Image Bearer

"Then Jesus said to them, 

'Give to Caesar what is Caesar's

and to God what is God's.'

And they were amazed at him."

Mark 12:17

They were trying hard to catch Jesus saying something incriminating.  If they could only find Him tripping up, then everyone would see how phony He was.  I mean, c'mon!  The Messiah coming from the town of Nazareth, the son of a lowly carpenter?  He was supposed to be a King!  One who would rescue them from their misery!  There is no way someone so ordinary and plain could do all that.  Yes, if they could only catch Him in a lie or saying something outrageous; then they could get rid of Him for good.

Many didn't recognize the One whom God sent to save us.  Neither did they understand His mission.  Even so, He amazed people everywhere He went with His wise words, astounding miracles and never-before-seen healings.  There was no doubt that Jesus was one of a kind.

In fact, in this particular case, Jesus blew everyone out of the water with the idea that I am to give what is owed.  I need not live a life completely ignorant of or in defiance to the world around me.  Instead, I am to give what I owe.

As a woman who bears God's image, what is it in my life that I owe to God?

Desires

Nineteenth century author and philosopher Henry David Thoreau advised to, "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams.  Live the life you have imagined."  Thankfully, my life did not turn out the way I thought it would.  My dreams were so short-visioned and completely opposite of what God had for me.  In retrospect, I'd rather follow His lead any time.

The twenty-third Psalm depicts God as my shepherd, providing things I need, quieting me, supporting me and bringing comfort.  One of the most powerful pictures is of Him leading me as His sheep.  I am prone to wander, but His staff brings relief as He guides me back on the path for His name's sake.

I can follow my heart, but it will lead me to despair.  (Jeremiah 17:9)  There are many well-meaning people whose advice I could take, but only God knows the plan for my life.  (Jeremiah 29:11) My common sense tells me to do one thing, but if I I pay attention only to God I can't go wrong.  (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Since I am made in God's image, I am created to be in a close intimate relationship with God and can let Him lead me instead of trying to fabricate my own life plan.

Will

He was so distressed He felt close to death.  The sorrow and anguish ran so deeply that drops of blood formed on His skin.  "Father, I know all things are possible with you.  If there is any other way. . .but not my will, but Yours be done."  (paraphrased from Mark 14:32-36 and Luke 22:39-44)

Jesus suffered immensely at the thought of what was to come.  Even so, His uppermost desire was for His Father's will to come to pass.  Many times I'm in a different type of agony.  Maybe it's physical, or it could be emotional or even spiritual.  Whatever the misery, it can't over power God's will.  The question is, am I going to get on board, or will I be a spectator stuck on the sidelines nursing my wounds?

I have two choices in this life.  Either I do things my way, stubbornly insisting that my way is fine for me, or I do things God's way, surrendering to His sovereign plan.  Whichever path I choose, God's will is going to move forward.  The only difference is that I'll miss out on the blessing that comes with obedience.

The Apostle Paul puts it this way:  "Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey--whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?" (Romans 6:16)  Paul goes on to explain that as a follower of Christ, I no longer am bound to sin, but have been freed from it's shackles through His blood.  Now, I am able to win the battle of the wills and yield my stubborn determination to God's control, and let Him have His way in my life.

Since I am made in God's image, I am created to bend my will to God, and let His purposes prevail in my life.

Heart

A friend of mine told me they have a saying in his homeland of Haiti that speaks to the resiliency of his people.  "As long as you still have a head, there is a chance that one day you will wear a hat."  The whole world learned of the resilient spirit of the Haitian people after the earthquake of 2010.  People did not give up despite the death and destruction that overwhelmed the rest of the world.  For some reason, the people of this tiny island nation possess strong hearts.  

Jesus said that whatever we treasure, that is where our heart will be. (Matthew 6:21)  If I value money above all things, my focus will be on wealth.  If I lose all or some of it when the stock market plummets, I will probably think my life is over.  

If it's my family that is most important to me, I would lose my mind if something horrible happened to one of my loved ones.  

If my career is the center of my life, I'll lose hope if I receive a pink slip.

If I treasure my relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ as the most valuable part of my life, nothing will shake me.  No kidnapper could destroy my faith through their evil.  No sudden downturn in the economy could knock me off my feet.  No disaster would threaten to destroy me.  Instead, my faith will tell me that my God will supply all my needs according to His glorious riches!  (Philippians 4:19)

Since I am made in God's image, He created me to be wholeheartedly devoted to Him.

God certainly doesn't need anything from me.  But as one of His image bearers, He designed me to work best when I'm in His hands.  I can surrender my desires to Him and take on His.  I can exchange my self-centered will for His, and I can devote my heart completely to Him.  In this way, I am giving to God what is God's.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can devote my whole heart to Jesus.

When do I insist on getting my way, ignoring God's gentle guidance?

How do I follow my dreams instead of the Good Shepherd?

Real Answers

"Heal me, O LORD,

and I will be healed;

save me

and I will be saved,

for you are the one I praise."

Jeremiah 17:14

Self-help books line the shelves at the local bookstore.  Advice on how to get through any difficulty can be found all around me.  Experts are eager to share their methods of restoration or treatment for a wide variety of disorders, sicknesses, relationship problems, ailments or difficulties.  Relief can come from many sources.

Relief, but not peace.  Alleviation, but not healing.  A Band-Aid, but not a cure.

How can I find lasting peace, healing and a genuine cure for the issues that plague me?  


God.  

When I allow God to have access to my life, giving it over to Him through faith in Jesus Christ, the work He accomplishes in my life will be authentic, powerful and enduring.

Allow Him

Have you ever tried to make a 2-year-old eat his peas, use the toilet, or go to sleep?  If you have, you know it boils down to a battle of the wills. My will against his will.  I can't make him do any of these things.  I can make him stay at the table, sit on the potty and lay in his bed, but I can't force him to eat, go to the bathroom or fall asleep.  He must bend his will to mine in order for compliance to occur.

It is the same with me and God.  He can't force me to do anything because He created me with my own ability to desire and choose for myself.  If I don't yield to Him, He can't have access to my life.  If He did try to force His way on me, He would only succeed in my stubborn will pushing back against His.  And although His will is much stronger than mine, He is a loving and gracious God who waits for me to surrender to Him before He works in my life.

When I allow God the right of entry into my heart, He will accomplish mighty works never before experienced in my existence.  A changed heart. . .a healed hurt. . .a restored relationship. . .the way of salvation. . .

If I want real change to happen in my life, it will only come from bending my will to God's, and allowing Him to have His way.

Seek Him

My husband has a buddy who is preparing for his first bodybuilding show.  His friends and family are telling him that he needs to step up the cardio training if he wants to be ready in time but he insists that he'll be prepared.  When he looks in the mirror, he is not seeing what everyone else is seeing.  He is only seeing what he wants to see.

It's the same with me.  I can look at myself or my situation and only see what I want to see.  If I focus on the negative, I will only see the harmful and destructive things happening around me.  

If I concentrate on my own abilities, I will think victory depends on me.  

If I home in on my accomplishments, I will see my success and position in life as a result of my effort.

God is a jealous God.  As my Creator, He belongs in the highest position of importance in my life. But it is easy to let other things creep into that top position.  When this happens, I fail to recognize His hand in my life.  

The Israelites were no different in their struggles with this kind of rebellion against God's rightful position.  In fact, God gave this message to the prophet Ezekiel regarding His chosen ones.  ". . .you are living among a rebellious people.  They have eyes to see but do not see and ears to hear but do not hear, for they are a rebellious people."  (Ezekiel 12:2)

When I seek God, I will find Him.  And when I find Him, I will see the world around me with new eyes. . . eyes that are focused on Him and His wonders! 

If I truly want to see the reality of God's continuous work in all the details of my life, I have to look with new eyes.  

Wait for Him

I love keeping track of the weather forecasts.  There is something about knowing what kind of conditions I can expect for the day that makes me happy.  I do notice, however, that no man can truly predict whether or not it will rain, for instance, with 100% accuracy.  God set the planet into motion in a predictable way, allowing scientists to study patterns and correctly guess how things will turn out based on their data, but God is still in control.  

He could throw a wrench into those expectations by making it snow when rain was expected.  Or He could turn a hurricane over the ocean when everyone was expecting it to continue over land.  Or He could calm a stormy sea with a single command. 

Life is no different than the weather.  I may think I will get a certain outcome if I take a certain step, but all things are under God's dominion.  I may have an order in which I want events to occur, but God is in charge of the timing.  I may think I have God mostly figured out, but then He throws me a curve ball.

Once again, God used Ezekiel to address this issue of His sovereignty with His people. God said, "Son of man (Ezekiel), the house of Israel is saying, 'The vision he sees is for many years from now, and he prophesies about the distant future.'  Therefore say to them, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: None of my words will be delayed any long; whatever I say will be fulfilled, declares the Sovereign LORD.'"  (Ezekiel 12:27-28) 

I can't predict the timing of any events in my life, nor can I control them.  Instead, God holds the position of authority over my life and it is better if I wait for Him and His timing.  After all, who knows the mind of God or understands His ways?

If I want to live a life of inner peace it will only happen if I wait on Him and trust Him for His timing.  

I can find relief or remedies from many different sources.  But if I want real answers, I must allow God access to my heart, seek Him so I can see all the good He is doing around me, and wait on His perfect timing for all things.  

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I will seek the real answers that come from knowing God on a personal level.

When do I turn to other sources for a quick fix?

How do I betray my impatience in the way I fail to wait for God to provide my needs or solve my problems?

Green Leaves

"But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,

whose confidence is in him.

He will be like a tree planted by the water 

that sends out its roots by the stream.

It does not fear when heat comes;

its leaves are always green.

It has no worries in a year of drought

and never fails to bear fruit."

Jeremiah 17:7-8

I remember travelling across this great country of mine and being amazed at the varying variety of landscapes.  Majestic mountains gave way to prairies filled with waving wheat that surrendered to breathtaking canyons and rock formations.  There is no doubt that this land is filled with differing scenery.

One of the most curious sights, however, was found while driving through an arid region seemingly devoid of life.  Miles upon miles of travel revealed nothing more than dry, dusty terrain.  Suddenly, I spotted a crowd of cattle crammed into the shade of a single luscious tree.  Upon closer inspection, I discovered this lone tree was growing on the banks of a small stream.  Where no other plants seemed to have survived, the placement of this tree beside a life-giving source of water had assured it's survival.

I can be like that tree.  Even in the darkest of times, when nothing seems to be going right I can stand tall and serene, confident that my God will supply all my needs.

God is Trustworthy

I know no man who is worthy of my confidence 100% of the time.   I can place my trust in others, but at some point, they will let me down.  I, in turn, can do my best to diligently strive for excellence in the area of dependability and responsibility but I, too, will fail at some point.  We all are hopelessly flawed.

God, however does not have this problem.   David wrote in Psalm 18:30, "As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless.  He is a shield for all who take refuge in him."  God will never let me down.  It goes against His character to collapse under the weight of my trust. 

Another reason I cannot trust another human to fulfill all my needs is because there is a lack of understanding.  God knows me better than I know my self.  No human can know another as intimately as God knows me.  This concept is beautifully recounted in Psalm 139:2-5.  David said, "You know when I sit down or stand up.  You know my thoughts even when I'm far away.  You see me when I travel and when I rest at home.  You know everything I do.  You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD.  You go before me and follow me." (NLT)

As 20th Century writer Eugenia Price wrote, "With God our trust can be abandoned, utterly free.  In Him are no limitations, no flaws, no weaknesses.  His judgment is perfect, His knowledge of us is perfect, His love is perfect.  God alone is trustworthy."

Trusting God means I will never have to worry about whether He will let me down or misunderstand me.  

God Ordains my Position

I remember when we first moved to Germany under orders of the U.S. Army.  My husband had served several years by that time and was due for an overseas tour.  Our family of 6 arrived exhausted from a ten-hour flight and were immediately loaded onto a bus where we were driven to the local Army Kaserne or Post.

I was dismayed to see the vastness of the city, discouraged by the smell of pollution in the air and turned-off by the mass of humanity swarming everywhere.  How could I, a country girl, live in this large metropolis?

Well, God had placed me there in Frankfurt for a reason, and I soon grew to love the many parks, the amazing transportation system and the friendly people.  This country girl learned to live in the city.

God placed me exactly where He wanted me and it was up to me as to whether I would fight against His choice, or accept it.  

As St Francis de Sales, the 16th Century Bishop of Geneva said, "Truly charity has no limit; for the love of God has been poured into our hearts by His Spirit dwelling in each one of us, calling us to a life of devotion and inviting us to bloom in the garden where He was planted and directing us to radiate the beauty and spread the fragrance of His providence."

Trusting God means I will choose to bloom where I am planted.

God Transcends

One of the things I love about flying in an airplane is looking out the window at the landscape below. It gives me a different perspective as I watch the tiny cars driving along teeny ribbons of highway through miniature neighborhoods filled with thousands of microscopic people.  I enjoy observing others' lives from such an elevated position, wondering where everyone is going, what they are thinking, and what struggles with which they are wrestling.  

In an even greater way, God can see all that is happening and knows how it will all play out.  He knows the struggles with which I am wrestling.  He allowed the difficulties with which I now battle.  He ordained the position in which I now find myself.

God transcends all things; all circumstances, all trouble, all hopeless situations. This is why the angel Gabriel could say to Mary as recorded in Luke 1:37 that, ". . .nothing is impossible with God."

The transcendent nature of God is hard for my ordinary mind to comprehend.  This is because, as God said through the prophet Isaiah, "My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts. . .And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.  For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts."  (Isaiah 55:8-9 NLT)

Since God is above all things and therefore not affected by the turmoil that is going on in this world, I can trust Him with it all.  He has a perspective that gives Him the advantage, and his position above all things means He won't be swayed, changed or influenced by circumstances.  He is above it all.

Trusting God is possible because He is above all things and will not change.

I can be like that tree planted beside the live-giving streams of water.  I can enjoy healthy green leaves and luscious fruit no matter the circumstances.  But the only way this will happen is if I trust in God.  I can because He is trustworthy, He is sovereign, and he is above all things.  

God makes it possible for me to trust Him.  All it takes is a little faith.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I will learn to trust God no matter the situation.  

How do I fail to bloom where God has planted me?

In what areas can I better trust God as I remember He is above all things?

Real Peace

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.

I do not give to you as the world gives.

Do not let your hearts be troubled

and do not be afraid.

John 14:27

Hindu Prince Guatama Siddharta, founder of Buddhism, is credited with saying, "Peace comes from within.  Do not seek it without."  The problem with this philosophy is that I would have to live away from people, away from the troubles of this world, and away from all the things I fear in order to have any chance of finding quiet and tranquility in my heart.  And then I'm afraid it wouldn't be authentic peace I would find but simply a lack of conflict and difficulties.

Living in the real world, however, I find myself deep in conflict and difficulties leading to all kinds of worry, strife and drama.  It's funny how followers of Buddhism find it essential to separate themselves from the world in order to find enlightenment and peace.  This is because life is filled with trouble and sets my heart to trembling.  If I choose to go off by myself in order to find some peace, I would be ignoring all the suffering around me as well as all those who depend on me, like my family.  God did not put me in this world so that I could go on a selfish quest for inner peace.  He put me here so I could find Him, my Creator, and in so doing would find the peace that only He can give in the midst of the hullabaloo.

From God

Academic, writer and deep thinker CS Lewis said, "God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself because it is not there.  There is no such thing." 

The Apostle Paul revealed the secret of inner peace in chapter 4 verses 6 and 7 in his letter to the believers at Philippi.  " Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Peace is available from God as I give Him all my worries, allowing Him to carry my load for me.  The disharmony I experience in my heart comes from holding on to everything that troubles me.  Letting go gives His peace a chance to rule in my heart.   

I am able to experience peace within, but it comes from without.  Real peace comes from God.

How the World Gives

Apart from God my life is harsh and filled with suffering that offers nothing but pain.  In relationship with God, the cruelty and pain still exists, but I have peace within.  

All those who live for themselves apart from God make up what Jesus calls, "The World."  Without God's influence, I am self-centered and only give that which will benefit me in return.  I am more concerned with what's in it for me than in the welfare of the receiver.

Jesus does not give like this.  Instead, He is primarily concerned with the will of His Father and in carrying out His plan.  Part of God's plan is to bring glory to Himself.  The only way I, as a fallen, sinful human, can bring glory to God is through the transforming work Jesus does as I submit myself to Him.  In this way, more of Jesus shows through me as I go about my day and I consequently please God. 

When I exchange my worries for God's peace, I am not simply concerned for my own welfare but am glorifying God as a side-effect.  Jesus gives peace so that I can glorify God.  The world gives things so that I can feel satisfied and fill my desiresled. 

The world gives to please itself, but Jesus gives to glorify His Father.

Heart

I often hear the advice to follow my heart.  But God gives us the truth through the prophet Jeremiah, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure."  (Jeremiah 17:9)

Following my heart will lead me into trouble, taking me to places I do not belong.  My heart is only concerned with my wants and desires, but does not know what is best for me. Following God, however, will not disappoint.

"But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes;  its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”  (Jeremiah 17:7-8)

Better to lives as aa leafy green tree that thrives even in the midst of hard times than a scrawny dry stalk that shrivels at the first sight of trouble.

If I want real peace I need to look beyond my heart and instead trust in the Lord. 


The quest for peace is a praiseworthy pursuit.  Peace comes from God in order to bring glory to Himself as a result of trusting Him.  Give real peace a chance, won't you?


As I begin this day, it is my prayer that I can surrender my worries to my Father and allow peace to rule in my heart.


Is peace lacking in my heart?  If so, what worries of which do I need to let go?


In what ways do I give as the world gives; only to please myself?