Heavenly Anticipation

"Jesus turned and said to Peter,

'Get behind me, Satan!

You are a stumbling block to me;

you do not have in mind the things of God, 

but the things of men.'"

Matthew 16:23

The time for revealing the true purpose for His presence had come.  Gone were the days of basic teachings, straight-forward healings and simple miracles.  Today was the time for mind-blowing truths, reality-bending certainties, and heart-rending purposes.  

Peter, however, would have nothing of this idea of his beloved Friend, Teacher and Savior suffering and dying.  Peter loved Jesus and was hopelessly devoted to Him; he could never stand to see Him hurt and in anguish.  

Then the words came harsh and painful, the sounds reverberating in his mind as he tried to come to grips with this new message.   Stumbling block;  Satan;  things of God;  things of men. I thought we were on the same team.  I thought He knew I loved Him more than life itself.

Peter was about to learn a lesson of the difference between God's Kingdom and fleshly empires.  They are polar opposites from one another and no man can focus on both; a choice must be made.  Either my mind is concentrated on the things of God, or it's directed at the things of man.

Saving Life

I was a lifeguard for a short period of time in my late teens.  As I took my post at the water park where I worked, my mind was always shuffling through different scenarios that could happen and how I would respond.  As I watched park-goers float down the river ride, I'd look out for tell-tale signs that someone was in trouble.  I couldn't afford to let my mind wander.

In a similar way, possessing a mind that is focused on the things of man means I'm constantly thinking about my own life.  How can I get ahead?  How can I stay safe?  How can I get my name out there?  How can I build a comfortable life?  How can I obtain all the goodies I need to live the life I want to live?

Having a mind that's honed in on self is very in-the-present and temporally focused.  Even if I am following Jesus and desiring to live my life for Him, I am in danger of being concerned mainly about myself.  I want to build my character, become more holy and godly, be used by God in a powerful way, enjoy purpose and meaning for my life, and lead as many people as possible to Christ.

While these don't seem like wrong or ungodly desires, the motivation for these goals could be selfish.  I must ask myself, am I doing this to please God and further His Kingdom, or am I mostly concerned with looking good or improving my image?  Do I want recognition, or am I comfortable with no human ever knowing what I've done?   Am I trying to make my life more meaningful and build a legacy, or am I solely concerned with God's legacy?

Jesus said that, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me."  (Matthew 16:24)  I can't even get to the point of following Jesus until I can deny myself, let go of my own agenda and stop trying to live for me.

If my mind is on the things of men I will mainly be focused on how I can save my life.

Losing Life

When my daughters were younger, we saved for a trip to Disneyland.  The kids were old enough to understand the concept of delayed gratification.  Our family had to tighten our belts which meant doing without some recreation and extras like movies and eating out.  In order to console ourselves, we would encourage each other with the thought that a wonderful trip to a magical place was right around the corner.  Before long, we'd be enjoying the time of our lives.  The girls, too, saved money from their allowance.  When the candy or toys lured them in, the anticipation of the upcoming vacation would inspire them to put their money back in their pockets.

Planning, saving up and anticipating for a vacation can help a family get through lean times.  Likewise, as a believer in Jesus Christ, I have the hope of heaven to spur me on.  With my eternal home and God's kingdom always on my mind, I will make different decisions.  

Knowing that I'll have riches beyond compare, money will cease to be a motivating factor.  

Keeping in mind that my body will be perfect in my heavenly home, I'll be less driven to expect perfection from my earthly form and will more easily accept it's frailties.

As my mind focuses on God's kingdom, I'll be less concerned about my own success and more about God's glory.

With Jesus and His best interest on my mind, I'll more readily accept poor treatment instead of being ready to defend myself.

Maintaining a God-focus means I'll be willing to withstand any conditions,  as long as God's Kingdom benefits.  In order to discern whether my attitude is like that of Christ Jesus, though, I'll have to do only what God is personally calling me to do, not acting out of selfish ambition, a desire to improve my reputation or out of obligation.  Instead, every decision will be an act of love for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

If my mind is on the things of God, I will be mainly focused on how I can lose my life for Christ.  

As I live my life in this temporary home, I can either put my efforts into building up treasures here, or saving up for later.  One has me focused on self-preservation, self-promotion, personal success and my own comfort now.  The other keeps me honed in on offering myself as a living sacrifice, kingdom promotion, making myself less and Jesus more, and on all the good that is to come in my eternal home.  

Choosing the latter means I'll look forward with anticipation to the time when, "the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done."  (Matthew 16:27)

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can keep my mind focused on God and all the good He is doing around me.

When do I pay more attention to my own rights instead of on God's sovereign plan?

How is my vision too short-sighted, only focusing on the temporary here on earth?  

Clean Heart

"Jesus replied, 

'And why do you break the command of God

for the sake of your tradition?'"

Matthew 15:3

Man has created all sorts of rules, traditions and guidelines for "good Christian" living which cannot be found in the Bible. For instance, it is said that God helps those who help themselves; that I must wear my Sunday best to church; I've heard that if I'm a good Christian I'll be there every time the doors of the church are open; many have told me that God doesn't give me more than I can handle; and of course there are thousands of expectations put upon me by some "church people" as to how I should think, speak, vote and act as well as in what kind of entertainment I should take part.

If I study God's Word closely, however, I'll instead find that God wants me to depend upon Him for my help as a child does with his parents; that He looks at my heart instead of my outward appearance; that He wants me to follow Him and the plan He has for my life instead of doing what I think is good; that God is always testing me with more than I can handle so that I will learn to cast all my burdens upon Him, although He won't allow me to be tempted beyond what I can bear; that I am to do everything for the glory of God, not to please man.

How easy it is to follow folk religion, common beliefs and traditions instead of sticking to the Truth.  It is my desire to follow God and God alone, steering clear from traps that can ensnare me, throwing me off track.  To help me stay on the narrow path, I should look for these characteristics common to those who are wholeheartedly devoted to God.

Desire to Please God

When I was a child, I had a strong desire to please my mom.  If she asked me to run and fetch three or four paper towels, for instance, I would always get four.   I tried to do my very best because I really wanted to impress my mom.

This is how I want to be when it comes to God.  Not so much that I want to impress Him; how could I amaze the One who made me and knows my innermost thoughts?  Instead, I want to have that same drive to do my very best for Him.  It is my desire to go above and beyond when He calls me to a task.  At the end of my life, I would like to hear Him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Since it is my desire to please God, I must make His teachings of the highest importance.  Out of all the advice, instruction and guidance I receive on a daily basis, His must overshadow all others.  If the counsel of Dr Phil doesn't line up with God's Word, I need to throw it away.  If my best friend gives me advice that doesn't jive with what I'm learning in the Bible, it must go, no matter how much sense it seems to make.  If everyone is telling me to do one thing, but God says to do something else, I better listen to God.

As one who is aspiring to commit my whole heart to God, my desire will be to please God in all that I do.

Let His Spirit Work

I have a friend who has the biggest heart for those who are suffering, but she is an unbeliever.  If she sees an animal without a home, she adopts him.  If a child is mistreated or neglected, she is quick to take her in.  If anyone is suffering, she wants to help.  

The problem is that since she doesn't have God's Spirit to equip her; she doesn't have His guidance, wisdom, love and patience.  Many times, her efforts backfire; animals die, children are not protected and chaos rules.  Even though her intentions are good, she's not empowered to carry them out.

Since I follow Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I have the advantage of His Spirit showing me His ways, prompting me in how to live so that I will please Him, and giving me wisdom in handling problems as they arise.

Jesus said that I am to stay connected to Him as the source of everything good.  He said, "I am the vine; you are the branches.  If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5)  I can try, like my friend, to do things to help others, but without the power of God's Spirit working through me, it's really not going to matter.

Anything I do on my own will not stand in His kingdom.  It must be out of obedience to His calling and with the enabling of His power.  Jesus explained this by saying, "If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned."  (John 15:6)

Letting His Spirit work through me means I'll have to push aside my own common sense, wait on His timing and bury my desire to know the details.  As former Prime Minister of Great Britain, Margaret Thatcher, once said, "Ideally when Christians meet as Christians to take counsel together, their purpose is not--or should not be-- to ascertain what is in the mind of the majority but what is in the mind of the Holy Spirit--something which may be quite different."

As one who is aspiring to commit my whole heart to God, I will let His Spirit work through me and look to Him as my only Source of power and wisdom.

Focus on the Heart

The way I treat my family is a good indicator of the state of my heart.  At home, guards are let down, appearances are not strictly maintained and standards are loosened.  While out in the community, I may make an effort to love those around me, cutting them slack as I'm called to do as a forgiven sinner.  But when I step foot into the comfort and safety of my own home, I tend to revert to my selfish ways.

When this is the case, my heart is in the wrong place.  I am aiming to please man and make sure I create a good reputation for myself.  This attitude leads to hypocrisy, judgementalism and Pharisaical thinking.

As a result, I must do as the Proverbs teach me and, "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."  (4:23)  This is important because,  "The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart.  For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks." (Luke 6:45)  If I allow evil into my heart through my thoughts, movies, music, television, friends' belief systems and activities, attitudes or any source other than God, I will harbor darkness in my heart.  Eventually, it will come out and harm those around me.

Instead, I can focus on, ". . . whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things." (Philippians 4:8) This means I can turn away from the worry of how I'll pay the bills and instead focus on how God has always provided.  I can stop dwelling on the hurt that someone caused me with their harsh words and choose to concentrate instead on positive things they do.  I can get rid of the entertainment that doesn't glorify God and only focus on that which affirms godly values.  

As one who is aspiring to commit my whole heart to God, I will purpose to protect my heart from all that will corrupt my thoughts, words and actions.

It is easy to get caught up in following common beliefs about God, but if I truly want to surrender my all to Him, I will need to have a strong desire to please Him, allow His Spirit to work in me and to lead me, and to focus on my heart.  Then I will be able to ask, as David did, to, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." (Psalm 51:10)

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can keep pleasing God as my utmost desire.

When do I fail to let His Spirit work and instead rely on my own strength?

How do I focus on other things like success and pleasure instead of on protecting my heart? 

New Family Order

"For whoever does the will 

of my Father in heaven is

my brother

and sister

and mother."

Matthew 12:50

I have a friend who has no extended family beyond her father.  Her mother recently died and she was sharing with me her frustration over the years in trying to learn her family history.  She was never able to glean much from her parents aside from the bare basics.  My friend never knew her grandparents and has no aunts or uncles to turn to for information.  As a result of this void, there is a yearning within her soul to discover her roots.

As a daughter of the King, my friend has entered into an enormous network of family the likes of which she can never fathom!  She inherited all  the mothers, fathers, brothers, and sisters she could ever imagine.  Even though we are not linked by our own blood that can be traced through the ancestry of generations, we are connected by our faith in Jesus and in His redeeming blood.  These are the ones on whom my friend can focus as she learns all that we have in common.

God First

Twentieth-century pastor and writer Vance Havner said, "It is one of the ironies of the ministry that the very man who works in God's name is often hardest put to find time for God.  The parents of Jesus lost him at church, and they were not the last ones to lose him there."

When Moses descended from Mount Sinai with the tablets upon which God had inscribed the Ten Commandments, the first decree on the list was enough to condemn the Israelites as they reveled around the golden calf.  "You shall have no other gods before Me" resounded in the air like a death sentence.  

As a member of God's family, God is to be first on my list of priorities.  Most times I may not act as blatantly as the people of Israel when Aaron formed the idol out of gold and erected it for all to worship, but I can easily get mixed up.

Doing things for  God or in His name is not the same as following God and putting Him first in my life.  Jesus clearly taught that, "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.  Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you.  Away from me, you evildoers!"  (Matthew 7:21-23)

Jesus is making it apparent that my relationship with God is more important than any thing I do for Him.  My main focus is to be to know Him better, as David did as evidenced by his words in Psalm 139:14.  He said, "Your works are wonderful, I know that full well."  David knew so much about God because He spent time with Him, pored over His Scripture like it was life itself, desired God from the depths of his soul as a deer pants for the water, and looked for evidence of His handiwork all around Him.  David truly was a man after God's own heart!

If I am to follow suit, I need to be careful to only join in with what God is already doing around me; waiting on Him to open doors, put people in place and provide necessary resources.  When I try to force things to happen, as I so often do, I am doing things in His name but He will not get the glory.  As Jesus said as recorded in John 15:5, "I am the vine; you are the branches.  If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."

As a part of the family of God, we share the challenge of making God above all things and desiring to walk with Him each step of the way.

Others-Focused

The advent of the garage-door opener has ruined neighborhoods.  Okay, maybe that's placing too much blame on an electronic gadget, but I have to admit, it hasn't helped to bring us closer together.  Instead, it has made it all to easy for weary workers to drive home from a long day, pull into the garage and close the door behind them.  Neighbors rarely talk over the fence any more and seldom help each other out.  

As a member of our community crime watch group, I have learned from local law enforcement personnel that the most powerful weapon we have against crime is to know our neighbors.  Doesn't that seem too easy?  The premise is that when I understand my neighbors' habits, vehicles and normal activity patterns, I can easily recognize when something is wrong and I can then notify law enforcement.

Making the effort to focus on anyone other than myself, though, takes effort and does not come naturally.  Being a selfish human, I tend to keep my own needs, desires and wants at the top of my list.  But when I became a member of God's family through faith in Jesus Christ, the humility of Christ became my model.  

As the Apostle Paul teaches in Philippians 2:3-4, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.  Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."

This means when I'm running late while the grocery checker is moving at a snail's pace I can take the time to help the single mom struggling with her grocery cart and three small children.  Or when a brother in Christ needs transportation and I have two vehicles, I think of his needs before I worry about how my family will share one car.  Or if a neighbor is stressed out and needs a word of encouragement, I will put my own frustrations aside as I take a moment to pass on the hope of Christ.

As part of the family of God, I am to make others more important than my own interests.

Love Rules

I've heard a lot of things about love, like how all I need is love, it hurts or kills slowly, its passionate, I can fall into love and out of love and it's what makes the world go 'round.  If I want to truly understand love, however, I need to look to God because He is love.

Love is defined and described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.  God's love, ". . .never gives up.  Love cares more for others than for self.  Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.  Love doesn't strut, doesn't have a swelled head, doesn't force itself on others, isn't always 'me first,' doesn't fly off the handle, doesn't keep score of the sins of others, doesn't revel when others grovel, takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, puts up with anything, trusts God always, always looks for the best, never looks back, but keeps going to the end.  Love never dies." (MSG)

Now that's love!  Love is so important to God that He prefaced this passage with the thought that, ". . .no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love." (1 Corinthians 13:3 MSG)

I could run a successful food bank that feeds thousands of hungry families, but if I don't show respect to my husband, I have nothing.  I could spend hours a day studying the scripture and be known as an expert in God's Word, but if I carry a running list of my children's failures or disappointments, I'm a bust.  I could pledge my life to telling the gospel to everyone I meet and pray continually for the salvation of the lost peoples of the world, but if I'm not content with the position in which God has placed me, I've not impacted God's kingdom one iota.

God concludes this section of scripture with the charge to, "Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly.  And the best of the three is love." (1 Corinthians 13:13 MSG)  Loving is not easy, especially when I feel my own rights being violated, but I am able to love because He first loved me!

As part of God's family, love can rule in every part of my life.

Even though natural families are very important, my family tree does not stop at bloodlines.  As a follower of Christ, I have a world-wide network of brothers and sisters who share common traits.  We are called to put God first, think of others' more than self, and to let love rule:  These are the characteristics of the family of God.  No matter how big or small my natural family is, I can count on the fact that wherever I go in this world, I will always run into a member of my spiritual family!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can remember the traits that keep the family of God strong.

When do I do things for God but leave Him out of it?

How can I let love rule in my life?

Divided

"Every kingdom divided against itself

will be ruined,

and every city or household

divided against itself will not stand."

Matthew 12:25

One of the most moving moments in a wedding ceremony is the lighting of the unity candle.  Bride and groom, each holding their own tapered candle, together light the larger pillar candle, symbolizing the two becoming one flesh as described in Genesis 2:24.  It is a beautiful reminder that in order for a marriage to work, the individual must cease to exist as the partnership comes into being.  "Self" is exchanged for "spouse" as each one must look to the best interest of his or her partner as a priority.

As much as this unity is important in marriage, it is vital to the survival of our society as a whole.  If people don't carry the same basic beliefs, look to the same Source for the standard of living, and hold the same values and morals to be true, then that society will fall.

Jesus taught that, "He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters."  (Matthew 12:30)  Either I am working to further God's kingdom, or I am hampering that work.  Either I am reading from His sheet of music, or I am playing a different tune.  Either I am on His side, or I am His enemy.

In order for our society and the institutions found within to thrive, each member must be on the same team.  There must be unity for us to grow stronger: divided we will fall.

Government

As a country, we have moved from a time of great unity after the terrorist attacks of 2001, to perhaps the most polarized time in our history, at least since the Civil War.  Dialogue between disagreeing sides is strained and unproductive, and rudeness and disrespect has become the norm.  

While there have been other periods of great disagreement throughout the years, the difference I see in today's atmosphere is in a lack of common ground.  It used to be that most everyone agreed that the Ten Commandments was the standard for all members of society, but especially for those making and upholding the law.  Judges used them to help interpret the law, and legislators used them as a guide when creating new statutes at every level of government.

Since God has ceased to be the standard bearer as far as our government goes, common sense has taken it's place.  What seems right to one person may be considered to be taboo to another.  Like a ship without a compass, we sail on into the night without a clue as to which direction we should be heading.

In order for our government to get back on track and regain the strength and power we once held, God must be the head.  Even though our forefathers agreed to include, "In God We Trust" on our money, it seems it now would be more accurate to inscribe, "In Self We Trust" or maybe, "Every Man For Himself."

Without God as the head of our country giving us a common belief system, our government doesn't stand a chance.

Community

Gangs are infiltrating neighborhoods around our country.  They stake their claim on a particular area, then fight to defend it.  Not until community members work together with local law enforcement do citizens have a chance of getting their neighborhood back. 

Gangs basically exist to take the place of broken families.  As youth lose the support and structure offered by a family unit, they search for somewhere to belong and for someone to mentor and protect them.  Lost young girls and boys find these needs met in a gang.  The only problem is, the gang doesn't really care about or love the youngster like a real family would, but only wants to use them for their own purposes: to make money through selling drugs and other illegal contraband.

The family is the basic unit of society.  It is where values are taught, work ethics instilled and morals introduced.  Without the family, children are floundering without guidance or direction.  

There is a reason this is happening.   As a generation, we have forsaken the values of our parents.  Marriage vows used to mean something.  Now, couples separate because they're not happy, fulfilled or "in love."  Gone are the days when people toughed it out for the sake of the children, in order to be true to their word, or out of respect for God and His standard.

Consequently, not only are families weakening, but so are communities.  Without the foundation of strong families, there is nothing stable on which to rest our local society.  People don't care about each other, either because there's not time or it doesn't seem important.    Whatever the reason, communities are divided due to a lack of common ground.  Without God to provide the reason a family would stay together, people have turned to their own devices.  Unfortunately, it's not just the families that crumble, but the society along with it.

Without God as the head of our communities providing a strong structure of family units, our neighborhoods don't stand a chance.

Household

The most quoted scripture passage for the Jew is called the Shema and it reads, "Hear, O Israel: the LORD our God, the LORD is one.  Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength."  (Deuteronomy 6:4-5)  Jesus called this the greatest commandment.  God, however, didn't stop here when dispensing His standard for my priorities.  He went on to say that His Word should always be fresh upon my mind as I meditate on the truths found in Scripture and talk about them at home at every opportunity.

As a parent, my greatest priority is in teaching them God's ways.  Sure, academics are important, social skills take priority and healthy habits are vital.  But, my main concern is to teach my children how to love God and follow Him wholeheartedly.  If I fail on this point, I'm not doing my job.

In today's fast-paced, self-centered, highly competitive society, the household has ceased to be the safe haven where each member is allowed to grow into the person God created them to be.  It no longer is the place where each member can count on hearing the truth on a daily basis.  

Instead, the household is a place where the filth from the world streams in through the television, computers and other electronic devices, teaching all within earshot ungodly values, morals and norms.  The home is now a place where families are disjointed as each members eats in their own room at their own time instead of as a unit, discussing important lessons that are found in countless opportunities.  The family ceases to be a team working together toward the common goal of making a positive impact on society and instead encourages each member to look out for themselves.

Without God as the head of our households providing a focal point for each member to aim toward, our families don't stand a chance.

When Jesus drove evil spirits out of a deaf and mute man, restoring his sight and speech to him, onlookers accused Him of using Satan's power.  Jesus explained that if Satan's troops turned against him and were working toward a different goals, his mission would not be successful.

In the same way, a government, community or household without the common standards set by God cannot stand.  Instead of working together toward the same goal, we will each look out for our own interest.  If we want a powerful and productive government, a strong and safe community, and stable and cohesive family units, God must be placed at the head.

It is then that we will be able to say in one voice, "The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe."

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can do my part and keep God as the head of every part of my life.

How do I tend to keep God out of politics?

When do I look to my own common sense as my standard, instead of to God?  

Freely

"Freely you have received,

freely give."

Matthew 10:8b

Blood flowed freely from His side as the spear pierced through His flesh; the very blood that covers my sin and yours, making us appear clean and pure before a holy God.  

The words came sudden and unexpected amidst the flying insults and shameful treatment, "Forgive them Father, they know not what they do!"

The criminal hung by His side, painfully aware of his guilt.  "I deserve to be here, but you are innocent.  Jesus, please remember me when you come into your kingdom!

Jesus replied, "I will.  In fact, today you will be with me in paradise!"

Finally, as the end came, He uttered the words that signaled the completion of God's plan of redemption.  "It is finished."

God freely gives me so much through His Son, Jesus Christ.  Since I am blessed in such a powerful way and I am being conformed into the image of Jesus, I am called to liberally and generously pass on all that He so lavishly gives.

Love

The haze of smoke spread quickly through the darkened theater.  Confusion ruled as viewers waffled between fear for their lives and amazement that the special effects seemed so real.  Then came the gunfire.  The young man jumped to action, ordering his girlfriend to the floor, shoving her under the seats as he covered her body with his.  "Stay still!" he hissed.  

Several young men saved their beloveds' lives that horrible day at a Colorado theater by sacrificially protecting them.  While no one really knows how they will react in times of emergency, these men acted in a way that demonstrated the protecting qualities of love: God's love always saves from harm.

Love is many things, as described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8  , but the way God best demonstrated His own love for us is that He sent Jesus to die for me even though I was His enemy because of my sin.  Those young men in the theater nobly gave their lives for the one who reciprocated their love.  But Jesus died for me even though I didn't know Him, care for Him or even realize I needed Him.  

As one who has freely received the gift of salvation that came through faith in Jesus; a gift of love that set me free from the bondage of sin, I am called to generously express that love to those He placed around me.  Not just to those who give in return or who seem to appreciate it, but to everyone.  

Who needs God's love more than the angry, bitter man who runs the local bookstore and bites my head off every time I try to strike up a conversation?  The neighbor who takes and takes but never gives could use a dose of God's persevering love.  The coworker who gossips and wreaks havoc in the office needs to taste the kind and merciful love of God.

God freely lavishes His love upon me so that I can pour it out into the lives of those around me.

Forgiveness

The Vietnam-era photo of nine-year-old Phan Thi Kim Phuc running from a napalm attack breaks the heart of all who see it.  But it was especially painful for pilot John Plummer who was responsible for the strikes.  He had been assured that no civilians were present in the area before the attack, so it was much to his horror that he discovered the truth; his air strike on the village of Trang Bang in 1972 had killed and maimed many.

In 1996, Plummer was able to meet with the young woman who had suffered so much at his hand.  As they embraced, all he could say was, "I'm sorry; I'm sorry; I'm so sorry' I'm sorry."  Phuc, a former Buddhist who in 1982 came to a saving faith in Christ, could only say, "It's all right; it's all right;  I forgive;  I forgive." *

Forgiveness is mine through faith in Jesus Christ.  But it is not mine to keep.  I must forgive as I have been forgiven: freely and without condition.  The Apostle Paul teaches in Ephesians 4:32 to, "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

Who needs God's forgiveness more than the friend who is wracked with guilt over past wrongs?  Or how about the lonely, sour woman who refuses every offer of kindness?  Maybe the teenage boy with the lousy attitude and disrespectful tone needs to experience forgiveness.  It could be that the husband whom I'm so hard on even when he tries his best could benefit if I let go of my desire to blame him for many things.

God freely forgives me, even though I don't deserve it, so that I can let go of the wrongs being done all around me, placing them into His hands.

Grace

"Amazing Grace"** is one of the most well-known hymns of our time, but it was written by a young man who came to faith in Christ after living his life as an alcoholic juvenile delinquent who was known for his unpredictable and violent behavior.  He soon became a cold and callous slave trader before he learned of the grace of God that was offered to him through Jesus Christ.  

God's willingness to give John Newton a second chance despite his despicable life inspired him to become a pastor and forever preach the message of forgiveness found in the words of his beloved autobiographical song.

Amazing grace!  How sweet the sound.

That saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost, but now am found,

Was blind, but now I see.

The grace of God offers me everything I don't deserve: life eternal, a personal relationship with a holy God, access to Him as His child, peace that can't be understood. . .What do I do with this grace?  Do I horde it for myself, or pass it on to others?

Who needs God's grace more than the man who has reached the end of his rope and is ready to give up fighting?  I can think of no one more in need of the grace of God than the young woman who feels the need to sell her body in order to make a little extra money.  The drug addict who lives up the street and never takes care of his home or family could use the loving hand of grace extended to him.  

God freely saves me by grace so that I can tell all with whom I come into contact that His grace is amazing.

God freely lavishes His love upon me, forgives me despite my unworthiness and patiently waits for me to respond to His grace.  As one of His children, I have received much so that I can give much:  Freely.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can remember who much God has done for me so that I will not be stingy with His gifts.

How do I withhold the forgiveness God gave me?

When do I forget I'm saved by grace, not by my own worthiness?

* 1001 Quotes, Illustrations, and Humorous Stories by Edward K. Rowell

** Stories Behind the Hymns that Inspire America by Ace Collins

Healing Touch

"While he was saying this,

a ruler came and knelt before him and said,

'My daughter has just died.  

But come and put your hand on her,

and she will live.'

Jesus got up and went with him, and so did his disciples.

Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding

for twelve years came up behind him 

and touched the edge of his cloak.

She said to herself,

'If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.'

Jesus turned and saw her.

'Take heart daughter,' he said,

'your faith has healed you.'

And the woman was healed from that moment.

When Jesus entered the ruler's house 

and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd,

he said, 'Go away.  The girl is not dead but asleep.'

But they laughed at him.  

After the crowd had been put outside,

he went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up. . .

As Jesus went on from there, 

two blind men followed him,

calling out, 'Have mercy on us, Son of David!'

When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him,

and he asked them,

'Do you believe that I am able to do this?'

'Yes, Lord, ' they replied.

Then he touched their eyes and said,

'According to your faith will it be done to you';

and their sight was restored."

Matthew 9:18-25, 27-30

There was a man who lived in the French Alps during the first part of the 20th Century.  Due to careless logging practices, the mountains became barren.  Brooks and springs ran dry, killing the villages whose people depended on the life-giving water.  A once pleasant home become an infertile place where the wind blew relentlessly unhindered.  

Thankfully, Elzeard Bouffier had faith that one man could make a difference.  He devoted his time to collecting, sorting and planting acorns.  Over three years time, he planted 100,000 trees.  While only 20,000 sprouted, his efforts gradually transformed the landscape back into a fertile, healthy and prosperous land.  People came back as the streams returned, and life is full and adventurous as it once was.  Mr. Bouffier's healing touch made a difference.

In a much more powerful way, Jesus can transform a barren soul into a bountiful spirit, can heal a broken heart, and turn a dry and meaningless life into one filled with purpose and abundance.  Seeking the One who is the Great Physician can make all the difference in my life.

Death

The limp, ragged body of the deaf, feral cat lay on our deck.  I was awakened in the wee hours of the morning to the horrible sound of a cat screeching in terror.  Two dogs had escaped their yard and jumped our fence, surprising the stray cat who had finally built up the courage to sleep on our back deck.  She couldn't hear them coming, and now she was gone.  As my tears stained her still form, I realized this was the first time I'd ever touched her; she'd just been too afraid to let me get close. Poor little girl.

As difficult as that experience was, I can't imagine the grief that would overcome the heart of a parent who peers down upon the still form of his or her beloved daughter.  There must be no greater heartache, as a ruler in the synagogue could testify.  He came to Jesus for help, knowing that even death was not too much for Jesus to overcome.  

I, too, am surrounded by death.  Marriages are failing all around me.  The vow the man and woman took before God seems like a distant memory, weak and unable to conquer the feelings of disappointment, hurt and bitterness.  There seems to be no hope to revive the love that once held the two together with an unbreakable bond.

Dreams sometimes die a slow death.  As time marches on, the passion to change the world, reach a goal or make a difference tends to fade.  What once looked within reach, now appears to be as far away as the moon.  There seems to be no hope to renew the spark that once drove me to reach beyond the possible into the realms of the impossible, where Jesus resides.

Just as the father pursued Jesus as the only One who could revive his dead daughter, so I can place my lifeless hope in His hands for restoration.

Affliction

Doctor after doctor examined her, each with the expectation that they would be the one to offer a cure.  After 12 years, she had all but lost her faith.  There's nothing that can be done.  I might as well face reality and come to grips with the fact that I'm permanently broken.  

That was before Jesus came to town.  I've heard of this man.  One touch of His cloak and I would be healed, I just know it.  I must get to Him.  And get to Him she did.  Her healing was instantaneous and complete; no one had ever seen anything like it.  Her suffering was finally over, thanks to Jesus.

What kind of suffering is going on all around me?  Long-term misery where faith is gone and resignation is the word of the day; distress that seems to have no end.  

There are illnesses which no one can find a cure.  Other times fear grips a being, cutting off the flow of life-giving love that comes from the Father.  Sometimes discontent rules, leaving behind a restlessness and quest for meaning.  Many times I am afflicted with a lack of purpose, floundering as I turn to expert after expert for help.

When I'm suffering, the only help I need is Jesus.  He can heal sickness with a touch, drive out fear, offer peace and provide an abundant life full of significance.

Just as the bleeding woman knew a single touch could heal her affliction, so I can reach out to Jesus for relief from my long-term suffering.

Impossible

"Listen, I've lived with him for ten years.  There's no way he's going to change."

"I've always been impatient and stubborn, and I always will be."

"My sister is the kind one.  That's just not me."

"I've always wanted to write a book, but I can't do it with my schedule. . .or my temperament."

The two men who couldn't see perceived something most others never catch sight of.   They believed that Jesus could accomplish the impossible.  Most damage done to the eye is irreversible.  It is out of the question to expect that anyone who is blind could be healed, especially during Jesus' time.  But these two mean believed that Jesus is the God of the impossible.


It seems impractical to expect that a zebra could change his stripes, but it's doable with Jesus.  I may think my impatience and stubbornness could never turn to endurance and compliance, but with Jesus my ugliness is transformed into delicious fruit.  I like to think I'm a certain way and could never change, but with Jesus I am a new creation.  My lack of understanding of how great is God's power could prevent me from taking a step of faith to pursue a dream, but if I give my all to Him, Jesus will give me the desires of my heart.

Just as the blind men believed that Jesus was able to heal them, so I must believe that all things are possible through Him who gives me strength.


Jesus healed many people when He walked the earth as a man.  Even now, He is still in the business of reviving the dead, delivering from suffering and accomplishing the possible.  The only question left to ask is this: Do I believe?




As I begin this day it is my prayer that I will trust Jesus to do all that He is able to do.


How do I forget that Jesus is able to do that which is deemed impossible?


What impossible thing do I need done today?