Author: NBibens

What is really important? We get caught up with various things that we often think are important, argue about this and that, and take stands about our passions or traditions. But sometimes, if we would stop and reflect on these things, we might realize they aren’t that important after all. In 1 Corinthians 7:19 the Bible says, “For neither circumcision counts for anything nor uncircumcision, but keeping the commandments of God.” Another version puts it this way: “Circumcision does not matter and uncircumcision does not matter. Keeping God’s commands is what matters.”[1]

There may be many ways in which our preferences and backgrounds might differ. But we must remember the only thing that really matters is obeying God. If it’s God’s command to do something, we must do it. If God commands us to not do something, we mustn’t do it. And on such things we must agree. Don’t be distracted by things that in the end, don’t really matter.

[1] CSB

In Revelation 19, John records that at one point in his vision, he fell down at the feet of an angel in worship. The angel quickly responded, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God.” We should consider two simple admonitions in the angel’s words.

First, there are things we must not do. Worshipping anything other than God is a terrible mistake. If even the angels should not be worshipped, why would we worship other people, possessions, or money? We must not do that.

But then there is the positive command—Worship God. In some ways, this verse sums up the whole of Revelation. Who deserves our worship? God. What is the greatest thing we can do? Worship God. When adversity strikes, how do we respond? We worship God.

The commands are simple yet so important. Worship God and nothing else.

I love the story of Jesus healing the paralytic man who was lowered through a roof to see Jesus. The whole tale is filled with excitement and beauty. But today, I want to consider Jesus’ initial statement to the paralytic. In Matthew 9:2, Jesus says to the man, “Son, cheer up! Your sins are forgiven you.”[1]

What cheers you up? What types of things or circumstances can shift you from gloomy to glad? Often, we are cheered by physical things. Good health, financial security, pleasure, and so on. Surely, the paralytic cheered up when his paralysis was healed. But he had reason to rejoice before that happened. Jesus told him to cheer up because he had been forgiven. Even if Jesus hadn’t healed the paralysis, the man would have had great reason to rejoice that day. Maybe your life doesn’t seem all that cheery. But if you are a child of God, you have every reason to cheer up, for your sins are forgiven!

[1] WEB

Throughout Scripture, putting God to the test is typically bad because it displays a lack of trust in God. There are, however, times when challenging God is encouraged.

In Malachi 3, God charged Israel with robbing Him. They had not brought the tithes and contributions the Law required. In verse ten, God says, “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.” God welcomed Israel to challenge Him—not out of distrust but out of faithful, trusting obedience.

When we faithfully and trustingly serve God, we will find that He will always meet the challenge and prove faithful. The question is, are we ready to meet His challenge? Are we prepared to put our complete trust in Him and obey His Word?

Most people enjoy receiving gifts. There’s something exciting about receiving a present. Something is thrilling about being gifted something we need or want. But what if all you were gifted was a boast? What if someone promised to give you some great gift but never did? Well, that wouldn’t be nearly as thrilling, would it?

Proverbs 25:14 says, “Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of a gift he does not give.” A cloudy, windy, rainy day may be dreary, but at least the rain is good and valuable. Without the rain, it’s just a dreary day. Well, a boast of a gift that isn’t delivered is the same—dreary and disappointing. Surely, we understand how rude it would be to boast of a gift and not deliver. But do we do that to God? How many gifts do we promise God? How often do we promise to be faithful? How often do we give what we promise? Or are our promises to God nothing more than dreary, empty boasts?

We are often fascinated by the unique while not recognizing the wonder of the normal. For instance, a day is considered unique when dates make interesting numbers. This past New Year’s Eve, the date was “123123.” I see things like this throughout the year, where specific days are highlighted because of some unique numerical feature. And that’s all well and good. But here’s what we should not miss—today is unique.

It may not be a holiday. Today’s date may have no exciting outcome. But still, today is incredibly unique. Why? Because there never has been and never will be a day exactly like this one. Oh, you may do many of the same things today as you did yesterday and will do tomorrow. But today will still happen only once. Thus, every day is unique and special. Every day, including today, is a special gift from God. Never overlook or discount the value of today.

As we start a new year, perhaps you’ve considered last year’s resolutions and how well you did with them. Maybe you’re pleased, or perhaps you’re disappointed. Most of us struggle to accomplish all the goals and resolutions we set out to tackle. And truth be told, even when we are successful, there’s still plenty of room for more growth. And there always will be. We’ll never reach perfection—at least not in this life. But there is a time coming for the faithful when perfection will be a reality.

In Hebrews 12, the writer paints an amazing picture of what we are a part of. In verse 23, he says we have come to “…the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect.” What a hope. Even though this year will be filled with failures, if we remain faithful, we are marching toward an existence in which God will make us perfect. That’s a goal worth working toward.

New years bring new resolutions, many focusing on diet and health. Especially after a holiday season in which most of us eat more than we should and probably eat some pretty unhealthy things, like sweets, there may be a big focus on our diet. January is often the month to “cut out the sweets.” But there is a time when sweetness and health can exist together! Proverbs 16:24 says, “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.”

Our words are powerful. They can build up or tear down. And while gifts of candies and sweets might be enjoyed for the moment, the gift of gracious speech can have a lasting impact on others.

Your kind words might turn someone’s day around. Your gracious speech might give them the extra strength they need. You might provide that spark of light on a dark day that strengthens and nourishes their spirit. Choose your words wisely, and speak gracious words.

Do you ever see a sign or advertisement and think it says one thing, only to realize you misread it? I do that quite frequently. Sometime back, I saw an ad on Facebook that I thought said, “Build a waiting habit.” I thought that was different, so I took a second look and realized it said, “Build a writing habit.” That made more sense. But I kept thinking about it and realized that building a waiting habit would be a great idea!

Waiting sounds easy—why would we have to train ourselves to wait or work at a habit of waiting? But we are not very good at waiting. We prefer busyness and instant gratification. But God’s people are often exhorted to “wait.” Psalm 27:14 says, “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” Trusting God’s timing and worshipfully waiting for Him doesn’t come naturally—it’s a mindset that must be trained. So why not start building a waiting habit today?