GOD - ARE YOU LISTENING?

Jonah 2:2 “…I called out of my distress to the Lord and He answered me. I cried for help from the depth of the sea, you heard my voice.”

I have heard several people describe nightmares in which they were in some sort of danger and as they tried to call for help they couldn’t speak. I don’t recall ever having that type of dream, but I can imagine it would be awful. Knowing that you only had to get someone’s attention to be saved and yet no one could hear you.

I read a story recently from a woman that grew up in a broken home. Her parents divorced when she was eight years old. Due to extraordinary circumstances, she wound up living with her grandparents. Both her parents married someone else. They stopped living for God. For the next several years, this young girl prayed for her parents. She said this:

“I doubled up on praying for my mother and her husband, my father and his wife. Years passed, and still they made no move toward God. I began to get discouraged. I felt that when I prayed, my prayers were falling on deaf ears: “ Hello, God! Are You there? Are You listening?” Finally, one night as I buried my face in my pillow after about eight years of prayer, I got desperate in prayer. “I am just a teenager, God! My parents should be praying for me! I don’t have anywhere else to turn. I don’t want my family going to hell. Oh, God, do you hear me?” Suddenly, I felt someone pat me on the shoulder. I heard a voice say, “ My child, everything will be okay.” God had taken time to visit me to let me know that He had heard my prayers. Not long afterward my parents began to move back toward God”

Have you ever really felt like that? Have you felt that you were struggling and no one could hear you? Have you ever felt as though your voice didn’t get through to people? Have you felt that not even God was listening? I definitely have. I have felt abandoned and lost in the middle of a trial. I have felt as though, no matter how loud I called, God had simply tuned me out. I now realize that those feelings are the result of me seeing with my flesh as opposed to my spirit. It is also the result of my memory loss. How quickly we can forget how powerfully God has moved in the past.

Jonah found himself in a situation that was truly conducive to hopelessness. True, he was there because he was blatantly disobedience; but isn’t that how we, so often, end up in difficulty. The point for Jonah, as well you and me, is even though it is dark and desperate – God is listening. God remains faithful because of his unexplainable love for us. He desires that we call upon him.

Calling on God is effective and the enemy knows it to be true. He works to magnify our difficulties and enlarge our dark times in order to promote a loss of hope. But don’t stop crying out to God. Don’t be discouraged in your prayers. You may feel as if you are hitting the ceiling. Just keep calling on Him. Be assured that God hears you. What chance do we have of reaching God if we stop calling? No chance at all. So, keep praying and keep believing. God is not only hearing you, but He is moving for you.

PATIENCE EQUALS SALVATION

2 Peter 3:15 “Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation…”

Here’s an interesting question. What behavior comes first, patience or impatience? Do we start out full of patience and understanding, only to, over time, become restless and hasty. Or, are we innately anxious? Do we have to learn and develop patience as we grow? It’s a tougher question than you think. You can refer to infants, crying the moment they are hungry, or wet, or tired. Is it impatience or just that fact that crying is the only means they have for communication? Every child is different, so who knows? Parents are also a very good measuring stick. Have you ever said or heard someone say to their child, “I’m losing my patience with you!”? Losing your patience is kind of like losing your temper. Losing your patience is really just the revelation of your impatience just like losing your temper is, in actuality, really just discovering that it’s been there all the time. No matter what comes first, it would seem that impatience manifests itself much more freely than patience even though it is patience that always produces a lasting beneficial result.

The greatest example of patience is God himself. The bible is jam packed with accounts of His patience with mankind. He was patient with Abraham and Lot as it pertained to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. He was patient with the Israelites in the wilderness time and time again. He was patient with King David through many of his impulses and failures. There is no question that his patience for all of us is driven by his indescribable love for you and me. Think about it. Are we not much more patient with our family than we are strangers?

As I look over my life, I am ever more grateful for the patience and mercy of God. Much like the children of Israel or King David, I have failed and deserved immediate reprimand. Yet God, in his tender mercy, has been patient. Often times simply nudging me by the spirit in the proper direction. Peter writes that God’s patience means salvation. Salvation is not what we deserve. Based on our own sinfulness, we deserve judgment. But God is patient because God is love. The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 13 that “love is patient”. Although, God’s anger towards me would be justified so many times, his love is an overriding power. He looks upon us with mercy.

This reality ought to lead us into a greater attitude of thankfulness to him. In light of his patience towards us, let us not take for granted such love. Live life as though it is a gift. Don’t try his patience, but love and honor him with your choices in life. It is his patience that offers salvation to us all. Know that God has spared us what we truly deserve. He has delivered us from the evilness of our own deeds. Let that truth motivate your commitment to him. Let it empower you into a life of victory and destiny.

REASON FOR OPTIMISM

Ezra 7:28 “I felt encouraged because the gracious hand of the Lord my God was on me.”

When I was a child, I collected GI Joe action figures. I had hours of fun playing with those toys. Sometimes, I would come up with this grandiose plan of setting up the figures with all of their guns, backpacks, army gear, etc. I would plan to place them all over our family room with the design of simulating an all out wartime situation. (I know it sounds silly, but I was like nine years old). If memory serves me well, I don’t recall ever completing my entire plan. I remember, often times, getting about half way through setting everything up and then realizing that I had already spent an hour. I would become discontented with the fact that my “well-laid” plan was way too involved and I would become bored. Then, I would disassemble in ten minutes what I had spent an hour creating. So, although I had a big plan in my head, I didn’t have the determination to finish the job.

Have you ever had aspirations of accomplishing something? Yet, upon review of all that the task would require, lost a measure of hope that it was possible? I am certain that all of us have dreams and desires within our heart. There are surely things that we all wish to do or perhaps wish to become. It’s true. I have grown up a little since then. I don’t play with GI Joe’s anymore. But I can liken that type of scenario to some real life things for me. There are so many things that I want to do and so many things that I want to become. Many of the dreams I have are big dreams. And that’s okay. I serve a big God who gives us these big dreams and then gives us the gifts to make these dreams come true. However, I have, way too often, fallen into the pattern of setting out to fulfill a dream and falling short. I begin to assemble the pieces. I make arrangements. Sometimes, I even begin to do or to be what I aspire to do or be. But then, if I am not careful, something changes. Maybe, I look (through my own eyes) at all that is still to do. Maybe, life’s strains and pressures take a little of the luster out of my wishes. Soon, I am in danger of disassembling these plans and moving on to something else.

In Ezra, King Cyrus had been moved by the Spirit to release the Israelites from captivity. They returned home. The Lord stirred the hearts of the leaders to rebuild them temple. But that was just the beginning. Rebuilding the temple was not going to be easy. They faced much opposition from enemies. These enemies tried everything from threatening the workers to bribing them. This process was a long one. It encompassed the reign of more than one Persian king. I wonder if anyone thought, “If I would have known that it would be this difficult, I would have never started this project”. I wonder how many threw their hands up and said, “This will never happen” or “It’s going to take too long”.

However, in the midst of all that stands Ezra. Ever believing that the rebuilding of the temple was according to God’s purpose. He represents God’s people and makes such a telling stating. “I felt encouraged because the hand of God was on me.” God’s presence reduced every obstacle to nothing. The choice that confronted Ezra is the same choice that confronts you and me. Will we choose to recognize the hand of God as it pertains to our hopes and dreams? Will we come to grips with the fact that those dreams are only there because he placed them within us? Or, will we continue to become daunted by the “complexity” of the situation? Will we look at all that needs to be done or will we look at all that He is doing? No matter what your dream may be; whether it’s being something or building something, be encouraged and know that God’s hand is upon you. And with God, all things are possible.

LEGACY

Exodus 10:2 “You will be able to tell wonderful stories to your children and grandchildren about the marvelous things I am doing…”

I spent some time recently with someone who I would consider on the “fast track”. They were successful in so many areas of life. They had accumulated plenty of wealth. They held a high ranking position within their organization. They had made it, so to speak. If I fail to keep a proper perspective, spending significant time with that type of individual can really mess with my thinking. I start wondering if I will ever “make it”. I can struggle with some feelings of inadequacy. Thankfully though, we were just spending some time together. No power plays going on; just two men sharing a casual lunch. And soon, the playing field evened. We began discussing dreams and aspirations. We talked about the things we wanted to accomplish in our lifetime. We even talked about how we would want to be remembered some day. As he talked about leaving wealth for his children and teaching them to always be the best in everything, I began some serious introspection. You see, he wanted a bigger home, higher status, more temporal success for him to pass on. Then, he used a word that rang louder than any other, “legacy”. He said, “I want my legacy to be…” (Surely you can figure it out by now).

Legacy is simply defined as anything handed down from the past. I have always thought as my personal legacy being whatever was left behind from me when I was gone. No, don’t get me wrong, I want to leave an attitude of success and achievement. I want to leave my children with the belief that they can accomplish anything; that they can have whatever they set their mind to and are willing to work for. But, it really sunk in during that lunch. I am building my legacy even now. You see, legacy is not something that you simply begin to accumulate after retirement or in the twilight years. Legacy is compiled every day.

In Exodus, Moses tells the Israelites that this journey would build a legacy for their children and grandchildren. They would see the most amazing work of God. But for it to be a part of their legacy, they would have to share it. As I read this passage, it reminded me of what I really want to leave as a legacy. I want to leave a powerful love for the most high God. I want to leave a powerful passion for lost souls. I want to leave a hunger for God’s word. I want to leave a legacy in my children and grandchildren of world-changing ministers. If that is so, I cannot wait until my children are grown. I cannot wait until after life is a little less hectic. I must accumulate the currency of my legacy now, and then I must share it with passion and purpose.

The measuring stick is found in a simple question. Ask yourself, “If I was forced to leave my legacy today, what would it be?” Would it be a legacy full of excuses, missed opportunities, empty promises, and materialistic ambitions? Or will it be a legacy that exudes the faithfulness and goodness of God? Will it be the type of heritage that praises the marvelous things that He has done? Choose a legacy that will live forever and share the greatness of God through your life today.

GREAT AND MARVELOUS

Revelation 15:3 “Great and marvelous are your actions…just and true are your ways”

It’s Christmas Day. It would seem more logical, perhaps, to discuss a story from Luke chapter 2. But as I sat and watched my three kids, full of nearly uncontrollable excitement and smiling from ear to ear, play with all their new toys I am truly thinking of how great God is. I want to celebrate his goodness. I want to genuinely live in the realization of just how much he loves us. Things that, maybe, I take for granted so often mean so much more to me as I consider them in light of God’s blessings in my life.

The passage is a song, once sung by Moses as the Israelites celebrated their deliverance from Egypt. The redeemed are gathered after gaining victory over the forces of evil. The Lord had revealed his marvelous deeds and is about to execute the glorious climax to his purposes on earth. True worship begins to pour out for the King of the Nations. “Great and marvelous are your actions, Lord God Almighty!” As I close my eyes, I imagine being a part of that celebration. Suddenly “things” don’t mean as much. I can imagine being so caught up in the glory and majesty of God that everything else fades in importance.

I can’t imagine feeling, thinking, or saying, “Wait, this is taking too long. I’ve got people coming over for Christmas dinner and I need to prepare.” Why? Because the comprehension of God’s glory overwhelms all else. During this season, we all have had so much to do. Family comes in from out of town, maybe we were still shopping at 11:30PM on Christmas Eve. Wrapping presents in the early hours of the morning. Long to-do lists still left unfinished. Then distraction sets in. I have found myself worrying so much about pleasing everyone. Making sure the kids got everything on their list. Contacting every close friend and family member that I wouldn’t see. Being available to my wife as she was away from her family on Christmas. Then, this morning came. I looked at my beautiful family, sitting in my beautiful home, enjoying a tremendous breakfast, and it hit me. All because of Him. His actions are great. They are marvelous. He doesn’t have to do any of it. Still, he does. Because just and true are his ways. It can’t be about the things that bring me comfort and fun. It must be about the one who brings it all to pass.

Christmas is a great time to reset our thinking. To remember that God is just as worthy of glory and honor today (and every other day of the year) as he will be on that great day depicted in Revelation. Let today; be full of fun, warm feelings of love and joy between you and the ones you love. But also let today be about the greatness of God. One day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess the majesty of God. But today let us choose, from our own heart, to bring glory to Him.

COMPROMISE AND A QUICK FIX

Genesis 25:32 “…What good is my birthright to me now?”

Have you ever wanted one thing, but due to some constraint (time, money, location) chose something less ideal? At some point, we probably all have “settled” in some area of life. Maybe you wanted the five bedroom house, but could only afford the four bedroom house. Perhaps you wanted the seven day cruise but could only get four days off work. Maybe you wanted a white Christmas but you live in Arizona. Life is full of choices and compromise.

Esau, however, made an irrational compromise that cost him dearly. Coming back from a long hunting trip, he discovers his conniving brother, Jacob, preparing stew. Jacob, no doubt, was plotting this moment. Esau returned starving and smelling fresh stew. As he asked for food, Jacob makes a strange offer. Trade me your birthright, in exchange for a meal. It matters little whether or not Esau could actually relinquish his birthright. The real issue is Esau’s flippant attitude towards the birthright. He willingly surrenders it in exchange for one meal. “What good is my birthright to me now?” he asks. His trade off would be like if I was craving filet mignon, but chose a double cheeseburger because McDonalds was right across the street. The cheeseburger might fill my immediate hunger. But rest assured, when the hunger wore off, I would still want the steak. We see later in Genesis how Esau felt about this series of events after the meal digested. (Read Genesis Chapter 32)

Looking back, I now see moments when my nonchalant approach to God’s promises and my God-given destiny has cost me dearly as well. There were moments when I didn’t want to wait on God. There were times when I thought I could find a cheaper way to God’s promises. Like Esau, I looked at life as infinite, thinking that the moment for reaping was eons away. What I now realize is that for every quick fix and spiritual compromise, I am giving up ground in my pursuit of God’s purpose.

It is important for each of us to be vigilant concerning the choices we make. We must ask ourselves, “Are the choices I make today about more than today?” “Am I choosing a quick fix or instant gratification without thought of tomorrow?” There are two facets of Esau’s decision that we ought to compare to our own decisions. First, Esau’s appetite was strong. His heart walked after his eyes. In other words, he chose whatever was instantly appealing to him. James 1:14 “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed”. We must, if we are to avoid Esau’s fate, be sure to walk after that which is of the spirit. Second, Esau’s reasoning was weak. His immediate circumstance prompted flawed thinking. He sold out in a panic. We should be mindful that in difficult times, it is most important to be still and thoughtful.

No doubt, we will deal with moments of want and moments of immediate need. Neither, however, changes God’s purpose for you and me. Let us make the choice to avoid the quick fix and the fruitless compromise. Don’t sell out for a cheeseburger, when God has a banquet waiting.

DISCIPLINE OR PUNISHMENT?

Job 5:17 “But consider the joy of those corrected by God. Do not despise the discipline of the Almighty”

I read a book a while back where the author was attempting to illustrate godly correction. He quoted Hebrews 12:6-10 (“he whom the Lord loves He chastens/disciplines”) and then made the following statement: “God does not hesitate to hurt us if this is necessary to help us become mature sons and daughters of His.” He then told a personal story of when his two year old son had foot surgery. Each night, the father had to stretch the foot as a type of physical therapy. Of course, it was tremendously painful to the son, but in the end the father said it was “worth it.” The surgery was a success. At that point, I stopped reading and thought to myself, “hurt us to help us?” Is that really what Godly discipline is designed to be?

Most people assume that God’s correction is painful. And sometimes maybe that’s the case…but is that the way God prefers? Godly discipline and punishment are not synonymous. And God never said that they needed to be. Hebrews 12 talks of love correcting or disciplining us, but that verse also should be taken within the entire context of the New Testament. For example, 1 Corinthians 2:9-14 (NLT) gives us another clue to the puzzle...

“That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, ’No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.’ But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets…And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us…we speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths. But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means.”

The question is not does God discipline, but how. God’s discipline is radically different than the father/son illustration above. And 1 Corinthians backs it up. If God does use natural circumstances to correct us, they are at best a second option. God’s first and foremost choice to adjust any Christian’s perspective is the Spirit of God speaking to our spirit. That’s “how we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us.” That’s always God’s first choice and he doesn’t need to create painful circumstances to get our attention.

Let me use another father/child illustration in contrast to the first one. My oldest daughter is eight. She’s conscientious and really tries to do what we ask of her. What would you think of me as a father if though I had the distinct option either to “hurt her in order to make her mature” or teach her personally how to be mature…but I still chose to hurt her? What if rather than conversationally teaching her about meekness, I back-handed her hoping to achieve the same affect. Make your stomach turn, huh? Mine too. The issue is in the choice. Direct communication is God’s desired method of disciplining us.

Often, it is our failure to hear God that leads us down a path that God would have had us otherwise avoid. God cares enough to correct. As believers, we will need chastening from time to time. This should not stunt our growth, but it should propel us into greater things. Let us ask ourselves, “Is it possible that I am here, because I failed to listen to the Spirit speaking beforehand?” Make the commitment to hear the correction of the spirit and rejoice that God loves us enough to correct.

TRUE TO HIS WORD

Leviticus 10:3 “I will show myself holy among those who are near me; I will be glorified before all the people.”

There should be little question that God’s word is absolute. If He says it, it is true. Period. End of paragraph. These types of statements are sometimes difficult to make and even more difficult to hear. It seems true that many prefer to avoid the concept of God as a God who will judge those who fail to act and live in accordance with his commands. In today’s society, many are looking for a more “palatable” type of faith. Something that keeps us feeling comfortable and never challenged. The power of God’s love for us can never be diminished. Neither can the truth of his words.

As a father, I am often challenged to be consistent in raising my children. As a parent, I am responsible to set parameters for my kids. My love for them must drive me to establish guidelines that will help nurture and instruct them. It is my responsibility to lead them into things that are right and guide them away from things that are wrong. I have great kids. They are, however, no different from any other kids. Well, for that matter, they’re not much different from adults. They push boundaries. They, sometimes, try and see just how far they can go. If I say, “Don’t touch”, they may test me to see if I really meant it. If I say, “Go to bed”, they may get up a couple of hundred times. I must set expectations and give potential consequences for disobedience. At that point, the ball is back in my court. Will I be true to my words? Will I give my children the impression that my words have no meaning and that they can make their choices apart from my instruction? I must be true to my words. Not in spite of my love for them, but because of my love for them.

In the Old Testament, we find an account where Aaron’s sons, the young priests, failed to adhere to the strict guidelines set forth in God’s law. God acted as He said He would. In this manner, God showed himself to be true. He says, “I am holy” and “I will show myself to be holy”. He says that by keeping my word, “I will be glorified before all the people.”

I know that this is an Old Testament account, when the law ruled. However, God did not stop being holy under the new covenant. The New Testament is plentiful with instructions from God. These instructions are accompanied with great promise. For example, James 4 tells us that if we draw nigh to God, He will draw nigh to us. The Apostle Paul writes in Galatians 6:7 “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” God is not mocked…He is holy.

These absolutes ought not bring condemnation to the believer, but instead hope. God’s word is for our guidance…to strengthen us. It, according to the psalmist, is a lamp and light for our life. If we ignore the things God has spoken to us, we place ourselves in danger of missing blessings and reaping trouble. But, if we are faithful and true, he promises to bless us beyond measure. Because, He is holy. He will be glorified among us.

Let us live with the comfort of knowing that our God is faithful and just. And that the words He gives us are life-giving and full of promise.

GOD REMEMBERS

Genesis 8:1 “But God remembered Noah and all the animals in the boat.”

As I left work the other day, I passed one of my coworkers just sitting outside. He had been off the clock for over an hour, so I it was curious to me as to why he would still just be sitting there. I stopped to be sure that he was okay. He told me that their family was currently down to one vehicle and that his teenage daughter had taken the car that day for college. She was supposed to pick him up but never showed. He was concerned and agitated all at the same time. It turned out that she had simply forgotten her commitment to pick him up and had gone with some friends instead. I don’t know what the father had to say to his daughter when she finally showed up, but I’m sure it wasn’t pleasant.

Have you ever felt the same way that the father felt concerning God? Seemingly sitting on the curb in the midst of a frustrating situation and wondering when God is planning to show up. Maybe questioning whether He has forgotten you all together. I know that I have felt that way a few times. If you find yourself in tough times, it can be easy to feel alone. When you feel alone, all sorts of emotions can begin to creep in. Anger, loneliness, hopelessness, frustration, to name a few. We should always remember, though, that is probably exactly how the enemy would prefer us to feel.

Noah sure found himself in a spot that could have left him feeling those emotions. According to bible record, Noah was in the ark for approximately 379 days. One year and two weeks in a boat. The boat that was once the creation of God’s providence and love for Noah and his family was now a place of uncertainty. When would the time come for them to leave the boat? Would the flood waters ever subside? Had God gotten them in that boat and then just forgot? Although Noah was a righteous man, he was still a man. He did not know where he was. He did not know where he would end up. It may have felt to Noah that God had forgotten. But scripture tells us that God remembered. This is not to imply that he had at one time forgotten, but simply that when the moment was right, God moved.

For all of us, this is a powerful example of God’s love for us. God doesn’t forget his people. We are assured in the Book of Acts that “he is never far from us”. Sure we walk in low places from time to time. We struggle through seemingly treacherous valleys in life. It may seem as though God is nowhere around and that He is not coming. But God remembered Noah and the animals. He remembered the animals too.

Remember Luke 12:24… “Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!”

No matter how long you are where you are, no matter how difficult it seems, God remembers you. He will not forget. He will move for you.

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

Ecclesiastes 11:4 “If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done.”

I was shocked today to see that I missed a special week in the spring. March 2nd to 9th was National Procrastination Week. I know that procrastination is an issue with some people. I know it because I am an experienced procrastinator. I have many things for which I have adopted the philosophy of “why do today what can be postponed until tomorrow?” Still, an entire week for it? That is either major overkill or it’s a bigger issue than I realized.

I am sure that there are many reasons that people procrastinate, but this got me thinking about life decisions. It got me thinking about making pivotal moves in our lives. I wonder if, in these cases, it is because we define a personal set of conditions that need to be met before such decisions can be made.

The bible gives us several examples of procrastination. Jonah put off his trip to Nineveh. Gideon ran from his call to lead and made excuses. Felix sent Paul away, claiming that he would call for him in a more convenient season. Solomon puts it so simply in Ecclesiastes. It is as if he is saying “What are you waiting for?” So, what are we waiting for?

Waiting for that perfect moment may be more about making excuses. About creating obstacles that aren’t really there, placing the blame on an outside force that cannot be controlled. Saying things like, “When my kids grow up, I’ll go back to school” or “When my life settles down, I’ll stop smoking” or “Right after the new year, I’ll…(you fill in the blank)” Solomon warns us to stop waiting for that “perfect time” to make your next move. Perfect timing doesn’t exist. It’s fictional. You’ll wait forever for it.

Some of the greatest rewards in life may come after taking the greatest risks. Perfect conditions would eliminate the need for pure faith and trust in the provision and direction from God. He is the only one who determines the perfect time to move in our lives. If we are to live a life of purpose and make an impact upon those around us, we must stop putting things off and waiting for the ideal situation.

Christ did not invite Peter to join him on the water while they were calm, but in the midst of a great storm. Noah was not instructed to build an ark as storm clouds appeared. There was no ideal time for Moses to approach Pharaoh concerning the release of the Jewish slaves. Waiting for the “perfect moment” is an exercise in futility. It leads to disappointment and disillusion. That’s the point; it is not about the circumstances surrounding the promise that God has given each of us. It is about the promise. If we believe, then there is no better time than the present to pursue our destiny, to take that step of faith, or to live the life we were meant to live.

JUST LIKE CHRIST

Ephesians 5:1-2 “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us…”

Charles Caleb Colton, an English cleric, was the first to coin the phrase, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery”, in the early 1800’s. Still today, that statement holds true. So many young children today look up to star athletes, musicians, and actors. They want to be like them. They imitate them on playgrounds and stages all over the world. It is comical now but, when I was a child, I loved watching professional wrestling. It was much different then, just good old fashioned entertainment. I loved Ric Flair. I don’t know why, I just did. I remember pretending that I was Ric Flair and that my friends were my entourage. I imitated him because I enjoyed watching him so much that I wanted to be like him.

As believers, we are challenged by the Apostle Paul to be imitators of God. How can we be imitators of God? By living as Christ lived. No word better describes Christ’s mission on earth than love. His actions were motivated by obedience to his Father and love towards us. What a powerful challenge for each of us. If we are to imitate anyone, let it be God. And let that happen by living out a Christ-like life.

Two aspects of the Christian life are (1) knowing who we are in Christ Jesus and (2) living it out every day. The call to imitate God is a call to walk out or live out the will of God. In the previous chapter in Ephesians, Paul writes how we are different from the world and how we have been made new. Why should we imitate God? Because we are his children.

Every Wednesday my son has chapel at his school and every Wednesday he wears his chapel uniform. The uniform includes a button-up shirt and a tie (a clip-on, he’s only five). I, on the other hand, wear that type shirt and tie (not a clip-on) every day to work. Every Wednesday, my son asks his mother, “I look like daddy, right?” You see, he has connected that he is my son, that he belongs to me. And he wants to be like me, to identify with me.

As children of the most high God, we too, should hunger to identify with our Father. I John 4:8 says “God is love”. So, we are called to live a life of love, just like Christ. What a simple description of the Christian life… “A LIFE OF LOVE”. Everything about our lives should be characterized by love. Our thoughts, our motives, and our actions should be directed by love. From time to time, I must conduct a reality check of my own life. Are my thoughts towards others at my church, my job, or my community motivated by love? Are my words purified by love? This is a challenging truth, but it is our calling as Christians. Imitate God, love like Christ, and live in victory. If you do, you will find that every other guide on how to live is governed by this truth. And life will look much different.

HE IS ENOUGH

Lamentations 3:24 “The Lord is my inheritance, therefore, I will hope in him.”

Recently, my daughter made a decision that both surprised me and delighted me. After doing very well on back to back science tests, I told her that she could select her reward. I thought she would select a toy, maybe a trip for ice cream, or a few hours with a close friend. But what she requested warmed my heart. She said, “Daddy, I wanna go on a date with you, just me and you.” So my daughter and I spent an evening together. I was compelled to ask her why she chose this particular reward. She replied, “I just wanna be with you”. She was completely satisfied just sitting at the restaurant with me, going shopping with me, and hanging out with me. She did not ask for anything additional and did not become distracted at all. She had all that she wanted on that evening.

John Calvin once wrote, “For all who are not satisfied with God alone, are immediately seized with impatience.” Our level of true satisfaction with God is often measured in our most difficult moments.

The Prophet Jeremiah wrote the Book of Lamentations in the midst of great adversity. He leads us into a powerful truth. We cannot stand firm in difficult times, unless we are content with God and his favor. It must be enough. If it is not, we will find ourselves searching for supplemental hope that, in actuality, is a myth. Still, it sure seems like it is in adversity that our focus can sometimes shift away from God. I guess if we wait long enough and we struggle hard enough, desperation may creep in. When desperation is introduced, we will be tempted to look anywhere and everywhere for answers, for peace, for hope, for joy.

When we look at things apart from God, we are looking at perishable things. Jeremiah writes, “The Lord is my inheritance” some versions say “The Lord is my portion”. God is an inheritance that lasts forever. The key to living as if God is our portion is honestly feeling that God alone is enough. That he is our portion and inheritance. That is our hope. When we live with that paradigm, we look at life through the lens of God’s imperishable favor.

There is no need then to look elsewhere, no need to become restless in our faith, no need to be impatient. No matter what the adversity may be, when God is our portion, we know that it would be so much worse without him. We trust him to move at the right moment and in the perfect way. We don’t become discouraged when earthly things are lost. My daughter knew that she was the recipient of my paternal favor. Whatever I have is hers, so why worry, right? So to, should we as Christians rest in the paternal favor of God. He is our life in death, our light in darkness, our rest in turmoil, and our abundance in want. And that is enough.

FIRMLY PLANTED

Amos 9:15 “I will firmly plant them there in the land I have given them.”

I was recently watching a football game that was taking place in Chicago. There is a reason they call Chicago “The Windy City”. As the visiting team was preparing to kick off, the kicker placed the football on the kicking tee just the way he wanted, and then he turned his back to the ball and began walking back to his teammates. Within seconds, the home crowd applauded as the ball fell off the tee due to strong wind gusts. He put the ball back on the tee and turned around. It blew off again. This went on a couple more times and, with each time, the roars from the crowd grew louder and louder. Finally, the kicker summoned a teammate to come and physically hold the ball in place so that the game could resume.

I wonder if sometimes life kinda feels that way. Have you ever had your best laid plan fall apart due to an unexpected circumstance? I have, from time to time, felt like that frustrated kicker. Setting my plans, striving for my goals, working to make things happen. Only to have life bring up some “wind gust” and just blow it over. Much like the kicker, we must find the solution to accomplishing our task.

For believers, the solution lies in the hands of the one who fashioned our destiny from the beginning. According to Amos, God promises to “firmly” plant us into our destiny. The firmly, in this case, is an adjective which means “not likely to change; fixed; settled; unalterable”. God plants us within the framework of the promises He has given us and the destiny that is specifically ours. He does not lay us there. He does not cast us there. He does not flippantly point us in the direction. He firmly plants us there.

God’s promises are so sure for our lives that he places us so firmly that circumstances, in and of themselves, cannot move us. Just as the kicker had to summon another player to hold the ball, we must muster up our faith to hold us in place where we have been firmly planted by God. When the football tumbled over, the kicker could not say, “I’m not going to kick until the wind stops blowing” or “Can we move to another city?” or “I’ll just kick in another direction”. He found away to keep the ball steady.

Life may sometimes have a way of causing even God’s plans to look unsure to us. Trouble may come and the outcome may seem uncertain, but God is sure and He desires to place you firmly where you need to be. The next time the “wind blows” in your life, don’t pick up your ball and go home. Don’t doubt or fear. Don’t complain and grumble about the situation. Remember the promises of God. He gave them to you. In fact, he firmly planted you in a position to receive everything you’ve needed.

FOR THOSE WHO HAVE SUFFERED

1 Peter 5:10 “the God of all grace…after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast.”

I wonder how many times we have looked back over a tough period of life with disdain. If you are like me, perhaps you try to never remember, hoping that by blotting it out of your mind, you can remove past hurts. It is true that some wounds, if left unattended, can fester and hurt for much longer than they should. One truth about suffering is this… “It will happen”. Another truth about suffering is this… “It will pass” (if we allow God to heal us). Suffering and trouble are parts of life. They should not be, however, a way of life.

So for the believer, the real question should be, “how do we deal with suffering?” Not just while we are suffering, but before and after those tough moments. Peter, speaking to Christians that were being severely persecuted for their faith, offers encouraging words. He reminds them that God is a God of grace. He goes on to not shy away from the truth of their suffering. Then he looks ahead to the future and the restorative power of God. In effect he is saying, “Suffering is real and it hurts, but it will end. And afterwards, God will restore you. He won’t just send someone with an encouraging word, but He himself will make you strong.”
In the example of Peter, we as believers should always look at suffering in the light of God’s grace. Let us strive to believe that our moments of suffering are but for a little while, in light of the power of God’s restoration for us. And that the strength that will be poured into us after, will far surpass the impact of the original suffering. Let us always allow God to make us better because of what we have endured.

One version of the text says he will “settle you”. I have so many times heard the phrase “calm before the storm.” I am so thankful that God works to bring calm after the storm in our lives. With our hearts fixed upon God, suffering will transition us into a moment of strength and peace and lead us into the next big thing that God has in store.

The following passage speaks volumes concerning the role that suffering may play in our lives as long as those moments are surrendered to God:

A Creed for Those Who Have Suffered

I asked God for strength, that I might achieve.
I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey...
I asked for health, that I might do great things.
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things...
I asked for riches, that I might be happy.
I was given poverty, that I might be wise...
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men.
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God...
I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life.
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things...
I got nothing I asked for - but everything I had hoped for;
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am, among men, most richly blessed!

-unknown Confederate soldier

FAITH OVER FEAR

Mark 4:40 “And he said to them, ‘Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith.’?”

From where does fear originate? When do we start becoming afraid? Are we born with some innate fear that simply shows up in tough moments or is fear developed and cultivated over time? I don’t remember being afraid of much as a young child. Maybe the dark, but that’s about it. I don’t remember getting embarrassed easily. I don’t recall feelings of inadequacy. I do remember being willing to try new things. I do remember dreaming of great days ahead. I also remember jumping off porches onto trampolines, slides to monkey bars, and so on.

I have concluded that fear, especially spiritually speaking, is not a part of the person that God created. Paul taught Timothy that “God has not given us the spirit of fear…”(2 Timothy 1:7). So if it wasn’t there from the outset, where does it come from and when do we get it? In some cases, I guess, we become fearful due to past life experience. Recently, my youngest son came up with a fun game of jumping from one bed to the other in his bedroom. He did it for several weeks and each time we would stop him. But not too long ago, I heard him jump, then a thud, and a cry. When I reached his room, I found lying on his bed, bleeding from his forehead. A trip to the emergency room and three stitches, ouch! I haven’t heard him jump since. I believe he has learned some fear.

Isn’t it interesting how the enemy loves to use the “thuds” in our lives to teach us fear? Perhaps you were hurt in a relationship, and now you’re “afraid” to love again. Maybe you tried something and failed, and now you’re “afraid” to try again. Maybe you’ve been rejected, and now you’re “afraid” to speak up or offer your talents. No matter what circumstances introduced us to fear, it is certain, that fear lives and grows in a faithless atmosphere. When we lose touch with the truth of God’s love and providence for us, we become afraid.

In Mark Chapter 4, we find a definitive reprimand. In the aftermath of a terrible storm that could have capsized the boat and drowned them all, Christ asks “why are you afraid?” Then, he answers his own question, “You lack faith”. Make no mistake, they were in a storm and it was bad. Without Him, they probably would have perished. But the size of the storm meant nothing to Christ. It is like He is saying “faith abolishes fear”. You can’t live by faith and walk in fear. Let us all ask ourselves, “what I am afraid of?” Is it greater than God? Can it change what God has promised me? Can it separate me from His love? The answer is a faith-filled “NO”.

I don’t remember when I became fearful or what initially caused such fear. I do, however, know what causes me to live in fear,from time to time. Failing to walk in faith is scary. Let faith abolish your fear and face life with a new found peace and joy.

LOVE WITHOUT LIMITS

Exodus 20:6 “But I lavish my love on those who love me and obey my commands, even for a thousand generations.”

The word “lavish” really got my attention in this passage. So, I looked it up. “to lavish” actually means “to expend or give in great amounts or without limit.” Knowing that, I see that “lavish” is a pretty cool word. I mean, I can think of lots of things that I would like to have lavished upon me. Money, compliments, promotions, and of course ice cream(maybe for you it’s cookies).

But when you look at the word in the context of God’s promise to his people, it is pretty powerful. He promises to “expend or give in great amounts or without limit” his love to us. Now, we know that God loves us. John 3:16 tells us that. We know that Christ’s work on the cross demonstrates powerful love towards us (Romans 5:8). But in this passage, lavish is a verb and it is an action that occurs, according to its definition, without limits. You could say it happens over and over and over again.

Now here’s the deal. He says, “I lavish my love on those who love me and obey my commandments.” Does that mean he only loves us when we do right? Of course not. Read Romans 5:8 again. But he continually pours his love upon those who love him.

God clearly defines in Exodus 20 that he is a jealous god. Jealousy is an emotion that many of us can probably understand. No one likes to be ignored or taken for granted. We too are more apt to express love and affection to those who love us. Remember, God wants, more than anything, our love and devotion.

I can relate this to my youngest son. He is three years old and is challenged in communicating. We work with him daily to help him express himself. A few weeks ago, for the first time, he said to me, “I love you”. It was the sweetest “I love you” ever. In that moment I would have given him anything he wanted over and over again. I wanted to kiss him and hug him. I wanted to freeze that moment forever. Why? Because I am made in God’s image. I too lavish love on those who love me. It has helped me to understand what God wants for me. That for each of us, it is his desire to pour his love into our lives because he wants our love also.

Part of our love is demonstrated in our desire to follow his word and honor his commands. Jesus said, “if you love me, keep my words…”

There is one other blessing in this promise. It is a promise of generational blessing. To those who love and obey him, he will lavish his love upon us for a thousand generations. What an amazing idea. My obedience and love will bring blessing to my children and grandchildren. God is so good that his love and mercy truly endures forever.

REAL LIFE

Hosea 14:9 “The paths of the Lord are true and right, and righteous people live by walking in them.”

In a world where political correctness is of the utmost importance, there has seemed to be increased conversation concerning the ways in which someone can connect with God. It seems that more and more people are offering the masses “options” on getting to Heaven. The media has perpetuated this ideology by making Christians out to be narrow-minded and judgmental. Recently, I had a conversation with a dear friend in which he challenged the concept in John 14:6 “Jesus said….no man comes to the Father but by me.” His idea was that living a good life in itself was pleasing to God and that by doing so one could get to Heaven. This, no doubt, is a very popular school of thought. But, as someone whose life has been transformed by the love of God, I just don’t get it.
Some will laugh at this, but when I was growing up they used to sing a song in my church that said… “once like a bird in prison I dwelt, no freedom from my sorrow I felt. But Jesus came and listened to me and glory to God, he set me free.” His love for me and his sacrifice for me is liberating. How can I not trust the one who set me free? I wonder why so many are looking for an alternative way to find God. Perhaps, it’s because of what God requires. In Matthew 22, when Christ was asked what the greatest commandment was, he said “love the Lord your God with all you heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” He requires me. He wants me to love him, to trust him, to follow him with everything that I have. That means that I cannot live for myself and still live for Him.
This freedom is a freedom to really live. Not a freedom to live as if there is no God and that my choices do not matter, but a freedom to live with the peace of knowing that there is a God who loves me. A freedom to live for God and trust fully that His path for my life is the best way possible. It is the kind of freedom that allows me to lay my head on the pillow every night and know that God is leading me into a life of blessing.
Hosea proclaimed that the paths of God are right and that we live by walking in them. Note that it does not say “live while walking in them”. It says “live BY walking in them”. It is walking after God’s purpose and direction that brings true life. The trouble may be our inability sometimes to line up the two points side by side. Sometimes living isn’t what we think it is. Living is not just pleasure. It’s not just a moment or a season. But living is about a lifetime. It’s about the good and the bad, the joy and the sorrow, gain and loss. Following after our own desires really gets tricky when things go sour. But the ways of God are true. They are sure. They are the same in the good and the bad. And the end result of following after God’s ways is a lifetime of really living no matter what comes your way.

A STIRRED UP HEART

Ezra 1:5 “Then God stirred the hearts of the priests and Levites and the leaders…to rebuild the Temple of the Lord.”

For whatever reason, lately, I have been thinking back upon my young adulthood. At the age of twenty or twenty-one, I had limitless dreams and powerful ambition. I had a wish list that seemed a mile long. I had mapped out such huge portions of my life. I wanted to accomplish some things by the age of twenty-five and others by the age of thirty. Looking back now, I apparently thought my life would be over by thirty-five because I left myself nothing to accomplish after thirty. Now, I am getting VERY close to thirty-five and the list isn’t complete. In fact, some of it never got started.
I can attribute some of that to unrealistic goals set by a young man who was unmarried, had no children, and had very little responsibility. I wish that was the only reason. But, to be honest, much of it is the result of dulled ambition and lots of excuses. As the years have passed, the passion has waned. Life kinda got in the way of living. At twenty-one, just talking about what I wanted to accomplish would get me so excited. My heart rate would increase. I would start talking so fast. It meant so much to me. In my mid-thirties, I have found myself just having less energy on many issues. I suppose it is somewhat natural.
Lately though, something has happened. I find myself in the middle of a project that is what I’ve always wanted to do. It has consumed much of my time and energy. But it is more than that. God has stirred my heart and reminded me of my passions and ambitions. By stirring my heart, he has reminded me of who I am. It has been a long time, since I have felt this way about anything. I can’t stop pressing towards the goal.
In Ezra, we find an account of those who had become complacent in their current circumstance. God’s people had been in bondage, without a place to worship God. It must have been discouraging. It probably was also all too easy to get accustomed to the way things were. As time passed, thoughts of the Temple may have come along less and less. But God stirred hearts. First he stirred the heart of King Cyrus, then, he stirred the hearts of the leaders. Thus, the process of rebuilding God’s temple began with a stirred up heart.
Sometimes, we all need a little stirring of the heart. No matter the reason for complacency -- failure, discouragement, stress, or so many others, God will revive our passion. What have you dreamed of doing for God? What have you wished for yourself? If you have not fulfilled those dreams, stay hungry and remain faithful. Time will pass without fail. However, time does not have power to steal our dreams. Allow God to stir your heart and see those long lost dreams live again.

Obedience - Take 2

Jonah 3:3
“So Jonah arose and went to Ninevah according to the word of the Lord”

If you simply opened the Bible and this was the first verse your eyes settled upon, you might think, “Wow, Jonah is so obedient.” But truth be told, it took some pretty intense circumstances to prompt Jonah’s obedience. That sounds all too familiar. It is true that throughout our lives, God guides and directs us in many ways. He speaks to us concerning various actions and decisions. I wonder how many times our first response to God’s voice is an absolute “yes”.
Have you ever said, “if I knew then what I know now”? I have said it or at least thought it so many times. When I was a child, my parents would offer advice on various life choices. This continued throughout my teenage years and young adulthood. Then, many of the things they would say, made little or no sense to me. As life went on, the advice they gave proved to be dead on. I realize(a little late in many cases) that they were trying to help me avoid some tough situations. Often, it was only after I chose my own path and failed that I followed their advice. I learned the lesson the hard way. Why did I put myself in that situation? Well, my childish way of thinking could not comprehend their years of experience and wisdom. I could not see their reasoning because I had not seen the life they had already lived. I could have avoided some tough times if I would have just listened the first time.
How true that is in my walk with God. Like in the case with my parents, I cannot begin to comprehend the mind of God. Isaiah 55:9 says “For as the heavens are higher than the earth. So are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.” I have found myself, so often, responding to God’s voice the same way that I responded to my parents as a child. I also often find myself learning lessons the hard way. No question, that God desires the very best for all of us. He lays out the plan for our abundant life. We must actually listen and obey, though.
Jonah learned this lesson in the midst of amazing circumstances. For us, it may be disappointment or failure. For Jonah, it was near death on a ship and what seemed to be certain death in the belly of a fish. But after God demonstrated mercy, Jonah got it right. Jonah went to Ninevah as God commanded. I wonder if Jonah ever said, “if I only knew then what I know now”. Much like Jonah, God will grant us a chance to get it right, to fulfill our destiny. For us all, eliminating the “drama” and responding to God the first time brings a life of abundance.

NO BETTER TIME THAN THE PRESENT

Read Genesis Chapters 17-21

Key Verse: Genesis 19:16
“When Lot still hesitated, the angels seized his hand and the hands of his wife and two daughters and rushed them to safety outside the city, for the Lord was merciful.”

Have you ever put something off for a day or two? I know that I have been guilty of that on so many occasions. Sometimes it just seems easier to say “I’ll get to it tomorrow”. Procrastination and hesitation don’t just come into play when the task is something we do not enjoy. Sure we may put off yard work, the laundry, or that book report that’s due next week, but I have been guilty off putting off things that I enjoy as well. I have been saying for months now that I am going to start playing golf again. However, as of this moment my golf clubs are still sitting in my garage collecting dust.

In Genesis 19, the story of Lot gives us a great portrayal of hesitation that almost ended fatally. The instructions of God’s messengers could not have been more clear. “The city will be destroyed and all who stay will perish.” But even that powerful word from God didn’t move Lot from complacency. Why would Lot hesitate? Was his heart fixed upon his home in Sodom? Was he persuaded by the influence of his family? Did he really not believe? Whatever the reason may have been, it is clear that even though God had visited Lot, he still was unsure and hesitant.

The bible tells us in Ecclesiastes 3:1 that “there is a time for everything, a season for every activity”. God gives us specific seasons in our lives. I have personally experienced those distinct seasons. I have lived through seasons of increased work in the Kingdom as well as seasons of rest and contemplation. I have experienced seasons of great increase as well as seasons of sacrifice. The key is that God orders the seasons as well as their durations. We can not operate outside of God’s timing and avoid paying a price. I learned this lesson in a painful way some years back. My wife and I had been praying about a move from our home in Indiana to Florida. We both believed that God was directing us to make this move. Shortly thereafter, an opportunity arose. It was the sort of opportunity in which everything just seemed to align perfectly. Of course, this move would mean leaving our family and everything we had ever known. It was the type of decision that put a lump in your throat. Still, we both believed that God had orchestrated the scenario. In the end, however, we decided not to go. The pressure of the change got the best of us. Eighteen months later, we finally made the move and God has blessed us in many ways. I am so thankful that we finally took the step that God had been moving us toward. So, it all worked out, right? Well, here’s the price we paid for hesitation. The first time the opportunity arose, the big boom in the housing market in Central Florida had not happened. When we finally moved, it was in full force. We paid double for our home than we would have paid just 2 years earlier. Although, God has been faithful and good, I still feel the pain of my procrastination once a month when the mortgage check is written.

So where do you find God leading you today? Has he called you into ministry, a new job, a new city? Always trust that God not only knows what is best, but He knows when is best. Trust God enough to not miss His perfect timing for your life. God’s plans are the best plans for ultimate blessing. If God speaks into your heart, don’t be afraid. Trust him and follow his lead. He knows the events of tomorrow. That may be why He is calling today.

A LAST PLACE WINNER

Read Matthew Chapters 19-21

Key Verse: Matthew 19:30
“But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.”

I have mellowed some now, but when I was much younger, I absolutely hated to lose at anything. Some of the biggest arguments that I have ever had with friends have been over a game or competition. Whether on the baseball field, at the bowling alley, or at the kitchen table playing monopoly, I was “in it to win it”. I guess it’s normal. Society rarely remembers those who finish second. Can you tell me who lost to the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl VIII? How about who lost to the New York Knicks in the 1973 NBA Finals? It would even be more difficult to tell me who was the worst team in the NBA in 1973. Society rarely remembers the losers.

Isn’t it interesting how often spiritual principles stand in direct contrast to worldly principles? For example, the bible teaches us that our strength is made perfect in weakness. I am reminded of the story of Lazarus the beggar in Luke 16. In his life, he surely didn’t seem to be a winner; begging for crumbs from the rich man’s table. But we are taught that he was honored above the rich man due to the condition of his heart.

I remember being a teenager and seeing something that, at the time, seemed a little silly. But as the years have passed, this moment has meant more and more to me. We were at church during a special southern gospel singing. The group that was singing began to sing a song entitled, “I’m a Poor, Rich Man”. The song spoke of how it was Christ living within us that truly makes us rich. My father who, at the time, was on crutches got so excited in worshipping to that song that he rose to his feet, with a broken ankle, and began to rejoice. It was a wild sight indeed. I have never forgotten that moment. It has helped me to understand that there are more important things in life than the size of my house or my bank account. That moment has left me desiring an inner richness that I can only have through a relationship with Christ Jesus.

Don’t get me wrong. I still like to win. I still want a great life full of great things. But I realize today that neither my possessions nor my position make me rich where it matters most. In life, we can work so hard to get ahead, to be first. But the Kingdom of God is about the humility of heart and spirit. It is about intimate love and worship to God. Those who value God and others more than themselves will be first. Society may label some as “losers”. But I am thankful today that God remembers the so-called “losers”. He promises a first-place finish to those who remain humble and true to Him.

LONGEVITY

Today is my grandmothers 93rd birthday. I must admit that that number is mind boggling to me. I took a few minutes to call her today. The conversation went as they normally do. I said, "Hey Mema, how are you?" She replied "Oh honey, I ain't no count". For the next few minutes we made small talk. She went over the list of all who have called her. Then, she really went over the list of all who haven't called her. I told her how great she's doing and how thankful she should be for her health and for her family. After a short time, I told her I loved her and said goodbye.


The gravity of "93 years old" kind of sunk in today. My grandmother was born in 1916, right in the middle of the First World War. She has lived through wars, The Great Depression, prohibition, the 60's, and so much more history. When Barack Obama is sworn in on January 20th, he will be the 17th president during my grandmother's lifetime. My mind cannot rap itself around the concept of all she has seen and heard. She is not one to reminisce often, but I can only imagine the stories she could tell. What a great life she has lived.


Her resilience is even more remarkable. My grandfather passed away over 18 years ago and "Mema" is still going. She is still wanting to get out and go. If she sees my aunt get ready to go to the supermarket, church, a restaurant then she wants to go. As I thought about her and her great life, I begin to think about longevity. It seems that longevity and stability are not as common as they used to be. People seem to be less patient with their careers, marriages, friendships, churches, and so on. That line of thinking made me very thankful. I have been so fortunate to live a life surrounded by longevity. My parents have now been married over 45 years. My father has always stuck with things even when they seemed tough. It truly was instilled in me at a young age that jumping from plan to plan and never setting yourself can lead to an unproductive life. I will admit that starting things is fun and exciting, but seeing the finished product is one of the greatest feelings in the world.

Hebrews 12: 1-3
"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds."

I have been confronted so many times with the desire to give up, to bail out, to say "it's too hard" or "it's not worth it". Life will make you feel that way some times. I have to ask myself the question every now and again, "Do I believe the promises of God are worth the wait?" Surely they are..But I need to stick with it. I can't jump from plan to plan. I can't jump from place to place. I must allow God to finish the work He began in me. God will bless me along the way, but I want to become the person God has designed me to be. To do so, I must commit to longevity. I must say, "I will stay the course!" Yes, it requires some toughness, boldness, and a little stubbornness, but when I look back over my life for God I want to see the many victories won. I want to be able to say "what a great life".

It is normal to get a little impatient sometime. My grandmother said to me today, "I am getting a little anxious to go". I knew she meant to go on to meet Jesus. I smiled and said, "I know you are, but when God is ready...Mema." Heaven will be an eternal reward for my grandmother. For you and I, God has an amazing reward for those that are faithful, for those who never give up.

READY FOR HARVEST

Read Hosea Chapters 9-10

Key Verse – Hosea 10:12
“Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the Lord.”

When I was a child, my parents planted a large garden every year. In the garden, there was a huge variety of things. Corn, onions, potatoes, green beans, tomatoes, peppers, and much more. I loved that garden. I loved helping collect the different vegetables into large bushel baskets. I remember the sense of accomplishment I felt while carrying that basket down the hill and into the kitchen. There my mother would wash and prepare the large assortment. Some would be set aside for immediate use, some would be canned, and some would be given away. It was fun, I had a blast.

Months earlier, after the winter thaw had come, I was not so enthusiastic about helping in the garden. You see, at that time there wasn’t really a garden. There was just a large spot of hard, barren ground. After a winter in which the ground had frozen and thawed dozens of times, that “garden” sure seemed dead. My father would say, “Come on, time to till the garden”. I hated that phrase. Why? Preparing a garden for planting was hard work. Digging, raking, and pulling weeds are not fun. Yet, it was necessary if the garden was to produce the intended harvest. Once that work was completed, seeds could go in the ground and the anticipation of reaping the rewards of that labor could begin.

The very same principle can be applied to our lives. Surely there are many things that we all want from God. Dreams and desires that we are longing to see fulfilled. It is true, however, that there is a prerequisite to seeing these dreams come to pass. We must seek God for them. In Matthew 7:7, we are given the proper order for receiving from God, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:” See, in each case, there is a necessary action on our part before the reaping begins.

Hosea 10:12 gives us even another prerequisite to seeking God. Our hearts must be prepared to seek Him. I know there have been many times in my life that I have come to God with a heart that wasn’t ready to receive. I wanted something so badly but pride, anger, and hurt(to name a few) had hardened my heart to a place that God would not bring forth fruit in that area of my life. But I needed to learn that if I want God to bring forth greatness in me, then I must be willing to lay my life, and my heart, down to be turned inside out and upside down. The secret things that are in my heart must be dug out and my heart must become soft and humble before the Lord. If I try to produce a life of great harvest with a heart untouched by God, I will fail every time.

God desires great things from you and me. When He looks upon us, He sees the potential to bring forth blessings bountifully. Don’t be afraid to allow God to plow up the ground of your heart. It may hurt a little. But only then, can we seek Him sincerely and then reap the harvest.

DETERMINED AND DESTINED

Read Ruth Chapters 1-2

Key Verse – Ruth 2:12
“May the Lord, God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully.”

The story of Ruth is nestled in the middle of great historical accounts concerning the early days of the nation of Israel. Though it is somewhat obscure, it holds a powerful message of loyalty and the destiny attached to such loyalty. If you read this account, it doesn’t take long to see that Ruth believed in her heart that her destiny lay with Naomi.

What is so moving to me is that Ruth didn’t just feel that way when her husband was alive. She wasn’t convinced of God’s providence only when she was prosperous and problem free. With her husband gone, she seemingly had no earthly reason to remain with Naomi. How easy would it have been for Ruth to simply say, “Well, I guess it just isn’t going to work out; time to move on”. But no, Ruth was loyal. Even though Naomi herself practically begged Ruth to move on, Ruth wouldn’t budge.

This story made me think of the times that I have prayed for direction from God. I have wanted to know his plans. There have been those times that God has spoken to me and I have jumped up ready to head in that direction, only to encounter a problem. Something didn’t go the way I had imagined. It has been at those moments that I found myself facing a decision. Do I abandon the plan that God has set before me or do I dig my heels in and continue to believe God? Now I know that the religiously proper thing to say is, “BELIEVE GOD – NO MATTER WHAT!” But when circumstances change, when what was on your horizon has faded away, it’s easier said than done.

Still, if we spend our life jumping from one plan to another, looking elsewhere every time something shifts it is difficult to move forward, to learn the lessons that God is trying to teach us, and to see the working of God’s master plan. I cannot count the times that I have wanted to jump to something new. But I would be trading in valuable ground that has been gained. My wife and I have looked at each other and said this many times concerning our destiny, “God said it and it is still true”.

Hundreds of years later, the Apostle Paul wrote this in Galatians 6:9 “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” I know that, like Ruth, when we stand firm in the promises of God no matter what circumstances may come, we speak loudly concerning our dependence upon him. We take refuge under His wings. I can think of no better place to be.

SOMETHING TO TAKE THE EDGE OFF

Read Ephesians Chapter 4

Key Verse – Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”

I am seeing more and more how rough and abrupt our culture has become. People seem to have less and less time for common courtesy. Now, I know this is a generalization of negative proportion. Of course, I realize that there are wonderful people in the world. Many of my friends are some of the sweetest, most generous people I know. Yet, I find myself alarmed at the number of times that I have witnessed someone “giving someone a piece of their mind” or blowing their horn in traffic over the past couple weeks.

Sure, the holidays can be hectic, especially if you were, like me, shopping for that perfect gift in the waning hours of the Christmas shopping season. And yes, for many of us, life seems to be a little tricky these days. But recently, I saw two things in a matter of 30 minutes that made me wonder what is going on and why are some folks so agitated. I was enjoying a late breakfast. I was sitting drinking coffee and finishing up my eggs and sausage when a couple came in to the restaurant and sat down at the table directly across from me. When they sat down I happened to look at my watch and noted that it was 11:25am. Shortly afterward, the woman at that table began yelling(and I mean yelling), “Excuse me, Excuse me, does anyone care that we’re here? We have been here for quite some time and have not even been noticed!” I looked at my watch again. The time was 11:27am. I smiled and thought “wow”. After that I went to a nearby gas station. When I went inside to pay, there was an elderly man at the register. He seemed to be struggling to get the money out of his wallet. After maybe 15 seconds, a young man behind him said “Look! Have your money ready when you come in!” I felt so sorry for the older gentleman.

These instances made me reflect inwardly. I know there have been times that I have been less than pleasant. There have been moments, after a long day, that I have failed to exhibit the patience for my kids that I should. There have been those times that I have spoken sharply to someone for little or no reason. And there have been times that I have failed to notice the needs of those around me. Perhaps, we all have those moments. I don’t know. Maybe that is what makes us human.

But Paul, in Ephesians 4:32, links kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness to our acknowledgement of God’s forgiveness towards us. I must admit that when I find myself more focused upon God’s love for me, I am more gentle, kind, and tenderhearted. When I am more conscious of His forgiveness, then I seem less “edgy”.

When pressure, anxiety, and frustration begin to build and it seems more difficult to show the softer side of you, remember God’s forgiveness of you and his immeasurable love for you. It will take the edge off.

RELATIONAL TRUST

Read Ephesians Chapter 3
Key Verse -- Ephesians 3:17
"Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong."
Trust is defined as "to rely upon or place confidence in someone or something". We know that Christ desires to have domain within our hearts. But it is up to us just how comfortable he is allowed to be there. By failing to trust God with our lives, we are, in essence, jerking the rug out from under him time and time again.
Let's look at it another way. If you worked for a company and your boss came to you and said "you have shown tremendous potential and have continued to be successful. I am putting you in charge of our new project. It is the most important thing in our company today. I am giving you this responsibility because I trust you to work hard and to make it a great success." You would feel pretty special, right? To think that your superiors would trust you that much would probably give you the confidence you needed to make the big decisions that would shape the project. But how would you feel if the next day your boss came back to you and said, "I trust you, but I am going to handle this part of the project."? Maybe day by day that supervisor would take one responsibility after another away from you to the point that you didn't really have any influence at all in the project. You wouldn't feel very trusted would you?
I wonder how often I have done the very same thing to Christ. I say, "Oh, Lord I trust you. Take over my life. Mold me; shape me in the way you would have me to be. Have your way in my life." Then when things get a little tricky or seem a little shaky I say, "Well...I trust you Lord, but I am just going to take control in this one area." It's like I give him control, and then take it away. Give it. Take it. Over and over again. What a roller coaster ride!
The strongest relationships in the world are built on trust. Marriages, friendships, even business partnerships that are successful are so, because the parties involved trust one another. Does that mean that moments never came along that tested the mettle of that trust? Of course not; what it means is that even when those tough times came they stuck it out, because they trust each other. Relational trust can only occur through real relationships. Trust is not a theory.
I must trust God - not just in theory - but in practice. I must place my life in His hands and leave it there to fully trust. That means that I must take my life from my own hands. Paul said that if we do this then our roots will grow down into God's love and keep us strong. Be patient. Trust God. Roots cannot grow if we are always pulling up the vine.
Prayer - Lord, I love you enough to believe you love me, therefore I trust you. Control me, mold me, and use me as you know best. Give me the steadfastness to wait upon you.

THE EXTENT OF GRACE

2 Samuel 9:1 "David asked, "Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan's sake?"

Over the past few months, I have found myself reexamining the things which, in the past, I have viewed as simple enough to move beyond in consideration. The grace of God, unmerited favor, you know that thing that has changed our present and future, is something that I have acknowledged as present in my life, yet I must admit that it has been quite some time since I truly examined the extent of his grace.
It wasn’t a book on grace, a sermon, or lecture that generated this new introspection. It was my life itself that helped me to take a second look at God’s love for me. I realized this year that God found me when I wasn’t looking, loved me when I wasn’t worthy, and rescued me when I didn’t deserve it. It was this epiphany that helped me to see how easy it was to take for granted both God’s love as well as the relationships that God had placed in my life.
I read in 2 Samuel 9:1 “Then David said, ‘Is there yet anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?’” As I examined this story further, it hit me personally. Grace is positive and unconditional acceptance in spite of the other person. Grace is a demonstration of love that is undeserved, unearned, and unrepayable. I don’t want to drag out the story. So here’s the short version. David looks to show this type of grace and he looks at the family of a man that made a good portion of his life miserable. Saul had left David running for his life for a long time. Still David made a promise to Jonathan, Saul’s son, that he would not cut off Jonathan’s descendants. What is so significant about this story is that it was custom in eastern dynasties that when a new king took over, all the family members of the previous dynasty were destroyed to ensure there would never be a revolt.
So David promised Jonathan that he would not carry on this custom. But David goes way beyond the promise. He asks, “Is there anyone?” No matter whom they may be, “Is there anybody?” And he found someone. Jonathan had a living son named Mephibosheth. David sent for this son, brought him into the palace, and restored him.
Grace is not just God saying, “I won’t destroy him”. It’s God saying “I am going to find him and restore him”. I have asked myself two questions: (1) Do I show that type of grace to others; and (2) Do I live my life as if I am within the sphere of God’s grace? If I cannot answer “yes” to the first question, then I must say “no” to the second. It is easy to say, “Look, I’m nice, I’m cordial”. It is quite another to demonstrate the type of grace that David did. That type of grace that seeks people out in order to love them.
Here’s my personal lesson. Sometimes, I play the part of David. I need to love those that have made it tough. I need to seek them out and show them the grace of God that is the driving force of my life. I always play the part of Mephibosheth. I forever am loved by God with a favor that is undeserved. God has prepared a palace for me, the sooner I accept residence there the better…for everyone.

SPECIAL FAVOR

Read Ephesians Chapter 2
Key Verse -- Ephesians 2:8
"God saved you by His special favor when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God."
If you are anything like me, then you have a strong inclination towards independence. I like the feeling that I have when I know that I have accomplished something from my own hard work. That is something that cannot be taken from me. It adds to my sense of self-worth.
Surely, independence is a healthy quality when managed correctly. I can remember how troubled I was when my youngest son began wanting to do things for himself. He would no longer allow me to feed him, or dress him, or turn on his games for him. Although, my heart broke a little with every new step of independence, I knew that it was necessary. He couldn't stay a baby forever.
As we grow older, however, I sometimes wonder if our attitudes of independence can become a little unhealthy. I mean, what is wrong with taking a little advice from your parents? Why do we struggle asking for help? Why do men refuse to read instruction manuals or ask for driving directions? Somewhere along the way, many of us, myself included, develop a mind set that we have everything under control. This pride can, if we let it, become polarizing and damaging.
It is even more dangerous when this type of independence creeps into our spiritual attitudes and lives. God did not create us for independence, but He created us to be relational, with Him and others. We do need others and, most importantly, we do need God. Paul wrote in our scripture that God saved you when you believed and that you can't take credit for this. In other words, you did not save yourself and you can never live a life that deserves salvation. It is by His special favor, a gift from God.
Let us never get to a place where we believe that we have this christianity thing all worked out. I cannot do enough to be okay. I am not, in myself, strong enough to attain such favor. I believe it is safe to say "no one is". It is God's special gift to us. We must accept it humbly and live in it daily.
PRAYER -- Lord, bring me gently to a place of submission to and dependence upon you so that I may live powerfully for you and in you.

ILLUMINATED HEARTS

Read Ephesians Chapter 1
Key Verse -- Ephesians 1:18
"I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the wonderful future he has promised to those he has called."
There are many distinctions made in God's word. Clear lines are drawn concerning many issues in the Christian life. I am reminded of Christ's words in Matthew 6 - "No man can serve two masters". This is a clear distinction. Also, Paul wrote in Galatians 5 that we should walk after the spirit so as not to satisfy the lust of the flesh. This instruction implies that you cannot successfully walk after the spirt and flesh simultaneously.
Perhaps, no greater distinction is made in scripture than that between darkness and light. It is true spiritually and scientifically; there cannot be light and dark at the same time. Sure, you may be able to say "it's kind of dark" or "it's dusk" but truthfully, even the smallest amount of light pierces darkness. Light enables us to see. Even the smallest beam of light will illuminate whatever it shines upon. There is a battle within our spirit man between darkness and light. Perhaps that is why the Apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians chapter 1 that our hearts should be flooded with light. It is that light that enables us to see the purpose and plan that God has for our lives.
Hearts that are influenced by darkness have little choice but to believe whatever voices are speaking to them the loudest. In darkness, we can't see for ourselves. In spiritual darkness, it is normally life's circumstances that are screaming the loudest. Financial, emotional, marital problems, to name a few, all can seem pretty loud, especially when we are allowing spiritual darkness to pour over our hearts. It is the light of God's love that illuminates our hearts, reveals God's truth, and stirs our faith.
The key here is that we control where the light shines. I heard a story one time about a woman that was going through a rough patch in life. Her marriage was in trouble, her family was falling apart, and she just didn't know how much longer she could take the stress. She woke up and poured her morning coffee. As she sat on the sofa, the morning light was beaming through the front windows into her living room. She was so down and depressed that she got up and closed to curtains tight. She just didn't want to see the light. As she sat back down, Proverbs 20 came to her mind, "The way of the wicked is like deep darkness". She jumped to her feet and flung over the curtains. She had to let the light shine through.
Isn't it true that in our lives, we control the curtains. When times get rough and things aren't going our way, don't close the curtains but open your heart to God's light. He will show himself in ways you cannot imagine. He will reveal the wonderful future he has promised you.
PRAYER -- Lord, shine your light in my heart, even in those moments that things seem the darkest. Give me the confidence to accept your light in my life