The Trouble Tree

Fresh Manna 2009© by Pastor Tim Burt

The Trouble Tree (author unknown)

I hired a plumber to help me restore an old farmhouse, and after he had just finished a rough first day on the job: (a flat tire made him lose an hour of work & his electric drill quit) his ancient one ton truck refused to start. While I drove him home, he sat in stony silence.

On arriving he invited me in to meet his family. As we walked toward the front door, he paused briefly at a small tree, touching the tips of the branches with both hands.

When opening the door he underwent an amazing transformation. His tanned face was wreathed in smiles and he hugged his two small children and gave his wife a kiss.

Afterward he walked me to the car. We passed the tree and my curiosity got the better of me. I asked him about what I had seen him do earlier.

Oh, that’s my trouble tree,” he replied. “I know I can’t help having troubles on the job, but one thing’s for sure, those troubles don’t belong in the house with my wife and the children. So I just hang them up on the tree every night when I come home and ask God to take care of them.

Then in the morning I pick them up again.” Funny thing is,” he smiled”, when I come out in the morning to pick ‘em up, there aren’t nearly as many as I remember hanging up the night before.”

Psalm 55:22 “Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.”

In His love,
Pastor Tim

Published by Pastor Tim Burt
Copyright© 2009 Tim Burt, All rights reserved.
http://readfreshmanna.blogspot.com/

Quiet Time With God!

Fresh Manna 2009© by Pastor Tim Burt

I left Minneapolis this morning to head up north to where I will be ministering at this weekend’s Men’s Advance. The drive was three hours long and one I love to occasionally make. I do because I love the rare opportunity to have three hours of quiet time. I am probably a little different from most people that I know in the respect that when I am in my car, I love the quiet. I would be surprised if I turned on my car radio more than twice in the past year. Although I love Christian music of all kinds, I don’t even put that on anymore. I don’t because I have fallen in love with the quietness to pray in.

Psalms 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.”

The words “Be still” don’t just mean “don’t move.” They mean “to lean upon” and “to take hold of.” God is telling us, “Lean on me! Take hold of the fact that the God of the universe is your God.” He is saying, “One day, every nation will come to this reality and know it for themselves. When that day comes, I will be honored by all for who I am.” “Since you know this now, be still – lean on me, take hold of the fact that I am your God, and honor and praise me now for who I am – for I am your God.”

It is for this reason I like to take hold of quiet time opportunities and meditate on the Lord. I meditate on His greatness, His promises, and His love and goodness to me in my life. When I take this time, my spiritual focus and strength become stronger and my faith in the Lord’s presence and miraculous working in my life becomes stronger. It also fuels and creates great desire in my prayer life to pray in faith for others. That is what I did for the bulk of my three hour drive today. What an awesome time and what a way to make three hours pass like minutes!

Psalms 84:4 “What joy for those who can live in your house, always singing your praises.”

In His love,
Pastor Tim

Published by Pastor Tim Burt
Copyright© 2009 Tim Burt, All rights reserved.

Less Conflict and More Peace!

Fresh Manna 2009© by Pastor Tim Burt

Although many people get in conflict more than they want, few people love it. The truth is that if anyone loves conflict, they’ve got a problem. Peace, harmony, and unity through the promotion of love, kindness, and preferring one another should be the desire of anyone’s heart. This is something we are exhorted to learn to live by through the instruction of God’s Word. Peace, harmony, and unity are something more than just a nice thing to pursue. It’s within our inward make up to desire these things.

Today I want to present to you a simple truth that will lead to more peace in your life. If you would first incorporate it within the belief system of your heart, and then begin to practice it in your life, you would see more peace in your daily dealings. The reason being is that it is a principle of God motivated by love and a desire for peace.

In 1 Kings we read that King Solomon had just died. During his reign his kingdom had experienced 40 years of peace; which may have been the longest and most peaceful reign of any king ever. His son Rehoboam had begun to take over. He wanted advice about making a change in how the kingdom was run. The people wanted to know what kind of a king he was going to be. They were a tired people. King Solomon had taxed the people hard and worked them hard. Rehoboam went to his young advisors – men that he had grown up with who had little to no experience but were promoted like he was to this new position. He also went to his older advisors – wise men that had served for a great many years under his father.

We read in 1 Kings 12:9-11. “What is your advice?” he asked them. “How should I answer these people who want me to lighten the burdens imposed by my father?” The young men replied, “This is what you should tell those complainers: ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist—if you think he was hard on you, just wait and see what I’ll be like! Yes, my father was harsh on you, but I’ll be even harsher! My father used whips on you, but I’ll use scorpions!’” This was cruel and uncompassionate advice from novices that were cocky and egotistical; just gloating in their new power.

The older advisors gave Rehoboam contrary advice. “The older counselors replied, “If you are willing to serve the people today and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your loyal subjects.” 1 Kings 12:7 This is not the advice that Rehoboam took but it is the advice that would have won the people and the kingdom. He refused it and instead listened to his young advisors taking the advice that doomed his kingdom and reign.

Proverbs 15:1 tells us, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger.” It’s more than just the gentle answer that has true results. It’s the gentle answer that comes not as a manipulative tactic, but from a caring heart that desires unity and peace.

Some people foolishly seem to love conflict and get joy out of flexing their muscles and stoking the fires that provoke anger.

This should not be the case of a Christian. If you are a lover of God, then you have the Holy Spirit working within instructing you to be a person that truly wants to serve and help people. When conflict arises, pause and let the Spirit of God arise within you. Instead of defensively sparring back, give a reasonable and gentle answer; one that takes into consideration what the other person is trying to get across. If you will be considerate of their position and give concession and work with them where you can, you will not only turn away wrath, you will have people that respect you, are more loyal and willing to work with you – a place of peace and harmony.

A heart to serve and a favorable answer is a heart that sincerely and respectfully takes in the interests and concerns of others. It’s the heart endeavoring for agreement and harmony where possible.

1 Kings 12:7 “If you are willing to serve the people today and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your loyal subjects.”

In His love,
Pastor Tim

Published by Pastor Tim Burt
Copyright© 2009 Tim Burt, All rights reserved.