Obedience Archives - Verses from Mama

Beware of the Danger Caused by Small Breaches

January 30, 2019 By Sandra Sheridan Leave a Comment

Psalm 119:1 “Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD.”

Dear Sons:

I found out the other day how small breaches could result in huge disasters.

It was a mundane Monday evening and Abigail suggested we go out to eat for dinner to cheer things up. I had a gift card to Olive Garden I had been carrying around in my purse for quite some time, so I suggested we put it to use. Abigail met us at the office after play practice, and she, Nathan, Dad, and I piled into the van and headed to Beavercreek.

Discovering a Huge Disaster

We had such a pleasant time lingering over Italian cuisine and good conversation that we hated to leave. After paying the bill the four of us drove back to the office where everyone got into his or her own car to head home. I arrived first and upon opening the door a huge shock met me. A fire hose-like spray of water pulsated from the kitchen ceiling onto the dining table where it splattered to all directions. The water spread throughout the whole room, leaving water everywhere.. There is no telling how long the flow had been gushing out of the burst pipe because when I ran to the basement to shut off the water valve I discovered that it, too, was filled with water.

This began a process over the next seventy-two hours of tearing down the ceiling, pulling up the linoleum, talking with contractors and insurance adjusters, and maneuvering around all the displaced furniture and pieces of our lives. The plumber showed me the tiny fissure in a copper pipe that had caused all the damage. Who would have thought that such a small breach would create such havoc and necessitate big time reconstruction of our kitchen?

Small Things Do Matter

We may be lulled into believing that we shouldn’t sweat the small stuff, but it is true that small things really do matter. Young men, in particular, may succumb to the temptation of a quick glance at some inappropriate images on the computer. But these seemingly small indiscretions have the potential of exploding into a full-blown addiction to pornography.

Others have had their marriages devastated by accepting what they considered harmless “friend requests” on social media. A random text here or there to someone other than your wife can lead to wrong emotional bonding, marital discord, and possibly even divorce. One too many drinks of alcohol, a slip of the tongue, a wandering eye . . . all of these have the potential for devastating results in your witness for Christ, your relationships, and your integrity.

God’s word gives wise advice. “Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord.” Those who follow God’s instructions and pay attention to even the small things are blessed. Obedience to God and immediate confession of any violation in your thoughts and actions can help you bypass a whole lot of mess and devastation.

The plumbers fixed our pipe, but the mess was already there. We have many weeks of reconstruction ahead, but we can fix the kitchen. The devastation caused by lapses in our thought life and behaviors are not always so easily remedied.

So, my sons, take great strides to keep your thought life and your actions pure. Let our kitchen be your reminder that even the smallest of breaches can cause big disasters. But those whose ways are blameless are blessed.

Love,

Mama

Be Quiet, Sit Back, and Rest

June 12, 2017 By Sandra Sheridan Leave a Comment

Isaiah 30:15 “For thus the Lord God the Holy One of Israel, has said, ‘In repentance and rest you will be saved, In quietness and trust is your strength.’ But you were not willing.”

There are some sad statements made throughout the Bible. Over and over again we read words of comfort and promises of God’s blessings, but often we choose to disregard His message. God offers us so much, and then sadly has to say, “ But you were not willing.”

This has been a very busy season in my life. Graduations, two sons getting married, work, and the regular rhythm of life have all but done me in. I found it necessary in the past couple of months to take a breather from my regular writing schedule so I could rest my body, my emotions, and my mind. Many of you wondered where I have gone. While taking a break from posting I have had time to study and think without pressure. It has been a time of peace and rest.

While reading and praying, the Lord led me to Isaiah 30:15. It has been such a blessing. So much is swirling around me. Wedding preparations are in full swing. Preparing mentally for a huge change in our family structure, as well as balancing work, home, ministry involvement, and so much more bring exhaustion to a new level. But the Lord has continually reminded me of the need to rely more fully on Him in these stressful moments. “In repentance and rest you will be saved, In quietness and trust is your strength.”

There are times when we all need to step back from activity. Somehow we think that we must do it all. We run! We fuss! We strive! When all the while God is telling us to trust Him. Be quiet, sit back, and rest!

Judah was in a big mess! They had turned from the Lord and a foreign nation was breathing down the peoples’ necks. Instead of consulting God they tried to execute their own plan for deliverance. They fussed and planned and then finally decided to go to Egypt for help. There they thought they could take refuge in the safety of Pharoah. But all the while God was speaking to them through the prophet, Isaiah. He told them to repent of their sin, turn back to God, and rest in Him. If they would do this they would be saved. By waiting quietly for the Lord they would receive all the strength they needed.

“But you were not willing.” What a sad statement! All this blessing was at the disposal of God’s people, but sadly they rejected it!”

Today, God offers these same blessings to us. He longs to be gracious and show us His kindness and compassion in the midst of every circumstance of life. But we need to listen to His voice and obey. Sometimes this means taking a break from writing, other times it means saying no to the hustle and bustle that regularly dictates our lives so we can allow God’s peace to fill our souls and give us strength. When we are willing to listen we will experience the rest that God promises to give.

As the summer moves forward I plan to continue my writing, but I will only be posting once or twice a week and maybe sharing some favorite posts from the past as God leads. I hope this summer you will also be encouraged to take a rest, and listen for God’s voice. Do not disregard His message. In the quietness and through trust you will experience His unlimited strength and peace.

Love,
Mama

OUR GREAT FRAUD DETECTOR

March 8, 2017 By Sandra Sheridan Leave a Comment

Titus 1:15-16 “To the pure, all things are pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their mind and their conscience are defiled. They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed.”

Frank Abagnale, Jr’s story reminds us of the need to be alert to false doctrines.

Things are not always what they seem. In a world where solid truth has dwindled away to almost nothing it is not prudent to trust everyone we meet. Instead we must be wary and check the facts carefully . . . and rely on our Great Fraud Detector.

I am reminded of a book I read a number of years ago. Catch Me If You Can tells the story of Frank William Abagnale, Jr., a brilliant con artist. Between the ages of fifteen and twenty-one, this young man fraudulently posed in numerous professional capacities. Without significant trouble he masqueraded as a Pan American World Airways pilot, a Georgia doctor, a Louisiana lawyer, and a US Bureau of Prisons crime agent. Somehow he was able to pull the wool over peoples’ eyes for a short time, but eventually each charade unraveled and he was forced to escape to his next identity. After being caught and imprisoned, Abagnale developed a successful business to help other professionals recognize fraud.

Within the greater Christian community there has long been fraudulent activity. From the time of Jesus, Pharisees and other spiritual leaders professed to know God in special ways and used their elevated positions to control worshippers. They created laws that went beyond what God intended and used them to suppress the community and benefit themselves. On two different occasions Jesus entered the temple and removed by force those who were oppressing the people.

In more recent church history there have also been those who have used their leader status for personal gain. In the late Middle Ages, certain clerics, preying on peoples’ fear of death, fraudulently implemented the sale of indulgences, which were supposed to protect the sick and elderly from eternal punishment. Many spent hard earned cash to purchase what could never save them based on promises from leaders whom they wrongly trusted.

Even today there are those who preach fraudulent doctrines. They deliver false messages of salvation by works, of Christian wealth, or of the equality of all religions. They betray their listeners by pointing them to hopeless and misleading doctrines – ones that do not call the hearers to a pure faith in the Lord Jesus.

Frank Abagnale failed in each of his masquerades. Over time it became apparent to the genuine professionals that his actions and words didn’t fit the part he was playing. He often had to flee when the game became too hot.

We also can detect fraudulent religious leaders by comparing their words and actions to the truth of the Scripture. Imposters in the church may acknowledge God with their words, but a careful study of their beliefs and deeds will eventually show that they are promoting false doctrines.

Things are not always as they seem. So if you don’t want to be duped like the victims of Frank Abagnale, be aware of the danger, check the facts carefully, and rely on our Great Fraud Detector – God’s written word.

Love,

Mama

The Truth That Leads To Godliness

February 27, 2017 By Sandra Sheridan Leave a Comment

Titus 1:1 “Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God’s elect and the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness…”

Abigail has a supporting role in her high school’s production of “State Fair.” She is excited for the lead actors and she plays her part wonderfully!

Our world has a deep belief in entitlement. Somehow over the years we have come to the conclusion that everyone has a right to whatever they want. It is my right to think what I want, believe what I want, express what I want, and obtain what I want. No one may stand in the way and deny me my rights. While this may seem enticing, it is not healthy or possible.

First of all, one person’s desires may stand in the way of someone else’s receiving their desires. For example, there may only be one lead in a theatre production. A talented actor’s getting the spot necessarily leaves another, who might want the part just as badly, to take a lesser role. This decision does not downplay anyone’s importance as a person, but makes a distinction based on talent, role casting, or maybe even just hard work. Also, the attitude of believing ourselves entitled to certain things necessarily exalts us above everyone else. Love and consideration of others is lost when we strive for this place of honor.

In the church today there are some who also have an attitude of entitlement. We like to focus on God’s grace and His free gift of forgiveness and salvation. It is true that God is not looking for perfect people. He came to save the sick and the lost. We are saved by God’s grace and not by works, but sometimes at this point a misunderstanding occurs and the truth becomes garbled.

There are many who believe that they can continue to live in their old lifestyle – the one they lived before they accepted Christ. The habits and disciplines of faith that have strengthened many ancient saints in the past are now considered “legalism.” The prevailing attitude is that no one can tell me how to live my life because I am entitled to all God’s blessings based on my decision to pray a prayer.

Paul reminds us that when a person has received the knowledge of God’s truth it will necessarily lead to godliness. We are not entitled to come to our own understanding of truth, as our world would like to believe. A truly saved person will begin to desire what God desires. He will want to know his heavenly Father better, and the disciplines that have guided many in the past will become avenues for seeking Him and His will. Bible reading, prayer, and church attendance will deepen our understanding of God’s principles, encourage growth in godliness, and spur us on to love, good works, and greater faith. Slowly, but surely, God will change the way we think and live as we give up the entitlement to make our own decisions and give Him the control over everything in our lives.

In our search to know God better we may also need to relinquish certain things. While anything sinful must certainly be put behind us, other activities might also need to be curtailed. While it may not be wrong to watch TV, someone addicted to this form of entertainment might need to remove it from his or her life in order to put God first. This is not “legalism,” but wisdom.

We are not entitled to anything in this life. Everything we have is a gift from God and even His children’s blessings are obtained through obedience to His word. We are no longer our own. We have been bought with a price – the precious blood of Jesus. Seek Him and choose to obey His truth. You will find that it will surely lead to godliness.

Love,

Mama

Loving Others and My One-Second Chance to Snap a Photo

May 11, 2016 By Sandra Sheridan Leave a Comment

1 John 3:18 “Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.”

The cell phone craze has brought a new meaning to picture taking. No matter where you are, there is the possibility of recording the event in color, but this little handheld camera/phone has also given a new meaning to selfishness.

A couple weeks ago Dad and I attended Luke’s graduation at Wright State University. We got up early, and arrived at the arena a couple of hours before the event to ensure that we could get a good seat to view the ceremony. I brought my camera so that I could snap Luke’s one-second moment of recognition as he received his diploma. With the school graduating 1,600 students there would be no second chances at getting this shot.

As the moment approached, each observer was also listening for their student’s name and watching for him or her to step to the front of the line. I was poised and ready. Then a man walked down the aisle and stood directly in my line of vision while he adjusted his cell phone camera to catch his child’s moment of glory. I could hardly believe it as he stationed himself in this spot for the next five minutes so as not to miss what he had come to see. Though I understood his desire to catch the experience on camera, I also had the same desire, and now was being denied the opportunity.

This bothered me greatly and I fumed at this man’s lack of consideration. But it got me to thinking. I say that I love people, but how do I treat them? We are called to love as Jesus does. He laid down His life for us. In like manner we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Yet there are times when we see someone in need and turn a blind eye. We are not even willing to share our worldly possessions with him or her. Other times we have our own agenda and, intent on getting what we want, we don’t consider the other person’s desires.

If we belong to Jesus the proof will be in our love of others. His love will fill our hearts and will overflow to those around us. It is also a commandment that God has given from the beginning. This love must be expressed in more than just words or mushy sentiments. John, Jesus’s disciple reminds us, “Little Children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.”

Thankfully, I got the photo of Luke’s moment of glory despite the human obstacle.

I think whenever I look at that picture in the years to come, instead of feeling agitated at my fellow photographer, I will use it as a reminder to love others not just in word or tongue, but in deed and truth – even if I only have a one-second chance to snap an important picture.

Love,

Mama

With God Death Means Life!

April 29, 2016 By Sandra Sheridan Leave a Comment

John 11:25-26 “Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?”

With God death means life!

Remember this family trip to West Union to tour Grandma Sheridan’s childhood home and to visit the grave sites of long gone family members?

At some point in our lives, each of us will come face to face with death. For some of us a loved one or dear friend will pass away. For others our own mortality will become apparent with the diagnosis of a dread disease or a fatal accident. There is no escaping the reality that living brings; death comes to us all. But with God death means life!

Lazarus was sick – very sick. His sisters were desperately concerned and sent a message to Jesus. The Master was very close to them. They knew He loved their family very much and would want to know about Lazarus. They were confident that He would come to their aid. They had seen Him do many miracles over the years and knew that their only hope for Lazarus’ recovery lay within His power.

Jesus received the sisters’ urgent message, but instead of immediately coming to their aid, He purposefully chose to wait two more days. He knew that this delay would bring about Lazarus’s physical death but still He chose to wait. This does not sound very loving at first glance, but Jesus knew something the sisters did not know: with God death means life!

Through Lazarus’ untimely death:

Jesus brought a living faith to the family.

Martha told Jesus that she believed in Him, but her faith only went so far. She believed her brother would rise again in the resurrection on the last day, but she failed to understand Jesus’s power to bring him from the grave right then. Jesus did not want to fix the problem by making Lazarus well. He wanted to give him a new life.

Jesus brought active obedience through this death.

Mary and Martha needed to trust and obey Jesus’s instructions even though they didn’t understand. When He asked them to roll the stone away, they were called upon to act out their belief regardless of their understanding.

Jesus brought spiritual life-giving belief to the onlookers who saw the resurrection.

Many who were witnesses to this miracle believed in Jesus and received the spiritual eternal life that could only come through Him.

Jesus brought the finished work of eternal life a step closer as this miracle launched Him towards the cross.

Though many believed in Jesus, there were others whose hatred increased to the point of developing a plan to kill Him. This death was necessary for all who would believe to receive the eternal life that God had promised.

This incredible miracle moved those who believed to a greater capacity for faith in God’s ability to bring life from death. In just a short time they would watch Jesus be led up a hill, nailed to a cross, and die. They wouldn’t understand all that was happening, and would be confused and bewildered. But three days later they would witness Christ’s resurrection from the dead. This amazing act would prove that God truly could bring life from death; and not just physical life, but spiritual life. Because Christ died and rose again, all who believe would be able to live forever.

Jesus told Martha when Lazarus was still cold in the grave, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?”

Death for us is a very sad and lonely experience. The finality of it weighs on our hearts. But for those who believe in Jesus, the Son of God, death always means life.

The death of Christ brought eternal life.

The death of a believing loved one brings eventual reunion.

A believer’s own death brings life with God in heaven for eternity.

Why did Jesus wait two days when Lazarus was so sick? Was it uncaring and unloving? Not at all!

Jesus had much better plans for Mary, Martha, Lazarus, and us.

With God death brings life.

Love,

Mama

My New Scripture Memory App

March 30, 2016 By Sandra Sheridan 3 Comments

Joshua 1:8 “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.”

If you want to be successful in God’s eyes, you must carefully obey His word. And there is only one way to do this – you must know what God’s word says.

God instructed the new leader of Israel, Joshua, to think about His words day and night. The law should always be on the tip of his tongue so that he could carefully obey everything God wanted.

This is true for us today. We must read God’s word, but we must also hide it in our hearts.

Just recently I discovered (actually Dad discovered) a new Bible memorization application called Scripture Typer. We downloaded the app onto our phones and iPads and have enjoyed practicing our memory verses daily. The app keeps track of our progress and sends reminders to help us review the verses. The free version allowed us to record up to fifty verses, but I liked it so much that I purchased Scripture Typer Pro, which allows unlimited verses and some other techniques to help with my memorization skills.

I am grateful for many different ways to help us keep meditating on God’s words. You can’t obey if you don’t know what He says. But if you do obey, God promises to make your way prosperous and give you success.

Join us by signing up for this fantastic app, Scripture Typer. We can all memorize God’s word together.

Love,
Mama

Follow the Scout Motto – Be Prepared!

March 23, 2016 By Sandra Sheridan Leave a Comment

Matthew 26:41 “Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.”

Be Prepared!

Since 1907 this has been the motto of the scout movement. All Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts make it their duty to be prepared in mind and body to know the right thing to do, to be willing to act on it, and to be physically fit to carry out the action when necessary.

None of our family, aside from my brief stint with the Brownies in elementary school, has been a scout member. Even so, this motto is one that we should all consider making part of our life strategy.

Jesus knew that His time on earth was short. He understood what the next few hours would hold for Him – the betrayal, the ridicule, the pain, the torture, and the weight of the world’s sin. Death on a rugged cross was why He had come to earth and His final hour was drawing near.

During the last Passover supper, Jesus prepared His disciples with much information regarding what was ahead. He acted out a picture of the purpose of His death by washing their feet. He had come not to be served, but to serve and give His life a ransom for many.

He comforted them with the promise of the Holy Spirit Who would give them power and lead them into all truth.

He encouraged them by explaining how they could bear much spiritual fruit by remaining in the vine. By abiding in Christ and letting His words abide in them they could ask whatever they needed and it would be done.

He warned them of rejection and tribulation but reminded them that He had overcome the world.

Finally, He prayed that God would not take them out of the world but keep them from the evil one.

All of this Jesus did so that His disciples would BE PREPARED for what lay ahead.

Yet, even this was not enough. There was something they needed to do.

While in the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus went away by Himself to pray. His soul was deeply grieved over all that was about to occur. He asked His disciples to keep watch with Him, but they could not keep their eyelids open. The warmth of the evening and the activity of the day weakened their stamina and soon there were snores echoing throughout the otherwise quiet sanctuary.

Jesus, heavy with grief, returned, awakened them from their slumber, and urgently imparted some important advice. He knew what was coming and how crucial their preparation of mind and body would be when temptation crept up on them. At the moment of decision His previous teaching and preparation would be forgotten if they had not prepared their minds and bodies through prayer. He said,

“Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation.”

The men groggily listened to His warning, but then rolled over and continued snoring. The hour of Jesus’s betrayal and suffering was at hand but these followers were not ready for what lay ahead. Though their spirit might have been willing had they understood, their exhausted flesh was weak.

Later we read that all of them deserted their Master in His greatest hour of need. Peter, who boasted of loyalty, went as far as to vehemently deny that he even knew Jesus. How sad they all were when they realized that their lack of preparation caused them to do the wrong thing.

What a lesson this is for us! The Scout Motto, while a good life strategy, is also necessary spiritually to protect us from all temptation. Unlike Jesus, we do not know what a day holds. We must keep watching and praying so that we can withstand whatever comes across our path.

I am glad Jesus was prepared to suffer and die for my sins and yours.

Obey the instructions He gave His disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane. Make it your motto and duty to always BE PREPARED in mind and body to know the right thing to do, to be willing to act on it, and to be physically fit to carry out the action when necessary.

Jesus shared the secret to success – stay alert, keep watching, keep praying.

Love,
Mama

Unquestioning Obedience Leads to Unbelievable Blessing

March 21, 2016 By Sandra Sheridan Leave a Comment

Zechariah 9:9 “Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, daughter of Jerusalem! See your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”

There are some stories that always amaze me. Year after year I reread them and they never grow old. Instead they encourage me, strengthen my faith, and renew my desire to obey the Lord’s commands fully.

During the Easter season we reflect on the events that occurred in the last week of Jesus’ ministry on earth. He had spent three years publicly teaching, healing, and revealing His identity to crowds of followers. Many had rejected His claim to be the Son of God, the Messiah, but many believed and followed Him.

Among the followers there were twelve men who were His closest companions. He intimately trained them to carry on the spread of the Kingdom message after He was no longer physically with them. Over the months and years these men had seen and participated in many great things. They had laughed and cried with Him, and the majority had learned to trust their Master and follow His instructions carefully. In so doing they were blessed and others along with them.

Another Passover season was approaching and Jesus and His followers made preparations to travel to Jerusalem. A cloud of unrest overshadowed the joy of the holiday. So much difficulty had occurred in the previous weeks causing the disciples to struggle with concern over their Master’s safety, not to mention their own. Yet they had learned to trust and obey Him.

They set out on their journey and upon reaching the small village of Bethphage, Jesus gave some strange instructions. He appointed two of his followers to enter the village where He told them they would find a tethered donkey with its colt.

“Bring them to me!” He instructed. “And if anyone questions you, tell them that the Lord has need of these animals. They will comply with your request.”

These men did not question Jesus’ instructions, but instead they went and did all that He asked.

They entered the village.

They found the animals.

They grabbed the lead ropes.

They brought them to Jesus.

No ifs, ands, or buts – only unquestioning obedience.

At the time I doubt they had any idea that they were participating in the fulfillment of prophecy. They were just doing what the Lord asked. Yet their actions contributed to a scenario that had been foretold hundreds of years before in the book of Zechariah.

Matthew 21:4 “This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet.”

Mounting the coat-saddled colt, Jesus rode into the great city of Jerusalem, announced by the excited screams of the massive crowds,

“Hosanna to the Son of David;

Blessed is He Who comes in the name of the Lord;

Hosanna in the highest!”

This was the beginning of a week to which all of the Old Testament pointed. The exuberant crowds would soon turn violent and revolt against the Prince of Peace. Yet the Savior directed every single detail. Not even the things that seemed out of control were out of control! The One who kept a never-ridden colt completely calm in the midst of a riotous celebration also allowed the masses to shift sentiments and lead Him to the cross where He would fulfill His purpose of bringing salvation to the world.

The Lord’s complete control over every step of the journey to the cross is such an encouragement in our own personal journey here on earth. It is easy to be deceived into thinking that difficult experiences are unplanned mistakes. This could not be further from the truth. God has ordained the details of our lives and is expertly working out His plan for us. Our job is not to panic, but to trust and obey!

This week as you consider Jesus’ final days on earth let the story encourage you, strengthen you and renew your desire to trust and obey the Savior’s every command.

When life gets hard and confusing remember God is still in control of every detail and our . . .

Unquestioning Obedience Leads to Unbelievable Blessing

Love,

Mama

There Are People Only You Can Reach!

March 18, 2016 By Sandra Sheridan 2 Comments

2 Corinthians 10:13 “But we will not boast beyond our measure, but within the measure of the sphere which God apportioned to us as a measure, to reach even as far as you.”

There are people only you can reach!

Envy is a vice that can cause great damage. It reaches into the heart of relationships and creates much havoc. Like a mouse squeezing into a home through the tightest places, this trait can even find its way into Christian circles and fruitful ministries.

The Corinthian church suffered the aftermath of envious leaders who infiltrated their midst after their spiritual father, the Apostle Paul, journeyed on to other places. Self-proclaimed apostles who lusted after power took charge of the congregation and began to deride Paul’s authority. By finding fault and casting doubt they convinced the Corinthians that Paul did not have their best interests at heart.

This was damaging to the integrity of the gospel message and a crushing heartbreak for Paul who loved the Corinthians deeply.

Within the letter of 2 Corinthians Paul seeks to defend his apostleship and uncover the real enemy behind the false apostles’ tactics. Satan, who disguises himself as an angel of light, worked in and through these envious men to gain control of the unsuspecting church members. Paul sought to reveal that their real motives were not based on love, but on the desire to enslave, devour, and take advantage of the situation. They wanted control and glory.

As Paul pleads with the Corinthian church he assures them that his desire for their respect is different. He is acting within the sphere of influence that God had given to him. He was the first to preach the gospel among them and his ministry had brought them to Christ, so he felt a responsibility for their spiritual welfare. He argued that he wasn’t trying to usurp other men’s positions, but was only doing the job and preaching the message that God had given him. He had never taken advantage of them as these false leaders were doing, but instead served lovingly free of charge.

Within the church today leaders still struggle with envy. It is easy to look at another person’s ministry success and compare it to our own. While there is nothing wrong with helping each other, it is important to remember that God has given us each our own sphere of influence. By enviously encroaching on another’s area of service for the wrong reasons we can miss opportunities that only we can fill. The world is a really big place and we are all needed to fulfill our mission if everyone is to be reached.

Paul knew that when a Christian worker focuses on his own God-given sphere of influence, people’s lives will be impacted and the circle of influence will grow in ever widening circles.

Are you enviously looking at the successful ministries of those around you and desiring to step in for the wrong reasons? Or are you asking God to show you whom you can reach in your sphere of influence?

The world needs you because …

There are people only you can reach!

Love,
Mama