Author: Jeffrey Bush

“And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me. And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” — Luke 12:13-15

I find it interesting a person asked Jesus to do something, and Jesus seemed to ignore it. Almost like when they accused the adulterous woman and He stooped to the ground ignoring what the accusers were saying. It’s not that Jesus didn’t hear them, for He always hears. Nor is it that He doesn’t know the answer, for He knows the answer to every question. He deliberately chose to ignore. He seems to aim at the motive behind the question, which he knew was greed in this man’s heart. 

The Lord said, “Who made me a judge?” Wait, what? He is judge. In fact, He is THE judge, but He still chose not to answer. He was not going to be sidetracked, He stays on topic. There are some strong takeaways we can learn from this: 

1. When speaking about salvation, a person asks where Cain got a wife, are dinosaurs real, when is the end of the world, why are there so many hypocrites in church, or why are there so many Bible versions. The devil has blinded their eyes. Don’t be sidetracked, preach to them Jesus. 

2. When trying to confront a Christian about an important topic (need for growth, stop a sin, or faithfulness to God), they want to point to someone else not living right or what you think about aliens, styles of music, on another topic. There are many issues that will sidetrack a conversation, but stay on topic. 

3. In ministry and life focus. Plenty of good things will distract you from focusing on the more important issues. Politics, preferences, and pastimes get far more attention than they should. Why does the Bible not mention so many of our controversial subjects today? When God seems silent, we should hesitate to make loud statements. The devil is a master distractor, and he is distracting many of God’s servants with secondary issues. Stay focused! 

To stay focused, you must ignore inquiring or distracting issues. Jesus stayed on topic, and we must do the same when witnessing, helping others, and living our lives for God’s glory. 

As years rush by, my hair is becoming grayer, my hairline is going higher, and I enjoy sleeping in more (ok that part is a lie, I’ve always enjoyed sleeping in lol). There are several physical changes that occur to each of us as life speeds by, but these are not the changes I want to focus on. The specific changes I am going to mention do not have to do with your age, position, geographical location, or how many children you have. Give me with a few minutes of your time to walk through some body changes that each one of us should honestly consider:

1. Remove the Warts

If you’re a worry wart, remove them because they’re both unpleasant and harmful. Worrying is like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do yet does not allow you to progress. God lays it out clearly by saying you can pray or faint (Luke 18:1). You can either faint because you worry, or you can take it to God in prayer. To pray is to place that thought in God’s hands, and to worry is to pry it out of His hands and attempt to carry it alone. God’s solution is to cast it upon Him (1 Peter 5:7) instead of worrying about it. Remove those worry warts.

2. Have Bone Surgery

There’s no room for a lazy bone in a Christian’s body. Get rid of it before it paralyzes and destroys you. It’s easy to dwell on how a minister is worthy of double honor (1 Timothy 5:17), but the other side is that God says if you don’t work, you shouldn’t eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10). The wise king Solomon advised to go to the ant and consider her ways (Proverbs 6:6-8). The diligent worker accomplishes much, but laziness will get you nothing (Proverbs 13:4).

3. Sew Up the Lips

The tongue is a small member of the body, but it causes great destruction (James 3:5). If you are tempted to gossip, lie, criticize, mock, or slander, you should sew up your lips or learn to harness that unruly tongue. If someone believes they are religious yet cannot control the tongue, they’re deceiving themself and their religion is vain (James 1:27). 

A fool utters all his mind while a wise man “keepeth it in till afterwards.” (Proverbs 29:11). You don’t have to say everything you think, in fact, it would best that you filter your thoughts before opening your mouth. Check your mouth, and sew up the lips if needed. 

4. Adjust the Eyes

If your eyes are causing you to run after ungodly pleasures, or to yield to temptations, get your eyes adjusted. Jesus said if your eyes are causing you to stumble, pluck them out (Matthew 5:28-29; 18:9). Time to refocus back on God and adjust those eyes before they cause you to fall. 

5. Strengthen the Heart

Just as fatty foods could clog arteries and eventually kill you, so the weights and wickedness of this world will spiritually destroy your heart. Stand guard from bitterness, anger, disbelief, discouragement, and temptation. 

According to Proverbs 4:23, all the issues of life come from the heart, therefore we’re exhorted to guard it with all diligence. Guarding means to protect, keep watch over, keep an eye on, defend, and safeguard. God wants His children to protect their hearts with diligence, which is careful and persistent work or effort.

Strengthen your heart so you can survive the spiritual war and stay focused on Christ.

Here to Serve, 

Jeffrey Bush

Agencies and authorities in our nation, such as FBI, CIA, and DEA, exist to protect people and keep order. When it comes to social media, way too many people get offended, angry, and become bitter. The “SMI” is intended to protect oneself from purposefully or non-purposefully becoming the bully and offender on social media.

1. Is what I’m going to say God honoring and God representing? If it is against God, God’s Word, or God’s principles, then don’t say it. Can you say what you’re about to say in God’s name?

Colossians 3:17 — And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. 

1 Corinthians 10:31 — Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

2. Is what I’m going to say hurtful or helpful to others? Are you speaking out of emotion, aggravation, reaction, frustration, or jealousy? Do you have a hidden agenda? Is it going to edify or destroy others? 

1 Corinthians 10:23 — All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.

1 Corinthians 8:9 — But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.

3. What’s the tone? Since people can’t see your face, be careful how you use your words (all caps, exclamation points, and question marks might appear sarcastic to others reading it). Re-read before you send it out. 

4. Does it really need to be said by you? Maybe a person was wrong (Biblically, ethically, or factually), but do you have to be the person to point it out or can you let someone else? You don’t have to worry about judging or correcting someone, there are lots of people who enjoy being the judge… so let them do it instead. 

1 Corinthians 6:7 — Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?

Galatians 5:15 — But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.

Social media is a useful tool to promote, stay in contact, and follow the activity of friends, but social media also can be the downfall if not careful. Decide you won’t allow the devil to use your social media platform as one of his tools. As Christians, specifically as Christian leaders, we should strive to be above reproach, exemplary, and Christlike in all we do.

Here to Serve, 

Jeffrey Bush

“And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” Luke 22:31-32

In the context of this chapter, Peter was ready to go to prison or die for the Lord. He was known for being zealous, but didn’t always think through what he was going to say before saying it. He was the apostle with the shoe-shaped mouth. 

This passage could open discussion about having discretion with our words, the motivation behind our words, or the specifics of what Peter said, but allow me to point your attention to what Jesus said to Peter. 

The devil wants to sift you (strain, separate, put to one side). 

The devil, who is the accuser of the brethren, the author of confusion, and the lion that wants to devour, is always trying to destroy and distract God’s children. God constantly tells us to stay vigilant, to stand, to not give place to the devil, and to run to Him as our refuge. The devil presents us with many temptations, but never good intentions. Knowing the devil wants to sift you should not make you afraid, but it should cause you to depend more upon God. God called you, and only God can keep you. Many Christians have become casualties of the spiritual war, but you do not have to be one of them. This is not to judge them, rather to be aware and take heed lest you fall as well. 

You have a mediator. 

Through Jesus Christ you have direct access to God. At any time, you can ask for His help. God even commands to take your cares to Him because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). You do not have to carry your burdens alone or try to fight this battle alone. Remember that God is for you, and no one is greater, stronger, and wiser than God. You are not alone, fellow labor. Your enemy is not those that oppose you, the culture you are different from, or the discouragement from within. The devil is against you, but God is for you. If God is for you, no one can stand against you!

Don’t quit. 

The Lord told Peter that He prayed that Peter’s faith would not fail. The race a Christian runs causes weariness and discouragement, but look to Jesus (Hebrews 12:1). Faith is believing in what you cannot see (Hebrews 11:1–3). You can believe in the promises of God because He always follows through on what He says. When there are dark days, sing to yourself. Sing out loud to keep your faith strong. Reach out to those that God has placed in your path to keep strong faith. Pray for God’s patience, mercy, and determination. You may get down, but you do not have to quit. Continue forward, fellow labor!

When you return. 

Sooner or later, the storm will pass. Problems do not come to stay, they come to pass. Hold on tight to God, to His promises, and to His calling upon your life. You will get through. And when you do get through, remember God has a purpose. God told Peter to strengthen the brethren. Your trial was for a reason. Yes, you will learn that God comforted you, but the goal is to then comfort others (2 Corinthians 1:3–4). Go find and encourage others that are going through trials. Determine to make it through your trial, and then let your trial make you stronger and better equipped for the Lord’s use.

“Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:And they wrote letters by them after this manner…” — Acts 15:22-35

The leaders of the church, and the church as a whole, decide to send “chosen men of their own company.” This represents an accurate example of the reply of the church to a world lost in sin, sending “chosen” individuals and families as missionaries. 

I find it interesting these chosen ones are people from “their own company.” They are not transplants, they appear to be people who were saved, discipled, learned, and practiced ministry right there in their own church. Certainly some could have moved from Jerusalem to Antioch, or other locations, but they were essential and exemplary servants that were part of that congregation. There’s no better place to know and grow in the Lord, and to practice and prepare for ministry, than the local church. The local church is God’s sending agency to a world in need of the Gospel. 

Let’s consider a few essential qualities they possessed in order to be considered as a sent one:

1. They were Respected Individuals — vs. 22. 

It says they were “chief men among the brethren.” They were chosen (vs. 22, 25) as well as chief men, which leads to believe that they led ministries, were loved and respected by others, and were evident spiritual leaders. 

It would be silly to think that people that were not respected at home would be respected in a foreign land. Let an Individual prove himself and his abilities to lead others before being a sent one.  

2. They were Courageous Individuals — vs. 26.

They had “hazarded their lives” (vs. 26). It seems these were the Individuals that stood by Paul when others tried to kill him (9:23-25; 14:19). These men didn’t just preach nice sermons and give good lessons, they were willing to put their own lives on the line. These men lived Romans 1:16, they were not ashamed of the Gospel. 

If an individual was unsuccessful in leading a coworker, neighbor, or friend to Christ at home, he would unlikely be able to do so in another part of the world. If his witness and dedication to Christ was weak at home, it would be destroyed when alone elsewhere. The geographical surroundings of a person doesn’t change the habits of a person. May one be bold, loving, and living for Christ where he or she is before being considered a sent one.  

3. They were Serving Individuals — vs. 31-32.

They didn’t believe they were better than others, in fact they were there to serve others. They put others first. They were examples. Their lives revealed their love of God (John 13:13-14). 

Before Paul was chosen to leave Antioch, he was already serving in the congregation (Acts 13:1). It was no surprise Paul was a success serving elsewhere for he had already proven to serve in his church. And any individual being considered to be a sent one should be fervently serving where God has planted them. Though the local church should provide opportunities for one to serve, the individual should seek out ways to serve. An individual that does not serve at home will not serve in another part of the world. The lost world needs men and women willing to serve God and serve others, and our churches should prepare those individuals to be sent out to the harvest. 

These men were: 

1. Men of Determination
2. Men of Dedication
3. Men of Declaration

1. Men of Character
2. Men of Compassion
3. Men of Conviction

“And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.” — Acts 14:27 

After arriving back from their missionary journey, Paul and Barnabas get the people together to rehearse (to run through or go over) all that the Lord had accomplished and about the doors God had opened. The first thing they did upon arriving back was not to give prayer requests or talk about the challenges and difficulties, but rather tell everyone how great God was to them while they were out. 

This practice should be a regularity for us as Christians. We should be quick to remember how great God has been to us, and to share it with others. There is always something for which we can praise God, no matter the situation. It would do us good to “rehearse” regularly how good God has been to us. By doing so, it would change our mindset, our attitude, and our outlook. This habit would cause us to be on the lookout for blessings throughout the day instead of just trying to get through the day. 

Proverbs 3:6 tells us that in all of our ways we are to “acknowledge” God. Every day and in every situation a Christian should acknowledge God’s hand of protection, guidance, and blessing. God has been good, and we should acknowledge that fact and rehearse it constantly in our life. Rehearsing what God has done should be on the tip of our tongue. Stop where you are and ask yourself if God has been good to you. What are three things He has done in your life in the last week? Have you thanked God in prayer and in song? Have you shared those blessings with someone else (family, friends, in prayer letter, or on social media)? Rehearse all God has done in your heart, and then share it with others. God’s praise is not just for private consumption, it’s also for public communication. 

“And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren. Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands. But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles. — Acts 14:1-4 

As with so many other portions of Scripture, we are reminded that opposition occurs in the life of every human. Contrary to the thought that an individual in love with Jesus will never have a problem, the Bible reveals that God’s children will face opposition. Those who serve the Lord will most definitely confront difficulties, but it does not need to stop us. This specific passage gives us great insight on opposition. 

1. The Outsiders. 

Whenever God is being proclaimed and worshipped, the devil sends his workers to hinder the work. This was his strategy when the wall was being built by Nehemiah, when Noah was building the ark, when Daniel was bold to pray. This strategy from the devil works today. 

1. The Insiders. 

It seems the devil will bring discouragement from outsiders, or discord from the insiders. Discord is a sure win for the devil. In the passage, many were believing, so the unbelievers stirred up the people “against the brethren” (vs. 2). 

In the list of seven abominations from Proverbs 6:16-19, “sowing discord among the brethren” is mentioned.

1. The Decision. 

We must know that when we serve God, there will always be opposition. Whether it is people or problems, the devil is determined to stop God’s work. The passage says that despite the opposition, “Long time therefore abode they.” Don’t let man stop you from what God wants to do. When the Sanballat’s and Tobiah’s of life try to pull you off the wall or slow down God’s work, stay on the wall! 

1. The Attitude. 

They continued, “speaking boldly in the Lord.” When opposition arises, be bold (vs. 3). When conflict and fear arise, we need boldness. Boldness is a determination that you will focus on God and His promises regardless of the outward circumstances. Live, speak, preach, and walk in boldness. Ephesians 6:19-20; Acts 28:31; 2 Corinthians 7:4; Philippians 1:19-20; Acts 4:29.

“But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.” — Acts 20:24

This is a familiar verse to many people. The context is towards the latter portion of the life of Paul. He is determined to go to Jerusalem and the brethren are telling him not to go because he will certainly be taken and killed there. Paul hears their warning, but states that nothing is going to scare him or “move” him from this God-given desire. He doesn’t count his life dear to himself, and he wants to finish what he started, the ministry that God gave him. Most would likely run if they knew the hard times he would face, but Paul was not going to be moved by fears and uncertain future. Though there were times when Paul knew people were trying to kill him and he left (Acts 14:6-7), this time he stands his ground. 

There will be times in our life and ministry in which we must discern when to stand our grounds, and other time we should move on. The Word of God and Spirit of God must be our guides, as opposed to following feelings and emotions. When God has led or does lead us, may we have the attitude of Paul to stand, not counting our life dear to ourselves, and not let uncertainty, criticisms, or fear hinder us or move us. Here was Paul’s advice to not be moved: 

1. Ignore Distractions. 

Whether ministry or secular world, a person that accomplishes much must learn to ignore distractions. Not all distractions are evil, but all distractions turn your attention from your focus. 

The devil is the master distractor. Keep your focus on what God put in front of you. Guard your heart. What is that inner calling God has given you? Where has God placed you both positionally and geographically? God has given you a family, ministry, and various responsibilities, don’t let anything sidetrack you from those. Don’t be moved by criticisms, offenses, and “strife belonging not to him (you)” (Proverbs 26:17). Your success of focus is based on your ability to ignore distractions. 

1. Finish Your Course. 

Whatever God given you to do, whether it be similar or different than the assignment of others, finish it. When Peter asked the Lord concerning John’s role in life and death, the Lord replied, “what is that to thee? follow thou me” (John 21:21-22). The Lord wasn’t being mean to him, but the stern response was to remind Peter that he was given a course and must finish it regardless of what others do. Comparing yourself is unwise (2 Corinthians 10:13), keep your eyes on finishing what God has given you to do. 

1. Finish with Joy. 

Don’t just serve the Lord, serve Him with joy. Yes, your service to God is a duty, but it is a joyful duty, not something you have to do grudgingly. How you do what you do makes all the difference. 

In Deuteronomy 28, when Moses was giving the list of blessings and curses, I find it very interesting something specific he puts in the list of curses. He told the Israelites they would fall in the hands of the enemies “Because thou servedst not the LORD thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart” (Deuteronomy 28:47). It appears God was not just interested in their service, He commands that they serve Him “with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart.” 

God still wants His children to serve Him with joy. The many joy stealers of life will try to stop you. Determine to never lose the joy found in serving the Lord.

1. Recognize Your Ministry is From the Lord. 

Paul was not shy to recognize it was the “Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry” (1 Timothy 1:12).  We would be wise to remember this as well. If we’re in ministry because of someone else wanted it, or because of selfish motives, the storms of life will most definitely uproot you. But if it’s because you have “received of the Lord Jesus,” then you will continue because He has placed you there. Recognize that all you are, all you have, and all you do is from and for the Lord.