Distortion of Sin

"Then the LORD God planted a garden in Eden in the east,

and there he placed the man he had made.

The LORD God made all sorts of trees

 grow up from the ground--

trees that were beautiful

and that produced delicious fruit.

In the middle of the garden

he placed the tree of life

and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil."

Genesis 2:8-9

I stood before the mirror in the Fun House trying to decipher the image that was reflected back.  My head ballooned out to three times its normal size and my legs looked impossibly short.  As I turned around, I caught a glimpse of my once-average sized body blown up to mammoth proportions, making me wonder the wisdom of eating that delicious elephant ear that still lingered on my lips.  Taking a step to my left, my image suddenly reminded myself of a skyscraper with long legs and arms, giving me the rare persona of a tall, thin model.

Fun House mirror images have a way of distorting reality, giving me a perspective that does not truly exist.  In a similar way, sin distorts my view.  God made so much that is good, but my sin nature makes me discontent with all that.  Instead of living each day based on what I see when I look into the truth of God's Word, I tend to look through my own sin-tainted eyes, viewing the world for what I think it is instead of seeing the dangers that lie there.

Sin is Blind

Where my friend saw peace and tranquility, I could only sense strife and chaos.  From my friend's point-of-view I enjoyed the hope of heaven but in my frustration I felt like there was nothing left to live for. 

Sin has a way of blinding me to all the good that God offers.  Through my tainted eyes, I pick out the troubles, discouragements and difficulties of life, defining my life by the negative side of things.  For instance, where God created a beautiful rose rich with color and ordained with jewel-like dew drops, my flesh hones in on the sharp thorns ready to tear my skin to pieces if I dare come close.  

My loving Father gave me a spirit of power, love and self-discipline but I tend to focus on my insecurities and the fear that often rears its ugly head.  (2 Timothy 1:7)  The Lord made me for Himself, but my sin nature cries out to be the center of attention, often winning my affections.

God offers me many good things through faith in Jesus Christ, but sin blinds me to this excellence and draws me toward the ugly.

Sin is Defiant

She was the picture of defiance as she stood in the candy aisle of the local grocery store; arms crossed, brow furrowed and foot stamping in demand.  "Hmmph!  I want bubble gum!"

Her mother stood with equal determination, calmly doing what was best for the 4-year-old.  "You are not getting a treat.  Now let's go." Before the pre-schooler knew what was happening, her powers of persuasion were eliminated as she suddenly found herself in the shopping cart, swiftly moving away from the sweets she so desperately wanted.  Darn it all!

While it's been a long time since I've had a temper-tantrum in the grocery store, I'm not so different from that young girl.  There are many times when I think my way is better than God's.  When He offers the peace that comes from following His lead, I tend to blaze my own trail, preferring the way that seems right to me.  (Proverbs 3:5-6)

If God allows a time of pain and suffering into my life as a way to grow my faith and build my character, I lash out in anger, wondering why all the bad stuff seems to happen to me. (Romans 5:3-5)  The defiant nature of my sin also persuades me to choose my own solution to a problem instead of seeking God's.

God's plan for my life defines the path He has created for me to follow, but sin blinds me to the wisdom of His narrow path.

Sin Corrupts

I stood with the other members of my high school band, waiting to receive my housing assignment for the weekend.  Our musical group was in the middle of a week-long road trip where we stopped in different communities and played our music for appreciative crowds.  In order to cut down on expenses, we mostly stayed with host families.

One of my classmates reported to rehearsal the next morning after spending the night with her temporary family lamenting about the horrible conditions.  "We ate dinner together around a big table and they even had the nerve to pray before the meal.  I was so uncomfortable that I wanted to run away!"  This young lady was so used to living in an environment where she was not loved or appreciated that when she ran into the love of God, her natural reaction was to run away.

Sin twists my perception into thinking what is good for me is actually bad, and vice versa.  In the same way that my fellow band member viewed the wholesome, Christian family as a threat, so my sin nature deceives me into preferring destruction over life.  

I see this in the culture around me where homosexuality is portrayed as an alternate lifestyle instead of as an affront to God.  (Leviticus 20:13, Romans 1:26-27)  It also shows up in the way abortion is presented as a woman's choice instead of as the more accurate description of the taking of a life God created for a purpose.  This corruption of sin is also prevalent in popular music, where sex is simply a form of recreation between friends instead of an activity ordained by God to take place in a committed marriage relationship. (Exodus 20:14)

God prepared many good things for me to do in my life, but sin corrupts my vision so those plans seem wrong.  (Ephesians 2:10)

In the same way that a Fun House mirror distorts my perception of reality, so sin skews the way I see things.  Sin blinds me to all the good God offers, develops a defiant spirit within me, and corrupts my way so the good He has for me seems bad.  Since sin wreaks such havoc on my perception, then, I would be wise to walk in the Spirit, nailing my sin and it's power to the cross.  (Galatians 5:16)

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

When do I trust in my own understanding instead of blindly following the will of God?

How am I letting sin corrupt my vision? 

True Prosperity

"Blessed is the man who does not walk

in the counsel of the wicked

or stand in the way of sinners

or sit in the seat of mockers.

But his delight is in the law of the LORD,

and on his law he meditates day and night.

He is like a tree planted by streams of water,

which yields it fruit in season

and whose leaf does not wither.

Whatever he does prospers."

Psalm 1:1-3

She put her all into living for God.  Every waking moment was spent thinking of ways to please Him.  Soon, an opportunity came along that seemed good but instead of talking to God about it, she decided it was too good to pass up: it must be from God!  Consequently, she unwittingly walked down the wrong path.  After awhile, she noticed her life began falling apart: Relationships were strained, debt was piling up, her joy and inner peace were gone.  Where did she go wrong?

While living for God is not a formula to be followed where doing "A" will automatically bring about "B", there is one certainty: Doing things God's way and letting Him be Lord of my life will lead to blessing.  These blessings may come in the form of spiritual fruit, physical qualities or material gifts but whatever the type, things go better when I submit to God's absolute authority in every part of my life.

Many times, however, I find myself like the woman in the above scenario.  I try to do the right thing, putting a lot of effort into pleasing God without getting to know Him personally.  I'd rather do for Him than let Him into the innermost parts of my life where darkness dwells.  Giving Him access, however, is the ultimate manifestation of intimacy.  And without closeness to the one whom I call "Lord," there is no real relationship.

If I want to follow God's lead and enjoy a kingdom-prosperous life, I will have to give Jesus lordship over every part of my life so I won't get caught on the wrong path.

Walk in the Ways of the World

The world tells me to consider my own needs and wants above all else, to promote my own strengths and work hard to utilize them well, and to make decisions based on what seems best for me.  If I follow these basic guidelines, I will be able to climb the corporate ladder of success in any career field.  This mindset, however, does not translate into  God's kingdom where things are backwards, upside down and radically different from the ways of the world.

If I try to succeed as a Christian by working hard, doing things that benefit me, and stay within my realm of experience then I will end up further and further away from God.  He is not impressed by my work ethic, my desire to achieve or my decision-making skills. (Proverbs 14:12)  What He does desire is my wholehearted devotion to His plan, placing all my eggs in His basket. 

Jesus talked about a poor widow who came to the temple to offer two small coins to the Lord.  Although it was a very small donation, Jesus said she gave more than everyone else who had been giving large amounts of money.  In my eyes, the rich people gave much more, but Jesus said that while they gave out of their abundance, this humble women gave all she had.  (Luke 21:1-4)  This is the kind of devotion God is looking for in my heart by the way I live every part of my life.

Therefore, instead of using my own common sense to make decisions and to think of my walk with Jesus as some kind of business transaction where I will succeed if I follow certain rules, I need to get serious about listening to Him and then doing what He places on my heart.

If I am offered a prestigious, well-paid position in a highly profitable corporation but I sense God's lead to start up a risky-sounding business to benefit children, I will only receive good things from God if I heed His call and take the plunge.

If I spent thousands of dollars on a college degree but my Shepherd leads me down a path that keeps me at home to raise my children, that career that seems so tempting will never bring the satisfaction that will come from obeying God in what the world says is foolishness.

If I would rather be my own boss and make my own decisions but God clearly intends for me to submit to Him, the plans I have for myself will never amount to much as I stray from His path.

The wisdom of God dispensed through Solomon says that I need to, "Trust in the Lord will all (my) heart and lean not on (my) own understanding; in all (my) ways acknowledge Him, and he will make (my) paths straight."  (Proverbs 3:5-6)

I can only hope for true prosperity if I turn my back on the ways of the world and let the Lord rule my life in every way.

Take the Path that leads to Destruction

It looked so pleasant; the walkway was wide and flat without a pothole or stone upon which to trip.  The road was lined with fragrant roses and lit by pleasant gas-lamps.  Even the gateway to enter this  route looked attractive with its embellished wrought iron archway covered in emerald ivy.  This must be the right way, I thought.  After all, look how many people are waking this path while the other choice is much inferior in quality and nearly barren of travelers; this broad road must be the best.  (Matthew 7:13-14)

It is easy to find myself on the path that leads to destruction.  I justify the little sins, telling myself that "at least I'm not as bad as them."  Soon I am categorizing sin, placing it into classifications of "serious" and "not so serious."  After awhile, the little sins seem to be less of a real sin and I begin to think of them as "mistakes" or "mess-ups."  I start to tell myself that God isn't offended by what I do because He knows I'm trying.

Before long I am living with many strongholds of sin, allowing them to rule my life without regard to the grief I am causing the Holy Spirit in my careless attitude. (Ephesians 4:30)  

I am headed toward destruction when I lie to the IRS by fudging the numbers to give myself a lower tax bill.  Everyone does it so its not really that big of a deal.  Unfortunately for me, I am ignoring God's desire for His people to be known as honest and trustworthy in order to reflect His character. (Exodus 20:16, Proverbs 16:11, Psalm 119:160)

I am headed toward destruction when I watch television shows or movies which portray graphic sex-scenes or filthy language, thinking to myself that I'm only watching it, not taking part in it.  As I minimize sin in either myself or others,  I am making light of His desire for me to live a holy and pure life, devoid of sexual immorality of any kind. (1 Corinthians 6:18, Matthew 5:28, 1 Peter 1:16, Psalm 51:10, Matthew 5:8)

I am headed toward destruction when I share prayer requests to my friends about all the horrible things with which another believer is struggling, calling myself righteous for my good deeds.  Gossip can never be considered helpful, no matter what I tell myself and I am guilty of spreading hearsay regardless of how I dress it up. (Ephesians 4:29, Proverbs 21:23, Leviticus 19:16, Proverbs 26:22)

I can only hope for true prosperity if I choose to follow my Shepherd down the narrow path of righteousness. (Psalm 23:3)

Turn into a Hypocrite

They placed a heavy burden on the people in their quest to help members to live their lives in a way that pleased God.  They spent so much time analyzing others' behavior in light of scripture that they never took the time to examine their own actions, beliefs or attitudes.  Obviously, if they were placed in such a position of authority, they thought, they must be as one who is to be emulated.  Unfortunately for the Pharisees, this was not the case.  Instead, here is what Jesus said of them and their efforts:

"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!  You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean.  In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness." (Matthew 23:27-28)

There are times when I think like the Pharisees.  I get the idea that with all the things I do for God, He will certainly overlook the areas where I am off-base.  Instead of taking Him seriously, I brush certain sins aside, assuming a good effort is all that matters.

God, however, cannot be mocked.  I reap what I sow.  (Galatians 6:7) If I plant seeds of selfish living, I will reap the fruit of the flesh.  (Galatians 5:19-21)  If I live according to my own desires, my life will end up in ruins. (Galatians 6:8) If I only think of myself and my family, rarely giving of my time, talent and money to others, my life will be marked by this stinginess and I will be given little. (Luke 6:38)

No matter how small a sin may seem to me, to God it is serious enough for Him to send His Son to die as a punishment for the transgression.  As a holy God, my uncovered sin is an affront to Him and makes me His enemy.  Only through the atoning sacrifice Jesus made on the cross do I have any hope of pleasing Him.  Because of this gift of grace, I must always strive to take God seriously and guard against the hypocrisy of overlooking my own sin while paying attention to the transgressions of others.  

We are all in the same boat and have received the same death sentence. (Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23)  Only through Jesus do I have the hope of eternity with Him.

I can only hope for true prosperity if I guard against hypocrisy and know my true identity as a sinner saved by grace.

My life can be like a tree that is planted near a revitalizing stream if I will keep myself separate from the ways of the world, stay off the path of destruction, and shield my heart and mind from carrying a double standard.  Then, I will experience true prosperity as I walk in God's ways, travel down the rocky path that leads to life, and live authentically and humbly before God.  This is a life worth living.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can take God seriously in all my ways.

How do I minimize sin in my life?

When am I hard on others but give myself a pass?

Playing Games

"One day as he was teaching the people

in the temple courts and preaching the gospel,

the chief priests and the teachers of the law,

together with the elders,

came up to him.

'Tell us by what authority you are doing these things,'

they said. 'Who gave you this authority?'

He replied, 'I will also ask you a question.

Tell me, John's baptism--was it from heaven, or men?'

They discussed it among themselves and said,

'If we say, From heaven, he will ask,

Why didn't you believe him?

But if we say, From men, all the people will stone us,

because they are persuaded that John was a prophet.'

So they answered,

'We don't know where it was from.'

Jesus said,

'Neither will I tell you by what authority

 I am doing these things.'"

Luke 20:1-8

I got a taste of politics when I actively represented our community in the political process necessary to establish a county park in our neighborhood.  I attended county council meetings, met with our councilman several times to learn how best to proceed, lobbied on behalf of our community to the park commission board as well as other council members and spoke at length to the developer who owned the land in question.  Even though I'm not inclined to enter into politics, I got a snapshot-view of how our representatives and government leaders conduct themselves.  I quickly got the idea that there was a lot of posturing going on and very little genuine concern for each other as fellow humans.  Instead, most people involved were focused on what could be gained from others, seeing them simply as pawns in a game that must be played in order to receive the desired outcome.

While Jesus is not a politician, He knows about the games that people play in every walk of life.  He can see my heart and perceives my motivation and my objective.  When I interact with Him, He knows whether or not I'm truly interested, or just trying to manipulate the situation.  As a follower of Christ, I can't get it my way and vow to abide by Him.  

Jesus does not reveal Himself to me in an intimate way when I'm not authentic with Him.  If I want to get to know Jesus, I must sincerely seek a relationship with Him, want Him to get His way in my life, and welcome the truth from Him.  Otherwise, I'm just playing games.

Honesty

I've always heard it said that, "Honesty is the best policy."  It is God's command that we tell the truth, although there are times when this is risky.  The Ten Boom family was faced with this predicament while hiding Jews in their home in Holland during the Holocaust of World War II.  As Gestapo searched, they didn't want to outright lie, but also knew they couldn't risk compromising their efforts.  Before they could decide on a strategy, however, the soldiers stormed in and peppered the family with questions as they sat around the table.  Beneath their feet hid some Jewish people in a concealed partition under the floor boards.  Betsie, calm and sure in her conviction to follow God's commands, truthfully answered, "There are Jews hidden under the floor in a secret compartment."  The intruders were so surprised by her blunt answer that they burst out laughing, sure that such a bold statement could not be true.  The Gestapo left that day without finding a thing.

God wants me to be as bluntly honest with Him as Betsie was with her enemies.  He loves me and knows my every thought and struggle so there is nothing that will shock or surprise Him.  Honesty is a sign of trust in my relationship with Him.  If I'm afraid to tell Him the truth of my feelings, fears or struggles, then it's as if I were saying to Him, "I don't think You can handle it.  I'm not sure if I can trust you not to turn Your back on me."

I can be reassured that God knows me intimately and loves me anyway.  (Psalm 139, 1 Timothy 1:15-16)  There is nothing I can do or say that will separate me from His love.  (Romans 8:38-39)  He loves me no matter what.  But what I really need to accept and let sink into my being, is that I can trust God with my innermost struggles.  He will not use it against me, beat me over the head with it, or drag it out years later as leverage to persuade me to do what He wants.  No, my fears and troubles are safe with Him.

If I want to get to know Jesus, I will need to be ready to share openly and honestly with Him.

Follower

Organizing games for young children reveals many things about human sin nature.  When playing a game like Follow the Leader or Mother May I?, everybody wants to play the lead role.  Few kids are ever content with following.

Likewise, I prefer to be in charge of my own life.  I know with what I feel comfortable and of what I think I'm capable.  I choose what I think is best for me and will make me look good.  I try to stay away from humiliating, difficult or painful situations.  

When I vowed to follow Jesus, though, I declared that He was my Lord.  Instead of choosing for myself, now it is up to me to let Him lead me through my days.  Consequently, I am learning to be a good follower.

This means that when faced with a dilemma, I commit it into His hands and vow to not move forward without seeking God's guidance and waiting for His go-ahead. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Or if my heart is not at peace, instead of changing things in my life in a search for serenity, I will set aside all worries and look to my Father for His providence.  (Matthew 6:25-34)

Other times I'm driven to succeed and lose sight of God's direction as I run ahead of Him.  Being a good follower means I'll need to backtrack until He's returned to His rightful position as my Shepherd. (Psalm 23:1-3)

If I want to get to know Jesus, I'll need to learn how to follow.

Truth

Sometimes I ask my husband the dreaded question, "How does this outfit look on me?  Does it flatter my figure or does it make me look fat?"  His hesitation tells me everything I didn't want to know. He doesn't want to hurt my feelings or send me into a tailspin of insecurity so he takes a moment to compose his answer.  My intention was not to hear the cold, hard truth; what I really was looking for was reassurance.

There are times when I play these games with God, too.  I want support, encouragement and comfort but I don't really want to hear the truth.  Paul gave a charge to Timothy that addressed this sinful attitude of mine.  He said that Timothy should, 'Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, encourage--with great patience and careful instruction.  For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine.  Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear." (2 Timothy 4:2-3)

As much as it pains me to admit, there are many times when my ears are itching.  I'd much rather hear, "You're a good person.  You try to do good things and that's what matters." than to hear the truth that I'm a sinner with no hope apart of Jesus of being good enough to earn God's favor.  (Romans 3:23, 6:23)  

"Everyday can be like a Friday if you do things God's way," sounds great to me but the reality of the persecution and troubles I'll face as a believer sobers me up. (John 15:20, John 16:33)

There are other times when, "You have plenty of time to live for God later.  Right now, focus on you," appeals to me until I hear that no one knows when Jesus will return so I'd better be ready.  (Mark 13:32)

If I want to get to know Jesus, I'll need to be willing to hear and accept the truth.

It's easy for me to play games with God and only say what I think I should to Him, try to call the shots in my life and then ask Him for His blessing, and only hear what I want to hear, but He wants to go deeper with me.  He will only reveal more of Himself to me when I am honest with my struggles before Him, desire His will above all else, and delight in the truth.  It is then that I'll stop the manipulation and begin an authentic relationship with my Lord.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can stop pretending that everything is okay and open up honestly with my Creator.

When do I insist on being in control yet try to put up a facade of submission?

How am I fooling myself into thinking that I'm ready for the truth but continue to live by the lies the world tells?

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?

Strength in Weakness

"Their weakness was turned to strength."

Hebrews 11:34

When I think of faith, I think of the people listed in the so-called "Hall of Fame of Faith" found in Hebrews 11.  They obeyed God at great cost to their reputations, well-being and sometimes their very lives.  They believed when it seemed all hope was lost.  They made decisions based on what would please God, not what would bring comfort and ease to themselves and their families.  They are the men and women of mighty faith that cheer us on in our walk.

But sometimes faith is not found in the momentous acts.  Mostly, it is found in the ordinary, day-to-day activities, in the times when I let my guard down and think I have it all covered.  

Faith is more than trusting God during the crisis or during the earth shattering times.  It's easier to trust God then because I don't know what else to do.  But the real test comes during the normal and commonplace, when I think I have it all worked out.  

Faith is found in our weakness.  As 19th Century British Evangelist George Muller said, "Faith begins where man's power ends."

Letting Go

I remember the neighborhood bully when I was growing up.  Actually, it was a family of brothers who were the trouble-makers.  They started fights on the school bus, used their BB guns to kill little birds and creatures, and intimidated younger children as they rode their bikes home from school.  They lived around the corner from me but I only fell victim to their harassment a couple of times. In general, I did my best to stay away from them.  

Thankfully, God is not a bully or I would probably try to stay away from Him as well.  He does not barge into my life, demanding that He be in control of everything.  He is in control.  Either I accept that and make adjustments accordingly, or I continue to live my life as if I were in control.  

I'm sure you've heard the well-known saying, "Let go and let God."  It seems trite and simplistic, but there is truth found within this adage.  Part of trusting God means letting Him work in my life.    This can certainly be thought of as a leap of faith.  Loosening the grip I hold on my life takes a belief that God has my best interest at heart, that He loves me enough to do only what's best for me, and that He will stay with me through whatever comes my way.

Faith means trusting God enough to let Him lead me in every part of my life. Then I can do as I am directed in Hebrews 12:1 and, "throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and . . . run with perseverance the race marked out for (me)." 

Sometimes taking a leap of faith means simply letting go of my will in any given moment and letting God have is way.

Following

I remember watching a group of children playing, "Follow the Leader."  Each child wanted to be the leader so there was no one left to do the following.  All the adults chuckled to see the children wandering around the playground, each being their own "leader".  

In order for one to lead, someone else must follow.  Everyone can't be the leader, but we all are wired to want to be our own leader.  

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lead not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."  The New Living Translation puts it this way, "seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take."

 I like to think that I'm going on a hike and God is out in front.  He is blazing the trail, approving of every bump and rough spot before he agrees to lead me through.  Sometimes, however, I get distracted by something off the trail, something beautiful and enticing and I take my eyes off my Leader. Other times I am frightened by something scary off to the side and I hide in fear.  Each time, He waits right there for me to get back on the path and submit to His leadership before He continues on the journey.  

Before God can lead, I must agree to follow.

Trusting

Sitting down in a chair is an act of faith.  Before I sit in the chair, I must have confidence in it's strength and integrity, I must believe that it will be able to hold my weight.  If I don't completely trust the chair, I won't sit in it.  

It's the same with faith in God.  If I don't completely trust Him, I won't place my whole weight in His hands.  I'll withhold some things, choosing to worry instead of trusting Him.  How do I know if I'm trusting Him fully?  I will experience a sense of peace that doesn't make sense for the circumstances.  If I don't have peace, I know I'm not trusting fully.

Philippians 4:6-7 describes the process this way.  "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.  Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.  Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.  His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." (NLT)

Trusting God with all the little things in my life will bring a calm as I rest in His strength.  

The Hall of Fame of Faith found in Hebrews 11 is filled with the great celebrities of God's family.  They did great things for God, but each was flawed in some serious ways.  What set them apart from everyone else was that they trusted God at His word and they acted accordingly. They let go of their desire to control their own destiny, they followed God as He led them through history, and they trusted that He would deliver on the promises He made to them, taking care of their needs in the process.  

These men and women of great faith are not the only ones who can be made strong in our weakness.  We too can show the kind of faith that will inspire generations to come to run the race that God has set before them.  

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I will rest fully in the promises of God.

What do I choose to worry about instead of surrendering fully to God?

How do I show my lack of faith in the way I insist upon being the leader of my life?

Religion vs. Relationship

"Religion that God our Father accepts as

pure and faultless is this:

to look after orphans and widows

in their distress and to keep oneself

from being polluted by the world."

James 1:27

Religion carries a negative connotation in our world. Wars are fought in the name of religion.  Hurting souls stay far away from God because of the pain experienced at the hand of religious people.  Innocent bystanders die at the hand of religious zealots.  Entire segments of society are ostracized by the judgment of religiously pious individuals.  

John Lennon wrote a song about imagining a world without religion. . . and how we could live in peace as a result.  He might have had something there. . .

Religion is defined as a group of people who adhere to an agreed upon set of beliefs and practices. Religion can easily become something hurtful and ugly when man adds to the law instituted by God and puts himself in the position of judgement and of wielding power over others.  Religion then becomes a tool used to control the lives of others.

The First Century believers must have experienced these same kind of issues as demonstrated by today's verse.

What is the difference between following a religion and cultivating a relationship with Jesus? 

Heart

God is all about my heart.  David was considered to be a man after God's own heart due to his desire to please God in all things.  Even though he failed miserably in many ways, and committed horrific sins, his heart was focused on following and obeying God for most of his life. 

A heart inclined toward God desires to obey God and God alone.  After being exposed of his sin, David repented and asked God to, " Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." (Psalm 51:10)

My heart can get me in trouble.  When I am focused more on the law and how it applies to others, my relationship with a living God is replaced with religion.  If, however, I seek to please God above all things, my devotion to a set of beliefs and practices turns into a devotion to God. This is why David knew a pure heart was essential to his ability to please the God he loved.

Just as the Lord told the nation of Israel how he tired of their meaningless offerings and adherence to rituals, He gives me the same message of real worship.  God desires not a religious follower, but a child who's heart is inclined toward Him and who's greatest desire is to obey Him. 

As a follower of Jesus, my heart must be fully devoted to Him as my Lord and Savior.

Actions

While my heart is the center of God's focus, my actions betray the condition of my heart.  Anyone who has studied the book of James knows that I can't get away with just reading and knowing God's Word, but I must also put it into action.  God reminds me in James 1:22 to, ". . .not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."

If my heart is wholly devoted to obeying God, I will act in a way that is in tune with His law, loving God and others.  Simply following the law, however, as a code of conduct outside of a committed relationship to God, leads to a brand of religion in the ugliest form.  The Bible then becomes a weapon used to cut others down and keep them away from God.

I recently met a young man who had, "religion shoved down my throat," as a youth.  Now, as a self-professed gay man, he is struggling to find his own spirituality.  Out of fear of the way his lifestyle conflicted with God's law, many well-intentioned religious people drove this image bearer from the very God whose love he craves.  

In order for my actions to line up with God's Word, my heart must be wholly devoted to God.  

Shield

As a believer who is living in a fallen world, I am constantly bombarded with worldly viewpoints and beliefs.  In order to keep from becoming just like the culture in which I live, I must guard myself intentionally against the thought patterns that so easily creep into my consciousness.

When presented with a crisis or an issue of some kind, what is my first reaction?  Do I immediately go before the Lord for comfort and guidance, or do I talk to others and get their advice and counsel?

While consulting with trusted friends and family is not wrong, this should not be my first response.  I have to admit, I desire to hash things out with someone who is right in front of me and whose voice I can clearly hear.  When I talk to God, I don't always get an answer right away and I certainly don't hold an audible conversation with Him! 

Taking in lots of advice from others, though, poses a threat.  I am flooded with all kinds of beliefs and ideas and I must then wade through it all to find the truth.  I am susceptible to falling for a worldly viewpoint which may make complete sense to my own understanding, disregarding God's plan. 

It is important that I go to God first to in order to find my grounding before sharing the problem with others.  Even though I can't audibly hear His voice, He supernaturally guides my thought patterns toward the truth.  Then I will be putting into action Proverbs 3:5-6.  "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

In order for my heart to stay committed to God, I must shield myself from the principles of this world.

I am not a religious person.  I do, however, claim to follow Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.  As a believer, it is important that I devote my heart to pleasing God which will lead to actions that line up with His Word.  It is also vital that I protect my heart from the thought patterns of this world in order to stay committed to God. 

As I begin this day, it is my prayer that my only concern will be to please God.

How do I try to lean on my own understanding instead of trusting God in all things?

When do I run to people with my problems instead of falling on my knees before my Lord and Savior?