Stop At Grace (Lu. 4:22)

Read Luke 4:22.

The people heard the gracious words and thought about them.  They could've ended a good service, said amen and gone home edified.  Then it happened.  They started over-thinking things which led to even more talking.  That talking went beyond grace.  The people digressed from grace to criticism. That's how a story that began well (4:16-21) ended so poorly (4:28-29).

Four Things You Will Find Wherever Jesus Is Present (Mk. 2:1-12)

Wherever Jesus is present you will find . . .

1. Curiosity (Mk. 2:2).
2. Commitment (Mk. 2:3-4).
3. Criticism (Mk. 2:6).
4. Celebration (Mk. 2:12).

Critics will come and critics will comment.  What you mustn't do is to allow them to take over the moment and ruin it for the rest.

My Prayer (10/14/15)

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful." (Col. 315, NASB)

Lord, I want to be more thankful.  Please help me to go all 24 and form a complaint-free day. Without the expert tutelage of Your Holy Spirit, I won't make it one hour.  Position me to see the good in all that I will encounter today.  Once I see the good, may I remember to give You thanks for it. Please forgive my laziness, through which I am quick to complain or criticize.

Corvette Criticism

2014 Corvette Stingray

Why there is such division over this wonderful machine, I don't know.  Read about it here.

Some critics think it's a great design.  Those people can probably afford the car, too.  Others think it looks like the Pontiac Aztec.  (I guess that's an insult?)  I'm not sure I get that, but most likely these folks can afford the car too.

For those who know we can't afford the car, and I suspect we're in the majority, we don't care what it looks like.  We're interested in two things:  (1) Can I sit in it?  (2) Can I test drive it?  That's about as far as our "criticism" goes.

The eyes of man are never satisfied (Prov. 27:20).  "The eye is not satisfied with seeing" (Eccl. 1:8).  "He who loves money will not be satisfied with money" (Eccl. 5:10).

Let's not complain about things that aren't worth complaining about.

More Attacks from the Opposition (Neh. 6:1-14)

When you work for God, it doesn't take much to annoy critics, skeptics and enemies.  We're now in Nehemiah chapter 6.  Three more attacks are launched.  Previous attacks are found in chapters 2, 4, 5.

1. The opposition attacked Nehemiah's momentum by suggesting an unnecessary meeting (6:1-4).  Insight #1:  Activity isn't the same as productivity.  Insight #2:  You can fill your day and get nothing important done.  Insight #3:  Say no to things that divert attention and disturb momentum.
2. The opposition attacked Nehemiah's reputation through verbal and written messages (6:5-9).  Insight #4:  When you do what God called you to do, you WILL be attacked.  Ask God for grace not to respond inappropriately.  Insight #5:  You answer to God first.
3. The opposition attacked Nehemiah's knowledge of Scripture, to see if he would self-incriminate (6:10-14).  Insight #6:  Know what the Bible says and means.  Read it regularly, systematically, throughly. 2 Tim. 2:15; 3:16-17.

These attacks were due to Nehemiah's character and competence.  If you're never attacked, it's probably because you're content with the unimportant.  Only serious threats warrant the enemy's interference and retaliation.  Attacked?  Be encouraged.  You're doing something right!

The Difference Between a Critic and a Wise Man (Dan. 4:19-27)

Read Daniel 4:17-29.

Critics point out only what's wrong.  Wise men, such as Daniel, point out why something is wrong and what to do about it.  Wise men offer solutions!  Joseph was another example (Gen. 41:25-36).  We need fewer critics and more wise people.  Critics are hurtful, but wise people are helpful.

The Second Reprimand (Prov. 29:1)

What do you do when you consistently hear the same criticism leveled against you?  (The question is not what should you do but what do you do.  What's been your m.o.?)

Perhaps the first time the critic was just wrong, misinformed, out to get you, acting with incomplete data, etc.  But the second time?  Third time?  This proverb suggests listening, giving the criticism serious thought (unless you want to have total destruction in your life).

Maybe the critic is right!  You may not care for the critic's approach, but is his content valid?  Answering that requires humility.  Take it from a pro:  Defensiveness is easier than repentance.

Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall;
Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.
All the king's horses and all the king's men
Couldn't put Humpty together again.

Had Humpty fallen before?  How often had he been warned that eggs are not Weebles?  Eggs will wabble and they will fall down and they will go "Splat!"

Prayer:  God, help me listen and change much earlier in the process.  If I won't listen to the first reprimand, let me at least wake up by the second warning.  I don't want to live in the barrenness caused by my stubbornness.  Remind me to be quick to listen and slow to speak.