In the Vacuum

"When I was in deep trouble,

I searched for the Lord.

All night long I prayed, with hands lifted toward heaven,

but my soul was not comforted.

I think of God, and I moan,

overwhelmed with longing for his help."

Psalm 77:2-3 NLT

Sleep was impossible for her.  Instead, she paced the floor, peering out the window between the curtains, searching the sky for some sign of Him.  Her heart was leaden, weighed down with every mother's worst nightmare that had become her reality.  The daughter she had worked so hard to protect, guide and nurture was suddenly gone, cruelly snatched from her home by an unknown evil.  

This mother needed her daughter back.  She yearned to once again hear her sweet laughter, be interrupted by her silly antics, to watch her peacefully sleep.  Instead, her home once warmed by the girl's presence was now empty as a tomb.  She wondered why God offered no solace for her aching soul.

God had not left my friend in her greatest hour of need, just as He had faithfully been with His people of old, as He had promised.  Sometimes, though, His silence is deafening and His inaction speaks volumes to my wounded heart.  This is when it's important that I follow Asaph's lead, turning my attention away from what distresses me and toward what will give me strength to carry on.

Remember.  He is mighty and strong.  He has done great things in the lives of His people, in the history of His nation, in the heart of this follower.  There were times when my head exploded as I tried to comprehend His ability to care so intimately about me along with the throngs of others He personally attended to.  How could He direct my footsteps so carefully while keeping His eye upon each wounded heart, wayward soul, and weakening spirit?  My heart rejoiced in such a Father as this.

So where was my praise now, as I sat in the quiet, failing to sense His presence nor see the work of His sovereign hand?  It was time to recall the acts that showcased His power and strength in the past, reminding me of what He is capable of doing, giving me a refresher of His might to jog my memory that He is a good God for which nothing is impossible.

I don't need to feel God's presence in order to remember His mighty acts of old.

Meditate.  I often use my brain power to analyze situations, searching for the perfect solution, rehashing prior situations to look for flaws and discover how I failed.  My mind is constantly at work, always thinking, never quiet.  Why not use such a powerhouse to meditate on God's mighty works?

When I think of meditation I often picture a woman whose legs are tied up in an impossible position that reminds me of a pretzel.  Her eyes are closed and her upturned hands rest quietly on her knees.  She sits without moving for an unbearable amount of time, clearing her mind of all thought while eerie music floats on the air and the smoke of incense filters through the room.

This may be one form of meditation, but there is another which would benefit me in times of trouble when God seems so far away.  Instead of clearing my mind, I can use it's power to ponder God's mighty works, thinking deeply about His constant character and how His faithfulness effects my life.  Instead of focusing on what is wrong in my life or in the world around me, I can center my attention on all the good found in the nature of God.  

I don't need to feel God's presence in order to meditate on how God's faithful and powerful nature has shown up in my life and in the lives of His people.

Praise Him.  There are things I know about God.  I read His Word which clearly speaks of His greatness, power and holiness, telling stories of His goodness, love and faithfulness and giving examples of His redemptive, supernatural and intimate nature.  I often mistakenly believe I must feel His Spirit moving in me in order to give Him praise.  In reality, it's when I don't sense His presence that my worship is most meaningful.

William Law, 18th Century priest, evangelical thinker and theological writer, left something behind for modern-day believers to ponder.  "One who makes it a rule to be content in every part and accident of life because it comes from God praises God in a much higher manner than one who has some set time for the singing of psalms."  This sounds like Romans 12:1 put in practice, does it not?  May it be my constant custom, then, to liberally give honor and glory to God for who He is, what He has done, is doing, and will do, and because He is always worthy of praise, no matter what is going on in my life.  When I humbly accept my lot in life, this submission to God's sovereignty speaks volumes to His heart.

I don't need to feel God's presence in order to accept my current situation while giving praise to Him for His many attributes.

Sometime God seems distant and silent, as if He no longer exists.  I wonder why He won't answer; is it something I've done or not done?  How have I failed?  It's easy to take it personally.  Instead, why not remember His acts of might and power, meditate on His nature, and be content with my circumstances while praising Him for who He is.  In these ways, I'll find peace in the vacuum.  

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can keep my mind trained on God's faithfulness instead of depending upon my sense of His presence to sustain me.

When do I despair because I can't feel God with me?

How does my faith falter if I no longer sense His constant presence?

In the Dark Valley

"Even though I walk through 

the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil,

for you are with me;

your rod and your staff,

they comfort me."

Psalm 23:4 ESV

I get the wrong idea sometimes.  I hear people say trusting Jesus will deliver the good life to me, and I see pictures of all my troubles melting away.  Somehow, I make it all about me and my comfort, my desires, my expectations.  I believe I can have my best life now if I will only think positively.  But Jesus has something much bigger and better in mind.  

In His kingdom, making God's greatness known is of more importance than keeping me free from difficulty (Proverbs 16:4).  In His kingdom, avoidance of the hard stuff is not considered, rather the ugly is transformed into something beautiful (Isaiah 61:3).  In His kingdom, every brush with death, time of suffering, and bout with pain is used to conform me into the image of Jesus (Romans 8:28-29).

Following Jesus as my Good Shepherd does not mean my life will be free from suffering, pain or difficulty (John 10:14, 16:33) .  Instead, I have the benefit of my Shepherd as He leads me through the dark valley.

Presence.  When I was pregnant with my triplet daughters, I spent two months in the hospital where I could be kept under the watchful eye of the medical staff.  Every morsel of food and drop of drink I consumed was tracked.  My vital signs, weight and emotional well-being were measured and recorded.  Normal bathroom functions were out of the question as my output also needed to be checked.  There was even a monitor strapped around my ever-expanding girth so that any contractions could be detected.

While this seemed quite constricting at times, I did discover it's necessity one day as I raised the bed up so I could eat breakfast.  Suddenly, the nurse on duty burst in the door asking, "What are you doing?"  I dropped by forkful of hashbrowns, feeling like I had done something wrong.  "Oh, you're just eating breakfast.  You suddenly started having contractions and I see it was triggered by moving to an upright position so you could eat."  It should come as no surprise that they suggested I start eating in a partially reclined position in order to hold off labor as long as possible to give our precious girls the best chance possible.

This reminds me of God's constant monitoring of me.  David said in Psalm 139 that God sees everything and has it all under control.  "You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me." (v 5)  There is nothing that happens in my life that escapes His attention.  In fact, it all is filtered through His hands for approval before it can enter into my life.  Everything is under His watchful eye and He is always at work guiding me and protecting me.

As I walk through the dark valley, I am under the constant care of my Shepherd.

Rod.  A shepherd always carries a rod as an extension of his own right arm.  He uses it to protect his charges from harm, throwing it to keep them from wandering into a dangerous hazard or wielding it against a hungry predator.  The rod is also a sign of his authority and strength so the sheep know he is in charge of them.  The shepherd uses it to count his sheep, conducting a careful examination of each animal as he searches the thick wool for any kind of hidden symptoms that could point to disease or injury.

The sheep under his watchful eye know they are cared for.  Seeing the rod in his hands gives them comfort as they are reminded of his ability to protect, discipline and lead them.

Similarly, I can trust Jesus to foresee danger before I even know of it's presence.  This could mean He uses the firm hand of discipline in my life to keep me from harming myself, or in staving off the enemy who is lurking and ready to attack.  He also is constantly checking my heart for faulty thinking, selfish attitudes or ulterior motives that are developing, convicting me of the danger lurking there (Psalm 51:10).  Knowing He is always on guard gives me peace and a sense of security.

As I walk through the dark valley, I am comforted by the rod of my Shepherd.

Staff.  Sheep can get into some of the most preposterous dilemmas.  Being curious yet completely helpless is a combination that finds them inadvertently falling off cliffs into the sea, getting tangled in brambles as they search for green blades of grass, and becoming stuck in the mud as they wander off.  The shepherd's staff then can be used to rescue them from such predicaments.  

The long slender stick with the curve in the end is also useful for drawing the shy animals toward himself, to guide them as he uses it to apply pressure on their side to give them reassurance of their path, as well as to safely lift a newborn to present to its mother without the risk of applying a scent which could repel the ewe.

Likewise, my good Shepherd's staff brings much relief and encouragement as I walk through hard times.  He expertly extracts me from the ridiculous situations I get myself into, saving me from myself.  He also draws me to Himself when I hang back, afraid I'll be rejected or am unlovable.  Other times He applies gentle pressure, giving me the confirmation that I'm on the right track.  It's as if He's saying, "Keep going little lamb!  You're doing well!"

This kind of care gives me such comfort because I am easily discouraged, often wondering if I'm going in the wrong direction or somehow got off track.  It also is quite assuring to know He has such a kind and tender way of drawing me in, especially when I'm feeling vulnerable and hurt.  Yes, my Shepherd is sensitive enough to know what I need when I need it.

As I walk through the dark valley, I am comforted by the staff of my Shepherd.

When I put my life in Jesus' hands, I will not avoid suffering.  Instead, as He leads me through hard times, I am constantly under His watchful eye, have the assurance of His rod of protection, authority and power, and the comfort of knowing His staff is there to care for me, draw me closer, and guide me when I feel insecure.  There are many benefits to trusting in my Good Shepherd as He leads me through the dark valleys of life.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust Jesus enough to believe He is there for my protection.

When do I fear the hard stuff, forgetting that I have a Shepherd to comfort me?

How am I resisting His rod of discipline?

Refinement

"I go east, but he is not there.

I go west, but I cannot find him.

I do not see him in the north, for he is hidden.

I look to the south, but he is concealed."

Job 23:8-9 NLT

He held the precious metal to the hottest part of the fire, constantly looking for any sign of overheating.  It was not his intention to damage the silver, but only to purify it of all contaminates.  Every so often he would remove the piece from the heat to test the progress.  Once the silversmith could see his image in the silver, the refinement was complete.

God sits as such a refiner of silver, sometimes holding me to the hottest part of the fire (Malachi 3:2b-3, Zechariah 13:9).  As He takes me through testing and times of trial, though, His eye is never off me.  It is not His intention to damage me or bring me pain, but only to burn away all that does not belong.  This process of refinement continues through my whole life until the end when His image is reflected in me.

Job was going through such a purification process at the hand of Satan, but directed by a God who loved Him and was furthering His plan for Job's life.  From Job's perspective, however, he felt abandon by the God he loved and revered.  He couldn't feel God's comforting presence, couldn't detect Him at all.  He felt all alone in his pain.  Still, Job did not give up.  Instead, he pressed on, clinging to what he knew to be true about God.

I, too, can cling to what is true despite how I feel.

Faithful.  God cannot fail.  He is unable to give up, letting go of His purposes.  He never changes His mind when the going gets tough.  He can be counted on.  In fact, this character trait is so ingrained in the nature of God that when He, in the person of Jesus Christ, appears triumphantly after the Great Tribulation, He is called Faithful and True (Revelation 19:11).

Since God's character is one of faithfulness, I know without a doubt that I can trust Him.  Even when the world around me seems to be shifting and everything I thought was true is being tested, I can stand solidly on the Rock.  He promised to always be with me.  Since He can be trusted, I can know He is with me no matter what my feelings are telling me. 

Simply put, I cannot trust my feelings since they come from my fallible, sinful flesh and are highly susceptible to suggestion.  In fact, it's been my experience that my enemy loves to use my feelings against me, tempting me to believe God doesn't care about me any more, that He has abandoned me, that He could never love me, and that He can't use such a mess-up like me.  Meanwhile, the truth stands in opposition to such nonsense.  Which will I trust?

When I go through times of great suffering, I can place my trust in the God who is faithful.

Sovereign.  His creation.  His plan.  His purposes.  His choice.  I am living in a world created by God, following a plan He laid out before time began, influenced by His mysterious objectives, and ultimately, at His mercy.

God is sovereign over all of His creation.  Since I am part of His world, not He of mine, can I truly expect to do things my way and prosper?  Due to the fact that He made the rules, do I really think my procedures will work better?  While it all belongs to Him, is it really realistic to call anything "mine"?

Still, I stubbornly try.  When I submit to His sovereignty, however, realizing He is the One who gets to decide the direction my life will take, the trials I will face, and the suffering I will endure, these difficult times will take an meaning.  The hurting is not in vain but is part of what God sees as His best for me.  

When I go through times of great suffering, I can place my trust in the God who is sovereign over all things.

Steadfast.  The grasses in the field surrounding our house were waving frantically in the wind.  When a strong gust hit, stray branches would tumble across our yard.  The trees bowed low under the force of the gale but the fence posts stood firm, unwavering in their steadfastness.

God is similar to these posts, never succumbing to the pressures all around, or bowing to outside forces, or changing to adapt to the times.  Instead, God is God, and His nature and characteristics remain constant.

Since He is steady, I can cling to Him at all times, but especially in the midst of the storm when everything else is shifting.  As my world feels shaken up like a snow globe, changing my perspective and sense of reality, I can know with surety that God is right where He was before.  He will not be moved (Psalm 62:6, James 1:17).

When I go through times of great suffering, I can place my trust in the God who is steadfast and constant.

Job's faith was shaken as he suffered greatly, and in his hour of greatest need felt abandoned by the only One who could truly bring relief.  Still, he didn't turn from God, but clung to what he knew was real.  When I face hard times, no matter how severe, I can trust God who is faithful, sovereign and steadfast.  As He holds me to the refiner's fire, then, I can believe that I will come out on the other side unscathed.  My job is to hold on!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can stay true to what I know is accurate.

When do I feel unsure of God's presence?

How am I swayed by feelings of dismay and discouragement?

   

The Result of Negligence

"My sons, do not be negligent now,

for the LORD has chosen you to stand 

before him and serve him,

to minister before him and to burn incense."

2 Chronicles 29:11

The Levites had forsaken their temple duties.  As a result, there was nowhere for the people to offer sacrifices and find God's forgiveness.  In response, King Hezekiah exhorted them to return to their calling.

I, too, have forsaken my purpose in many ways.  How can I refresh this calling on my life?  After all, I am chosen for more than this.  

Presence.  He gave up everything to deliver it.  This sacrifice ended with the ultimate giving of Himself.  As if it weren't enough to humble himself to the point of entering into His own creation as a lowly man, He went so far as to offer Himself as the final, perfect sacrifice.  In so doing, the veil that existed between a holy God and the people He loves was permanently torn, offering an opportunity for all to enter into His presence.

Since Jesus went through so much so that I can boldly approach the throne of grace, why do I so often choose to stand alone in life (Hebrews 4:14-16)?  My heart hurts when I am tossed aside as if I don't matter, treated like dirt or trampled on.  Instead of casting all my burdens upon Him, I attempt to carry them myself (1 Peter 5:6-7).  

Sometimes I feel so unworthy, noticing all the ways I fall short and thinking that defines me.  As a result, I tend to avoid the God who treasures the bond we share, turning away from His piercing eyes.  When I do so, I am forgetting how the blood of Jesus transforms my identity into a forgiven child who is always welcomed by my heavenly Father, no matter how I feel (Isaiah 1:18,1 John 3:1, John 1:12).

Other times I buy into the idea that God helps me only if I make a sincere effort to solve my own problems, work toward my own deliverance, or attempt to provide for myself (Psalm 46:1).  Unfortunately, I end up minimizing the sacrifice Jesus made in order to deliver me into His kingdom where I have a Father who has a plan for my life, is powerful enough to save me from any danger, and is faithful to give me all that I need (Jeremiah 29:11,Psalm 46:1,Matthew 6:31-33).

When I'm negligent in my calling as a precious child of God, I miss out on all the benefits of dwelling in His presence.

Minister.  He came not to condemn, but to save the world (John 3:17).  He was drawn to the weak, the overlooked, the forgotten (John 5:1-9, Luke 8:43-48).  His love drove Him to reach out to those society shunned (Luke 19:1-10, Matthew 8:1-4).

As one who is saved from certain death and ushered into an eternal kingdom by the blood of Jesus, I am called to do the same as my namesake (John 14:12-14).  Through Jesus, I see those the world walks on by.  Instead of joining in, I stop and take notice, showing love to the homeless man digging through the garbage, or the child abandoned by his parents, or the elderly wasting away in a forgotten corner of the home.  Because of Jesus in me, I am drawn to the hurting, going toward the pain and advancing when everyone else retreats.

When I am negligent in my calling to love, I rob the world of the compassion and charity of God it so desperately needs.

Offerings.  "Fool me once, shame on you.  Fool me twice, shame on me."  I've heard this saying enough to take on the meaning behind it as the gospel truth.  In fact, if I've lived in the world for any amount of time, I realize this is its mantra.  Forgiveness is a rare commodity in such an environment.

While the world says to guard myself against others' behavior, Jesus taught the opposite.  In His economy, extending mercy is more important than protecting my rights.  Offering forgiveness surpasses the tendency to guard against being taken advantage of.  Showing grace is better than sticking up for myself.

Sometimes, I am the conduit through which the forgiveness of God flows into the cold, hard world.  If I fail to forgive as I have been forgiven, my neighbor may never taste such a rarity.  If I don't let go of the way I've been hurt, my accuser may never experience the kindness of God which is so foreign to him.  If I insist on standing up for myself, my opponent may never see what it's like to be accepted right where she is, in the middle of her sin.

When I am negligent in my calling to forgive, I fail to model the mercy and grace on which I depend.

In the same way that the Levites negligence effected the entire nation of Judah, my own disregard for my calling as a child of God through faith in Jesus Christ has a ripple effect on myself and those around me.  When I fail to dwell in God's presence, minister to a hurting world, and provide offerings of God's mercy and grace, the consequences are far-reaching.  I am called to more than just an existence.  I am called to be Jesus to a world who needs Him.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can dwell in God's presence.

When do I attempt to do things in my own strength instead of letting God provide what I need?

How do I withhold the very grace and mercy upon which I depend?

Cannot be Contained

"But who is able to build a temple for him,

since the heavens,

even the highest heavens,

cannot contain him?

Who then am I to build a temple for him,

except as a place to burn sacrifices before him?"

2 Chronicles 2:6

It burns out of control, fed by the dry grasses and timber, licked up like so much kindling for a campfire.  Before anyone realized it, the fire was threatening thousands of homes, sending many to run for shelter as they grabbed what little they could save from the impending inferno.  Soon, firefighters arrive from all over the region, working together to try to contain what seems impossible to bring under their control.  They work night and day suppressing flames, building fire lines, putting out flames and hot spots, all in an effort to stop the out-of-control destruction.

As difficult as it is to try to contain a wildfire known for changing directions without warning, jumping roads or rivers and gobbling up massive areas of vegetation, it's even more ridiculous to think about containing God.  It seems a bit silly to build a dwelling place for One who cannot be measured, who is above all things, and is greater than all of creation.  How could such magnificence be contained?  

Yet, I try to do so without even realizing it.

Plan.  20-year plan.  Retirement plan.  Career track.  Humans love to make plans.  As much as I desire to know what I can expect in the next few years, only God knows what He has in store for me.  He is the One who holds the blueprint for my life and since His ways are better and more complex than what I could ever hope to generate, I must trust Him to bring about His purposes in the details of my life without expecting to understand the entire scope of His plan (Jeremiah 29:11, Psalm 40:5, Isaiah 55:8-9).

Still, I love to try to figure out how God is going to work out a certain situation, or through what channels He will provide, or when He will come through.  In these ways, I limit God's plan to what I can understand or agree with.  Instead, it is better if I let God be God, giving Him free reign to do as He sees fit.

I attempt to contain my magnificent God when I limit His plan in my expectations of Him.

Presence.  For treasure hunters, there are many places to hunt for valuables.  Some of the most unusual include in a hollowed-out shingle on the roof of an old house, in a false bottom fashioned at the base of a livestock feed bin, between sheets of shelf paper in a kitchen cabinet or inside of a bicycle tire.

While I don't personally look for such fortune hidden in such surprising places, it does remind me of a characteristic of God.  There is nowhere I can go where He cannot be found.  While I wouldn't expect to find Him in a seedy motel, a strip club, or on a dark street corner where drug deals regularly take place, He is there.  Darkness is as light to Him (Psalm 139:7-12).

Thus, there is no place that is off-limits to God, no hurt in my heart which He does not see, no shame which drives Him away.  

I attempt to contain my magnificent God when I assume I can hide or conceal my heart from Him.

Power.  A change of heart.  Cancer cells shrinking.  The sun standing still in the sky.  There are some things I don't expect to see.  After living in the world for nearly 50 years, I know how things usually work and while I may imagine fantastical happenings, I don't really think I will see them come to pass.  I like to think I have my feet firmly rooted in reality.

Unfortunately for me, God does not work within the limits of my definition of reality.  He is free to accomplish whatever He desires; winning over the heart of an atheist, healing the terminally ill or bringing about that which defies the laws of nature.  God's power is unlimited.

Why, then, do I expect so little from Him?  Instead of asking for healing I settle for what man's inferior efforts can supply.  In the place of tapping into the power He's given me to forgive I harbor a grudge and grow angry and resentful, trying to mask the root of bitterness with my own efforts toward civility.  While I could allow His compassion to flow through me to the unlovable, I opt to avoid their difficult personalities in an effort to shield my life from discomfort. 

I attempt to contain my magnificent God when I bind His power with the bands of rational reality.

In the same way that it seems ridiculous to build a building that could contain God, I often limit His magnificence without even knowing it.  I restrict His plan for me to what makes sense to my human mind or by what I feel comfortable with.  Even more silly are my efforts to hide my self, thoughts or heart from God.  Finally, I end up crippling the Lord's work in my life when I label some acts as impossible or off-limits to Him.  In these ways I attempt to restrain a God that cannot be contained.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can stop trying to put God in the neat little box I have constructed out of ignorance and fear.

When do I expect very little from God?

How do I limit God's power in my life?  

Thanksgiving

"Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name;

make known among the nations what he has done."

1 Chronicles 16:8 NIV

Positive outcome of surgery.

Turnaround in dismal financial outlook.

Relief of physical pain and suffering.

Hope of heaven and eternity with Jesus.

Protection during long road trip.

It's easy to praise God for such things and it's good to give Him the glory for such feats.  When I think of praising Him and thanking Him for all He has done, though, it's usually about something that relates to me.  In other words, I mostly give thanks when things go well for me.

There is so much more for which to give thanks to God besides acknowledging Him when things go right.  When David and the people of Israel had successfully delivered the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, King David appointed the people to give thanks to the Lord.  In his instructions to the people of God, he modeled for us a way to give thanks to God for who He is, in a way that is both meaningful to us and treasured by Him.   It's easy to thank God for what He's given, but there is more to this attitude of thanksgiving.

Glory.  "What's in a name?  That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet."  Juliet made the point to the object of her affections, Romeo, that it mattered not that he came from a family who was at war with hers.  Instead, she insisted, it is the person behind the name that really matters.  While this sentiment is true to a point, there is much meaning found in God's holy name.

Therefore, I can spend some time basking in the greatness of the name of the Lord.  In comparison to any other name ever given, God's rises far above (Psalm 8:1).  His name is a strong tower that protects me in times of trouble.  (Proverbs 18:10)  There is power found in the name of Jesus, sending demons to trembling and adding clout to my prayers (Philippians 2:10-11, John 14:13-14).  Simply put, His name deserves my attention and there is no greater reason to rejoice than in His name (Psalm 29:2).

While I tend to give thanks to God for what He has done, I can step out of myself and glory in His name.

Seek.  Moses begged Him.  Even though it went way beyond what anyone had ever asked from Him, the Lord partially granted his request, allowing Moses to see the backside of His glory.  (Exodus 33:18)

Moses knew that God's presence was what set the people of Israel apart from every other nation.  He also realized that if God didn't go with them, as He had threatened, they wouldn't make it far.  (Exodus 33:3, 12-13)  Moses realized his absolute dependence upon the Lord.

But there was more.  Moses desired to see God above all else.  He craved God's glory, yearning to see His face and revel in His presence.  Moses longed after God in the same way a living creature pants for water (Psalm 42:1).

While I tend to give thanks to God for what He has done for me, I can step outside of myself and seek His presence as most my precious possession.

Remember.  The list is long.  If I pay attention as I live my life, it grows longer each day.  While I read His Word, I add even more to it's length.  There is no end to His marvelous deeds, miraculous wonders and judgments uttered (1 Chronicles 16:12).

There is no doubt that God is great!  As I live my life, getting caught up in difficult circumstances and the stress of day-to-day living, however, it's easy to lose sight of His power and magnitude.  This is why it is so important to earnestly remember God's greatness.  

He spoke all things into existence, calmed the storm with a word, and proclaimed the sin of mankind wiped away (Genesis 1, Mark 4:39, John 19:30).  Such power is found in His Word, but how much more is found in His deeds!  He defends those who put their trust in Him, heals those who believe He is able, and transforms grief into gladness (Psalm 91:14, Mark 10:51-52, Isaiah 61:2-3).

Knowing who God is and what He is capable of doing by remembering what He has already done gives encouragement to my disheartened soul but also pleases Him.

It is important to give thanks to God for all He has provided in my life.  There is more, however, for which I can praise Him.  I can glory in His name, seek His presence as vital to my welfare, and remember all He has accomplished.  In these ways, I honor God for who He is, not just how He has benefited me.  In this way I can exhibit an attitude of thanksgiving.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can think beyond myself, praising god for who He is.

When do I focus only on me, and how God benefits my life?

How can I help myself make the effort to admire God for His great character?

Benefit of the Holy Spirit

"Then Moses said,

'If you don't personally go with us,

don't make us leave this place.

How will anyone know that you look favorably on me

-on me and on your people-

if you don't go with us?

For your presence among us

sets your people and me apart

from all other people on the earth.'"

Exodus 33:15-16

I didn't think there was anything special about the beret, besides the fact that it made my new boyfriend look quite handsome.  This man who would later become my husband explained the significance of the green beret.  "Everyone else in the Army wears a camouflaged cap while only members of the Special Forces wear the green beret."  A Soldier's hat was what identified their unit before 2001.  For instance, airborne organizations wore maroon berets while Rangers sported black.  One look at a soldier's head gear told one a lot about what type of unit in which they served.

Similarly, as a follower of Christ, I have a distinctive feature which sets me apart from the rest of mankind.  In the same way that Moses didn't want to go anywhere without the presence of the Lord because He realized it was Him who set the Israelites apart, I never need go anywhere without the distinctive presence of the Holy Spirit.  What difference does the indwelling Spirit of God make in my life?

Sealed by the Holy Spirit

Simply using the word "organic" on a label doesn't necessarily mean a food was produced and processed according to national organic standards.  In order to make sure crops were grown or livestock raised using ecologically safe biological pest management as well as with the exclusion of all synthetic chemicals, antibiotics and hormones, a consumer needs to look for the official "USDA Organic" seal of certification on any food considered for consumption.

In the same way that the United States Department of Agriculture certifies those products that meet their standards of organic production, God signifies His acceptance of me as His child with the "seal" of the Holy Spirit.  When I believed in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, I received this "stamp of approval," not out of any integrity or merit of my own, but only based on the grace of God released through the willing sacrifice made by Jesus on my behalf.  (Ephesians 2:8-9)

When I receive God's Spirit as evidence that I am adopted into His family by faith, this seal of approval also gives me the hope of my inheritance in Christ.  The presence of God's Spirit is the proof that I will one day enter into His presence and live with Him forever!  (2 Corinthians 1:21-22)  

With such hope, then, I find myself desiring to live in a way that pleases God.  Instead of living as I used to live before I knew Jesus, I find another way as His Spirit nudges me toward kindness, compassion and forgiveness, empowering me to act in a way that is consistent with His teachings.  (Ephesians 4:30, Philippians 2:13)  This change in the fabric of my being is how I know my faith is authentic.

When I believe in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, I receive the stamp of approval of God's Spirit.

Marked by the Holy Spirit

The blue and white Boeing 747-200B emblazoned with the words, "The United States of America," an American flag and a special seal, Air Force One is easily recognizable as the plane designated to carry the President of the United States.  Technically, however, any Air Force aircraft carrying the president uses the call sign, "Air Force One."  It is the presence of this important leader that is enough to transform any airplane into something special.

This is not so different from me.  Even though there may not be anything extraordinary about me in and of myself, the presence of God's Spirit dwelling within me sets me apart from all other peoples. (2 Timothy 2:19)  My body has been transformed from simply a physical shell into a temple of God's Spirit.  Therefore, I am to treat myself as one who is holding a great treasure inside such an ordinary vessel.  (2 Corinthians 4:7, 1 Corinthians 6:20)

Instead of going wherever I want to go, doing whatever pleases me, and saying whatever comes to my mind, then, I must remember I was bought at a price.  My life no longer belongs to me but was purchased through the blood of Jesus by the One who loves me enough to give of His Own Son.  I must see myself as a precious commodity who was created for a mighty purpose that goes beyond my own dreams, comfort or ambitions.  The mark of the Holy Spirit dwelling with me gives me a higher calling.

When I believe in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, I am marked as His own by the presence of His Spirit. (Ephesians 1:13)

Wisdom from the Holy Spirit

His wisdom wasn't learned or gained from years of personal experience.  Instead, people from miles around came to King Solomon because he possessed God-anointed wisdom.  When God offered anything at all to the young king, he chose a discerning heart and the ability to wisely lead God's people so he would know between right and wrong.  God was pleased with his request and granted his wish, giving him also riches and honor. (1 Kings 3:4-15)

Solomon's wisdom came directly from God.  As a result, he was able to judge wisely through no power of his own but solely based on God's anointing on his life.  In a similar way, I have received the gift of God's indwelling Spirit once I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior.  His Spirit gives me a permanent anointing that allows me to understand the Truth.

In order to utilize this wisdom, however, I must stay close to the Lord, responding to His teachings and applying them to my life.  (1 John 2:27)  As I grow in my relationship with the Him, gaining more and more respect and awe for His holy character and a desire to live as He calls me to live, this wisdom grows.  (Proverbs 9:10, Psalm 111:10)

It is only through the presence of God's Spirit that I am able to know more about Him and His ways.  As He transforms me from the inside out through His supernatural work in my life, my prayers become more and more powerful as they fall more closely in line with God's will.  (Romans 12:2, 1 John 5:14, James 5:16)

When I believe in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, I receive wisdom that only comes from God's indwelling Spirit.

I am like Moses because I recognize that I don't want to go anywhere apart from the presence of God.  As I come into relationship with Him through faith in Jesus Christ, I find the Holy Spirit has sealed me as His authentic child, marked me as His own precious possession and granted me supernatural wisdom to know and do His will.  These are the benefits of the Holy Spirit of God that will never leave me as I walk with Him.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust the leading of God's Spirit.

When do I forget that God's Spirit dwells within in me, giving me wisdom to understand His ways?

How am I living like everyone else instead of like a holy temple?