Never Hungry

"The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry,

but he thwarts the craving of the wicked."

Proverbs 10:3

God promises many things and He is faithful to keep each one of His words.  But this one has me wondering:  Is there more to hunger than an empty belly?

Righteousness.  There are many things I crave while living this temporary life.  I often drift toward selfishness, thinking if I could only find myself and figure out who I really am then I will be happy.  In my tendency to focus on my own needs and wants, I end up going after the things I think that will bring fulfillment and meaning:  success, pleasure, financial security, material wealth, social status (1 John 2:16).  In spite of my efforts, I never find complete gratification.  I'm always wanting more.

Then I remember that I was made for more than this.  In Christ I've been made right with God, the very thing I need to be able to enjoy His favor, to find His blessing, to prosper spiritually.  And when I truly value His better way of living, craving for all that He values like honesty, fairness in my dealings with others, kindness and obedience to His laws, I will find fulfillment and pleasure.  Finally, contentment will be mine as I walk in peace with my Shepherd.

God promises a happy and satisfied heart when I hunger and thirst for righteousness (Matthew 5:6).

Living Water.  She came to fill her jar with the life-giving liquid but came away with so much more.  No one valued her.  In fact, most saw her as worth little more than the grime between their toes.  She was despised by women and used by men.  Because of her station in life, she was constrained to visit the community well in the heat of the day to avoid the gossip and scorn of the other women.  Her heart ached for connection, for acceptance, for true love.

Then came the One who offered her Living water that will quench her deep-in-the-depths-of-her-soul yearnings.  Jesus gave her a new beginning as a woman who was seen and loved by the God who made her, and she received His gift of the abundant life with great joy (John 4:13-15).  

When I follow suit and receive the living water Jesus offers me, I will have everything I need flowing through me.  The indwelling Spirit of Jesus will quench my deepest thirsts, fill my empty places and heal my hurting heart.  He came to turn my worst nightmare into a great victory, not the kind of victory where I rise to the pinnacle of success or gain everything I ever wanted, but triumph over evil, worthless living and all that separates me from His love (Romans 8:31-37).  I am secure in His clutches, and this is the kind of success that lasts an eternity.

God promises to quench my deepest thirst with the living water that is found through faith in Jesus.

Bread of Life.  They saw their chance.  If they followed this charismatic and powerful teacher, they would never have to worry about food again.  Their days of hunger would be over.  Never again would they have to scrap for a few morsels to sustain their families.  Life would be good and they could focus on more than just survival.

Then Jesus brought them back to reality (John 6:25-34).  He came to give them more than just physical food to fill their bellies.  He came to fulfill every spiritual need as the Answer to every question they pondered, the solution to each problem they faced.  Jesus declared Himself the Bread of life that would deliver eternal and abundant life to those who believed (John 6:35).

I, too, am offered this full and thriving life as I look forward to life forever in my heavenly home.  When I trust in Jesus as my Savior, submitting to Him as Lord of my life, I will never lack for anything.  If, however, I stray away, looking elsewhere to supply my needs, to answer my questions, to offer solutions to my problems, I'll spend my days searching in futility.

God promises to satisfy my deepest hunger when I give my life to Jesus, the Bread of life.

The one thing I can count on in life is for God to keep His promises.  Therefore, there is no risk in seeking Jesus as my source of happiness, the Living water who will quench my deepest thirsts, and the Bread of life who fully satisfies my deepest cravings.  In Christ, I will never hunger for what really matters.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God enough to be in charge of giving me what I need.

When do I look beyond Jesus to find meaning and purpose?

How am I straying away from my Shepherd who desires to give me what I most need?

Solid Rock

"As he was leaving the temple,

one of his disciples said to him,

'Look, Teacher!  

What massive stone!

What magnificent buildings!'

'Do you see all these great buildings?' replied Jesus.

'Not one stone here will be left on another;

every one will be thrown down.'

Mark 13:1-2

It's hard not to be impressed by the Cathedral of Notre Dame, a 12th to 13th century example of French Gothic architecture and one of the most widely recognized Christian structures in the world.  It was one of the first buildings to use the impressive flying buttress system, allowing for the massive vaulted roof.  The building itself extends to a length of 420 feet while the two towers in front stand 226 feet high.  As if the enormity, beauty and intricate detail were not enough to drop a tourist's jaw, Notre Dame also sits on one of the most scenic spots along the Seine River, making it an impressive example of the feats of man.

The Ancient Greeks created a list of the Seven Wonders of the World which categorizes the most impressive man-made structures in their known world.  Since then, more modern versions have been created to highlight amazing feats of architecture.  Some of the common entries include the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, the Egyptian Pyramids and the Roman Colosseum.

Man has always been amazed by works of their own hands.  Even in Jesus' times, His disciples were in awe of the temple that stood on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.  Jesus put things into perspective, however, by reminding them that the temple would be destroyed, as it was by the Romans in 70 AD.  As easy as it is to put my faith in things that seem indestructible and sturdy, everything that is not based on the solid rock of Jesus will one day be turned to ashes.  (1 Corinthians 3:10-15)

I can admire and wish to emulate the lives of successful people I see on television, or even sitting in the pew beside me, but if they are not pointing me to Christ, then my focus is off.  Instead, it is my desire to base my life on Him.

Righteousness

I have heard it said more than once that the church is filled with hypocrites who are quick to point out the sin of others but slow to look inward toward their own filthy heart.  This does not make for a welcoming atmosphere.

When I think I'm pretty good in my own right, I can easily see the sins of others while ignoring what's wrong within my own life.  But when I remember my true identity; a sinner saved by grace, then I will be less likely to judge others.

Paul explained to Titus that, "he saved us, not because of his mercy.  He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life."  (Titus 3:5-7)

I am made right with God by the blood of Jesus, not due to anything that is within me.  As Paul goes on to say,  "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so no one can boast."  (Ephesians 2:8-9)

I can easily admire others' accomplishments, gentle spirits or tenacious attitudes, but my real foundation for righteousness comes not in trying to be what I think I should be, but in embracing my true identity.  I am a wretched sinner who is saved by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ.

Basing my life on the solid rock of Jesus means I will always remember that my righteousness comes from Him.

Power

"The Power of Positive Thinking"

"The Magic of Thinking Big"

"How to Attract Health, Wealth, Love and Luck into Your Life Immediately"

"The Art of Happiness"

"The Power of Now"

"The Gateway:Discover the Power to Create an Outrageously Prosperous and Happy Life"

The bookstore is chock-full of ideas of how to tap into some hidden power source to reach the life you've always wanted to live.  The books promise fulfillment, peace, happiness, ambition and new-found energy.  As much as I've tried to will myself to do better, there are always areas in which I struggle and fail. (Romans 7) I just don't have it within me to become the woman God created me to be.

When I took Jesus to be my Savior and committed my life to Him, He gave me the gift of the Holy Spirit who dwells within me.  (Acts 3:38  2 Timothy 1:14)  God's Spirit produces all kinds of fruit when I allow Him to rule my life.  (Galatians 5:22-23)  This love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control will be evident to all those around me.  This fruit does not exist when I live by my own effort or when following my heart.  Instead, it comes when I submit my life to God and let Him lead.

The ability to live a life pleasing to God does not exist within my natural self.  Instead, it is an extension of His indwelling Spirit.  "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline."  (2 Timothy 1:7)  He is the source of the power to live a godly life.  

Oswald Chambers breaks it down to understandable terms, pointing out the difference between human effort and His supernatural work.  Mr. Chambers says, "It is the work that God does through us that counts, not what we do for Him."

Basing my life upon the solid rock of Jesus means the power to live a successful life pleasing to God will come from Him.

Teachings

There is nothing more gratifying than in seeing my daughters follow my teachings.  Not only am I thankful to know they were actually listening all those years, but to see them put the wisdom into action means that they have faith in me as their mother.  It is then that I know that they love me.

It is the same with Jesus who heard from a lot of people who claimed to love Him.  Jesus said that those who truly love Him will do as He says.  Those who don't obey His teachings don't really love Him.  This, Jesus said, is all according to the Father who sent Him.  (John 14:23-24)

Jesus set the bar pretty high.  He said I need to turn the other cheek, love my enemies, pray for those who persecute me, and forgive others that hurt me.  (Matthew 5)  I can't even get past my first example because it is in my nature to stand up for myself.  I've never been one to back down from a good fight!

Thankfully, He doesn't expect me to follow His teachings in my own strength.  Instead, He taught that He is, "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." (John 15:5)

As I read God's Word, I must take it seriously and apply it to my life.  When I come across a directive that I've neglected to employ in my own life, I can either ignore it, or put it into use.  If I'm rightly related to Jesus at the time, I will want to decide to obey Him and He will give me the ability to do so.

If, however, I've strayed from His side and am following my own lead, then I will easily pass over the directive found in the passage I just read.

Basing my life upon the solid rock of Jesus means I'll have the desire to do what He says.

There are many people, beliefs, movements or lifestyles I may admire in this life.  But basing my life on any of the above will lead to disaster.  Building my life upon the solid rock of Jesus, however, means I'll be made pure and clean by His blood, will have the power to please God, and will be given the desire and ability to follow His teachings.  In this way, I will be placing my hope on things that will last an eternity instead of building a life on things that are weak and temporary.  In the end, God's kingdom is the only thing that will last.

As I begin this day, it is my prayer that I will build my life on Jesus.

How do I get distracted by things I'm doing for God and forget about my relationship with Him?

When do I fail to take a step of faith because I think it depends on my own power?

   

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?

Purpose in the Darkness

"What I tell you in the dark,

speak in the daylight;

what is whispered in your ear,

proclaim from the roofs."

Matthew 10:27

 "Songbirds are taught to sing in the dark,

and we are put into the shadow of God's hand

until we learn to hear Him."   

Oswald Chambers

My Utmost for His Highest

Sitting on the porch in the dark, I heard the most curious thing:  The sound of a bird chirping a tune I was used to hearing in the morning.  I wondered why that solitary creature chose to sing while all was shadows and quiet.  Knowing that birds act according to instinct, I figured God had wired that bird to sing His praises in the dead of night.

I am wired that way, too, but my sinful flesh gets in the way.  Hard times come and I immediately go into survival mode, shutting down all but the necessary functions.  I spend my time looking for answers and often forget all I have to sing about.

God told us that everything we go through has a purpose. . . His purpose.  But many times I get bogged down with the difficulties of life and forget this truth. 

Darkness, too, has a purpose. 

Training in Righteousness

I am made righteous through faith in Jesus Christ.  Nothing I do can make me holy and sinless. . . .only the blood of Jesus accomplishes this.

When hard times come, however, I am easily caught up in worry, forgetting that God knows what I need and will provide those requirements.  Instead of getting distracted by the cares of this world, I can focus on God and what He is doing through my present circumstances.  Jesus taught in Matthew 6:33 to, ". . .  seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

"All these things," include all the stuff I tend to worry about, especially in times of difficulty: food, shelter, clothing, paying the bills, resolving conflicts, time management, raising children. . .the list goes on. . .

Times of trial give me a chance to practice pursuing God's kingdom and righteousness.  Not as something I can possess for myself, but as a state of being.  I can either choose to live in His Kingdom as His child, or I can live as if I don't belong to Him, as if He will not supply my every need.

Darkness is a time to practice living in the light.

Learning to Listen

My husband and I recently attended a marriage conference which I highly recommend to any married couple.  As we worked on the projects together, we realized how much work it takes to listen.   I think of communication as conveying my message accurately and effectively.  But most of good communication is listening.  And not just listening, but paying attention with the goal of understanding.

Some of God's most powerful lessons are taught in the darkness.  When I'm going through a hard time, though, I do a lot of thinking, analyzing and discussing.  I look for answers, seeking solutions and searching for explanations but I don't spend much time listening to God's still, small voice.

If I did listen, He would teach me something.  And then I can take that lesson and use it to encourage others. 

Darkness is a time to learn to listen to the voice of God.

Growing in Faith

My ability to trust and have confidence in God is not from myself. It is not something I can generate from within.  Rather, it is from outside myself.   "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast." (Ephesians 2:8) 

God has given me the faith I need to not only trust Jesus as my Savior, but also to trust Him during difficult times.  I need, however, to practice using my faith during times of trouble. 

It reminds me of CPR training.  I learned the mechanics and the theory, but then I had to put it into practice in order to develop the skill.  I couldn't just listen to someone explain it and watch someone else do it.  I had to try it myself in order to really know how to perform CPR.

Faith is the same way.  I can read about everyone who has great faith and watch others live lives of great faith, but until I practice it myself I won't know how to use it.

Times of darkness give me a chance to develop the faith God has given me.

Trials have a purpose.  God allows them in order that I take the opportunity to go through training in righteousness, learn to listen to God, and grow in the faith God has given me. 

Darkness is not just a time to suffer.  Struggles are intentional and useful.

As I begin this day, it is my prayer that I will remember that God has a reason for my suffering.

How do I usually deal with hard times?

How can I begin to look at times of darkness as valuable?

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