Manna in the Morning

The society in which we live with its fast pace and technological emphasis compounded by anxiety about financial stability and world peace tends to cause a great deal of worry and depression. Dr. Karl Menninger, the famous American psychiatrist, once gave a lecture on mental health and was answering questions from the audience. One man in the group asked, "What would you advise a person to do if that person felt a nervous breakdown coming on?" Everyone present expected Menniger's answer to be a quick, "Consult a psychiatrist." To their astonishment he replied, "Leave your house, go across the railroad tracks, find someone who is in need, and do something to help that person." Christians have a head start on such prevention of breakdowns when we truly take seriously the matter of walking in the footsteps of our Master. His life demonstrated the style of "going about and doing good" (Acts 10:38). He unselfishly ministered to others in need and loved others unconditionally. We would do well to follow His example today and everyday! It would be good for our mental health!

There is a verse that is found both in the Old Testament as well as the New Testament that says, "There is none righteous, not even one" (Romans 3:11). Also in the 23rd verse we find, "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Such Biblical truths need to be heeded by the rabbi that said, "If there are only two righteous men in the world, I and my son are these two; if there is only one, I am he!" There were also two friends who were talking, "We’re the only two honest people left in the world, and sometimes I’m not so sure about you!" Add to that the little boy who told his mother, "I'm like Goliath. I’m 9 feet tall!" "Why do you say that?" asked his mother. "Well, I made a little ruler and measured myself with it...and I’m 9 feet tall!" Humans standards don’t count. The only evaluation that really counts is by an absolute standard! The righteousness of God Himself...with that measuring stick, we all come up short!" Thank God for His grace...that’s Amazing!

I’ve heard it and you have too, “I’m just one; what can I do?” Surely we all understand how lame that really is! God can use each of us if we are just willing to be used by him. Mother Teresa said, “I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending love letters to the world.” She surrendered her life to God as He sharpened her and wrote His love letter through her to people who had been written off. She cared for multitudes of street children and lived among the poor and sick. She was only one but her willingness to be an instrument in God’s hand rallied others to her cause. She died in September 1997 but her legacy lives on. Her example should inspire all of us to yield to God’s will and let Him write His letters of love in our deeds and attitudes every day. Jesus said, “As the Father has sent me...so send I you.”

I read about a certain art gallery that had a contest for artists to submit painting on the theme of “Peace.” All types of paintings competed for the prize. There were scenes of quiet lakes. Some had submitted their impressions of serene sunsets. But the winner of the contest was a painting of a storm scene. The wind was blowing harshly...rain pelted away and lightning was flashing. But in the bough of a tree a mother bird was feeding her young while protecting them with the span of her wings. One day Jesus told his disciples, “In the world you have tribulation, but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) We need not fear the storms of life when we know the Calmer of the storms! I hope your day today is free from storms...but if storms do come remember the peace that is yours because you are in His precious care!

Have you considered the fact that following Jesus Christ involves a pruning process? Jesus said, “Every branch in me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it, that it may bear more fruit” (John 15:2). It may be that God is at work in your life today pruning away branches that aren’t bearing fruit. What kind of things would God prune from our lives? Things that have served their purpose. Things that refuse to change. Things that may give you trouble later on. Things that are obstructing fruit bearing. Things that are holding you back. Things in your life that don’t glorify Him. Think about the last time you saw a newly pruned tree. It didn’t look so good, did it? But with time and proper care a pruned tree or vine will produce even more and better fruit. God wants the best from our lives. So rather, than shrinking from the pruning process, we should welcome it with the prayer, “Divine Gardener...here’s my life...prune me...shape me...help me be the best that I can be.”

Usually when we think of Wisdom passages in the Bible we turn to the book of Proverbs, but there are nuggets of wisdom in other places as well. Take for instance Psalm 49:16-20, “Do not be overawed when a man grows rich, when the splendor of his house increases; for he will take nothing with him when he dies, his splendor will not descend with him...a man who has riches without understanding is like the beasts that perish.” In other words, it is a reality of life that some people gain wealth while other people struggle with poverty. But those who are rich need to be careful and understand that with wealth comes a wealth of responsibility toward God. As Job observed “we brought nothing into this world and we will take nothing out of it.” So the teaching of God’s Word is clear. Whether we have much or little we need to be responsive to God because riches are temporary whereas our relationship with God is eternal. Being a good steward with what God entrusts to us is what pleases and honors him. Think about that today and honor God with any and all that you have!

How do you handle interruptions? They can be very annoying. Just when your really in a mode of creativity and the phone rings and breaks up the mood with someone’s question. Or, maybe your really into studying and the concentration is really focused and then someone knocks on the door with a complaint or a question or just a desire to engage in friendly conversation. I’m sure that we all handle interruptions with varied responses. One day Jesus was interrupted when some parents brought their children to Him “so that He might lay His hands on them and pray...” (Matthew 19:13-15). On this occasion Jesus welcomed the interruption. He gladly received the little ones. But the disciples rebuked the parents as if to say, “Don’t bother the Teacher with these children!” Then, I love what Jesus had to say, “Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” What a blessing it is to look into the face of innocent children and realize that these precious souls are innocent and free from the burdens of sin. In another place Jesus said, “Unless you are converted and become like children, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3) His desire is for us to spend eternity with Him but our need is to unload our pride and humbly respond to His offer of grace like a little child.

Last Friday at Promise Keepers we talked about the "Miner Miracle" and how it relates to our conversion experience. We all were in the pits just like the 33 miners were a half mile below the earth's surface. The miners had no contact with any other living person for over two weeks just like we have experienced the feeling of being all alone with no one to talk to about our problems. Then the miners heard a drill penetrate their living space and they attached their notice letters telling the outside world that they were alive. This knowledge that they were alive allowed a historic rescue that had never before been accomplished. As human beings we are born with a sinful nature that can block our salvation. We have the ability to gain knowledge of the Lord and His power to save us. The decision to place our trust in the Lord is up to each one of us. But, like the miners we can only be saved one at a time. In Psalm 40, David says that he waited patiently for the Lord and He heard my cry. The miners waited patiently for 17 days and the Lord heard their cry for help. David said that the Lord lifted him up and the miners were definitely lifted up from the deep pit in the earth. Like David, the miners were provided a firm place to stand, and given a song to sing to praise the Lord. David went on to say that blessed is the man who puts his trust in the Lord and praises the Lord for His almighty power.