Guard Against Disbelief

"See to it,

brothers and sisters,

that none of you has a sinful,

unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.

But encourage one another daily,

as long as it is called "Today,"

so that none of you may be hardened by sins' deceitfulness.

We have come to share in Christ,

if indeed we hold our original conviction

 firmly to the very end."

Hebrews 3:12-14

The car broke down on the way home from Bible study.  My nephew is graduating from high school on the other side of the country.  The IRS wants their money, as does my daughter's expensive college.  These are a few of the challenges I am facing.  I can either let them distract me from Jesus and discourage me to the point of despair as I turn toward the problem and away from God, or I can rest securely in the knowledge that God allowed these difficulties into my life for a reason.  His purposes are always good so I can trust Him, if I choose, no matter how impossible things seem. (Romans 8:28)

In this world, its easy to let circumstances, trials and tribulations turn me away from God.  In order to stop this natural slide away, I must guard against unbelief.  As Oswald Chambers said, "Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the One who is leading."

Encourage

It seemed like nothing was going right that day.  I received a notice of insufficient funds in our checking account, the final straw on an overwhelming load of unforeseen financial struggles.  As I spoke to the customer service agent from the creditor whose payment had overdrawn our account, she explained to me how the automatic payment had not been stopped as I had been reassured it had the week before.  I felt the pressure of the past year of monetary woes come crashing down upon my head.  Sheesh!  Can I get a break here?  

Then our gracious Father sent me some encouragement from the most unlikely place.  When I called the bank to let them know we'd be a little late on our insurance payment, a sister in Christ took my call.  She asked me how things were really going and I revealed my frustration, telling her how I felt that right when I thought we were getting our finances under control, something else would happen.  I felt discouraged to say the least.

God, however, held things firmly under His control.  Out of 18,000 who answer the phones at our bank, God directed me to her.  This godly woman showed her application of Hebrews 10:24, 25 as she gave me word after word of positive affirmation, all the while pointing me to the Truth. "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching."  

I hung up the phone that day with an attitude adjustment and a renewed hope in my heart.  I can take a lesson from my new friend and look for ways to build others up in their faith as I go through my life. Wherever I go, there is always someone who is struggling and in need of some fine-tuning of their focus.

To help guard against the natural tendency to turn away from God, I must always be ready to encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ.

Put off Old Self

She lost a lot of weight and looked like a whole new person.  With a change in dietary habits and a new active lifestyle, this woman had transformed her body.  One day she had occasion to wear a business suit so she chose her favorite tweed ensemble.  Unfortunately, with her new body, her old clothes no longer fit and she resembled a little girl trying on her mother's clothing.

Just as a new wardrobe is necessary after a large weight loss, it is equally as absurd for me as a new creation in Christ to continually go back to my old way of thinking, doing and reacting.  In order to keep from being corrupted by sin as I fall back into my natural ways, I will need to purposefully put off my old self.

The Apostle Paul explains it this way in Ephesians 4:22.  He says, "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."

I can't continue to live for Christ while still letting my sin nature dominate.  Instead, I must set aside the things my selfish nature desires and let God transform my mind to think more like Him.  This new creation God has formed will desire only the things of God; if only I will place it on like a new wardrobe.

To help guard against the natural tendency to turn away from God I must purposefully put off my old self and step into the new me who is in Christ.

Hold Firmly to New

I had just finished my run and held our Labrador's leash loosely in my hand.  Standing on the front porch of our home, relishing the feeling of accomplishment as I let me heart rate return to normal, the peace of the moment was suddenly broken by severe pain in my right hand.  The loop at the end of the leash had caught on my ring finger, bending it into an unnatural position as man's best friend darted in pursuit of a squirrel.    "You dumb dog!"  I yelled as I retrieved the exuberant canine from his position at the bottom of the tree on which the wily rodent had just retreated.

As I sat in the hospital later that morning waiting for an x-ray of my dislocated finger, I regretted the fact that I had not held firmly to the leash.  If I'd kept a better grip on the strap, I wouldn't be in this predicament.

Satan is kind of like our dog: He is constantly trying to pull me off my feet with surprise ambushes, clever attacks and cunning traps.  In order to stand firm in my faith, I must have a strong grip on all the lessons God has taught me.  

I will go through times when I just don't feel the presence of the Lord.  It is especially important during these desert periods to remind myself of the Truth, re-positioning my grasp of the certainties I know to be true so I won't fall away.

To help guard against the natural tendency to turn away from God, I must purposefully keep a strong grip on the teachings of Christ.

In this world it is easy to get distracted from God, feel discouraged to the point of despair and turn away from God.  In order to stay close to my Lord, it is important for me to encourage others in their walk, put off my old ways and hold firmly to the new self that is found in Christ.  It is then that I will be actively guarding against the disbelief that comes so naturally.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can stay focused on the One I love as He leads me.

When do I get distracted from God by all the cares of this world?

How am I most vulnerable to falling away from God?      

Shared Humanity

"Since the children have flesh and blood,

he too shared in their humanity

so that by his death he might break the power of him

who holds the power of death

--that is, the devil--

and free those who all their lives were held in slavery

by their fear of death. 

. . . Because he himself suffered when he was tempted,

he is able to help those who are being tempted."

Hebrews 2:14,15,18

"My husband and I have never argued or raised our voices at each other."  The hard-to-believe proclamation from the woman leading our women's Bible study resonated through my mind, tempting me with feelings of guilt and failure at the thought of my own disappointments and conflicts.  Wondering if her statement could possibly be true and reflecting upon my own marriage and the disagreements and difficulties my husband and I had endured, I concluded that either my leader was holier than I, or she wasn't being honest.  Either way, there was no possibility that I would ever go to her for marital advice; she couldn't possibly relate or understand my struggles.

Thankfully, there is One who perfectly understands every difficulty I face.   Jesus has suffered in every way a human could struggle, making Him the perfect Counselor, Comforter and Shepherd and the only One who can truly help me through my suffering.

Physical

The weakness and fatigue went beyond simple weariness.  This feeling of exhaustion was due to the month He had gone without food.  As His body began to shut down because of the lack of sustenance, hallucinations ruled his mind while even the slightest exertion required a period of rest.  Jesus was nearing the end of His 40-day-fast and His fully human body was not functioning on all cylinders. (Luke 4:1-2)

Jesus dwelt in a perishable, temporary body during the 33 years He lived among His creation.  I often wonder if He endured the same kinds of aches and pains I have experienced during my time on earth.  Even though I can't recall any Scriptures answering these questions, I do find His humanness in the fact that He bled when wounded during the horrible scourging and beatings endured on the way to the cross, and that He did feel pangs of hunger due to His time of fasting in the wilderness after His baptism.

When I'm in my time of need as I deal with chronic pain, struggle with the limitations of my broken body, or wonder how I can go on in the midst of such suffering, I can receive mercy and grace directly from the One who truly comprehends my anguish.

Jesus understands any physical suffering I encounter because He endured much pain during His time as a human.

Mental

The thoughts of what He was about to endure drove Him to His Father for strength.  ". . .if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me.  Yet not as I will, but as you will." (Matthew 26:39b)  He had sought the support of His disciples, asking them to keep watch as He told them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death." (v 38)  

There is no doubt that Jesus suffered mentally while here on earth.  Because of the excruciatingly intense stress placed upon His psyche, there is nothing I can go through to which He cannot relate.  As I bring my fears, doubts and sorrows to Him, He will grant me the kind of comfort that only comes from One who has been there and possesses true compassion.

Jesus understands any mental suffering I encounter because He endured much anguish during His time as a human.

Spiritual

This was perhaps the worst part of the whole ordeal; the connection Jesus had always enjoyed with His Father no longer existed.  The sin of all mankind rested upon Him, repelling the holy eyes of the Father away from His Beloved Son.  (2 Corinthians 5:21, Matthew 27:46, Psalm 22)

When I go through desert times when I cannot feel the presence of my Father, His reassuring words of encouragement nor even a tiny grain of hope in the sea of despair in which I find myself floating, I can remember that I am not alone.

Jesus knows how it feels to be abandoned.  Between the time He was nailed upon the cross until He committed His Spirit into the loving hands of His father at the end of His earthly life, He endured separation from His Father's love.  (Luke 23:46)  Thankfully, I never actually am apart from Him; I only feel as if I have been abandoned.  The truth is that there is nothing that can separate me from the loving kindness of my God. (Romans 8:38-39)  Jesus endured that Hell so that I do not have to.

Jesus understands any spiritual suffering I encounter because He endured spiritual agony during His time as a human.

Since I have such an understanding Lord, I can trust Him with any of the suffering I endure on this earth.  Instead of trying to buck up and keep going in my own strength, I can instead lay everything at the feet of Jesus.  He truly empathizes with my physical, mental and spiritual suffering.  Moreover, He is the only source of power I can use to continue on in the face of all the trouble I endure during this temporary life.  I can then choose to remember that I am more than a conqueror through Christ who has overcome the world.  (Romans 8:37, John 16:33)

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can take heart in the sufferings of Christ.  

How do I  feel sorry for myself in thinking I am the only one who has been through such a trial?

When do I feel most alone?    

Changed Identity

"I appeal to you for my son Onesimus,

who became my son while I was in chains.

Formerly he was useless to you,

but now he has become useful both to you and to me.

. . .Perhaps the reason he was separated from you

for a little while was that you might have him back forever--

no longer as a slave,

but better than a slave,

as a dear brother.

He is very dear to me 

but even dearer to you,

both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord."

Philemon 10-11, 15-16

While my husband served in the U.S. Army, I was busy raising and homeschooling four daughters.  Starting from the time when these precious girls were between the ages of 8 and 10 until my husband retired from active duty service 8 years later, he spent a lot of time deployed to foreign countries or traveling around the world training troops.  During these separations, I had to become the father as well as the mother, taking on my husband's role during his absence.  Once he returned, though, I had to revert back to my previous job as wife and mom.

As a follower of Christ, my relationship with Him similarly changes my identity.  Just as Onesimus used to be known as a runaway slave but was transformed into a new identity once he came into relationship with Christ, the love of Jesus also changes who I am.  Unlike my experience as a military wife, however, this transformation is an eternal one.

Servant to Brother

One of my favorite movies from days gone by is Shirley Temple's The Little Princess.  In this heartbreaking story, the child prodigy played a well-to-do daughter of an Army captain who was placed in an exclusive private school for girls while her father went off to fight in the Boer War in Africa.  While there, she lived quite happily until her father went missing-in-action at which point her station in life suddenly changed from one of privilege to that of a servant who must earn her keep.

When I entered into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, my standing in God's kingdom underwent a similar change.  Instead of being considered an enemy of God who was a slave to sin and death (Colossians 1:21,Romans 6:17), the blood of Jesus transformed me into a child of God and a friend who intimately knows my Savior's business.  (Galatians 3:26, 1 John 3:1, John 15:15)  

The love of Jesus changes my identity from one of servant to that of a family member and friend.

Useless to Useful

I have a friend who only likes to grow things that can be used for sustenance;  If it can't be eaten, he's not interested.  Thankfully, God does not disregard me based upon my natural, hopeless state.  If I had to prove my usefulness before I could enter into His kingdom, I would be doomed to eternal death.

Based on Christ's sacrificial death on the cross, my sinful nature is transformed to one of righteousness.  In this way, I turn from having nothing of eternal worth to offer in and of myself to holding the very power of God within my fragile form.  (2 Corinthians 4:6-7)

Consequently, I can love those who hate me, forgive those who hurt me, and help those who are unable to help themselves.  I have been transformed from a withering branch into a vine that can bear much fruit.  (John 15:5-6)

The love of Jesus changes my identity from one of uselessness to one of eternal purpose. (2 Timothy 1:9)

Separated to Eternally Bound

There is a mother in our community who is suffering.  Nearly nine months ago, her only daughter was abducted from her home.  Police and federal investigators found few leads and there's no sign of her whereabouts.

The heartache this poor woman is feeling must be similar to the pain our Father experiences at the estrangement of His precious children from His presence due to sin.  Once I invite Jesus into my life as my Lord and Savior, however, this separation is transformed into an everlasting bond that cannot be broken. (Romans 8:38-39)

This new-found peace with God also makes harmony with others possible and gives me the designation of ambassador for Christ.  (Romans 5:1,Romans 12:18,2 Corinthians 5:18-10)  Wherever I go I am taking the truth of the Gospel with me, having the opportunity to give the hope of Christ to a dying world.

The love of Jesus changes my identity from one of separation from God and strife with others to reconciliation with Him and His people.

Just like Onesimus was a runaway servant, I was similarly identified as a slave to sin who was useless to God's kingdom and hopelessly estranged from my Father.  Thanks to the astounding love of God shown through the selfless sacrifice of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I am now a new creation.  Part of this new identity is one of child of God who is able to be used for His Kingdom work and is reconciled to Himself.  The love of Jesus has changed everything!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can keep focused on my new identity and leave the old one behind.

How do I forget the power that I have in Christ to be of use to His kingdom?

When do I enslave myself to sin, forgetting that I have been offered freedom from the bonds that shackle me?      

Noble Purpose

"Nevertheless,

God's solid foundation stands firm,

sealed with this inscription:

'The Lord knows those who are his,'

and,

'Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord

must turn away from wickedness.'

In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver,

but also of wood and clay;

some are for special purposes

and some for common use.

those who cleanse themselves from the latter

will be instruments for special purposes,

made holy, useful to the Master

and prepared to do any good work.

Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness,

faith, love and peace,

along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart."

2 Timothy 2:19-22

As a young child, I remember the precious china my mother would bring out on special occasions.  Every time I saw her carefully placing those pieces on the table, I knew it must be a holiday or some kind of celebration.

Over the years, I grew older and more mature and was trusted to help set the table with her intricately designed plates, beautiful silverware and delicate stemware.  I understood that these pieces were not for everyday use.  Since they were so valuable, my mother was careful to store them up high in the cabinet, away from the regular dishes so they wouldn't get chipped, scratched or broken. 

I am like that china.  Because of my position as God's child through faith in Jesus Christ, I am set aside for His purpose.  I am not just here to live a common life led by my own fleshly desires, selfish ambitions and pursuit of comfort. 

Instead, I am here for my Father in heaven.  He can decide to use me as He desires, in the same way that mother decided to use her china, but I must be willing.  If I turn away from my own natural tendencies which run counter to God's ways, I am free to pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace.  In so doing, I will be used for His noble purposes.

Instrument of Righteousness

I love to work in the yard.  There is something about being out in the fresh air laboring in the dirt while the serenade of chirping birds spurs me on that brings a song to my heart.  In my garage I have a variety of tools, each with a different use.  When the ground is hard and unyielding, I bring out the hoe to break up the soil and turn loose the weeds.  If I run into a patch of hard clay, I choose the pick ax.  In order to dig a hole for a new tree or bush, I grab the shovel to use for that job.  

Wouldn't I be surprised if I walked into my garage to grab the hoe only to have the tool retort, "Hold on!  I don't think you should pick me.  How about using the shovel instead?"  The instruments I use for gardening don't have any say in how I use them; they are simply there for my purpose.  I decide which is best suited for each particular job.

So it is with the Master Potter.  He molded me into the shape He desired according to His purposes. (Romans 9:20-21)  In this way I am considered by God as an instrument of righteousness. (Romans 6:13)  As my Creator, He chooses how I am to be used for His glory.  The only question is: Am I willing to go where He leads me? 

I will be used for His noble purposes when I place myself into His hands as a willing instrument.

Useful to God

He really made a good case for himself.  He justified his actions, denying his disobedience to the Lord's commands.  Saul cried out in his defense,   "But I did obey the Lord!" (1 Samuel 15:20)

In reality,  King Saul had defied the Lord's commands as delivered through the prophet Samuel.  He did attack the Amelekites, as instructed, but instead of completely destroying them, he spared the king along with the best of the animals.  The soldiers were willing to demolish those things that were weak and despised, but as for the things that caught their eye as valuable, they spared.

Saul lost his anointing that day.  (1 Samuel 15:26)  In order to be useful to God, I must be willing to obey, even if it goes against what I judge as good or right.  Saul was lured into disobedience by using his own sense of right and wrong and being tempted to spare those things that seemed too good to destroy.  What he failed to do, however, is to submit to God's overarching plan.   From then on, God could not trust Saul to do as He bid, so He discontinued His use of him.

I will be used by God for His noble purposed when He finds me to be obedient and faithful to Him alone.

Prepared to Act

I grew up on the outskirts of a small town in Washington state that was serviced by a volunteer fire department.  When an emergency occurred, the alarm in town would sound and every fire fighter who was available would rush to the fire house.  They often left their vehicles parked wherever they ended up and didn't bother to close their doors as they jumped out and ran to the fire engine.  Whether it was a fire, accident or medical emergency, the health and well-being of the victims depended upon the readiness of these selfless volunteers.

I, too, must be ready to drop everything and spring into action at the moment my Father sounds the alarm.  It could be a broken heart that needs a word of encouragement, or an innocent child who needs protection, or a marriage that needs intervention.  Whatever the crisis, when God calls, I better be prepared to act.

I will be used by God for His noble purposes when I am prepared to jump into action whenever He calls.

I don't always think of myself as special, but God does.  He has created me as His child for a special purpose.  Because of this, it is up to me to keep myself protected from the evil that can tarnish my usefulness.  I must choose to let Him use me as He sees fit, to cultivate an obedient spirit, and to stay ready for whatever job He has for me to do.  In this way, God will be glorified as He carries out His noble purpose in my life.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can see myself as God sees me.

When do I treat myself as common, letting all sorts of corruption enter into my heart?

How am I hampering my readiness by sitting back on my heals instead of maintaining a state of  eagerness?   

Right Living

"Remind the people to be subject

to rulers and authorities,

to be obedient,

to be ready to do whatever is good,

to slander no one,

to be peaceable and considerate,

and always to be gentle toward everyone."

Titus 3:1-2

The list of rules was incredibly long.  I didn't know if I'd be able to handle the pressure of trying to live up to such high standards.   What if I faltered and drew shame upon the organization?  Maybe the pressure would prove to be too much for me.  I might be better off not joining.  

Pledging allegiance to a group that holds high ethical standards for its members can be intimidating.  The pressure to conform can be high.  Thankfully, this is not the kind of group I joined when I became a follower of Christ.  

As a child of God through faith in Jesus, I am held to a high standard of holy living. (1 Peter 1:16)  This expectation, however, is not through any power of my own.  Instead, the ability to live the way God calls me to live comes from the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit.  Because of God's mercy shown through His kindness and love, I can live in a way that honors Him.

Subject

Presidential elections are always an exciting time in this country.  Hope is palpable as new candidates emerge spreading their message of change and optimism.  Voters weary of hearing from the current administration whose views differ drastically with their own hunger for new leaders who will fall in line more closely with their beliefs.  There is no doubt that it is difficult to submit to a leader with whose views I don't agree.

From the time I was born, I have been faced with the cold hard fact that there is always someone who has authority over me.  I found out I had to answer to my parents when I felt the cold hard sting on my behind when I talked back to my mother, or the humiliation of enduring lunch with my teachers in the middle of the lunch room as a result of my disobedience.  As I grew older, I discovered my need to submit to the law of the land when a police officer pulled me over for speeding, and the seriousness of not keeping my grades up in college when the administrators threatened to flunk me out.  Yes, there is always someone to whom I must be subject.

I honor God when I willingly submit myself to those He has placed in a position of authority over me, even if I don't agree with their philosophy or dislike their style of leadership.

Ready

I am sarcastic by nature and am almost always ready with a wry comment.  While this may bring a laugh or two from those within earshot, it is not the kind of readiness God desires from me.

Instead, He instructs me to be prepared at all times to do good, even if it's uncomfortable or means swallowing my pride.  It may be easy for me to help a sweet old woman unload groceries out of her car, especially when she showers me with thanks and later sends over a plate of homemade cookies.  

It's another story, however, to show kindness to the neighbor whose had it out for me since the day we met.  I can justify my desire to slander his name, thinking to myself that he deserves it for his own nasty behavior toward me.  My actions, however, must stand alone.  If I am to reflect well on the Lord, I must "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice." (Ephesians 4:31)

I honor God when I am kind to everyone, setting my pride aside and keeping my heart always open to doing good.

Peaceable

He was the most qualified for the job.  His experience and connections made him perfectly suited to take on the leadership position.  Someone else desired to do the job, however, so my friend graciously stepped aside in order to keep the peace.  He took one for the team, so to speak.  

It takes humility to think of the best interest of others before my own concerns.  Even more humbling is the task of living at peace with one another.  I am much more concerned with protecting my own rights and defending my honor than trying to keep the peace.  

As a follower of Christ, however, I am called to do what is right in the eyes of those around me and to do whatever I can to live in harmony with others. (Romans 12:18)  This means I will sometimes need to seek forgiveness even if I've been hurt deeply.  Other times it means I'll have to let God protect me and let go of my desire to preserve my reputation.  Every once in awhile it will mean I must invite my enemy within my midst, showering him with kindness.

I honor God when I do all I can to live at peace with those around me.

I don't have the ability to live in a way that is right in the eyes of God.  With the power that comes through faith in Christ, however, I am able to honor Him with my life.  I am capable of subjecting myself to authority, keeping in a state of readiness to do good, and to live peaceably with a variety of personalities.  God's mercy as shown to me through the sacrifice of Christ on the cross, overflows into my own life, empowering me to do what is right.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can live in the way God has called me to live in a society that could care less about their Creator.

How do I keep ready to complain but forget to do good?

When am I most susceptible to getting into an argument with someone instead of placing a higher value on peace?    

Expectations

"Here is a trustworthy saying:

If we died with him,

we will also live with him;

if we endure,

we will also reign with him.

If we disown him,

he will also disown us;

if we are faithless,

he remains faithful,

for he cannot disown himself."

2 Timothy 2:11-13

There are many things I expect out of life.  I want to be able to live a comfortable, happy life, at least within reason.  I don't ask for much, I rationalize, so the few things I do enjoy I should be able to receive.  I also expect a minimal level of respect from those I come into contact with; after all, I am an important person. . . at least I am to me!  Another thing I expect is to reach my goals and to live my dreams.  What's the point of having them if they don't come to fruition?

The problem with these expectations is that when they fall through, I become disillusioned and disappointed.  In fact, I could even fall into a state of depression and hopelessness.  There are certain things I can expect from life, but they aren't based on my wants and desires.  Instead, these expectations are based on my actions and attitudes; I truly do reap what I sow. I can either sow seeds of sin and hopelessness, or I can stay faithful to God.

Live in Him

Sin is everywhere, especially in my own heart.  Selfishness, discontent, pride, hatred, gossip, worry, dissension, envy, slander and impurity can all be found in my heart.  

When I live to these sins, they become bigger and bigger in my life until Jesus can no longer be seen.  But when I do as Paul suggested and, "consider (myself) to be dead to the power of sin. . ." (Romans 6:11 NLT) then I can live in God through Christ Jesus.

If I die to sin, I can expect to live in Jesus just as He described (John 15:5).

Reign with Him

No one wants to simply survive.  I'd much rather think about having a life where I thrive, not just get through.  Sometimes, though, as much as Jesus promised an abundant life, that wealth doesn't show up as I expect. (John 10:10)  

I want a happy and fulfilling life, but sometimes I receive a difficult existence filled with suffering. Or, I dream of an abundance of money to share with others, but instead I am handed a life of living from paycheck to paycheck.  Or, I desire to do big things for God yet all I'm offered is seemingly meaningless work for Him.

The abundance Jesus promised can be found in my heart despite my external circumstances.  When I go through difficulties or disappointment, I can rejoice in these sufferings because it is a sign that not only will I share in the pain, but also in His triumph.  Endurance is more than just getting through.  Rather, it is to carry on despite the hardships, knowing that there is so much more waiting for me on the other side.

If I endure what God sends my way, I can expect to reign with Christ.

Disowned by Him

Big brothers or sisters are good at pretending their younger sibling is not related to them.  Hurtful treatment like this can cause a lot of friction but is thankfully not always a permanent situation: This stage usually ends once the elder reaches adulthood.  

With God, however, my refusal to acknowledge Christ as Lord over all things means He will treat me as a stranger before our Father in heaven.  (Matthew 10:33)  Sometimes I don't want to admit in front of others that I follow Jesus, but other times it's an issue of lordship.

It is easy to desire to retain control over certain areas of my life, such as my finances, or my hurt feelings, or my relationships.  If I truly want to say I belong to Him, however, I will need to prove it by submitting these areas to Him.  

If I disown Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I can expect to be disowned by Him.

With everything I expect out of life, there are only a few areas on which I can count.  If I die to sin I know I will live in Him.  Moreover, enduring the difficulties God sends my way will result in sharing in the triumph of Christ.  It's sobering to realize, however, how my inability to identify myself as a Christ follower will result in Him denying my kinship.  Thankfully, I can always expect God to be faithful, even when I can't be trusted.  He will never let me down, of that I can count!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I will only expect what God promises.

How do I pin my hopes on a good life here and forget that eternity with Christ will far outshine anything I could dream of?

Can I think of a time when God has been faithful despite my unfaithfulness?

Strong in Grace

"Join with me in suffering,

like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs,

but rather tries to please his commanding officer.

Similarly,

anyone who competes as an athlete does not

receive the victor's crown except by competing

according to the rules.

The hardworking farmer should be the first

to receive a share of the crops.

Reflect on what I am saying,

for the Lord will give you insight into all this."

2 Timothy 2:3-7

The bond hearing for one of my late brother-in-law's accused murderers resulted in her release into the care of her parents.  While my husband and I were witnessing that difficult series of events, two inspectors showed up at my home demanding entry to check for children under an anonymous complaint they received that there was an illegal childcare operation being run out of our home.  Finally, a parent picking up her daughter from Bible study at my house that took place later that afternoon told me she didn't like the way one of my daughters answered the door.  Some days are filled with heartaches.

There is no doubt that it's hard to live in such a fallen world.  How then do I continue living for Christ under such conditions?

Soldier

My husband spent 24 years serving in the U.S. Army.  For a soldier, the mission is always uppermost his mind, and any distraction can keep him from completing that mission.

As a result, the Family Readiness Group was created to help support families by reducing stress, building family cohesion and promoting self-sufficiency that would cut down on problems that may spring up during deployments.  A worried soldier puts himself at risk on the battlefield.  Helping a soldier to stay focused on the mission gives him a better chance of doing his job well.

I, too, am a soldier.  My commander is Jesus Christ and my mission is to glorify God.  As a result, I must stay focused on that task, keeping distractions like arguments over unimportant matters, worries about things out of my control, or violations of my personal rights to a minimum.  That way, I can keep a single-minded focus on listening to God and following His lead.

I can live for Christ by keeping my attention on Christ and His mission.

Athlete

When I trained for bodybuilding competitions, I couldn't fool around.  My success during the competitions was mainly based on the preparations I made during the months before the big day.  While the judges made their decisions based on what they saw during the few minutes I spent on stage, they could tell if I put in enough time in training during the months prior to the competition by the kind of condition they saw before them.  An athlete must be well-disciplined in order to succeed.

One of the things that I didn't like about this sport was the amount of drug use involved in bodybuilding.  Those who took that risk were not playing by the rules and while they may come into a competition with a better chance of winning, they always had to worry about being tested and disqualified.

As a follower of Christ, I am considered to be like an athlete competing for the victor's crown.  I must be well disciplined in my attentiveness to the way I live my life.  If I let a solitary curse word slip now and then, it soon becomes a stronghold.  If I rationalize my lax attitude toward the tax code, I soon find myself in over my head.  If I let my guard down in front of my family, showing them a lack of respect in the way I treat them, that poor attitude soon creeps into other parts of my life.  The result is that I bring dishonor to the name of Christ.

I can live for Christ by staying disciplined and paying attention to His teachings.

Farmer

I love picking tomatoes out of my garden. Before I get to harvest the fruit, however, I must put in a lot of work.  Therefore, I must spend hours in the back-breaking job of hoeing the hard, compact soil.  Then I mix in mulch, making sure it is of the right consistency to support the plant.  After smoothing out the soil, I mark the plot into rows and carefully sow each seed to the proper depth, according to their type.  Once the seeds are planted, then comes of the job of keeping weeds to a minimum and moisture at just the right level.  Once all that is done, the only thing left to do is wait for the seeds to sprout.

As a follower of Christ, I am like a farmer who carries out my part and then lets God finish the job.  That means I might put in a lot of hard work with very little, if any, results.  I could work as a Sunday School teacher for years without seeing any child come to Christ.  Or, there might be hours of labor I spend on countless projects meant to show the love of Christ but I never hear one word of thanks or appreciation.  Other times I could continue to carry out a certain job, never knowing if anyone benefits from my work. I can take assurance in the fact that God finishes what He starts.  (Philippians 1:6)

I can live for Christ by working hard where God has placed me, trusting that I will one day share in the fruit of my labor.

It is difficult to stay true to the One who loves me when the world around me is tearing me down.  It is possible, however, to retain the single-mindedness of a soldier on a mission, the discipline of an athlete training to win the prize, and hard-working spirit of a farmer who knows her efforts are not in vain.  In this way, I can stay strong in the grace of God.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can keep from distraction by all that worries me.

How do I slack in my attempts to stay true to Christ?

When am I discouraged when my efforts don't seem to be making a difference?