Resilience

"For though the righteous fall seven times,

they rise again,

but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes."

Proverbs 24:16

When I gave my life to Jesus to do with as He wills, He never promised I wouldn't fall.  Life is hard, that's for sure.  What is it that I can count on as I walk with my Shepherd?

Strength.  By the end of the day, I'm worn out.  I always tell my family that if they want my help, opinion, or guidance, they had better ask me earlier in the day rather than waiting until bedtime because I have nothing left by the time the sun is ready to set.  When my head hits the pillow, I'm a goner.

Humans are weak (1 Corinthians 1:25).  I like to think I'm strong, mentally and physically, that I can do anything I put my mind to, but the reality is that I am limited in my capabilities.  When I only rely on my own strength, I will soon come to the end of it.  But, if I place my hope in God, putting all my confidence in His boundless abilities and unlimited power, I "will find new strength" to rise higher than I dared believe, carry on longer than I thought possible, endure hardships greater than I'd ever choose for myself (Isaiah 40:31).

When I trust in Jesus as my Savior, I find a strength that far surpasses anything I can muster up on my own (Ephesians 6:10).

Hope.  As a human, its easy to want to wallow in self-pity, staying down where I fall.  Life can be so discouraging, especially when I keep encountering difficulty after difficulty.  I may wonder as I flounder around in the muck, Can't I catch a break?  When do I get to experience smooth sailing?  It can be hard to rise up and keep going.

The good news is that in Christ I have every reason to get back up again.  The hope that comes by faith in the promises of God gives me confidence that I don't suffer in vain, that it's all used to work out His best for me so that He gets the glory for all He is doing to conform me into the image of His Son (Romans 8:28-29, Genesis 50:20).  This confidence in what God is doing in my life propels me forward as I remember that He finishes what He has started (Philippians 1:6).  There is also an anticipation of the fruit that will abound through the work of God's Word as I stand on it's firm foundation (Isaiah 55:11).

When I trust in Jesus as my Savior, I have a hope that gives me reason to get back up each time I fall.

Attitude.  This world is negative, cynical and pessimistic.  As a human with sinful flesh, I'm easily drawn to this outlook, homing in on all that is wrong and completely overlooking what is right.  I tend to see the trouble without perceiving the comfort.  I'm good at picking out the evil while overlooking the good.

Thankfully, in Christ I have hope for a new outlook.  As I submit myself to God's will for my life, He works to change the way I think, giving me a different lens through which to see the world (Romans 12:2).  What naturally causes me to despair, seen through God's eyes is an opportunity to experience His grace (Romans 5:20).  What seems like the worst thing that could happen, with a godly attitude is transformed into the best thing as it brings forth perseverance and a stronger faith (Romans 5:3-5, James 1:3).  What looks like a disaster or a crisis, through eyes of faith is seen as another opportunity to trust God and see Him work it out for His glory (Isaiah 43:19, 2 Corinthians 12:9-11).

When I trust in Jesus as my Savior, I am given a new attitude that allows me to see more of Him at work all around me, through every circumstance.

Living for Jesus instead of myself does not promise an easy life.  Instead, it could be said that more troubles come my way as I live counter to the ways of this world.  As I do, though, I can take heart.  For when difficulties knock me off my feet, I am given supernatural strength to get up again, the hope to know there's a reason to rise from where I've been knocked, and an ability to see troubles in a godly light.  This is the kind of resilience that comes by faith in Christ.  This is the kind of resilience that propels me to my feet time and time again.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God enough to rely on His strength instead of my own.

When do I deny my own weaknesses?

How am I looking at my troubles through my own self-centered lenses?     

Barometer of the Heart

"Whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself,

but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded."

Do I grin and bear it?  Avoid it at all costs?  Hunger for it?  Recognize its value despite its offensiveness to my sin nature?

In the same way the readings on a barometer are an indication of future changes in the weather, the way I feel about and respond to the wisdom found in God's Word is an indication of the direction I travel in life and the status of my heart.  If I learn to interpret the atmospheric pressure measurements of a barometer, I can forecast the weather.  And if I pay attention to how I'm handling the Word of God, I can estimate where I'm headed in life based on the status of my heart.  Let's take some time to recognize the danger signs.

Avoid.  Whenever I hear the dreaded song, I quickly turn the channel.  I simply don't want to be faced with the doe-eyed animals who seem to be pleading for help from their desperate situations as "In the Arms of an Angel" by Sarah McLachlan plays in the background.  My heart breaks as I think of the suffering these helpless creatures endure and I feel helpless to rescue them.  While I could give a donation to the ASPCA to ease my mind, I'd rather avoid the effectively persuasive advertising campaign.  It's just too hard to see.

From time to time I take on this same mindset with God's Word.  I know it's powerful and living, able to get to the root of the dark places in my heart, but I don't always want to face it (Hebrews 4:12-13). Sometimes I'd just rather turn the channel and focus on something more pleasant.  While the discipline and training in righteousness that comes from exposing myself to the Holy Scripture is not always comfortable, it is good for me, useful for weeding out what is off in the way I think and operate in this world, and teaching me God's better way (2 Timothy 3:16-17).  Even though it doesn't feel good, it is beneficial to my faith walk.  My willingness to expose myself to His valuable training tool tells me a lot about the state of my heart.

When I avoid God's Word it's a sign that I've hardened my heart against God's loving instruction.

Dismiss.  "It's not relevant.  It's outdated.  Maybe it made sense back in the day, but we've progressed beyond our need for such archaic ways; we have learned a better way and the Bible is no longer necessary.  While there may be some redeeming qualities, most of it does not apply to the modern mind and our unique condition."  So goes the line of thinking in today's mind.  While I don't claim to adhere to such a view, it's poison can easily seep into my psyche and influence the way I process the situations I encounter.

Therefore, when I find myself dismissing any part of God's Word as irrelevant to my current circumstances, I'd better sit up and take notice.  God does not change with the times, altering His perception according to cultural or political variations (James 1:17).  He does not take opinion polls and is never influenced by the tide of popular trends (Numbers 23:19, Malachi 3:6).  He could care less about His popularity ratings.  Since He is so rock-solid in His character, His Word can be trusted as always relevant to meet me right where I am and able to speak to me exactly what I need to hear.  God's Word always accomplishes what He desires for it to bring about, therefore I dare not dismiss it as irrelevant (Isaiah 55:11).

When I dismiss God's Word it is a sign that I've diminished the powerfully influential nature of His ever-relevant Word.

Take Lightly.  It becomes a daily ritual.  As I read, my mind is drifting toward my to-do-list or I'm rehashing my current crises or I'm distracted by my surrounds.  Whatever keeps me from truly applying myself to the study of scripture, it succeeds in keeping me superficial, robbing me from the richness found there and the important truths I need each day.  Instead of being transformed by the renewing of my mind, I stay the same, stagnant as a mosquito-infested bog deep in the woods.

If I want to go deeper with God, I must treasure His Word as the prize that it is, taking in every word as a life-giving flow of spring water that refreshes my soul and points me to the way everlasting.  Instead of just reading, then, I can take on the persona of an explorer, picking apart each passage in a search for gems that will give me more insight into the Father I adore, His Son whom I can't live without, and the Spirit who empowers me to live abundantly.  As I come to know this great God through His infallible Word, I will find more insight into my own workings and how I fit into this world He created.  Therefore, taking His Word seriously is to my benefit.

When I take God's Word lightly it is a sign that I've hit a roadblock in my faith walk, ceasing the forward progress toward my heavenly goal.

The way I think of and receive God's Word tells much about the state of my heart and the progress of my faith walk.  Learning to read the warning signs helps me to forecast the direction of my life.  When I avoid, dismiss and take lightly God's Word, I had better take notice for I'm headed in the wrong direction.  The state of my heart is vital to my spiritual health.  Therefore, I'd be wise to use these warning signs as a kind of barometer of the heart.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God to use His Word to accomplish His plan for my life.

When do I avoid scripture because I simply don't want to hear what God has to say?

How am I fearing God's best for me? 

    

How to Give Thanks

"Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!

Serve the LORD with gladness!

Come into his presence with singing!

Know that the LORD, he is God!

It is he who made us, and we are his;

we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving,

and his courts with praise!

Give thanks to him; bless his name!

For the LORD is good;

his steadfast love endures forever,

and his faithfulness to all generations."

Psalm 100 ESV

Every year at Thanksgiving, our nation gathers as a people around tables laden with abundance to give thanks.  I am willing to feel grateful for all the good things in my life, and I'm sure most people share in this motivation to cultivate an attitude of gratitude.  But is there more to giving thanks than just feeling thankful?  Here is a recipe found in God's Word for how to live a life of thankfulness.

Manner.  It's easy to go through the motions, doing all that I must do to survive, taking care of necessary details, completing the tasks set before me.  I can do a good job but go about it in the wrong way, with a grumpy disposition or even with a simple sense of duty.  It reminds me of the time our family helped move a relative.  We had a limited amount of time allotted to this obligation so we set about the job with gusto, quickly carrying items out to the moving truck.  No one spoke to one another; we were all business!

Then it hit me;  this is a time God had given us to spend time together as a family, yet we weren't even enjoying the moment!  There was much to be thankful for: We were close by to our loved one to help in such a way, our family is intact and able to work together as a team, we are all physically able to perform such a job.  Yet where was the joy?  Where was the sense of fun and pleasure in spending time together, even in such a dreaded chore as moving?

All I do is marked by joy when I recognize all God is to me.  When I ponder God's amazing character and His willingness to include me in His plan, every act I carry out can be done in joy, every service performed with gladness, every approach to His throne of grace to receive what I need can be accompanied by singing (Hebrews 4:16).  With such thankfulness to God, even moving can be a happy job!

A thankful spirit produces joy while an ungrateful one results in a dissatisfied, grumpy, dutiful manner.

Identity and Orientation.  Sheep get it.  Dumb as they are, they understand who they belong to and where they fit in.  They have one master and only listen to his voice, obeying His commands.  They stick with that shepherd, letting him lead them to the safe place to graze, the cozy shelter from the storm, or the haven from predators. These simple animals see their shepherd as the center of their world; he is everything to them.  They also realize there is safety in numbers so they stick together.  In a nutshell, they know who they are and where they belong.

There is a reason Jesus compared His followers to sheep and identified Himself as the Good Shepherd (John 10).  He wants me to understand what the psalmist expressed so beautifully:  I am one of His sheep and I belong in His pasture.  

When I submit to Jesus as my King, Lord, Master, I acknowledge that I live in His world, operate according to His plan for me, and live as He designed me to function.  It's all His and recognizing that He allows me to play some small part is both humbling and freeing.  No longer do I need to figure things out on my own, solving my own problems, going after my own good things.  Instead, I have a Shepherd who I belong to and a place in His pasture with His family where I am well-cared for.  

A thankful spirit delivers a sense of belonging while an ungrateful one cultivates a spirit of independence, alienation and insecurity.

Attitude.  David knew that in order to come before the Lord with a proper attitude, he must offer something that came at a price.  He refused to give the Lord a sacrifice that was a complimentary gift in a place that was presented for free.  Instead, he insisted on purchasing from the generous owner a threshing floor and oxen that could be used to build an altar and burn the sacrifice to the Lord.  He would not offer a sacrifice that cost him nothing (2 Samuel 24:18-25).

David understood the importance of attitude when approaching the Lord.  Yes, I can come boldly as one who belongs, but not empty-handed.  Instead, the offerings of a grateful heart and praise to Him are welcomed gifts that cost me my selfish point-of-view and my fleshly desire to look out for myself.  When I let go of such natural tendencies to take care of myself, to hold on to what I have for fear of doing without or to only see how things effect me, I can offer a thankful outlook to a God who loves such gifts!

A thankful spirit results in a grateful, generous attitude while an ungrateful one promotes a selfish and stingy outlook.

It's easy to go through life without ever giving thanks.  Sure, I might utter words of gratitude from time to time, but there's more to thankfulness than this.  Like the psalmist beautifully expresses, my life can be marked by joy and gladness, a sense of belonging and understanding of where I fit in, and an attitude that is giving and generous.  This is how to give thanks in the way I live my life!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God to provide for all my needs, freeing me up to live generously with others.

When do I forget where I belong, instead trying to fit in where I will find only destruction?

How am I stingy and grumpy, betraying my ungrateful heart?

How to Become a Fruitful Tree

"Blessed is the one who does not walk 

in step with the wicked

or stand in the way that sinners take

or sit in the company of mockers,

but whose delight is in the law of the LORD,

and who meditates on his law day and night.

That person is like a tree planted

by streams of water,

which yields its fruit in season

and whose leaf does not wither--

whatever they do prospers."

Psalm 1:1-3

There are many formulas for success in this world, but none as wise as this.

Company.  Mothers everywhere are right:  It matters who my friends are.  If I hang out mostly with godly people who love Jesus, I'll draw closer in my relationship with Him.  If I instead choose to associate mostly with people who live by the flesh and are their own lords, I'll drift away from Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:33).

Even if I'm only exposed to other believers, I usually choose my friends based on what we have in common.  Our church recently held a women's luncheon in which inter-generational relationships were encouraged.  I can learn so much from those who have gone before me and there are things I can teach to those who are coming along behind me.  But it's more than that.

God made us each in His image, yet we are unique in our own special way.  Limiting my relationships only to those who are similar to me, the old birds-of-a-feather syndrome, restricts my exposure to other godly points-of-view and helps me stay right where I am.  Including people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences, however, challenges me and enriches my life as my spiritual muscles are stretched and my horizons expanded.  For example, some of the most godly, faithful and on-fire-for-the-Lord Christians are young people!  Why should I not seek them out as friends?

I will become a fruitful and healthy tree if I choose my company wisely.

Way.  I must pick a path.  Just because I have accepted the salvation that comes by faith in Jesus Christ doesn't mean I will automatically follow Him down the track that leads to life.  Few find this route because it is secluded and out-of-the-way, unpopular and difficult (Matthew 7:13-14).

It's much easier to stay on the wide road that leads to destruction.  After all, it is quite common and acceptable so it can't be that bad, right?  It's the obvious choice, or so I tell myself.  Until I realize the emptiness of my life as I go after the meaningless things the world holds as valuable, or when my heart aches for the bond with the One for whom I was created, or as I tire of living only for myself.  Then I remember Jesus died to give me something far better (John 10:10).

I will become a fruitful and healthy tree if I choose my path wisely.

Attitude.  Am I a negative-Nelly, or do I see the good things of God all around me?  It's easy to focus on that which is bad about life; there is so much from which to choose!  Still, God is always at work in my life and in the lives of others.  Since He is a good God and everything beneficial comes from Him, I can make a decision to focus on the good, looking for what He is busy doing.

So what is stopping me?  Well, I live in a world that teaches me to think of myself as better than I really am, and my sin nature easily agrees with this mindset.  Therefore, if I don't intentionally remind myself why Jesus had to die for me, I will become just like the world: cynical and sarcastic, sneering at the ridiculousness of others' actions and ridiculing the state of the government, culture, entertainment industry, or whatever.  I actually need no encouragement to become that way for that is my natural state!

Instead of choosing the easy way, the natural way, the contemptuous way, I can undergo an attitude adjustment.  Letting God transform my mind will give me a different perspective where I will see the hurting, perceiving how God is mercifully saving, and realize His abundant grace in little hidden pockets everywhere.  Yes, God really is good all the time!

I will become a fruitful and healthy tree if I choose my attitude wisely.

There are many formulas I can follow to find a certain brand of success, but only one will cultivate me into a healthy, fruitful tree.  In order to become like such a tree, I can choose wisely the company I keep, the path I walk, and the attitude with which I see the world.  In these ways I will grow deep roots near streams of water that can stand firm no matter the storm.  This is the kind of tree I want to become!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can befriend those who will challenge my faith and show me your love on a regular basis.

When do I limit my friendships to those who are just like me?

How am I guilty of harboring an ungodly attitude toward the world around me?    

Aliens

"The land must not be sold permanently,

because the land is mine

and you reside in my land as foreigners and strangers.

Throughout the land that you hold as a possession,

you must provide for the redemption of the land."

Leviticus 25:23-24

It used to be said that purchasing land was one of the most solid investments one could make.  It couldn't be stolen, it's value almost always increased, and it's always worth something.  Unfortunately, many have found out the hard way how vulnerable any kind of real estate investment can be in a fluctuating market.

While investing in land may not be the wisest of ventures in this day and age, especially in the short term, devoting my time, attention and talents into this temporary world may be even riskier.  Jesus taught that an earthly investment is uncertain while kingdom ones are sound.  Whichever I choose, however, I will find that my heart will be rooted in that asset. (Matthew 6:19-21) 

Therefore, I would be wise to do as He taught and live as an alien here in this world that will soon pass away.  If all that I sink my teeth into is based on what I can see, feel, taste and hear, then I am making a foolish investment.  As a follower of Christ, I am called to live as one who doesn't belong here.

Roots

When planting a tree, it is important to dig the hole at least twice the size of the root ball.  Surprisingly, it is also wise to refill the hole with the same dirt as the surrounding land.  If I attempt to add mulch and all sorts of additives to the soil, the roots may prefer the "good" dirt and not reach out into the adjacent earth, giving the tree a poor chance at developing a solid, wide-spread root system.

It is vital to the health of my faith that I develop a healthy root-system as well.  In the same way that a tree needs the right kind of soil in order to thrive, I need to grow deeply in my relationship with Christ Jesus for my faith to develop soundly.  (Colossians 2:6-7)  Everything I can base my life upon may seem good and beneficial, but only Jesus will give me a strong foundation.

It may seem wise to live a life focused on doing good for others, for example, living by the principle of paying it forward, but only the love of Christ flowing through me will last and ultimately make a real difference in this dark world. (1 John 4:19, 1 Corinthians 13:1-3)

I may also be tempted to base my life on the idea that I can achieve whatever I believe is possible.  While this may take me to great heights, all my successes will mean nothing in eternity if I am not connected to Jesus and living in obedience to His will.  (John 15:5)

Living my life with the intention of keeping it simple, avoiding the complications of modern technology and common areas of temptation may look like a good way to live a deep and meaningful life, but if I never seek to know God more, I will never know the best that He has planned for my life. (Jeremiah 29:11-13)

To live as an alien while here on earth, I must grow deep roots in the truth found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Identity

When I was a high school student, my family hosted an exchange student from Japan.  This delightful young woman lived in our home, participated in family meals and activities, and joined in with most of our daily routine.  In this way, she learned much about American culture.  

No matter how much she was immersed in our way of living, however, our friend from a foreign country never lost the distinct features of her own traditions.  She told me later that if she didn't like the food, for instance, she would say she wasn't hungry in order to keep from hurting our feelings.  Furthermore, she attended church with us but never accepted Jesus as her own Savior.  She was more of an observer, learning but never taking on our beliefs, traditions and ways as her own.

This is how I am to be while living in this foreign land that is the world.  My real home is heaven and I must strive to retain the distinct qualities consistent with God's kingdom.  Jesus said His people are to be easily identified by the way we love one another (John 13:35) and by the fruit that is produced in our lives (Matthew 7:20).

As an alien living in a foreign culture, then, I must guard against becoming just like those who are rooted in this world. (Romans 12:2) It is easy to begin to take on the attitudes, world views and beliefs of those who live around me.  I am inundated with worldly ways and it is only possible to stay pure if I counteract them with the truth of God's Word.  This will take an intentional effort to saturate my mind with the Holy scripture, taking every thought captive to Christ, bringing my attitudes in line with that which pleases God. (2 Corinthians 10:5)

To live as an alien while here on earth, my identity must be fixed in Christ.

Focus

I struggled to keep my balance as I lifted my left foot off the floor while reaching forward with my hands, attempting to mimic the Warrior III pose my instructor perfectly demonstrated.  As I tried to stay firm in my stance during this PiYo class (a combination of Pilates and Yoga), I heard the voice of my teacher advise me to pick a spot on the floor on which to focus while keeping my core strong.  Surprisingly, this simple technique did the trick and my wobbling stopped as I was able to stand firmly on one foot.

While my walk with Jesus is not quite like taking an exercise class, I can utilize the same technique learned from my teacher.  Keeping my eyes focused on Jesus will center me in the truth.  (Hebrews 12:2)  In this way, I will not waver in my faith, keeping firmly to what I know to be true even when the winds around me are blowing and the alternate beliefs are tempting me to stray.  (James 1:5-8)

To live as an alien while here on earth, I must be focused on Christ as my only hope.

I live in a place that is not conducive to godly living.  Therefore, I am called not to conform to what I observe around me, but to live as one who's not from around here.  In order to stay pure as a foreigner, I will need to grow strong roots in Christ, keep my identity fixed in Christ, and home in on Christ as the Author and Perfecter of my faith.  When I exercise these practices, I will find myself living as an alien in a foreign land.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can keep rooted in Christ instead of everything else that sounds good to me.

When am I most at risk for taking on the identity of the foreign land in which I live?

How do I focus on other things or people instead of Christ?  

    

Fellowship Offering

"If he offers it for a thanksgiving,

then he shall offer with the thanksgiving sacrifice

unleavened loaves mixed with oil,

unleavened wafers smeared with oil,

and loaves of fine flour well mixed with oil."

Leviticus 7:12

The women were scurrying around in the kitchen, preparing a feast of all the traditional fixin's.  There was tender, roasted turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, savory stuffing, tangy cranberry sauce, sugary sweet potatoes, traditional green bean casserole, steaming-hot rolls followed by an array of pies.  So much time is spent preparing the spread and enjoying the tastes that it's easy to forget why we gather around the table.  The purpose of the holiday is to give thanks to God.

President Abraham Lincoln, in the midst of a bloody civil war, issued a proclamation on October 3, 1863 at the request of the editor of Godey's Lady's Book, Sarah Josepha Hale to "set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens."  It was his intention to nationalize a previously local celebration first established by President Washington so that all American hearts would annually be turned toward the Lord and all He so mercifully provides.

The Israelites were given a similar rite to help them turn their hearts toward God's goodness as He blessed them in so many ways.  They were given the option of presenting to the Lord a fellowship offering as an expression of thankfulness for His provision.  How can I do the same, especially as I prepare for the upcoming American holiday of Thanksgiving?

Attitude

I woke up dreading the day to come.  Even though I was excited to move to our new location, I knew moving day would be filled with hard work as we loaded all of our belongings onto the moving truck.  Since I had fallen into bed in the wee hours of the morning, I was running on little sleep, adding to my poor outlook.  It seems I couldn't shake this grumpy attitude.

There are many factors that can play into the way I feel about my current circumstances.  Ultimately, though, the way I think or feel about the life God has given me is up to me.  Either I can be grateful for all with which He has blessed me, or I can desire more than what He has supplied.

This reminds me of a story I heard about Mother Teresa.  In 1994 she spoke at the National Prayer Breakfast, recounting the time she cared for a sickly woman she found living on the street.  As she showed the poor soul the love of Christ, placing her gently in bed, the dying woman took hold of the nun's hand and with the most beautiful smile on her face uttered only two words, "Thank you."  Her eyes then closed as she died.  

Mother Teresa was touched by her attitude of gratitude.  Instead of drawing attention to her great needs of hunger, pain relief and poor health, she choose to give her caregiver a dose of grateful love.

There are so many times when I choose to feel sorry for myself and the predicament in which I find myself instead of being thankful for all the good God has given to me.  It is really a matter of my heart.  Paul encourages us to "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God." (Colossians 3:16)

I present a kind of fellowship offering to the Lord when I choose an attitude of gratefulness instead of discontent.

Focus

The weeds were everywhere.  I couldn't take my eyes off the jungle of invaders creeping over the ground in my flowerbed.  It was hard to focus on any other chore in the yard until I removed all those weeds.  After I finished the job, I turned my attention toward the roses that had been presiding over my frenzied weeding.  The colors popped from luscious vines as the drops of dew seemed to magnify their beauty.  How did I miss such splendor?  I was focused only on what was wrong with the garden and had completely overlooked all that was good.

This happens often in my life.  The evil and darkness is so obvious in the world in which God has placed me, making it all too easy to focus my attention on everything negative.  If I turn my attention toward the Lord, however, and resolve to look for all the good that He is doing, I might be surprised at what I find. (James 1:17)

Instead of seeing only the couples who are divorcing right and left, I will begin to notice the marriages that are thriving against all odds.  When it is easy to adopt a spirit of despair based on the rowdy behavior of the children in my Sunday School class, I may be surprised at the fruit God is growing when I turn my attention toward their hearts.  In the place of focusing on the wrong that seems so obvious in my country's culture, I will find much for which to praise God when I look for the good that is just beneath the surface.

If I look for the evil, dark and sinful in the location which God has placed me, I will find it.  If, however, I choose to turn my attention toward the goodness that comes from God, I will discover much treasure in which to encourage my heart and pour out in gratitude to my gracious Father.  (1 Timothy 4:4, Proverbs 11:27)   

I present a kind of fellowship offering to the Lord when I turn my attention toward the good that God is doing all around me.

Training

As my children were growing up, it was easy for them to take the good things people offered.  What was not so natural, however, was for them to express their gratitude for gifts given to them.  It took regular reminders to train my daughters to say, "Thank you."

In the same way, I can't expect gratitude to come naturally.  It takes intention and a sense of purpose to train myself to give thanks in the way God has in mind.  (Philippians 4:6)  It may be fairly easy to feel grateful when I receive a raise in my paycheck, an unexpected gift, or good health.  It takes practice, however, to give thanks to God for the times of struggle, the let down that comes when I don't receive what I expected, or the unfavorable diagnosis.  

Since God is a good God and I am His child through faith in Jesus Christ, I can rest in the knowledge that the hard stuff in my life will be used to bring about good. (Romans 8:28)  It may not be the kind of good that I am used to categorizing as beneficial, but it will, nonetheless, be exactly the good He deems as best for me.

Therefore, I can trust God enough when money is low to thank Him for the little, knowing the struggle is not without reason.  I can also thank Him for the pain that keeps me humble enough to realize it is not I who sets the agenda for my life.  I can even thank God for the unthinkable, keeping my faith in a God who has a master plan of which I know nothing. (Jeremiah 29:11)

I present a kind of fellowship offering to the Lord when I intentionally choose to thank God for all His goodness.

At this time of year, many people are talking about the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.  As I prepare for the big day, however, it is my intention to develop an attitude of gratefulness toward the God who loves me enough to sacrifice His only Son for my benefit, to purposefully look for the good He is doing all around me, and to train myself to give thanks even when it seems there is nothing for which to be grateful.  In doing these things, I am presenting a kind of fellowship offering to a loving, gracious Father who knows how to give good gifts.  (Matthew 7:11)

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can look for all the good God is doing.

When do I focus more on the bad that rises to the surface of my consciousness?

How can I make the effort today to thank God for the good things for which I must search?  

Unexpected

"Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion!

Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem!

See, your king comes to you,

righteous and having salvation,

gentle and riding on a donkey,

on a colt, the foal of a donkey."

Zechariah 9:9

My heart sank as I felt the "thud, thud, thud," of the flat tire.  Resigning myself to the fact that I couldn't drive to the nearest service station, I carefully pulled off the interstate.  Cars continued to speed past me, adding to the desperation of my situation.  Why now, Lord?  Why couldn't I at least get to a safe place?

I pulled out my phone, preparing to dial the number to my auto club when my greatest fear was realized.  

Tap, tap, tap.  "Ma'am, is everything okay?  Do you need help?"

I cautiously turned toward the driver's side window, fearing the worst.  What I saw set my heart to racing.  A rough looking long-haired man covered in tattoos wearing raggedy jeans and a muscle shirt stood looking at me expectantly.  

Should I trust him?  He looks kind of scary.  What if he's trying to rob me. . .or car-jack me. . . or worse?

Reluctantly, I cracked the window open.  "Yes, sir, can I help you?"

"Well, it looks like you're the one who could use some help.  Pop your trunk and I'll change your flat.  Do you have a spare tire?"

"Yes." I blushed at his kindness as I remembered my prejudicial thoughts.  Maybe he's not so bad after all.

It wasn't long before he finished the job.  I thanked him profusely as he refused any offer of payment.  "I'll tell you what you can do for me."

"What's that?"  I ask suspiciously.

"You can let me pray for you."

And that's exactly what he did as the wind from the passing vehicles whipped my hair wildly about my face, He called on his Father in heaven to protect me and guide me safely home.  

That was unexpected!  I thought as I watched him cross the lanes of traffic to return to his 18-wheeler.

Just as I expected certain behavior to come out of the tough-looking character who helped me on the side of the road that day, so do I assume Jesus will show up in places that fit into my experiences, upbringing and understanding.  Maybe I'm looking for Jesus in the wrong places.  I think I should find Him in the lofty, impressive locations instead of in dirty, lowly positions.


It could be that the young girl selling herself shamelessly on the street corner needs to hear of the Savior who loves her like a precious jewel. Or the loud and obnoxious customer who gets on my last nerve just may need a kind word from Jesus today.  Maybe the neighbor who's been nasty to me could use a dose of forgiveness from the Prince of peace.  When I venture into those places, Jesus goes with me, even though it doesn't seem like the kind of place you'd find a King. 

It's always been this way with Jesus.  He came to earth as a human out of obedience to His Father.  From the moment He was placed in Mary's womb, he began shattering people's perceptions of what the Messiah would look like, from what family he would come and to what position He would hold.  I might as well face it, my expectations are way off.

Righteousness

Jesus really let them have it.  "Hypocrites!  You try to look so good on the outside, but really you're filled with greed and self-indulgence.  You try to appear righteous to people but really you're like a whitewashed tomb; full of dead men's bones and everything unclean.  Your heart is wicked."  (paraphrased from Matthew 23:25-28)

It's easy for me to point my finger at the Pharisees and teachers of the law to whom Jesus reprimanded.  After all, Jesus himself called them out as examples of self-righteousness.  But I'm not so different.  I effortlessly slip into the role of goody-two-shoes and judge as I advise others on how they should handle their difficulties, making myself appear above the fray instead of sharing the reality of my own struggles.

I'm no better than anyone else apart from the sanctifying blood of Jesus, but I can paint a picture of uprightness and virtue that no one else can live up to.  Withholding my own struggles and putting on a good front before others can earn me the reputation of a "perfect Christian." Acting as if I am good enough on my own is what Jesus labeled as "blind."  

After healing him of his blindness, a man worshiped Jesus as he professed his faith in the Messiah.  But the Jewish leaders sneered at His identity.  So Jesus said, "I entered this world to render judgment--to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind."  (John 9:39 NLT)  If I think I'm good, I'm only fooling myself.  God doesn't grade on a curve; I can't compare myself to others.  Instead, God's standard is perfection, and I fall far short of that expectation.

I may expect that if I follow Jesus I can declare myself righteous, but it is only through faith in Jesus Christ that God will present me as righteous by faith.

Salvation

If I were to tailor-make my own savior, I would probably choose someone who would keep me from any pain, hurt, difficulty or hardship.  My specially-created rescuer would cater to my desire to live a life of comfort and happiness.  

That fantasy of mine, however, cannot be translated to my real Savior.  Jesus doesn't shield me from the fire, but actually uses the hard times to refine me and shape me more into His likeness.  Pain and anguish are a part of my walk with Christ.  He was not shielded from it, so why should I expect to be?

Twentieth Century Calvin Theological Seminary President Cornelius Plantinga Jr. put it into perspective.  He said, "We do not want suffering; we want success.  We identify not with those who are low and hurt but with those who are high and healthy.  We don't like lepers or losers very well; we prefer climbers and comers.  For Christians, the temptation to be conformed to this world is desperately sweet and strong.  Yet, says the apostle Paul, we are children of God if we suffer with Christ."

Suffering is a part of the deal when I agreed to follow Jesus.  He is, however, a Savior.  Although He doesn't rescue me from trouble, He does save me from eternal death and separation from God.  When He died on the cross, He took my sins along with all the other sins of all mankind and bore them upon Himself.  He died the death that was meant for me, and in so doing, gave me the gift of everlasting life.  That is the salvation Jesus offers.

I may expect that if I follow Jesus I will be saved from any suffering, but instead He offers life eternal and perfection through suffering.

Attitude

My husband and I were recently offered a weekend in a nice hotel in a nearby resort town.  We gratefully accepted the generous gift and enjoyed our little getaway.  As I chatted with the waitress one morning, she shared with me how mean many customers acted.  They were demanding and careless, treating her more like an object than a woman made in God's image.

I thought how strange it is that those who have so much tend to get snooty and full of themselves, tending to think that everyone is there to cater to their needs.  As abhorrent I find this attitude, it is not so different from mine in many respects.  How often do I want to be elevated and recognized for my efforts or position?  I may expect a certain level of respect from people, and when I don't receive it, I'm ready to fight for it!

Jesus, however, never held this outlook.  Instead, "being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. . .he humbled himself and became obedient to death. . ." (Philippians 2:6-8)

If anyone deserved to be treated well, it was Jesus.  He created all things and is above all things, yet He lowered himself to a mere created being.  He took disrespect, disgrace and rudeness as part of the package.  He was fully aware of Who He was yet was able to accept less than appropriate treatment from those He came to save.

If Jesus, who truly deserved honor and respect, can lower himself to the position of servant, can't I, who is a sinner at heart, humble myself enough to love the unlovable?

I may expect that if I follow Jesus I'll be treated with admiration and esteem, but instead He offers humility and meekness.

Jesus came to offer righteousness through faith not through effort, salvation from death but not suffering, and an attitude of humility.  My flesh may not desire these things, but in trusting Him with my life I will find that my assumptions will be crucified as I begin to expect the unexpected from Jesus.

As I begin this day I pray that I can drop my expectations and look for evidence of Jesus all around me.

How do I expect certain treatment from people, contrary to the example Jesus set?

When do I resent the suffering I am currently withstanding, forgetting that it will work to perfect me?