Wise Advice

Have you ever heard of Jethrogation? In the book of Exodus chapter 18: verses 13-24, the story reads how Moses in a conversation with his father-in-law realized that he was facing burn out. As his father-in-law observed the many duties that Moses performed for the Israelites, he saw that Moses would soon be over burdened. Moses was doing too much alone.

Moses felt the need to listen to the people all day with very little breaks. The lines were long and the problems he listened to were many. Moses explained to Jethro how the people came to him to seek God's guidance. When conflict arose, Moses was the person who they came to to settle the case. He was the one who informed the people of God's decision and further teach them God's instructions. Moses felt responsible for the people he was leading.

As Jethro listened to his son-in-law he informed him that this was not a good place to be. It was time for him to re-think how he was conducting business. Moses needed to have a better plan, a plan that would allow him some time for his family. Moses' family, his wife and two children lived with Jethro. Moses was a busy man ministering to the Israelites. He was so busy that he had left the responsibilities of providing for his family to Jethro.

In his wisdom Jethro decided to present Moses with his family again and give him wise counsel as to how to keep his family a priority. Jethro proceeded to tell Moses that the job was to heavy for him to handle alone. Jethro offered Moses a word of advice with the blessings of God. Jethro proceeded to tell Moses that he should continue to be the people's representative before God. Tell them God's decisions, teach them God's laws and instructions and show them how to conduct their lives.

The next statement that Jethro made freed Moses to minister to all with the help of some. Jethro told Moses"find some capable, honest men who fear God and hate bribes. Appoint them as judges over groups. These people will serve the people resolving day to day ordinary cases. Lighten your load."

These judges helped Moses carry the load. "If you follow this advice and if God directs you to do so, then you will be able to endure the pressures and all these people will go home in peace." Moses listened to his father-in-law's advice and followed his suggestions. The key word is that Moses Listened, then he followed through with the wise advice given to him. His family life was restored to him and his father-in-law was able to return to his home. Jethro's mission was accomplished and God's will was done by Moses listening to the wise advice of his father-in-law.

Wise advice is given at different seasons of our lives. Following this wise advice blesses us and those who we come in contact with. It helps us to gain a proper perspective of where we fit in the scheme of life itself. Wise advice allows us to be grounded and to choose with wisdom the proper battle to fight. Choose wisely who you listen to and whose advice you take.

09-20-09

Other One Giving

Peace on earth good will towards men” is a phrase that is said so many times that it is hard to keep count during the holiday season. During Christmas season you hear the songs with this sentiment everywhere; in stories, in cars, in malls, on the radio, homes and many churches.
When we worship from Sunday to Sunday we hope that those who come into the sanctuary in turmoil will leave with “Peace on Earth.”

“Peace on earth good will towards men” is this just a seasonal thing that we do or should this be a year round happening? Do we all seek to live in peace on this earth and have good will towards men in spite of how they react or respond to you? Peace brings about calm to a tumultuous happening. Peace is calm response; eternal rest (after death); free of strife or discord; harmony in personal relationship, especially with God.

Most of us would love to live free of strife or discord and would like to stay that way until we come to an eternal rest, which is death upon this earth. While we are on this earth we seek to have harmony in our personal relationships but should diligently pursue an up close and personal relationship with God our heavenly Father.

“That brings us to good will towards men.” How do we show that? Good means kind, profitable, excellent, and morally right. Properly partnered with will which is decision-making capacity, indicating a power of choice then together they give us the power of choice to act kindly at all times to be morally right and kind to others year round and not just seasonally. When we make goodwill a non-stop process then the gospel message becomes profitable to you and others who have received the peace on earth and good will towards men at all times.

The next time you use this greeting, song or phrase, remember that Peace on earth good will towards men is not seasonal; it’s the way we all should live our daily lives.

12-20-09

The Gifting

“Tis the season to be jolly, Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la.” How many times did you hear that tune this holiday season during the Christmas celebration as you decked the halls with your various decorations? This is the season that from, midnight of Thanksgiving we go into a shopping frenzy to buy gifts for friends or love ones and sometimes use this time to buy a gift or two for ourselves. It’s probably one of the world’s greatest times of giving. We sometimes give to those who we don’t particularly like or even know just because of the Christmas season. There are many who give to their employers and employees because it’s just expected regardless of how we feel about them. Not a lot of thought is placed on the gift and very little sentiment is wrapped within.

As gifts are opened on Christmas, the reactions come in a vast array of emotions from young children to the oldest adult. From screams of glee to humph! The gifts emotional language is short lived. For some the gift is placed down quickly only to open the next one to receive a greater or lesser reaction. Most gifts bring only temporary satisfaction. Sometimes because a person receives a gift they look forward to more and more and more; therefore the satisfaction quota is hard to fill. Because the quota is so hard to fill, the gifting process becomes an event they don’t look forward to. After so many years the gifting becomes a duty, an obligation an ok I’ll do it because it’s expected event. It’s done without any more feelings and the pleasure of giving has been hidden.

One may ask the question: How do I re-birth my gifting? How do I return to being jolly for the season where I could sing Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la again with joy in my heart? I first should look to the greatest gift to receive. The greatest and best gift should be given to you first; that is the gift of Salvation. Accepting Jesus Christ as your personal Savior the ultimate gifting. Accepting the gift that was given to the world during the birth of Jesus is the gift that keeps on giving. God gave his only begotten son as a gift to us to take away the sins of the world. The gift of salvation through Jesus Christ is a gift that keeps on giving throughout eternity. It never loses its ability to satisfy the hunger of our souls. It manifests itself through having an intimate relationship first with Jesus and then those who we encounter during our lifetime.

As you give your loved ones a gift this year and not only at Christmas, consider giving them the gift of communication. Make it a habit to talk and interact and fellowship with them. Become more active in their lives and allow the same for you as well. Give them the gift of presence being there when necessary and when needed but also just because you care and want to be there for them. Give them the gift of touch. A handshake, a touch on the shoulder or a hug to show you’re special to me. Give them a touch of warmth just because you’re you.

Think of other ways you can give not only in material things but in ways that will always bring about fond memories when others think of you. Gifting is very important and the reasoning behind it as well. Let your gifting be a blessing to the receiver and then pass the goodness on to those who you encounter during your life.

SPW

12-06-09