Category: Value - Jethro TOOLS

Rescued

3/2/2025

Luke 15
In 1878 Margaret Wolfe Hungerford first penned the phrase, “beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” This old saying describes how each person will see things differently. Thus, what one person finds beautiful another may find bland. I was reminded of that fact this week during a walk where I saw a small table placed on the side of the road. Alongside the table was a sign that read “FREE.” Who does not like free things? Yet free often means that the item no longer has any value to the owner. After years of use and perhaps abuse the table was discarded because it lacked beauty and value. In Luke 15 Jesus, confronts the criticism of the religious leaders who questioned the value of His time spent with sinners. In response, Jesus told three parables that outlined His clear value of the sinner who is lost and in need of rescue. He uses the story of a lost sheep that is returned (4-7), a lost coin that is recovered (8-10) and a lost son who is restored (11-32). Each portrays their helplessness and need for grace from the savior who steps in and does what only the savior can do. In the end there is a celebration as the lost has been found and the sinner rescued. Jesus came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). Over the years I have fixed old tables, worn out chairs and beat up cabinets using glue and screws. I then cleaned, sanded and painted or varnished them and the piece again displays its beauty. All because the rescuer saw value and beauty in what others viewed as trash. God does the same for us. He calls us to Himself, rescues us from ourselves and sin, then cleans us up and makes us useful for His purposes. Jesus sees the rescue of sinners as a valuable thing of beauty that is worth doing and celebrating.

For More See LUKE or SHEBA

Ministry Measured

10/27/2024

1 Timothy 6:1-10
Everything is life is measured. Lumber is measured and cut to build a house. Flour and other ingredients are carefully measured to make a cake. What happens if the measurements are not followed? The house may end up being structurally unsafe to live in. The cake may be bland, dry or even inedible. But let's dig a little deeper into our own lives. How do we measure our life? As kids we complain loudly if someone gets more cookies or ice cream than us. Then, in our twisted human thinking, we carry the same ideas into adulthood. We often find ourselves discontent as we look at others, their life and the things they have. However, the temporary nature of things is not a permanent source of satisfaction. We need a renewed perspective of that which will not fade and tarnish. In 1 Timothy 6 Paul addresses how our lives and ministries are to be measured. First, he challenges us to view our work as a reflection of our faith and our relationship to Jesus Christ (1-2). We are to have an eternal focus, even in very difficult work environments, so as not to bring discredit to our Savior. Second, Paul challenges our motivations in life to reflect accurate beliefs about Jesus and our relationship with Him (3-5). The problem is that we like to measure our life by our standards, possessions and positions which proves that we are less interested in following God’s. Finally, we are challenged by the measurement of contentment (6-10). We need to find our contentment in a life devoted to God that is fully satisfied with His provision. Therein lies the problem with someone else getting a bigger piece of cake. We have a hard time believing that God missed giving us the same amount. God has provided all that we need in Jesus. Will He find that our life is measured by His standard or ours?

For More See 1 TIMOTHY

Ministry of Care

10/6/2024

1 Timothy 5:1-16
Care is an interesting word. For example, I have an old dog that was literally dumped in my neighborhood on a cold rainy day. I felt concern and care for her which led to catching her, feeding her and helping her overcome health and trust problems. I cared about the dog and stepped in to help her. However on the other hand, the phrase I could not care less means that I have no interest in the subject at hand and have no level of connection or concern that could influence my position. In other words, on the caring meter that measures how much one cares, I am at a zero. Simply put, the level of feeling concern could not go any lower. You see, on one hand we can be moved deeply to reach out and show care or we can be ambivalent and distant by not being involved with any care. In 1 Timothy 5 Paul instructs Timothy to be one that offers care, instructs in care and guides in care. Timothy is to offer correction with care by coming alongside to help reorient the individual to God’s way of living (1-2). Second, Timothy is to be one that instructs others how to care, particularly families as they care for their elder members (3-8). Finally, Paul provides Timothy with guidelines for the church in providing care to those within the church (9-16). All this involves the practice of grace because those in need of care may be truly unlovely. The church needs to correct problems with grace and caution, but also be a place where people find value belonging to a gracious family. Are we ones who willingly step toward the problems and the people with problems? As we think about the ministry of caring for people we need to be ones that display the grace of Christ within the body of Christ to bring honor to Christ and make a difference for Christ.

For More See 1 TIMOTHY

Walk at Work

6/2/2024

Ephesians 6:5-9
If you are coasting through life that means you have found an easy path with little to no effort. If you are coasting through work it means that you are doing a little work without much effort. The problem is, working with the coaster. Those that actual put effort into their work get frustrated with having to carry the extra burden from an underperforming coworker. Perhaps you have had to do that, I know I have, and it is not a fun. The term coasting has recently been updated to quiet quitting. This new term began to be used during the covid pandemic when many worked from home. Quiet quitting describes a person who does as little as possible without getting fired. They are coasting. The stated reason that many quiet quit is that they do not feel appreciated and valued. This was also an issue as Paul wrote to the Ephesian church. To put it simply, if you have experienced God’s grace displayed through Jesus Christ and trusted Him to save you from sin, then you also need to imitate that grace toward others in your work place. Paul first addresses slaves, explaining that obedience to the master is to be done with respect and sincerity thus showing God’s grace (5). The purpose of this obedience is found in doing what God wants (6). Work place difficulties are exaggerated by people who work half heartedly. Paul challenges the believing slaves, in the Ephesian church, to do their work well because, in essence, they are working for the Lord (7) and He is the one that will reward their effort (8). However, Paul does not make this a one sided conversation. He challenges the masters as well to serve and honor their slaves so they understand how God values them (9). As we have seen though out Ephesians, God’s grace brings about a transformation in our life. God’s grace should also change everything about our work.

For more see EPHESIANS

Being vs. Doing

2/29/2024

Luke 10:38-42
Have you ever experienced fog? Fog is caused when warm air makes contact with cooler ground. The cooler ground causes any moisture that is in the air to condense into fine water drops that form a low lying cloud. Fog often settles into a low lying valleys, but can also cover large open areas. The solution to fog is the heat of the sun that warms the air and wind that moves in to break up the low lying cloud. The problem with fog is that it obscures what is important. If you are driving in foggy conditions it limits visibility and hides the corners ahead. In a way we can also have a personal fog in our lives that obscures what is really important. We can become so busy with the things and events of life that we miss what is truly important. In Luke 10:38-42 we see such an event illustrated for us in the home of Mary and Martha. These women, along with their brother Lazarus, were close friends of Jesus. In the process of traveling, Jesus stopped at their home for a meal. Martha became distracted with all the preparations of the meal (40), while Mary sat and listened to Jesus (39). Finally, Martha lost it and told Jesus to tell Mary to get into the kitchen and help (40). Jesus turned, and instead of chiding Mary, corrected Martha. He said that Mary had chosen what is better (42). How often are we like that? How often do we loose our bearings in the midst of all the activities of life that we neglect the important thing of being with Jesus and simply listening to Him? We have been trained to be people who get things done. However, Jesus invites us to be with Him, learn from Him and be the people He wants us to be. Don’t allow the fog of doing the things of life obscure the most important thing of being with Jesus and becoming what He wants you to be.

for more see PRIORITY of PRAYER or PRIORITY of PATIENCE

What is a Disciple?

1/21/2024

Luke 14:25-35
Summer camp was fun. It was the anticipated annual event that I remember attending as a kid. There were many activities and things to learn and do, but my favorite was the skill class, and for that I always chose archery. I was, and still am, intrigued by the skill needed to shoot an arrow and get it to hit the center of the target. It is actually harder than it looks. In the skill class the teacher helped us learn the technical side of archery and the form needed to shoot correctly. However, there was much more. We were required to memorize safety rules and implement them at all times in the class. I quickly learned that listening to the teacher and doing what he taught really helped my efficiency in using the bow and the accuracy of shooting the arrow. As I progressed in skill and knowledge the teacher gave me the task of helping others learn the technicalities of archery and do it safely. The same is true for a disciple of Jesus Christ. We begin our spiritual life when we not only believe, but accept that Jesus has paid the price for our sin. It is from that point forward that we are given the challenge to “hear the word of God and obey it!”(Luke 11:28). A true disciple of Jesus is literally a committed follower who accepts His teaching as valuable for all of life and puts it into practice. In Luke 14:25-35 Jesus gives several key characteristics of a disciple. It all begins with a relationship with Him (26) and a commitment to Him (27). Like in archery, when we depend on Jesus and listen to Him as our teacher we will have something of spiritual value, that can be passed on to others, that will guide them in their daily walk with Him.

For more see LUKE or QUESTIONS & ANSWERS or DISCIPLESHIP

Priority of Prayer

10/16/2022

James 5:13-20
Have you ever had someone stop and pray for you? It is amazing how that moment in time can change your perspective regarding the difficult life situation at hand. This week I had someone stop and pray for me, and it encouraged me to pause and trust God yet again for the difficulties I was facing. On the other hand, over the course of this week, I have had the chance to pray with and for others involved in various situations. I realized that I was incapable of bringing a solution to the situation, but by faith I trusted God to work His solution. In these verses, James wants his audience to pray to God about their personal situations (13). However, we as people often do everything else and talk to everyone else but God. James challenges his audience to call others to pray over them when they have been spiritually weakened and have lost faith in God (14-16). He wants his audience to see that faith in God in impossible situations is possible. James illustrates this by giving the example of Elijah as one who prayed and saw God respond (17-18). As James closes the book, he provides an encouragement and challenge to rescue and restore those who have wandered from their faith in Christ (19-20). Today we can still display the reality of our faith by praying in the good and bad times. We can encourage the faith of others who have become weak by praying for them and we can share the burden of restoring the faith of others. Our faith is strengthened when we pray because we practice our belief in God by calling out to Him regarding the situation. May God help us see the value and necessity of a mature faith that prays. Who are you praying for and who is praying for you?

For more see JAMES

Purposeful Living in a Messed Up World

8/10/2022

Ecclesiastes
Birthdays are like an antique. After we get to a certain age it really does not make any difference. It is a bit like driving an old car. You know it is old because you have had it a long time and it rattles going down the road. The car is just worn out and falling apart, but all you need to do is replace a part here or there to it keep running. However, the difference between an old car and an antique car is when you try to slam the car door shut, the hubcap falls off. The car is so old and worn out that you can’t find parts to keep it running. That is when you look back through some old photos and reminisce about a time when it was new and created a family memory as you went on vacation. At some point we realize that fixing the old car is a meaningless process. Have you ever felt that way about life? It seems like you pursue the things you want, only to find them lacking in reward, value and longevity. Then you look around and see others chasing after the same things that are empty and unfulfilling. In the book of Ecclesiastes the author, Solomon, addresses the value and meaning of life. As the wisest man that ever lived Solomon reflects on his life and the life of others, only to find that that it is empty and meaningless on its own. From chapters 1-2, he notes his own experience of seeking wisdom, pleasure, accomplishment and hard work and finds it meaningless. Then in chapter 3-6 Solomon takes a look at his world and sees life’s unfairness and general emptiness. However, in spite all the gloom and futility, Solomon points out that true joy in life is found understanding that God views life differently than people do. As a result, we can enjoy life as a gift from God who provides purpose and meaning. Solomon concludes this book of wisdom in chapter 12 by challenging its readers to fear God and keep His commands. The other day I read through the book of Ecclesiastes and was reminded to trust God, even though life may seem futile and worthless in a messed up world. Not that not much has changed between Solomon’s day and ours. Our world may seem like a worthless mess, but God is reliable and He provides the purpose for living.

Not So Hot

4/3/2022

Revelation 3:14-22
Summer is just around the corner and along with it comes hot weather. If you are outside on a hot day a cool drink of water is refreshing, just like a hot coffee is soothing on a cold winter day. We desire the beverage that is opposite the temperature that we experience in order to be refreshed. However, if the coffee is barely warm or the water is slightly hot we will dump it out and get something that is truly refreshing. That is the response that Jesus had to the church of Laodicea in Revelation 3. Often we may read verse 16 as being hot in our spiritual relationship with Jesus as a good thing and being cold as a bad thing. Notice that Revelation 3:16 says… “because you are lukewarm, and neither hot or cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.” Jesus is not condemning either temperature of hot or cold in the illustration, but rather the compromise of being spiritually lukewarm. He challenges the church to redefine what they view as valuable (18), and calls them to turn from their independence (19). The church of Laodicea had pushed Christ out of their life. Now Jesus describes Himself as being outside and knocking to come in and renew fellowship with them (20). Like this church we need to accept Christ’s analysis of our life because He is faithful and true (14), and respond to His invitation to renewed fellowship. Christ desires for us to imitate Him in pure righteousness not compromising lukewarmness. Our passion should be one that invests in what holds spiritual and eternal value not what is temporary and worldly. If we choose to be spiritually lukewarm we choose a spiritual life that is not so hot. May that not be true of us. Now, if you will excuse me, I need to get a glass of cold water.

For more see REVELATION

Objection to God's Call

8/15/2021

Exodus 4:1-17
Suppose someone offered you a twenty dollar bill. I am sure you would take it. What if the bill was crumpled up into a ball, stepped on and then dumped in a mud puddle, would you still take it? For twenty dollars I am sure any one of us would accept it, clean it off, and then spend it. Why? Because, we simply understand the value of a twenty dollar bill. Regardless of its condition it is still worth twenty dollars. In Exodus 4 God continues His conversation with Moses that He started in the previous chapter. However, in chapter 4 Moses questions God’s call on his life. He questions if others will believe him (1), doubts his abilities (10) and asks God to send someone else (13). God counters each of his excuses by reminding Moses of His power (2-9), His presence (11-12) and His provision (14-17). All God wanted from Moses was faith to believe Him over his personal hangups and fears. Instead, he had allowed his fears and failure to rule his life, but now God was calling him to live a life of faith. Like the crumpled money, God saw Moses as valuable and usable under His direction. Many times, like Moses, we may only see our failures and feel the discouragement of inability creep in. We need to remember that the God who has called us for His purpose will equip us and guide us to carry His message. As Moses was told to carry the staff and proclaim God’s message, so we are to take the ordinary things of our lives and follow God in faith. God sees us as valuable and wants to use us, but sometimes we just need to crawl out of our thoughts and place our inability into His ability.

For more see FEAR, FAITH & FOLLOWING

The Cost & Value of Returns

5/2/2021

Philemon 8-11
Have you ever returned an item you had purchased? I have seen people return perfectly good tools for a full refund, after they were used once, because they were no longer needed. It has been estimated that retail businesses world wide lose 600 billion dollars to returns with retail sales in North America making up almost 1/3 of the total amount lost. The numbers are astounding but we should not be surprised because that is a human reaction. When something no longer serves our purpose we seek to remove it in a way that will benefit us. That is exactly what Paul is trying to avoid as he writes Philemon about Onesimus, his run away slave. As the owner, Philemon had a number of options in dealing with Onesimus, including death. Paul makes his appeal for Onesimus who is a new person through his belief in Christ as savior (10) which results in a new relationship and value for this slave (11). Paul could have forced Philemon to do what he wanted (8). Instead, he made his appeal to Philemon that he base his reaction to Onesimus on the love of God (9). Today we face many relational challenges where our world tells us that we have the right to respond a certain way. The question is, how would God want you to respond? God is calling us to find the value in others because He loved us first (1 John 4:19).

For more see PHILEMON

Prayer for Transforming Knowledge

3/14/2021

Ephesians 1:15-23
After a long, dark, cold winter many people in the north often find themselves infected with Cabin Fever or Seasonal Affective Disorder. These two do not sound like real diseases but they affect many in the population. Each year numbers of people come down with the symptoms of irritability and depression which are the result of hours in a dark house isolated from the world. The cures are fairly simple… get outside and do something or at least turn on all the lights inside and use bright colors to decorate. Likewise, in Ephesians 1:15-23, Paul prays that the church will know about God and translate that into a deep relationship with God. He first praises them (15-16), then secondly he tells them what he is praying for them (17-23). He wants them to have the perspective of Godly hope, the value of Godly riches and the power of God’s strength. Paul prays that they will understand what they already have in Christ and that they would implement this knowledge in their life. Like the simple cures for the mid winter blues, Paul provides encouragement and prayer for others who need it. Like the Ephesian church, we also need the encouragement and prayer of others to motivate our spiritual growth. Who is praying for you? Who are you praying for?

For more see EPHESIANS