Right Intention, Wrong Approach

"They moved the ark of God 

from Abinadab's house on a new cart,

with Uzzah and Ahio guiding it.

David and all the Israelites were celebrating

with all their might before God,

with songs and with harps, lyres,

timbrels, cymbals and trumpets."

1 Chronicles 13:7-8

They did not lack for enthusiasm.  David was pumped.  His people were equally as excited.  The ark, a symbol of God's very presence, was returning to Jerusalem!  This was a day to celebrate!

In his zeal to do what seemed good, David failed to take his duty seriously, plunging forward in the best way he knew how.  Instead of consulting God's instructions on how he wanted the ark to be carried, he focused on getting the job done (Exodus 25:14-15, Numbers 4:15, Numbers 7:6-9).  His exuberance, however, did not make up for his neglect.  As a result, a man lost his life that day (2 Samuel 6:6-7).

In living my life, I would be wise to learn from David's mistake and in so doing, avoid dishonoring God.

Plunge Ahead.  I answer the call and am filled with passion and enthusiasm for this new mission.  I can't wait to begin serving in the area God has placed on my heart.  Instead of waiting on the Lord's timing, however, it's easy to plunge ahead without Him.

In God's kingdom, it is not up to me to make things happen.  Instead, I am entirely dependent upon Him for the timetable, abilities, strength and know-how.  My job is to simply submit to His lordship.  While I say "simply," it's not always so easy to let God lead.

After all, I may have done something like this before and assume God wants me to use my past experience to accomplish this new task.  Instead of waiting for His go-ahead, then, I run ahead of Him, spinning my wheels in the frustration that comes apart from His favor.

Or, it may seem obvious what God wants me to do and how He would have me begin such a task.  Instead of seeking His guidance, then, I rashly move forward in my own understanding.

Or, it could be that I see the good that will come from this ministry and witness deep suffering that could be alleviated.  In my desire to ease the pain felt by others, I rush forward, coming up with a plan that seems right to me.  Unfortunately, I completely missed the point as I separated myself from the Vine (John 15:5-6).

When plunging ahead, I risk offending God in my enthusiasm to work for God instead of with Him.

Forsake Insight.  I have my own way of doing things, but as I've learned over the years, my way is not always the best way.  In God's kingdom, how something is done counts.  It's not just a matter of getting the job done, but in learning to cooperate with what God is already doing.

Therefore, my connection to the Source of my supply is of the utmost importance.  It's not enough to go through the motions or even accomplish a task well if God is not even considered as the architect of the master plan.  David found this out the hard way, and I am at risk of doing the same.

Instead of focusing on completing the task that lies before me, then, it is my relationship with Jesus that really counts.  If I keep my eyes on Him, I won't lose sight of my Guide as He leads me through each step, showing me how He wants the job done.  Once I get distracted, focusing on something else, I'll lose track of my Shepherd and likely stray of the path.

When forsaking insight, I risk offending God in my zeal to finish the job even if it means doing it without Him.

Result Driven.  Statistics.  Numbers.  Improvement.  I often look for some kind of positive sign that proves my efforts are making a difference.  How many lives have been touched?  Who has seen growth in their faith?  What is the number of professions of faith due to this ministry?  These are the kinds of questions I ask myself.  In my mind, results equals success.

In God's Kingdom, however, obedience rules supreme.  My heart is what really matters to Him.  Therefore, if He asks me to do something, I am to do it with all my heart simply because He asked.  Instead of focusing on my legacy, the impact I am making or whether or not I'm making a difference, I can pay attention to how I am pleasing God in my faithfulness to His calling.

Since God is the all-knowing One, only He knows the impact of my obedience.  Trusting Him enough to continue to labor with Him, then, is all that counts.  Adoniram Judson seems to have understood this concept well.  He answered God's call to the mission field but after being blocked from entering India and finally finding an open door in Burma, he suffered isolation, the loss of his first child, and 6 years of work without one soul won for Christ.

If this missionary had given up due to lack of results, 200,000 Burmese would not have come to know Christ and the people of Burma would not have the benefit of reading God's Word in their own language.  Judson's love for the Lord and dedication to His calling gave the man the tenacity to hang on in the face of difficulty.

When letting results be my inspiration, I risk offending God when the outcome is more important than my love for Him.

It's easy to get off track when I'm excited!  When my zeal is what empowers me, I tend to plunge ahead, forsaking His insight and focusing on what comes out of my labors.  Then I end up like David, having the right intention but using the wrong approach.  May my zeal for loving Jesus be my only driving force!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I not forsake my first Love.

How is it easy to focus on the plan instead of the Planner?

When do I often run ahead in my zeal to impress God by my dedication and trustworthiness?       

Breach of Faith

"Saul died because he was unfaithful to the LORD;

he did not keep the word of the LORD

and even consulted a medium for guidance,

and did not inquire of the LORD.

So the LORD put him to death

and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse."

1 Chronicles 10:14

His unfaithfulness was obvious.  He disobeyed then tried to justify his defiance toward the God who put him on the throne.  (1 Samuel 15:1-9)  Instead of relying on God's guidance, he turned to a medium when he was in a tight spot.  (1 Samuel 28:3-25)  In place of seeing God as sovereign and just, he treated Him as if He could easily be ignored and put off.

My unfaithfulness may not be as blatantly obvious as that of Saul's but it is no less serious.  How do I offend God's jealous nature and His supreme authority in the way I live my life?  I may be surprised.

Lean on my own understanding.  I know the words well because they are one of the most popular and well-memorized portions of scripture.  "Love the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight."  (Proverbs 3:5-6)  I've meditated on the meaning of this verse, thought about it's significance to the Christian walk, and discussed it's merits with other believers.  When facing everyday challenges, however, I don't always put it into practice.

The moment my health turns South I run to the doctor and seek medical advice for how to preserve my vigor and remove my pain.  I love God but figure this is out of His realm.  After all, I justify, doctors are there to heal the sick.  While God can use doctors to bring about a cure, it is ultimately the Lord who is in control.  I would be wise to then place my confidence more in Him then on modern medicine.

As soon as I experience money issues I rely on what I know and am able to comprehend, looking for all the input I can find on how to remedy my difficulties.  Instead of trusting God to lead me through these rough waters I look for ways to circumvent the hardships, forgetting that He has promised to use everything I face for my good and His glory.  

When the circumstances of my life don't make sense leading me to wonder what kind of plan God might have for me, I offend His mysterious and lofty ways in my insistence on being able to see every detail of the plan before I will take a step forward.  Walking by faith means I'll have to leave the "how" in His capable hands, letting Him lead me one tiny step at a time.  

I am just as unfaithful as Saul was when I fail to recognize His presence in and control over every single aspect of my life.

Double-minded.  I believe God is the One with the plan for my life.  I tell people that He is in control and that I trust Him.  I think He is the source of all the wisdom I need.  However, as soon as I face perplexing times, my actions show that I believe guidance can come from other sources.

If I am to receive the wisdom I need today, I must put all my eggs in His basket, believing that all other sources of wisdom fall short (James 1:5-8).  I often doubt His resources, however, believing in my heart that there are some areas where I need advice apart from Him.  When my budget needs tweaking, for instance, I ask God for help but tend to believe the answers really lie with the financial experts I hear in popular circles.  

People are quick to give me advice about my career and although I say I trust God, I often choose the route that will lead to the most benefit for me instead of believing God has a specific path laid out for me to follow that will bring Him ultimate glory. 

I also ask God for wisdom in how to spend my time but would rather take the advice of efficiency experts.  After all, I rationalize, God wants me to maximize my time, right?

I am just as unfaithful as Saul was when I don't really believe that God has all the answers to every problem I face.

Losing heart.  I got tired of waiting, desiring to see results instead of hearing promises.  Therefore, I ran ahead, attempting to make things happen so I could feel good about the progress I made.  Waiting might work for someone else, but I'm a woman of action.  Now is as good a time as any to make my life amount to something, I think.  After all, God helps those who help themselves!

This foolish thought process leads me to make foolish decisions, choosing any action over waiting in an attempt to keep from looking passive or lazy.  Waiting can be difficult because it feels weak.  I'd rather be actively working toward a goal than sitting around waiting for something to happen.

In God's kingdom, however, I must remember that He's the One with the plan and only He knows the route I will take to get to where He wants me to go.  Therefore, if I try to make things happen in order to avoid inaction, I risk getting off-track.  Once I'm outside of His will, dependent upon my own strength, discouragement sets in as my limited resources run dry. I will never run out of steam, however, if I put all my hope in God, expecting to see His plan unfold in His time (Isaiah 40:31).

I am just as unfaithful as Saul was when I blaze my own trail in an effort to avoid any delays or idleness.

I may not be as blatantly unfaithful as Saul turned out to be, but I do offend God by not totally trusting him in my own way.  I do this by depending more on what I can comprehend than on the incomprehensible mind of God, putting up pretenses that I am seeking God's wisdom when really I want something more palatable, or choosing action over waiting on God's perfect timing.  In so doing, I am showing a breach of my professed faith in a faithful God.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I will trust God completely in all my ways.

When do I stray away from Him because I don't feel like waiting around for His answers to be revealed?

How does this impatience result in discouragement?

Not as God Intended

"'O death, where is your victory?

O death, where is your sting?'

For sin is the sting that results in death,

and the law gives sin its power.

But thank God!

He gives us victory over sin and death

through our Lord Jesus Christ."

1 Corinthians 15:55-57 NLT

Death is a part of life, or so we're told.  Death, however, was not an intended part of God's creation.  When He spoke all things into being, death was not part of the plan.  When sin entered God's perfect creation, so entered death.  And along with it suffering, grief, pain and sorrow.

We just lost our sweet kitty named Lacey.  She was the only girl in a world of boys.  Her littermate was a boy, and she was adopted into a family of two male dogs and three other male cats.  Even so, she was the brave and courageous one.  Her passing was sudden and unexpected; out of the blue.  Her loss brings with it much sorrow.

How can we carry on after losing a loved one?  Where is God in the face of such pain?  Why does death have to ruin all the joy that life brings?  While this life comes to an end, thanks to Jesus Christ, the grave does not hold us!  No!  We have the hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Therefore, those who are in Christ need not fear death.  It holds no power over us.  Even though God did not create death along with life, He did give us victory, sweet victory over it's domain.  Let us rejoice this day in the hope we have in Jesus!  

Gatekeeper

"The gatekeepers were Shallum, Akkub, Talmon, Ahiman,

and their kinsmen (Shallum was the chief). . .

And they lodged around the house of God,

for on them lay the duty of watching,

and they had charge of opening 

[the temple] every morning."

1 Chronicles 9:17 & 27 ESV

It was a rough time.  Bands of robbers would come, attempting to steal the precious metals found throughout the temple.  Those who knew nothing of the Lord and His holiness or righteousness made light of His house, using it for their gain.  As a result, it was necessary to post guards assigned to watch the gates, keeping out those who would harm such a sacred place.  This was an essential duty and one in which they took seriously.

Today, thanks to Jesus Christ and His incredible sacrifice in setting aside His divine nature and coming to earth as a mere human in order to take my sin and it's punishment upon Himself, I am a temple of the Holy Spirit (Philippians 2:5-11, John 3:16-17, 1 Corinthians 3:16-17).  As such, I would be wise to take on the duty of the gatekeepers, watching carefully the people, philosophies and pursuits that enter my heart and home.  

Living in such an open society as I do, it is easy to be tainted by the destructive ways of this world, letting anything and everything flow freely into my live and that of my family.  Therefore, it is necessary for me to take on the essential duty of the gatekeeper of my heart and home (Proverbs 4:23,Romans 12:2).

People.  Everywhere I go, I run into people.  Some I'm irresistibly drawn to.  Others repel me.  A few draw me closer to Christ, challenging me in my relationship with Him while most tempt me to fall away from my First Love.

Relationships are necessary in this world.  I was made to live in community with others. While I may not have complete control over which people with whom I come into contact, I do have the choice of who I allow into my close circle of influence.  Selecting godly friends and filtering out those with whom I may share interests and values but seem to work against my faith is vital to my walk with the Lord.  

If I'm more concerned with simply hanging out with people I like, then I will probably find myself spending a lot of time with those who either don't know the Lord or who live as if they don't.  If, however, I let the Lord choose my closest friends then I will find people whom are not only pleasant and a joy to be around, but are also good for my faith.  

As a temple of the Holy Spirit, it is important that I guard the gate of my heart and home from people who may lead me down the path of destruction (Matthew 7:13).

Philosophies.  Oprah has one.  Dr Phil uses his to counsel others in their lives.  My hairdresser is quick to reveal hers.  The President, while leader of all the people, is still swayed by his and leads the country according to it.

Each person to whom I listen has a worldview that shapes their beliefs.  Some think mankind if essentially good and can be trusted to do the right thing.  Others hold the view that enlightenment comes through effort and utilizing one's mind power.  Many think values are subjective, different for each individual according to their preferences while countless others think tolerance and freedom of expression are the common principles that tie us all together.

Whatever the belief a person holds, it shapes them and permeates every area of their life.  While most of us are not conscious of the influence our philosophies have on our choices and the fruit of our lives, it is nevertheless a major factor in deciding how we live.  

Therefore, it is vital for me to guard against those prevalent worldviews which are contrary to what God teaches in the Bible.  In order to do so, it is necessary for me to constantly filter through every belief that passes through my awareness, rejecting those that may sound good but fail the test of God's Word.  If it doesn't line up with what God has taught me, it has no business staying in my consciousness.

As a temple of the Holy Spirit, it is important that I reject those worldviews which run counter to the Truth of God's Word, even if it comes from someone I admire.

Pursuits.  There are many ways I can spend my time.  Mostly I choose what activities I will pursue based on my interests, it's popularity or for social reasons.  I don't usually even think about God when picking what to do with my free time let alone ask Him for guidance in utilizing this precious and limited resource.

The way I spend my time is a pretty good indicator of the health of my relationship with God.  If I fritter away the majority of my time in things meant to entertain, bring me pleasure or fulfill my desires, then it seems that I am lord of my own life.  If, however, I wisely invest my allotment of time in growing closer to Him, using His gifts to edify the church and in making Him known, chances are that Jesus is Lord.

No one is expected to spend every waking moment in selfless pursuits, but if my heart is bent toward pleasing myself instead of God, it is most likely that I treasure me more than Him.  If I find myself selfishly going after what I want instead of asking God what His plan is for me, it seems I'm my own god.  While there is nothing wrong with taking time out for myself, if I mostly think of myself as an independent being not reliant on God unless I'm desperate, then I have a problem.

As a temple of the Holy Spirit, it is important that I consider every minute of time as precious and an opportunity to grow closer in my relationship with a God who loves me.

While it is common to see security guards in our cities who watch for danger which threatens the safety of those who frequent a certain establishment, this modern-day gatekeeper's job is not as important as my duty to guard my heart and home from a different kind of threat.  I must watch for people who can lead me astray, philosophies which taint godly beliefs, and pursuits which waste my time.  In so doing, I will take my job as gatekeeper seriously and reap the benefits of such an effort.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can keep my eyes trained on the finish line, running only the race God as marked out for me.

When do I get distracted by what the world tends to run after?

How am I wasting my time with fleshly pursuits?  

Profile of my Enemy

"Be alert and of sober mind.

Your enemy the devil prowls around

like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."

1 Peter 5:8

A curious thing happened at the beginning of America's Civil War.  The battle of Bull Run, an horrific beginning to what would become a long, drawn out war, had picnicking spectators who came out to see the action.  Unaware of the horrors of war and sure of the Union soldiers' ability to quickly and painlessly squelch this rebellion, these ignorant people thought they were about to watch a show.  This naive notion was soon corrected, however, when the sightseers became a part of a hasty retreat by the overwhelmed Union soldiers.

It is similar to my life as a believer in Jesus Christ.  It may seem like my life should be carefree and untroubled.  Like these foolish battle spectators,however, I am deceiving myself.  In reality, I am in the middle of a battle and my enemy is the Devil.  He is no less real than the nose on my face and while it is foolish to give him too much attention and thus power, it is vital to my walk with Christ to know him and his tactics.

Sun Tzu was a Chinese general who wrote an exhaustive book on military strategy called, The Art of War.  In it he advises that "If you know your enemies and know yourself, you will not be imperiled in a hundred battles."  Possessing a basic knowledge of what makes my enemy tick, then, will help me recognize his many tactics and avoid doing battle with him.

Vigilant.  It could be said that Satan is an expert in human behavior.  After all, he spends a lot of time observing us and our ways (Job 1:7).  As a result, he knows what makes us tick and understands our weaknesses, using this knowledge to his advantage.  

Keeping this in mind, I must be aware of where I am weak.  Where are the chinks in my armor?  How am I most vulnerable?  Realizing that I'm susceptible to attack in the area of my self-worth will help me recognize Satan's ploys when thoughts of inferiority and lack of confidence plague my heart.  Simply speaking the truth, reminding Satan (along with myself) of what God tells me about myself in His Word puts me on the offensive as I use the Sword of Truth to render my enemy helpless.  (Ephesians 6:17)

In addition, if I know that I am especially at risk when I am physically weak, like when tired, hungry or sick, I must be extra-vigilant during those times.  These are the times when I can expect some kind of scheme of Satan to be put into action.  Therefore, I must think of myself as a soldier, staying constantly aware of my surroundings, expecting attack and being ready to fight using prayer and scripture.

Knowing that Satan is ever-vigilant will help me to stay alert of his schemes.

Mission-oriented.  Satan's sole mission is to steal, kill and destroy.  (John 10:10)  This means he is out to steal my joy, kill my faith and destroy my peace.  Therefore, I cannot let down my guard, giving him a foothold in my life.  When I welcome sin into my life, tolerating it as a necessary evil, I am opening the door for the devil and giving him permission to work in my life.  (Ephesians 4:20-27)  When I choose to turn away from my old ways, walking in the power of God's indwelling Spirit, then I am less vulnerable to my enemy's attacks.

Satan never sleeps, takes a break from scheming against me nor lets up on his mission.  Therefore, once I realize the persistent nature of Satan's mindset and his willingness to use whatever means necessary to bring me down, I will better be able to stand firm in the Lord.

So, when it seems my family has suddenly turned against me, fighting me at every turn I must consider that Satan may be using those closest to me, attempting to divide and conquer, a favorite tactic of my enemy.  It then becomes vital to come together and pray and commit to a regular time of group Bible study to take back any ground Satan has overcome in my life.

When the peace has left my heart, replaced by anxiety, I can be sure that my enemy has introduced those worries he's sure will weaken my faith.  It then becomes even more important to keep my eyes on the Author and Perfecter of my faith, giving Him thanks in every circumstance  (Hebrews 12:1-2, Philippians 4:6-7).

Even when it seems I can't catch a break, experiencing an avalanche of heartache and trouble, I can recognize Satan's hand but choose to turn my attention to the Giver of good gifts who is truly in control and is able to use even the most horrific experience for His glory and my good (James 1:17, Romans 8:28).

Knowing that Satan has a mission to steal, kill and destroy empowers me to stand firm.

Limited.  Satan is a created being and therefore is limited in his scope and power.  He really can only wield power when I let him.  When I yield to God's work in my life, resisting Satan and his minion's attempts to usurp the Lord's authority, my enemy can been defeated. (James 4:7)  In fact, it is quite effective to remind Satan of his ultimate destination and that he will soon be crushed (Romans 16:20).

When I buy into what Satan is selling, falling into his trap, I am empowering him to succeed in tripping me up.  It is vital, then, that I know the truth well, immersing myself in God's Word so that when a lie is presented I will easily recognize it as deception.  If I only rely on what I hear from others and what I assume to be true, I will easily be duped.  Since my enemy is the Father of lies, I can be sure anything that comes from him is contrary to the truth (John 8:44).

I also must keep in mind that I have a much more powerful force within me, enabling me to walk on the path of life (1 John 4:4).  Any scheme Satan employs can only succeed with my cooperation.  Therefore, if I realize the power I have to resist, I can wield such weapons liberally, rendering my enemy as powerless.

Knowing that Satan's powers are limited gives me courage to resist his schemes.

As I endeavor to follow Christ in all my ways, submitting to his authority in every part of my life, I must realize I have an enemy who desires to get me off-track.  In order to engage this enemy, then, it is important that I understand his ways, realizing his vigilance, mission and limited scope.  When I do, I can avoid many battles and instead walk in peace with the One who came to deliver the abundant life.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can remember my enemy's mission.

When do I live as oblivious to Satan's constant attacks?

How often do I fall into his traps, failing to realize I'm on his hit-list?            

Out of Pain

"Jabez was more honorable than his brothers.

His mother had named him Jabez, saying,

'I gave birth to him in pain.'

Jabez cried out to the God of Israel,

'Oh, that you would bless me

and enlarge my territory!

Let your had be with me,

and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.'

And God granted his request."

1 Chronicles 4:9-10

Jabez was born through great pain experienced by his mother.  Instead of his troubled beginnings coloring his life, God used it to propel Jabez to greatness in His kingdom.  Out of pain came a prayer that inspires millions.  What will come out of the pain in my life?

Character.  If it wasn't for the struggle of running out of money in the middle of nowhere, constant rejection when searching for housing, uncertainty of what tomorrow may bring and a period of homelessness, I would not be the person I am today.  Going through times of difficulty, pain and heartache bring about strength of character that cannot be gained any other way.  (Romans 5:3-5)

How else would I learn how to look beyond the problems and focus instead on Jesus and His power in my life (Luke 8:43-48)?  In what other way would I know how to keep in mind that God possesses a great and good plan for my life especially when it looks like everything is going wrong (Jeremiah 29:11-13)?  If things always went my way, would I ever get the chance to exercise the faith Jesus has given me, walking not by what I see but by what is unseen yet no less real (Hebrews 12:1-2)?

Out of the pain in my life comes character.

Faith.  It comes from Jesus and He is responsible for perfecting it.  It has the power to turn me away from fear, securing my belief in the God of the impossible.  It transforms my fleshly eyes into spiritual ones, giving me a view similar to that of my Father's.  

Without faith, I am unable to please God.  It gives me confidence in what I hope will happen, believing it will actually come to pass.  Faith gives me a kind of proof of things that I cannot see, as if the intangible were somehow plain as day. (Hebrews 11:1)  

This faith to which I cling in times of trouble delivers the power of Jesus into my life, providing a conduit for His healing touch, His gracious forgiveness and His transforming power  (Luke 7:50, Mark 10:52, Luke 18:42).  Waning faith inhibits His ability to bring about the change He came to deliver, limiting the flow of his power into my life (Matthew 17:19-20).

The thing about faith is that it weakens from lack of use.  If I'm not thrown into situations that are over my head, beyond my ability to handle, and that stretch my faith, it atrophies from lack of use.  When I face trouble, pain and heartache, I am being given the opportunity to trust God in new ways, breaking out into fresh territory where I will see Him in a new light.

Out of the pain in my life comes faith.

Inspiration.  Seeing her ability to weather the storms of life gives me confidence to step forward into my own unknown.  Hearing about the way he was able to keep walking ahead in the face of great danger inspires me to persevere when dealing with my own threats.  Learning of her willingness to trust God through her overwhelming pain encourages me to do the same when experiencing my own form of hurting.

There is something so powerful about hearing the story of a brother or sister in Christ who has endured much yet came out on the other side the better for it.  When I endure suffering, heartache or difficulties, it brings me into a more intimate position with my Father who desires to comfort me in the way no one else is able.  Once I experience His compassion, I have the ability to pass this same consolation on to others who are in a desperate state and need His loving touch (2 Corinthians 1:3-7).

We are meant to live in community with others and we draw strength from one another.  Pity the man who falls down by himself for he has no one to help him up (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)!  When I share my struggles with others, I inspire them to carry on.  Similarly, when I am feeling lost and hopeless, I need another to come alongside and remind me of the truth through the victories they have experienced.

Out of the pain in my life comes inspiration.

No one likes to struggle or experience difficulty or sorrow.  When I do, however, I can be assured that God will use it for my good, building my character, growing my faith, and giving me inspiration to carry on (Romans 8:28).  In these ways, good comes out of the pain.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can keep God's greater purpose for my pain in mind as I struggle.

When do I give up hope in the face of great difficulty?

How can I keep my eyes on Jesus through the trial?

One Desire

"Then I realized that my heart was bitter,

and I was all torn up inside.

I was so foolish and ignorant--

I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you.

Yet I still belong to you;

you hold my right hand.

You guide me with your counsel,

leading me to a glorious destiny.

Whom have I in heaven but you?

I desire you more than anything on earth.

My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak,

but God remains the strength of my heart;

he is mine forever."

Psalm 73:21-26 NLT

I look at those who are lost, who are following their own way and it seems they have it so good.  Riches.  Success.  Adventure.  Lives of leisure.  It's easy for me to wonder why I stay on the narrow path, struggling through life.  I have none of the above as far as I can see.  God always provides what I need but there is never an abundance of money.  I wonder why my business endeavors don't flourish like what I see in the world.  My life is filled with all kinds of challenges and there is always so much work to be done.  It's natural to think that following Jesus is not all it's cracked up to be.

Then I notice what's going on in the Body of Christ.  Some are facing cancer.  Others bankruptcy and foreclosures.  A few endure the end of their marriages.  The atmosphere is rife with suffering.  What is the benefit of following Jesus?  Is this the abundant life He came to deliver?

In the same way the psalmist came to his senses, I must change my perspective and stop looking at this life through the lens of the world.  When I focus my attention on my greatest Treasure, my One True Desire, the Lord reminds me of the true riches I have in this life.

Security.  I remember watching a popular morning talk show where the host would often talk about a childhood memory of his mom fretting that they would end up in the poor house.  The man shared of his resulting worry that his family was always on the edge of losing their home and that the slightest sign of trouble would send them into oblivion, never to be together or happy again.

Children have a strong need to feel secure in their position, knowing that when they wake up tomorrow, their parents will still be there, taking care of their needs.  The same is true for me as God's precious child.  If I'm always worried that He might kick me to the curb, rejecting me from His kingdom, I will live with that nagging fear coloring my every waking moment (1 John 4:18) 

Thankfully, the blood of Jesus has made my place in the family of God secure.  As a result of what Jesus has done for me in dying on the cross, there is nothing I can do, or experience, or fail to do, that will make God stop loving me! (Romans 8:38-39) 

He is the perfect Father who will never grow tired of waiting for me to learn His lessons, or become impatient with my fears, or get sick of my wayward ways (Isaiah 40:28). His love constantly draws me toward Him and He is never repelled by the darkness of my heart.  Instead of being repulsed by my sinful state, Jesus' sacrifice makes it possible for my Father of compassion to go toward the suffering, comforting me like no one else can (2 Corinthians 1:3-5).

Even though it seems like those on the wide path of destruction live free from hardship, I have the advantage of security in God's kingdom through faith in Jesus Christ.  

Direction.  One of the most confusing times in life can be high school graduation.  What do you want to do with your life?  Where will you go now?  How will you use what you've learned to make something with your life?  It's easy to feel overwhelmed and confused.

Many times, I make poor decisions in order to avoid sitting stagnate, not moving forward when I get the feeling I should be driving on.  Unfortunately, the One who holds the blueprint for each life is often ignored (Jeremiah 29:11-13). If I were to consult the Lord, asking Him for wisdom in each situation I face, He would never disappoint (James 1:5-8).

As a follower of Christ, I have the benefit of a Good Shepherd who is always at work, guiding me with His wise counsel (Psalm 23:1-3).  While those in the world are forced to try to figure life out on their own, I can let the One who knit me together and recorded all my days in a book lead me where He means for me to go (Psalm 139:13-16).  I must never fail to realize such a benefit!

Even though it seems like those on the wide path of destruction have it made, I have the advantage of divine direction through faith in Jesus Christ.

Future.  The stock market crashed.  A man was the sole survivor in an accidnet that took his family from him.  The hurricane wiped out an entire community.  These are the times when people fall into despair, wondering what kind of hope they have in the face of such destruction.  

If this life was all there was, I would feel just as despondent, especially when going through hard times.  As a child of God through faith in Jesus Christ, however, I have so much to look forward to!  Not only is Jesus preparing a special place specifically for me in my Father's house, but I will receive a new body that is free from defects and will last forever (John 14:1-4, 2 Corinthians 5:1-4).  To make it even better, heaven will be free from suffering and difficulties, a place filled with joy and lit by the glory of God (Revelation 21:3-4, 11, 23,).

Even though it seems like those on the wide path of destruction live the sweet life now, I have the advantage of retaining hope for my glorious future, especially during the darkest times.

It's easy to get off track, turning my attention toward the seemingly good life lived by those in the world.  Once I come to my senses, however, I realize the benefits I possess as a follower of Christ.  I have security in my place in God's family, direction for my life, and a future that gives me hope.  It is then that I remember that God is my One Desire, my True Treasure!

As I begin this day may I keep my eyes focused on the Treasure I do possess instead of all the things I think I need but don't have.

When is it hard for me to keep from lusting after the things of this world?

How would keeping an eternal perspective change my outlook on life?   

Amazing Grace!

"Though he was God,

he did not think of equality with God

as something to cling to.

Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;

he took the humble position of a slave

and was born as a human being.

When he appeared in human form,

he humbled himself in obedience to God

and died a criminal's death on a cross."

Philippians 2:6-8 NLT

I've heard it said that grace is getting what I don't deserve;  the unmerited favor of God.  I can think of many example of God's grace in my life.  Salvation from eternal punishment.  Abundant life.  Intimate relationship with the One who loves me most.  There is so much evidence of His grace.

The ultimate manifestation of His grace and the conduit by which grace His delivered to an undeserving humanity is Jesus.  Jesus is both the best example of God's grace extended to me as well as the means of His expression of that grace.  Without Jesus, a holy God could not show His grace toward sinful man.  Here are some of the sacrifices Jesus made in order for me to experience a constant flow of God's grace into my life.

Poor.  Recently, my family and I have tasted what it is like to be homeless.  During the time when we had no address and nowhere to call home except a local motel, I often thought of Jesus who had, "nowhere to lay his head." (Luke 9:58 ESV)  The One who possessed ultimate riches sacrificed such bounty in order to deliver God's grace to His own.

Missionary Sid Halsband put it this way.  "He who had unspeakable wealth said, 'Shew me a penny' (Luke 20:24).  He who abode in the ivory palaces of heaven borrowed a pillow in Bethany (Matthew 21:17).  He whose heavenly podium was the Great White Throne borrowed a boat from which to preach (Luke 5:3).  He who spoke worlds unknown into existence, borrowed loaves and fish to feed a hungry throng (John 6:9).  He who owns the cattle upon a thousand hills borrowed a donkey (Mark 11:3).  He who inhabits eternity borrowed an upper room (Matthew 26:18).  Finally He who is the source of life borrowed a tomb (Matthew 27:60)."

He who was rich became poor so I could taste true treasure (Matthew 6:19-21,  Matthew 19:21).

Mortal.  Aches and pains.  Suffering.  Aging.  Injuries.  Illness.  Death.  There are many disadvantages to living the mortal life, all of which Jesus willingly took on in order to show God's love and grace to mankind.

When Jesus was born of the virgin Mary, it was not as God disguised as man.  He was not some kind of superbaby who had to pretend He didn't know all things as He grew at His mother's knee.  He truly gave up His divinity in order to become a man.  He exchanged His divine nature in order to take up a human one (Hebrews 2:17).  And He made such a sacrifice for me, despite my unfaithfulness and my wayward spirit (Romans 5:8).

He who was divine became mortal so I could taste immortality (1 Corinthians 15:42-49).

Criminal.  He was scorned, accused, beaten, mocked, spat upon, and crucified.  Even though He had done nothing wrong, He was killed along with the other criminals.  Despite the fact that Pilate could find no wrong in Him, He was condemned to death on a cross by this symbol of human authority who bowed to political pressure (Luke 23:13-25).  He was treated like a common criminal even though His name is above all others (Ephesians 1:20-21).

As a result of His unspeakable sacrifice, I am made right with God.  My sin is covered by His perfect blood, ushering me into the presence of my Father who loves me perfectly but whose holiness requires separation from such filth as is found in my heart.  This redeeming aspect of Christ's sacrifice is remarkable evidence of God's grace in my life.

He who was sinless became sin so that I could taste the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Sometimes I take God's grace for granted, not truly appreciating all that Jesus sacrificed in order to deliver the unmerited favor of God to my undeserving life.  Today, let me turn my attention to Jesus' willingness to become poor, mortal and to be considered as criminal, all for my sake.  Such grace is amazing indeed!  

As I begin this day may I truly appreciate the sacrifice Jesus made in order to deliver God's grace to me.

When do I take God's grace for granted, not recognizing what was given in exchange for that grace?

How am I ungrateful?