Thankful for Small Things - November 25, 2012

The following is the message text and audio recording of a sermon titled "Thankful for Small Things" delivered to the homeless at the Kansas City Rescue Mission Chapel on November 22, 2012.

Thankful for Small Things - November 22, 2012

Zechariah 4:10 - For who has despised the day of small things? But these seven will be glad when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel—these are the eyes of the Lord which range to and fro throughout the earth.

I once heard a story about a wealthy retired man who would often take his evening stroll, ever watchful for lost coins along his way. This fellow had no need for the money he would on occasion find. He was known to beam as his eye spotted a quarter, or dime, or even a penny on the sidewalk. He would gingerly pick it up, look toward the sky with a gesture of thanks, and be merrily on his way. Through the years, this behavior became noticeable to all those in the community. Finally, one day one of his neighbors became so curious about the old gentleman's behavior that she questioned him regarding his peculiarity. "Why is it," she asked, "do you get so excited when you find a coin on the streets? After all, everyone in town knows you are one of the wealthiest men in these parts. So, why do you care about a little piece of change?" The wise old gentleman looked at her with a watery eye and said, "Why, it is out of gratitude, of course!" She was a bit dumbfounded regarding what he meant as he could see by the quizzical look on her face. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a penny and asked, "What is the inscription on this penny?" She turned it this way and that and said, "United States of America, One Cent ... ." He interrupted her and said, "Now, turn it over and tell me what it says." She saw the bust of Lincoln and above him in the upper circumference she read "In God We Trust." She looked at the old man's face where a tear had begun to fall. "You see," he said, "These are just small gifts from God lying at my feet, waiting to be picked up. They are a loving reminder how God is always there for me to trust in Him for all my needs. They are small tokens with a reminder for the finder to cherish. However, only if they know what they have found." While this was a small and insignificant thing in the eyes of those who would watch the old man, there was something far greater at work than any of them realized. Things are often not as they seem. While some would discourage themselves to bend over and pick up a penny, others such as this retired gentleman saw the value in doing so.
 

Similarly, our lead verse relates a situation where perspective is imperative. The context is a prophet speaking a word of encouragement to a people who were losing hope. The monumental task of rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem seemed overwhelming. The governor and his workers had laid the foundation of the House of God yet there was so much to do. How could such a huge undertaking be accomplished when they had so far to go? They did not see the significance of their labors in relation to the hardships they were facing. The ridicule from their enemies in even attempting such a huge undertaking had begun to take its toll. Most importantly, they just did not know if it was worth putting their lives in jeopardy as there was always the threat of attack. At this crucial time, Zechariah the prophet tells them the very hands who had laid the foundation of this House would complete it (Zechariah 4:9). They did not need to worry, for to despise "the day of small things" is to bring God's honor in contempt. For what God had ordained, the Lord would finish as His eyes were on this work from beginning to end.

How often are we ungrateful for the small things in our lives which are meant to produce big things? The Israelites became discouraged in the great work God had given them. However, all they needed was a word of encouragement from prophets such as Zechariah and Haggai to complete what they had begun. Like the Israelites, we often want to discount things as too small to matter in our lives because we do not see their value in the big scheme of things. Much of this sort of attitude is often born out of ingratitude. We do not appreciate small things because we do not possess the wisdom to understand what God wants to construct from these small beginnings. Or, our apathy of not wanting to put forth the effort is sometimes a cause for halting the small things from becoming big things. In the same way that small things or insignificant beginnings can become large victories in our lives, they can also become large defeats or a pattern of hopelessness if we allow them to develop from a wrong perspective. It is at these times we must marshal our affections and focus on the larger picture rather than the momentary focus which may seem insignificant.

God will not trust us with the large things until we can be thankful for the small. Our gratitude is often in direct proportion with His graciousness upon our respective lives. As the old gentleman demonstrated, it takes a keen eye to understand the significance in a lost coin. In the same way, it takes a wise heart to thank God in the day of small things, for this will only lead us to greater things for our families, our churches, and all those with whom we are in daily contact. We must simply look for the goodness in all that comes our way and be grateful for all God gives. When we become thankful, it opens up a new perspective or perhaps one in which we had long forgotten. Gratitude and thankfulness are the key to unlocking the door of small things which will inevitably bring us into the largeness of Christ's bounty. We must merely start today by surrendering to Jesus and allowing Him to open our eyes to all He has most graciously given. Then, as the old gentleman, we will be one of the wealthiest people in town -- fabulously rich in understanding for all God has done for us!

Most High God, thank You that You require hearts of gratitude from those who call upon Your name. It is a small price to pay for all You have given so freely. May we understand that in You we live, and move, and have our being. Everything is from Your hand and is to be received with thanksgiving. When we begin to embrace the small things, allow us to appreciate the big things you will inevitably entrust us with. We pray this in Jesus' Name and for His sake, Amen.

Your Barefoot Servant,

Rick

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An Offensive Defensive - November 18, 2012

II Timothy 1:14 - Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.

Some claim World Heavyweight Champion Jack Dempsey originally stated, "The best defense is a good offense." Others attribute this quote to NFL Coach Vince Lombardi of the Green Bay Packers. Regardless who first said it first in these exact words, the idea has been around a long time. The suggestion is to be proactive and not wait for one's opponent to get the upper hand. Instead, one should look for all opportunities to set the tone of engagement by applying force where their foe cannot resist. Boxers know better then to allow a challenger to engage their own strategy. To do so causes the non-aggressor  to take a defensive posture. They can then only fend off their alpha counterpart by defending themselves as well as possible. The prize does not go to the one who defends best, but who offends effectively. The purse or the treasure lies in the wisdom and strength to overcome. Similarly, the prize on the gridiron is protecting the pigskin and carrying it to the end zone. One cannot get there merely defending one's end of the field. There must be a wise, strategic onslaught to score the points necessary to win the day.

 

Boxers guard their bodies and their faces when fighting in the prize ring. Football players guard the football as a team, yet aggressively seek to carry it into their opponents back field. Even in an offensive position there is a defensive dynamic at work. Wisdom to know when to take a loss on a play rather than give up possession is often crucial. Trainers in boxing and coaches in sports such as football are continually telling their champions how to execute. However, these are meant only to exhort and encourage. They cannot fight the fight nor play the game. They have entrusted others to faithfully fulfill their expectations. Likewise, God will not enter the ring for us nor will He take the field in our stead. However, the Holy Spirit will be there always to encourage and exhort us with His wisdom to offensively defend what has been commended to us.

Thank God that Paul tells us to guard "the treasure" within through the help of the Holy Spirit. Too often, Christians believe they must concentrate more on the promises, or determine to not sin in a certain area. While these are notable exercises, they are pointless if we have not first turned to God through His Holy Spirit to help us. The best we can hope to do in our own power is to defend ourselves by greater effort. However, in order to offend the enemy and make him shrink from his assault is to first surrender to Jesus Christ in all our affections. Paul tells us not to be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). This is not mind over matter but instead regarding what matters most to our God. When we seek to guard our minds and hearts, then we are merely making a positive thinking construct. In so doing, when we first seek the Lord and ask Him to help us rule our minds with His desires, then He fortifies our hearts with the security of the Holy Spirit. It all comes down to Whom or what we allow to guard our minds. For in so doing, this is the entity which will inevitably guard our hearts. If it is our intellect, we will succumb to the devil and our flesh. It it is humility of mind as found in Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:2), then no power or demon from hell will ever be able to break in and spoil the treasure of God.

Treasure is only effectively guarded when there is both strength and wisdom involved. It is not merely enough to defend our position as aforementioned in these sports analogies. However, we must use the strength of our God through our surrender to His wisdom. It is superfluous to believe someone can compete in athletics without the proper instruction or coaching. Similarly, why do so many Christians believe they can guard what God has entrusted them without submitting to God's wisdom? It is a strategy doomed for failure. God will not guard the treasure without our involvement. That means stepping into the prize ring or taking the field to do His will. Once we are equipped with the strength of His might and the wisdom of His counsel, our defense will be an offense that will not be easily overcome by any man or devil. May we all understand how to offensively defend the great treasure given to all who know Christ.

Gracious Father, may You equip us and arm us accordingly to guard what You have entrusted to Your servants. May we reveal Your wisdom in this great offense as we defend Your great treasure within. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Your Barefoot Servant,

Rick

 

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Trust and Obey - November 11, 2012

Luke 5:8 - But when Simon Peter saw that, he fell down at Jesus’ feet, saying, “Go away from me Lord, for I am a sinful man!'

We all have certain skills which we do better than others. Some of us can create beautiful art work, or others of us have the ability to take a bunch of dried flowers and make a stunning floral display. Others have extraordinary ability in their vocations. Whether it is motivating others in a management position or making a particular product, these often make it look easy. When we look at the disciples and their lives pre-Jesus, they were probably good at what they did. Matthew, for instance, was disliked by the Pharisees which most likely meant he did his job well, extorting taxes from the locals. Yet, when Jesus saw Matthew and told him to follow Him, the scripture tells us he immediately obeyed (Mark 2:14-15). Likewise, with those who fished for a living. In the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke) we see the calling of Peter, Andrew, James, and John at the beginning of Jesus' ministry. However, in Luke we are given a bit more detail regarding Peter's call and his response. In the fifth chapter of Luke, the Lord boards Peter's vessel and asks him to row out a distance from the shore so He would not be pressed by the crowd when teaching. After his discourse, he tells Peter to to put out and let down the nets for a catch. Peter tells Jesus how they had fished all night and caught nothing. Nevertheless, he would do as he was told. The extraordinary miracle that resulted is recorded in verse six as Luke tells us "they enclosed a great quantity of fish." In our lead verse, we see the reaction of Simon Peter to this remarkable turn of events.

In this case, the old saying "seeing is believing" is appropriate. The scripture tells us when Peter saw the large catch of fish, that he was struck with a new understanding of this Man from Nazareth. Perhaps he initially scoffed to himself when Jesus told him to cast off and throw out the nets. After all, what did this man know that Peter and his brother Andrew did not? Had they not fished all night and caught nothing? Either out of respect for Jesus or just to prove him wrong, he obeyed the Lord. The outcome of his obedience would forever change this young fisherman's life. Peter fell at the Lord's feet and confessed he was an evil person, and that he could never be friends with someone as holy as this Man. He may have considered, in that split second, that if Christ knew where to fish then He surely knew everything there was to know about himself. This made Peter uncomfortable to the point of conviction where he confessed he was unworthy of the Lord's presence in his life. As Luke records, "when Simon Peter saw that," he was at a crossroads. However, the Lord in His extraordinary kindness told Peter how his past life did not matter. From now on he would enter in to his true vocation.

Does it bring us to our knees when we see "that" for which the Lord has done? Peter's "that" was the Lord's ability to perform the impossible when he and his comrades had toiled all night for nothing. Sometimes, God can reach us best when He shows us our inadequacies in the things in which we think we excel. Peter undoubtedly thought of himself as a "professional" fisherman. There may have been none like the fishing teams of Peter and Andrew or James and John. Yet, this itinerant preacher from Nazareth who grew up miles from Galilee shows up one day on its shores and tells them how to do their job! The first miracle is that Peter conceded to do what the Lord asked. When he surrendered his intellect to Jesus, then the next miracle occurred -- a boat load of fish! But then the greatest miracle of all happened. Peter saw his inadequacy and acknowledged the Lord's ability to do more than he ever thought or imagined.

What are we facing today that we think we can handle alone? We may consider we have gone through troubles before on our own. Why should we trouble the Lord? The reason is obvious from Peter's example. Surrender of our human reasoning allows God to perform great things if we will but obey. We must allow God to interrupt our lives and change the paradigm of our thinking. As we allow our minds to change, our hearts will follow. Our gaze on "that" will determine what we believe, beloved of God. May we all look to Him for He is able to do abundantly beyond anything we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).

Heavenly Father, gracious Lord, cause us to surrender the mental beast on our shoulders to You. Grant us the revelation of Your will on our lives. Please allow us to see "that" miracle like Peter saw which firmly placed him forever on the road of discipleship. Grant us the understanding necessary to see that we are nothing yet You are everything within us. In Jesus Christ's Name we pray, Amen.

Your Barefoot Servant,

Rick

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The Necessity of God's Judgment - November 4, 2012

Isaiah 26:9 - At night my soul longs for You, indeed, my spirit within me seeks You diligently; For when the earth experiences Your judgments the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness.

I often marvel when the godless become all inflamed when someone mentions the possibility that God still judges the earth through natural disasters. These do not know my God. For my God is a God of both judgment and mercy. This is the reason He is holy. There is no other way He could be otherwise without the juxtaposition of these two character traits within His Divine Nature. Somehow, those who mock the God of the Bible have instead this sickening, mealy-mouthed god who chooses to wink at sin. This "god," in their thinking, does nothing other than look the other way when nations continue to live like the devil. Then, these reprobates expect His grace "to be shed on thee" no matter how they have lived. They believe Jesus, if indeed He is the Son of God, was some type of a milk-toast savior who would not dare say anything bad against anyone. Those who believe this have never studied the Holy Bible. Or, if they have, they have allowed another spirit and not the Holy Spirit to guide them in their pursuit of truth.

The truth is this, beloved of God. The Lord God Almighty has put every nation on a probationary warning that He will no longer tolerate sin. He refuses to bend His character to adjust to ours. He will not excuse immorality, lasciviousness, licentiousness, or perversion. If the Lord Jesus turned away from these and did not judge them, He would have to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah on that final day. No beloved, He will do no such thing. These that would shrink from understanding both a God of mercy and judgment fail to see those scriptures where Jesus condemns the sins and unbelief of those cities in ancient Palestine. Jesus pronounces the following woes from the Gospel of Matthew:

Then He began to denounce the cities in which most of His miracles were done, because they did not repent. “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles had occurred in Tyre and Sidon which occurred in you, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. Nevertheless I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than for you. And you, Capernaum, will not be exalted to heaven, will you? You will descend to Hades; for if the miracles had occurred in Sodom which occurred in you, it would have remained to this day. Nevertheless I say to you that it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for you.” (Matthew 11:20-24)

I can guarantee, by the word of the Lord in the Holy Scriptures, judgment of this type looms large over our sensually-soaked world. One might say, what miracles have we seen in our present world that would qualify us for the type of judgment Jesus speaks? The miracles of His grace are all around us, every day. However, the godless are too interminably stupid through their continued refusal to believe in the God of the Bible that they have lost all their understanding regarding God's miracles. The miracle that God allows the heart of the unrepentant to continue to beat while they mock His holiness is the greatest miracle of grace and mercy outside of Christ's redemption. That God continues to allow godless, perverted humanity to draw breath is a miracle when they continue to live their selfish lives. Yet, when God does begin to speak through calamity, whether it is a natural disaster, a health epidemic, or a financial meltdown, the godless speak of the intolerance of those who would suggest such things. They vehemently speak with vitriolic anger asking how can we believe in fairy tales and angels and all this religious mumbo-jumbo? They curse God out of a position of total ignorance regarding who God is and what He desires to give them through His mercy. He is graciously offering them a wake-up call as Isaiah states in our lead verse. If they will but understand that God's judgments are merciful and full of patience. He is trying to teach the world about His righteous character and how He will not accept the world's selfish, sin-soaked lifestyles. He is the Judge of the earth and He is coming one day soon to hold court.

For all those who would consider my words hateful, then you do not understand my intent. My God and my Jesus are not "touchy-feely" Persons. They are part of the Holy Godhead who are full of love and mercy but at the same time unswerving from what will be the coming judgment. For God to behave any differently than as the Judge and the Lover of our souls would be to demean God and make Him less than He is. He has come in every instance of calamity the world has experienced. And, He will continue to appear in the midst of every judgment the earth is yet to endure. He uses these to show us we are out of control and lost without Him. If we do not surrender to Him and experience His mercy now, we will experience His judgment both now and in the life to come. Choose this day whom you will serve ... As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord (Joshua 24:15).

Heavenly Father, forgive us, heal us, and save us from ourselves. Allow Your judgments upon this earth to drive us to an understanding of Your righteousness and Your kindness. May we see You as You truly are ... a wise and holy God that is in love with a rebellious race. May we come to You! In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Your Barefoot Servant,

Rick



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Religious Expertise - October 28, 2012

Mark 7:9 - He was also saying to them, “You are experts at setting aside the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition."

We all have certain proclivities toward various things. Some of us are excellent at sports. That has never been one of my strong suits although I have been known to do a little running. Others of us have the gift of gab and are well-suited for things such as sales or even politics (possibly redundant). Seldom do any of us desire to be experts of the unseemly. I know when I was a practicing alcoholic I would chide those who drank occasionally or would venture out for that once a year party on New Years. Amateurs, I thought. To have this type of arrogance concerning those who drank alcohol less than I is the epitome of ignorance. Often, ignorance and arrogance go hand in hand. We may think we possess an enlightened understanding regarding something and may find out later how woefully we were mistaken. The litmus test for ignorant arrogance is often when others continue to tell us how wrong we are while we insist on our progressively heightened awareness. This type of denial is often very hard to dismantle for we have invested so much in propping up our beliefs accordingly.

The Jews had faithfully (and sometimes unfaithfully) practiced a set of commandments handed down by Moses for over a millennium when Jesus appeared on the scene. The Torah or the Law of Moses was the foundation of their strict practices, while the Prophets and the Writings were the other parts comprising their canon. This is what we would refer to as the Old Testament. (Not until after Jesus' time would they add even more rules and laws through the inclusion of the six volume Mishnah and the Gemara, both comprising what is known today as the Talmud.) They prided themselves in their "expert" interpretation of the Law and how it fit into Jewish society. However, Jesus often exposed this pride when addressing His religious counterparts. He pointed out how they had sacrificed the commandment of God in order to keep to their tradition. In context, the Lord was speaking concerning the ceremonial washing of hands, which Moses says nothing in this regard in the Law or the Pentateuch. Instead, they interpreted something God never required of them by taking commandments of cleanliness and building doctrine on something that was not there. By so doing, Jesus stated they had become experts in something they should be ashamed of rather than proud and arrogant as they had become.

To point the finger at the Pharisees is often to have three pointed back at ourselves. While we may not have a written form of the Talmud that we use to dissect the Law of God, we invariably do this in other ways. Compromise comes through forcing our own way rather than God's. It can often come in the most subtle ways also. Have we desired something we should not have? Then, we can sometimes justify our position by doing a little more for God in another area. We add to the law by trying to love someone a bit more so we can act a bit more rude to another through our self-justification. Or, we might fall into the trap of doing for God rather than being for God. To clarify, how often do we do for God because we are afraid not to? We have become so accustomed to giving to a certain charity or helping out a person in a certain way, yet we have lost our love in the midst of it. If we will allow the love of God to be our great motivator in whatever we do, then we will never fall short of His expectation. Jesus Himself stated that if we love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and mind and our neighbor likewise, then we have fulfilled the Law (Luke 10:27). However, this takes sitting before the Lord and seeking His will everyday rather than assuming we know it from past experience.

Beloved, if we are faithful to love as Christ loved us, then we have fulfilled all the Law of God. However, this can only be accomplished through a surrendered life to Jesus Christ and His work of redemption. Do we pride ourselves in our arrogance to do something expertly? If so, we have undoubtedly missed the mark God desires us to hit. Whether they are unseemly things aforementioned or even notable things such as sports or works of charity, arrogance often shows our ignorance. However, when we seek to expertly love God and others from a place of humility, then we will soon recognize we are not an expert at anything. We will only demonstrate embarrassment when someone might suggest we are expertly showing the Savior to those around us. Love of this type is spontaneous and is not attained through rigorous study. It only comes through fierce obedience. The Law should indeed be our standard, but the Lord should always be our Guide on how to apply it. May we look to the former but trust the latter implicitly.

Heavenly Father, allow us to become experts at loving You and others. Guide us through Your Law, but help us never to think we have fulfilled it. Only Your Son has accomplished what we could never do. May we follow His guidance and become true sons and daughters through Your loving grace. In Jesus' Name,

Your Barefoot Servant,

Rick


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The Crucified Life - October 21, 2012

Job 13:15 - Though He slay me, I will hope in Him. Nevertheless I will argue my ways before Him.

When I was in the throes of my alcoholism, I had frequent conversations with God. Most of them were of the sort as "what's a nice guy like me doing in this sort of predicament?" As most of us know, addiction is a self-perpetuated illness that has only one treatment -- abstinence. Whether it is truly a disease or not is for others to decide. I know in my case it meant coming to a place of both desire and the need for the power to change. While I often possessed the former, I came up short time and again with the latter. When Jesus finally delivered me from alcoholism, it was a final blow to my addiction which I have not returned to in more than 20 years at the time of this writing. There but for the grace of God go I again if I ever believe otherwise regarding Who empowered me to overcome this awful beast. My gratitude is reflected in my continued understanding that to indulge in the smallest measure of alcohol would be to "uncrucify" myself from what once enslaved me.

It is one thing to be wallowing in sin and complaining to God about one's woes. It is quite another to be as Job and to know you have done "the next right thing" repeatedly. Then, to witness your life come crashing down around you is beyond mortal comprehension. The patriarch knew his life was blameless according to the knowledge God had provided him and his friends. However, as Job's story continues and we hear from God in the final chapters of this book, we then understand how little we know. In the final judgment, neither myself or Job "deserved" anything other than the wisdom of how God decided to order our lives. What played out was for God to decide. Fortunately, the outcome in both cases was good from human standards. God restored Job's health and fortunes as well as giving me wholeness and prosperity once again. But God was not obliged to do either. It is sometimes impossible to know exactly when the Lord will deliver us. It is certainly not on our time-table. And in deliverance there is always a crucifixion of sorts allowing something within us to die and God's new life within us to begin. Where and when this will happen is often an enigma. God never changes and deals with people in the same manner throughout time. While Job's crucifixion and resurrection was markedly different than that of a disciple of our Lord's a few thousand years later, it nonetheless arrived at the same conclusion.

From our lead verse, we can see Job's willingness to get through his crucifixion of self and to resurrect into the true knowledge of the Lord in this trying situation. Likewise, Peter made a bold promise to Jesus that fateful Passover night nearly 2000 years ago. The difference between Job and Peter concerning their resolve to die for God were their respective crucifixions. While it has already been established how Job lived millennia before Christ's sacrifice, he understood how death to self and trust in God was the great difference. When Peter proclaimed his allegiance to Jesus and said boldly he was ready to die for His Lord, he was only part right. He would indeed die for Jesus, but he would only truly begin this journey of death after understanding crucifixion. From that point on, it became a selfless adventure toward his inevitable fate. For both the patriarch and the disciple, there needed to be a stepping through the veil of ignorance to a place of divine understanding.

Job had some understanding of crucifixion while he was going through his struggles. Once he was on the other side he truly understood its great significance. (Even our Lord felt the anguish of separation from His Father's counsel when He shouted from the cross His feeling that He had been forsaken [Matthew 27:46]). Are we like Peter before the cross, trying to choose the place of our death? Or are we like Job who no longer sees himself as his friends did in their misunderstanding of his intent. Once we bow to crucifixion and our old man of self-centeredness, then we will we say like Job ... it matters not where or when we die -- we are God's no matter the outcome.

Father, while we will never understand Your total counsel, we will trust in You when we when we go through our respective crucifixions. Help us not to attempt to choose the place of our death, but to embrace it when it comes. For in so doing, Your promise of resurrection is on the other side. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Your Barefoot Servant,

Rick



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Estate Planning - October 14, 2012

II Corinthians 5:1 - For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

Many of us who are Baby Boomers are either retired or well on our way. Whether we are ready for the time when we will draw Social Security and pensions (if we are fortunate), it is an inevitable reality. Some of us have prepared better than others. Through various circumstances, many have not been in the position to plan properly. To increasing numbers of soon-to-be retirees, the prospect of leaving the workforce is somewhat unnerving. I speak mainly of those who have neither put their faith in God nor have any type of retirement savings. Because of this, we see a much older work force performing jobs that many youngsters used to do. Instead, oldsters are finding they cannot retire but must make ends meet by working through their 70s and sometimes into their 80s. Then, there are others such as Christians who believe a savings does not matter, that God will take care of them as long as they are doing the Lord's work. This is true in many cases, for Jesus told us if we seek first His kingdom and His righteousness that our needs would surely be met (Matthew 6:33). However, I am also of the opinion that many use this as an excuse for mismanagement of the individual wealth the Lord entrusts to each of us. Wisdom is the keyword regarding our family's nest egg. We can sometimes become bad stewards and believe God will bail us out in our old age. However, the bail out may not be the reality we had hoped for.

God has not called all of us to be missionaries to the ends of the earth, giving up our possessions for the sake of the Kingdom. For these, God has promised a wealth of riches even in their seeming poverty here upon earth (Matthew 19:29). However, for the majority of us, God has told us to stay and support ministries such as these with our finances and to be lights in our own communities. Whether we stay or go, we can be a great asset for the Kingdom of God if we are obedient in what Christ gives us. If he has told some to go, many of these will say it is quite easy giving up everything---in the beginning that is. The true test of discipleship will often show itself in the first few months as the romantic notion of missionary work wears thin. That is when it becomes evident who is truly called to lay down their lives where there is no running water or air conditioning. Some at this juncture pick up their old lives at the airport and beat a hasty retreat. However, those who have planned both their earthly and heavenly estates properly understand their position of wealth. Before setting out, they correctly heard from the Lord and planned according to God's wisdom. The joy of obedience rather than the sorrow of folly becomes their ultimate heritage (Luke 14:27-33).

For the majority of us He has called to stay, we must faithfully use what He gives us to help further His Kingdom. Many of us will not have millions of dollars to give for the Lord's work. However, just as the widow's mite, He will require us to give sacrificially so that we might receive what we need in this life and the one to come. However, at this juncture we must use wisdom. God may tell someone to give away their weekly paycheck and he will provide for that family. Nevertheless, for someone to take a scripture and test God's faithfulness without hearing directly from God is the worst sort of presumption. It is not only disobedience to give when God is saying not to, but it is also robbing the family of God's providence for that week. We must be careful not to tear down the "earthly tent" of which Paul speaks in our lead verse. While this scripture speaks of our earthly flesh, I believe it also refers to the earthly covering which we create for those who are trusting in our faithfulness to provide for them upon this earth. This means we have a moral and spiritual responsibility to seek the Lord for wisdom regarding our finances for our families, our church body, and inevitably the souls we will touch through these resources. Our earthly tent must be one that is pitched where God desires and where it is of paramount effectiveness for Him and others.

Our estate planning for both here and heaven is contingent on hearing the word of the Lord for our own lives. We must not shrink from providing for those who are trusting in exactly the way the Lord is requiring us to trust. As Paul states, our bodies are not our own and our earthly tents will one day be transformed into heavenly expressions. Until that day, we must continue to allow God to marshal everything within us and provide the covering He desires to bless others through our earthly estate. Earthly retirement will never mean retirement from God using us for His Kingdom. Instead, He will use those who have wisely built their earthly domain according to His will to further His Son's desire regarding lost humanity. May we all plan accordingly, for one day this earthly tent will be transformed to the heavenly one. May we not be sorrowful that we did not plan wisely, and may our heavenly abode be an expression of lives lived for Christ upon this earth.

Heavenly Father, may we look to You for wisdom as our earthly tent decays, yet our heavenly one increases. Give us understanding to know how to invest properly while upon this earth. If You tell us to go, we will go. If You tell us to stay, show us how to bring both the spiritual and material wealth You desire into Your Kingdom. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Your Barefoot Servant,

Rick


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