He's on the Job

"But the LORD is in his holy Temple;

the LORD still rules from heaven.

He watches everyone closely,

examining every person on earth."

Psalm 11:4 NLT

It's easy to get discouraged when seeing the evil of this world.  Will those who cause such pain and suffering receive punishment?  Or will they get away with all they have done?

Not to worry; God is on the job.  He see it all.  Nothing escapes His attention.  

Rest in His righteous judgment.  Take refuge in Him.

Thanksgiving

"I will give thanks to the LORD

with my whole heart;

I will recount all your wonderful deeds.

I will be glad and exult in you;

I will sing praise to your name, O Most High."

Psalm 9:1-2 ESV

President Lincoln started it all, looking for a way to unify the nation during the Civil War.  In 1863, he stated that the nation's many blessings, "should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged" by the American people, declaring: "I do therefore invite my fellow-citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens." *

Let us follow the counsel of the sixteenth President of the United States and set the entire day aside for acknowledging our many blessings.  This Thanksgiving let us not give thanks, however, but give thanks to the Lord!

He is worthy of our praise! 

*http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/11/26/thanksgiving-abraham-lincoln-franklin-roosevelt/3685975/

Mindful of Man

"When I look at your heavens,

the work of your fingers,

the moon and the stars,

which you have set in place,

what is man that you are mindful of him,

and the son of man that you care for him?"

Psalm 8:3-4 ESV

It's astounding.  To consider the solar system and how each planet revolves around the sun in it's own orbit, never entering into a collision path or straying too far away from the sun, or too close.  Instead, planet earth stays it's course, maintaining the perfect conditions for human survival.  Similarly, the moon circles around the earth, reflecting the light of the sun in a regular, predictable pattern, giving man a way to track time.  Even the stars, so far away yet constant in their appearance each night, form configurations that have been studied for generations.  What a marvel is our solar system!

To think that the Creator of such wondrous works is also an intimate God who cares for me is enough to blow my mind!  How could such a mighty, powerful God who is in charge of all of His creation ever have the time to put much thought into my formation, or the occasion to think about me, or the care to even consider my needs?  Yet, He does.

Provider.  They flit about, carefree and happy.  One swoops down from the power lines where they congregate, expertly guiding his tiny body through the barbed wire fence. He lights upon the fence post, turning his attention to his buddies as if to say, "How was that?  Let's see you top that!"  As if in response, another bird plunges down at breakneck speed, flying his own route, throwing in a couple of impressive moves before joining the first on the fence.  These little sparrows seemed to be having so much fun!

How can a little bird living out in the wild be so cheery and happy-go-lucky? I wonder.  Then I remember.  "Look at the birds.  They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them." (Matthew 6:26a)  Ah, yes.  I've never seen a worried bird because they rely on their heavenly Father to feed them.  They go about their days confident in the fact that they have a Provider!

Well, so do I.  Verse 26 continues on, "And aren't you far more valuable to him than they are?"  Yes!  I am made in His image (Genesis 1:27).  Do I think my Father is the kind of God who will let me go hungry?  So I must stop doubting and live carefree like the birds who know they have a faithful Provider.

The mighty Creator of all wondrous and awe-inspiring things is perfectly able to provide for my needs.  He is my Provider.

Comforter.  He's probably too busy to waste His precious time on my little concerns.  Sure, my heart is broken over my loss, my circumstances, my pain, but why would He be able to comfort insignificant me when I'm sure He has more important business to which He must attend?

One of God's characteristics is to relate to me as a compassionate Comforter.  He is the "Father of mercies and God of all comfort" (2 Corinthians 1:3 ESV).  He knows how to console my anxious heart, to ease my pain, to cheer me as only a Father can.  When I go through times of suffering, then, I have the distinct privilege of experiencing my Comforter at work.

The mighty Creator of all wondrous and awe-inspiring things is uniquely equipped to comfort me in times of heartache and pain.  He is my Comforter.

Caretaker.  She attended to all his needs, nurturing him back to health in times of sickness, teaching him lessons at every opportunity and cultivating his faith in God.  A mother is the picture of "caretaker" to her child.

Similarly, God is my caretaker who looks after my needs, gently guides me along with a nurturing Spirit, and expertly cultivates my faith like a master gardener.  In His Hands, I am being perfectly fostered into the woman He created me to be.

The mighty Creator of all wondrous and awe-inspiring things is exclusively adept at taking care of me.  He is my Caretaker.

God is mighty and sovereign over all things.  His massive Creation must take all His attention, yet it doesn't.  He is big enough to look over all things while still being mindful of me.  He is my Provider, Comforter and Caretaker.  May I never forget such a God as this!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can always rely on this amazing God!

When do I attempt to muddle through on my own instead of leaning on such a God as this?

How am I guilty of suffering apart from the benefit of my Comforter?

Foes Cannot Stand

"You have taught the little children

to praise you perfectly.

May their example shame and silence your enemies!"

Psalm 8:2 TLB

"What's the story of Adam and Eve?"

"One time, there was God, and God made Adam out of dust.  And then he put Adam to sleep and made Eve out of a rare rib."

"What's Heaven like?"

"Golden Diamonds."

"What do we learn from the story of Jesus turning water into wine?"

""The more wine we get, the better the wedding is."

"What are the qualities of a woman's ideal man?"

"A man that provides a lot of money, loves horses, will let you have 22 kids, and doesn't put up a fight."

These quotes* from regular children as they answered questions on a popular 90's television show that was based on "Art Linkletter's House Party"  proves that kids really do say the darndest things!  Children usually aren't tainted by bad experiences, have not developed a filter, and are basically pure of heart.  They just say it as they see it.

While it's cute and hilarious to listen to such responses, there is something I can take away from the way a child sees the world that can help me grow closer to Jesus.

Childlike Faith.  I remember my daughters' early years when their days mostly consisted of free-play.  In their innocence, they did not worry about anything except being the first one to get on a swing or that they get to use their favorite toys.  Life was fairly simple then.

As they grew and became more aware of the world around them, fear formed in their hearts as they worried about what might happen to them or their family.  At first, they were completely unaware of any problems existing in our home, country or world.  When they were oblivious to such troubles, they trusted that their needs would always be met, that they were secure in their place in the family, that no outside force would ever penetrate their little domain.  They simply lived out their lives with abandon.

This is what it is like to possess the faith of a child.  Not that I am ignorant of the evils of this world, but that I keep my eyes on the One who is in control, following Him down the path that leads to life (Hebrews 12:2).  As soon as I take my eyes off Jesus, just like Peter did when he walked on water, I sink into a sea of fear and anxiety (Matthew 14:28-31).

I can cultivate childlike faith so that I will trust in Jesus without doubt.

Childlike Praise.  A child does not try to impress or put on airs.  For the most part, young children just tell it like it is.  I'll never forget when a little boy was staring at me as I sat next to him on the floor during a church program.  After several seconds of intense scrutiny, he asked me, "Why do you have a mustache?"

Kids just say what's on their mind and it's the same when its time to give credit where credit is due.  I can take on this same mindset, dropping my desire to impress or woo someone with flowery words, but just focus on giving God all the acclaim for the good that is woven all throughout my life.  

It's easy to become tainted and cynical, assuming the worst and only seeing what is wrong with my life.  If I really look for what God is doing, however, I'll see evidence of His handiwork all around and then I can give praise to Him.

I can cultivate a child's ability to offer pure praise, unsullied by an ulterior motive or cynical attitude.

Childlike Worship.  The older I get, the more childlike I become in my inhibitions.  I care less and less about what people think and more about God and His opinion of me.  It's almost like I'm coming full circle, back into the realm of a child who naturally lives as God created him to exist.

Sin has ruined God's creation and twisted everything He intended for His image-bearers.  He meant for man to walk throughout His creation and see all that was made as an extension of it's Creator.  Instead, it is seen for how it can be used to further man's agenda, or increase our comfort, or better our lives.  Rarely does one acknowledge the One who makes all things possible nor seek to find out what He intended for His creation.

As I give everything I am back to God, dedicating myself to Him as a living sacrifice, I find my every waking moment is an act of worship to Him.  Living the way I was created to live, being the woman I was meant to be, conducting my life as God intended, is the most pleasing form of worship available (Romans 12:1).

I can worship God like a child in the way that I live my life, untainted by sin and worldly passions.

There is no evil in this world that can outshine the faith, praise and worship of a child.  Therefore, when I cultivate such a pure and innocent way of seeing the world around me, I will be able to do the same.  There is no foe that can stand against such faith, can diminish this kind of praise, or who can stop such worship.  To God be the glory!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can see God as a child who depends fully upon her Father.

When do I doubt God's ability to save me or provide for me because my faith is tarnished by doubt?

How do I worship other things besides God and God alone in the way I live my life?

*http://www.buzzfeed.com/leonoraepstein/13-of-lifes-best-questions-answered-by-kids-say-the-darndest 

   

Where is God?

"O God, you take no pleasure in wickedness;

you cannot tolerate the sins of the wicked.

Therefore, the proud may not stand in your presence,

for you hate all who do evil.

You will destroy those who tell lies.

The LORD detests murderers and deceivers."

Psalm 5:4-6 NLT

Terrorism.  Rape.  Mass murder.  Injustice.  Pornography.  Human trafficking.  Untold suffering.

I often hear people blame God for the state of this world.  "Why would He allow such evil?" they ask.  "If He's such a good God, why doesn't He stop the misery?"  While I can't have all the answers, there is one thing I do know: Evil and darkness are not from Him.

Hate.  As much as my stomach turns when I hear of wickedness on the evening news, God is sickened even more.  While I may have a hard time thinking about the dark acts that are committed in this world, God cannot tolerate these evil deeds.  I dislike what is wrong but He hates it.

Since God, in His righteousness and holiness, cannot stand for such wickedness, I know in His perfect justice, He is on the throne.  He has not fallen slack on the job.  Rather, He has a greater purpose about which I know nothing.  Part of living as His child is to trust Him to take care of me and to avenge those who have been victimized (Romans 12:19).  My job is to overcome evil with God's goodness that is within me.

This sometimes means doing the radical; befriending the enemy, reaching out to those who hurt others, giving to the very ones who take until it drains people dry.  God's love turns the evil on its ear.

When I look at all the evil that is surrounding me I can trust that God hates it more than I do.

Holy.  Righteous.  Perfect.  Far removed from sin.  Sacred.  Intolerate of sin.  God's holiness is hard to fathom.  He is so hallowed and divine that He cannot even look upon sin, let alone take part in it.  He is so pure that He cannot dwell with evil, let alone create it.  In fact, God is so holy that darkness is overcome by His light.  He can take that which is wrong and make it right, that which is meant for evil and use it for good, that which is dark and transform it into light (Romans 8:28,Genesis 50:19-20, Psalm 139:12).

This means I can trust His plan as good.  Even though the world around me is falling apart, heading in the wrong direction and tolerating that which is evil as if it were good, I can believe that God has a plan to deal with this darkness.  In the end, all will be returned to its original pristine condition, and those who have stood firm on the truth of the Gospel will be transformed into the immortal (Revelation 21, 1 Corinthians 15:54).

When I look at all the evil that is surrounding me I can believe that God's holiness cannot tolerate this darkness.

Righteous.  The worst stories are the ones where the guilty get off scott-free, never having to pay for their crime while their victims suffer untold pain.  It's unfair!  In reality, no one ever gets away with anything.  While it may seem that sin is running rampant and that evil prospers, God has a plan to set all things right, in His perfect time.  

You see, even my own sin has not gone unpunished.  The penalty for my sins has been paid fully by Jesus Christ as He died on the cross.  By faith, I have accepted the pardon God freely offers through Christ.  For those who do not fall under the blood of Jesus, however, they must bear the punishment for their own sins when they stand before God and are judged for their own transgressions.  

So, either Jesus bears the weight of sin, or the sinner does.  Either way, justice is served.

When I look at all the evil that is surrounding me I can believe that such a righteous God has brought about justice.

Living in such an evil world, its easy to turn the blame around on God, thinking that since this is His creation, He must have something to do with it.  In reality, God hates the darkness, cannot tolerate it, and has a plan of perfect justice.  Therefore, when I'm tempted to ask, Where is God? I can remember that He is all over it, in it, and throughout it.  God's got it covered!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God enough to let Him deal with the evil around me.

When do I attempt to bring about justice?

How am I hampering God's plan to hand down His perfect justice by getting in the way?

Salvation is the Lord's

"Salvation belongs to the LORD;

your blessing be on your people!"

Psalm 3:8 ESV

I couldn't believe how she had treated those children right in front of me.  What does she do behind closed doors? I couldn't help thinking.  My mind was plagued with thoughts of the abuse they may be enduring.  I had done what I could to defend them, reporting her to the proper agencies.  My heart, however, bled for their suffering.  I wanted to pluck them from that home, but that wasn't the lawful thing to do.  I felt so helpless.

It's hard to witness such suffering at the hand of another and I may try to take matters into my own hands.  In truth, while there are many ways I try to rescue, avenge, or revive, only God can save!

Enemies.  He felt trapped in a hopeless situation.  The job was good, the work was fulfilling, but his boss was cruel and vindictive.  She was led by her emotions, tainted by the unforgiveness she held in her heart.  In her eyes, everyone was out to get her, so she took it upon herself to be hyper-vigilant, assuming the worst of her employees.

Instead of defending himself against the charges this unjust employer accused him of, this worker left the situation in God's hands, letting Him fight the battle for him.  Soon, the business changed hands and he found himself working for a fair and equitable boss.

I may have enemies in this world, but in light of God's sovereign power, what can they do to me (Romans 8:31)?  In such secure hands, I can walk forward in peace despite the fact that I am surrounded by strife.  Since I'm a child of the Conqueror, there is nothing I need fear (John 16:33).  Because Jesus is my Warrior God, I can trust Him to avenge me when I'm wronged (Romans 12:19).

Only God knows how to save me when the enemies breath down my neck.

Hopelessness.  It all seemed so pointless.  What reason did she have to get up out of bed this morning?  Every day was the same and nothing ever got better.  The woman felt trapped; like her life was an endless series of meaningless events that rarely turned out the way she wanted them to.  What's the use? she wondered as she contemplated ending it all.

Focusing on the darkness of the world and the sorrow it brings, it's easy to fall into a state of despair.  Not knowing of God's great love for me, I would feel the same as this woman.  It's hard to put one foot in front of the other if I don't believe there is anything good in store for me.  If this is all there is, this pitiful life filled with suffering, I would feel just as hopeless.

In Christ, however, I have the expectation that something good will always come out of every single situation with which I am faced (Romans 8:28).  Through Christ living in me, I possess faith that there is a purpose for every tear shed, each pothole encountered, and even the heartaches felt.  Nothing is without purpose.  

Furthermore, this fullness of life (John 10:10b) I find in Christ that is not dependent upon my circumstances, is not all there is.  Jesus is at work preparing a heavenly dwelling place for me in His Father's house where I will be perfectly restored and fulfilled as I live with Him for all of eternity (John 14:2-3).

Only God can save me from a desperate life without the hope of anything better.

Punishment.  I feel unworthy of receiving anything good.  My sin is always before me, reminding me of my failures and weaknesses.  It's hard to look people in the eye, accept a kindness offered or the abundant life I'm promised.  When it comes right down to it, I know deep down in my heart I don't deserve any of it.

And I would be right in this thinking, except one thing:  My position as a child of God is not dependent upon my goodness, my ability to follow the rules perfectly, or my wholesomeness.  No.  Instead, my salvation from the punishment my sins have earned me is dependent completely on what Jesus has already done on the cross.  It is His blood that cleanses me from all unrighteousness, and it is Christ who presents me to His Father as pure and blameless (Ephesians 5:25-26).  In Christ, I can confidently come to my Father as one who belongs to Him, as His rightful heir and beloved daughter, and receive all that He has for me (Hebrews 4:16).

It's hard to live without fear when I don't understand God's love for me.  His love is so deep that I could never find the bottom, so wide that I cannot see the end, and so high that attempting to comprehend it's height would blow my mind (Ephesians 3:17-19).  

God is love.  His character is fully entwined in love.  He can't not love me.  Nothing I do, or that is done to me, can make Him stop loving me(Romans 8:38-39).  Nothing.  I am secure in His love and therefore free to receive all the goodness He has stored up for me (1 John 4:16-18)!  Punishment is no longer mine to endure.

Only God can save me, through faith in Christ, from the punishment my sins deserve.

I often try to save myself in many different ways.  Sometimes I attempt to fight my own battles, other times I try to find meaning in myself, and I may even live in fear of punishment for what I know I deserve.  In Christ, however, I have salvation from all these things and more.  He frees me from my desire to defend myself, taking holy vengeance upon Himself while giving me the hope of a meaningful life that will extend into eternity, and assuring me of His perfect love for me, despite my sin.  In these, Salvation is the Lord's!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God enough to receive the love He has for me.

When do I fear that I'll receive what I deserve, instead of what God wants to give through faith in Jesus?

How am I wary of His advances as I feel the weight of my sin?

How to Become a Fruitful Tree

"Blessed is the one who does not walk 

in step with the wicked

or stand in the way that sinners take

or sit in the company of mockers,

but whose delight is in the law of the LORD,

and who meditates on his law day and night.

That person is like a tree planted

by streams of water,

which yields its fruit in season

and whose leaf does not wither--

whatever they do prospers."

Psalm 1:1-3

There are many formulas for success in this world, but none as wise as this.

Company.  Mothers everywhere are right:  It matters who my friends are.  If I hang out mostly with godly people who love Jesus, I'll draw closer in my relationship with Him.  If I instead choose to associate mostly with people who live by the flesh and are their own lords, I'll drift away from Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:33).

Even if I'm only exposed to other believers, I usually choose my friends based on what we have in common.  Our church recently held a women's luncheon in which inter-generational relationships were encouraged.  I can learn so much from those who have gone before me and there are things I can teach to those who are coming along behind me.  But it's more than that.

God made us each in His image, yet we are unique in our own special way.  Limiting my relationships only to those who are similar to me, the old birds-of-a-feather syndrome, restricts my exposure to other godly points-of-view and helps me stay right where I am.  Including people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences, however, challenges me and enriches my life as my spiritual muscles are stretched and my horizons expanded.  For example, some of the most godly, faithful and on-fire-for-the-Lord Christians are young people!  Why should I not seek them out as friends?

I will become a fruitful and healthy tree if I choose my company wisely.

Way.  I must pick a path.  Just because I have accepted the salvation that comes by faith in Jesus Christ doesn't mean I will automatically follow Him down the track that leads to life.  Few find this route because it is secluded and out-of-the-way, unpopular and difficult (Matthew 7:13-14).

It's much easier to stay on the wide road that leads to destruction.  After all, it is quite common and acceptable so it can't be that bad, right?  It's the obvious choice, or so I tell myself.  Until I realize the emptiness of my life as I go after the meaningless things the world holds as valuable, or when my heart aches for the bond with the One for whom I was created, or as I tire of living only for myself.  Then I remember Jesus died to give me something far better (John 10:10).

I will become a fruitful and healthy tree if I choose my path wisely.

Attitude.  Am I a negative-Nelly, or do I see the good things of God all around me?  It's easy to focus on that which is bad about life; there is so much from which to choose!  Still, God is always at work in my life and in the lives of others.  Since He is a good God and everything beneficial comes from Him, I can make a decision to focus on the good, looking for what He is busy doing.

So what is stopping me?  Well, I live in a world that teaches me to think of myself as better than I really am, and my sin nature easily agrees with this mindset.  Therefore, if I don't intentionally remind myself why Jesus had to die for me, I will become just like the world: cynical and sarcastic, sneering at the ridiculousness of others' actions and ridiculing the state of the government, culture, entertainment industry, or whatever.  I actually need no encouragement to become that way for that is my natural state!

Instead of choosing the easy way, the natural way, the contemptuous way, I can undergo an attitude adjustment.  Letting God transform my mind will give me a different perspective where I will see the hurting, perceiving how God is mercifully saving, and realize His abundant grace in little hidden pockets everywhere.  Yes, God really is good all the time!

I will become a fruitful and healthy tree if I choose my attitude wisely.

There are many formulas I can follow to find a certain brand of success, but only one will cultivate me into a healthy, fruitful tree.  In order to become like such a tree, I can choose wisely the company I keep, the path I walk, and the attitude with which I see the world.  In these ways I will grow deep roots near streams of water that can stand firm no matter the storm.  This is the kind of tree I want to become!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can befriend those who will challenge my faith and show me your love on a regular basis.

When do I limit my friendships to those who are just like me?

How am I guilty of harboring an ungodly attitude toward the world around me?    

Untamable

"Can you catch Leviathan with a hook

or put a noose around its jaw?

Can you tie it with a rope through the nose

or pierce its jaw with a spike?"

Job 41:1-2 NLT

Legend has it that she hides in the secret parts of a lake whose depth reaches up to 754 feet.  She is elusive, only showing herself to a few people, and rarely sticking around long enough to be photographed.  Like the so-called Big Foot, many believe she's there, but there is little evidence of her existence.  Still, those who have seen her describe a mammoth creature similar to the Leviathan.  

If these large sea creatures are so untamable, how much more powerful and mysterious is their Creator?

Unsearchable.  "No one can measure the depths of his understanding." (Isaiah 40:28b NLT)   "Oh, how great are God's riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways!" (Romans 11:33 NLT)  "How great are your works, LORD, how profound your thoughts!"  (Psalm 92:5)  "Many, LORD my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us.  None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare." (Psalm 40:5)

David sang about the unknowable depths of God's understanding, especially of his intimate ways and of the plan He has for His children.  He marveled at how God holds it all together, saying "Your [infinite] knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high about me, I cannot reach it." (Psalm 139 6 AMP)  This man after God's own heart spent a lot of time pondering this unsearchable characteristic of God.  

With such a deep mind that is able to know all things, perceive all things, and take in all of His creation at once, how can I doubt His ability to care for me, comfort me, and meet me right where I am?  Why do I think I must put on a front, be who I think He wants me to be, pretend everything is okay when it is clearly not?  He knows.  He understands.  He gets it.

Since God's understanding of His creation is beyond my comprehension, He is certainly able to take care of me in just the way I need.

Mighty.  I think of a warrior, fighting an impossible battle and despite the irrefutable odds, winning.  Single handedly.  Shattering expectations.  How can one man secure victory against such a foe?  Yet Jesus did.  He conquered Death, the one enemy no one else could defeat.  The inevitable adversary that mankind dreads yet must one day face, and lose.  Christ single-handledly conquered Death (1 Corinthians 15:55-57).

Jesus is Mighty God (Isaiah 9:6).  He is mighty in battle, able to save me from my enemy (Psalm 24:8).  Is there any foe that can overpower Him, that He cannot subdue?  No.  Therefore, I can trust Him to fight my battles.  

When the pit of gloom threatens to suck me in, enveloping me in darkness, I can call on Jesus to set my feet on the solid rock (Psalm 40:2).  When the cares of this world bully me into a helpless heap of anxiety, I can call on Jesus to fill me with peace as I thank Him for all His goodness (Philippians 4:6-8).  When I face the impossible, feeling overwhelmed with the hopelessness of it all, I can call on Jesus to show me that nothing is impossible through Him (Philippians 4:13).

Since Jesus is my mighty warrior, I can call on Him to fight my battles for me.

Limitless.  I tried in vain to get our mama cat to leave her newborn kittens in the laundry room.  Time and time again, I would retrieve the babies from underneath my daughter's bed and carry them into their new home.  Without fail, Middy would pick them up by the scruff of the neck, one at a time, and return them to what she had deemed their rightful place.  I could not make this cat go against her God-given motherly instincts.

In the same way that God's creation cannot be completely tamed and conformed into man's idea of how things should work, God is limitless.  I cannot put Him in the neat little box I have labeled as "God."  He is bigger than I can fathom.  Nothing is impossible for Him and He is not constrained by time, the laws of nature or physics.  "Is the LORD's arm too short?" God asked Moses when he questioned God's ability to provide a months' worth of meat for the entire nation of Israel (Numbers 11:23).

Therefore, I must not limit God, restraining Him by my parameters of understanding and experience.  Simply due to the fact that I can't imagine something occurring, does it mean God can't do it?  Just because I've never seen a thing happen, does it mean God can't surprise me?  

Since God is limitless, I can expect the unexpected from Him.

God is untamable.  His ways are unsearchable, His power is mighty, and His scope is limitless.  Therefore, I can trust Him to do whatever it takes to care for me.  Let today be the first day when I acknowledge the unfathomable nature of the Lord our God.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust this God who cannot be understood or restrained.

How do I limit God?

When do I doubt that God can help me?

  

Not Enough

"Will the wild ox consent to being tamed?

Will it spend the night in your stall?

Can you hitch a wild ox to a plow?

Will it plow a field for you?

Given its strength, can you trust it?

Can you leave and trust the ox to do your work?

Can you rely on it to bring home your grain

and deliver it to your threshing floor?"

When I was a child, I loved to watch the Flintstones.  The way this cartoon, Stone-Age family used different creatures to perform household tasks and help make their lives better was creative and humorous.  After all, who has ever seen passengers riding a Pterodactyl like a jet liner, mowed the lawn with a dinosaur that eats the grass as you follow along behind or taken a shower by standing under the spray of a mastodon blowing water through its trunk?  There was nothing like this fun cartoon.

While I may not rely on interesting beasts to perform the functions of appliances, tools and other machines of this modern life like the Flintstones did, I do count on many things found in creation to help me live my life.  As much as I depend upon what is found in this world, especially myself, there is a Creating Force behind each one who is truly responsible for their usefulness.  Therefore, I would be wise to acknowledge God as the One on whom I really depend.

Needs Met.  I work hard to make a living, doing all the things a responsible adult does to take care of my family.  I try to be wise, thinking ahead and planning for the future.  I invest, I buy insurance, I save.  Therefore, I begin to think it's me who has met my own needs.

Unfortunately, I have failed to see that without God's grace, I can't even take a breath let alone perform a task or work a job.  Without Him, I'm lost.  In fact, I can't even trust in Him as my Lord and Savior without the faith that comes from Him (Ephesians 2:8)  Living for Him is only possible through the power He gives me to do what pleases Him (Philippians 2:13).

Therefore, why would I think I'm the source of my provision?  That I'm even capable of meeting my needs?  My ability to work comes from God and only He can provide in such a loving and complete way (Matthew 6:31-33).

What I find in myself is not enough to meet my needs.  It is only my Creator who is fully equipped to provide for me.

Success.  Plans are made.  Hours are dedicated.  Family time is sacrificed.  It takes much effort to climb the corporate ladder.  Once the top is reached, it's easy to think it was my effort, ingenuity and dedication that got me there.  

Unfortunately, I have failed to see that without God's favor, I would not have been given the mind to make the plans, the time to devote to work, or the family there supporting and missing me.  Doors would not open unless God facilitated it, health would not be given apart from God's giving it, opportunity would not come unless God ordained it.  Still, it's so easy to think it was by my clever maneuvering and faithful dedication that I am where I am.  In reality, it's all by God's grace (1 Corinthians 15:10).

What I find in myself is not enough to succeed.  It is only my Creator whose favor gives me any kind of achievement. 

Happiness.  I surround myself with things and people I love.  I busy myself with what I enjoy doing.  I feel happy.  I think this feeling of pleasure and contentment comes because I'm right where I want to be.

Unfortunately, I realize this feeling is fleeting and dependent upon my circumstances.  It is only by delighting myself in the Lord that He gives me what will bring true joy: His presence (Psalm 37:4, Romans 15:13, Isaiah 12:6).  Living in relationship with Him brings true satisfaction and enjoyment.  Everything else I run after will fade in it's ability to satisfy that hole inside of me that only God can fill.

What I find in myself is not enough to bring contentment.  It is only in relationship with my Creator that I will find true happiness.

There is much in the world that I can depend upon.  It's easy to get caught up in the notion that I am the source of my own provision, success and happiness.  When I come to know God through faith in Jesus Christ, however, I realize that I am only what has been created, and the Creator is truly the source of these benefits.  Therefore, I come to the conclusion that what has been made is not enough.  What I really need is the One who made it all.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God enough to look to Him as my only source of happiness.

When do I think it's me who has facilitated my success?

How am I denying God's sovereign power in my life?    

Diversity of God's Care

"Can you stalk prey for a lioness

and satisfy the young lions' appetites

as they lie in their dens

or crouch in the thicket?

Who provides food for the ravens

when their young cry out to God

 and wander about in hunger?"

Job 38:39-41 NLT

There is a bat living in the foothills of the Andes Mountains that is the size of a raspberry.  The lungs of the changeable lizard have the distinct characteristic of being the only home for the rare nematode worm.  In all, it is nearly impossible for man to identify all of the life that exists on this diverse planet, but these are two of the most recent discoveries.  Estimates of the total of land animals vary but fall between 1.3 for the amount of species that have been cataloged, and 10 million in all.  

Turning to the tiniest of creatures, the insect world, the numbers are even more astounding.  Scientists have cataloged around 900,000 different kinds of insects, but there could be up to 30 million in existence *.  Thinking about the variety of God's creation boggles my mind.

God put great thought into His creation, and His ability to oversee it all, placing each creature in the perfect environment and faithfully providing for their needs is mind-boggling.  With such a caring and powerful Father as this, why do I worry?

Provision.  Only God knows what I need.  He made me and knows me better than I can understand myself.  He also comprehends my situation, the circumstances in which He has placed me.  With such intimate knowledge of me, He is the only One who is qualified to know my needs perfectly and provide for the necessities of life (Matthew 6:31-33).

Still, I fight for what I think is rightfully mine.  I'm ambitious, going after the things which I find necessary.  I can't rest until I have figured out how me and my family will be taken care of.

If I would know the generosity of my Father, realizing that I can go to Him with these worries, leaving the need in His capable hands, then I would be able to turn my attention to Him and His kingdom, leaving the tedious and time-consuming task of providing to Him.  All that is necessary for me is to know Him and make Him known in my little corner of the world.

God is the perfect Provider for all my needs.

Production.  Only God knows the purpose for which He created me.  This is His world; His production.  And like some complicated play that He has written and produced, He has made each character to fulfill a certain role, to play a certain part, to fill a specific hole.  Without each of us doing our part, realizing our place, and responding to His direction, the show will flop.  While I can't take responsibility for the well-being of all of mankind, I can pay attention to what God wants me to do.

Therefore, when I see Him at work around me, being bothered by a need I notice in front of me, I can step in and do something to share God's love with those who are hurting.  Even if it seems insignificant, I can do my part to the best of my ability, surrendering my fears and doubts to Him so that I can be an instrument of His love in the little part I play.  As small as it seems, my obedience is noticed and makes a difference.  While I may balk at doing what God has placed on my heart, skeptical as to my ability to do such a thing, my willingness to be used by God will uniquely impact the world as I step into the role God meant for me to play (Ephesians 2:10).

God is the perfect Director of this production that we call life.

Power.  Only God has the authority and control to pull all the pieces of my life together.  He is uniquely qualified and equipped to work each part for His glory and for my good.  At just the right time, God is able to put everything where it should be.

While God did give us free will, making it so I must cooperate with His will if I want to see His purposes carried out in my life, He has unlimited power to constantly pursue me in a way that will show me His loving care for me.  It takes power to be able to pull that off for each of His image-bearers.  How can God oversee such intricate details, going after each sheep that has strayed and making sure every child knows of His love?  Now that is power!

With such a God as this, who wants to be known by each of us, how can I resist His advances?  Why would I hold Him at arms' length?  For what reason is there to keep Him at bay?  Not only is this powerful God mighty, but His love endures forever and is impossible for me to fathom.  His love is part of His character, making it impossible for Him not to love me.  Therefore, I have nothing to fear and need not resist His pursuit of me.

God has the power to pull all the pieces of His creation together, working each part into an intricate and beautiful tapestry.

If I had God's job, I would crumble under the pressure.  But God is perfectly qualified as my Provider, the Director of life, and is powerful enough to bring it all together.  If I doubt this truth, all I must do is look around at the great variety of His creation.  With such diversity of God's care, I know I can trust Him in all things.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can turn all my worries over to Him, knowing that He cares for me and is perfectly qualified to love and cherish me in just the way I need.

When do I try to be my own provider instead of letting my Father do His job?

How am I resisting His work in my life?

*http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/30/science/30species.html?_r=0

 http://www.si.edu/Encyclopedia_SI/nmnh/buginfo/bugnos.htm