Commendation

"We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves

with some who commend themselves.

When they measure themselves by themselves

and compare themselves with themselves,

they are not wise.

We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, 

but will confine our boasting to the sphere of service God himself has assigned to us,

a sphere that also includes you. 

We are not going too far in our boasting,

as would be the case if we had not come to you,

for we did get as far as you with the gospel of Christ.

Neither do we go beyond our limits by boasting

of work done by others.

Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow,

our sphere of activity among you will greatly expand,

so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you.

For we do not want to boast about work already done in someone else's territory.  

But, 'Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.'

For it is not the one who commends

 himself who is approved,

but the one whom the Lord commends."

2 Corinthians 10:12-18

Powerlifting is a sport consisting of three events: Bench press, squat, and deadlift.  Each one provides an opportunity for the athlete to demonstrate his or her strength and power.  When I competed in powerlifting, I learned the proper technique and methods of training.  Being naturally strong, I excelled, making it to the Nationals and setting some records for my division.  

One area I struggled in, though, was in going down low enough on the squats.  The regulations required that my hip joint fall below my knee at the lowest point of the movement.  While I felt like I was practically sitting on the floor when I squatted down with the weight on my shoulders, the judges at the competitions were using specific guidelines to decide whether or not the lift was good, and what they were seeing clearly fell short.  Until I rectified this problem, several of my squat attempts were disqualified for failing to meet the standard.

It's the same with me and my walk with the Lord:  My own perception of myself is not accurate.  Either I'm not as bad as I think, or I'm looking at myself through rose-colored glasses, seeing myself as better than I am.  Whichever category in which I fall, I can't deny the fact that I'm not a good judge of my own character.

In order to walk closely with the Lord, I need to see things more from His perspective.

Comparison

There was a man who was willing to go to great lengths to deliver the messages God sent for the people of Israel.  Most probably looked at him as a righteous, honorable man of God to be esteemed.  At the beginning of his ministry, when Isaiah saw the Lord seated on His throne in all His glory, he, however, was only aware of his own unworthiness.  His response to a Holy God was,  "Woe to me! . .I am ruined! for I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty." (Isaiah 6:5)

Comparing myself to others, or letting others exalt me, gives me an inaccurate picture of my state.  Evaluating my condition against the Lord Himself, however, shows me my true identity: A Sinner incapable of any good.  Without the blood of Jesus cleansing me of all iniquities, I have no hope. 

My own accomplishments are nothing to brag about, but my identity as a sinner saved by grace through faith in Jesus is something about which I can spend a lifetime boasting.

Obedience

Later, this same mighty prophet of God was asked to do the unthinkable.  As one who took seriously the commands of God, it would have been improper and downright blasphemous for him to be seen in public without proper covering.  God, however, gave Isaiah the direction to do just that.  

For three years, he was required to go about his life without clothing or shoes.  In this way, God was delivering a stark warning to His people: do not trust in the might of Egypt and Cush, for I will soon humiliate them and use Assyria to carry them off, stripped and barefoot, into exile. (Isaiah 20)  

God gives each of us a ministry, a purpose, and a calling.  While my friend may excel in serving others, I have different gifts.  If I were to compare myself to what she is doing out of obedience to God, I would start to feel incompetent and worthless.  When, however, I pay attention to my own relationship with God and where He is leading me, it is then that my life takes on a sense of purpose and meaning.

Like Isaiah, my calling may not make sense to anyone but God.  My obedience to His purpose for my life, however, will result in much blessing.

When walking down the path on which my Shepherd is leading me, it is important that I keep my eyes front and center, trusting God with my whole heart.

Promotion

Anything at all was his for the asking.  God appeared to the young king in a dream with this incredible offer.  Instead of going for the obvious requests of riches and power, Solomon asked for understanding and discernment in leading his people.  Pleased, God gave him what he asked for, but also what he did not request: Wealth and honor so that the reputation of King Solomon would be great among all the world!  (1 Kings 3:5-14)

It is easy for me to get into the habit of tooting my own horn.  I can justify this habit with the thought that no one really knows how difficult my life is, how much I sacrifice, or how hard I labor for the Lord, so I must enlighten them.  The truth is, however, that God is the One who truly sees my efforts and His opinion is the only One that should count to me. (Galatians 1:10)

Let me take a lesson from Solomon and allow God to be the One doing the promoting instead of trying so hard to get for myself what I think I deserve.

My perspective is shallow and self-centered, making me a horrible judge.  Instead of trying to use myself or others as a standard, taking my cue to act from other believers, or working hard to lift my own efforts up for all to see, I can let God be the yardstick, shepherd and promoter.  In this way I am leaving all commendation in His hands as I keep my focus on Him.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can let go of all desires to promote myself or the ministry to which I'm called.

How do I think I'm better than I am, or that I'm not good enough to be used by God?

When do I look for ways to seek praise? 

Today is the Day

"As God's partners,

we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift

of God's kindness and then ignore it.

For God says,

'At just the right time, I heard you.

On the day of salvation, I helped you.'

Indeed, the 'right time' is now.

Today is the day of salvation."

2 Corinthians 6:1-2 NLT

"Why do today what I can do tomorrow?"  This is the motto of the procrastinator.  While it may not bring much harm to put some things off, it is not the same with God.  He is calling me, why wait?  I choose this day to not let the grace God extends be for naught;  I'd rather make it count!

Be Reconciled to God

Her life was a series of failures: Failed marriages.  Failed relationships.  Failed religious pursuits.  She was an outcast, shunned for her choice of lifestyle.  No one thought about her or cared to know her.  No one, that is, except the man who seemed to know the intimate details of her life but loved her enough to offer her living water that would eternally quench her thirst.  After this encounter with the Messiah, her life would never again be the same. (John 4)

Jesus stands at the door of my heart, waiting for me to invite Him into my life. (Revelation 3:20)  On my own, I have no rights to God because my sin has set me up as His enemy. (Colossians 1:21)  But the moment I let Jesus in, allowing His redemptive work accomplished on the cross to cover my sins, I am reconciled to a Holy God who loves me.

Jesus already did all the work, what am I waiting for?  

Today is the day to be reconciled to God through faith in Jesus Christ and to begin to live for Him.

Answer the Call

Times were bad.  The nation of Israel was divided into two kingdoms, both peoples following their own ways.   God wanted someone to deliver a message of repentance and salvation to the wayward people.  Who would go?  He put out the call: "Whom shall I send as a messenger to the people?"  Anyone could answer.  Who would be the one to step forward? 

It turns out that Isaiah was the man who responded to this call of God.  (Isaiah 6:8)  As a result, Isaiah became one of the most prolific as well as oft-quoted prophets.

What is God bringing to my attention that could be a part of my life's purpose?  Am I bothered by the homeless problem in my own community, or the horrific holocaust we call abortion or the lack of respect for marriage in this country?  Perhaps I could take the initiative and answer the call to love others and take a stand for righteousness.

It's not always easy to step out in faith, especially when I'm going out on a limb.  But as Oswald Chambers said, "Then comes the call to spiritual tenacity, not to hang on and do nothing, but to work deliberately on the certainty that God is not going to be worsted."  

God put out the call, so what am I waiting for?

Today is the day to step forward in faith and begin to live for Him, believing with all certainty that the dream He placed on my heart will come to pass.

Tell Others

They were confused and helpless.  The people reminded him of sheep without a shepherd, floundering around in the mundane details of their lives, searching for some kind of meaning and purpose.  He spread the Good News and healed the sick, but more kept coming.  There must be more workers! (Matthew 9:35-38)

The heart of Jesus went out to His people.  They needed Him and the message He delivered, but as God stuck in a mortal body, He saw the need for back-up.

When was the last time I told someone about Jesus?  Or brought the Words of life that would bring healing to the hurting?  Or spoke the Truth in the midst of deception?

God prepared the harvest, so what am I waiting for?

Today is the day to speak the Truth in love for all to benefit.

It is easy to put off the action for which I know I am destined.  Instead of waiting, it is my intention to make today the day I will be reconciled to God, answer His call, and tell others what they so desperately need to hear.  Today is the day of salvation!  

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I won't wait another day to begin living for Christ.

When do I hear God calling but fail to step forward in faith?

How am I afraid to speak the truth?  

My Ways Are Higher

 



“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
   neither are your ways my ways,”
            declares the LORD.
“As the heavens are higher than the earth,
   so are my ways higher than your ways
   and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Isaiah 55:8-9

The Discussion
"No!  That movie is not good for you and I'm not giving you permission to go see it!"
"But Mom! All of my friends are going and if I tell them you won't let me go, they're going to be mad at me."
"My answer is still 'No.'  You're just going to have to trust me on this, Honey.  Believe me. . .you'll thank me for this later."
"Arrrgggghhh!"

Why?   I have always had a strong desire to understand why things happen, or to comprehend the motivations that drive someone to do something.  I can analyze a thing to death until I've studied all possible angles and viewpoints.  This can be helpful when thinking back on a hurtful conversation and understanding where I went wrong, but it runs counter to a faith relationship with my Father.

Understanding God's Character    Part of faith is following without understanding.  It's as if God is saying, "If I say jump, I want you to jump!"  It speaks to my understanding of God's sovereignty and power.  To trust Him in a thing, is to say, "I know you have a purpose here, and even though it seems wrong to me, I will trust you in Your plan."  It was like when the prophet Jeremiah assured God's people, who were in exile at the time, that God knew of their predicament and that He knew what He is was doing and, in fact, that their situation was all a part of a greater plan.  Read Jeremiah 29:10-14:


 This is what the LORD says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place.  For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.  You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.  I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”

Full Circle  God's plan would bring His people full circle, back to their homes in Jersualem after a period of time.   It was as if God were saying, "You're just going to have to trust me on this.  Believe me. . . you'll thank me for this later."

Acceptance  If I were one of the exiles, I'd probably analyze my situation, trying to understand the purpose for my plight.  But showing my faith in God would mean that I would accept where God has placed me, and would live for Him there.

As I begin this day, it is my prayer that I would accept the situations in which God has placed me, and trust in His plan for my life.

Where am I trying to understand instead of simply trusting in the goodness, lovingkindness and sovereignty of God?

All of Me






Kale

   
 Mixed Messages   We have a cat named Kale who is the most frustrating little thing!  Sometimes, I can walk right up to him and pet him while he drools and purrs in ecstasy.  Other times he plays coy and keeps just out of reach while he arches his back, his chest rumbling with delight as if he wants nothing more than some affection, but never lets me touch him.  Then there are the times when he runs away as if he doesn't even know me.

My Heart   This is how I am with God!  Sometimes I readily accept all He has for me, luxuriating in His tremendous love and grace.  Other times I say I love Him and want Him to have His way in my life, but I stay just out of reach.  Then there are the times when I run away from Him as if I don't even know God, choosing instead to do things my way.



Midnight



Available   God wants us to be like our other cat, Midnight.  He readily accepts any affection I am willing to offer, without complaint and with great abandon.  He greets me as soon as I wake up with a friendly flick of the tail, and is available to me throughout the day.  There is never a time when he runs away with fear, but is content to accept whatever comes his way. 



Lukewarm   God revealed some harsh messages to a church in John's Revelation.  The report directed at the church of Laodicea is especially alarming.  They were neither hot nor cold, but indifferent.  This reminds me of the times when I say I love God, but I still insist on relying on my own strength instead of His.  "I got this Lord, you don't have to worry about this problem. . . I've got it under control."  What a dangerous attitude.  God told the church at Laodicea that, ". . . because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth." (Revelation 3:16)  If I say I love God, I better let Him have all of me!

Warning   Isaiah delivered the same kind of message to the people of Judah during the time of the divided kingdom.  God wanted His people to know that He wanted nothing of their heartless traditions.  As you read God's Words below, put it into today's context and let God speak to your heart regarding your own attitude. Keep in mind that He is speaking to His own people, yet referred to them as Sodom and Gomorrah.  Ouch!

Hear the word of the LORD,
   you rulers of Sodom;
listen to the instruction of our God,
   you people of Gomorrah!
¹¹ “The multitude of your sacrifices—
   what are they to me?” says the LORD.
“I have more than enough of burnt offerings,
   of rams and the fat of fattened animals;
I have no pleasure
   in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats.
¹² When you come to appear before me,
   who has asked this of you,
   this trampling of my courts?
¹³ Stop bringing meaningless offerings!
   Your incense is detestable to me.
New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations—
   I cannot bear your worthless assemblies.
¹⁴ Your New Moon feasts and your appointed festivals
   I hate with all my being.
They have become a burden to me;
   I am weary of bearing them.
¹⁵ When you spread out your hands in prayer,
   I hide my eyes from you;
even when you offer many prayers,
   I am not listening.

(Isaiah 1:10-15)

God is tired of my coy behavior and disingenuous worship.  He wants all of me.  And He wants all of you. 

My prayer as I begin this day is that I will willingly accept all God has to offer me, and not hold back anything from him.

Where am I running away in fear from God? 

Where am I exhibiting an indifferent, coy attitude toward Him?