The Risk of Comfort

"When I have brought them into the land

flowing with milk and honey,

the land I promised on oath to their ancestors,

and when they eat their fill and thrive,

they will turn to other gods and worship them,

rejecting me and breaking my covenant.

And when many disasters and calamities come on them,

this song will testify against them,

because it will not be forgotten by their descendants.

I know what they are disposed to do,

even before I bring them into the land 

I promised them on oath."

Deuteronomy 31:20-21

They were on the cusp of seeing the promise they had so long awaited be fulfilled.  This new generation of Israelites, the children of the whining and complaining group of desert-wandering people, had heard all their lives about the land flowing with milk and honey.  They grew up with the assurance that God would one day, when the time was right, usher them into the land of their inheritance.  

Before they set foot in this glorious land, however, God wanted to make sure they were fully aware of His expectations for them.  After He laid down the law, instructing them directly in His ways, He ended with a warning.  The caution was centered around a tendency for the human heart to stray when times are good.  When they were wandering around the desert, directly dependent upon God for their sustenance (manna and quail), clothing (supernaturally preserved) and guidance (pillar of fire by night and pillar of cloud by day), it was necessary for them to stay focused on their Provider.

Once they entered into the land promised to them, however, times would get easier.  They would live in houses they did not build, eat from gardens they didn't plant and enjoy the fruits of someone else's labor. (Deuteronomy 6:10-13) They would get comfortable.  

When things start to go well, the sinful human heart tends to turn away from God.  It is this treacherous tendency of which God warns.  Thankfully, there is an antidote given for this malady.

Faithfulness of God

"I forgot."

This was often the excuse one of my daughters would give when confronted about her unfinished chores.  While the human memory often fails, God's never does.  

No matter how faithless I tend to be; going my own way, depending on my own strength, and focusing inwardly, God never forgets His promises.  My weakness does not in any way diminish His strength.  My sin never takes away from His holiness.  My waywardness doesn't negate His persistence.  

Therefore, my success in His kingdom depends completely on Him and not on me.  Like He told Paul, His grace is enough for me and His power is evident when I give up in my own labors.  (2 Corinthians 12:9)  When I surrender my life into His hands, He grows to take up a more prominent place in my life.  Once I get out of the way, He can truly show His power.  Until then, my efforts block His work from manifesting in my life.

It is important, then, that I admit to my failings, am honest about my inabilities and stop trying to put up a strong front.  Pretending like I've got everything under control does not bring glory to God.  Showing my weaknesses by living transparently before God and others, admitting of my need for Him does.

If I want to resist drifting away from the Lord in times of comfort, I must keep connected to the God of faithfulness.

Remember

My dad loves to tell stories of his youth.  He recounts the adventures he experienced, the people he encountered, and the hard times he endured.  Hearing about his life helps me to better understand him and the legacy he is leaving his family.

It is important that I use this same practice when it comes to the Lord.  When I talk about His mighty works, recounting all the ways He has provided, comforted and prevailed, I leave a legacy of faith to those who are listening.  As the years go by, these tales may seem like a distant memory or a kind of fairy tale, but the practice of telling the story keeps alive the legends of God's greatness.

For this reason, I make it a practice to keep a "Stones of Remembrance" journal.  Before the Israelites crossed the Jordan River to enter into the Promised Land, God instructed them to collect twelve stones, one for each tribe, and erect them as an altar of remembrance for generations to come.  Whenever children would see the pile of rocks, they would inquire of its significance and those present would have the opportunity to tell how God parted the waters to provide a way for them to enter into the land in which they now live. (Joshua 4:1-7)  In the same way, I keep a record of God's mighty works, big and small, to serve as inspiration in times to come.  

It is good to remind myself and others of how God has provided in the past when I reach a time of want.  When times of loss come, it is beneficial to look back at the comfort God has given during other periods of grief.  If I reach a moment of crisis, it helps to keep in mind the strong leadership my Shepherd has provided in days gone by.

If I want to resist drifting away from the Lord in times of comfort, I must make it a practice to remember the works of God.

Sovereignty of God

No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't make it work.  I had the dream of digging a pond for the duck our neighbor gave me.  Even though I was just a kid, I wanted to give my new feathered friends the joy that came from paddling around a body of water.  So, I got to work digging a sizable hole.  Once it was big enough, I ran the hose until it reached the hole and filled it up.  Much to my dismay, the water quickly soaked into the ground.  Without the help of an adult who knew about building ponds, my efforts were for naught.

In the same way that I couldn't reach my goal only with what little know-how I possessed in my young mind, there is no way for me to succeed in life without the Lord. (Proverbs 16:1-9) Nothing happens outside of His will, so if I want to live a life of peace and purpose, I will need to pay attention to His instructions and His leadership.  In the same way that my project failed in my own feeble attempts, so will my life if I rely only on my own understanding and common sense.

Formulating a plan, then, is not what it takes to live a life of meaning that will bring glory to God.  Wanting to do something of worth and value with my life will not get me to my goal.  Taking the steps I think are necessary to please God will do nothing to bring pleasure to Him.  Instead, I must seek God wholeheartedly, relying on His sovereign plan to give me my marching orders.

This means when I want to charge full-steam ahead, I may need to reign in my enthusiasm and wait for the go-ahead from the Master Planner.  I will also find that in the times when I'm feeling vulnerable, God may have amazing feats of wonder to work out in my life in the midst of the struggle.  There is also the possibility that my sense of ill-preparedness is exactly what God will use to showcase His power.

If I want to resist drifting away from the Lord in times of comfort, I must keep in mind that nothing of significance can happen apart from Him.

Even though I desire ease and comfort, there is a risk in reaching such a plateau.  I would be wise, then, to heed God's warning designed to keep me close to Him, and guard against my tendency to drift.  As a result, it is my intention to stand firm on the faithfulness of God, remember His mighty acts, and live as if my life depended on Him.  In these ways, I'll minimize the risk of living a life of comfort and security.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can keep God in the foreground of my vision.

When do I let God fade into the hazy distance?

How do I try to make things happen on my own, neglecting to consider God's sovereign plan? 

Confirm by Doing

"'Cursed is anyone who does not uphold the words

 of this law by carrying them out.'

Then all the people shall say, 'Amen!'"

Deuteronomy 27:26

When I started the new job there was a mound of paperwork to read and sign.  One of the documents I was required to initial and sign was a code of conduct.  By initialing beside each rule and then writing my name at the bottom, I was pledging to uphold and live by those rules.  

Even though God does not give me a similar packet of paperwork to sign when I am adopted by faith into His family, He does hold an expectation for my behavior.  I show my confirmation of or agreement with His ways by whether or not I do as He says.  When I choose my way instead, I am rejecting His.  There are many teachings about which I must not simply learn, but put into practice.(James 1:22) Here are a few I can confirm with my actions.

Feed My Sheep

"Do you love me?"  Peter agonized over the question Jesus asked not once, but three times.  Why would He ask me such a thing?  He knows I'm devoted to Him!   Jesus, however, was making a point and, in the process, revealing something about the way He expected the members of His Body, the Church, to conduct themselves. (John 21:15-19)

Kings of old would signify the authority and power they granted to a trusted aid by giving him a signet ring.  Showing the king's emblem emblazoned on the jewelry would assure those he came in contact with while conducting the king's business that he was indeed acting on the king's behalf; as if the king himself were there.  King Xerxes demonstrated this practice to Haman and Mordecai.  (Esther 3:10, 8:2)

As followers of Christ, we have been granted a similar authority as His ambassadors, but we are not identified by a piece of jewelry. (2 Corinthians 5:20) Instead, we are to be recognized by the way we take care of each other.  This means, Jesus expects me to be devoted to building others up, loving on my brothers and sisters in the same way that He loves me, and bearing with them as they struggle through their walk.  (1 Thessalonians 5:11, 1 Peter 4:8, Colossians 3:12-14)

Caring for one another deeply is one hallmark of those who belong to Christ; a quality that sets us apart from the rest of the world.  I would confirm my agreement with God's ways, then, by dedicating myself to feeding the Shepherd's sheep.

Forgive

The girls in my class were giggling as they used the toilet paper to try to cover their classmates like a mummy.  When the whistle blew, it was time to judge who did the best job and thus won the race.  As we cleaned up the mess, I explained the lesson behind the silly game.  "In the same way that you covered your teammate with tissue, the blood of Jesus covers our sins.  When I grant forgiveness to another, it's as if I'm allowing His blood to cover over the hurtful actions done to me, making it possible for me to let go of the pain and allow healing to take place. In the same way that you intentionally covered your classmate, we can intentionally cover over the damage done to us by the sins of another."

Forgiveness is not easy, but it is possible.  As a follower of Christ, I am called to forgive as I have been forgiven. (Ephesians 4:32) No one deserves forgiveness; it is a gift that is granted by the one who has been hurt.  When I forgive, it's as if I am letting go of the pain, the desire to seek revenge or retribution and instead laying it all at the feet of Jesus.  When I let His blood cover the sin, healing is then possible.  When I let go, I am giving God permission to handle the situation, fighting my battle for me.  When I choose to cover the hurt, I will be free.

I exhibit forgiveness when I no longer feel the pain and bitterness that rears up at the thought of the offender.  Instead, I begin to see her through the compassionate and merciful eyes of Christ.  I practice forgiveness when I no longer feel the need to defend myself.  In the resulting void, I find empathy for the plight of the one who hurt me.  I display forgiveness when I find the old familiar feelings of pain and bitterness are gone, replaced by joy welling up as if from an inner well.

Forgiveness is an hallmark of those who belong to Christ; one quality that sets us apart from the rest of the world.  I would confirm my agreement with God's ways, then, by becoming an expert forgiver.

Love

Movies extol its virtues, girls dream about experiencing it, and idealists claim it makes the world go 'round.  The world is obsessed with love, although not the kind God demonstrates.  Instead, its a love that's focused on feelings and self-fulfillment, which is not a kind of love that lasts.  If I want to truly taste love, I must seek God, for He is love.  (1 John 4:8)

When I encounter the love of God, it will change me as I experience His acceptance, peace and confidence.  Gone is the fear of rejection, failure or disapproval and in its place I find security, a sense of purpose and assurance of God's presence in my life.  With Him at my side, nothing is impossible!  (Romans 8:31-39, Luke 1:37)

As I step into the love of God, accepting its flow into my life, I will find a new and strange urge to pass this love on.  Those who are prickly and difficult and easily get under my skin are now the target of this love.  The ones who continually dig a hole for themselves to fall into are now on my radar as those who are hungry for this love.  Even the hurtful, bitter people who everyone avoids now become my target as I seek to spread this love.

Love is an hallmark of those who belong to Christ; one quality that sets us apart from the rest of the world.  I would confirm my agreement with God's ways, then, by letting God's love flow through me to touch a hurting world.

I don't make it a practice to say I disagree with God, but my actions often betray my defiant heart.  I can begin to show God that I agree with His ways by feeding His sheep, learning to forgive, and loving the unlovable.  In these ways I confirm His code of conduct by doing what He says.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can take God's Word seriously.

When do I resist forgiveness, instead holding onto the hurt like a familiar blanket?

How am I withholding the love of God that flows through me?     

Fair Measure

"You must have accurate and honest weights and measures,

so that you may live long

in the land the LORD your God is giving you."

Deuteronomy 25:15

"Hello?"

"Hello!  This is Sam from your friendly fundraising organization.  How are you?"

"I'm doing well.  How are you doing today?"

"I'm fine, thank you for asking.  Did you know that you are the first person to ask me how I'm doing all day?  I'm beginning to wonder if you are the only one who cares!  Hahahaha!"

If I've heard this line once, I've heard it a hundred times from one of the numerous telemarketers who call our home.  While I'd like to believe the person on the other end of the line is sincere, I can't continue to fool myself into thinking this is a sentiment that is coming from their heart.  Instead, it is some kind of marketing ploy designed to flatter me into agreeing to financially contributing to their cause. Since it's already been established that I am such a caring, giving person, the obvious decision would be to support their cause!

While I may not be able to trust what is coming out of the mouth of a salesman or charity fundraiser, I should be able to take a believer at his word.  As a follower of Christ, I am to be known for my honesty and upright character so as to honor God who is righteous.  Unfortunately, there are numerous instances when I am tempted to tip the scales in my favor.  In order to glorify God in my everyday life, then, I must guard against my sinful affinity for even the mildest of corruption.

Integrity

I've heard it said that integrity is who I am when no one is looking.   It's easy to put up a front of honest behavior when others are watching, especially if it's someone I want to impress.  When I'm by myself, however, and believe no one will ever find out what I'm doing; that is when my true character is revealed.

If I want to honor God in the way I conduct my affairs, then, I will need to be careful to distribute the love God lavishes upon me with an even hand.  Instead of being more generous and accommodating to those who treat me well, God is better glorified when I choose to deal with those who kick me in the teeth in a compassionate and respectful way. (1 John 4:7-8)

While I tend to hold onto a grudge when I've been hurt, God is better glorified when I choose to let go of the anger and bitterness I may carry in my heart.  Extending forgiveness to all who have wounded me reflects well upon my Father who has forgiven me of much.  (Ephesians 4:32)

It is easier to consider another's needs above my own when that person is gracious and thankful.  I can only claim integrity, however, when I do the same no matter how little recognition I receive for my efforts.  (Philippians 2:3-4)  It is then that God's name will be lifted on high.

I will be guarding against corruption in my life when I strive for integrity.

Consistency

"Mom, I thought you said we needed to wash our own dishes.  Why did you leave yours in the sink?"

Ugh!  My family only knows too well of my willingness to exempt myself of the standard I apply to everyone else.  If I am to reflect well upon my Father, however, I must repent of this sinful tendency.

It's easy for me to expect from others what I'm not willing to do myself.  This heart attitude shows up when I give myself a pass, justifying my actions to make myself feel better. It's been a long day and all I want to do is get home.  I'll let my husband fill up the gas tank in the morning.  Unfortunately for me, everyone in the family knows how many times I've preached against this practice, lambasting anyone who leaves the car on empty.

Then there are the times when I'm irritated at someone, complaining to anyone who will listen about their shameful character traits, especially their tendency to gossip.  Unfortunately for me, I'm performing the same destructive behavior I so arrogantly condemned, making myself out to be a fool and my God as One whose power is impotent against the sin I so brazenly display.

I don't need to try to hold myself to a lower standard; it comes so naturally.  Nowhere is this more evident than when a grumpy sales clerk belittles me and treats me like yesterday's trash.  Instead of showing her the respect I demand from others, I give her a piece of my mind in an effort to protect my own rights.  While this could have been a good opportunity to practice what I preach, I chose to sink to a lower level, letting my flesh lead the charge and prove myself as a hypocrite.

I will be guarding against corruption in my life when I hold myself to the same standard I set for others.

Manipulation

"You had better put down a local address or you'll never get a job."

This is the advice given to my husband who was applying for jobs in the city where God was calling us to relocate.   We reasoned that if God wanted us there, He would supply the work.  Therefore, we wouldn't do anything special to try to win the favor of perspective employers.  Instead, we'd wait on God's perfect timing.

It's easy to take on the mindset of my neighbor, however, thinking I need to manipulate the facts, fudge the results, and tell little white lies in order to get what I think I need.  Instead, as a follower of Christ, I must always keep in mind that I have a Father who has unlimited resources and knows what I need better than I do. (Psalm 50:10, Matthew 6:32-33) If I am to bring Him glory, I must let Him supply my needs.

This means that I must resist the urge to skew the numbers to my benefit when filling out a tax form or application for financial aid.  While my efforts might seem work out to my benefit, I risk bringing dishonor to my name and ultimately to God's when I cheat.  Instead, I can trust my heavenly Father to supply my needs in the way He best sees fit.

Perhaps my love for animals has put me over the landlord's limit.  Instead of coming clean with the true number of pets residing in the house, I attempt to get around the rule by claiming a lower number.  While my effort to provide a loving home for wayward strays may be commendable, my lack of integrity is not.  Instead, I can trust God to protect me from harm and choose to conduct business in truth.

When I'm afraid to see how much tax I'll have to pay on the true cost of the used vehicle I purchased, fudging the numbers on the bill of sale may seem to be the obvious solution.  If I trusted God enough, however, I'd record the true amount paid and let Him provide for the means to cover the resulting bill.

I will be guarding against corruption in my life when I trust God enough to refrain from manipulating circumstances to benefit myself.

It is not always easy to live a life of honor.  As one who follows Christ, though, I must always remember my life is not my own.  Since I was bought with a price, it is important that I honor God in all my ways.  This means I must live with integrity, consistency and enough faith in God to avoid using manipulation.  In these ways I'll be using a fair measure and will glorify Him in the way I live my life.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can desire to uphold God's holy and righteous reputation.

How do I drag His name through the dirt in the way I live my life?

When am I more concerned with getting the results I want than in how my behavior reflects on the Lord?

Cursed for Us

"If someone has committed a crime worthy of death

and is executed and hung on a tree,

the body must not remain hanging from the tree overnight.

You must bury the body that same day,

for anyone who is hung is cursed in the sight of God."

Deuteronomy 21:22-23a NLT

It was a horrible way to die.  The insolent young man who refused to obey his parents, choosing instead to live to please his own desires by gorging in sensual pleasures and drink, was taken to the outskirts of town.  According to God's holy law, the men of the town were required to throw stones at the rebellious youth until he succumbed to death.  This was God's chosen form of execution as a way to purge evil from His nation. (Deuteronomy 21:18-23)

Death by hanging on a tree, in contrast, was not an acceptable form of punishment and brought with it the curse of God.  Isn't it curious, then, that Jesus would willingly accept the shame that came with being put to death on a cross, taking on this curse of God on my behalf? (Galatians 3:13)  Yet this is exactly what Christ did.  He was willing to fall under God's curse in order to bring righteousness and eternal life to me.  In light of such a sacrifice, I am called to follow His lead.

Choose Humility

He is God.  With this identity comes privilege, power and honor.  Even so, He chose to give up His place at the right hand of God the Father where He was esteemed and lifted up in order to take on the form of a lowly human.  Not only that, but He sunk even lower, exchanging His divine nature for that of a servant.  Perhaps the greatest example of the humility of Christ, however, was that He agreed to death on a cross; a kind of execution that brought shame and disgrace to the one hanging there. (Philippians 2:5-8)

If Jesus was willing to undergo such treatment even though His name is above all other names, why am I so intent on preserving my own rights, demanding respect from others and protecting my reputation?  It is easy for me to get caught up in focusing on my privileges, my position, my character.  In fact, I often live according to the principles of the survival of the fittest, every man for himself and may the best man win.

Unfortunately, this self-centered mindset is not of God but of the world.  In order to follow Jesus, then, I must constantly fling off this self-preserving way of conducting life and instead pursue Jesus.  When He is my sole pursuit, I am only concerned with His name being glorified, His love being shared and His sacrifice being honored.  In this way, I will choose humility.

When Jesus stood on the mount, teaching the masses the ways of His kingdom, He said that, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:3)  When I rate my own pursuits as insignificant, esteeming the needs of others as more valuable, I have chosen humbleness.  When I let go of my desire to defend myself, deeming the pursuit of peace as of more importance, I have chosen humbleness.  When I find the need to prove myself as right fading into the hazy background, choosing instead to understand the heart of my opponent, I have chosen humbleness.

Making the choice to take on a humble spirit is evidence that I am following Christ.

Choose the Gospel

He didn't have to agree.  Jesus could have refused.  He knew the hearts of men and of their cruel spirit. (John 2:25) He knew He would be spat upon, rejected and ridiculed.  Instead of preserving His own dignity, though, He chose to come to earth as a mere human in order to take the punishment of those He loves enough for whom to die.  There is no greater love than what He chose that fateful day. (John 15:13)  He chose to die a criminal's death, to become sin itself in order to save me from eternal death and restore my relationship with a holy God.  (2 Corinthians 5:21)

What kind of sacrifice do I choose in order to further the good news of Jesus Christ?  Humiliation?  Embarrassment?  Rejection?  Most of the time I am too comfortable in my safe zone.  If I am to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, however, I will not find it objectionable to be considered as yesterday's garbage for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  (1 Corinthians 4:9-13)

This means when someone laughs in my face, I will only see the face of Christ as He hung in agony of the cross, dying a slow and painful death so that this mocker could taste life.  As Oswald Chambers said in My Utmost for His Highest, "You can refuse to let God count you as one separated unto the gospel.  Or you may say--'I do not care if I am treated as the offscouring of the earth as long as the Gospel is proclaimed.'"

Treating the Gospel as most important also means when someone targets me for abusive behavior, I endure, gently speaking the truth in love with the hope that my enemy will soon see the Truth and repent.  (2 Timothy 2:25-26)

It also means when I am fodder for the rumor mill, I will respond in love, always keeping in mind the testimony for Christ my reply could be.  

Making the choice to esteem the Gospel as most precious is evidence that I am following Christ.

Choose Obedience

He could have commanded legions of angels to rescue Him from the coming torture. (Matthew 26:53) He agonized so much over the decision to obey His Father's wishes that blood mingled with the sweat on His brow.  Jesus suffered as He prayed in the garden, wanting more than anything to further His Father's will but struggling with the thought of what was to come.  (Luke 22:42-44)

Jesus chose obedience over His own comfort, safety or well-being.  Instead of doing what would seem best for Himself, He placed His Father's will above His own.  In order to follow Christ, then, I must do the same.

When I am tempted to make a decision based on what will best benefit me, then, I instead need to consider what it is God desires. (Proverbs 3:5-6)  When I naturally look out for my own best interest, doing what will further my own long-term plan, I would be wise to instead seek the Lord to find out the plan He has for me.  (Jeremiah 29:1-13)  Or when I tend to do the things that elevate my own dreams and desires, I must cooperate with God as He transforms my way of thinking to more closely line up with His so that I'll recognize His aspirations for my life.  (Romans 12:2)

Making the choice to value God's will above my own is evidence that I am following Christ.

I am so thankful to Christ for the gift of salvation His death made possible.  While I could very easily live my life never going any further than making Jesus my Savior, it is my desire to go deeper and let Him be Lord of my life.  When I elevate Him to this position, I will find that it is necessary to do as He does by choosing humility, the Gospel and obedience to my Father above all other pursuits.  In this way, my faith in Christ will be shown as authentic and His sacrifice to take on the curse of God as He hung on that cross will not be in vain.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I will humble myself before the Lord as I go about my day.

What kinds of everyday experiences tempt me to defend my own rights instead of desiring to elevate the Gospel?

How is it difficult for me to seek out God's will above my own?

Exceptions

"The total number of the men of Israel was 601,730.

The LORD said to Moses,

'The land is to be allotted to them as an

inheritance based on the number of names. . .'

'Why should our father's name disappear from his 

clan because he had no son?

Give us property among our father's relatives.'"

Numbers 26:51-53, 27:4

It didn't seem fair.  The five daughters belonged to the clans of Manasseh, son of Joseph but their father had died in the desert, leaving his family with no sons.  When the census was taken, the men were counted and this number was used in the distribution of land.  Since there were no males to represent them, it was almost as if this family didn't exist.  Therefore, the daughters of Zelophehad would receive no allotment of land.

Instead of settling for the lousy hand they had been dealt, these brave women approached Moses with a request.  Taking them seriously, this humble leader did not simply dismiss them based on the policy God had already established.  Instead, he brought their reasonable request before the Lord.  

I wonder how these women felt as they waited for the answer Moses would receive from the Lord?  They might have thought, Maybe we're too bold to ask such a thing.  What were we thinking?  What God says is law!  Who are we to question Him?  What if He strikes us down for showing such audacity as to go against what He has already established?  Much to their relief, the Lord said, "What Zelophehad's daughters are saying is right.  You must certainly give them property as an inheritance among their father's relatives and give their father's inheritance to them." (Numbers 27:7)

God is not unreasonable in His expectations of us.  If we approach Him with a request, He will do what is right, not putting the law above His people.  Therefore, I can feel comfortable boldly approaching Him if I feel slighted.

Ask

I spent the first 7 years of my educational career dressing for success.  I often lamented to my friends about my mother's expectation that I wear only dresses, skirts or nice pants to school.  One of my best buddies lived up in the mountains and her mom required that she wear jeans in order to keep warm and avoid ruining any nice clothing.  The two of us often expressed the wish that we could switch moms: She wanted to don a skirt and go-go-boots while I longed for the freedom and comfort found in jeans.

Once my younger sister entered Kindergarten my sixth-grade year, I was shocked to witness her everyday attire: Jeans!  How could my mother let her wear jeans when I was always expected to dress up?  After steaming for a few days, I finally drew up the courage to ask my mom.  "How come Debby gets to wear jeans when you always made me wear a dress or nice pants?"

I was shocked by her simple reply, "She asked."

What?  All it took was for me to ask?  It never occurred to me to ask my mom for an exception.  Instead, I did as I was told, grumbling much of the time.  While my outward appearance seemed obedient, my heart was defiant and discontent.

I remember Jesus teaching on this concept in His Sermon on the Mount.  "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." (Matthew 7:7)  Jesus went on to explain that my heavenly Father delights to give me good gifts.  The only thing that is missing is my willingness to make the request to the One who knows my needs and loves to demonstrate His love for me.  

It's not simply about asking for selfish things that will bring pleasure to my life, however.  Instead, it is about recognizing a godly desire for something more and seeking the Giver of good things to quench this thirst. (James 4:3)

If I examine my heart and find a God-honoring hunger, I can boldly ask my Father for what it is that will satisfy.

Assumptions

"It's impossible.  I might as well face it; I'm stuck with this life."  It's easy to have this kind of attitude, especially when the going gets rough or it seems my dream is unattainable.  This might have been how Russel Wilson, the young quarterback of the 2014 Super Bowl Champion Seattle Seahawks could have felt.  Instead, he chose to exercise his faith in the God of the impossible.  

At 5'11'', Wilson was often criticized as being too short to be effective as an NFL quarterback.  Instead of assuming that he couldn't do the job, though, he believed that since God had given him the talent, leadership qualities, and ability to make the decisions necessary to execute big plays on the field, why couldn't God use him despite his shorter stature.  "Why not me?" he asked, utilizing the faith his dad had cultivated in a God who knows no limits.

While it may be easy to think there is no hope, God is not limited in scope, power or vision.  The same God who parted the Red Sea as a means of escape for His people can soften the hardest of hearts.  

The same God who provided manna in the desert and brought forth life-giving water from an ordinary rock in order to sustain His people can certainly supply all my needs.  

The same God who took a wayward people who are sinful to the core and making them appear as white as snow, transforming them into His own precious possession by the blood of Jesus can shrink the tumor, heal the wounds and bind the broken heart.

If I find myself in a seemingly impossible situation, I must never assume there is no hope.

Abundance

Her marriage was a disappointment.  The man she chose to marry turned out to follow a different path than the one on which she had placed her feet.  As time went on, he became cruel and bitter, making her life anything but joyous.  She often asked herself why she had settled for such a man instead of waiting for the best God had to offer.  Instead, she took what she could get, afraid there would be nothing better from which to choose.

How often women do settle for mediocre when they could have a man who loves God wholeheartedly and would treat them like a precious gem. While I am not writing a guide on how to find the mate God has for you, it does remind me of a tendency I often have to settle for an existence instead of a rich life.

Jesus promised me a full, abundant life as I follow Him. (John 10:10) Instead of living in such a rich, fruitful orchard, however, I often find myself in the desert.  Why?  It could be because I follow my own sinful desires instead of taking advantage of the benefit I've got within to walk according to God's indwelling Spirit.  When I do what comes naturally, my heart is filled with strife, bitterness and ambition.  When I instead yield to His work in my life, I find joy, peace and love overflowing in my heart. (Galatians 5:19-23)

Other times, my dull and meaningless life could be the result of going after the things that please me.  Every time I reach another goal, I find myself wanting more, desiring to go higher.  If I instead decide to pay attention to God's calling on my life, doing the things He prepared in advance for me to do, I would find a sense of purpose and meaning I never before realized.  Pleasing God gives me pleasure as I slip into the role God originally designed for me to fill.

Then there are the time when my life consists of a series of duties to fulfill, effort to be made, and obligations to meet.  In place of waking up each morning with the distinct sense that my slate is wiped clean and His mercies are delivered anew, a heavy weight crushes me with the guilt of all the ways I have fallen short. (Lamentations 3:22-23) If I instead accept the complete forgiveness that is mine through faith in Jesus Christ, I will find a freedom from the shame that I can't seem to live as I should.  Following my shepherd as a trusting sheep is much easier than trying to be as good as I think I should be in order to meet that standard that is impossible to reach.  (Matthew 11:28-30)

If I find myself living in a dry desert instead of in a luscious garden, I can open my hands to receive the abundant life I've been promised.

It's easy to take what I've been given without ever imagining there could be more.  Instead of simply gritting my teeth and hunkering down for the remainder of my life, I could do as the daughters of Zelophehad beautifully demonstrated and ask for the good gifts God delights in giving, believe that anything is possible with the Lord, and seek the abundant life He has promised.  In these ways I will get to see that the Lord is a God who values His people above His law.  

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can stop putting limits on God.

When do I assume there is nothing better available and give up hope?

How do I settle for mediocre when God has spectacular planned for me?   

Detesting God's Provision

"Then the people of Israel set out from Mount Hor,

taking the road to the Red Sea 

to go around the land of Edom.

But the people grew impatient with the long journey,

and they began to speak against God and Moses.

'Why have you brought us out of Egypt to die here

in the wilderness?' they complained.

'There is nothing to eat here and nothing to drink.

And we hate this horrible manna!'"

Numbers 21:4-5 NLT

They slithered everywhere, covering the ground and threatening their very lives.  "What have we done to deserve this?"  the people cried out.  Mothers wept as they watched their children collapse, succumbing to the poison released into their system.  Men attempted to save their families, fighting off the treacherous snakes with whatever weapon they could find close at hand.  Many died that day.  The people suddenly realized the gravity of their sin as they grieved the loss of their loved ones at the hand of the Lord.  (Numbers 21:4-7)

I'm not so different from the Israelites, refusing to repent of my selfish, sinful attitudes until after God has brought out the big guns in an effort to snap me out of my self-seeking way of thinking.  While I may read this passage and think that God's punishment seems too severe, His actions reveal a heart issue common to mankind which is quite dangerous.  I must guard my heart from succumbing to the temptation to follow in the footsteps of the wandering Israelites.

Discontent

The orange tabby curls up in the square of midwinter sunlight cast upon the carpeting.  He wraps his tale around his body, tucking his white mitten-like feet under his chest.  As he soaks in the warmth, his eyes begin to droop.  Soon, he's fast asleep, the picture of contentment.

British veterinarian and writer James Herriot describes cats as "connoisseurs of comfort."  No matter their surroundings, cats have a way of finding the most comfortable spot and getting right to the job of fitting in a good nap.  While I would love to claim this same ability as my own, there are many situations in which I find myself when I feel anything but pleasure or gratification.  In fact, I could even call myself an expert complainer so easy is it for me to find displeasure in any and every circumstance.

When I focus only on what bothers me about the place where God has positioned me, I am forgetting that God is my Father and is in the business of providing me with everything that I need.  (Matthew 6:32-33)  My problem is that I don't always appreciate His perfect provision, instead wanting more than what He has graciously given to me.  Maybe it's time I redefine "need" and be more like the cat who looks for the good and delights in what he's been given.

When my heart is corrupted by a spirit of discontent, I am showing a disregard for all the good God has graciously given to me.

Hunger

Bruce Springsteen claimed, "Everybody's got a hungry heart," in his 1980 number one hit of the same name.  As a songwriter, he couldn't have been more truthful.  As a human, my sin-nature is never satisfied, always seeking more and more.  If I live according to my flesh, then, letting my desires and longings lead the way, I will always be hungry for more than what I have. (Romans 8:12-14, 1 Timothy 6:6-10) If I live in relationship with the Lord, however, letting His Spirit guide me, I will find that He and His Word are more than enough to satisfy.  (Psalm 34:8-10)

John warns me of the danger found in loving the world and all the pursuits found there.  Living just like those who do not know Jesus denies the power over sin that His blood provides.   John said the areas I need to guard myself against are my tendency to feed my own sensual cravings, my desire to possess everything I see, and my penchant for finding pride in what I accomplish and how I can provide for my own security.  (1 John 2:16)  These are the traps of the world.

Instead of going after what I think will satisfy, then, I am better off keeping my eyes trained on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of my faith.  (Hebrews 12:2)  In order to run the race He has marked out just for me, though, I cannot afford to become distracted by what my flesh tells me I need.  Instead, I must consistently and purposefully strain toward Christ, seeking out the good He has prepared in advance for me to do.  (Ephesians 2:10)

This means that when I'm tempted to climb the ladder of success, thinking I will find fulfillment once I reach the pinnacle, I'll be wise to instead focus my efforts of drawing closer to the One who holds the blueprint of my life in His hands.  (Jeremiah 29:11-13)  Or, when I feel discontent with the mission of raising my children, thinking there must be more to life than wiping noses and tying shoes, I can find my sense of purpose in the kingdom's most powerful job of training up the next generation of God's people.  (Proverbs 22:6, Deuteronomy 6:6-7)  Or, when my eye wanders to all the stuff I don't have but think I need, I will instead pay attention to building up the eternal intangible treasures that are awaiting me in heaven. (Matthew 6:19-21)

When I find myself hungering after something besides God and His Word, I am revealing an eye that is wandering away from my first Love.

Anger

She couldn't bring herself to believe in a God who would allow such suffering in the world.  In her way of thinking, if God was truly a compassionate and loving God, He would end all pain and anguish.  As a result, my friend labeled herself as an atheist.

As much as I would love to be able to convince her otherwise, my friend's anger is deep-seated.  Even though she claims to not believe in God, she holds this rage in her heart against Him for all the injustice, misery and affliction found in this fallen world.  While I cannot completely understand her way of thinking, I do sometimes feel ticked off when things don't go as I think they should.

When I see my friend suffering in the wake of marital infidelity, divorce and the death of her father, I wonder how one person can withstand so much pain, especially at the same time.  It's easy for me then to question God, wondering why He would allow such an onslaught of trouble.

Other times, I worry over the difficulties in my own life, wondering when God will bring relief from this time of trial.  It can be hard to trust God when I see how many hard times He allows into my life.

When I get angry at God, essentially blaming Him for the misery I feel in my heart, I am forgetting that His ways are not the same as mine. (Isaiah 55:8-9) While I tend to favor ease and comfort, He has my character and faith in mind.  The best way to build such traits is through trial, testing and hard times.  If everything always went the way I wanted it to go, would I ever sense my need for God?

  

Therefore, when I am tempted to focus my anger and disappointment at God for all the struggles going on around me, I can remember that He uses everything for my own good, weaving the strife of life into a beautiful tapestry.  (Romans 8:28)  The resulting work of art far exceeds anything I could attempt to create using my own methods and understanding.

When I feel angry at the Lord for all the difficulties, I am betraying my lack of faith in the Master Potter.

It is easy to see the error of the Israelite's ways.  Their whining, complaining ways seem so ignorant of all the good God has done for them.  If I'm honest with myself, though, I find the same selfish heart beating within my own chest.  Therefore, I would be wise to watch out for the discontent, hunger and anger that easily build up in my own life, replacing them with a faith in the God who gives me exactly what I need, is all that is necessary to truly satisfy, and will always use the hard times to grow my faith.  In these ways, I will avoid detesting God's provision.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can stay content with what God has graciously given to me.

When does my eye wander to what I don't possess?

How often am I more concerned about what I don't have than with what I do?