Tag: Generosity

Today’s Word Is SACRIFICE

Thu-May-21-2020

“But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation…” – The Apostle Paul (2nd Corinthians 1:6)

In our culture, the norm is to avoid suffering at any cost. There are lots of people who would be willing to help you in a time of need, so long as it is convenient. Far fewer are those who would suffer hardship and inconvenience in order to serve you or help in a crisis. But the love of God that comes to dwell within us as Christians is an unconditional love. Thus, Paul tells the Corinthians that he is willing to suffer affliction in order to bless them.

Is there anyone in your past or present who has made great sacrifices on your behalf? Were any of those sacrificial people doing so unexpectedly? Maybe they were strangers or just someone who went out of their way to take an interest in you at a critical time in life. Without those people our world would be worse off for it. It is a noble thing to intentionally make sacrifices for the sake of someone else. As parents we do so for our children, but all too often people don’t make sacrifices unless there is compensation. (Hmmm … I guess if you get compensated, it’s not really a sacrifice after all.)

In the case of Paul, he was making these sacrifices without requiring compensation and doing it for complete strangers. Many of us restrict our sacrificial giving and acts of service to those we know and love, or at least to those who, in our opinion, deserve it.

Whoa … wait a minute … no compensation for Paul? Well, actually, he did sometimes receive offerings of assistance, though not always, and certainly not because he demanded it. They were gifts. And beyond that, there were some intangible compensations from God that were also gifts. You will find out about them below.

Paul was involved in a three-party relationship … himself, those he helped, and God whom he served. The reason he made sacrifices was not founded on the needs of the people he was “sent to,” it was because of the “sender” … God who called him, who sustained him, and who gave him a purpose.

Think about it … the idea of sacrificing for others is at the very heart of what God is asking us to do. It is not about increasing our goodness points. It is not about caring for someone because they care about us. It is not about helping those who deserve it. It is because we have a Great Provider who has done far more for us than we could ever do for anyone else.

We get to imitate the God of the universe by doing sacrificial and costly things, because God has always been willing to do sacrificial and costly things for us. At the cost of his Son’s life, he forgave our sins and gave us a new heart. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. (Ezekiel 36:26)

Are there benefits? Of course, there are. God certainly wants to bless us with tangible benefits … home, family, comfort, and well-being. But these are secondary to God’s amazing intangible benefits. And as Paul is trying to say, it is worth it to forgo tangible benefits when doing so will benefit others. “But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation…” (2nd Corinthians 1:6)

Our sacrifices for the sake of others open doors within them to receive comfort and salvation. It also opens doors within us to receive the intangible benefits of love, peace, hope, joy, and fulfillment. Would you trade these five things for all the treasures in the world? I wouldn’t.

I am thankful for your sacrifices for the sake of others,

Chaplain Mark

Today’s True Story … TEMPORARY SHOES

Fri-Apr-24-2020

A wealthy tycoon made arrangements with his attorney that at his death, all his fortune would be converted to gold bars and buried with him so he could take it to heaven.

Eventually the day came, and he arrived at the Pearly Gates with a huge moving truck. St. Peter said, “OK. This is unusual. What’s in the truck?”

The doors to the truck were swung open revealing thousands of gold bars, and St. Peter exclaimed, “Pavement! Thank you!”

Just a reminder that there are lots of “things” we accumulate in this life that have no eternal value. Jesus said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Today’s True Story … a new feature about the many people I have met, events I have witnessed, and stories I have heard.

In 2009, I became the host of a national radio program called “The Healing Touch,” which aired on XM & Sirius Satellite Radio, from midnight to 2:00 a.m., Monday through Friday. Using six incoming 800 lines, I chatted with people across North America about growing in faith and prayed with them about life’s problems. The following is a true story from listeners who called in to the live talk show.

TEMPORARY SHOES

Billie went shopping with her husband David, and they found a close-out bin with a pair of great shoes that fit David perfectly. He didn’t come shopping for shoes, and really didn’t need another pair, but they couldn’t pass up the deal. The next day, he went to work and wore them all day … best feeling shoes in a long time, name brand, first class, what a bargain. Then there was the man walking down the road as David drove home from work … a man wearing only one shoe. David stopped and the man explained his other shoe fell apart. David took his off and they fit the man perfectly. It made the man cry, and David drove away, the former owner of a temporary pair of bargain shoes. A God-designed encounter.

Have a safe and healthy weekend,

Chaplain Mark

Today’s Word Is HOSPITALITY

Wed-Apr-15-2020

“The things you do for yourself are gone when you are gone, but the things you do for others remain as your legacy.” – N. D. Kalu (former NFL defensive lineman)

Several years ago, we bought a new home that suited our desires better. One thing we wanted to do was to entertain guests more often. Previously we had an open space on the main floor where a few people could hang out. Then there was a finished basement downstairs with another den. Now we have a one-level space with a larger gathering area.

The sale of the old and purchase of the new has a God-story in it. We understand that this is not “our” house … it belongs to God, as do all our possessions, along with ourselves. Thus, we are now able to  use our home for larger family gatherings and for entertaining more friends. A playroom next to the great room was part of the design to bless our grandkids, as well as the children of our visitors.

All of this is because we believe that the principle of hospitality is central to our Christian faith. We have hosted several people who have stayed with us a night or two or more in our new home. One had an apartment emergency and needed a place to stay temporarily. Another came as a guest after being incarcerated, and upon release needed temporary housing.

And we didn’t just start this recently. In many of our homes we have housed our parents, family members, and others for extended stays. But, of course, you should do hospitality your way. It doesn’t have to be large groups or extended stays. Maybe it is another couple for dinner, or a few friends occasionally, or even a weekly Bible study. All of this “social distancing” because of the Corona Virus has made us miss having guests. My wife and I can’t wait to get back to hosting friends and family.

If you are like us, then at some point along the way you will have to face your adversity to being inconvenienced, and finally submit to God’s little tests to see if you are willing to drop your selfishness, pride, and affinity to comfort in exchange for the chance to make a difference in someone else’s life. You will eventually forget most of your dislike for being inconvenienced and think more about the joy of serving others.

This is what it takes to have an attitude of hospitality. And leaving a legacy of hospitality will inspire others to do the same.

“Be sure to welcome strangers into your home. By doing this, some people have welcomed angels as guests, without even knowing it.” (Hebrews 13:2 CEV)

Blessings,

Chaplain Mark

Today’s Word Is JOB

Mon-Mar-2-2020

Many years ago, the owner of a professional sports franchise hired a consulting firm to help evaluate their employees, including job descriptions, distribution of responsibilities, and organizational chart. The purpose was to see if they could improve their sports team’s effectiveness and reputation, as well as to make things more cost effective and improve the “bottom line.”

A selection of employees at every level, from high salaries to minimum wage, and from every part of the company was brought in for interviews. These persons were to describe what their “job” was. For example, “I am in the marketing department, and my job is to arrange for large groups to come to our ball games and receive special treatment.” Another might say, “I travel the country looking for prospective athletes for our team.” While another might say, “I am in the ticket booth selling tickets.”

One of the random names picked was a cleaning lady who patrolled the bathrooms during the games and kept them “fresh.” The interviewer began by asking her, “What is your job for this organization?” And without hesitation, she said, “I’ll tell you what my job is … my job is to help our team win the Super Bowl!” She went on to explain how people are happier, buy more “stuff,” talk up the team, and stay loyal fans if they are able to go to a clean, well-kept restroom. “Furthermore,” she explained, “happy fans are more enthusiastic and yell more, and that makes our team play better and win more games, which is what gets us to the Super Bowl!”

Wouldn’t you like to work side-by-side with someone who has this attitude about their job! I would imagine that lady was fun to be around, easy to work with, and accomplished a lot, while maintaining excellent relationships with the customers as well as co-workers.

No job is insignificant, especially if you are doing it with the highest of purposes. After all, your real reward is from the Lord!

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” – The Apostle Paul (Colossians 3:23-24)

Blessings,

Chaplain Mark

Today’s Word Is MERCIFUL

The Steps of Christian Maturity
Beatitude #5
Giving and Receiving Mercy
Mon-Feb-24-2020

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” – Jesus (Matthew 5:7) (Beatitude #5)

Beginning at birth we all sing a song that goes like this … “It’s all about me, it’s all about me, it’s all about me, it’s all about me.” (You can make up your own tune.) You can also add a second verse, but of course it has the same lyrics as the first verse. From day one the demands are: feed me, change my diaper (especially when it contains a surprise), make me comfortable, hold me, rock me, pacify me. Repeat.

A narcissist is someone who never gets past the self-centeredness they were born with. Some narcissism is so extreme that such a person is like a sponge, soaking the life out of others and into themselves. In practical terms, this person is expensive to be around. Their demand for attention tends to increase over time. All the while you may begin suspecting that their interest in you may actually be based on selfish motives more than genuine appreciation and concern for you as a person.

What is missing in such a person’s life is the motivation and inspiration to jump the hurdle from self-centeredness to merciful. In the life of Christian faith and maturity which Jesus is describing in the Beatitudes, we have reached the point where that leap takes place. Jesus has spoken four blessings (Beatitudes) prior to this one … blessed are the poor in spirit (humble); blessed are those who mourn (letting go of what holds us back); blessed are the meek (genuine, at peace); and blessed are those who are hungry for right things and for things to go right.

In a way, this is the description of conversion to belief in Jesus … humility, confession, repentance, turning around, leaving the old life behind, and following him. For instance …  Jesus said to him [the rich young ruler], “If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” (Matthew 19:21) … and also … [Jesus said to them], “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.” (Mark 8:34)

These first four steps are about us as individuals becoming converted to and established in the faith. But now, in Beatitude #5, Jesus starts to describe the effect your new life has on your character and your desire to make a difference in the world around you The Holy Spirit moves in your heart because you feel blessed and as a result you become continually thankful. Then something springs forth from within you that wants to share this better life and to be a blessing to others. In other words, having been shown mercy by God, you become a merciful person toward others … like the song entitled “Pass It On” or the movie entitled “Pay It Forward.”

Now here’s the kicker … the favor you show to others gets returned to you. And these blessings come both from God and from others around you.

And here’s the paradox … we don’t receive this mercy by seeking it. If your motive for ministering to the needs of others is to cause them to be nice to you, it generally backfires. That’s because you are demonstrating not that you are a merciful person, but that you are a selfish person, more interested in your own needs than others.

The merciful person expects nothing in return, and yet receives in abundance.

Be merciful!

Chaplain Mark

NOTE: If you have not read the previous articles about each Beatitude, you should scroll further down and read previous days’ entries and catch up. We are discussing the faith journey toward Christian maturity as described by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount.

The Beatitudes … Matthew 5:2-10 (NRSV)

2 Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.

8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Today’s Word Is CREDIT

Tue-Feb-11-2020

Millard Fuller was a self-made millionaire who gave away his wealth to start the Christian house-building group called Habitat for Humanity, which was founded in 1976 and based in Americus, GA. Since that time, Habitat has built more than 200,000 houses to serve over one million people in over 100 countries and attracted prominent volunteers, including former President Jimmy Carter, whose hometown of Plains, GA was 10 miles away.

I had the privilege many years ago of hearing Mr. Fuller speak at a meeting, and his presence was riveting and inspiring … such great charisma. He told a story of being at a conference in Charlotte, NC, which had participated in a world-wide blitz the previous year, an effort of Habitat to start 300 houses at once. Charlotte’s part was to begin 14 houses, the effect of which was to engage thousands of residents. It attracted many outside public figures, including comedian Bob Hope as well as President Carter.

Millard got an inspired idea at this conference that he would take a long afternoon break one day and go out on a curious adventure to see the effects of the previous year’s enormous house-building effort. In particular, he wanted to go to the house that his friend President Carter had helped to construct.

Mr. Fuller hired a car and driver to take him to see the project site, and eventually they pulled up in front of the house Carter helped to build. Stepping from the car, he could see that the house still looked very well-kept. A five-year old boy stood in the yard. Fuller approached and introduced himself.

Thinking that this young lad might have been told the story of President Carter helping to build his house, he stooped down and asked, “How do you like your new house?”

“I like it!” the boy answered.

Testing to see if he knew about Carter’s involvement, Fuller inquired, “Do you know who built your house?”

The youngster grinned, eyes sparkling, and said, “Yes, sir! Jesus built my house!”

That was not the answer he expected, but he realized it was exactly the right answer. Fuller went home deeply moved and inspired by a 5-year old who shared a great testimony.

As I type this article, my eyes have moistened up just thinking about that little boy’s answer, just like when I first heard it, and like every time I retell it to someone.

This is the takeaway … We need to give God the credit, both for what has been given to us and what we have done for others.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. (James 1:17)

As to what we have received, Psalm 16:2 says: “I say to the Lord, ‘You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.’” Thanking others is a very important thing, but those who are committed to the Lord know that ultimately God is the source.

And of course, we know that the act of giving is an imitation of God, in whose image we are made. As the Apostle Paul said to the Ephesians, “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35)

If that story doesn’t light your fire, your wood must be wet!

Blessings!

Chaplain Mark