taking everything in, His eyelids unblinking, examining Adam’s unruly brood inside and out, not missing a thing.” (vs.4).

God does not sit in heaven wringing His hands in anxious concern over the alarming state of affairs in our baffled world — He’s in charge. He is not clueless to the scheming of godless people who seek to build a society without His blessings – He’s in charge. And He is not rattled by the bloated plans of overheated brains for how we here can save ourselves, needing no help from heaven whatsoever. He’s in charge – and He can handle it.

So, whatever it is that’s going on in your life, know this for certain – it is well within His reach. He can handle it. That’s why you need to let Him.

When doubts arise and fears dismay, when foes oppose you and friends forsake you; when the bottom drops out and you are left holding an empty bag, and your castles all crumble while your dreams turn to ashes – He is the God who can handle it.

Trust Him, and hold tight to your faith in His faithfulness – for He will see you through it all. And when the storm passes, as it surely will, the new day will be filled with His presence, and with the endless possibilities He provides for you.

While others around you are falling in fear – you stand firm, trusting the Lord. He is the God who can handle it.

“The LORD tests honest people.” (Psalm 11:5, Contemporary English Version).

Think about it: There is nothing in your life worth having if it has not first been tested and approved. Every single thing that now functions well in its place, making your life what it is, had its beginnings in an idea, that became a prototype, which was tested until it became proven. Then it was manufactured and marketed. And now you use it regularly, and are happy with its performance.

Do you think that maybe God might be doing the same with you?

The Bible tells us that “God tests honest people.” His purpose in this is prove them, so that He can use them. And the test is more than fair. For He has promised that He would never let us be tested above what we were able to bear. In other words, He doesn’t stack the test against us, but actually tempers it to our ability to pass it.

He has equipped us for every good work, and He must show us that the equipment works. He does this by testing us. The Apostle Paul said, “God tested us thoroughly to make sure we were qualified to be trusted with this Message.” (1Thessalonians 2:3, The Message).

Remember the wise man who built his house on the rock? The rain and wind hammered his house just as it did that of the foolish man. The purpose of the storm was to prove the worth of his structure. In the same manner, then, the testing of the Lord in our lives only proves that the equipment He has given us to handle great and difficult challenges — works!

In another place Paul told young Timothy, “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord. He has given me the strength for my work because he knew that he could trust me.” (1Timothy 1:12).

Can the Lord trust you? He can if you weather the storm, and pass the test!

Remember what happened to Joseph of old? He was sold into slavery by his own brothers! The Egyptians “hurt his feet with fetters; he was laid in irons. Until the time that his word came to pass, the word of the LORD tested him.” (Psalm 105:17-19).

God had given great dreams to Joseph as a young man, but he had to wait for several years before his dreams came true. The waiting was not in vain. God used the time to refine Joseph as gold in a furnace. The harsh years were not for the sake of proving the dreams true, but for proving Joseph to be true.

The Lord’s refining process does the same in our lives today. It may be, my fellow traveler, that you are undergoing a test from the Lord, which is applied in love to insure that when your dream comes true — you will be true as well.

You will be proven in the eyes of God!

“He tests the good and the bad alike; if anyone cheats, God’s outraged.” (Psalm 11:5 The Message).

There were three names that would get you shot dead in the Old Wild West — Liar, Thief, and Cheat. Call a man a Liar, a Thief, or a Cheat and bullets will be flying. Oh, yeah, while we’re at it toss Coward in there as well. Or, Chicken (if your last name is McFly).

“Mister, Them thar are fightin’ words!”

Some things are so intrinsically wrong that we are automatically set off with anger when they happen. Lying, stealing, cheating, and being a coward are chief among these things. Nobody likes a liar, a thief, a cheater, or a coward. Nobody – not even God.

John the Revelator told us, “But as for the cowards, the faithless and the corrupt, the murderers, the traffickers in sex and sorcery, the worshippers of idols and all liars – their inheritance is in the lake which burns with fire and sulphur” (Rev.21:6).

These things destroy trust, and trust is part of the foundation for a great and meaningful life. For this reason God, who longs for us to live Life at its highest and best, has set Himself against those who do such things. One translation says, “The LORD watches over those who do what is right. But he hates sinful people and those who love to hurt others.” (New International Reader).

And though it may seem for the moment that they are undiscovered in their deceitful deeds; going along in life, prospering by plundering others; their faces smug and self-assured; their stock increasing and their power expanding – God sees, God knows, and He is outraged. In but a short time He will answer all of this – and we will know that He is the Lord. They will know it, too.

And those who practice such things will be named for what they are – Liars, Thieves, Cheats and Cowards. Their honor will turn to shame, their pride will turn to disgrace, their laughter will turn to sorrow, and their estate will come to ruin.

So…if you’ve been lied to, stolen from, cheated on, or left by cowards to face the onslaught alone – God has His eye on you. He is standing with you, and will see you through it all.

“He everywhere hath sway, and all things serve His might;
His every act pure blessing is, His path unsullied light.
We comprehend Him not, yet earth and heaven tell
God sits as sovereign on the throne and ruleth all things well.” — Author unknown

“But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise” (1 Corinthians 1:27).

There was this guy, a barber working on a customer, who noticed through the window a boy approaching the Barber Shop. “Hey, see that kid?” he asked the customer. “That’s the dumbest kid in the world! Watch closely what happens when he comes in here.”

The door opened and the kid came walking into the Barber Shop. “Good morning, Mister,” the kid said. “Why, good morning to you,” the Barber answered. “Say, you want to play our game again?”

“I sure do!” the kid excitedly replied.

The Barber whispered to the customer, “Watch this.” Placing a dollar bill in one hand, and two quarters in the other, the Barber said to the kid, “Now, which of these do you want?”

The kid looked at the dollar bill, then looked at the two quarters. After a moment’s pause, he grabbed the quarters, smiled real big and said, “Gee, thanks, Mister!” And then walked out the door.

“What did I tell you,” the Barber said to his customer. “That kid is dumber than a stump! He does that every time he comes in here.”

A short time later the customer, upon leaving the Barber Shop, saw the kid coming out of the Candy Store. “Hey kid,” the customer said, “why didn’t you take the dollar bill?”

The kid looked up with a wry smile and answered, “Mister, the day I take that dollar — the game is all over!”

Turns out the Barber was dumber than the dumbest kid in the world! And the same is true of many others — especially when it comes to grabbing for dollars. But that’s another subject for another time.

So the Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” (Exodus 4:2)

One thing that stands out about the early followers of Jesus is that they were ordinary men, doing ordinary things – but seeing extraordinary results. One of the most compelling examples of this was when a young boy gave his small lunch to Jesus. What happened next is a miracle still talked about to this day — a multitude was fed with two small fish, and five loaves of bread.

There are five great lessons we learn from this one amazing miracle.

First, never underestimate the Lord’s ability to meet a need. The place was a desert, and the time was late; the people were many, and the need was great. But Jesus not only met the need; He did it with abundance! And He can meet whatever need you are faced with today.

Second, never count yourself out when the Lord starts to work. A man seeing the news about disease, hunger, poverty, and sorrow in the world, turned to his wife and said, “Sometimes I just want to ask God why doesn’t He do something about all of this!” “What’s stopping you from asking Him?” his wife replied. “Because,” the man said, “I’m afraid He will ask me the same question!”

Jesus gave the loaves to the disciples, and they gave it to the people. In other words – the miracle happened in their hands, while they were passing the food out to the people. There is a miracle in your hands, too!

Third, never assume that what you have is too insignificant to matter. A boy with a sack lunch containing five loaves and two small fish – that’s all it took. One disciple asked, “But what is this among so many?” It is tragic how many count themselves out simply because they feel they do not measure up to the moment.

Fourth, never think that He will fail to meet your needs while using you to bless others. The Bible says that they did all eat, and were full. As for the disciples, they collected the fragments and filled twelve baskets – one for each of them. Your service to Him will never go unnoticed, nor unanswered.

Finally, never hold on to what the Lord is asking from you. What if the boy had kept his lunch for himself? Well, he would’ve had lunch – and that’s all. But, giving it to the Lord Jesus took that young man into history. And now, Jesus is asking you, “What do you have? Bring it to Me.”

History awaits your response.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9).

Partnership. It is often the single most determining factor in the difference between success and failure.

The apostle Paul’s happiest memories were of the Philippians, and his most joyful letter was written to them. They, more than any other Church, continually displayed the self-sacrificial generosity of Christ by freely partnering with Paul in his ministry.

“When I pray for you,” Paul wrote, “my heart is full of joy because of all your wonderful help in making known the Good News about Christ.” (Phil.1:3-4, NLT). He continues by saying, “As you well know, when I first brought the Gospel to you and then went on my way, leaving Macedonia, only you Philippians became my partners in giving and receiving. No other church did this.” (ch.4:15) 

And then Paul concludes, “I don’t say this because I want a gift from you. What I want is for you to receive a well-earned reward because of your kindness and generosity.” (ch.4:17). One translation puts it, “it is not that I want to receive gifts from you, but I want you to have the good that comes from giving.”

The old King James call it “the fruit that abounds to your account” on the day the Lord returns!

May God give you the wonderful experience of being part of a team; using your unique talents and abilities in concert with others so that together you can accomplish what neither of you could do by yourselves alone. It does take teamwork to make the dream work; and the Lord is looking for team players these days!

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9).

Partnership. It is often the single most determining factor in the difference between success and failure.

The apostle John wrote a brief and powerful letter to a friend named Gaius. Along with the affectionate greetings and basic instructions, John especially wanted to commend Gaius for his partnership with the traveling preachers who had passed his way.

“Dear friend,” he wrote, “you are doing a good work for God in taking care of the traveling teachers and missionaries who are passing through. They have told the church here of your friendship and your loving deeds. I am glad when you send them on their way with a generous gift. For they are traveling for the Lord and take neither food, clothing, shelter, nor money from those who are not Christians, even though they have preached to them. So we ourselves should take care of them in order that we may become partners with them in the Lord’s work.” (3 John 1:5-8).

Five Point Summary from John’s Short Letter:

It is a good work for God when individuals provide moral and financial support for traveling teachers and missionaries.

The reports of such support are an example to the greater Body of Christ. 

It is a cause for gladness when they are sent on their journey with a generous gift.

Generous individuals enable traveling ministers to be free from money-making commerce, and to focusing their time and energies in ministry.

Those who give to ministry become partners in the Lord’s work, and share in the rewards.

 Someone said that a burden shared is halved, and a joy shared is doubled. That’s the power of partnership. It reduces the negative, and increases the positive. Are you helping carry somebody’s load? Is somebody helping to carry yours? “Two are better than one, for they have good reward for their labor.”

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9).

Partnership. It is often the single most determining factor in the difference between success and failure.

Jesus illustrated the power of partnership when He “called the twelve to Himself, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits” (Mark.6:7). The Lord understands our need for support, and the inherent difficulties and dangers of being alone in ministry.

In the beginning God said, “It is not good for man to be alone.”  It is true to this day.  In order to have any lasting effectiveness in countering the works of darkness with the power of truth and light we must not only be called by Christ, but also sent forth in partnership with others to do His will.

Solomon wrote, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” (Ec. 4:9-12).

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego proved the power of partnership when they withstood the threats of Nebuchadnezzar and survived the fiery furnace of Babylon. Eleazar, the son of Dodo, proved the power of partnership when he stood with David and the two defeated an entire Philistine army.

The idea of partnership is championed throughout Scripture. Moses had Aaron, and then Joshua. Joshua had Caleb. Ruth had Naomi; Esther had Mordecai; Aquila had Pricilla; Paul had Barnabas; and James had John.

You see, it takes teamwork to make the dream work. Are you in a partnership with others? It is really the only way you can ever truly win.

“Give, and it shall be given to you” (Luke 6:38).

It is one of the many remarkable features of following Jesus, that you cannot give without receiving back even more than you gave. The other side is also true — you cannot receive without giving. It’s a two-way street that we walk with the One Way Jesus.

Jesus is only going one way — but it is in every direction. He is building a kingdom, and has invited each of us to become a part of what He is doing. We become a part by giving whatever He has entrusted to us.

You cannot teach without being taught, and you cannot be taught without teaching others. You cannot lead without being a follower; and you cannot follow without being led. If you will look for opportunities to bless someone else, you yourself will be blessed. Love, and you will be loved. Serve, and you will be served. Smile, and the world will smile with you. Sing, and folks will…..OK, they will probably ask you to keep that to yourself! At least for most of us, anyway.

So, instead of going through life as a taker, grabbing desperately at everything you can get your hands on, and then storing it up in secured bins of plenty — open the flood gates of generosity and start being a giver. The truth be told, you cannot live until you give.

Give your heart to Christ and He will fill it with love. Give your mind to Christ, and He will fill it with truth. Give your dreams to Christ, and He will fill them with heavenly vision and power. Give your hands to Christ, and He will fill them with service; labor that is filled with laughter and significance. Give your time to Christ, and will be redeem it; making you timely in every word and deed.

If you will walk with One Way Jesus on this Two Way Street, everything in and about your life will abound with multiplied blessing. Solomon said, “A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25).

Take the Lord at His word and you will see that He is true — “Give, and it shall be given unto you.”

“He makes me lay down in green pastures, He leads me beside still waters.” (Psalm 23:2)

It’s kind of nice at first, especially if your life has been a whirlwind of activity; running to and fro, closing deals and climbing the never ending ladder; burning the candle at both ends; living on the edge; coming apart at the seams.

A getaway to a nice balmy meadow, next to a gentle babbling brook is just what the doctor ordered; all we need now is Bambi and Thumper and the picture is complete. Like I said, it’s kind of nice — at first.

But as the days turn to weeks, and then draw into months…and then years — green and wet can get a little old.

But the Lord is not fooling around here. He’s after something far more valuable than you being a success, as this world defines it. He is after you being the man or woman He created you to be. And to this end He will make you lay down — even if you don’t want to. He will lead you by still waters, even though you scramble to go somewhere else.

And why is He doing this? So that your trust will be in Him — and not in your own fleshly striving.

If you can somehow get up and walk away, then the Lord is not your Shepherd. And you will never know the indescribable payoff that awaits all those with green jeans and soggy bottoms.

“He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yes, even when I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil — for He is with me. His rod and staff comfort me. He prepares a banquet table for me in the presence of my enemies, and anoints my head with oil. Goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life — and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

But you go ahead and walk away — if you can; I’m sure you’ll find the finer fashions of this world more suitable to your blank eyes, and hollow chest. And, no doubt, the whirlwind will sweep you up in such a buzz that you’ll not visit these parts again….until on that inevitable day when you are made to lay down in gray linen on a cold stone.

As for me, I’ll take green pastures and still waters anytime!