Cheater never prospers

Joshua 7:21
When I saw in the plunder a beautiful robe from Babylonia, two hundred shekels of silver and a bar of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them. They are hidden in the ground inside my tent, with the silver underneath.”

One of the codes of the royal ranger states; A royal ranger is honest. He does not lie, cheat or steal.

Honesty is one of the most undervalued moral value expected. Yet, is also the most essential pillar for leadership. How many nations are corrupt because the top brass is dishonest and profits from ill gotten gains, leading to many sub-ordinates and followers extorting bribes and illegal kickbacks. 

Yesterday, I was very upset because I found out that a leader had dishonestly requested for 1 more item to be kept as spare, despite the instructions to only request according to the numbers of people who were entitled. Even though the act was corrected and individual talked to, I slept with an upset spirit.

I get really mad when one does not behave honestly and elects to cheat the system, especially when the system is the church and individuals are educated and from above average background. Deuteronomy 25:15 says, "You must have accurate and honest weights and measures, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you."

How can we ever expect God to be for us if we seek out petty gains and cheat to benefit?  
M.

Willing heart

Matthew 9:31
"The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few."

  

This has been an exhausting weekend. But it is also quite typical to have such a full day where it is jam-packed with ministry responsiblities, and having deep conversations with others. The net effect is a puffy-eyed, tired body individual who is typing this in one of the 2 last meetings for the Sunday. 

Days like this, I can elect to just say "no" and to rest. Afterall, it is a sabbath day.

Stories can be told about mission needs in far flung lands, the poor, spiritually hungry and opportunities. Yet, for most of us the mission field begins right here where we live and to all who live in the community next door. 

Because of this, I know in my heart that serving sacrificially in another church on Saturday is something worth to do. Someone once said, “I didn’t think I could do it. But I found out I could. It’s not as hard as you think. You just have to have a willing heart.” 

The are many needs, people to help. God can do more in you and me if I am willing.  Are your hands open to God?

M.