Eternal Benefit

Originally published on January 22, 2014.  Republished today in honor of my mom, who on this day one year ago realized her hope in Christ and went to live with Him for the rest of eternity.  

"When you were slaves to sin,

you were free from the control of righteousness.

What benefit did you reap at the time

from the things you are now ashamed of?

Those things result in death!

But now that you have been set free from sin

and have become slaves to God,

the benefit you reap leads to holiness,

and the result is eternal life.

For the wages of sin is death,

but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Romans 6:20-23

He was a man who tried everything in his search for meaning and happiness.  Hundreds of women crossed the threshold of his bedroom, countless philosophers and teachers discussed the wisdom of the ages, wealth and pleasure all were his, but still he lacked peace and contentment.  His conclusion?  It's all meaningless!  Nothing in life brings genuine fulfillment.

In the end, Solomon did draw a deeper conclusion from his lifelong quest for meaning.  He said, "Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone's duty.  God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad." (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 NLT)  

God had blessed Solomon with everything most people desire.  Wisdom, wealth and honor like no other king had ever possessed belonged to him.  Still, Solomon felt empty as he explored these good things throughout his years.

This famous ruler found out the hard way that following the flesh gives no lasting benefit.  Pleasure is fleeting, happiness is transient and any meaning that is found is usually empty and ends in death.  The only thing that makes sense is to live as God intended me to exist, in submission to Him.  When I become a slave to God instead of to my own desire for happiness, I will come to the same conclusion as Solomon: I am created to live in relationship with God.

Control of Righteousness

"I can do whatever I want!"  Anyone who is the parent of a toddler or a teenager has probably heard these words at some point in their youngster's life.  We as humans have strong wills that want to have things our way.  No one knows this better than a parent with a rebellious child.  

If I'm honest with myself, though, I realize that I am no different than that preschooler throwing a fit in the grocery store aisle.  I want my way which is counter to God's way.  My Father knows what is best for me but I only care about fulfilling my own desires.  

When I've worked hard on earning a college degree, for instance, I feel it is my purpose to use that diploma to find a good job in my field.  God, however, has another plan as He waits for me to seek His will.

Then there are the times when I enjoy telling my friends or family about the struggles a sister in Christ is battling.  Instead of heeding the still, small Voice that calls for discretion, I continue exposing her hurts and pains for all to judge.

Sometimes I know that I would be better off without all the electronic gadgets that bring worldly values streaming into my home on a continual basis.  Instead of standing for what is good, however, I give in to the desire to be entertained.

As one who has been bought with a price, I can no longer think of my life as my own to do with as I please. (1 Corinthians 6:20)  Instead, I can move forward from here as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, bringing my will into submission to His. (Romans 12:1)  Allowing God to be in control means sin no longer reigns in my life.

Now I have an obligation to do what is right as one who desires to please God in thought, word and deed.  I can't separate myself from the world as a hermit in a quest for righteousness; after all, if there's no temptation, there's no sin, right?  Maybe.  But perhaps I need to consider the encouragement of Oswald Chambers when he said, "It is of no value to God to give Him your life for death.  He wants you to be a 'living sacrifice,' to let Him have all your powers that have been saved and sanctified through Jesus.  This is the thing that is acceptable to God." 

What good am I to God if I am cut off from a world that needs Jesus so desperately?   I may become more holy, but does this please God in and of itself, or does He want more from me?

Living in relationship with God brings me under the control of righteousness so that I can live to please Him.

Holiness

As artists, my daughters own brushes that are created for one thing, and one thing only; painting on canvass.  While I can see other functions for their use, such as cleaning in tight corners, touch-up painting in my living room, or dusting delicate figurines, these tools are set aside for only one specific function.  Using them otherwise would damage their delicate nature and deny their purpose.

In a similar way, I am set aside for the single purpose of glorifying God.  I can think of all sorts of other functions for which I can be used, but not all will please God.  Selfish ambition can drive me toward worldly success, leaving me with much material wealth but devoid of peace.

Strong family relationships give much satisfaction and pleasure as I strive to do my best for my husband and children.  Emptiness soon comes, however, because I have left God out of the family.

Seeking a culturally diverse existence propels me toward many religions, but none contains the truth that has the power to set me free.

As one who belongs to God, my reason for existence is found in His plan for my life.  There are many paths I can choose to follow, but until I accept that God holds the blueprint, nothing will ever make sense.  Once I seek Him with all my heart, He will give me a desire to live a life that is radically different from those around me.

Instead of working toward success, I labor alongside the Lord as His servant without regard to my accomplishments.  Or I desire to fulfill my purpose as a wife and mother in a way that makes God the center of my home.  Or my fascination with foreign people groups compels me to share the gospel with a lost world.

Living in a relationship with God illuminates the greater purpose for my life.

Eternal Life

She once lived to die.  Her life brought forth seven children and a loving husband who was the joy of her life, but also drugs, alcohol, abuse and violence.  When living to please herself, she nearly died too many times to count.  Once she came to Christ, however, her outlook changed.  Instead of seeing her life as a series of failures and trauma, she began to see it as an opportunity to live for Him.

Once my friend invited Jesus into her life, her perspective changed.  In the past, despair ruled as she wallowed in the guilt and regret of all the pain her loved ones suffered by her hand.  Now, she has hope for what is to come.  

Paul shared this same expectation for eternity that drove him to persevere through the trials that came his way.  He said, "That is why we never give up.  Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day.  For our present troubles are small and won't last very long.  Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!  So we don't look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen.  For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever."  (2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NLT)

As one who is a slave to God instead of sin, I have eternal life to look forward to.  Everything in this world pales in comparison to the glory of heaven!  The pain of sickness will become as a faint shadow in my memory as I enter into the presence of the glory of God.  All the hurt that is as a result of sin will only serve to showcase the greatness of our God in comparison.  Nothing I can imagine will prepare me for the magnificence and beauty of my eternal home.

Living in a relationship with God through the tough times in this fallen world gives me the hope of eternal life that will spur me on.

Solomon found out that seeking happiness ended in disappointment, but living for God results in meaning.  As I give my life to God through faith in Jesus Christ, I will find I am under the control of righteousness that leads to a life that is set aside for God's glory, and all the suffering is not in vain as I realize my final destination outshines any pleasure I can find here on earth.  Living in relationship with God ends in a rich eternal benefit that far outweighs my wildest dreams.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can stop following the flesh and begin to live as a slave to God.

How do I live as if I'm still a slave to sin?

When do I tend to give up hope, as if my problems in the here and now overshadow what I have to look forward to in eternity?

The Secret

"'So now, with God as our witness,

and in the sight of all Israel

--the LORD's assembly--

I give you this charge.

Be careful to obey all the commands of the LORD your God,

so that you may continue to possess this good land

and leave it to your children as a permanent inheritance.

'And Solomon, my son, learn to know the God

of your ancestors intimately.

Worship and serve him with your whole heart 

and a willing mind.

For the LORD sees every heart 

and knows every plan and thought.  

If you seek him, you will find him.

But if you forsake him,

he will reject you forever.

So take this seriously.

The LORD has chosen you to build a Temple as his sanctuary.

Be strong,

and do the work.'"

1 Chronicles 28:8-10 NLT

Everything was in place.  David had reached the end of his reign and was ready to place the crown on his son's head.  Before giving him such a responsibility, however, there were some things Solomon needed to know.  The charge David gave to his son could be a blueprint for living a life that is pleasing to God.  

What's the secret?  Well, it's really no secret.

Know and Serve.  It's easy to do one without the other.  I get caught up in serving, doing things for God, things He never asked me to do.  Things I think are necessary to the workings of His kingdom.  Things that seem good.  As I labor with gusto, I find myself growing weary as my own strength peters out.  Before I know it, the ministry I used to relish is nothing more than a chore; a responsibility added onto my long list of tasks to be done each week.

I was never meant to do things for God.  Instead, He'd rather I spend time with Him, getting to know Him in a more intimate way each day (Luke 10:38-42).  Then, when I see Him at work around me, I can join in, working in Him.  In this way it's really Him doing the work through me, empowering me to persist and enabling me to succeed (1 Corinthians 15:10, John 15:5).

I recently cut some blackberry vines that were intruding into our yard.  Before I severed their link to the main part of the plant, they were healthy and vibrant, producing delicious berries of their own.  Within an hour of clipping those branches, the leaves were withering and wilting.  I am just like this blackberry vine:  Apart from Jesus, I don't have the necessary resources needed to thrive and I will never bear kingdom fruit.  If I make it my life's pursuit to grow closer in my relationship with Him each passing day, relying on His Spirit for all that I need to live, fruit will be produced in abundance and I will never run out of steam.

I am charged with knowing God and serving through Him.

Seek.  Meaning.  Purpose.  Wealth.  Fame.  Praise.  Security.  There are many things I can seek in this life.  Some seem beneficial while others are obviously destructive and self-serving.  None, however, will bring satisfaction apart from one pursuit.

I am promised to find God if I seek Him with all of my heart (Deuteronomy 4:29).  He is not a God who plays hide-and-seek, withholding his affections if He's having a bad day, or is overwhelmed with requests from others, or just doesn't feel like hanging out with me.  Jesus is always ready to meet me where I am and desires nothing more than to be invited in to the most mundane parts of my life (Revelation 3:20).  He wants to be found.

If I will hold God as my most valued treasure, worthy of being pursued as my utmost endeavor, I will find contentment and fulfillment.  If, however, He is just one of many pursuits, I will always feel like there is something missing and my heart will always be found wanting.

I am charged with seeking God with all of my heart.

Be strong and do it!  There are some callings that seem more important than others.  Missionary work in a war-torn country.  Preaching God's Word to a hungry flock.  Feeding the hungry and hopeless on the street.  Somehow, it's easy to glamorize some work while minimizing others.

In God's kingdom, however, every position is important, vital to the function of the whole (1 Corinthians 12:18).  Therefore, wherever God has placed me to serve, I must do so with gusto, realizing it's importance to God and His kingdom (1 Corinthians 10:31).

If I am called to be a mother, even if it doesn't seem very life-shattering to wipe runny noses and tie little shoe-laces, I can do my job as if it is the most important job in the world, which it is.  

If I am placed in a position as a janitor, while I may be looked down upon by many, I can clean with all my heart, letting Him use me for His glory and keeping in mind that doing my best is important to God.  

If I sometimes feel overlooked in the place God has positioned me, thinking there is nothing special about my life, I must remember that what I do is vitally important in God's eyes.  Since He saw fit to drop me down into this situation, it means I have a job to do that has kingdom merit.

I am charged to stay strong in the Lord and do my job to the glory of God.

David's charge to Solomon is filled with godly wisdom.  When I follow his advice, I will see the value in building my relationship with the Lord daily and being a willing servant, make it my life's pursuit to seek Him wholeheartedly, and to realize the importance of the position in which He's placed me and do my work to His glory.  In these ways I have discovered the secret of living a meaningful and fulfilling life that pleases God.  

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can stop going after meaningless pursuits.

When do I forsake my relationship with God in order to go after the latest craze?

When do I get caught up in looking for meaning in all the wrong places?  

Now. . .

"Now seek the LORD your God with all your heart and soul.

Build the sanctuary of the LORD God 

so that you can bring the Ark of the LORD's Covenant

and the holy vessels of God into the Temple

built to honor the LORD's name."

1 Chronicles 22:19 NLT

The location had been chosen.  The materials were gathered and orders given for their preparation.  The charge and blessings were passed on from the Lord.  Needed encouragement for such a large project was imparted.  God's presence and provision was assured.  David made sure that everything was in place for his son Solomon to successfully build the temple.  Now it was Solomon's turn.

It's similar for me.  Everything has been set in place, prepared for me so that I can walk the path God has chosen for me (Hebrews 12:1, Ephesians 1:3, 1 Corinthians 1:7, John 10:10).  Now it's my turn.

Set.  "I can do anything I set my mind to do."  This is a popular sentiment that is based on the fact that what I think about can influence the direction my life takes.  Athletes understand the power of the mind and often use positive thought processes and well as visualization techniques to improve their performance.

If I use my brain power to mostly think about my own worthlessness, dwelling on how I have failed and doubting whether God can use me, I will head down that road of destruction.  If I focus mostly on using my own common sense and abilities to negotiate my way through life, I will move in a direction that takes me away from the Source of all I need to live the life I was created to live.  If my mind generates thoughts of worldly success, acquiring the trappings of the modern life and making for myself a comfortable existence that feeds my fleshly desires, I will succeed in making my own agenda rule supreme.

If, however, I set my mind on things above, using the brain God gave me to generate pure, lovely, excellent and praiseworthy thoughts, seeking Him and His will in all that I do, I will find myself walking the obscure path of life (Colossians 3:2, Philippians 4:8, Matthew 7:13-14).  Many times, spiritual warfare is waged on the battlefield of my mind (Ephesians 6:12).

Now that I have been given new life through faith in Jesus Christ, it is time for me to set my mind on the things of Christ.

Arise.  The time just didn't seem right.  I didn't have all my ducks in a row, so to speak.  I felt ill-equipped and unprepared.  Still, God had given me my marching orders.  Either I could ignore Him and continue on as if I hadn't heard His still, small voice, or I could muster up the courage to do as He had said.

Obedience takes faith.  In order to do what God wants me to do I must believe that He will equip me once I take that first step.  Walking forward into the darkness of the unknown, however, can be scary.  Instead of dwelling in fear and doubt, talking myself out of action, it is better to follow the advice of Nike and "Just do it."

God is always at work behind the scenes, setting all the necessary pieces in place and moving every player to where they need to be.  When I balk at His direction, hesitating to do as He has said, I am proving my lack of faith.  When I obey, refusing to wait for the elusive perfect time to act, I will find His plan at work all around me.

Now that I have been given new life through faith in Jesus Christ, it is time for me to arise and get to the business of obeying His call on my life.

Reap.  The ripened berries were dangling before me as I carefully moved down the row of raspberry vines.  Everywhere I looked, the tantalizing fruit hung down like tiny, ruby treasures hidden among the foliage.  I couldn't wait to pick this delicious fruit and get to the business of making jam.

While berries are quite delectable, there is another kind of fruit that is even more desirable.  When I let God's Spirit have His way in my life, giving Him the leeway He needs to work in my heart, I will discover evidence of His fruit growing in my flesh.  

Instead of impatiently pushing forward, I'll find the ability to wait on the Lord.  While I used to have a cynical attitude, now I see more of a joyful hope abiding within.  In the place of the anxiety and turmoil that used to rule my inner being, I find a peace that makes no sense to me (Galatians 5:22-23).

Furthermore, my obedience to God's calling on my life will lead to great blessing (Psalm 24:1-5).  Covered as I am by the blood of Jesus, I am free to focus on His kingdom as my standing with Him is made good (Romans 5:9-11, Matthew 6:33).  Instead of feeling the need to prove myself as worthy, or make my life mean something important, or going after all the things I think I need, I can simple abide in Him (John 15:5).  As I go after His will, I will find my perspective changing, giving me new goals and desires that line up with His (Psalm 37:4).  The resulting spiritual gifts will prove God's favor on my life.

Finally, as I set my mind on God and His ways, getting to the work of obeying Him, I will find myself making much of Him in my day-to-day dealings.  People will look at the fruit of my life and praise my Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16)!

Now that I have been given new life through faith in Jesus Christ, it is time for me to reap what He has sown.

It is easy for me to think I need to wait for just the right time before I can do what God wants me to do.  I must realize, however, that He has already laid all the groundwork.  Therefore, it is my job to set my mind on the task of seeking the Lord and get to the work of doing what I know He is calling me to do.  As a result, I will reap godly fruit and blessings as God gets the glory for the great things He is doing.  Now is the time.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God enough to step out in faith and obedience.

When do I wait, thinking I'm not ready to do as He has said?

How do I miss out on a blessing because of my fear and doubt?

Turned Away

"He (Solomon) had 700 wives of royal birth

and 300 concubines.

And in fact,

they did turn his heart away from the LORD."

1 Kings 11:3 NLT

What turns my heart away from my First Love? (Revelation 2:4)

• people I cherish
• pursuits I chase
• interests I follow
• beliefs I buy into

Jesus said that my heart will follow whatever I treasure in life.  (Matthew 6:19-21)  What do I value most?

If it is relationships then I will live to please others.

If it is a meaningful life then I will seek deep and significant experiences.

If it is success then work will be my god.

If it is popularity then I will be willing to do anything to keep the spotlight on me.

If it is my health then most of my time will be devoted to preserving my body which is here today and gone tomorrow.

If it is Jesus then I will seek Him out with all of my heart.

May I keep Jesus at the center of my radar, making it this day's aim to run full-throttle toward Him.  May I get rid of anything that distracts from Him, set aside all obstacles that threaten to block my forward progress toward Him, and purposefully remove sinful pursuits that tempt me to turn away from Him.  

This day may I run the race God has prepared for me to run, and may I run it wholeheartedly.  (Hebrews 12:1-3)

Commendation

"We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves

with some who commend themselves.

When they measure themselves by themselves

and compare themselves with themselves,

they are not wise.

We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, 

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

a sphere that also includes you. 

We are not going too far in our boasting,

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

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

Neither do we go beyond our limits by boasting

of work done by others.

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

our sphere of activity among you will greatly expand,

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

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

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

For it is not the one who commends

 himself who is approved,

but the one whom the Lord commends."

2 Corinthians 10:12-18

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

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

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

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

Comparison

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

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

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

Obedience

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

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

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

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

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

Promotion

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

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

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

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

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

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

When do I look for ways to seek praise? 

Love Builds Up

"Now regarding your question about food that has been offered to idols.

Yes, we know that 'we all have knowledge'

about this issue.

But while knowledge makes us feel important,

it is love that strengthens the church.

Anyone who claims to know all the answers

doesn't really know very much.

But the person who loves God

is the one whom God recognizes."

1 Corinthians 8:1-3 NLT

The Pharisees knew the scriptures well.  They studied the Torah and the Talmud, which was the written record of the interpretation of the Law, an oral tradition passed down from generation to generation.  These men thought they knew exactly what God expected of them and that they were therefore the experts to be held up as examples of godly men.

Unfortunately, they neither knew God nor loved Him, leaving their knowledge of God as a tool that served to elevate themselves.  Jesus often criticized their sense of self-righteousness and ironically held them up as an example of how not to live.  While the Pharisees thought they had it all together, their opinion of themselves couldn't be further from the truth.

The question then becomes, how do I live in a way that elevates God instead of myself?  The answer is found in the way I respond to the following:  How do I love God?

Obedience

From the beginning he was a boy dedicated to the Lord and served Him from a young age. (1 Samuel 2:18)  The first time he heard the voice of God, his mentor had to tell him what to do.  Even though the first message was a difficult one to tell, he spoke to words the Lord had given him, delivering the prophetic judgment against his own guardian.  Samuel was obedient to the Lord.

His love for God led Samuel to take the Lord seriously, doing as He directed even if it didn't make sense.  When it was time to choose a king to replace the defiant Saul, then, Samuel had no problem passing over all the sons of Jesse who seemed fit for the position and instead let God choose the one whose heart was inclined toward Him.  Consequently, Samuel anointed the little brother, a mere shepherd boy who would come to be known as a man after God's own heart. (1 Samuel 16, Acts 13:22)

Loving God means doing what God asks me to do.  When my common sense says to take the easy way but God directs me toward the difficult, my love for Him will drive me into obedience.  When all my friends are advising me to take the job, but my heart is ill-at-ease, my love for Him will drive me to do exactly to that which He has inspired me.  When the obvious choice seems to be to go through the wide door, but the narrow gate is calling my name, my love for Him will propel me through the uncommon way.

My love for God can manifest itself in the same way it did in Samuel, a man who followed God's direction to the minute detail.

Priorities

Nothing had been spared to hunt him down.  Even though he was the Lord's anointed, his time was yet to come.  Meanwhile, he was living like a hunted animal, running from cave to cave, keeping just out of reach of the king whose jealousy burned like a consuming fire.

Suddenly, it seemed God had provided an opportunity for the hunted to kill hunter, ending this lethal game of cat and mouse once and for all.  As David and his men hid in a cave one day, Saul entered to find a private place to relieve himself.  David crept up and cut the hem of the king's robe, retreating quickly into the darkness before Saul even knew he was there.  Intending to kill the king, David's conscience got the better of him as he called off his men, saying, "The LORD forbid that I should do this to my lord the king and attack the LORD's anointed one for the LORD himself has chosen him." (1 Samuel 24:6)

Sometimes it seems that God has delivered the fruit of my desires to within my reach.  The temptation dangles like a luscious peach on a tree, but if I love God, I will put His will above what I want.

Loving God means His glory and His will is my most ardent desire.  Instead of taking what is so temptingly handed to me, loving God means I will set aside my reputation and instead choose His way.   Instead of doing what is within my rights to do, loving God means I will cast my privilege aside and pick the option that will best glorify Him.  Instead of paying attention to how my obedience to God might hurt another, loving God means I will put His will above my own popularity or comfort.

My love for God is apparent when I put Him first in all my decisions.

His Pleasure

He was the richest, wisest, most famous king of all time.  Every pleasure known to man was made available to him.  As one who loved women, He took 700 wives as his own and kept 300 concubines at his disposal.  (1 Kings 11:3)  No source of delight was withheld from King Solomon.

Still, he labeled everything as meaningless.  It's not like he didn't try to find purpose and fulfillment in the things of life.  He lived life to the fullest, tasting every kind of food, sampling the affections of many foreign women and studying the great philosophers.  Nothing, however, brought any kind of deep satisfaction to his life. 

Solomon's conclusion to his search for significance was this:  "Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone's duty." (Ecclesiastes 12:13)

When I am tempted to live for myself, catering to my own desires, my love for God will turn my heart toward pleasing Him instead.  When the way He leads me is filled with thorns and prickly people, my love for God will propel me forward anyway as I desire His delight above my own.  When I see what pleases me standing right in front of me, my love for God will turn me around toward what will please Him.

My love for God means I will seek His pleasure above my own.

It is easy to fall into the same trap as the Pharisees and know a lot about God, but not know Him.  When I enter into a personal relationship with the God of the Universe, I will find a love for Him growing in my heart.  This devotion to Him will lead me to want to do what He asks of me, to desire His will and glory above all things, and to seek to please Him in all I do.  In this way, love will work to build up God's kingdom in a powerful way.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I will keep God first in my life.

How do I seek my own pleasure instead of trying to find what God wants me to do?

When am I more concerned with my own rights instead of what will bring glory to God?     

My Own Eyes

"But you have seen the LORD

perform all these mighty deeds

with your own eyes!"

Deuteronomy 11:7

The man holding the gun was calm and steady, never taking his eyes off his target.  The one who was the focus of his attention, however, was acting erratically, foolishly taunting the gunman.  "Go ahead, shoot me.  What are you waiting for?"

Meanwhile, customers at the gas station where my husband and I were filling up the tank of our truck were driving frantically away, trying to escape the strange showdown over a gas pump.  The gunman did finally fire the gun into the ground, earning the agitator an injury to his shin.

As a witness to this bizarre crime, I gave my account to the law enforcement personnel.  I had seen with my own eyes what had happened.

It is the same with me and God.  I have seen His works with my own eyes, both disciplinary and delivery.  These personal experiences with a real and living God have shaped my faith in ways adherence to a set of religious standards and practices can not.  

Since I have seen God's mighty hand at work in the softening of a once hardened heart, in the transformation of a life, or in the rescue from a near death encounter, I personally know of His power.  Therefore, I take Him seriously, knowing that He holds my very life in His hands.  When He says to be careful to obey His commands, I know He means it and that there will be repercussions.

Strength

When I was 19-years-old, I set a national record at the American Drug-Free Powerlifting Association National Championships held in Chicago, Illinois.  I always thought of myself as naturally strong, so this sport seemed an obvious choice for me.  

That physical strength, however, does not help me to forgive those who are mean and cruel to me.  That kind of power does nothing to give me what I need to be kind in the face of evil.  Strong muscles cannot help me to endure a difficult circumstance with joy in my heart.

Physical strength does not translate into spiritual strength.  The kind of might I need to accomplish the mission God has set before me comes from Him as I live my life His way.

God warned the Israelites to pay special attention to every Word that came from His mouth, following His commands to the last detail, "so that you may have the strength to go in and take over the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess."  (Deuteronomy 11:8b)  Obedience leads to strength.  Doing things God's way empowers me to succeed.  Forsaking my self-interest and embracing the fulfillment of God's desires results in the ability to do His will.

Strength has nothing to do with my abilities, gifts or talents.  It has everything to do with God's might.  In order to get through the trials that come with each day, I must surrender my will to His and allow His power to flow through me.  

As 19-Century pastor and author Phillips Brooks said, "Do not pray for easy lives; pray to be stronger people!  Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers; pray for powers equal to your tasks.  Then the doing of your work shall be no miracle but you shall be a miracle.  Every day you shall wonder at yourself, at the richness of life which has come to you by the grace of God."

In order to showcase God's grace, it is necessary for me to live by God's strength.

Longevity 

Whenever I buy a new appliance, whether it be a hairdryer or a dishwasher, it usually comes with a lengthy booklet of instructions the manufacturer put together to inform me how to get the optimal performance and longest life from their product.  The one who made the device understands how it should be treated in order to get the best results.

It is not so different with me.  One of the best ways to experience superior performance and durability is to live my life according to the operating instructions given to me by my Manufacturer.  God's way is always better than my way.

God's wisdom dispensed through King Solomon tells us that, "The fear of the LORD adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short."  (Proverbs 10:27)  Solomon did not always possess this kind of wisdom, but as the son of David, he was taught under someone who loved and revered God.  When it came time for the young man to take the throne, he did so with a serious attitude of respect and honor for God.  

One night, God appeared to the new king in a dream and told Solomon to ask for anything and it would be granted.  Solomon asked for discernment in leading his people.  This request pleased the Lord, prompting an even greater blessing of wealth and honor.  Additionally, God went on to say,  "if you walk in my ways and obey my statutes and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life." (1 Kings 3:14)

God has a plan for each of our lives and our days are written in His book before we are even born.  There is no secret formula or "fountain of youth," but those who tend to live longer are those who don't fight against God, but submit to His authority in their lives.

Following the Manufacturers instructions offers the best results and longest life.

Provision

Each of us is motivated to act by something or someone.  It could be the drive to succeed, to make a name for oneself, to provide for a family or to live in comfort.  Whatever it is, we do what we do for a reason.

The world is filled with messages that tempt my self-centered nature: 

Go for the gusto 

"Tonight's the night.  Let's live it up.  I got my money.  Let's spend it up."   -Black eyed Peas

Live for today, don't worry about tomorrow.

"Get it while you can" -Janis Joplin

Living for my own pleasure, comfort and success may feel good for awhile, but it will ultimately lead to emptiness.  Trusting in God to supply my needs and instead living for His pleasure will lead to contentment and true happiness.  

God gives me this promise in Deuteronomy 11:13-15.  He says, "if you faithfully obey the commands I am giving you today-to love the LORD your God and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul-then I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains, so that you may gather in your grain, new wine and oil.  I will provide grass in the fields for your cattle, and you will eat and be satisfied."

If the drive in my life is to please myself, I will never be satisfied.  If the motivating factor is to put God first in all things, He will provide all that I need and I will experience true satisfaction in my present circumstances.  Things I used to think I needed, I will realize are unnecessary.  I will wont for nothing.  My heart will be content.

Making God my ultimate goal in life will lead to His faithful provision and a pleasing sense of fulfillment.

I have seen God do many things in my life and in the lives of others.  There is no doubt He is LORD of all things.  In order to live my life under His Lordship, I must pay careful attention to His ways and be cautious not to get off-track.  Then I will receive the strength I need to endure, a long life to live for Him, and the faithful provision of my needs. 

If I use what I have seen God do as an impetus to enter into a personal relationship with my Lord, I will experience more than I ever dreamed possible. "To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!  Amen."  (Ephesians 3:21)

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I will keep God in the highest position of importance.

How do I try to do things out of my own strength instead of letting God work?

When do I spend most of my time trying to supply my needs instead of relying on God?