Salted with Fire

"And if thine eye offend thee,

pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter

 into the kingdom of God with one eye,

than having two eyes to be cast into hell.

Where their worm dieth not,

and the fire is not quenched.

For every one shall be salted with fire,

and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt.

Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness,

wherewith will ye season it?

Have salt in yourselves,

and have peace one with another."

Mark 9:47-50 KJV

In Old Testament times, God's people were required to make sacrifices to God for many reasons and in many forms.  One of the sacrifices was the grain offering and it was to be seasoned with salt, signifying the eternal nature of the covenant between God and His people.  (Leviticus 2:11-13)  

As a follower of Christ, I am a part of the new covenant.  No longer am I required to offer the same kind of sacrifices to which my ancestors were bound.  Instead, Jesus freed me from that requirement when He became the final, perfect sacrifice as He gave His life on the cross.  As the holy Lamb of God, His sacrifice atoned for all my sins.  Now I am free to enter into a relationship with God by faith in Jesus Christ my Lord.  And thus, I have entered into a new covenant. (Jeremiah 31:31-34)

Under this new promise, I am to give myself as a sacrifice.  The Apostle Paul instructs me to, "offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship." (Romans 12:1)  I am also called to be the salt of the earth, (Matthew 5:13) extending the love, grace and mercy of God given to me through Jesus to people who are lost.

In order to preserve my saltiness, and keep from compromising the teachings God has impressed upon me, I must hang onto the Truth.  Even though the world is filled with false teachings, Paul taught that, "Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: 'The Lord knows those who are his,' and, 'Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.'" (2 Timothy 2:19)

If I want to keep my living sacrifice seasoned with salt, I will need to get rid of anything that tempts and distracts me from running the race marked out for me. (Hebrews 12:1-4)

Relationships

I've heard it said that the most important things in life aren't things.  Many people talk about how going through a sickness or a difficult time taught them that their family and friends are what's really important.  While I agree with this sentiment to a certain extent, Jesus teaches something radically different in the Gospels.  

When He was busy ministering to people, healing and teaching, Jesus' disciples approached Him with the news that His family was there to visit.  Naturally, they assumed their Teacher would drop everything and ask them to come to the front of the line, bypassing all the others who had been waiting to see Him.  To everyone's amazement, He instead said, "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?"  (Matthew 12:48)  He then went on to explain that everyone who does the will of His Father were considered to be His family.

While this is a great lesson in how important it is to view fellow believers as kin, there is a deeper lesson to be learned.  Jesus considered His relationship with His Father and His obedience to Him as His main concern.  As much as He treasured His family, He loved God more.  If they were getting in the way of His mission, then He would place them in the proper perspective; off to the side.  

Relationships are important to me.  I have friends who have been with me for a long time, and others who I've recently met.  Each one plays a role and fulfills a need I have as a human.  Every day I must re-evaluate these relationships using kingdom eyes.  Who is supporting me in a way that helps me to fulfill the calling God has placed on my life?  Who hinders my relationship with God by demanding my time and attention?  Who encourages me to grow in my relationship with God, even if it means making a sacrifice to see me less?  Who tears me down with her words or actions, either in my presence or behind my back?

To help me keep on track, it is necessary for me to constantly consider whether my relationships distract from Jesus or propel me toward Him.

Activities

Writer and editor John Boykin reminds me that, "Time is life--nothing more, nothing less.  The way you spend your hours and your days is the way you spend your life."  Every human is given the same amount of this precious resource of time.  The way I spend it reveals what is most important to me.

There are many hobbies and pastimes that may be allowable but not all things are considered to be valuable in God's kingdom or helpful in living a life devoted to God.  There is nothing wrong with social media, for instance.  But when it sucks up an hour of my time with mindless browsing and chatting, was that the best use of the time that God has given to me?

Exercise is also a healthy habit to take on: it improves my cardiovascular health, guards against osteoporosis and protects against many disease such as Diabetes.  Everyone should get some kind of regular, rigorous exercise.  When I start to spend too much time studying techniques, learning new theories and trying out different methods, however, it becomes a problem.  If my mind is continuously dwelling on working out and I'm unwilling to scale back or give it up for a season, it has become an idol, and God wants nothing to be placed in a position of importance higher than Him. (Deuteronomy 5)

To help me keep on track, it is necessary for me to constantly consider whether the way I use my time is honoring to God.

Beliefs

There are many beliefs floating around out there that seem good, but are contrary to God's teaching.  For instance, I have heard more than one person say that they hope they're good enough to make it into heaven.  It is common to think that our entry to an eternity with God is based on our works, but God is clear that none of us are good enough and fail to meet His standards.  (Romans 3:23)  My only hope is in Jesus.  (John 3:16-17)

Another widely-held belief is in 'karma,' or that my current actions can influence my future. This understanding is based on the idea that I can manipulate God into getting what I want by doing what I deem to be good, or that my life is a formula of cause and effect.  If I do, "A" then I will get "B."

Instead, God teaches that when I focus on Him and His kingdom, loving God and people, then all things will work together for the good.  It may not seem good at the time, but it will certainly bring about positive results in the long run. (Romans 8:28  Matthew 6:33)  He is the source of all the good in my life.  (James 1:17)

These folk-beliefs that have been passed down from other religions or folklore can work against my faith in Christ.  Just because something sounds good or makes sense to me doesn't make it the truth.  It is important that I remain vigilant of what I add to my consciousness.

Spending as much time as possible studying God's Word and putting it into action as well as keeping God at the forefront of my thoughts is what will help me combat the inclination to pick up foreign ideas. (Deuteronomy  8:6)  

To help me keep on track, it is necessary for me to constantly consider the beliefs I hold to be true and keep only those that are from God and His Word.

Giving my life as a living sacrifice to God means it will be better for me to get rid of things that seem good to me than to hamper my relationship with my Lord.  For this reason, I need to always be monitoring my relationships, activities and beliefs, keeping only those which glorify God and help me to honor Him in all I do.  Then, as I go through this life filled with trials and hardships that serve to test and refine my faith, I will continue to offer up a sacrifice that is seasoned with salt.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can honor God with my thoughts, words and deeds.

How do my friendships get in the way of my relationship with God?

When do I let my schedule control me instead of giving that honor to God?

Open my Eyes

"'Don't be afraid,' the prophet answered.

'Those who are with us

are more than those who are with them.'

And Elisha prayed, 'O LORD, 

open his eyes so he may see.'"

2 Kings 6:16-17

Elisha was in a tight spot.  Through the revelation of God, the prophet had been tipping off the king of Israel regarding the movements of his enemy's actions.  Whenever the king of Aram changed positions, the army of Israel had already anticipated their moves.  Frustrated, the king of Aram vowed to capture the prophet, ending their advantage.  

As the enemy troops gathered around the city, Elisha's servant took one look and knew they were doomed.  His courage was gone, his hope had disappeared, his strength had vanished.  They were surrounded!  The army of Aram was strong with horses and chariots, giving them the clear advantage!  There was no escape!

I feel like that sometimes.  I look at the circumstances of my life and deduce that there is no way out.  I am surrounded by problems.  I can see no possible escape from my troubles.  My thoughts turn to feelings of doom.

Then, I look to God, and He opens my eyes to the truth, much like Elisha's servant's vision was broadened.  When my perspective has changed and I see the multitudes that are fighting in my stead, my hope returns.

Broaden my View 

The bills pile up, my health declines, the family grows apart, I fall into despair.  All my problems feel overwhelming; they are taking up my entire viewpoint, blocking out the glory of God.  He is bigger than all my struggles, but my focus is too narrow.  I am concentrating excessively on the issues.

It is kind of like trying to view a majestic mountain from close up.  When I am on the mount, all I see is white snow.  It doesn't seem so impressive because I can't see the whole peak.  Once I descend and take a look at the same mountain from the valley below, I appreciate the magnificence of it's imposing presence.  Up close it just seemed like a vast snowfield.

In a similar way, I can't appreciate the power of God when I am focusing on a tiny part of the picture.  When I only see the here and now and the impossibility of my issues, I forget that God is bigger.  When I am trying to come up with solutions to my problems, I am overlooking the fact that God uses trials to refine me in the same way that a silversmith purifies silver in the fire.  When I dwell on the hardships, I fail to see all the good that God has given me.

The people of Judah found themselves in an impossible situation during the time of King Hezekiah.  The Assyrian army surrounded the city of Jerusalem, and the people were afraid.  But the wise king encouraged them by saying, "Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him.  With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles." (2 Chronicles 32:7-8) Not surprisingly, the people gained confidence from his words. 

Notice that Hezekiah did not deny that the army that laid siege upon their city was large.  He was upfront about the threat that faced them.  What Hezekiah did was to remind everyone that no matter how big the problem, God is bigger!  Like God reminded Abram, "I am your shield, your very great reward." (Genesis 15:1)

When hard times hit, I can remember that God's power overwhelms any force that I can face.  If He is for me, who can be against me? (Romans 8:31) Who or what can stand against the Lord?

When tough times overwhelm me, I need to broaden my view.

Lighten my Grip

I'll admit it; I'm a control freak.  I like to be in charge.  It makes me feel more comfortable knowing that I make the decisions.  Directing my own path seems natural.  The problem with this tendency is that I am not really in control.  I like to think I am, but the Creator of the universe is in charge.  

When I refuse to let go of my own sense of autonomy, I am in essence saying that I am god and there is no need for another.  My desire to manage my life the way I see fit and in the way that pleases me gets in the way of Jesus reigning as Lord of my life.  As Oswald Chambers said, "He is King of kings and Lord of lords from the day of His Ascension until now."  There is no doubt that Jesus sits on the throne, but does He reign in my life?  Or do my desires, comfort and well-being rule?

Trying to direct my own paths has not worked very well, in my experience.  I tend to obsess over problems, analyzing possible solutions and dreaming up various scenarios until I'm sick to death of thinking about my difficulty.  I never thought of myself as a worrier, but considering the fact that worrying is simply focused thinking on difficulties or troubles, I came to the conclusion that I am a first class worrywart!.

Jesus had something to say to me, the bundle of nerves. He said to watch the rest of creation for a clue: birds never worry because they trust God to provide for their needs.  He knows what I need better than I do, and I can place my confidence in Him rather than in my own wherewithal. Then He advised me to, ". . .seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:33)

Letting go of my desire to control and giving God dominion over my life means I will trust Him to provide my needs.  I will be so secure in His ability to supply that I won't even think about it.  Instead, I'll be completely focused on what He's doing around me and how I can join in.

When my grip is white-knuckled, it's time to let go and give God a chance.

Narrow my Scope

We've all heard it: "He who plans to fail, fails to plan."  The maxim to "plan ahead" is drilled into our minds at a young age.  While it is wise to give thought to my future, if I extend those thoughts to foreseeing possible difficulties and taking part in troubleshooting of future imagined problems, I will work myself into a pile of nervous anxiety.  

John Piper, author and pastor, explained this phenomenon by using the term, "future grace."  He said God gives us a continuous supply of grace, but each day's supply is sufficient only for that day's trouble. That's why Jesus said to, "not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own."  

I have been given enough grace to handle today's problems, but when I hone in on things that may happen in the future, I am weighed down by the pressure.  I have not yet been given the strength to handle what may come tomorrow.  I am only enabled to cope with today.

As I "borrow trouble" by focusing on the future, I am taking away the grace that was meant for today.  Corrie Ten Boom, holocaust survivor and author of The Hiding Place, said, "Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, it empties today of its strength."  Using today's God- given resources to attempt to deal with tomorrow's troubles robs me of today's grace.

Instead, it is my desire to maximize the grace God has given me for this day and use it only for today's difficulties. 

When my vision is too far-sighted, it's time to narrow my scope.

There is a lot in this world to keep me anxious.  If, however, I broaden my view to take in all that God is doing behind the scenes to protect me, lighten my grip to give God dominion over my life, and narrow my scope to focus only on the troubles God has supplied the grace to handle, I will live a life of peace that passes understanding.

As I begin this day, it is my prayer that I will live my life with my eyes wide open to God's sovereign work that is happening all around me.

How do I discount God's power by trying to rely on my own strength?

When do I think I can try to tackle tomorrow's problems and thus borrow trouble?

Eternal Perspective

"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ,

set your hearts on things above,

where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.

Set your minds on things above,

not on earthly things."

Colossians 3:1-2

At the age of 17 a diving accident left Joni Eareckson Tada a quadriplegic in a wheelchair, unable to use her arms.  An active teenager, this new reality was difficult to understand.  Over the years, however, Joni was able to accept God's plan for her life. . . a plan she did not necessarily like, but a purpose in which God gave her the grace to receive as His will.

Life doesn't always go the way I want it to go.  Surprises are around every corner, making it difficult to continue the struggle.  Joni said, "The world has a philosophy that says, 'What can't be cured must be endured.' Christians have a philosophy that says, 'What can't be cured can be enjoyed.'"

If I want to be able to experience joy in the midst of difficulty, I must keep an eternal perspective.  Seeing things from God's point-of-view changes everything.  While I can't literally put myself in God's place, I can change my position, giving me another angle from which to see my current situation.

Heart

For many years of my life I treasured bodybuilding.  I spent hours poring over muscle magazines, learning the latest workout, diet and posing techniques.  The gym became my second home as I toiled away, sculpting muscle and sweating fat away.  Food grew to be a tool used to manipulate my body into the condition I desired it to attain.  My heart was fully devoted to my own physical appearance.

Jesus said in Matthew 6:21 that I should focus on storing up treasures in heaven, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."  Whatever I value leads my heart to follow.  The center of my life is my heart.  For this reason, a wise man once said, "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." (Proverbs 4:23)

As the center, my heart is the barometer of my spiritual well being.  If anyone wants to know the condition of my spiritual life, he need look no further than my heart.  Since only God can see my heart, humans must look at the produce, so to speak.  Jesus said, "The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart.  For out of the overflow of his heart, his mouth speaks."  (Luke 6:45)

When stress increases, the words that I so easily blurt out reflect what's on the inside.  When things seem to be going all wrong, the way I react reveals who I believe is in control.  When everything is going the way I want it to go, my attitude exposes my pride.

Keeping an eternal perspective means my heart will be focused on what is important to God instead of in pleasing my own selfish desires.  To set my heart on things above is to desire His will above all other things.  This takes some house cleaning, asking God to remove whatever passions do not glorify Him.  

If I want to change my perspective, I can devote my heart to pleasing God.

Mind

A few years ago our family was working to get out of debt.  Whenever I was doing any menial task like folding laundry, cleaning or exercising, my mind would analyze our progress, calculating how many months it would take to pay of this credit card or that loan.  I took great pleasure in meditating on the improvement we were making in our financial health.  My thoughts often drifted toward the good thing we were doing.

Everyone agrees living debt-free is wise and beneficial.   Even though we were in the process of doing something good, my thought life was not pleasing to God.  He is jealous for my attention.  As His Creator, He deserves the highest place of honor and esteem in my life.   Focusing my deliberation, analysis and meditation on Him and His Word demonstrates the place He holds in my scheme of things.  

Anything can easily take God's place in my thought life.  Another area of temptation is for my mind to focus on problems, analyzing them and brainstorming solutions until I come up with just the right one. Then I'll think it through from every angle, determining all the possible outcomes when finally I drop into an exhausted heap and plead with God to take the problem and solve it His way.  As soon as I stop worrying and release the responsibility for unraveling the tangle of issues, my mind enjoys some peace and rest.  I have placed God back in the driver's seat of the car that is my life.

Jesus gives us the antidote for worry in Matthew 6:33.  After describing how the rest of His creation trusts Him to provide for their needs and to solve their problems (have you ever seen a worried bird?), He showed me where my mind should be focused.  ". . .seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."  

When I keep my attention on God and living to Him, He takes care of the things I used to worry about.  He solves the problems.  He gives me the answers.  He supplies my needs.  

My constant attention to our debt-pay-off plan did not serve to pull us out of debt sooner.  It only served to entice my mind away from God and onto distracting things.  Instead, I can train my mind to take the advice of the Apostle Paul when he taught that, ". . . whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things." (Philippians 4:8)

Focusing on God and His Word will transform my mind into a more godly viewpoint. 

Heaven

I remember going on long runs as a teenager.  To help me keep focused, I would envision my house and what I would do when I reached the end of the run.  Keeping that mental picture of the finish line in my mind encouraged me to keep going even when I felt tired and ready to quit.

In the same way, life is like a long marathon.  When I feel like giving up and dropping all my convictions, having a good vision of heaven in mind will inspire me to keep going.  Believers have something to look forward to. Before Jesus returned to His heavenly home he reassured His followers. He said, "Do not let your hearts be trouble.  Trust in God; trust also in me.  In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you.  I am going there to prepare a place for you." (John 14:1-2) 

I have a special spot just for me in my eternal home!  Jesus Himself is getting it ready for me.  It's like when I go home to visit my mom, she always fixes up a room just for me.  She doesn't wait until I arrive to change the sheets and freshen the pillows.  Instead, she works in advance, making sure everything is ready when I set foot in her home.  I know I am expected and I am welcomed because of her attention to the preparations.  

It is the same with heaven.  Jesus wants me there and is getting everything ready for my arrival.  Keeping this picture in my mind as I go through the trials and tribulations of life helps me to carry on with joy in my heart.  

As I run this race of life, "I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us." (Philippians 3:14 NLT)

Keeping a mental picture of my heavenly reward will give me a new lease on life, inspiring me to do my best for my Father.

Life is hard.  Thanks to sin, this world is a difficult place in which to live.  Those of us who follow Jesus, however, have reason to rejoice.  In the midst of the mess, I can experience joy by devoting my heart to God's purpose, by keeping my mind focused in Him and His Word, and by  maintaining a visualization of my heavenly home.  Then I will gain an eternal perspective.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can be heavenly minded as I am worldly bound.

In what ways do I betray my thoughts in the way I respond to stressors?

When am I too short-range in my vision instead of keeping heaven in my sight?

Purpose in the Darkness

"What I tell you in the dark,

speak in the daylight;

what is whispered in your ear,

proclaim from the roofs."

Matthew 10:27

 "Songbirds are taught to sing in the dark,

and we are put into the shadow of God's hand

until we learn to hear Him."   

Oswald Chambers

My Utmost for His Highest

Sitting on the porch in the dark, I heard the most curious thing:  The sound of a bird chirping a tune I was used to hearing in the morning.  I wondered why that solitary creature chose to sing while all was shadows and quiet.  Knowing that birds act according to instinct, I figured God had wired that bird to sing His praises in the dead of night.

I am wired that way, too, but my sinful flesh gets in the way.  Hard times come and I immediately go into survival mode, shutting down all but the necessary functions.  I spend my time looking for answers and often forget all I have to sing about.

God told us that everything we go through has a purpose. . . His purpose.  But many times I get bogged down with the difficulties of life and forget this truth. 

Darkness, too, has a purpose. 

Training in Righteousness

I am made righteous through faith in Jesus Christ.  Nothing I do can make me holy and sinless. . . .only the blood of Jesus accomplishes this.

When hard times come, however, I am easily caught up in worry, forgetting that God knows what I need and will provide those requirements.  Instead of getting distracted by the cares of this world, I can focus on God and what He is doing through my present circumstances.  Jesus taught in Matthew 6:33 to, ". . .  seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

"All these things," include all the stuff I tend to worry about, especially in times of difficulty: food, shelter, clothing, paying the bills, resolving conflicts, time management, raising children. . .the list goes on. . .

Times of trial give me a chance to practice pursuing God's kingdom and righteousness.  Not as something I can possess for myself, but as a state of being.  I can either choose to live in His Kingdom as His child, or I can live as if I don't belong to Him, as if He will not supply my every need.

Darkness is a time to practice living in the light.

Learning to Listen

My husband and I recently attended a marriage conference which I highly recommend to any married couple.  As we worked on the projects together, we realized how much work it takes to listen.   I think of communication as conveying my message accurately and effectively.  But most of good communication is listening.  And not just listening, but paying attention with the goal of understanding.

Some of God's most powerful lessons are taught in the darkness.  When I'm going through a hard time, though, I do a lot of thinking, analyzing and discussing.  I look for answers, seeking solutions and searching for explanations but I don't spend much time listening to God's still, small voice.

If I did listen, He would teach me something.  And then I can take that lesson and use it to encourage others. 

Darkness is a time to learn to listen to the voice of God.

Growing in Faith

My ability to trust and have confidence in God is not from myself. It is not something I can generate from within.  Rather, it is from outside myself.   "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast." (Ephesians 2:8) 

God has given me the faith I need to not only trust Jesus as my Savior, but also to trust Him during difficult times.  I need, however, to practice using my faith during times of trouble. 

It reminds me of CPR training.  I learned the mechanics and the theory, but then I had to put it into practice in order to develop the skill.  I couldn't just listen to someone explain it and watch someone else do it.  I had to try it myself in order to really know how to perform CPR.

Faith is the same way.  I can read about everyone who has great faith and watch others live lives of great faith, but until I practice it myself I won't know how to use it.

Times of darkness give me a chance to develop the faith God has given me.

Trials have a purpose.  God allows them in order that I take the opportunity to go through training in righteousness, learn to listen to God, and grow in the faith God has given me. 

Darkness is not just a time to suffer.  Struggles are intentional and useful.

As I begin this day, it is my prayer that I will remember that God has a reason for my suffering.

How do I usually deal with hard times?

How can I begin to look at times of darkness as valuable?