The Abomination of Unfairness

"A false balance and unrighteous dealings are 

extremely offensive and shamefully sinful to the Lord,

but a just weight is His delight."

Proverbs 11:1 AMP

I like to think of myself as a pretty fair and honest person.  Since God feels so strongly about dishonesty and unfairness, however, I had better ask Him if there is a way I tip the scales in my favor (Psalm 139:23-24).  Here are a few possibilities:

Hoard.  His love is never ending and His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23).  My heart is like a spring refreshing me with His flow of living water (John 7:38)  I'm awash in a river of grace (Romans 6:14).  I am so thankful for all the blessings that are mine in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 1:3).  Yet is it all for me?

I tend to live unfairly when I assume all the good things God is constantly giving me is only for me.  I am meant to exist as a conduit of His love, grace, mercy and goodness to the world around me, letting His blessings flow out to others (Philippians 2:3-4, 2 Corinthians 4:7).  Instead, I tend to hoard them for myself, refusing to cut others a break, or love them where they are, or forgive as I've been forgiven.  

It is my desire to stop hoarding God's blessings for myself and let them flow forth to those around me.

Expecting Understanding.  It seems so obvious to me.  My argument sounds strong and is well-supported with scripture.  I don't see why everyone can't see the Truth, for it's so clear from my viewpoint.  But they don't.  The world criticizes my words supporting marriage as God created it to be, telling me my line of reasoning is flawed.  Or they label me as a misogynist because I speak out in favor of protecting life in the womb, failing to see the value in sheltering the innocent and vulnerable.  Or they claim they don't believe in my God so His laws don't apply to them.  I walk away frustrated, scratching my head in bewilderment.

In reality, I can't expect those without the benefit of God's indwelling Spirit to understand His way of thinking or an un-regenerated mind to grasp the concepts of God's value system.  Jesus rejoiced when considering how His Father revealed the deep things of God to the simple and childlike (Luke 10:21).  It's not those who think they are wise and learned who enter into this higher level of understanding.  Rather, it is those who are broken and needy, weak and at the end of themselves and who come to Jesus in their frailty who have been given the ability to understand.  Since God reveals such riches to me but not yet to the lost, it's not fair for me to expect those who don't yet believe in Jesus to think the same way I do.

It is my desire to remember when dealing with unbelievers that I have an unfair advantage through the Holy Spirit in understanding the things of God.

Rebuke.  I once was the same way, letting my own fleshly desires guide my footsteps, using my own way of thinking to form my opinions, finding my value system from the culture and tradition in which I operated.  Even though I have been rescued from such darkness, I can still remember what it was like.  It's important that I keep my origins in mind when interacting with the lost, otherwise, it's easy to expect the unrighteous to value righteousness.

No one can see the value in living God's way except by the inner workings of God as He changes the heart and mind, transforming it so it lines up more closely with that of Christ (Romans 12:2).  Therefore, I can't expect an unbeliever to see the value in sexual purity, or lifelong marriage commitment, or protecting unborn lives.   We don't share the same moral code.

It is my desire to refrain from rebuking an unbeliever for doing what comes naturally or living by a different set of rules.

While I may think of myself as honest and fair, there are some ways I behave unfairly.  I tend to hoard the good things God gives me instead of pouring the blessings out to others, expect the lost to understand the things of God, and rebuke the not-yet-saved for what is only possible through Christ.  In these ways the scales are tipped in my favor, and I have risked offending God in my attitude of unfairness.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God enough to open up the flow of His goodness to others, believing that He will fill me up again.

When do I place an unfair expectation on the lost to think like I do?

How am I frustrated by the stubbornness of the lost, forgetting that I once was in the same boat?         

Proof of His Love

"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good.

His love endures forever.

Give thanks to the God of gods.

His love endures forever.

Give thanks to the Lord of lords:

His love endures forever."

Psalm 136:1-3

I read the words on the page proclaiming of God's amazing, enduring love, but how do I know it is real?  How do I know He loves me?  I mean, really know deep in my heart without a doubt?  How can I take a risk to place my entire life in His loving hands, trusting that He won't hurt me, exploit me or let me down?  It takes faith.  

Here is some evidence of His great love to bolster my faith.

Great Wonders.  Standing under the expanse of sky that crisp, clear night, I am struck by the enormity of the universe and of my own tiny, insignificant life.  In comparison to all the twinkling stars I see sprinkled throughout the dark canvass above me, I realize there is a great Force at work in this world who has created unimaginable wonders, things I can barely comprehend let alone try to mimic: Oceans teaming with wildlife, a plethora of flora and fauna waiting to be discovered, a sun whose rise and fall I can set my watch to, and the moon whose glorious glow, in the words of Clement Clark Moore, gives "the lustre of mid-day to objects below."  (Psalm 136:4-9)

And the conclusion the psalmist draws from recognizing such wonders?  "His love endures forever."  A God who would grant such glorious gifts to His most prized possession, His beautiful image bearers, is the God of a permanent kind of love of which I can never lose.  I am secure in the love from a God such as this.  If He can perform such miraculous, creative wonders, is there anything He will not do out of His great love?  Nope, nothing is off-limits to such a loving God!

One of the most compelling pieces of evidence pointing toward God's enduring love is all of creation of which I am an integral part.

Salvation.  There is a track record of salvation written throughout the pages of scripture.  God is continually at work saving His people (Psalm 136:10-16).  Sometimes its the oppression of sin and fear that holds me down, compelling me to call out to the One whose sword can free me from the guilt and anxiety that often comes with living in a fallen world.  Other times its the so-called impossible situations I often face which send me to my knees where I find delivery from what I once labeled as my lot in life.  Then there are the times when I'm confronted by the ugly monsters of life, the giants that bully me into submission, giving me cause to cry out in desperation to the God who fights these overwhelming battles on my behalf.

And the conclusion the psalmist draws from remembering such salvation?  "His love endures forever."  A God whose heart is inclined toward the suffering of His people produces the kind of love on which I can count.  His love will never let me down, and there is never a time when I cannot cry out to Him and expect Him to ride in on His great white stead and rescue me from my present danger.

One of the most compelling pieces of evidence pointing toward God's enduring love is His willingness to rescue me.

Sovereignty.  Protection.  Provision.  Blessing.  Rescue.  Despite my unfaithfulness to a God who is in complete control, He still chooses to remember me, to see me in my current situation, to comfort me in all my troubles.  His authority over all things is often forgotten as I go about my day, attempting to feebly protect my wounded pride with coldness of heart, guarding against every conceivable disaster with insurance and money in the bank, and struggling to rescue myself from the stresses of life by using my own twisted methods of coping.  I find myself failing miserably, yet He never writes me off as a lost cause, always ready to use His sovereign power for my benefit.

And the conclusion the psalmist draws from realizing such perfect authority over all things?  "His love endures forever."  A God who is completely in control of all things yet yearns for me to willingly submit to His perfect plan for my life is a God whose love can be trusted as safe, faithful, and abundant.  He does not need me, yet He wants me.  And not just parts of me as I so often tend to give, but all of me; every nook and cranny of my heart.  

One of the most compelling pieces of evidence pointing toward God's enduring love is His sovereignty over all things yet willingness to be a personal part of my seemingly insignificant life.

It's sometimes hard to believe anyone, let alone the God of the universe, could love me.  He is all-powerful, all-present, all-knowing; why would He care about me?  The beauty of this God of all gods is that He is made of love.  And the proof of His great love is written throughout His creation, found in the way He chooses to save me, and in His sovereign power that is used for my good.  This is some evidence of His love which can propel me forward into His waiting arms.  Why wait another minute?

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust my whole life to such a God as this.  

How do I hold out on God, unsure of His love for me?

When do I doubt His love despite the fact that there is evidence everywhere?  

Trust Brings Blessing

"For the LORD God is our sun and our shield.

He gives us grace and glory.

The LORD will withhold no good thing

from those who do what is right.

O LORD of Heaven's Armies,

what joy for those who trust in you."

Psalm 84:11-12 NLT

Fear grips her heart as the headlines scroll across the screen.  She ponders all that is happening and her chest tightens with anxiety.  Projecting forward into the future, she foresees calamity entering her own world and she cannot breath.  

It's easy to fall into such a trap while living in a world that is filled with things to dread and worry about.  Tragedy could strike at any time, so precariously balanced is my fragile life.  I want to trust God in all things, and I know that's what He wants from me, but it means letting go of the fear of the unknown, releasing my desire to have some semblance of control, and turning from the oh-so-familiar anxiety which I wear like a comfy sweater.

There are some things I can learn about God that will help me to trust Him.  And when I do place my faith in Him, there will be such joy!

Sun.  Without it, the inhabitants of earth would have no light.  It brings warmth to an otherwise cold planet, also serving as the center of orbit for this solar system, holding the planets on course.  Plant life uses it's radiation and heat to grow and produce and without it, there would be no life as we know it.  The sun is the source of life-giving energy as well as the center of our universe.

On a much grander scale, God could be compared to the sun.  He is the source of all good things and without Him, life would not exist nor would it be able to endure.  God made everything, and if it wasn't for Him, I would not be here thinking the thoughts I'm pondering about Him (Genesis 1).  Even though I'd like to think I'm pretty important in the scheme of things, mankind wasn't even brought into existence until the final day of a week filled with creative invention.  While I'm not an afterthought, I am certainly not the center of the universe.  That is God's rightful place.

As the source, He is also good so everything that comes from Him is good (James 1:17, 1 John 1:5).  This means I can trust what He gives, knowing that it will be beneficial to me and my life.  I need not fear anything with such a God as this in my life!

When I understand that God is the source of life and all good things, I can trust Him with my life.

Shield.  I scrambled for shelter as the hail stones pelted my exposed sin.  I had been caught out in the storm as I rode my bike home from school one day and while the adventure of it all had been exhilarating, I was glad to reach the protection of my home.  

Life can be like that sudden hail storm I experienced as a child.  I find myself out in the midst of difficulty, feeling like I'm exposed and vulnerable to the harm that often comes from every angle.  God wants to serve as my shield, my safe place in the midst of the hard times, the heartache and the struggle (Psalm 46:1-3), but I must enter into His shelter.

When I understand that God is my ever-present help in times of trouble, I can trust Him with my life.

Generous.  His character is kind and big-hearted.  He wants His children to experience all the goodness He has to give.  He is not stingy, giving only what is needed, nor is He conditional, withholding until I get my act together.   Instead, it is His desire to lavish heavenly gifts upon me as His well-loved child.

The thing is, I often look elsewhere for meaning and purpose, depending upon other sources to give me what I need.  Sometimes it's my own ability to provide and protect that I rely on.  Other times it's the people I respect as dependable and able to take care of me.  Then there are times I even believe good will come if I just let it, not even considering the source of such good things.

If I put all my eggs in God's basket, inclining my heart toward Him and expecting Him to give me what I need, I'll find Him come through every time (Matthew 6:32-33).  If I live as if He doesn't exist, as if my actions don't matter, then I'm not open to what He has to give and I'll miss out on all His blessings (James 1:5-8).

When I understand that God is a generous God who wants to shower me with blessings, I can trust Him enough to walk His way. 

It is hard to trust God, I'm not going to sugar-coat it.  But gaining a larger view of God helps make it easier.  When I understand that He is the source of all good things, my protection and a generous God, I will begin to see that I can place all my weight on Him, trusting Him implicitly.  You see, this God is truly trustworthy, and when I trust Him, I'll find much blessing in return.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can place all that worries me into the hands of a God who is able to handle it.

How do I hold back from letting God have free-reign in my life?

When do I forget all good things come from God?

     

Blessing of Life

"You anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows."

Psalm 23:5b

He was a simple shepherd boy, the last-born of eight sons.  He did not have dreams of grandeur but enjoyed tending the sheep and delighting in God's creation, marveling at all He had made.  One day, everything changed. The great priest and prophet of Israel visited his family, asking specifically to see the youngest.  As the oil ran down the sides of his head, the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon the boy who was to be king.  David was chosen by God (1 Samuel 16:1-13).

The Psalms are filled with the outpouring of this man's heart as he expressed his thankfulness and praise to such a God as this.  A God who enters into a young boy's life and changes him forever.  A God who is personal and relational.  A God who loves His image-bearers.

Similarly, God blesses me in many ways I don't deserve.  He does it to fulfill His plan, to further His purpose, to complete His design.  But that's not all.  God loves to bless me more than I can imagine because it makes His heart sing.

Set Apart.  There is a reason I'm here.  I'm not a part of some huge cosmic mistake, popping up by accident and here to serve no purpose.  Instead, I've been created as a masterpiece, set aside for a specific function, to fill a tailor-made role and to complete a particular mission (Ephesians 2:10).  There is no one on earth who can do what I do, who thinks the way I think, and who is put together in the same way as me (Psalm 139:13-16).

As unique as I am, though, I'm not simply here for my own purposes and to live to please myself.  No.  I'm made for God.  He's got this great plan that hatched long before I took my first breathe.  He has something in mind for me to do, a part to play in the great drama of life and a job to do in His Body (1 Corinthians 12:12).  Through faith in Jesus Christ, I am set apart for Him.

God has a certain plan for my life that is designed just for me and will bring glory to Him.

Chosen.  He loves me first so that I know what love is and can let that love flow to others (1 John 4:19).  Comfort comes from the Father of compassion so that I can then comfort others in the same way I've been encouraged and consoled by a merciful God (1 Corinthians 1:3-4).  Likewise, my faith in Christ was initiated by God Himself (John 6:44) and comes as a result of His supernatural work in my heart, showing me my need for a Lord and Savior (John 15:16).

It's easy for me to think I was smart enough to pick the Way of life or that I saw how much I needed Jesus.  The truth is that God is the source of everything good in my life, including the faith I use to trust in Jesus as my Savior (Ephesians 2:8, Hebrews 12:2).  He is the initiator, the catalyst, the spark.  He softened my heart, giving me that hunger for Him so that I could live the life He created me to live.

God chose me for Himself, giving me a sense of contentment as I walk with Him.

Overflow.  God is not a stingy God.  He doesn't withhold, giving only what is necessary for life.  Looking at a field of tulips heralding the arrival of Spring, a brilliant blanket of gold and scarlet, I see His generous heart.  He goes above and beyond what is necessary, giving much more than what is needed.

With such a Father as this, I can expect to be lavished with His love, invited to come to Him at any time with every problem, no matter how small (Hebrews 4:16).  Not only does He listen to my petty complaints, but He gives me all I need and more.  He overflows my cup with grace, love and mercy, giving me the resources to be able to go above and beyond what is expected of me.  I can do more than just survive this difficult life.  I can thrive (John 10:10).

God overflows my life with such goodness that I can't possibly keep it all for myself.

My life is filled with many blessings, signposts of God's amazing love.  I haven't done a thing to deserve such bounty, but He still sets me apart for His holy purposes despite my brokenness, chooses me to join His family as His precious child even though I'm anything but worthy, and overflows my cup of blessings regardless of my stingy, greedy nature.  Through faith in Jesus Christ, I have all these blessings of life, and more.

As I begin this day may I trust such a generous God to give me more than I can ask or imagine.  

When do I run after things, not believing that God has something even better in mind for me?

How am I afraid to accept His blessings, thinking I'll somehow ruin it?      

  

Revelation Trepidation

"God blesses the one who reads the words

of this prophecy to the church,

and he blesses all who listen to its message

and obey what it says,

for the time is near."

Revelation 1:3 NLT

The men closed their Bibles as they finished another Wednesday morning study.  "Well, what now?" one man asked since they had concluded their look at Hebrews.

"How about Revelation?" someone suggested.

Groans of protest rose from the group.  "That's really deep, do you think we're ready for that?"

"It's so hard to understand, maybe we should choose something else."

"I never could comprehend all that imagery.  What's the point?  The end will come and then we will find out what God has in store for us!  Do we really need to know ahead of time?"

Can you relate?  I can.  There is much anxiety when it comes to reading the final book found in the Bible.  This revelation of John as revealed by Christ has long intimidated believers young and old.  The widely-held belief that I need a PhD in Hermeneutics or Theology to grasp the meaning found there keeps me away.  But there is blessing in studying this prophecy, if only I would trust God to lead me.

Read It

No time like the present, I thought to myself as I plunged forward into the unknown.  I had volunteered to lead a women's Bible study with a small group of ladies in our neighborhood.  Never having taught adults before, I was a bit afraid and intimidated.  Instead of letting my fears stop me, though, I stepped out in faith, trusting that God would give me understanding as I prepared to teach through a portion of the Old Testament.  

Sure enough, as I dedicated myself to obeying God's calling, He gave me insight into His Word, just as Jesus did for His disciples before His ascension.  (Luke 24:45)  When I dive into His Word, trusting Him to open my eyes to the Truth found there, He is always found faithful.  (Psalm 119:18, 1 Corinthians 2:13-14)

I will find blessing from studying Revelation when I trust God enough to simply commit myself to reading it.

Heed it

"Stop!"  the mother warned her two-year-old daughter who was running down the sidewalk and heading toward the road.  It was almost as if I could see the struggle going on within the child:  Part of her knew she should obey while the other part relished defiance.  She wanted to heed her mother's warning but her sinful nature pushed her toward the mischievous.

Thankfully, obedience won out in the case of the toddler and her mom, but that does not always happen with me.  I love to read God's Word and am growing fond of Revelation as God provides insight, but it does me no good if I don't heed the warnings and exhortations found there. (James 1:22, 2 Timothy 3:16)

God's Word is meant to change me, and this record of John's revelation is no different.  When I read, then, it is to be with an open mind, pliable heart, and willing spirit, ready to receive whatever message God will send to stretch me, prepare me and transform me into the image of Christ.  

I will find blessing from studying Revelation when I don't merely read it, but pay attention to the warnings found within.

Don't Leave it

Aaron Burr, 18th-19th Century politician and adventure, is credited with what I like to call the procrastinator's creed:  "Never do today what you can put off 'til tomorrow."  While this may give, as he claimed, a clearer understanding of what is to be done, the same philosophy cannot be taken with the warnings found in Revelation.  I have less time than I may think.

I tend to carry the attitude that I can wait until the end times come and see what God has in store for me instead of reading about it ahead of time.  This makes sense to my own understanding, but knowing that God made the point of including these exhortations in His Word means there is something there I need to know.  

Part of trusting God is to understand His Sovereignty and how much higher His ways are from mine. (Isaiah 55:8)  I can't begin to think I can decide which parts of Scripture are meant for me and which are not.  Instead, I would be considered wise if I take His Word as a whole as vital to my journey.  

I will find blessing from studying Revelation when I realize the importance of learning the meaning found there.

As intimidating as is John's revelation found in God's Word, I can let my fear go when I realize the blessing found there.  Instead of letting it threaten me, I can plunge forward in faith to read it, taking it's messages to heart, and trusting in it's relevance to my life.  Now I can let go of my Revelation trepidation!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can step forward to continue studying Revelation as a show of faith in the God who gives wisdom. (James 1:5)

How do I let my fear and doubt hold me back from the blessing found in studying and heeding the words of Revelation?

When do I think I need to rely on my own intellect to study God's Word? 

Comfort

"Blessed are those who mourn,
   for they will be comforted."

Matthew 5:4

"Weeping may tarry for the night,
   but joy comes with the morning."

Psalm 30:5 (ESV) 

The pit loomed up in front of her until she could not resist the power of it.  The darkness lured her deeper and deeper in, promising relief from her grief, her sorrow, her guilt.  That's all she wanted: relief.  She didn't want to feel anymore, but wanted to go somewhere safe from the suffering.  This is what the shadows promised, so she let herself sink in, oblivious to the loving Hand that was reaching down to her, offering her real comfort.

No one likes to suffer.  Unfortunately, living in a fallen worlds means we'll experience plenty of it while we're here.  But life with Jesus offers hope. Hope not just for an eternity with Him, but the hope of the comfort of God in times of trouble. 

Blessed

Why would God want me to suffer?  To mourn the loss of a loved one, to grieve over past sin and the hurt it caused others, to lament over physical afflictions far too heavy to bear.  Doesn't He care?

If my happiness and contentment was the purpose for my life, then I would agree that God is a cruel and heartless God to allow all this suffering.  But, as pastor Paul Powell said, "God is more concerned about our character than our comfort. His goal is not to pamper us physically but to perfect us spiritually."

I will never know the blessing of comfort from the very hand of God until I am in the position to need comfort.  Those who have suffered much, have an abundance of compassion to pour out upon others because they themselves have received much from God.  He is, "the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,  who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." (2 Corinthians 1:3)

I will never know true comfort until I allow God to ease my pain.  If I choose to wallow in the suffering, sinking into that dark place, out of the Light of His love, my anguish is prolonged.  But if I step into the Light, He will envelope me in His loving arms, taking my burden of pain, grief, sorrow and guilt. 

My load is lightened, and I am blessed by God's touch.

Temporary

God promises that the suffering will not last forever but joy will come in the morning.  This may be a comfort in and of itself.  Sometimes, the worst part of going through a difficult time is thinking that it will never end.  I will always feel this way.  I will never go back to normal.  But this is not of God.  He offers hope.

It reminds me of when I was in the hospital on strict bed rest for 2 months while I was pregnant with my triplet daughters.  I thought the time would never end, especially since I was there for Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Even though my heart yearned for home, the doctors assured me that this was temporary and it was for the good of the babies.  I now see the wisdom in their counsel, for the time of confinement paid off with the birth of three beautiful, perfectly formed infants. 

In a similar way, our time of suffering gives birth to character traits that can only be produced through pain. ". . .we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." (Romans 5:3-5) 

This temporary time of sorrow leads to things much greater than I can imagine.

Joy

Joy is not a word I think of in the same thought as grief.  I think of angels rejoicing at the birth of Christ, or the celebration in heaven when one sinner repents.  But I can honor this time of suffering, for it brings about the opportunity to experience the hand of God in my life.  No one else but God can lift me out of the doldrums, rescue me from the pit of despair, or give me the strength to walk from the deep shadows into the Light. 

To come into contact with the One who created me in such an intimate way is indeed a reason to rejoice.  It is the only way that joy can come at the end of suffering; because the mighty Hand of God gently caressed my tender, hurting heart, bringing about a healing not otherwise possible.

The touch of God brought about healing and now I can rejoice!

Suffering is one of life's necessary burdens, but it is not without purpose.  It brings about the blessing of the comfort of God, is only temporary in nature but results in eternal fruit, and gives an opportunity to rejoice at the witness of God's mighty hand in my life.

As I begin this day, it is my prayer that I will not run from God during times of suffering, but allow Him to comfort me in my time of need.

When do I miss out on the blessing of comfort by trying to walk through a trial alone?

How do I focus on only the temporary suffering and thus miss out on the eternal reward?

One Blessing After Another

"From the fullness of His grace 

we have all received 

one blessing after another."

John 1:16

"Too blessed to be stressed."

"Count your blessings"

"Blessed and highly favored"

"Bless your little heart"

These are some of the ways I have heard the word blessing used.  Many times, I twist the meaning of the word "blessing," equating it to physical gifts such as my home, job, family, car or my abundance of "stuff".  It's true that I need to acknowledge God as the giver of all good things.  But do I also recognize the spiritual blessings that come with belonging to Jesus?

Promise  When Abraham was 75 years of age, God told him to leave his home in Haran, and "go to the land I will show you." (Genesis 12:1)  In other words, "start walking and I'll let you know when you get there."  But God did not leave it at that seemingly impossible request.  He also blessed Abraham with the promise that would eventually affect all of us.  God said He would make Abraham into a great nation, that he would be well known, and that, "all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." (v 3)  Jesus is the greatest blessing I have received. He restored my relationship with a Holy God, and He gave me the hope of heaven. . . all through His selfless decision to be born as a mere child, and grow up to become a man who would die on the cross, taking the punishment for my sins and the sins of all who trust in Him as their Savior.  This Christmas, I want to remember the blessing of Jesus.

Trials  I don't usually think of hard times as a blessing, but God considers them to be beneficial to me as a believer. "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." (Jame 1:12)  There are things I learn during times of difficulty that I would never learn when everything is going according to my plan.  Faith is trusting God's plan for my life, especially when I have no idea how that plan is going to play out.  Martyred missionary Jim Elliot* seemed to understand well the importance of trusting God no matter the outcome, "God always gives His best to those who leave the choice with him."  This Christmas, I will remember the blessing of trials.

Humility Ask anyone on the street about humility, and you will find a negative connotation associated with the word.  Either people will talk about humiliating situations that were an embarrassment to them, or they may mumble something about low self-esteem. Ask them if they desire to be humble, and most would likely say, "No."  But God looks highly upon those who have a modest or low view of their importance.  On His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught that, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."  In God's kingdom, self-esteem is derived from God-esteem.  My worth comes from who I am in relation to God, not who I am in my own right.  All the good that is in me is from God.  When I acknowledge this truth, I am lowering myself to my rightful place, and honoring God with the respect He deserves.  If I want to build my view of myself, I need to first clarify my understanding of God and where I stand in relation to Him.  This Christmas, I will remember the blessing of humility.

The next time I start counting my blessings, I will begin with the spiritual ones, like the blessing of Jesus, the trials in my life and an attitude of humility.

As I begin this day, it is my prayer that I will see all the blessings God has given me, not just the ones I can see and touch.  

How do I try to avoid hard times, thus robbing myself of that blessing?

When do I think of myself more highly than I ought?

*Jim Elliot quote from:http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/j/jim_elliot.html#ixzz1gz3aNPwX

God's Will or My Will?

"Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness."

Genesis 15:6 

Obedience could be defined as, "doing what you're told."  Most children find this a challenge, especially when a parent tells the child to clean their room, or to do some other despised chore.  Obedience is hard when it goes against the child's own will. 

It is the same with me in my relationship to my heavenly Father.  Obedience begins with Him.  He burdens my heart with a thing and I then have a choice.  Either I do what He is telling me to do, or I do not do what He is telling me to do.  In other words, either I obey or I disobey.  Its easy to obey when its something I feel comfortable doing, but what about when it goes against my own plans, my desires, or my comfort level? A prayer of philosopher and theologian Augustine's sums it up beautifully. "O Lord, grant that I may do thy will as if it were my will, so that thou mayest do my will as if it were thy will." 

Temper Tantrum  Obedience boils down to a surrender of the wills; my will for my Lord's will. We've all witnessed a battle of the wills between a 2-year-old and her parent.  Many times this ends up with the child throwing a temper tantrum because the child does not want to surrender her desire to eat some candy, for example, even though her mom said, "No."  Unfortunately, I have not completely outgrown the use of this tactic.  I remember when my husband and I were scouting out the area to which God had directed us to move.  As we searched for accommodations, we came across a house that had just been framed up in a new community.  The houses seemed too close together and there were no trees except the tiny ones the builders planted in front of each completed home.  I hated it and I decided I didn't want to live here.  Problem was, I knew this was where God wanted us.  So. . . I threw a tantrum.  I ranted and raved to God, but something happened as I surrendered my will for His.  A peace flooded my spirit and now, 6 years later, our backyard is filled with trees!  God isn't callous toward our feelings, but He is unyielding regarding His plan. 

Defiance   Obedience shows who, or what, is my lord.  When Abraham believed God at His word and then did what God said to do, He was showing who was Lord of his life.  He clearly had placed God in that position.  When Moses was presented with a mission in Exodus 3-4, however, he had many concerns and questions.  God addressed every one and eased Moses' mind.  But when Moses revealed his uncertainty regarding his own ability to speak what God had commanded him to speak to Pharaoh and asked God to send someone else, ". . .the Lord's anger burned against him. . ."(Exodus 4:14)  Moses lost the chance to speak to the leader of Egypt and witness God's power in his life.  Instead, Aaron was given the job to do.  Putting his own insecurities above God's plan revealed that God was not truly Lord of Moses' life. 

Actions Speak Louder   Obedience is followed by blessing.  It is easy to equate blessing with material wealth or gifts.  But God is not as concerned with our physical comfort, but in our spiritual health.  We are made right with God through faith, and obedience is the manifestation of our faith.  It is said that, "Talk is cheap."  Anyone can say, I trust God," but obedience shows that I trust God. When I trust God, I am showing that I believe He will do as He has promised and that God is a God who keeps His promises.  Our righteousness is a direct result of God's character.  He is able to justify the ungodly, and when I believe that, He credits my account with the blessing of righteousness (Romans 4). 

Obedience is a surrendering of the wills, shows who is first in my life, and is followed by a blessing from a God who keeps His promises. 

As I begin this day, it is my prayer that I can exchange my will for God's and willingly obey.

Where am I letting my fears become my god?

How can I better trust God and let Him get His way in my life?

"When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself,  saying, 'I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.' And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised."

Hebrews 6:13-15