Shona Neff

Waste It Not!

Some things are obviously worth a small fortune. Diamonds, considered a girls best friend, are a costly and precious gem. What about perfume? I often wonder if that sweet-smelling, froo-froo water is truly worth the small fortune we ring up at the cash register.

And what about that stinky black gold that powers society, fuels our cars, and drives the world economy? It is amazing what things are valued by man.

During his time on earth, Jesus valued things that many cast into trash bins carefully placed on the outskirts of society: lepers, tax collectors, demoniacs, and Gentiles. These outcasts were precious jewels to him. On one occasion a follower of Jesus showed how much she treasured Jesus by pouring a precious ointment over his head. The disciples reacted with vitriol:

“Why this waste! For this ointment could have been sold for a large sum, and the money given to the poor” (Matthew 26 NRSV).

Jesus reminded them of the woman’s good service to him. You see, Jesus, unlike the disciples and many of us, sees the benefit of an act that others easily misinterpret as waste.

One precious resource that I often hoard is my time. I’m a busy lady! I am a wife and mother, a blogger (founder of two, editor for another, and contributing writer to yet another!). I also record a weekly radio show, do webinars, and speak. Time is a treasure in my life. However, I need to remember that as a Christian, it is never a good thing to be so busy for God that I forget to be with him or with those who need to feel and experience God through me.

Not only to I need to maintain the right relationship with God and my loved ones, but I need to be sensitive to friends and strangers. Just within the last month I have encountered a heart-broken mother, an elderly friend who needs moral support and assistance yet has no family in the area, and dear friend who is swimming through the thick waters of a life changing event.

Like the disciples who saw the ointment showered over Jesus’ head as a waste, we often feel our time is wasted if it isn’t producing something tangible or furthering our own agendas. We need to recognize time spent with others as a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow of relationships.

Word for Today: Time, waste it not! Share it with others.

According to Our Ability

I’m not an expert in word origins, but I’ve always been fascinated that this section of Matthew 25 uses the word “talent”. Sure, it is literally referring to a unit of money, but the spiritual implications of what is said here shows that God has invested certain “talents” in each us and expects a return on his investment.

“to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability” (Matthew 25:15 NRSV).

Have you ever heard or been guilty of saying, “I have no talents”? That line of thinking is contrary to what the Bible teaches. One well-known verse lays it out quite succinctly that God does have plans for every individual he creates:

“For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11).

Anyone who thinks they are void of a divine talent from God denies his ability and questions his intentions. Why would God put a call on our lives and then not equip us for success? I’m not comfortable going there, are you?

When we move beyond the crippling thoughts of having no gifts, talents, or resources from above, we can burst into the arena of blessing others and giving God a return on his investment in us.

How do we do this? First, what do you have an natural aptitude for? Are you compassionate, encouraging, great with numbers or words, or dealing with people? Those are just a few of the things that God needs help with here on earth.

Another clue: what does your heart yearn to do? Words burst forth from the heart of a writer. God makes beautiful music in the soul of a musician. He trains prayer warriors in the quiet battlefield of the mind. What does your mind, heart, and soul scream to do? Pay attention to that; it lives in you for a reason.

God gives to us so we can give to others. We cheat too many souls when we fail to tap into the many talents God invests in us. But most of all, we cheat God who sprinkled incredible talents into the lives of all his children.

Word for Today: God invests in each of us, let’s bless him back . . .each according to our ability.

Beware of Empty Promises

I hit Matthew 24 and thought I had stepped into the daily news cycle at FOX News Channel. Destruction, wars, rumors of war, nation rising against nation. I chuckled nervously. Torture, death, betrayal, lawlessness. The list continued.

However, I must admit that I almost busted up laughing when I read about people claiming to (or perhaps even acting) like the Messiah. That certainly broke the tension of the moment, because, whether or not people blatantly claim it, there are those who certainly think they are the remedy for whatever ails the world. So much so, that I wonder if we are going to be so desensitize when the real lawless one arrives on the scene that we don’t pay him any attention.

Several years ago I was watching a much anticipated event in Washington DC when I actually heard someone say that the Messiah had been born. This individual went on to indicate that the supposed Messiah was born on his birthday. Given the context and the way in which this announcement was handled, one was left to assume that this speaker thought he was the Messiah. Hmmm.

This is just one man, but what about others? What about politicians or world leaders? My observations tell me that these people promise things and act like they think the sit in the control room of the universe. In defense of some, they stop short of claiming to be the Coming One, but that doesn’t always prevent them from promising things only Jesus can deliver. Maybe the world needs fewer “promise-me-the-moon” politicians and more common-sense statesmen.

During his earthly ministry, Jesus sounded the following warning:

Beware that on one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Messiah!’ and they will lead you astray. (Matthew 24:4-5 NRSV)

Don’t think politicians are the only ones spouting off empty promises or acting like they are the ones who hung the stars in the sky. It’s everywhere: schools, families, movies, print media,  news, and Internet. You name it, and empty promises abound!

Jesus warned us that the world would face scary things like war, and nation rising against nation. He didn’t get as specific as health care and the frenzy of global warming-type catastrophes, but they can be scary whether you believe they are real or you fear the consequences of society acting on them.

Along with these cries of doom and gloom, Jesus reminds us there will be those promising things they cannot deliver: “I am the Messiah!’, “I can fix it”, “Trust me, I’ll take care of you.” Of course these are empty promises when spouted by mortal man.

However, we can trust the promises of Jesus. He’s the real deal. He already told us we would experience scary things.  He is not taken by surprised as he looks down on this crazy place called Planet Earth. He’s not surprised, so neither should we. He told us all these things in his Word. He also told us that, “the one who endures to the end will be saved” (Matthew 24:13). That’s a promise we can hold on to. And, as a result of that promise:

the “good news of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the world as a testimony to all the nations” (Matthew 24:14).

Sounds like there will be a few bumps in the road between now and that day of proclamation, but if we hold on to the words of Jesus, we won’t be fooled by false messiahs and their empty promises.

Word for Today: Beware of empty promises and hold on to the truths Jesus offers.

What Are You Riding?

I am SO not a cowgirl, but if I was going to ride in one of those arena parades that kicks off a rodeo, I’d want the most beautiful palomino pony within a hundred miles. I would probably pass on a mule, a Shetland pony, or a donkey. Give me a high-stepping steed with a flowing mane and tail whipping in the evening air!

However, most of us, including me, don’t need a rodeo to mount our high horses. It’s sad, but true. I’m pretty easy-going, but there are a few things that make me saddle up my high horse and prance around that silly little arena of pride.

Lest I come across too  petty, I won’t list all my pet peeves, but this list will give you some insights:

• when I call customer service and they cannot talk to me because I’m not my husband.
• when my family does not close up the computer cabinet when they are done
• when I’m running late and hit every red light and turtle car between me and my destination.

I don’t deserve those things, and I’ll bet you don’t either.

But before we ride into the sunset on our respective mounts, let’s look at someone else who didn’t get what he deserved.

“Look, your king is coming to you humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” (Matthew 21:5 NRSV)

Despite being the King of Kings, Jesus lead a rather simple life on earth. His Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem was no exception – instead of entering as a conquering king on a fiery steed as sought by people, he arrived on the foal of a donkey. Not much pomp and circumstance in that, now is there?

His arrival was a departure from what the Jewish people wanted and were looking for, yet it proclaimed his messianic royalty, as well as his humility. (Interesting Note:  Before all was said and done, Jesus WAS the conquering King by defeating death so that mankind could live.)

Jesus deserved better, but he did what was best. We often think we deserve more and have no qualms jumping on our high-horses of folly brandishing our demands. Do you agree that something doesn’t add up when Jesus deserves way more and accepts less, and we expect much more and choose to commandeer the stomping, snorting ride of pride to satisfy our whims? What’s up with that? Our temperatures, perhaps?

Instead of focusing on our own little fits, we need to remember Jesus and reflect his humility (which often requires climbing into the saddle of patience.) Let us remember what HE rode so we can keep a proper perspective when choosing what WE are going to ride.

Word for Today: Jesus rode the foal of a donkey. What are you riding?

Let Our Eyes Be Open

People say the darnedest things. It’s been my observation that verbal doozies often stem from arrogance and/or ignorance. Nothing is safe from the vocal folly of mortal men. . . politics, any kind of study ending with “ology”, the human observation of others, and, yes, Christianity. Actually, I’m going to focus on Christianity because, judging from what I see on TV, experience, and hear, it’s an easy target.

I must admit, I’ve target Christianity in the past. And, get this, I was a professing Christian at the time! I’m embarrassed to admit that I once made the statement, “No one knows how God is going to judge.” I would say that statement stemmed from my own ignorance. Thankfully, I’ve since learned that there is no judgment for those who are in Christ Jesus, and those who will ultimately stand in judgment, cannot meet the standard of God’s righteousness. Whew, I’m glad my ignorance was set straight by grace.

Now, I could go into an entire theological discourse here for those who may not understand the concept of grace, but that is not my purpose. My purpose is to share a verse that, as usual, struck me in my Bible reading. But, before we go there, I need to lay the groundwork for my thoughts. For those Christians reading this, have you ever felt marginalized just because you are a Christian? I have. Terms like redneck have been used to describe those of us who love our Bibles and other things that go along with the territory.

It happens on news shows when, during some debate, the Christian in the arena of ideas is dismissed because of their faith. I see it in real life when supposedly brilliant people in the name of tolerance say awful things about Christianity without understanding or the desire to even listen. They often are not intellectually honest or open when conversing with a believer (this is assuming, of course, that the Christian is not acting holier than thou). I’m not sure, but can the avoidance of meaningful dialog and the plethora of personal attacks be attributed to arrogance and/or ignorance? I’m thinking ignorance is a good bet, because I’ve been guilty of that wielding that dull sword.

During Jesus’ ministry he received a variety of responses from the population. Some loved him. Others hated him. Still yet, the sick wanted what he had to offer without offering a word of thanks, while humility caused others to genuinely love him for the compassionate and caring person he was. One day while out and about a couple of blind men yelled at Jesus to have mercy on their souls. They caught his attention:

“What do you want me to do for you?” They said to him,” Lord, let our eyes be open.” (Matthew 20:33 NRSV)

These men didn’t have the benefit of a neatly bound Bible to learn from in Sunday school. But, they also didn’t dismiss Jesus because he was a religious man. They were not looking for intellectual honesty . . . they just wanted their eyes to be open. They wanted to see things as they were. Not only did they received physical vision, but they saw the truth, and all they had to do was ask.

Thankfully after my ridiculously ignorant pronouncement that no one knows how God is going to judge, I stuck with my blossoming Christian faith and, even though I still have much to learn, I addressed my ignorance and asked God to open my eyes. I’ve also learned that if I am not well-versed in any area (no matter what it is), I try to ask questions rather than make pronouncements or silly assertions.

Am I perfect? No. Are the Christians reading this post perfect? No. Are any non-believers or carnal Christians feasting on this article perfect? No. But, how many of us truly ask for our eyes to be open? Do we get comfortable running in the circles where everyone tends to agree with us? Naturally, we are going to be drawn to those who think and act similar to us . . . that is human nature. But, I’m glad that I made the request that the Lord open my eyes.

I challenge believers and non-believers alike to let their eyes be open; open to the truth. Not everyone will ask it in the name of the Lord, and that is OK. But, I think that those who genuinely seek will have their eyes opened.

Word for Today: Lord, let our eyes be open.

Take What Belongs To You and Go

As I read Matthew today, it was just a little too easy to find the “Word for Today”. Before I cracked open my Bible, I asked God to bless with inspiration. Well, he did, and my attitude has become the subject of yet another post. So, here’s another humbling post I must write.

“Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?” (Matthew 20:14-15 NRSV)

Upon first glance it is easy to look at these two verses and walk off without giving “envy” too much thought. However, if we include it with the rest of the parable Jesus told, it opens up a whole new perspective when it comes to envy. I know . . .I lived it a few days ago.

The condensed version of the parable tells of a landowner who hired workers at four different times during the day to work in his vineyard: early morning, noon, about three o’clock, and about five o’clock. Not a big deal. However, when paychecks were distributed at the end of the day, there was some grumbling. Seems that the guys who were brought on later in the day received the same compensation as those who had worked all day! Needless to say, this seemed a gross injustice to the men who had put in a full day’s work.

Even though the circumstances were different, I recently displayed the same indignant attitude. I hadn’t actually worked all day, but I did feel that I had not been given the same consideration as those around me. I struggled trying to reconcile my feelings and not to feel offended, but my perception of being the “outcast” were hard to shake off.

This is what God showed me:

1. You don’t know the motives of others, so don’t let preconceived ideas eat you up.
2. It doesn’t matter what others think, or whether they are right or wrong in their assessment of you. I know what’s up.
3. Do all your work as unto to me and be about your business. I’m the one you are trying to impress.
4. It really isn’t up to you what others do. It is, however, your choice whether you are affiliated with them or not, and I will guide you in that area.
5. My generosity is up to me. All you need to do is rejoice with those who rejoice.

So, there you have it. Envy isn’t just the act of coveting what others have. It is a lack of contentment with our own stuff. It also includes negative feelings or perceptions surrounding circumstances when you feel like an outsider. It includes wanting to match others “tit-for-tat” if you feel slighted. It is thinking that you deserve something that maybe you don’t. And, lastly, it’s about harboring ill feelings toward others whether they deserve it or not.

And, what makes this all even worse…if  that is possible…is when we act out of our perceptions and not facts!

This must have been a lesson I really needed to learn, because these words flowed just a little to easy this morning.

Word for Today: Take what belongs to you and go.

Give to the Lord

I recently discovered something very disconcerting about myself: I am selfish. Many of my daily activities are dominated by what I want. To an extent that is OK because people should respect the work of others. As a stay-at-home wife and mother, it is right for my family to honor the work I do and not undue all my cleaning, etc, when they don’t want to clean up after themselves. So, for those us of who remind our family members to pick up their, I don’t think that is too self-centered.

However, I have uncovered an ugly selfish streak within my prayer life. I’ve discovered that most of my prayers are so ego-centric that I forget to bless God with my words. My petitions are dominated by wants and desires for me, my family, and my friends. Other than the obligatory praises that typically lead off my personal communications with God, I’m pretty self-centered. Ouch, that hurts.

At one  point in his ministry, Jesus is approached by a rich young man (Matthew 19:16-22). The man asks Jesus what he must do to have eternal life. Apparently, this wealthy youngster kept all the commandments (he must have been one impressive guy), but he walked away grieved when he could not part with his possessions. According to Jesus, that is what the young man needed to do to be complete. However, the man chose to hold on tighter to his material wealth rather than reaching for the spiritual riches Jesus offered.

Shortly thereafter, this encounter provided a teachable moment between Jesus and the disciples when Peter asked:

“Look, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?” (Matthew 19:27 NRSV)

That phrase struck a nerve with me. I love God. I carry Jesus in my heart. I write, blog, and teach others how to further the kingdom with their words. Yet, in the end, it is often more about me than it is the Lord. My prayers sound something like this: Lord, keep my family safe. Lord, provide us travel mercies. Lord, let me never be without a hot shower. Are those things bad? Not necessarily, but they must be kept in perspective.

When my prayers focus more on ME than God, that is not good. But, when I praise him for what he does and take myself out of the picture, that is when I step onto the right path. Yes, I need to praise him for what he does in my life, but I also need to praise him for sending Jesus, for his beautiful creation, and things like the raising and setting sun. And, when I can still praise him when I have absolutely nothing . . . I have successfully removed myself and am focused on him from the depths of my heart, mind, and soul.

A friend of mine recently lost her young adult son. As a result I have prayed even harder for my own two boys. Yes, I desire their safety, but part of my motivation is that I cannot imagine my life without them. My motives are straight from a mother’s heart, and I’m sure many of you can relate. But, there again, much of what I take before God focuses more on my desires than blessing God. But you know what, I think I’m starting to see the Light.

The Christian life isn’t so much about the question Peter posed: “What then will we have?”. It is about accepting and being content with the blessings God gives and blessing him back no matter what.

A few days ago my oldest son returned to college. My prayers were typical of my mother’s heart: Lord keep him safe and give him a productive year. But, before I finished my silent petition in the laundry room, I added, And let his heart grow in devotion and loyalty to you.

Word for Today: The Christian life isn’t all about what we will get from it; it is about what we can give to the Lord.

Pass the Test

Most of us know what it is like to get grades. We have first-hand experience of preparing assignments, doing homework, participating in class, and, yes, taking tests. However, whether we attend classes, workshops, or engage in furthering our academic knowledge, tests are hiding around every corner of our lives.

“The Pharisees and Sadducees came, and to test Jesus they asked him to show them a sign from heaven” (Matthew 16:1 NRSV).

Jesus can relate to tests. During his earthly ministry he was always being tested and questioned about everything he did and the claims he made. He even faced tests/temptations before he started his ministry. These tests from the devil (administered in the wilderness) included his need for physical sustenance, his spiritual strength in the area of pride, and his ability to by-pass the spoils of the world (Matthew 4:1-11).

So, as we can see from Jesus’ experiences, tests aren’t always in paper form or given orally in a classroom. Once Jesus’ ministry was going strong, religious leaders threw lots of questions at him:

• The Pharisees asked Jesus’ disciples why their leader ate with sinners. Jesus answered, “For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners” (Matthew 9:13). Good answer, don’t you think?

• John’s disciples asked Jesus why he didn’t fast. His response: “The wedding guests cannot mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them.” True enough. (For the full answer read Matthew 9:14-17).

Jesus was tested, tempted, and questions throughout his entire time on earth. But perhaps the most compelling test he faced was one that, according to the world’s standard, he failed . . .  death on the cross. This test was administered by the passer-bys that day.

“You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross” (Matthew 27:40).

If Jesus had answered that test and passed according the world’s answer key, where would we be today? I shutter to think of that scenario. Thank goodness Jesus answered that test questions with love and obedience. It was his love for us and his obedience for the Father than kept him on that old rugged cross.

Let’s fast forward and see how Jesus’ response to that test affects us today. How are we at taking the tests that we encounter every day? Do we answer as one devoted to the world or as a citizen of God’s kingdom? Do we take the easy way out or answer with love and obedience when we encounter difficult people or situations? Are we truth tellers when a lie would keep us out of trouble? The list goes on and on.

Suffice it to say that when Christians take tests, we will never score a 100 percent. Jesus is the only one capable of perfection. But, as his followers we need to do our best to score as high as we can so he’ll be proud of our report card. Plus, we need to remember that we need to pass all tests according to God’s standards even if, according to the world, we fail.

Word for Today:  Whatever you face, pass the test God’s way.

Signs Are Everywhere

Step out your door; signs are everywhere. Street signs, billboards, marquees, and for sale signs dominate the palette of our everyday lives. They affect our decisions, influence our attitudes, and paint the backdrops against which we live.

What street will we travel? Where are we going to eat lunch? Who will get our vote in the next election? What social cause will garner our support? Signs have the awesome potential to sway our minds and paint our hearts with emotion.

Yes, signs are everywhere, but some of the truly important signs are the most subtle and least recognized.

Back in Jesus’ day signs didn’t exist like they do today, but that didn’t keep people from looking for them. Even the Pharisees who nipped at Jesus’ ankles during his earthly ministry asked him for a sign proving he was who he claimed to be:

“Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you” (Matthew 12:38 NRSV).

But the next verse records Jesus’ answers:

“An evil and adulterous generation asks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the sea monster, so for three days and three nights the Son of Man will be in the heart of the earth” (Matthew 12:39-40).

Back then, Jesus’ answer probably confused everyone, not just the Pharisees. Who had ever heard of someone being three days and nights in the earth? Wasn’t that a permanent condition once the earth cradled one’s lifeless body?

I think an extreme sign was needed because the religious leaders of the time (and the world for all time) needed a miraculous sign that would stand out.

• Jesus was living among them fulfilling the prophecies of Old Testament writings of which they were the experts! Of all the people of the day, the Pharisees should have been the ones rolling out the red carpet for the long-expected Messiah walking among them.

• Jesus was helping people. Misery ran rampant in the days of Jesus’ first advent. Leprosy, physical and spiritual ailments, and lack of compassion dominated many lives. Yet here was God the Father, in the flesh, meeting those needs and giving people hope.

The Pharisees missed and even failed to recognize the sign even when a spiritual billboard laced with neon lights from heaven proclaimed Jesus’ deity, crucifixion/resurrection style . . . the sign of Jonah.

People today still miss the signs pointing to Jesus. He is still in the miracle business: seasons, the birth of a baby, a tire that should have blown but travels 500 extra miles, a husband or wife seeking forgiveness from their spouse, a rainbow, and the rain that falls on believers and non-believers alike.

The signs are everywhere, but only those who follow Christ recognize them. We need to pray for those don’t recognize the spiritual billboard announcing Jesus as Lord and Savior, because until they do, they will miss those subtle signs that paint immeasurable joy to our hearts and minds.

Word for Today: Rejoice because signs are everywhere!

Stand on Facts

Jesus was a busy man during his earthly ministry and, as a result, he drew a lot of criticism from the religious leaders of the day. He performed many miracles such as healing the afflicted from physical and spiritual diseases, calming tumultuous seas, sending demons into swine, waking lifeless limbs from debilitating slumber, and forgiving sin.

WHAT?! Forgiving sin? Wait a minute, only God can forgive sin. Yes, and that is what I think really gnawed at the religious leaders (the thought of Jesus being God). Of all the people of Jesus’ day, they should have been the ones to recognize and roll out the red carpet for their long-awaited Messiah.  But, there were probably two things at the heart of the matter that prevented them from welcoming him.

Perhaps, they were going through the motions of religion. You know, memorizing the Torah, ministering in the temple, and supposedly serving God with their minds and hearts.

Or, maybe they were drunk with power and did indeed know exactly who Jesus was. If that was the case, they were about to join the ranks of the unemployed because their services would no longer be needed if the Messiah was present. Whether the Jewish leader missed Jesus’ coming because of ignorance or as a power play, the end result was the same. One such instance is described when the crowds start asking if Jesus could be the Son of David:

But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, “It is Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons, that this fellow casts out demons.” (Matthew 12:22 NRSV)

What stands out to me is that, instead of standing on fact, the accusers leveled personal attacks on Jesus. They could not argue reality because Jesus was doing good for the people and they were taking notice. He was addressing their physical needs for the moment and their spiritual needs for eternity. The religious leaders could not legitimately fight the reality staring them in the face, so they took the low road and attempted to discredit the Truth.

Jesus didn’t join in their game of nonsense, but provided a logical response:

“Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then will his kingdom stand?” (Matthew 12:25)

The Pharisees attacked Jesus with folly; he answered with fact. The same thing happens today: in schools, government, and even in families. Where people don’t have facts as their foundation, they rely on personal attacks, rhetoric, and often times big words or eloquent speech. And on the world stage a favorite tactic is to discredit someone because they are . . . Christian. However, whether people accept it or not, all valid Christian claims can be backed up by secular data and their effect on society.

I find the ones who resort to those tactics are usually those who don’t understand Christianity or have been victims of people claiming to be Christian, yet misrepresent God. Unfortunately that does happen, and I have first-hand testimony to prove it, but that is another post for another time. No matter how you slice this issue, it is sad for all involved. Not only that, but it also has personal and societal consequences when we fail to stand on facts and choose to elevate fiction.

Jesus was accused of being Beelzebub. Followers of Jesus can expect much of the same, but we need to present the facts in a godly manner.

Word for Today: Christians need to stand on facts and not fall victim to fiction.