Ambassador

"The LORD said to Moses,

'Speak to the Israelites and say to them:

I am the LORD your God.

You must not do as they do in Egypt,

where you used to live,

and you must not do as they do in the land of Canaan,

where I am bringing you.

Do not follow their practices.

You must obey my laws and be careful to follow my decrees.

I am the LORD your God.

Keep my decrees and laws,

for the person who obeys them will live by them.

I am the LORD.'"

Leviticus 18:1-5

Upon arrival in our new host country, my husband and I were required to take a class where we learned the importance of setting a good example for those who were watching us.  It was also important, as members of the U.S. Armed Forces, that we do not draw attention to ourselves, making us an easy target for terrorism.  As American citizens, we were no longer concerned with how our behavior influenced our own reputation, but as long as we lived in this foreign country, we were representatives of America.  Everything we did reflected upon our home nation.

In the same way, I belong to the Lord through faith in Jesus Christ.  As such, this world is not my home. (1 Corinthians 5:1-5) Instead, I have been placed in this foreign land with a mission.  Part of that purpose is that I represent the Lord and His Gospel. (2 Corinthians 5:20)  Consequently, my standards are high, not because I am better than anyone else or special in some way.  Instead, much is expected from me and my behavior because everything I do, every word I speak, and every place I visit is a reflection upon the One who called me.  (Isaiah 43:1, John 15:16)  Therefore, there are some things I must keep in mind.

Don't Go Back

Once I learned the new way, there was no reason to go back to my old habits.  Even though there was something pleasant about sitting in my comfortable chair positioned near the window of my bedroom, using the computer to record my thoughts and meditations far surpassed the joy of writing by hand with pen and paper.  When my family bought our first computer all those years ago, the convenience and efficiency of composing using word processing software soon replaced the archaic way of writing.

In a similar way, I am a new creation in Christ Jesus.  The old way of doing things is gone, replaced by the new.  (2 Corinthians 5:17)  Instead of being destined to live in my sinful ways, I now I able to overcome, stepping into the power God's grace and mercy provides to resist temptation and desire that which pleases God. (1 Corinthians 10:13,Romans 8:2, 31,Hebrews 4:16)

In the place of relying on my own understanding, making a list of pros and cons in order to decide which path I should take, God has given me the discernment of His indwelling Holy Spirit to guide me in the way of righteousness. (John 16:13-14, Romans 8:14, Proverbs 3:5-6)

While my success or failure used to depend upon my own abilities and effort, as a child of God through faith in Jesus Christ, I now rely on His grace to both give me the power to endure all things but also to equip me to accomplish the mission He lays before me.  (2 Corinthians 12:9)

I am called to live differently than I did before I knew the power of His saving grace.  (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)  Instead of relying on my old way of doing things; going back to the habits that used to comfort me, the pastimes that once brought me pleasure, or the worldly wisdom that at one time seemed so clever, I am now called into a new way that honors God.

Since I belong to God through faith in Jesus Christ, I must never go back to the ways I knew before Christ.  

Don't Give In

She said it was okay to fudge the numbers on the form.  I knew the tax accountant professed Christ as her Savior so I was tempted to follow her advice.  The discomfort I felt in the pit of my stomach, however, warned me against doing things her way.  Instead, I sought the Lord's guidance and He reminded me of how His love rejoices in the truth. (1 Corinthians 13:6)  Therefore, I decided to take a stand for what is right, recording the accurate figures and letting God provide for the exorbitant taxes I may end up paying.

I will find people within the body of Christ who are willing to compromise the values and standards set down by a holy God.  It is easy to get caught up in following suit in order to fit in or so that I will feel comfortable.  Instead, I would be wise to surround myself with those who encourage me to live a life worthy of the One who gave His life for me.  (Philippians 1:27, 1 Corinthians 15:33, Psalm 1:1-3)

While I may be tempted to buy into whatever a brother or sister is selling, I must always compare a message to what I find in God's Word.  Just because something sounds good does not mean it is godly.  Similarly, I must never take another's word simply because they profess Christ as Savior.  Instead, I would be wise to judge them by their fruit to know if the message is from God, or if it simply appeals to my sin nature. (Matthew 7:15-17)

I may want to leave behind my life of financial struggle so I easily accept it when I hear that God wants me to live a life of luxury.  If I am discerning, however, God's Spirit will remind me how difficult it is to serve God with the tempting lure of worldly riches tethering me down.  (Matthew 19:23-24)

It is also easy for me to accept when a brother or sister tells me how God wants me to be happy.  Since I desire to feel fulfilled in a life virtually free from struggles, I readily believe.  When I go to God seeking the truth, however, I find that it is my character that most concerns Him.  Therefore, I learn to cherish the difficulties, knowing that God is using the ups and downs in life to refine me and mold me into the shape He desires for me. (Romans 5:3-5)

There are many messages floating around the body of Christ which do not line up with His Word.  If I am to stand firm in the truth that I've been taught, it is important that I don't blindly follow the latest Pied Piper who spouts their own brand of christianity. (1 Corinthians 16:13)  Instead, I would be wise to stick closely to the lessons taught by Christ, adhering only to His Gospel.

Since I belong to God through faith in Jesus Christ, I must never give in to the deceptive teachings being disguised as truth.

Don't Give Up

Why am I doing this?  Are these kids even hearing any of the lessons I'm teaching?  Their attitudes seem to be getting worse, not better.  Maybe I should just give up; what's the use?  

These are some of the thoughts that used to float through my mind during a hard day of teaching neighborhood children in the free afterschool program ministry my family used to run out of our home.  When my daughters and I focused on the outward behavior of the children, we were often tempted to quit.  When we redirected our focus on God and His purposes, however, we found our attitudes quickly improved.

It is easy to want to throw in the towel when I expect to see results or some kind of fruit from my labor in the Lord.  Most times, however, God wants me to be faithful to the calling He has placed on my life, leaving the outcome in His hands.

Therefore, I can learn to love God and His ways, seeking to walk with Him and please Him above all things. When I live my life according to His Word, I can prepare myself for attack or disappointment, knowing that I don't belong to the world in which I live.  (John 15:19) Then, when persecution comes, I will not feel discouraged.  Or, when the inevitable ridicule rears it's ugly head, I won't be surprised.  Or, when I fail to see anything good coming out of my efforts, I'll keep true to my calling. 

Since I belong to God through faith in Jesus Christ, I must never give up on the mission God has placed in my life.

God has placed a high standard for those who belong to Him.  Lest I begin to think too highly of myself, I must remember this is not because I'm more special than others or that I'm somehow better.  Instead, this expectation is so that I will reflect well upon the One whose name I am so closely identified to.  For this reason, I must never go back to my old ways, resist the urge to compromise the Truth, and stand firm in the mission God has called me to complete.  In these ways I will represent the holiness of God to a world that expects very little from us.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can remember Who I represent.

When do I easily give in when a friend lowers her principles?

How do I give up when the going gets tough?

Deliverance

"During the night Pharaoh summoned

Moses and Aaron and said,

'Up!  Leave my people,

you and the Israelites!

Go, worship the LORD as you have requested.

Take your flocks and herds,

as you have said,

and go.

And also bless me.'"

Exodus 12:31-32

The minute hand on the clock seemed to be moving much slower than it should, as if the batteries were running out of power.  "Is it time yet?" 

"No, girls, we need to wait for the man to make the announcement that its time to board the plane.  Right now, we just have to wait."

My family and I were catching a ride with a military flight heading back to the west coast of the U.S. from Germany so we could visit my grandmother during what came to be the final few weeks of her life.  I took on a better understanding of the oft-quoted Army adage,"Hurry up and wait," as we sat for hours waiting for our flight after rushing to the airport hours earlier in order to make the report time.  It seemed our plane would never leave.

Finally, after 4 hours, an attendant rushed into the waiting room and announced the departure of our flight.  He hurriedly gave instructions to gather our baggage and load up on a bus that would take us to the C-5 cargo aircraft where we would climb a set of mobile stairs to the upper deck seating area located above the payload.  We rushed to gather our things and follow the directions given to us, thankful to finally be on our way.

Many times God offers sudden, unexpected relief after a long time of oppression, suffering or waiting.  While it is certainly welcomed, in the same way that our family was relieved to finally be on our way to the U.S., things can seem to move overwhelmingly fast after such a long time of delay.  I can always trust God, however, that it is all a part of His master plan.

Preparation

Put no yeast in the dough.

Leave no meat until morning; burn all leftovers.

Eat quickly, with your staff in your hand, your sandals on your feet and your cloak tucked into your belt.

Be ready to go.

After years of suffering under the hand of Pharaoh, the Israelites had finally reached the time of deliverance. (Exodus 12:9-11) As much as they had wanted to leave Egypt, when the time finally came it was a quick exit.  Thankfully, God prepared them.  He gave them specific instructions of what to eat and how to consume it.  The Lord even thought of the importance of leaving out the yeast so they would be able to take the unleavened dough with them and bake it for consumption on their journey. (Exodus 12:37-39)  Who has time to let dough rise when traveling?

God is equally as concerned about preparing me for my time to move.  While it may seem I'm in a time of no action, little activity, or minor movement; God is still at work, getting things into place in preparation for the time when He says, "Go!"

Therefore, I need not worry that my life is a waste of time, or that my suffering will never end. Instead, I can trust that the God who never changes is getting me ready for what is to come.  So, I'd better be prepared, because when He says to move I may not have time to get my shoes on or to gather my belongings.  When it's time to go, I need to go.

In the same way that God prepared the Israelites for a fast departure, he is preparing me in ways I cannot detect for what is to come.

Favor

"Sure, we will issue the permit."

"Oh, let me tear up that parking ticket.  Don't worry about it."

"It's okay, let me get you registered.  Even though you're past the deadline, I can still sign you up."

These are the kinds of things my husband hears on a regular basis.  I could never understand why people seemed to fall all over themselves to help him, even if he missed a deadline, broke a rule, or didn't have all the needed information.  People simply seemed predisposed to giving him assistance.

This is called the favor of God. Others will find themselves wanting to help without even knowing why, simply because God moved their hearts to do so.  If I trust God to fight my battles for me like my husband does, I will also find barriers lifted, rules excepted, and assistance offered, all because God's favor is upon me.

This is the phenomenon the people of Israel discovered when they were rushing to leave Egypt.  The slaves asked their neighbors for valuables and clothing that they could take with them on their adventure.  Even though these families were grieving the loss of their firstborn children and were eager to be ride of the troublemakers, the Egyptians were surprisingly willing to hand over gold, silver and garments for them to wear. (Exodus 12:35-36)  God's favor was upon His people.

I can trust God in a similar way to move obstacles out of my way when I'm walking down the path on which He is leading me.  This is not because I am more important than anyone else, or special in some way, but in order for His will to come to pass.  If God is for me, who can be against me? (Romans 8:31) I can trust Him to take care of the details as He makes sure His name is glorified in my life.

In the same way that God's favor was upon His people as they exited Egypt, so God will grant me favor in order for His plan to come to pass.

Vigil

"I was awake last night for several hours and I felt the need to pray for you."

How strange, I thought. That was the very time I was struggling the most.

In the same way that my friend kept a kind of vigil for me that night, so God is always on guard duty, keeping watch over the details of my life.  While the horrible final plague before the Israelites' exit was being played out, the Lord stood watch. (Exodus 12:42)  

He never sleeps or slumbers, but keeps track of all the major and minor details, knowing when each of His own rests and when we worry.  He never takes His eyes off those who belong to Him through faith in Jesus Christ.  Furthermore, He is more attentive than the mother of a newborn, hearing every cry of despair or whimper of discouragement.  He is always aware, ready to comfort, encourage and soothe my fears. (Psalm 34:15)

While I may feel all alone in my suffering, I am never truly by myself.  God is always with me, even in my darkest hour.  He is keeping watch until the appointed time of the dawn.

In the same way that God stood vigil over His people during the night of the worst plague, so God watches over me in my time of greatest need.

I may feel like this period of suffering, waiting or inactivity will never end.  Even though it seems nothing is happening, God is busy preparing me, granting His favor upon me, and watching over me.  While it may seem like it will never come, my day of deliverance will soon be here!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God enough to realize He is preparing for what is to come.

When do I trust in my feelings more than I put my faith in God's promises?

How do I forget about God's constant presence and instead feel utterly alone? 

Faithfulness of God

"For all of God's promises have been fulfilled in Christ

with a resounding 'Yes!'  

And through Christ,

our 'Amen' (which means 'Yes')

ascends to God for his glory.

It is God who enables us,

along with you,

to stand firm for Christ.

He has commissioned us,

and he was identified us as his own

by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts

as the first installment that guarantees

everything he has promised us."

2 Corinthians 1:20-22 NLT

Track Record.  I usually know whether or not I can depend on someone based upon their past behavior.  Some are dependable, others are flaky and forgetful.  Behavior betrays one's faithfulness.

I can always count on God as recorded in His Word.  "I will proclaim the name of the LORD.  Oh, praise the greatness of our God!  He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just.  A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he."  (Deuteronomy 32:3-4)

When all around me seems unstable and unsure, I can stand on the Solid Rock.  Even when I don't know the answers, God holds the blueprint for my life in the palm of his hand.  In the times when I feel I can't trust myself, let alone those around me, I can trust God.  

Why can I put all my eggs in God's basket?  It is because He possesses a flawless track record.

Abraham

The years past by and hope turned to dust; dry and lifeless like the rocky land in which he lived. I want to believe God, but how long must a wait for a child?  I'm an old man. . . maybe I was hallucinating.  Maybe God wants me to do something to make His promise happen.  Maybe I imagined the whole thing.  

Abraham and Sarah had to wait over 25 years before the promise God made in Genesis 12 was fulfilled; the promise that, ". . all peoples on earth will be blessed through you. . " and, "To your offspring I will give this land." (v3, 7)

Finally, when Abraham reached 100 years of age, Isaac was born; the promise had been fulfilled.  God has His own timetable and it has nothing to do with me.  If I'm going to trust Him I must not bind Him with the parameters of time.  

I often grow weary of waiting; for things to get better, for relationships to be healed, for hardened hearts to soften.  As one who follows a faithful God, I know that I can trust Him to do as He has said He will do.  He will finish what He has started, bind the brokenhearted and work a miracle in a heart.  He is able. . . if I am willing to wait on Him.

God is faithful to keep His promises. . . on His timetable.

Joseph

It all started with a dream.  He foolishly and arrogantly shared the dream with his brothers of all their sheaves of wheat bowing down to his.  Soon, he found himself the victim of his brother's cruel jealousy, sold into slavery and on his way to Egypt to become the slave of Pharaoh's captain of the guard.  

As if this wasn't bad enough, despite the position of trust he had risen to in the house of Potiphar, he soon found himself imprisoned due to a false charge by his master's wife.  Years later, God enabled him to interpret the Pharaoh's dream, landing him a position as second in command in all of Egypt.  After 13 years of unfair circumstances and undeserved treatment, Joseph had risen to an unimaginable level.  As he later said to his brothers when they were reunited, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."  (Genesis 50:20)

You see, Joseph's life seemed like one big tragedy, but because of the foresight revealed by Pharaoh's dream, the prophecy from a boy's long ago dream came true.  And through Joseph's position of power, God was able to use him to prepare a country for a famine that no one else knew was coming.  Soon, all would come to Egypt looking for grain.  Even his brothers would bow before him out of desperation.

I often feel like life has not been fair to me or those around me.  I work hard and try to do the best I can, but I can't seem to catch a break.  I lose my job.  I am falsely accused.  I am taken to court.  The car breaks down, the roof springs a leak and my knee goes out all in the same week.  When will things get better?

Even though life is harsh and circumstances seem unfair, God has a way of taking something bad and using it for the good.  He has a knack for utilizing weak and broken people for powerful and restorative acts.  The Lord can turn the tables in a heartbeat, leaving observers with a serious case of whiplash.

The Apostle Paul reassured us with the thought that, "we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Joseph's purpose was ultimately to provide a way for the Israelites to enter into slavery in Egypt, thus opening a need for delivery in a way that would showcase God's great power and proclaim His name throughout all the earth. 

Who knows what plan God has for my life. . . or for your life?  Future generations could be affected by circumstances that I am going through right now.  My ancestors might benefit from the fruit that is produced from my heartache.  A seed that is planted right now in the midst of my trouble could sprout and grow for many to see in years yet to come.

Putting my trust in a faithful God means leaving the outcome up to Him, no matter how unfair circumstances now may seem.

Messiah

"He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed."  (Isaiah 53:5)

"You will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay."  (Psalm 16:10)

"The LORD ways to my Lord: 'Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.' (Psalm 110:1)

Generations of Jews studied these, along with many other prophecies, as they awaited the coming of their Messiah; their promised deliverer.  When would He come?  How will He vanquish our enemies?  How long must we wait?  They must have quivered with excitement of the prospect of their liberation.  

God did fulfill these prophecies in the Person of Jesus Christ.  He died on the cross, taking the punishment for my sins and giving me a peace with God through faith in Him.  He rose again on the third day, illustrating His victory over death.  He is now seated at the right hand of God as the conqueror of the power and consequences of sin in my life.  All mankind is liberated from the death sentence our sin deserves.  

From the moment when Adam first sinned and the state of mankind fell from it's original design, we have been estranged from God.  In that one instant on the cross, the relationship was restored and the impossible once again became possible.  The imperfect is reunited with the Perfect One.  The unholy can abide with the Holy One.  The estranged is brought back together with the Beloved.

If God can accomplish the impossible task of redeeming my hopeless, sinful soul, then I can certainly trust God with everything in my life.

It is not easy to trust those who let us down, but because of God's faithfulness to keep His promises, I can stand firm on His strong foundation.  The constricts of time, harsh circumstances or impossible tasks do not get in His way.  His will prevails. . . of this I can be certain.   

This is the God on Whom I will stake my life.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can remember all that God has done to help me believe in all that He will do.

How do I get bogged down in the difficulties and forget that His plan can use those troubles?

When would it benefit me to remember the impossible task of redemption that Jesus accomplished on the cross?