If I Knew Now What I Knew Then

"I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it"(Mark 10:15).

The adage says, “If I knew then what I know now, you’d be looking at a different me.” While true, it is unfortunate. There is a sadness in maturity if we lose the joy of innocent giving.

With face beaming, Little Bobbie burst into the room, carrying a bouquet of dandelions. Mom gladly accepted the gift. Instead of dandelions, she saw love. Our Heavenly Father wants us to give with that same exuberance. However, we are reticent because we only see the dandelions.

We fail to invite the newcomers over for a meal because our refrigerator is nearly bare. We fail to send a word of encouragement because we don't have the proper stationery. We refuse to teach a religious education class because we are not Biblical scholars. We do not participate in the worship service because we believe our talents are too limited.

By worrying about the dandelions, we miss the opportunity to make a new friend, to lift another's spirits, to help a child discover God's truth, or to fellowship with our Father who takes pleasure in the offering of ourselves.Let us not withhold our gifts for fear they are lacking in splendor or substance. God sees only the love.

Recognizing the Sinner Within

A wicked man puts up a bold front, but an upright man gives thought to his ways
(Proverbs 21:29)

Once upon a time, a mill owner decided to view his factory. He wanted to bask in his fortunes. Did the workers produce all they could produce? When he arrived, he cried with the revelation that his wealth was obtained by the back-breaking work of others. He looked upon the filth of the factory floor. Then he noticed the children. Why weren’t they at home playing or attending school as were his children? He saw the women tugging loads meant for the muscular men. His wife went about raising money for charities while he enslaved the poor. He thought himself a kind compassionate person until this day showed him the kind of man he really was. While wearing the face of reformer, he oppressed the masses. He went home a saddened man, but much wiser. From that day on, he sought to live the life whereof he preached.
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Aging Grace

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever (Psalm 73:26).

God does not promise a life without physical problems. No matter how physically fit we are, the body eventually dies. No one lives forever on this earth. Decay is a natural occurrence brought on by man’s original disobedience. Our wit, our senses, our desires, our dreams diminish as we age. The good news is that God will keep our energies afloat to fulfill His good purpose. Do Christians suffer from dementia? Yes. Do Christians suffer from paralysis and debilitating disease? Yes. But, God is able to transcend these limitations. The Bible teems with stories of heroes who overcame seemingly impossible odds to further the Kingdom. David lived like a hunted animal in fear of Saul. Joseph became a leader even in prison. A slave girl led a Roman official to Jesus. God is not limited by our limitations. Rather He uses them so that none can boast of their own strength.