Don't have much? Give, give, give

These days I feel like I don't have much. Not really zero balance, but getting there.

It really does feel like my net worth is five loaves and two fishes.

Remembering how Jesus fed a multitude:

He said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?”  

Philip answered Him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may have a little.”

So Philip was the math whiz. Knowing more is not always a good thing, because in this case, he knew how much they did not have.

But our Lord knows more, and can do more.

But this Jesus said to test Philip, for He Himself knew what He would do.

So He fed five thousand men, plus women and children. He provided so much food that twelve baskets of leftovers were collected after. 

I've heard this story many times that I need to let that sink in again.

Darn you, math skills. Not that math is bad, but our skills in the natural sciences may make it more difficult to trust in the supernatural. (Quick countermeasure: remembering the tangible goodness and greatness of God.)

It's not about what we have, but what we do with what we have.

It's not about what we have, but what we give.

The boy with the loaves and fishes obviously just had enough for himself. But he chose to give it to Jesus.

Jesus could have raised his eyebrows in contempt, or his voice in frustration. But Jesus chose to raise his eyes to heaven, and give thanks.

Jesus then gave the bread to the disciples, who could have eaten the food immediately. They could have insisted on their VIP rights, or said "we must be strong to serve you." But they chose to give it away.

Don't have much? Yes, that could be true. It's totally understandable if we choose to keep what little we have to ourselves.

But we could still give it to Jesus, give thanks, and give it away...

And watch the miracle happen. ♥

“Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”  

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?" 

Scriptures taken from: John 6:5-7, Mark 12:43-44, and Matthew 16:24-26

========================================

Postscript:

The week after I wrote this, the miracle!

So we can give more. And love God more by loving others more, financially and otherwise.

Thank You Lord. People say we can never outgive God. If you don't believe that, feel free to try ;) (Everybody wins!)

Thank You (for the money too)

Dear Lord, thank You for the money.


You might be thinking I'm doing this right now:

 

http://launchingtechventures.blogspot.com/2012/03/drowning-in-liquid-assets-5-risks-faced.html

Not really. ;)  But, let us give credit where credit is due. I will thank God for the jeep that took me home, for the yummy breakfast, and for the money I have (regardless of how much or how little there is).

It might sound selfish, thanking God for material things, especially money. The Bible calls love of money as the root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:10). But money in itself can be used to help others and to advance what is good. And thanking God is the best way to acknowledge that this blessing, like any other good thing, does come from our Father.

Also, in the Lord's Prayer, Jesus teaches us to ask "Our Father" for our "daily bread". Ask! Daily! Because we need Him every day, every moment even. But after He gives us what we ask for, now what? Do we conveniently forget Him until the next crisis, or do we thank Him? Let's thank Him for giving us what we need and even what we want; let's thank Him for giving us what we ask for and even what we don't.

Lastly, does this kind of prayer/thanks reinforce the notion that "money makes the world go round"? We can only answer that for our own selves. Are we focused on God or on money? Hey, at least we're not saying, "Dear Money, thank You for God," right? But God knows our hearts. He knows if we are centered on the Giver or on the gifts. Let us have the proper perspective.

So let's thank God for the money. Not because we love money, but because we love God and we are thankful.

Manager-in-Training

 

 http://publicphoto.org/c/business-finance/

There's this passage that always gets to me. (Is that you, Conscience?)

It's the Parable of the Talents. (Several judgment stories like this are found in Matthew 25.)

The Story About Investment

     “It’s also like a man going off on an extended trip. He called his servants together and delegated responsibilities. To one he gave five thousand dollars, to another two thousand, to a third one thousand, depending on their abilities. Then he left. Right off, the first servant went to work and doubled his master’s investment. The second did the same. But the man with the single thousand dug a hole and carefully buried his master’s money.

     “After a long absence, the master of those three servants came back and settled up with them. The one given five thousand dollars showed him how he had doubled his investment. His master commended him: ‘Good work! You did your job well. From now on be my partner.’
     “The servant with the two thousand showed how he also had doubled his master’s investment. His master commended him: ‘Good work! You did your job well. From now on be my partner.’
      “The servant given one thousand said, ‘Master, I know you have high standards and hate careless ways, that you demand the best and make no allowances for error. I was afraid I might disappoint you, so I found a good hiding place and secured your money. Here it is, safe and sound down to the last cent.’
     “The master was furious. ‘That’s a terrible way to live! It’s criminal to live cautiously like that! If you knew I was after the best, why did you do less than the least? The least you could have done would have been to invest the sum with the bankers, where at least I would have gotten a little interest.
      “‘Take the thousand and give it to the one who risked the most. And get rid of this “play-it-safe” who won’t go out on a limb. Throw him out into utter darkness.’

It's criminal to live cautiously like that.

Funny. I've heard of people getting into jail for wasting money, but not for saving!

But the thing is, it's God's money (and other resources like time, gifts, opportunities). And He will always make that resource grow. The question is, will we let Him? When He gives something to us, do we give it back to Him, to be used for Him and by Him? Or do we just drift along, or actively use those resources with the wrong motives?

I often find myself foolishly wasting time and money. Thank God, He never gives up on me. Every now and then I find that gentle nudge in the right direction.

Specifically, these two books are treasures. One is very short, sweet and practical:

Ang Pera Na Hindi Bitin: 

How to manage your money so God will entrust you with more

by Ardy Roberto

(Read sample chapters here. PhP 50 in OMF and National bookstores.)

The other is quite deep but really worth reading or even browsing:

Boundaries: When to Say Yes, When to Say No

To Take Control of Your Life

by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend

(The authors talk about the book here. P250 in Philippine Christian Bookstore.)

Now it's time. Time to manage my time, money, and everything else.


"Those who honor Me, I will honor." 
(1 Samuel 2:30)

A couple of weeks ago, I committed to honoring God even more with my money. I chose to invest in His work over improving myself (i.e., going to The Gym). I don't think it a coincidence that managing my time suddenly became easier. As in much easier.

Here's my schedule for this school term. This might seem pointless or silly to some, but for someone like me, it is a miracle.

Just like that, Time Management: check.

Giving more for God's Kingdom doesn't make me poor. It just takes wisdom and discipline. Yesterday my friend suddenly gave me a piece of advice: get a lump sum to balance every week or so, instead of withdrawing every time there's a need or want. Again, miraculous insight for someone like me.

Money Management: check.

As for the self-improvement... I finally got to lift weights, jog, and dance again. For how much? The first is free, the second is free, the third only PhP 50.

That's Body, Time, and Money Management too: check.

King Jesus says it best:

"Seek first the Kingdom of God, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:30)

Thank You Lord for being a Great Owner, and for helping me be a good manager. It's great to work for the King. ♥

“If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met."

(Matthew 6:30-33, The Message)

Back to work. ♥

Don't you remember the rule we had when we lived with you?
"If you don't work, you don't eat."
And now we're getting reports that a bunch of lazy good-for-nothings are taking advantage of you.
This must not be tolerated.
We command them to get to work immediately — no excuses, no arguments —
and earn their own keep.
Friends, don't slack off in doing your duty.
     --- Paul to the Thessalonians



I was supposed to celebrate this one day, but it came and went like a blur.

I was supposed to celebrate the day I went back to work... But I forgot, because of work. ;)

Around 370 days ago, I was just like this guy.

 http://www.freshegg.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/will-work-for-food11-280x300.jpg

I was trying to follow God in my own way (i.e. not working).

(Disclaimer: There are many people, different callings, but one God. My not-working was the path I thought was best for me. I cannot impose the same on anybody else.)

Then I came to the Book of Haggai. Why didn't I read this before?

The next year whizzed by. Time flies when you're having fun, right?

I found work that:

• helps me (it's how God provides for me);
• helps my family (even in small ways);
• helps others (I can now treat friends and help out more);
• and of course, related to the work itself: 
• helps my students (my "clients");
• and helps myself and my colleagues (we learn from each other).

Thank You God, for work that gives me fulfillment. ♥

May we all have that kind of work --- nay, calling. :)



Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
--- Paul to the Corinthians

Light rising from the east (On the Corona impeachment)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5206/5342516928_db54dff241.jpg

The Chief Justice of the Republic of the Philippines was impeached by the Senate last Tuesday in an unprecedented 20-3 vote. GMA News gives a comprehensive overview here.

http://philippinesgoforgold.blogspot.com/2012/01/chief-justice-corona-impeachment-trial.html

Former Chief Justice Renato Corona was perceived to be allied with the former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and therefore in conflict with current President Benigno Aquino III. So how tricky to have a trial of Executive vs. Judiciary, as presided over by the Legislative branch, and where everybody in an ideally fair trial could be seen as partisan.

http://www.thephilippineisland.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/pres_Noy_Aquino-1_03.jpg

I wasn't able to follow this trial at all except for the final day itself, where each senator gave his vote and an explanation thereof. I was impressed and enlightened in particular by Senators Drilon, Escudero, Lapid, Legarda, Osmena, and of course the presiding officer, Senate President Enrile. More memorable moments here.

The main reason for Mr. Corona's impeachment was non-disclosure of properties in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth. The fascinating thing is, the prosecution won despite itself. They lacked evidence and they were ill prepared. Many senators simply pointed out the facts: a "lowly" court employee dismissed from government service for the same act although on a much smaller scale, and a simple pie chart showing the amount of Mr. Corona's undeclared assets compared to those he did declare. Other senators were convinced to convict, ironically, because of the witnesses of the defense: Ombudsman Carpio-Morales and Mr. Corona himself.

The trial was smoothly concluded but questions lingered about the lack of due process. In my humble opinion, the technicalities of the law were overruled but justice and truth prevailed. Our country has already gone through two peaceful "extra-constitutional" revolutions in the past quarter century. This could mark the third. I believe we're maturing with each revolution; that we're getting the spirit and the letter of the law.

Also, every now and then I hear my Christian brothers and sisters declare (yes, prophesy) righteousness in this land. President Aquino was elected on a platform of righteousness and reforms are certainly being instituted now. For example, the dispute pitting Aquino's own family versus the farmers who tilled their land is now settled. Moral accountability is now demanded of our public servants. 

Of course, there is still much to be desired. Some analysts see a darker future after this trial: quite possible. But a brighter future is equally possible. At the very least, the resolution of this very trial evokes hope in me. That we are already on the road to moral and economic recovery.

Politics and public affairs. (To use our latest tourism slogan:) It's more fun in the Philippines  :D

P.S. More lessons from the impeachment trial here.

P.P.S. It might sound like I voted for President Aquino last 2010 but I didn't. I'm just an eternal optimist  ;)

P.P.P.S. I'm optimistic but not blind. P-Noy needs to lead the people in righteousness and not just boot the people who aren't. On the same note, I should stop talking about righteousness and get back to my appointed duties (i.e., schoolwork). Toodles!

Labor Day prayer :)

May we all find work that 

gives us the deepest fulfillment, 

blesses those around us, 

and provides for our needs and wants. 

Amen. :)


"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart,
as working for the Lord, not for men."
(Colossians 3:23)

Thank You (Jan 13, 2012)

Thank You Lord for:
* snorkeling ♥
* Iloilo getaway with friends from work
* Kenny's break-fast with friends from church
* letting me teach my fave subject once more
* the time, the money, the discipline
* my new home away from home ^_^
* more faith in the One who's in control

It's only the 13th of the first month and great things are already here. Here's to an awesome year! All glory to God ♥

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Thanks to Bless, Resmond and Arvin for the pics :) )

The God of ... Profit?

Today's "Verse of the Day" at BibleGateway.com:

Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
"I am the LORD your God,
who teaches you to profit,
who leads you in the way you should go.”
- Isaiah 48:17


It might seem a bit strange getting money tips from "The Holy One of Israel", but then again, He is the God of all things good and perfect. Plus, I believe the word "profit" has just been given a bad turn by those who abuse their fellowmen with deceit and treachery.

But it is possible to do honest, God-glorifying work, that benefits all parties concerned. And it is possible to receive well-earned rewards, and profit even.

When that happens, let's remember to thank the One who gave us both the talents and the blessings. :)


You shall remember the LORD your God,
for it is He who gives you power to get wealth,
that He may confirm his covenant that He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.
- Deuteronomy 8:18

Give because you want to :)

Give because you want to. :)


Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give,
not reluctantly or under compulsion,
for God loves a cheerful giver.
- 2 Corinthians 9:7

Just giving (back) the glory, the blessings

The NIV Student Bible explains:

David's prayer at the beginning of temple construction shows why he was a man after God's own heart. Despite all his achievements, he was deeply humble. He wanted glory to go to God, not Himself.


Here's the gist of the prayer from 1 Chronicles 29:

David praised the LORD in the presence of the whole assembly, saying,


Praise be to You, O LORD,
God of our father Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting.

Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power
and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
for everything in heaven and earth is Yours.

Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom;
You are exalted as head over all.

Wealth and honor come from You;
You are the ruler of all things.

In Your hands are strength and power
to exalt and give strength to all.

Now, our God, we give You thanks,
and praise Your glorious name.


But who am I, and who are my people,
that we should be able to give as generously as this?
Everything comes from You,
and we have given You only what comes from Your hand.


As for all this abundance that we have provided
for building You a temple for Your Holy Name,
it comes from Your hand,
and all of it belongs to You.


I know, my God,
that You test the heart and are pleased with integrity.
All these things have I given willingly and with honest intent.
And now I have seen with joy 
how willingly Your people who are here have given to You.


O LORD, God of our fathers Abraham, Isaac and Israel,
keep this desire in the hearts of Your people forever,
and keep their hearts loyal to You.


And give my son the wholehearted devotion
to keep Your commands, requirements and decrees.

Flooded with blessings (and a healthy reminder)

(Blessings are now pouring down like today's rains. Thank You.)


"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse,
that there may be food in My house.
Test Me in this,”
says the LORD Almighty,
“and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven
and pour out so much blessing
that there will not be room enough to store it."
 -  Malachi 3:10


Beware lest you say in your heart,
"My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth."
You shall remember the LORD your God,
for it is He who gives you power to get wealth,
that He may confirm his covenant that He swore to your fathers,
as it is this day.
- Deuteronomy 8:17-18

Empty to Full: Sister Teci

I find it ironic --- but in a funny way, not-cynical-but-more-of-tongue-in-cheek
that I'm more of a nun now that I'm not a Catholic.

Nuns take vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience.
And my complete name is Maria Teresa = Mother Teresa ;p

Haha.
And yes, in my past life of godlessness, I never planned on becoming what I am now.
Truly it is His plans and purposes that prevail.

"Throw off everything that hinders..."
In my weak state, I cannot handle romance, money, and my own will (yet)
(But I'm learning!)
And God literally knows what I need to let go of
so I can hang on to Him more
Empty-handed, so I can be full(er)

I'm seeing the value once again of some practices
even those of the Catholic faith, which I left
But in the same way,
again I ask my Catholic brothers and sisters
(and everyone else)
to let go of whatever hinders

Empty hands
Full life :)


Postscript:
All good things come from Him,
and He redeems all things
If there is something hindering you from following God,
set it free and cling to Him
But if obeying Him means standing firm or pursuing something,
then go...  and be filled with more of Himself :)

Straighten out those A's

    ‎"The [general weighted average] is just a measure of being a good student. But does that make you a good person? Does that make you a productive member of society?... It’s not fair to (focus so much on) points... I kind of just forgot it because real life is different. That’s the UP spirit: not just brains, but also a big heart and the hand to serve." - Dr. Gert Gwendale Baron, GWA 1.03 (where perfect GWA = 1). From this article.

It doesn't matter if you got straight A's in school.
Life is what happens outside the classroom.

So what if your head is filled with facts?
Wisdom is making good use of what you know
     --- heck, it's making good use even when you don't know

Has your knowledge guided you in improving your life,
     and those of others, even?
And by "improvement", I don't mean getting rich
     --- we probably all know of people who find more fulfillment
     in giving money than in receiving

Has your knowledge helped you beyond inflating your ego,
     or have you realized that there's no end to erecting that tower
     of pride to the high heavens,
     and that even if you win the rat race
     you're still a rat
?

Straight A's could still lead to crooked living
     (Believe me, I've seen, and I know)

It's one thing to know the right thing and another to do it
     If you're like this
     You probably know this but aren't doing anything about it

Perhaps like Socrates, you only know that you don't know
     and that doesn't help much

If I may just share
     "The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the LORD,"
     where fear means reverence and respect
     for the One who knows all
     for the One who actually knows better than you or me
If there's one thing I know that works, it's this
     Perhaps you know too, or not, or have forgotten

Give Him a try
Test His judgments against yours
And you just might learn something new.

How much for the heart?

If a man offered for love
all the wealth of his house,
it would be utterly despised.
- Song of Solomon 8:7

officially empty

Today, October 4 2010, I am officially wiped out.

!

I have just done the modern-day equivalent of jumping off a cliff, or walking into a coliseum of hungry lions.

I am completely in God's hands now. Well, am I not always? But now, in the eyes of the world, where security is measured by one's bank account, I am in deeep trouble. (Perhaps the world would advise me to pray.)

My feelings betray me. So I still worship money, it seems. Because I am not afraid of sharing my faith in "restricted" nations, but I am afraid of losing my wallet. Because I need to claim God's covering as my security, when it has been there all along. Because my act of faith did not really lie in my being parted with my last peso, but in my attitude - do I trust God now, when I am completely, for the first time in my adult life, penniless?

Gah! Jumping off a cliff or walking into a lions' den still feels like an adventure, but not this. But why not? Why shouldn't it be an adventure? :)

I just came from the housewarming party of newlyweds Mark and Love Llena. I remember them testifying of how God provided for them, for big and small expenses cropping up even during the wedding... 

Specifically I am encouraged by Mark's words: "I wonder how God will meet this need..."

That's it. God helping me out is a given. (To ALL who ask, it shall be given.) He has already given me the security of eternal life while giving me fullness of life right now, He is restoring me to reflect His glory even more, He is revealing His plans and giving me strength to obey them. And yes, time and again, through different people and circumstances, He has given me money.

What's so different about today, and this area of life?

(Nothing.)

So I shall go to sleep, with my heart resting in my God. And tomorrow, I will work. God is great, God is good, God is in control... And God will provide.




And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year:
"Give me a light, that I may tread safely into the unknown!"
And he replied:
"Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God.
That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way."

So, I went forth, and finding the Hand of God, trod gladly into the night
And He led me toward the hills and the breaking of day in the lone East.

So, heart, be still!
What need our little life,
Our human life, to know,
If God hath comprehension?
In all the dizzy strife
Of things both high and low
God hideth His intention.
 
- Marie Louise Haskins, "The Desert"

With my heart and with my wallet... I trust in the Lord.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord. - Colossians 3:23a

In God We Trust. - United States money

Yes, yes, I will trust in God.

I will trust in God as I work. (!)

I will trust in God as I not earn money. (!)

I will work with all my heart and with all my mind, trusting that God will provide.

(Aaaaaah!)

had nothing to give...

Yesterday, had nothing to give caroling street kids... except a Christmas tree lollipop with flashing light. The smiles on their faces were priceless.

Some things are more important than money :)

They became kids again... i hope, so can we :)

the bigger picture: footing the bill

"Call me on our new cellphone, ok? My aunt says that if we receive calls it doesn't cost anything," my best friend said. (This was around 17 years ago, during elementary when cellphones were still only for the moderately rich...)

"Sure," i said, if she's sure it's free right...

When we got our local phone bill at the end of the month, i immediately realized a very important life lesson: something is "free" for someone because someone else is footing the bill. :p

It was an unfortunate misunderstanding. My best friend and her aunt were correct in saying that receiving phone calls does not cost anything...for them, that is! It's just that what i heard wasn't the complete truth.


i love hanging out with my friends, but there's One who we literally cannot live without:

Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me will never go hungry, and he who believes in Me will never be thirsty." (John 6:35)

The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life. (Revelation 22:17)

When it comes to bills, am i glad i don't have to pay to spend eternal life with the Source of all life...

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. (John 3:16-17)

Then they asked him, "What must we do to do the works God requires?" Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent." (John 6:28-29)

...especially when i can't afford it anyway.

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)

Salvation is free...

"Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household." (Acts 16:30-31)

For everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved. (Romans 10:13; Acts 2:21; Joel 2:32)

...But to view the bigger picture: salvation is free because somebody came along and already gave His life to save ours...

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost. (Luke 19:10)

God presented Him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in His blood. He did this to demonstrate His justice, because in His forbearance He had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished. (Romans 3:25)

Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now He has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in His sight, without blemish and free from accusation --- if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. (Colossians 1:21-23)

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:6-8)

...and to make the picture complete (a big thanks to REB who posted some comments here):

Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. (John 3:18)

Let's make sure we have the Truth, the whole Truth, and nothing but the Truth...lest we be asked to pay the highest price at the end of our lives.

need to do to do all else

Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, you are looking for Me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On Him God the Father has placed His seal of approval."

Then they asked him, "What must we do to do the works God requires?"

Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one He has sent."

(John 6:26-29)

failing to do right

from the Daily Bread column of the Philippine Star

Failing to Do Right
Sunday, September 9, 2007

To him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin. — James 4:17

In his book Eight Men Out, Eliot Asinof records the events surrounding the notorious ”Black Sox” scandal of 1919. Eight members of the Chicago White Sox baseball club were accused of taking bribes from gamblers in exchange for intentionally losing the World Series. Although they were never convicted in a court of law, all eight were banned from baseball for life.

But one of those players, Buck Weaver, claimed that he had played to win despite knowing about the conspiracy. Though Weaver’s performance on the field supported his contention, baseball commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis ruled that any player who had knowledge of the scandal, yet chose not to stop it, would still be banned. Weaver was not punished for doing wrong, but for failing to do right.

In his letter to the first-century church, James wrote, “To him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin” (4:17). In a world filled with evil and darkness, followers of Christ have the opportunity to shine their light. That often means we must resist the urge to do nothing.

When faced with the choice between doing good and failing to do anything at all, we must always choose to do what’s right. — Bill Crowder

Heavenly Father, help me to honor You throughout my life by being a light in this dark world May it never be said that I failed to do what I knew to be good, just, and right. Amen.

READ: James 4:13-17

The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. — Edmund Burke


The Bible in one year:
• Proverbs 6-7
• 2 Corinthians 2