What a King!

"They said to him,

'You are old,

and your sons do not follow your ways;

now appoint a king to lead us,

such as all the other nations have.'

But when they said,

'Give us a king to lead us,'

this displeased Samuel;

so he prayed to the LORD.

And the LORD told him:

'Listen to all that the people are saying to you;

it is not you they have rejected,

but they have rejected me as their king.'"

1 Samuel 8:5,7

She wanted to be married more than anything in the world.  She pined over wedding magazines, visualizing the magic of her own ceremony.  Her free time was spent fantasizing about married life, dreaming about all it's wonderful attributes.  There was not a day that went by that she didn't think about how much better her life would be once she had a husband to take care of her.  What could be better than being married?

Unfortunately, she had never dated a man who met her standards and didn't even know a suitable candidate.  Therefore, in her desperation, she settled for the first man who proposed to her.  Soon, she found out her dreams were shattered, the life she imagined had transformed into a living hell and her once-hoped-for perfect married life was all a sham.  She married a man who didn't cherish her as the treasure she is.

In a similar way, the people of Israel wanted a king so they could be like the rest of the world.  They somehow thought anointing a mere man as their leader would make their lives better.  In so doing, they rejected God as their rightful King.  Therefore, God gave them what they wanted, warning them of a king's oppressive, self-serving ways.  Most of the time, the things we yearn for are not all they are cracked up to be.

In contrast to what can be expected of earthly kings, Jesus, the King of all kings, is quite the opposite. He will exceed my wildest expectations and will never let me down.  Here is what I can anticipate from His leadership in my life.

Savior

I could tell from the moment he took his post that he had an agenda.  Instead of listening to peoples' concerns, he spent time dropping names of local officials, trying to impress others with his connections.  In the place of taking notes on what he needed to do, he arrogantly thought he could remember anything that was important, often forgetting the minor details which were only trivial to him.  While I appreciated his unusual approach to solving problems, his solutions were often more about getting attention than helping people.  It was clear our new community leader was using this elected post as a stepping stone to higher office.

Most earthly leaders have at least some selfish ambition.  As a result, the people they are supposed to be serving end up becoming victims of their agenda.  Thankfully, Jesus is not this kind of King.  Instead of coming to fulfill the expected plan of a righteous king, which would be to reign with an iron fist and condemn those who don't measure up, He came to save the lost. (John 3:17) His highest intention, as a part of His father's plan, was to seek those who belonged to Him, offering a way of salvation for them.

This is the heart of Jesus.  As a result, when the guilt is heavy upon me, weighing me down as I ponder all the ways I fall short, Jesus reminds me of the way of freedom He provided through His death on the cross.  (John 8:36)

When I tire myself out with the exertion of trying to live up to God's perfect standard, Jesus saves me from the gospel of works, ushering me into the throne room of His Father where I find all the grace and mercy His death made possible.  (Ephesians 2:8-9, Hebrews 4:14-16)

When my broken heart keeps me from living the abundant life God intended for me, Jesus makes me whole again, opening up the spigot that delivers an abundance of His living water. (John 10:10, Isaiah 61:1, John 4:14)

The King of kings reigns in my life as a Savior.

Servant

Chauffeuring, cleaning, landscaping, laundry, childcare.  These are all areas of responsibility which are often turned over to a professional service once a person reaches a certain level of status.  To the human mind, success comes with many benefits and one of the best advantages is the luxury of being served.  We all have some innate desire to be taken care of by another:  It makes me feel important and special.

While my flesh may yearn for this kind of treatment, Jesus did not come to be served.  Even though His rightful place is to reign on a throne, He lowered Himself to the position of a servant, willingly coming to serve those He created.  (Mark 10:45, Philippians 2:6-7)

As a result, Jesus is a gentle King who leads by example.  Instead of demanding perfection from His subjects, He wants nothing more than to spend time with me, valuing the relationship we share more than what He can get out of me.  Therefore, I need not fear His lordship, but can welcome Him into even the darkest parts of my life where He will lovingly wash me white as snow.

While it may be scary to give such absolute control to an earthly king, Jesus is a King who looks out for my best interest, even if that means taking me through difficult times.  As I walk beside Him on the rocky trail, He uses the trials to gently conform me into His own image. (Romans 8:28-29) I can trust His servant-heart in all things.

A human king is not always available, needing time to tend to his own affairs.  Jesus, however, is the kind of leader who never leaves me but is always ready to help in times of trouble.  Therefore, I have nothing to fear and will never be left to my own devices.  (Psalm 46:1-3)

The King of kings reigns in my life as a servant.

Humble

He had every right to be angry.  The very ones who He created were now spitting upon Him, scorning Him, and heaping their unholy wrath upon Him.  The One who was innocent of any sin, perfect in every way, was sentenced to die a criminal's death.  Even though there were no grounds for this verdict, He received it anyway.  

Still, He never once spoke out in His own defense.  He willingly went with His captors, never struggling against their restraints.  Even though He could have sent legions of angels to rescue Him, He submitted to their unjust, cruel treatment.

Jesus is the epitome of humility.  Despite the fact that He deserves all glory and honor, He lowered Himself to the position of a man and obeyed his Father even unto death.  (Philippians 2:5-8)

While a human king demands attention, Jesus does not.  He waits for me to recognize my need for Him, never begging or pleading with me in desperation.  Instead, He stands patiently knocking at the door of my heart, waiting for me to invite Him in.  (Revelation 3:20)

It may be the practice of earthly rulers to take what they think is rightfully theirs, but Jesus does not do so.  Even though He bought my life with a price, He gives me free reign, allowing me to choose how to use the body which belongs to Him.  (1 Corinthians 6:20)

Even though most of the leaders I know make it their practice to take, Jesus is known for giving.  He freely offers peace, victory and power over sin and a certificate of adoption into His family.  (John 14:27, 1 Corinthians 15:56, Romans 8:37, 1 John 3:1)

The King of kings reigns in my life humbly.

When the Israelites demanded a king so they could be like everyone else, they didn't really know for what they were asking.  What they would receive was far inferior to what God gives us through his Son Jesus Christ.  When I invite Him to reign over my life as my King, I will find He is a Savior, a Servant and filled with humility.  There is no other ruler like Jesus.  What a King He is!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can give Jesus all the honor and glory He deserves instead of falling into the ways of this world who fails to see His splendor.

How do I expect to be served instead of taking after my King who is a servant at heart?

When do I forget that Jesus is patiently waiting for me to invite Him into the intimate parts of my life, instead leaving Him to stand on the outside?

Just Doin' My Job!

"Suppose one of you had a servant

plowing or looking after sheep.

Would he say to the servant when

 he comes in from the field,

'Come along now and sit down to eat'?

Would he not rather say, 

'Prepare my supper,

get yourself ready 

and wait on me while I eat and drink;

after that you may eat and drink'?

Would he thank the servant because he did

what he was told to do?

So you also,

when you have done everything you were told to do,

should say,

'We are unworthy servants;

we have only done our duty.'"

Luke 17:7-10

One of the worst jobs I ever held was working at a state park as a Ranger's assistant.  I actually enjoyed the position for the most part because I got to spend the whole day outside mowing, picking up litter, and helping with maintenance around the facility.  One of the revolting parts of the job, however, was the task of cleaning the restrooms.  After that summer, I gained a new respect for public bathroom janitors everywhere and to this day I make sure to give them an encouraging word whenever I see them doing their job.

Even though I dreaded that aspect of my job, there was a certain amount of satisfaction that came with cleaning up a disgusting bathroom.  No one ever knew that I was the one who scrubbed, mopped and disinfected, but I didn't do it for the recognition.  Quite frankly, I'd rather do anything else than scrub toilets to gain a little credit.  The only reason I tackled that task was because it was a part of my job description.

As a follower of Christ, I am to humble myself to the position of a servant. (Philippians 2:5-11)  A servant does her job without the expectation of reward or desiring feelings of well being, and with the attitude that serving is a privilege.  My very flesh cries out against this viewpoint, but it is the attitude of servant that Jesus held.  I, too, can carry that same manner when I walk in the light of His Spirit.  (Galatians 5:16-26)

Expectation

I have heard the story of an old man sitting alongside a road outside a certain city.  A traveler stopped to ask what kind of people he could expect inside this metropolitan area.  

"What were the people like where you came from?" The wise man asked.

"Mean, untrustworthy, detestable. . .pretty much a terrible lot."

The old man replied, "You will find them the same in the city ahead."

Soon another traveler stopped and asked the same question.  "What are the people like in this city?"

And the man responded likewise.  "What were they like where you came from?"

"They were fine people; honest, industrious and generous."

"So you will find them in the city ahead."

I do tend to find what I am looking for.  If my selfish fleshly desires rule and guide me as I live my life, I will tend to make decisions that are based on what I want, what will be best for me, and what will get me to where I want to go.  I expect the best, and I will do everything I can to make sure I receive what I think I deserve.

If, however, I let God have the lead as I walk in His Spirit, the choices I make will be based on what He wants, what is best for His kingdom, and what will get me onto His path of righteousness.  In this case, I expect what God chooses as best and will submit to His will for my life.

Taking on the attitude of a servant means I will not go after the rank, prestige or positions that are highly sought by those with a worldly mindset.  Instead, I will do the task that God has placed before me to do, expecting nothing in return.  This does not mean God will not give me good things.  It simply means I won't anticipate reward and use the hope of good things as my motivation.  Operating with this kind of self-centered expectation only leads to disappointment when I inevitably don't receive what I'm looking for.

If I want to have the attitude like that of Christ Jesus I will expect no worldly reward for doing whatever job God has given me to do.

Self-Esteem

I have to admit; it does feel good to do things for others.  Many times, I can feed off that sense of well-being and desire it more and more as my self-confidence grows.  Being needed by others can make me feel important and give me a feeling of purpose and significance.  

The Apostle Paul taught a contradictory teaching to the above sentiment.  Instead of doing that which makes me feel good about myself and my ministry, my driving force should be to obey God's calling on my life.  As I step into the path He has prepared for me, I will develop a passion for the task at hand.  Paul described his call to preach this way;  ". . when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, for I am compelled to preach." (1 Corinthians 9:16)

When I am doing what God has called me to do, no one can stop me.  There is nothing in this world that could keep me from carrying out the mission: I am driven by the force of God's Spirit.  In this way, I will no longer feed off the high that comes from helping or being needed, but will simply go where God is propelling me to go.  Gone will be the hunger for esteem-building or purpose-finding.  All the glory will go to God because He is the one providing the passion, the power, the opportunity and the outcome.  I am simply a vessel.

If I want to have the attitude like that of Christ Jesus I will give God all the recognition by doing only what He calls me to do.

Privilege

Waiting tables has got to be one of the most demanding and least appreciated jobs in the service industry.  Servers receive the brunt of customer's complaints, bearing the burden of attempting to please the patrons assigned to their tables.  The job of a server requires one to, among other things, take orders, field questions, relay messages to the cook, fill orders, refill drinks and basically make sure the dining experience is a pleasant one.  No wonder there is such a high turnover in the serving industry!

Many who hold these jobs only consider it a transitional position: Not many really want to wait tables their whole lives.  Instead, it's a means to an end.  There are, however, some who consider it a privilege to serve others and take delight in meeting the expectations of the diners.

I can take on the attitude like that of these waiters.  They don't have it any easier than the other servers.  The customers they serve are just as demanding and difficult.  The only difference is in the meaning they place on their job; they see it as important.

I, too, could see my present position as vital to the workings of the kingdom.  Instead of feeling like my life has no meaning or significance, I could go before the Lord and talk to Him about the position He has placed me.  As He opens my eyes to the value found in my circumstances and the impact God could have on others through me, my attitude will change.  

Wiping noses suddenly becomes an opportunity to show love to my child.  Cleaning up after someone spilled coffee turns into a chance to demonstrate God's love in my workplace.  Volunteering to pick up litter is transformed into a chance to let the light of Jesus shine throughout my neighborhood.

There are some jobs I would rather not lower myself to do, but in God's kingdom, there are no small jobs and everything done out of obedience to Him is important.

If I want to have the attitude like that of Christ Jesus I will find it a privilege to serve others in any way I can.

It doesn't come naturally for me to think like a servant, but it's possible when I commit myself to God.  He will transform my mind so that I can drop the expectations of receiving a payoff for my efforts and of doing things in order to make myself feel better, and replace those with the idea that its a privilege to serve others.  In this way I will become more and more like Jesus.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can stop expecting to receive a benefit from serving.

When am I motivated to act out of a selfish impulse?

How do I consider it an insult to serve instead of an honor?

  

Anointed

"Now it is God who makes both us 

and you stand firm in Christ.

He anointed us,

set his seal of ownership on us,

and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit,

guaranteeing what is to come."

2 Corinthians 1:21-22

I go through walking shoes as if I were a long-distance runner training for a marathon.  Within weeks, a new pair of sneakers will start to break down and soon I'll be wearing through the soles.  In order to try to preserve the integrity of my workout footwear for as long as possible, I set aside one pair only for walking.  I don't wear them to run errands or to work in the garden.  I keep that pair only for that one specific purpose.

This reminds me of how God treats me.  He chose me to belong to Him, and thus, He set me aside for Him.  Since I live in a world that's completely focused on self: promoting myself, pleasing myself, pampering myself, and providing for the needs and wants of myself, I can easily fall into this same self-centered mode of thinking.

In reality, though, God made me for His purposes.  I am here to glorify Him.  As a follower of Christ, I am plucked out of the selfishness of the world's way of thinking and made into a new creation, set apart for Him.  If I'm going to live for Him and truly accept His anointing on my life, I need to understand how He has set me apart as a believer.

Service

In a time of rising unemployment, the hospitality industry is growing at such a rate that it will provide a 17% increase in new jobs between the years of 2004 and 2014.  It seems if I want to find a good, stable job, I need look no further than hotels, theme parks and restaurants.  Serving others is an expanding business.

In God's kingdom, serving others is what I'm made to do.  The Apostle Paul explained it this way to the church at Ephesus.  "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."  (Ephesians 2:10)

It's natural for me to look out for myself.  For instance, if I find a great sale on a staple I use often, I will buy up extra so I'll have some on-hand for the months to come.  It doesn't occur to me to share the surplus with others; until God's Spirit lays it on my heart, that is.  God is generous and kind, as David so beautifully declares in Psalm 145:8-9.  "The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.  The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made."

If I embrace the anointing God has placed on my life, I will become a servant, looking to the interests of others.  (Philippians 2:4)

Taught

It has been said that a man who represents himself in court has a fool for an attorney.  Yes, it is foolish to neglect counsel and try to depend only upon one's own intelligence and wits.  If I were accused of a crime, I would need all the help I can get.

While it is wise to seek a professional's representation in a court of law, in the classroom of God's kingdom I need no human teacher.  While I can and do learn much from other believers, gifted teachers and anointed pastors, I need not depend on man for my knowledge of God and His kingdom.  John revealed that, "the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you." (1 John 2:27a)

This explains why I can read the scriptures and glean much wisdom from the words while my unbelieving friend doesn't get it.  To her it's dry and dull while to me it's rich and alive with meaning!  Furthermore, if I pay attention, God will teach me things using everyday objects and experiences that are happening all around me.  Just yesterday a friend of mine demonstrated this truth when I showed her how the alignment on our truck was off;  as soon as I let go of the steering wheel it veered off to the right.    Immediately, God showed her that when we line ourselves up with Him, it's possible to stay on His path.  Her anointing taught her a biblical truth. (John 15:5)    

  

John further explained in his first letter that, "you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth.  I do not write to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it and because no lie comes from the truth." (1 John 2:20-21)  As a believer who has been set aside by God for Him, I have been given the knowledge of the truth supernaturally.  When I study the Bible, I recognize the truth for what it is: His Word.  I soak it in as a sponge takes up water.  Because of this anointing, I can recognize the truth, and I know when something is false.  This comes from God.

If I embrace the anointing God placed on my life, I will be taught all I need to know by His Spirit.

Authentic

My friend was wearing a delicious fragrance the other day.  When I paid her a compliment, she explained how she bought it from a man who purchases outdated perfume at wholesale prices and sells them at a discounted rate.  She made a point to say it was the real thing, not one of those cheap knock-offs.

Likewise, I am able to maintain a real and authentic relationship with the living God!  It's not fake, based on my own worth, effort, abilities or fitness.  Instead, it is completely built upon the rock of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross.  The only reason I can be in contact with a holy and perfect God is through the cleansing blood of Jesus that makes me white as snow. (Psalm 51:7, John 13:8) 

Moreover, according to 1 John 2:27b, keeping close to God is a part of the teaching I receive from His anointing.  I am reminded that, "just as (God's anointing) has taught you, remain in him."  Because of His hand on my life, I can stay connected to Him and allow His power and love to flow through me. (2 Timothy 1:7)  But the second I go off on my own, seeking my own agenda, obeying my fleshly desires or trying to fix problems in my own strength, that connection is broken and I'm on my own.

God's touch on my life propels me toward Him.  But sometimes I'm afraid, and that doubt blocks His goodness.  Other times I'm hurt and instead of sharing the pain with Him, I try to put up a brave front and carry it myself resulting in a breech of faith.  Many times I rely on my own wits, my own resources or my own common sense instead of depending on Him.  Then I truly see how weak I am and how much I need Jesus.

If I embrace the anointing God placed on my life, I will be inspired to maintain a close relationship with Him.

God's anointing is not for my benefit and blessing.  Instead, His calling on my life results in the creation of a servant's heart, supernatural teaching from God Himself, and the desire to keep close to the Source of all good things.  Once I accept this anointing, I can move forward as a woman who is confident in what God will do in my life.

As I begin this day, it is my prayer that I can embrace the anointing God has already placed on my life as His child.

How do I block His grace by failing to live authentically in relationship with Him?

When do I fall back on my own intelligence instead of letting God impart His wisdom to me?      

New Family Order

"For whoever does the will 

of my Father in heaven is

my brother

and sister

and mother."

Matthew 12:50

I have a friend who has no extended family beyond her father.  Her mother recently died and she was sharing with me her frustration over the years in trying to learn her family history.  She was never able to glean much from her parents aside from the bare basics.  My friend never knew her grandparents and has no aunts or uncles to turn to for information.  As a result of this void, there is a yearning within her soul to discover her roots.

As a daughter of the King, my friend has entered into an enormous network of family the likes of which she can never fathom!  She inherited all  the mothers, fathers, brothers, and sisters she could ever imagine.  Even though we are not linked by our own blood that can be traced through the ancestry of generations, we are connected by our faith in Jesus and in His redeeming blood.  These are the ones on whom my friend can focus as she learns all that we have in common.

God First

Twentieth-century pastor and writer Vance Havner said, "It is one of the ironies of the ministry that the very man who works in God's name is often hardest put to find time for God.  The parents of Jesus lost him at church, and they were not the last ones to lose him there."

When Moses descended from Mount Sinai with the tablets upon which God had inscribed the Ten Commandments, the first decree on the list was enough to condemn the Israelites as they reveled around the golden calf.  "You shall have no other gods before Me" resounded in the air like a death sentence.  

As a member of God's family, God is to be first on my list of priorities.  Most times I may not act as blatantly as the people of Israel when Aaron formed the idol out of gold and erected it for all to worship, but I can easily get mixed up.

Doing things for  God or in His name is not the same as following God and putting Him first in my life.  Jesus clearly taught that, "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.  Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you.  Away from me, you evildoers!"  (Matthew 7:21-23)

Jesus is making it apparent that my relationship with God is more important than any thing I do for Him.  My main focus is to be to know Him better, as David did as evidenced by his words in Psalm 139:14.  He said, "Your works are wonderful, I know that full well."  David knew so much about God because He spent time with Him, pored over His Scripture like it was life itself, desired God from the depths of his soul as a deer pants for the water, and looked for evidence of His handiwork all around Him.  David truly was a man after God's own heart!

If I am to follow suit, I need to be careful to only join in with what God is already doing around me; waiting on Him to open doors, put people in place and provide necessary resources.  When I try to force things to happen, as I so often do, I am doing things in His name but He will not get the glory.  As Jesus said as recorded in John 15:5, "I am the vine; you are the branches.  If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."

As a part of the family of God, we share the challenge of making God above all things and desiring to walk with Him each step of the way.

Others-Focused

The advent of the garage-door opener has ruined neighborhoods.  Okay, maybe that's placing too much blame on an electronic gadget, but I have to admit, it hasn't helped to bring us closer together.  Instead, it has made it all to easy for weary workers to drive home from a long day, pull into the garage and close the door behind them.  Neighbors rarely talk over the fence any more and seldom help each other out.  

As a member of our community crime watch group, I have learned from local law enforcement personnel that the most powerful weapon we have against crime is to know our neighbors.  Doesn't that seem too easy?  The premise is that when I understand my neighbors' habits, vehicles and normal activity patterns, I can easily recognize when something is wrong and I can then notify law enforcement.

Making the effort to focus on anyone other than myself, though, takes effort and does not come naturally.  Being a selfish human, I tend to keep my own needs, desires and wants at the top of my list.  But when I became a member of God's family through faith in Jesus Christ, the humility of Christ became my model.  

As the Apostle Paul teaches in Philippians 2:3-4, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.  Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."

This means when I'm running late while the grocery checker is moving at a snail's pace I can take the time to help the single mom struggling with her grocery cart and three small children.  Or when a brother in Christ needs transportation and I have two vehicles, I think of his needs before I worry about how my family will share one car.  Or if a neighbor is stressed out and needs a word of encouragement, I will put my own frustrations aside as I take a moment to pass on the hope of Christ.

As part of the family of God, I am to make others more important than my own interests.

Love Rules

I've heard a lot of things about love, like how all I need is love, it hurts or kills slowly, its passionate, I can fall into love and out of love and it's what makes the world go 'round.  If I want to truly understand love, however, I need to look to God because He is love.

Love is defined and described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.  God's love, ". . .never gives up.  Love cares more for others than for self.  Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.  Love doesn't strut, doesn't have a swelled head, doesn't force itself on others, isn't always 'me first,' doesn't fly off the handle, doesn't keep score of the sins of others, doesn't revel when others grovel, takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, puts up with anything, trusts God always, always looks for the best, never looks back, but keeps going to the end.  Love never dies." (MSG)

Now that's love!  Love is so important to God that He prefaced this passage with the thought that, ". . .no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love." (1 Corinthians 13:3 MSG)

I could run a successful food bank that feeds thousands of hungry families, but if I don't show respect to my husband, I have nothing.  I could spend hours a day studying the scripture and be known as an expert in God's Word, but if I carry a running list of my children's failures or disappointments, I'm a bust.  I could pledge my life to telling the gospel to everyone I meet and pray continually for the salvation of the lost peoples of the world, but if I'm not content with the position in which God has placed me, I've not impacted God's kingdom one iota.

God concludes this section of scripture with the charge to, "Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly.  And the best of the three is love." (1 Corinthians 13:13 MSG)  Loving is not easy, especially when I feel my own rights being violated, but I am able to love because He first loved me!

As part of God's family, love can rule in every part of my life.

Even though natural families are very important, my family tree does not stop at bloodlines.  As a follower of Christ, I have a world-wide network of brothers and sisters who share common traits.  We are called to put God first, think of others' more than self, and to let love rule:  These are the characteristics of the family of God.  No matter how big or small my natural family is, I can count on the fact that wherever I go in this world, I will always run into a member of my spiritual family!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can remember the traits that keep the family of God strong.

When do I do things for God but leave Him out of it?

How can I let love rule in my life?

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?

God's Voice

Jesus said:

"No one can come to me unless the Father

who sent me draws him, 

and I will raise him up at the last day.

It is written in the Prophets: 'They will all be taught by God.'

Everyone who listens to the Father

and learns from him

comes to me."

 John 6:44-45

"My sheep listen to my voice;

I know them,

and they follow me."

John 10:27

A friend once said to me, "Too bad God doesn't communicate via text message.  Then at least I'd know exactly what He wanted me to do!"  We laughed because it is common to feel unsure about God's will in many areas of our lives.  

I want to follow God's lead, but many times I'm unsure of where He is located.  It's like I'm playing a game of "Marco Polo."  I call out "Marco" to Him, then I listen for Him to respond, "Polo," but I don't always hear anything.  I call out again. . . nothing.  I feel frustrated.  Where is He?

I know His voice because I heard Him when I first came to Christ.  He called me and I responded, but He was the one who called. He initiated.  I didn't ask Him, "Is this something You want me to do?"  I simply responded to His calling.

Maybe that's where I get mixed up.  I try to put the cart before the horse and ask God if He's calling me.  In reality, He is calling me but I am getting distracted by all that's going on around me.

How does God call me?

His Word

When I read, study and meditate on God's Word, I am not merely learning important truths.  I am taking God Himself into my being and letting Him change me, guide me and teach me.  

God uses scripture to call me to let go of harmful habits, attitudes and actions, and to take up godly ones instead.  He speaks through His Word.  If I merely study His Word and then go about my day without another thought as to what I read, I am doing what James taught about when he said, "Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like."  (James 1:23-24)

God's Word is meant to be dissected, analyzed and searched as I look for His message to me.    It is meant to be applied to my life; I should constantly be asking, "What is God saying to me here?"

God promised that I will find Him when I seek Him with all of my heart.  This applies to His Word, as well.  I must approach the Bible with a seeking heart. . . then I will find Him!

God calls me through the careful and intentional incorporation of His Word into my life.

Opportunity

Dozens of opportunities present themselves to me weekly.  Activities, missions, group studies, outreach, service, etc.  The list can go on and on.  But surely God does not mean for me to be involved in all of them!

Henry Blackaby and Claude King described it this way in their powerful study Experiencing God:  "If you keep your life God-centered, you will immediately put your life along side His activity.  When you see God at work around you, your heart will leap within you and say,'Thank you, Father, thank You for letting me be involved where You are.'

The key is to pay attention to God, not all the opportunities that constantly pop up.  Then, I will recognized His Hand at work around me and I can join in with confidence, knowing that it is where God wants me at that moment.  

The Apostle Paul teaches in Philippians 2:13 that, "It is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose."   God initiates!  He gives me, "the desire and the power to do what pleases him." (NLT)

God calls me when I pay attention to Him and what He is already doing around me.

Heart

We sing a powerful worship song called, "Hosanna" by Hillsong during corporate worship in our congregation.  While the entire song is moving, there is one line in particular that stands out like a beacon.  "Break my heart for what breaks yours."

I can't hear God's voice when I am only concerned about my own welfare.  Seeing things from God's perspective gives me a tender heart that breaks when I see suffering around me, and I am drawn to action.  But that kind of perspective is a supernatural work of God on my heart.  

David was considered to be a man after God's own heart but he fell away into sin for a time.  When he came back to the Lord, He asked God to, "create in me a clean heart, O God." (Psalm 51:10 NLT) 

It is easy for my heart to become corrupted by the beliefs of this world, hardened by the difficulties of life, and jaded by all the disappointments I have experienced.  But God can cleanse, soften and readjust my heart so that It is more closely aligned to His. 

Oswald Chambers points out that there is a difference between possessing the heart of God, and acting out of human compassion.  "Beware of counterfeiting the love of God by working along the line of natural human sympathy, because that will end in blaspheming the love of God."  

God calls me when my heart is intimately associated with His.

Hearing God's voice is not like playing a game of "Marco Polo."  Instead, it involves studying and applying His Word to every part of my life, focusing on Him and recognizing His work around me, and inclining my heart toward Him.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I will let God's Word infect every part of my life.

How do I act out of natural human sympathy instead of with the heart of God?

What can I do to help myself focus on God throughout the day?

.