Warning of Young Love

"Daughters of Jerusalem,

I charge you by the gazelles

and by the does of the field:

Do not arouse or awaken love

until it so desires."

Song of Solomon 3:5

Women have long been preoccupied with love.  Many, at least until the modern age of feminism, tend to long for the man of their dreams, fantasizing about getting married and living the fairy tale life.  Even if a career is more important to them, there is that desire in most of us to find that special someone with whom we can spend our lives;  life is meant to be shared, right?  

But what if it doesn't happen right away?  What if she doesn't find the right person according to the timetable the culture has created?  Is she wasting time?  I'd like to speak a word of encouragement to those disheartened by the wait, and give you, dear readers, a thought with which to encourage a woman in your circle who is waiting for her husband.

Invest.  Time is a precious commodity.  Unfortunately, in today's culture it's easy to waste this limited resource on superficial and meaningless things.  Checking social media.  Watching mindless entertainment.  Pursuing careers that promise deep purpose but fall short.  Cultivating a busy social calendar.  And so on, and so on.  

Instead of biding time until the right man comes along, why not invest in godly pursuits?  There is so much to learn about God and His ways, you could study a lifetime and barely scratch the surface.  Time invested in knowing Him is never time wasted.  The bonus is that while you grow in your bond with God, He reveals things about yourself that will benefit you in the years to come, especially when you get married.  As He works on your heart, you also practice submitting to God, letting Him lead you and learning to trust Him (James 4:7).  As you do so, you are unintentionally preparing yourself to submit to your future husband; not an easy task to accomplish for a modern woman steeped in women's rights.  You've been trained to stand up for yourself and to live independently, so this is the time to learn how to trust those in authority over you enough to let them lead.  And God is the safest One with which to hone your willingness to yield.

The time spent waiting for your future husband is the best time to invest in godly pursuits and practices.

Prepare.  If my heart is set on something, it's easy for me to spend every spare moment thinking about that desire.  Before long, I find I'm unknowingly obsessed with whatever it is I crave.  I remember going through a time when my husband and I paid off all our debt.  He was serving overseas as a career soldier and we applied the extra pay earned for serving in a combat zone to our credit cards.  I spent much time calculating how much we'd have to pay in order to close out each account before he returned.  It became a kind of game to me and I'd daydream about how we'd use our income once we no longer had the burden of credit card payments.

It can be the same with anything, but it seems to be very easy for a woman to pine away for her future husband, fantasizing about how you'll meet, what he'll be like, what it'll be like to be married.  Instead of wasting too much time with such activities, why not use valuable brain power to grow in your faith?  A lady-who-is-waiting can also spend time learning how to be a wife, observing wives in her life who are part of a godly marriage and discovering what the Bible has to say about living in relationship with her husband.  There is much preparation that can be done instead of simply longing for what is not yet yours.

The time spent waiting for your future husband is a great time to prepare for what is to come, proving to God that you trust in His timely provision.

Trust.  When I'm desperate, it's easy to take matters into my own hands, wondering if God has forgotten about my dreams, thinking He might have fallen asleep on the job.  The same thing can happen for you as you wait for your husband.  Instead of pursuing the man of your dreams, though, I'd like to exhort you to wait on God's best for you.  Let Him bring the right man into your life at just the right time, because then you know it'll work out according to His plan.  If you try to force it to happen before it's time, you'll miss out on the blessing of being inside of His will.

It's important to realize that only God knows what is best for you.  Only He sees the big picture, comprehending all the preparation that must take place, the skills that need to be learned, the state of the heart that could hamper such intimacy.  Until everything is exactly as He desires it to be, the plan will not be fulfilled.  As Solomon so eloquently said, "(God) makes everything beautiful in its time" (Ecclesiastes 3:11).  And this is true for marriage as well.  It will come about at just the right time, when you're ready for love.  Until then, its risky to try to force its arrival.

The timetable for meeting your future husband is best left in the hands of your Father who has your best interest at heart (Romans 8:28).

For women of all ages who desire to be married, waiting can be difficult.  This time of expectation, however, can be a great time to learn the secret Paul discovered for being content in every situation, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13).  He will empower you to wait with grace, possessing a satisfied heart.  

And so I exhort you, women who wait, to invest this time in godly pursuits and relationships, to prepare for what is to come as an act of faith that God will come through, and to entrust the job of finding the man for you to the One who holds the blueprint for your life (Jeremiah 29:11).   When you do so, sweet woman of God, you will find peace that flows like a deep, slow river flooding your heart and soul.  Use this time wisely!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can learn to trust God with the timetable He has for my life.

When do I get frustrated because my life is not going according to my plan?

How am I failing to trust God to order my footsteps, instead trying to force my own design?  

Inflexibile

"The words of the wise are like goads,

their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails--

given by one Shepherd.

Be warned, my son,

of anything in addition to them."

Ecclesiastes 12:11-12

God's Word, His standard, is firm.  Either I adjust my line of thinking, my values, my way of living to line up with His, or I stubbornly insist on my own, placing myself in opposition to God.  He will not transform to meet my beliefs or desires, or to change with the times.

God's Word is infallible and immutable; if I try to alter it to justify my actions or ease my conscience I'll find it impossible as His Word is firmly rooted in placed.  In addition, the wisdom found there will prod me on in my walk with Christ, teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16-17) while separating what thoughts and attitudes belong and which don't (Hebrews 4:12).  Yes, the wisdom from God is quite inflexible.  What does this mean for me?

One Author.  Sheep generally respond only to their own shepherd's voice.  They also submit to his discipline, instinctively knowing he is there for their protection and has their best interests at heart.  Therefore, when he pulls out the goad, that pointy stick to prod them on, they respond not just because it's sharp point hurts their skin, but because they are under his authority.

Likewise, I am a sheep who is under the authority of my Shepherd (John 10:11-16).  He is the only One who created the standard for my life, and only through Jesus do I find forgiveness for my offenses against His criterion (Ephesians 1:7).  When I try to accept other teachings that sound good to me and ease my conscience, I am straying from my Shepherd's intention for my life, from His best for me.  This is quite an offense to my Creator and my Redeemer.  Therefore, any wisdom or beliefs that don't line up with His must be tossed away as rubbish.

The only beliefs I must pay attention to are the ones that come from my Shepherd.

Judge.  In this day and age of relativism, I am always hearing the phrase, "Don't judge."  While it's true I must refrain from questioning a godly activity, lifestyle or decision a brother or sister has embraced or made, it is vital that I judge the actions of others as a way of discerning what is godly and what is not (Matthew 7:3-6).  

The act of assessing that one's actions do not line up with scripture is a part of living in community with others (Galatians 6:1).  God may prompt me to gently restore a fellow believer who has strayed, or my judgement may lead me to share the Gospel with the lost as I observe the lifestyle that can only be kept by the unbeliever.  Either way, it is vital that I discern which behavior is as a result of keeping in step with God's Spirit, and which is because one is doing what comes naturally (Galatians 5:19-23), not so I can lord it over anyone.  Rather, so I can either tenderly bring a wanderer back or boldly reveal the Way of life to the lost.

The only judging I take part in is the discernment that reveals the need so I can point the offender to Christ.

Fruit.  There is an overload of information available at my fingertips.  When I am curious about something, I can search for the answers I need.  If I need more insight, I can look up word meanings or find the root of it's use.  When I want to understand another's beliefs, a plethora of background information is available to help me delve into their point of view.

As I study, I have noticed different responses within myself to different sources.  When I dive deep into God's Word I gain insight into how to apply certain passages to my own life and find peace as I adjust to God's best for me.  Other times I experience relief as I discover that destructive habits contrary to God's intentions were the source of some of the pain in my life.  There is much good that comes from studying the Bible.  

On the other hand, when I learn about Metaphysical Humanism or Buddhism or other worldviews that stray from God's wisdom, I feel a confusion and weariness as I try to comprehend such beliefs.  In addition, I often am overwhelmed when faced with such knowledge that is in stark contrast to God's.  The outcome of or response to my research indicates from where the knowledge comes.  

As I study, the fruit of my studies often reveals the source.

While the world tells me the times are changing and I need to adjust accordingly, God does not take this same approach.  Instead, His wisdom as found in the Bible is firmly set.  When I accept His Word as the one standard by which all mankind will be judged, I realize the deep need each of us has for a Savior who can deliver us from such condemnation and offer us forgiveness instead.  As I step into His grace, then, I must agree that His way is the only way so that I'll reject any other beliefs, be ready to judge that which does not come from His Spirit, and be sensitive to the fruit that comes from my studies as an indication of it's source.  When I do, I'm acknowledging how inflexible God's Word is, and adjust accordingly.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can remain flexible in my beliefs, open to God's teaching throughout my life.

When do I refuse to let go of old beliefs that don't line up with God's?

How am I afraid to judge the actions of another, denying them the saving grace they need through Christ?

Now is the Time

"Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth,

before the evil days come

and the years draw near of which you will say,

'I have no pleasure in them'. . ."

Ecclesiastes 12:1 ESV

People often think they can put off coming to Jesus, that there will be plenty of time to live in relationship with Him later.  Things are going fine, they reason, I'll just wait 'til I need Him, after I've lived a little.

Why wait?  How long is my life?  How much time do I have?  No one knows.  Therefore, now is the time for repentance from sin that leads to salvation (2 Corinthians 7:10).  Now, when things are good, living is carefree and I'm in my prime.  Otherwise, I'll discover I've wasted my life!

Voluntarily.  He always knew God was there calling his name.  Instead of responding, though, he waited, placing God on hold where he could deal with Him later, when the time was right.  Then came the accident when he lost his sight.  No longer could he live as he once did, and the blind man knew God was giving him a wake-up call.  Hello!  I'm here and I want to be part of your life!  You are headed toward destruction!  Turn around and come toward Me where you will find life (Matthew 7:13-14, John 10:9-10, John 14:6)!

While salvation through faith in Jesus Christ is powerful no matter how and when I come, how sweet it is to come freely and of my own volition.  While ultimately it is God who is drawing me to Christ, it is up to me to respond or to resist, to cooperate or to defy, to give in or to stand firm in my destructive ways.  I can either wait until I hit rock bottom when I've tried everything else and failed to find peace and love, or I can put my faith in Jesus Christ now, giving Him my whole life.  The first is looking for proof or a guarantee while the second is taking God at His Word.  If I give Him a try I'll see how much better living with Him is (Psalm 34:8). 

Instead of trying all there is and coming up empty or waiting for a crisis to hit that will wake me up from my ignorant slumber, what a blessing it is to come to Jesus voluntarily.

Whole Life.  When I observe those who came to Christ early, who wholly submitted to Him at a young age, I grieve for all the years I lost to the sowing of fleshly oats.  Instead of the privilege of giving all my years to Him, I only have what is left.  When my body was young and before I had family responsibilities, who knows how God could have used me, what adventures I could have had while serving others in the name of Christ?  While I can't go back, I can warn others not to waste their lives on foolish pursuits that seem so important now but in the end, when standing before a holy God in the face of eternity, will not amount to anything (John 15:5-6).

There is another consideration regarding the timing of repentance.  The earlier I submit to God's plan for my life, entering into a relationship with Jesus Christ, the sooner reconstruction can begin.  There is much to transform in my life, and this sanctification is a lifelong process (Romans 12:2, Philippians 1:6).  It brings me great joy to see young people growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, knowing how special it is to experience His presence for all their days (2 Peter 3:18).

Instead of working against God until my final days, what a blessing it is to offer a lifetime to Jesus!

Preparation.  It's easy to see the United States and the world at large is headed in the wrong direction.  The mass slaughter of innocent babies is legalized and socially acceptable.  The name of Jesus Christ is a dirty word, often relegated to the use as a curse word.  Prayer to the One true God is considered an affront to a people who arrogantly and hypocritically claim tolerance.  Deviant sexual behaviors are celebrated and labeled as alternative lifestyles.  Identity has ceased to be a God-given trait and is now seen as self-assumed; I am whatever I want myself to be.  Self has clearly replaced God in this culture.

With things headed in such a destructive direction, how easy will it be to live for Christ in the days to come?  It may become a criminal offense to worship Jesus Christ, to mention His name, to proclaim His truths.  The days to come will only get worse for those who follow Christ.  Therefore, it makes sense to grow in my faith now in preparation for the days to come.  If I wait until tomorrow to make a decision about what I'll do with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, will I give my life to Him when the cost is higher than it already is?  Should I risk the fact that I may balk at giving up the security of this life in order to attain the eternal life offered by Jesus (Luke 9:24-25)?  Better to turn to Him now while the opportunity is here.  It may be too hard to repent later, when I'm rooted in this world and it turns even darker.  

Instead of waiting until it's physically dangerous to turn to Jesus, what a blessing it is to follow Christ in freedom now.

It's easy to sweep my sins under the rug, pretending not to hear Jesus as He knocks on the door of my heart.  Instead of putting Him off, however, there is much blessing to be found in giving my life to Him now.  I can willingly turn over my life in my prime so I have my whole life to serve and grow.  Then, when times become more caustic, my faith will be strong enough to stand the test.  Now is the time to turn away from my selfish ways and put on the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 13:14).  I will never be sorry I did.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can stop resisting and start cooperating with Jesus.

How am I defiant to God?

When do I resist His advances, balking at His desire to come closer?  

  

God Mixes It Up

"Consider what God has done:

Who can straighten

what He has made crooked?

When times are good, be happy;

but when times are bad, consider this:

God has made the one

as well as the other.

Therefore, no one can discover

anything about their future."

Ecclesiastes 7:13-14

There are so many plans I could make and attempt to carry out in order to give me the life I want.  I recently read about a high school graduate who has his life planned out until he was 43 at which time he believes he will become President of the United States.  While this culture applauds such confidence and ambition, (evidenced by the fact that his story was printed on the front page of the local paper) is it a godly approach to life?  Can any of us really predict the future?  

Only God knows for certain.  Consequently, how should we live?

Control.  My grandmother did it before me and I have inherited her habit.  We share an affinity for weather reports.  While I don't record each day's conditions like she did, I am fascinated by forecasts.  A day is just not complete until I see what the weatherman thinks is headed our way for the coming hours.  The one thing I have noticed is that no one can predict the weather with 100% accuracy. I chalk this up to the sovereignty of God.

In the same way that rain can come on the day of the picnic even though sun is forecast, my own plans can be messed up by an unforeseen event.  Whether it is sickness, an accident, a natural disaster or some other crisis, God could allow hardship and suffering into my life at any time.  As a child of the King, I can be assured that whatever He approves of for my life will test my faith and grow my character (James 1:2, 1 Peter 1:6-7, Romans 5:3-5).  It all is part of His glorious design that will bring about His best for me while pointing others to Him (Romans 8:28).

As I live my life, peace will come when I rest in the truth of God's sovereignty: He controls my future.

Formula.  "God will give you a good life because you are taking care of children."  My Muslim friend confidently proclaimed this belief to me when my family ran a free afterschool program in our neighborhood.  Her faith taught her that good deeds produces a comfortable, carefree life and that Allah, her god, would reward endeavors performed with a pure heart by shielding her from hardship. 

The One True God does not follow this kind of mindset.  In fact, if I want to live on Easy Street, I had probably better avoid following Jesus (John 15:18-25, Malachi 3:3, John 16:33).  The blessings of God do not always translate into worldly or physical blessings.  Rather, the reward often comes later, after this life is over when I will enter into the presence of God by faith in Jesus (Matthew 5:12, Hebrews 10:35).  If I'm looking for the good life now, I may be disappointed.  If I'm hoping for all that He promises me in eternity,however, I will not be let down.

As I live my life, I'll learn to cope with hardship when I realize the struggles are not necessarily a result of my failures, but often a part of living a life in relationship with Jesus.

Blind.  After I go through a hard thing like a crisis or difficulty that brings pain and suffering, I often feel a bit gun shy, wondering what this present day will bring.  As I consider the hardship I just went through, I think it would be nice to know what's coming down the pike so I could brace myself.  In reality, though, such knowledge would be too much for me to bear.

Thankfully, God knows it is better for His image-bearers to live life blind to the future.  In His wisdom, He only reveals what I need to know at the time that is necessary so as not to overwhelm my frail being with unnecessary heartache.  Therefore, it is vital that I trust Him, realizing if He is wise enough to guard me from knowing too much about what is to come, He is also wise enough to know how to get me through tomorrow's untold sorrows. In fact, I can rest in the fact that He is already there.  His grace is all I need to withstand any heartache; upon this truth I can stake my life (2 Corinthians 12:9, Philippians 4:12-13).

As I live my life, I can rest in the knowledge that it's enough that God knows what is coming my way, and I can trust that He will get me through tomorrow's unknown.

I can make my plans but only God holds the blueprint for my life.  Therefore, I'd be wise to acknowledge that He is in control, there is no formula to living a stress-free life, and that living blind to the future is God's best for me.  While I'd love to have my life all mapped out so I know what to expect, I've found that God mixes it up.  What an adventure life with Jesus is!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God enough to let Him control my tomorrow.

When do I attempt to be the master of my own destiny?

How am I frustrated with my inability to control my days? 

  

Draw Near to Listen

"Guard your steps when you go to the house of God.

Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools,

who do not know that they do wrong.

Do not be quick with your mouth,

do not be hasty in your heart

to utter anything before God.

God is in heaven

and you are on earth,

so let your words be few."

Ecclesiastes 5:1-2

"What are your prayers as you walk through your neighborhood?"  The question came during a Bible study where the leader wanted to know my petitions to God for the community in which we lived and served.  It struck me at that moment that the talking is not the important part of prayer.  In hindsight, maybe he was asking the wrong question.  Perhaps there's more to communing with God than the words I say.

Be still.  I've been having a conversations lately with other believers about what it means to be still before God (Psalm 37:7).  It's easy to get the idea that it means sitting idly in a quiet spot, almost like the picture of meditation that comes out of eastern religions.  Most I talk to balk at the idea, saying "Whose got time to sit around when there's so much to be done!  I've got too much energy to just be still."

It seems this "resting in the Lord" is more about the state of my heart than the position of my body.  In fact, the Hebrew for "rest" literally means "to be silent, still, grow dumb."  So when I come before the Lord in prayer, it is with a spirit of anticipation, expecting to hear more than to speak.  Most of the time I focus on bringing my petitions before the Lord, letting Him know my needs, pouring out my hurts.  While these are all good things, I must also be prepared to listen, to still my mind and incline my heart toward Him so that I am willing to hear all He may say.  It's also vital that I keep open to God, sensitive to my Shepherd's voice so that I can respond in obedience.  If I spend so much time talking, I'll never give Him a chance to speak to me.

When I draw near to God it is important that I still my mind and heart so that I can listen to what He has to say.

Near.  It's easy to get the idea that I'm not worthy to talk to God. My heart broke to hear this sentiment from an elderly man whom I was encouraging in his relationship with God.  As I urged him to bring his requests before the Lord, he responded by saying, "It might be okay for you to talk to God, but I'm just not the kind of person He will listen to."  Despite my assurances of God's love for him and His eagerness to enter into such intimacy with him, the gentleman could believe such a thing about himself.

In Christ all can boldly come before God's throne of grace without shame or insecurity, as a well-loved child.  Jesus makes it possible for the worst of sinners to be reconciled to God through His blood, making it perfectly permissible to come before God with the confidence of one who belongs (2 Corinthians 5:18).  It is by His righteousness that I come, not by my own (Romans 3:22).  It is through His invitation that I come, not through my own presumptuousness (Hebrews 4:14-16).  It is due to His work on the cross, not due to my own offerings and best efforts that appear as filthy rags before such a holy God (Ephesians 2:8, Isaiah 64:6).

I can draw near to God with the confidence of one who is loved and welcomed into His presence.

Receive.  There is the tendency to want to pay back God for all He has done for me.  Is there anything God needs from me?  Is He touched by my offerings?  Is He lacking in any way, dependent upon me to give Him what He needs (Isaiah 1:10-15)?  

The answer is a resounding "No."  He is self-sufficient, the great "I Am" who has no limitations, never grows weary, cannot fail (Exodus 3:14, Isaiah 40:28).  He owns the earth and all that is in it and there is nothing I can give Him that is not already His (Psalm 24:1).  What He desires from me instead is my heart (1 Samuel 15:22, 16:7).  He wants me to want Him more than all the world has to offer.  He wants me to see Him as my all in all.  He wants me to depend on Him for every good thing, for all my strength, for each need (2 Corinthians 9:8, 2 Corinthians 12:9,Matthew 6:31-32).  Therefore, when I come to Him it must be with a humble anticipation of all that He will give to me.  Without His gracious gifts bestowed upon me, I'd have nothing to give to others (James 1:17).

Instead of expecting to give to God, I must draw near to Him with the spirit of anticipation, ready to receive all He has to give.

I sometimes get the idea that I'm meant to go to God so that I can give.  In reality, it's more about what He gives to me.  Therefore, I must be still, ready to listen to what He has to say, realizing I belong in His presence through faith in Christ, and with open hands to receive all He has to give.  In these ways, I'll be drawing near to listen more than to speak.  This is prayer at its essence.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can be quiet and listen to God's voice.

When do I wrongly think I can pay back God for all He has done for me?

How do you avoid God out of a feeling of inadequacy, forgetting that it is by grace that you have been ushered into His kingdom?    

It's all a Waste

"Now all has been heard;

here is the conclusion of the matter:

Fear God and keep his commandments,

for this is the duty of all mankind.

For God will bring every deed into judgment,

including every hidden thing,

whether it is good or evil."

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

I run after so much in search of relief from the meaningless routine and the pain of life in this broken world: pleasure, frivolity and fun, numbing addictions, industry and success, personal kingdom-building, material wealth, entertainment.  But I'm still hurting and empty inside.  Where lies the answer for my purpose?

Fear God.  Many believe He exists, even if they say He doesn't.  All of us are confronted with His handiwork on a daily basis, unknowingly driving us to make a decision about Him, whether we realize it or not (Psalm 19:1-4, Romans 1:19, Acts 14:17).  Mankind is constantly either turning away from God or toward Him in both infinitesimal and enormous ways.  Is there a designer of this flower which I admire?  How does the sun rise like clockwork each day?  What kind of design went into the intricacy of the human hand? Is there a standard by which I am measured or is life mine for the taking with no consequences to bear for my actions?  I can either acknowledge Him or I can refuse to recognize the Mastermind behind all of creation.

Fearing God, however, goes beyond mere recognition of a Creator, a righteous Judge, a benevolent Being.  As James wrote, "You believe that there is one God.  Good!  Even the demons believe that--and shudder." (James 2:19)  To fear God is to revere, honor and respect Him.  Fearing God, realizing His holiness and righteousness causes me to tremble, to recognize my own inadequacies and my utter depravity, my filthiness before His own purity.  Fearing God drives me to the cross where the blood of Christ covers my sins making me appear white as snow to this God whose mercy on which I depend.  This kind of awe drives me to live in holiness, to offer my whole self as a living sacrifice, to give as He has given to me (1 Peter 1:15-16, Romans 12:1, Ephesians 4:32, John 13:34).

To find meaning and to stop wasting my life I must fear God.

Live His Way.  It's my way or the highway.  I did it my way.  Like it or lump it.  There are many ways to profess my desire to live according to my own plans and desires, and how to tell others to mind there own business when it comes to how I live my own life.  It's my life, I can do what I want!  I defiantly proclaim.  All the while, I'm broken inside and suffering the consequences of defying the One who holds the blueprint for my life (Jeremiah 29:11).

I can either fight against God, or I can cooperate.  I can stubbornly insist on living as I always have, or I can submit to the transformational work of the indwelling Spirit through faith in Christ (Romans 12:2). I can walk in my own strength and according to my own rules, or I can hand God the reigns and live in tandem with Him (Galatians 5:16).  Only He knows the purpose for which He created me so I'd be wise to let Him have His way in my life.

To discover the secret of a meaningful and fruitful life, I must live God's way. 

Judgment is Coming.  I accepted Jesus as my Savior, what more do you want from me?  It's easy, and actually quite common, for people to think this way about their lives.  After all, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is about what I get from God through faith, right?  The abundant life filled with unconditional love, acceptance into His kingdom forever, a Father who takes care of my needs.  You know, I'm just too blessed to be stressed, so highly favored am I.

This kind of prideful attitude denies the seriousness of the eternal judgment from which I've been delivered, but also the accounting that will be demanded of me when I finally face the righteous Judge.  I will not be condemned, no, but there will be some kind of reason expected from me for every idle word spoken, a reckoning of what I did with Jesus in this life (Romans 8:1, Matthew 12:36, Romans 14:12, 1 Peter 4:5).  While my actions here on earth may no longer carry eternal consequences because of what Jesus has done on the cross on my behalf, the way I live does bear weight on what is to come.  I may not be punished according to my iniquities, but there will be some kind of accounting of what I did with the grace I was so freely given (2 Timothy 2:1-7, Matthew 25:14-30, Matthew 22:1-14).  I want to hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant."  Therefore, it is my desire to live on purpose, keeping my eyes on the finish line (Philippians 3:14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27). 

In order for my life on earth with a purpose, I must realize everything I do here counts.

There is so much for me to spend my time doing, but Solomon realized most of it is a waste.  The conclusion he came to is one I can benefit from heeding:  Fear God, live His way, and realize judgment is coming.  When I live according to these truths, I will stop wasting my life and start living the meaningful life in Christ!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can live each day on purpose.

How do I live as if my words have no eternal impact?

When do I focus only on the here and now and fail to realize I'm in a race that has a finish line?     

Wisdom is not the Answer

"I said to myself, 

'Look, I have increased in wisdom more than anyone

who has ruled over Jerusalem before me;

I have experienced much of wisdom and knowledge.'

Then I applied myself to the understanding of wisdom,

and also of madness and folly,

but I learned that this, too, is a chasing after the wind.

For with much wisdom comes much sorrow;

the more knowledge, the more grief."

Ecclesiastes 1:16-18

Humans are so busy learning new things and seeking greater understanding of the world and everything in it, but what good does it do?  How does it relieve suffering or deliver meaning?  Does knowledge have eternal significance or make an everlasting impact?  The answer is "No."  In a lot of ways we are wasting our time because the more we know, the more we realize our lack, our deficiency, our utter hopelessness to save ourselves from insignificance.

So, what is the answer?  Jesus.

Understanding.  I find it difficult to have deep conversations with intellectuals who only want to discuss what they can quantify, prove, or sense.  Many look down on me for my faith in a God they cannot see, refusing to acknowledge even the possibility that there is Someone greater than they.  In their arrogance and at their own peril they reason that if they can't understand it, then it can't exist.  What a superficial and hopeless existence.

There is more to life than what we can touch, see, hear, smell and taste.  If I only pursue knowledge of physical things which are here today and gone tomorrow while completely ignoring spiritual truths which last forever, I am limiting myself to that which is temporary.  If I never recognize my Maker who set a perfect standard which I constantly miss, I will never see my need for rescue from the punishment my shortfalls deserve.  If I spend my life limiting myself to what I can comprehend and what I can sense, when I get to the end of this life and stand before a holy and just God, not only will He judge me according to my own sin, condemning me to an eternity of punishment, but I will have nothing to show for all my effort to understand.  Seeking knowledge and insight will not save me from the inevitable.  Only faith in the blood of Jesus can do that (Hebrews 9:11-15).

A life spent trying to gain insight into this world is a life wasted and an eternity doomed.

 Abundance.  There is an emptiness apart from Christ.  Humans have a desire for meaning, for fulfillment, for purpose.  I can search for the reason for my existence by throwing myself headlong into an important career, or giving my all to a vital cause, or pursuing deep connection with those I love, but still there is something missing.  No matter how hard I try, I will never find what my heart truly desires.

It's not until I see my own depravity, my brokenness, my lack that I will understand my need.  There is nothing in this world that can fill the void left by my estrangement from God due to my sin.  As I see how far I fall short from God's expectation for me as His image bearer, understanding the gulf that exists between Him and me, I see the value in what Jesus died to offer:  Forgiveness from the One who set the standard I fail to reach and restoration of the bond between Him and me (Romans 3:21-24).  This is the abundant life Jesus came to deliver to me by faith (John 10:10b)

A life spent trying to fill the void inside apart from Jesus is an empty and pointless life.

Purpose.  Why am I here?  Every human asks this question in one way or another.  Some look to religion to find the answers, finding a certain meaning in the rituals and fellowship.  Others turn to science, thinking if they can understand the "how" they will understand the "why".  A few use reasoning powers to conclude there is no purpose, life came about spontaneously and completely by accident so there is no ultimate reason for our existence.

No matter how I try to answer the question of my purpose, I come up empty apart from Jesus.  In Christ, I find my purpose as I learn I was made on purpose for a purpose (Ephesians 2:10).  Not only is there a design for all of creation, but I am placed right where I am to shine His light in the darkness around me (Matthew 5:14-16).  Knowing He made me for a specific reason gives me a feeling of worth and value.  I am intrinsically valuable to the One who made me (Psalm 139:13-16).  Therefore, my life takes on a new-found importance as I live for His glory instead of my own (Colossians 3:17).

A life spent looking for my purpose apart from Christ is an exercise in futility.

Wisdom in and of itself cannot save me.  It is powerless to rescue me from eternal condemnation, give me a rich life, nor reveal my purpose.  Only Jesus can fulfill such missions, and as I give my life to Him by faith, I'll find a new meaning that will lead to the rich and abundant life for which I've always longed.  Wisdom is not the answer, Jesus is!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God enough to look to Him to find the answers I need.

When do I look in the wrong places to find the answers I seek?

How am I wasting my time on temporary fixes instead of the permanent solution that is in Christ?  

  

Tapping into Mercy

"Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, 

but the one who confesses and renounces them 

finds mercy."

Proverbs 28:13

I'm intrigued by God's mercy, and I have it if I really want it.  He's faithful to forgive through faith in the blood of Jesus, and His mercies are new every single day I awake (1 John 1:9, Lamentations 3:22-23).  He is this wellspring of new life, new chances, new attitudes.  God never runs out of this mercy upon which my existence depends (Ephesians 2:4-5).  In fact, He so desires to continuously pour His goodness into me, but I don't always feel this spiritual flow of richness.  Instead, I often feel devoid of any real love, unworthy, almost hopeless.  

Why this desert living with the promise of such bounty?  Because I easily block what God wants to give me.

Hide.  It's hard for me to camp at a KOA campground.  There, I've said it.  I'd rather go to a state park where trees abound and there is plenty of space between campsites.  It makes me uncomfortable to be so close to people I don't even know, to hear their conversations and wonder whether they may be listening to mine.  I'd rather have the cover of distance and greenery to at least give me the illusion of privacy.

Whereas privacy while camping is not such a bad thing, taking on this same kind of attitude with God and those I love is destructive to my spiritual health.  It breeds an ever-greater sense of mistrust as time goes on, and fear and doubt tend to grow in such an atmosphere.  When I construct a barrier of defense to keep people and even God away, fearing their reaction when they see my struggles, weaknesses and faults, I'm also blocking the good things God wants to give me.  I'm meant to live in community with God and others (Hebrews 10:24-25).  When I resist such openness to His light, I am also resisting His desire to give me all of Him.  When I am willing to receive, I can count on the fact that He is willing to give.

It's time for me to stop hiding behind the barriers I've constructed and start living as a child of light (1 Thessalonians 5:5, 1 John 1:7).

Facade.  She is exhausted.  She spends her days busily keeping up pretensions, carefully choosing her words so they sound pleasing to the ear, preparing for the activities she thinks are what God wants her to do, dressing and acting as she believes is proper for her position in God's kingdom.  From the outside, it seems her faith is strong and her walk with Jesus is secure.  Many look up to her as an inspiration to their own faith.  Yet inside, she feels like she doesn't belong, as if she isn't good enough, and she us utterly tired of keeping up the facade she has so carefully constructed.

This is not the abundant life Jesus died to deliver to those who believe (John 10:10b).  This sounds more like a nightmare out of a horror novel.  Who can keep up this kind of pretense where the impression one leaves is what counts most?  No one can, yet many of us try.  When I create such a fake life, I'm failing to understand the freedom to live authentically that is mine in Christ (John 8:36).  When He died to free me from sin, He meant all sin, even the pride that keeps me worrying about my reputation or thinking that to be loved I must be perfect, or that I can somehow earn my place as His child.  No, Jesus loves me warts and all and it is by grace that I am saved.  As He invites me into relationship with Him right where I am, so He is also the one who is in charge of the transformation process (Romans 12:2, Ephesians 4:23-24).  I can't fake godliness, and trying to do so only serves as a barrier between Him and me, bringing to a halt the true renovation project He wants to continue in my heart (Philippians 1:6).  

It's time for me to stop trying to be someone I'm not and begin discovering the woman God created me to be.

Pretend.  "How are you doing after the death of your father?"  

Without skipping a beat, the woman answered, "Fine, great!  Things are going really well, ya, thanks for asking!"  With that, she put on a brave face, smiling largely and began to try to convince everyone in the circle that all was well.  Still, I wondered, was there not some grief or hurting in her heart?  Surely everything can't be so rosy? I thought.

Sometimes it seems safer and easier to put on a brave front, pretending everything is okay rather than risking the emotional display that may come from honestly revealing my feelings for others to see.  When I do so, I find my suffering to be quite a burden to carry on my own.  I'm plagued by my feelings as they taunt me throughout the day, stealing my joy and keeping peace at bay.  Instead of receiving the healing and comfort that God often brings to me through those that He's placed around me, I resist such benefits, preferring instead to go it alone (2 Corinthians 1:3-5).  When I do, I suffer the consequences as I block His mercy from entering in and binding up my wounds, setting me free from the pain.  It's almost like I'd rather be hurting than to let anyone else see what's going on inside.  When I do take the risk, however, I open up the flow of mercy that brings about restoration that can only come through Jesus (Luke 4:18-20).  

It's time for me to stop pretending everything is okay when I'm hurting so that I can find the wholeness that comes through Christ.

God is rich in mercy and He is eager to give me all that I need.  Yet I often resist His generous nature, preferring instead to hide being barriers of defense I've constructed, or creating a facade based on who I think I should be, or pretending everything is okay when it's not.  When I practice such foolishness, I fail to taste the goodness of God.  If I really want to tap into God's mercy, I can let down the barriers, stop the charade and drop the pretentiousness and begin living as a wholly loved child of God through faith in Jesus Christ.  What bounty I will then discover!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God enough to live authentically before Him and others.

When am I afraid to let others in?

How do I live as I think I should instead of letting God change me into who He wants me to be?