Tag: god

Patience Isn’t Prime: When God Doesn’t Deliver Next-Day

My wife has a beautiful way of encouraging me each morning with a text containing Scripture and a message. Yesterday, she shared one about patience, comparing it to a farmer waiting for the rain to help grow his crops. The farmer can’t rush the rain, just like we can’t rush God’s plans for us. Instead, we’re called to wait with anticipation and trust, without worrying, complaining, or demanding that God works according to our schedule.

I jokingly (or maybe not so jokingly?) responded back to her, asking what I would do with all that extra time if I didn’t use it for worrying, complaining, and demanding.

For me, it’s not so much about the worrying or complaining, but I’m weak when it comes to the demanding part. I really like trying to expedite God’s plan and frequently try to sneak my way into the captain’s chair and steer the ship (which fails 100% of the time).

It’s easy to get frustrated when things don’t happen when or how we want them to. We live in a world that values speed and efficiency, where waiting feels like wasted time. I’ve heard this referred to as the “Amazon effect”—if you want something, it just shows up the next day.

But God’s timing is different from ours. He sees the bigger picture, and sometimes, He asks us to wait because He’s preparing us for what’s ahead or working things out in ways we can’t yet see.

The Bible gives us many examples of people who had to wait for God’s promises. In each of these cases, the waiting was not in vain; it was part of God’s perfect plan for their growth and His glory.

True patience means trusting in God’s love even when we don’t see the full picture. It means letting go of our desire to control the outcome and believing that He is working all things together for our good, in His perfect time (Romans 8:28).

Questions:

How do you personally struggle with waiting on God’s timing? Is it more about worrying, about complaining, or about demanding? Or all three?

Do you also sometimes try to take the Captain’s chair? What does that look like for you and how does it work out?

Patience is such a simple concept ‘on paper’, so why is it so difficult to practice more consistently?

When we worry, complain, and demand different timing, how does that impact God’s perfect plan for our lives?

How would you explain today’s lesson if you had to summarize it in a couple of sentences?

The Worst Sinner of All Time?

We took the last several months off from the blog to go through the book Man in the Mirror together but we’re back to it now with a powerful verse from 1 Timothy.

Today’s lesson starts with a question for the group: who was the worst sinner of all time? Some might think of notorious figures from history, but when Paul wrote 1 Timothy, he claimed the title for himself. In 1 Timothy 1:15, Paul says, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.”

This statement comes from a man who went on to become one of the greatest leaders of the early church. So, why would Paul make such a bold claim? He’s referring to his past, a time when he persecuted Christians with zeal. Before his conversion, Paul (then known as Saul) was feared for hunting down believers, and he was present at the stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr (Acts 7:58). Given this background, it’s not surprising that some Christians were skeptical of Paul, even after his transformation. To many, he wasn’t just another sinner—he was the worst kind: the former enemy of Christ.

Paul’s words in 1 Timothy were also a smart and effective writing tool. He wasn’t just acknowledging his sinful past to be transparent, but he was also disarming his critics. By openly calling himself the “worst” of sinners, Paul showed deep humility. He understood that his story wasn’t about glorifying his sins, but about highlighting the boundless grace of God. If God could forgive Paul, He could forgive anyone.

Paul’s story serves as a reminder that no one is too far gone. God’s grace isn’t reserved for those who “have it all together” but is for everyone, no matter their past. Paul’s life of transformation proves that God can use anyone for good—even someone who once fought against the church.

So what does this mean for us?
If we ever feel unworthy of God’s love because of mistakes we’ve made, Paul’s story is a message of hope. We don’t need to be perfect to come to God—He meets us where we are. And once we accept His grace, we can move forward with new purpose, just like Paul did.

Reflection Questions:

  1. What does Paul’s story teach us about how God sees sinners?
  2. Have you ever struggled with feeling unworthy of God’s love? How can Paul’s life experience encourage us in those moments?
  3. Two part question: a) how judgmental and critical do you tend to be of others and b) does God’s grace toward Paul inspire you to be less judgmental and more gracious toward others?
  4. In what ways can we show the same grace to others that Paul received from God?
  5. How can we incorporate humility like Paul did and use our own stories of forgiveness to help others see God’s grace at work?

The Secret of Job Contentment

This week’s chapter of The Man in the Mirror is titled “The Secret of Job Contentment.” This week the author invites us to explore the topic of contentment in our professional lives. This chapter addresses the keys to job satisfaction but also the deeper, spiritual alignment of our work with God’s purposes.

The distinction between wants and needs is a fundamental aspect of Christianity and a key theme in this chapter. Often, our career ambitions drive us — whether to gain significance, authority, wealth, prestige, or respect.  While these pursuits are not inherently sinful, they can distract us from what God wants for us. He wants us to find dignity and purpose in our work.

The author also suggests that a major secret to job contentment lies in redefining what we truly need vs. what we want.

Our circumstances do not determine our contentment; rather, our faith and trust in God do. This requires us to redefine our boss, recognizing that ultimately, we are serving the Lord. While we have earthly employers or clients, the ultimate authority and ownership rest with God. He has the final interest in all things, and by serving our earthly bosses as representatives of God’s authority, we can align our work with His kingdom.

To embrace contentment in our jobs, we must also learn not to try to control the future with our own plans but to trust in God’s plan for us—one day at a time. As Matthew 6:34 reminds us, “Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Through this chapter, we learn that job contentment is not about achieving all our desires but about aligning our needs with God’s purpose, trusting in His plan, and serving Him faithfully in every aspect of our work.

In seeking job contentment, it might help us to think of our work not just as a means to an end but as a significant part of God’s plan for our lives (which it is). When we redefine our ambitions and view our daily tasks through the lens of serving God, every action gains a deeper meaning and purpose. This shift encourages us not only to pursue excellence in our roles but also to find joy in even the mundane tasks, knowing they contribute to a greater mission.

Questions:

1. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? — Like the other chapters in TMITM book, this chapter sounds very logical and, in many ways, obvious. But, also like other chapters, some of the ideas seem a little impractical or even daunting?

2. One of the ideas in today’s lesson is that we should avoid trying to control the future with our plans? Does that mean we are supposed to avoid making plans?

3. In what ways can we see our role at work as serving God, not just our earthly employer?

4. Do you believe that trusting in God’s plan, one day at a time, can help alleviate pressures related to our career ambitions? If so, how?

5. Based on today’s lesson, what would you say is the key to job contentment?

Significance: The Search for Meaning and Purpose

As we continue with the fourth week of “The Man in the Mirror,” today’s chapter challenges us with a deep question: “Why do I exist?” This goes beyond the everyday roles we play—whether as professionals, parents, friends, or partners—and touches the core of our existence. As we navigate our daily lives, it’s easy to get caught up in the what without stopping to consider the why.

In the ‘goals vs. purpose’ discussion, he notes that goals are WHAT we do, and our purpose is WHY we do it. He distinguishes between the fleeting satisfaction derived from worldly goals and the enduring joy found in living out our divine purpose. This distinction influences our motivation and the fulfillment we derive from our actions.

God’s purpose for our lives is THE reason we exist, and once we understand His purpose for us, then we can set goals to move in that direction. So, one litmus test is to simply ask ourselves, “Why am I pursuing this goal?”. This simple but powerful question may help us determine if we are aligned with God’s plan. Of course, there may be some gray areas, but in many cases, the answer might be closer to the “worldly” end or the “Godly” end of the range.

For instance, consider pursuits like improving a golf handicap or climbing the corporate ladder. While these activities might seem worldly or secular, if they are part of a broader effort to glorify God and love others—possibly by building community or living with integrity & discipline—they can indeed align with our spiritual purpose. However, if such pursuits become ends in themselves or primary goals, they might lead us away from our true calling.

Purpose is not a destination but a journey marked by continual effort to align our talents and opportunities with God’s will. This path involves using our unique gifts in our homes, professions, community, or other daily interactions to serve and glorify God, fulfilling the Great Commission and contributing to His kingdom.

As we reflect on our purpose, here is a scripture from Colossians 3:23 to help keep us aligned correctly: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” This verse reminds us that our purpose in all endeavors should be to serve and honor God and that our goals should be aligned with this purpose.

Questions:

  1. What was your biggest take-away from today’s lesson? Were there any ‘a-ha’ moments?
  2. Reflecting on your current goals, would you say they are mostly aligned with your Godly purpose?
  3. Can you think of a time when pursuing a worldly goal distracted you from your spiritual purpose? If you were able to get back on track, how did you realign yourself with God’s plan?
  4. Based on today’s lesson, if you were helping someone better align their “what” with their “why”, what are some practical steps you would suggest?

Significance: The Search for Meaning and Purpose

Our next chapter from “Man in the Mirror,” is titled “Significance: The Search for Meaning and Purpose.” It challenges us to consider what it really means to lead a significant life. For many, significance might be measured by achievements, influence, or the legacy they leave behind. However, this chapter invites us to consider a deeper concept of significance—one that aligns with God’s purpose and design for our lives.

Today’s Scripture is from Psalm 8:3-4 and says “When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?”

These words remind us that no matter how much worldly significance we achieve, it all pales in comparison to the “work of God’s fingers”. And, as a result, we can gain more real significance by pursuing God vs. pursuing things.

Instead of defining our worth by worldly standards, which are fleeting and often leave us feeling unfulfilled, this chapter reminds us to find our significance in our relationship with God and our faithfulness to His call. This shift in perspective realigns our priorities and enriches our lives immeasurably more than any worldly accomplishment could.

Here’s a real head-scratcher – if we took a test about where our focus should be, we would all choose Godly significance as the “right” answer. But as soon as we stand up and leave today the first thing many of us (including me) will be tempted to do is check our messages and get right back into the rat race. That’s not to say that we should ignore our messages, but it highlights how quickly our focus can shift from Godly to worldly pursuits

I don’t believe the author is advocating for a life of poverty over one of wealth and material riches, nor is he anti-wealth or anti-accomplishment. Rather, he seeks the best for his readers, understanding that a laser focus on worldly things is less fulfilling than embracing God’s eternal perspective. Let’s explore this and other topics in our discussion questions below.

  1. Do you agree with the statement above that the author really just wants the best for each of his readers or do you get the sense that he’s anti-wealth/anti-accomplishment (worldly accomplishment that is)? Or is the answer “both and”?
  2. Why is it so tempting to choose the worldly significance path when we know the Godly significance path is better in every way? And are those two paths necessarily distinct & separate?
  3. Two-part question – what daily habits do you currently follow to align more closely with God’s purposes for you? And what habits would you like to add?
  4. How do you want to be remembered in terms of your faith and impact on others?

Cultural vs. Biblical Christianity

Today’s topic, from the third chapter of Man in the Mirror is a comparison between Cultural Christianity and Biblical Christianity. “Cultural Christianity” involves going through the motions—attending church, participating in Bible studies, and identifying with Christian values mostly in public or traditional settings. However, this approach may lack the depth of personal faith, daily reliance on Scripture, and a living relationship with Christ that defines a Biblical Christian.

Today’s lesson is about bringing awareness to the difference because I believe that many of us might find ourselves acting in the role of a cultural Christian without even realizing it. That brings us to the verse for today which is from James 1:22-23:

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.”

So, what’s the big deal, right? If we live life as a cultural Christian, nobody gets hurt, and we are at least acting like a “good guy”. Is this really that bad? To me, this is like neglecting our health by skipping exercise and overindulging in desserts—eventually, our doctor might deliver news we can’t reverse.

In the same way, imagine pausing to reflect on December 31st of even one single year and genuinely contemplating the quality of our faith life over the previous 12 months. In many years, we might realize that, while we’ve been present at church, we haven’t been fully present in our walk with God. And while that single year of regret is genuinely sad, consider adding all the rest of your years of regret together and thinking about that weighty idea as you near the end of your life on earth – wow, now that’s powerful.

But the good news is that it’s a lot simpler than we try to make it. It’s not about doing more in most cases; it’s about doing less. Typically, we don’t need more Bible studies or volunteering at the soup kitchen; we need more quiet time with God and more time to reflect on scripture. Those are the real moments when God speaks to us and moves our hearts.

The path of a Biblical Christian involves a daily (yes, daily) commitment to transform our hearts and minds to reflect the image of Jesus. But it is completely worth it! Imagine waking each day with a sense of purpose and a life of peace. This is not just a distant dream; it is very much available to each of us as we deepen our faith.

As we dig into these questions, let’s really challenge ourselves. By sharing authentically, everyone will hopefully leave today with a renewed passion for living as a Biblical Christian.

Questions:

1. Do you agree with the statement above that it’s possible to live much of our life as a cultural Christian without even being aware of it?

2. Based on your personal observations, do it seem to you that most people spend more time in the realm of cultural or Biblical Christianity?

3. What are practical steps we can take to transition from a cultural to a Biblical Christian?

4. Looking forward, what changes do you hope to see in your life as you shift towards a more engaged and Biblical Christianity? How do you envision this impacting your sense of fulfillment and purpose?

Easter Mountain Climbing

As we observe Good Friday this week, we have time to reflect on a theme that we also explored last week—mountains. Specifically, we draw inspiration from Isaiah 2:1-4, where the mountain symbolizes a place of encountering God, learning, and mutual growth. This Easter, I invite you to view our collective spiritual journey through the lens of ascending a sacred mountain—a journey that ties in with our exploration last week of “The Second Mountain” by David Brooks.

The Mountain of the Lord: Easter’s Call to Ascent

Easter is a season of renewal, resurrection, and reawakening. It invites us to contemplate the resurrection of Jesus Christ as the ultimate journey from the valley of death to the pinnacle of new life. This ascent to the “mountain of the Lord,” as Isaiah envisions, symbolizes our call to move closer to God, seeking His ways and walking in His paths.

Connecting the Mountains

Last week, we reflected on the metaphor of climbing two mountains. The first mountain is about personal ambitions and success, while the second mountain focuses on selflessness, commitment, and service to others. This Easter, we’re reminded that there is yet another mountain to climb—the one where we meet God in His majesty, learning His ways and committing to walk in His paths.

From the Valley to the Mountain Top

Easter is a good time to reflect on the valleys of our lives—moments of suffering, doubt, and death. Yet, it offers a profound hope that, with God’s help, we can conquer these valleys! (can I get an Amen!?) The resurrection of Jesus signifies that the darkest valley can (and did) lead to the highest mountain, where eternal life and peace reign.

The Communal Journey Upward

Isaiah’s vision of the mountain of the Lord is not just an individual ascent; it’s a group invitation. “Many peoples shall come and say, ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord.'” This echoes the importance of community and service we discussed last week. As we climb towards Easter’s promise, we do so together, supporting and uplifting each other in faith.

Embracing Easter’s Journey

As we prepare our hearts for Easter, let’s embrace the journey from the valley to the mountaintop. Let’s renew our commitment to learn from God, to walk in His paths, and to do so together as men who support each other in every way possible and always want the best for each other.

Reflection Questions for Easter Ascent

1. How does the Easter story of resurrection inspire you to get through valleys? And, if you are comfortable sharing, what valleys are you emerging from, and what mountain are you climbing now?

2. The journey to the mountain of the Lord is a communal one. How does your faith community come together to support each other in this ascent? How can you contribute to this journey?

3. Similar to the last question, as we collectively ascend the mountain of the Lord, what do the words “leave no man behind” mean to you? What are some ways we can live out that idea?

4. Imagine reaching the mountain of the Lord, as described by Isaiah. What emotions and thoughts does this evoke in you?

5. Isaiah speaks of learning the ways of the Lord. How can you, in this Easter season, commit to learning more about God’s ways and applying them in your life?

Embracing the Eternal over the Momentary

Today’s topic was inspired by Scott Edwards who bravely fought brain cancer for many years but ultimately passed away last week. Many of you in this group likely attended his funeral yesterday. His life was a great example of how we should dedicate ourselves to eternal purposes and not to short-lived or materialistic pursuits. So, we dedicate this lesson to Scott and the legacy of love and faith he left behind as he entered the gates of heaven.

We talked recently about how easy it is to get caught up in the worries and distractions of our daily existence. Yet, 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 offers a meaningful perspective, urging us to look beyond the immediate: “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” Today we’ll focus on three key elements from this verse – minimizing worry, being present, and focusing on the eternal.

Finding Peace in the Midst of Turmoil

1. Embracing a Worry-Free Life: Our earthly troubles, though they may seem overwhelming, are described as “light and momentary” in the grand scheme of God’s plan. This perspective invites us to surrender our worries to God, trusting in His eternal wisdom and plan.

2. Being Present in Every Moment: In a world that’s constantly rushing towards the next big thing, this verse reminds us of the value of being present. Every day is an opportunity to experience God’s love and to showcase that love to others.

3. Focusing on the Eternal: Our culture often emphasizes material success and visible achievements. However, what truly matters is often unseen – the growth of our spirit, the love we share, and the faith that guides us.

Applying Eternal Perspectives in Daily Life

Not Worrying: How can we practically shift our focus from worry to trust in God’s plan? It involves a daily commitment to prayer, reflection, and consciously choosing to trust in God’s promises.

Being Present: It’s not just about physically being there, but also about being emotionally and spiritually engaged with those around us. It can be as simple as truly listening to someone or as profound as being fully aware of God’s presence in every moment possible.

Focusing on the Eternal: This means prioritizing our spiritual growth and the well-being of others over worldly gains. It’s about making choices that align with our faith and eternal destiny, not just with immediate desires or societal expectations.

Questions:

1. How effectively do you let go of worries and focus on God’s eternal plan in your daily life? If you are skilled in this area, please share some of your tips with the group.

2. “On paper” being present is so simple. So why is it so hard for us to master?

3. Can you share an experience where being fully present in the moment led to a deeper spiritual insight or personal connection?

4. In what ways can we encourage each other to prioritize eternal values over temporary successes? How can we best support each other in this worth pursuit?

5. How does the distinction between what is seen and unseen affect your decision-making and life priorities?

Aligning Our Resolutions with our Faith

As we usher in another new year, it’s common for many of us to set resolutions. But have you ever wondered how this tradition aligns with our Christian faith? In this post, we’ll explore the concept of New Year’s resolutions from a Christian viewpoint and how we can use this tradition to enhance our spiritual journey. New Year’s resolutions, while secular in nature, can have deep spiritual implications when viewed through the lens of faith.

Aligning Resolutions with Christian Values

1. Spiritual Growth: Consider resolutions that enhance your spiritual life. This could be committing to daily prayer, regular Bible study, or participating more actively in church activities.

2. Serving Others: Jesus taught us the importance of serving others. Your resolutions could involve volunteering at a local charity, helping neighbors, or simply being more present and available for people in need.

3. Improving Personal Virtues: Think about personal virtues like patience, kindness, humility, and self-control. Setting goals to improve in these areas can be an effective way to live out Christian values.

4. Physical Health: Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Resolutions around better physical health – whether it’s eating healthier, exercising more, or quitting harmful habits – honor this biblical principle.

5. Family and Relationships: Strengthening family bonds and mending strained relationships can also be a focus. The Bible places great emphasis on the value of family and loving relationships.

Challenges and Staying the Course

It’s common to face challenges or even fail in keeping up with resolutions but every day is a new beginning in God’s grace. Persistence, prayer, and reliance on God’s strength are key to successfully sticking with resolutions. It’s also helpful to remember that resolutions are not just about personal improvement, but about growing closer to God and living out His will in our lives.

In the spirit of New Year’s resolutions and personal transformation, it’s essential to reflect on the important message found in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” This verse reminds us that our journey in faith is not just about superficial changes or temporary resolutions. It’s about a deep, transformative process that occurs when we truly embrace our faith in Christ. As new creations in Christ, we’re called to shed our old ways, habits, and sins, and embrace a life that reflects His love, grace, and truth. This transformation is at the heart of our Christian walk.

Questions:

1. What Christian values/concepts are important to consider when setting New Year’s resolutions?

2. How can you align your personal goals for the year with your spiritual life?

3. Do you have an example of a time when you struggled with a resolution and how your faith helped you to overcome that challenge.

4. How can we support each other in our community in achieving our resolutions?

5. What role does prayer and reliance on God play in setting and achieving your New Year’s resolutions?