Who am I Hurting?

"'Pray no more for these people, Jeremiah.

Do not weep or pray for them,

and don't beg me to help them,

for I will not listen to you.

Don't you see what they are doing throughout the towns of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem?

No wonder I am so angry!

Watch how the children gather wood

and the fathers build sacrificial fires.

See how the women knead dough

and make cakes to offer to the Queen of Heaven.

And they pour out liquid offerings to their other idol gods!

Am I the one they are hurting?' asks the LORD.

'Most of all, they hurt themselves,

to their own shame.'"

Jeremiah 7:16-19 NLT

I dishonor God by failing to acknowledge Him as sovereign and staying true to Him alone.  But mostly it hurts me as I remove myself from all that is good and right (James 1:17).  How so?

Cultivate.  What seeds am I sowing?  What attitudes do I nurture?  What activities and mindsets do I promote, especially as a parent and a believer who is always watched by those around me?  If I look closely, I discover that I cultivate a spirit of busyness, pride in accomplishments, emphasis on education yet I ignore God, as if He is simply a means to another end.  Instead of looking to Him as the Source, as the Purpose, as my All in all, I use Him as the power to drive my agenda and to make my own selfish plans come to fruition.

While this sort of ungodly focus does fail to show respect and regard for God who is worthy to be praised at all times, it also hurts me.  It is to my own shame that I fail to see the value in connecting with God throughout my day, in teaching my children to look to Him as their source of wisdom, understanding and help, in growing in my bond with Him by trusting Him with every decision that must be made and every insecurity that wears me down.  I am made for relationship with God so when I neglect this higher purpose, I am missing a big chunk of what it is to be human as my Creator intended.

When I commit to cultivating my relationship with God, I am opening myself up to many blessings.

Dedication.  I faithfully attend church every time the doors are open.  I can be counted on to raise my hand whenever help is needed.  I'm devoted to the disciplines of my faith; reading the Bible daily, praying, fasting, discipling others.  I work hard to live a pure and holy life as is expected of me (1 Peter 1:15).  While I know the law doesn't save me, I try hard to adhere to it out of reverence to God.  Yet something is missing.

On the surface, it seems I am living the kind of life that would please God, that would give Him great pleasure, yet I'm missing the point.  You see, I am dedicated to a religion instead of a relationship with God.  I fail to perceive the God who is behind everything I'm doing as a living, breathing God who can be known and who desires that I grow closer to Him each day.  As my bond with Him grows, I'll find I'll want to gather with other believers and serve as He moves me.  As He and I become more intimate, I'll discover that a deep desire for the disciplines will well up inside of me like a hunger that must be satisfied, and a longing will develop to walk according to His indwelling Spirit who leads me in a way that honors His law (Galatians 5:16-18).  I am made for God, so when I dedicate myself to religious activity, I am missing out on the sweet thrill of drawing close to the One who made me and loves me perfectly.

When I dedicate myself to the Lord Himself as a living, breathing God, I am opening myself up to many blessings.

Sacrifice.  There are many gods to whom I can sacrifice.  I give up family time, a social life, and my health in order to taste success.  I surrender free time so that I can build up my bank account as I believe every responsible adult should.  I want a nice house and car so I work hard and reward myself with the finer things.  In order to taste happiness, I go after my dreams.  

This is the way most of us live our lives, willingly giving up lesser things in order to gain what is deemed as more valuable.  Yet in my desire to realize the American dream, I forget about the One who gives me life and breath.  Without Him, I wouldn't even exist let alone be able to run after all that I think will fulfill me.  I can even fool myself into believing that Jesus died so I can taste a rich and meaningful life, so He must want me to live life to the fullest, making the most of every opportunity to reach my full potential.  The problem is, I ignore God Himself, failing to realize the best way I can keep from wasting the one life I've been given is to honor Him by giving myself to Him as a living sacrifice, offering myself up as an instrument of righteousness to be used as He best sees fit (Romans 6:13, 12:1).  This is the kind of sacrifice that He desires.

When I sacrifice myself to the Lord, I am opening myself up to many blessings.

I dishonor God in many ways as I fail to acknowledge that He is at the center of all things.  I nurture the wrong things, commit myself to religion or tradition, and I surrender myself to what is temporary and shallow. When I live in such a way, I do more damage to myself than to God.  I was meant for so much more than all these things.  I was made for Him, and when I cultivate a bond with Him, dedicate myself to Him, and sacrifice my own will for His, I will discover what it is to live the good life.  I am only hurting myself when I live fail to live for Him!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can taste the riches God has in store for me by drawing close to Him.  

When do I focus on doing for God instead of getting to know Him?

How much do I know God for myself?

     

How to Become a Fruitful Tree

"Blessed is the one who does not walk 

in step with the wicked

or stand in the way that sinners take

or sit in the company of mockers,

but whose delight is in the law of the LORD,

and who meditates on his law day and night.

That person is like a tree planted

by streams of water,

which yields its fruit in season

and whose leaf does not wither--

whatever they do prospers."

Psalm 1:1-3

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Not Enough

"Will the wild ox consent to being tamed?

Will it spend the night in your stall?

Can you hitch a wild ox to a plow?

Will it plow a field for you?

Given its strength, can you trust it?

Can you leave and trust the ox to do your work?

Can you rely on it to bring home your grain

and deliver it to your threshing floor?"

When I was a child, I loved to watch the Flintstones.  The way this cartoon, Stone-Age family used different creatures to perform household tasks and help make their lives better was creative and humorous.  After all, who has ever seen passengers riding a Pterodactyl like a jet liner, mowed the lawn with a dinosaur that eats the grass as you follow along behind or taken a shower by standing under the spray of a mastodon blowing water through its trunk?  There was nothing like this fun cartoon.

While I may not rely on interesting beasts to perform the functions of appliances, tools and other machines of this modern life like the Flintstones did, I do count on many things found in creation to help me live my life.  As much as I depend upon what is found in this world, especially myself, there is a Creating Force behind each one who is truly responsible for their usefulness.  Therefore, I would be wise to acknowledge God as the One on whom I really depend.

Needs Met.  I work hard to make a living, doing all the things a responsible adult does to take care of my family.  I try to be wise, thinking ahead and planning for the future.  I invest, I buy insurance, I save.  Therefore, I begin to think it's me who has met my own needs.

Unfortunately, I have failed to see that without God's grace, I can't even take a breath let alone perform a task or work a job.  Without Him, I'm lost.  In fact, I can't even trust in Him as my Lord and Savior without the faith that comes from Him (Ephesians 2:8)  Living for Him is only possible through the power He gives me to do what pleases Him (Philippians 2:13).

Therefore, why would I think I'm the source of my provision?  That I'm even capable of meeting my needs?  My ability to work comes from God and only He can provide in such a loving and complete way (Matthew 6:31-33).

What I find in myself is not enough to meet my needs.  It is only my Creator who is fully equipped to provide for me.

Success.  Plans are made.  Hours are dedicated.  Family time is sacrificed.  It takes much effort to climb the corporate ladder.  Once the top is reached, it's easy to think it was my effort, ingenuity and dedication that got me there.  

Unfortunately, I have failed to see that without God's favor, I would not have been given the mind to make the plans, the time to devote to work, or the family there supporting and missing me.  Doors would not open unless God facilitated it, health would not be given apart from God's giving it, opportunity would not come unless God ordained it.  Still, it's so easy to think it was by my clever maneuvering and faithful dedication that I am where I am.  In reality, it's all by God's grace (1 Corinthians 15:10).

What I find in myself is not enough to succeed.  It is only my Creator whose favor gives me any kind of achievement. 

Happiness.  I surround myself with things and people I love.  I busy myself with what I enjoy doing.  I feel happy.  I think this feeling of pleasure and contentment comes because I'm right where I want to be.

Unfortunately, I realize this feeling is fleeting and dependent upon my circumstances.  It is only by delighting myself in the Lord that He gives me what will bring true joy: His presence (Psalm 37:4, Romans 15:13, Isaiah 12:6).  Living in relationship with Him brings true satisfaction and enjoyment.  Everything else I run after will fade in it's ability to satisfy that hole inside of me that only God can fill.

What I find in myself is not enough to bring contentment.  It is only in relationship with my Creator that I will find true happiness.

There is much in the world that I can depend upon.  It's easy to get caught up in the notion that I am the source of my own provision, success and happiness.  When I come to know God through faith in Jesus Christ, however, I realize that I am only what has been created, and the Creator is truly the source of these benefits.  Therefore, I come to the conclusion that what has been made is not enough.  What I really need is the One who made it all.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God enough to look to Him as my only source of happiness.

When do I think it's me who has facilitated my success?

How am I denying God's sovereign power in my life?    

Common Misconception

"If they obey and serve him,

they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity

and their years in contentment.

But if they do not listen,

they will perish by the sword and die without knowledge."

Job 36:11-12

She was hurting, wounded by a failed marriage that was not at all what she imagined it would have been when she first walked down the aisle.  The abuse and unfaithfulness left her feeling like a shell-of-a-woman.  She cried out to God, "Is this the abundant life Jesus died to give me (John 10:10b)?"

I can't blame my friend for being disappointed in the way her life has turned out.  While she does have hope in Christ, she wonders what kind of benefit there is for her faithfulness to God.  How has her love for Him brought about this prosperity and blessing she's always reading about in His Word (Proverbs 3:1-2)?

Elihu wondered the same thing about Job:  If he's been so devoted to God and His ways, why is He suffering so?

When God says I can be like a tree planted by streams of water if I delight in His law, prospering in all I do, what does that mean (Psalm 1:1-3)?  Does it mean my life will be free from trouble and I'll be wealthy and pampered?  Or is there something more to this promise?

Fruit.  The pile of vines were stacked near the curb, ready for pick-up.  Even though they had produced quite a few blackberries the year before when they covered the back part of our yard, this year I had declared war on these insidious bushes and vowed to wipe them out.  Consequently, I spent every morning for two weeks digging out roots, cutting shoots, and dragging the vines to the street.  Now, the wilting plants produced nothing as they lay apart from their source of nutrients and water.  Without being rooted in the ground, these blackberry vines were worthless.

It's the same with me, Jesus tells me in John 15.  If I'm connected to Him, the source of all that I need, I will bear much fruit.  Apart from Him, there is nothing worthwhile that I'll be able to accomplish, no matter how hard I try.  I can work hard in service to the Lord, but if I'm not doing it with Him, it won't make an eternal difference.

This means the fruit is more important than the location of the vine.  As long as the plant is rooted in Christ, a crop will be yielded.  In other words, no matter my circumstances, God will use me for good when I'm connected to Christ.  It doesn't depend on how comfortable my life is, whether or not its free from suffering, or if it lines up with my expectations.  I will bear fruit if I'm abiding in Jesus.  In the pit.  During the trial.  In the midst of the pain.  Fruit will come.

I will prosper in fruit production when I stay connected to Christ, even through the trial.

Strong Roots.  I worried about the little sapling, newly planted and exposed to the elements.  The wind blew and blew, hammering the little tree.  I wondered if this would hamper it's growth or damage it in any way.  What I learned was that hardship stimulates strong root growth.  The harsher the environment, the more the tree will adapt and become tough.

This is like me, as well.  When I go through hard times, suffering much, my faith will grow.  If my faith only remains in my head, never tested out by facing tough, real-life issues, I'll never know if it's real.  It could just be words I say, or phrases I repeat, or truths I know.  

When I choose to wait on the Lord and I find new strength, or I when exchange my worry for prayer and experience an unfathomable peace flooding my soul, or when I believe God will get me through even though I don't see how it will work out, my faith grows stronger (Isaiah 40:28-31, Philippians 4:6-7, 2 Corinthians 5:7).  As I test out His promises and see them deliver time and time again, I'm able to trust Him even more.

My faith develops strong roots when I trust God throughout my life, no matter how hard times get.

Kingdom Prosperity.  I want it now.  I expect to see my reward in the here and now.  Since I live in a fast-food type of economy, I'm used to instant gratification.  The thing about God's kingdom is, my true treasure is being stored up in heaven.  This is delayed gratification at its best!

When I read about all the giants of faith in Hebrews 11, I find out that many of them did not receive what they were promised in this life (Hebrews 11:13-16).  Instead, they died waiting.  What's  up with that?  That seems unfair!  

In reality, they understood God's economy: The real treasure is yet to come!  There is nothing on this earth that can compare to what God has in store for us.  Staying true to Him, standing firm during the storm, keeping my faith strong will bring about rewards I cannot fathom.  It will be well worth my time to stay faithful to Him in this life, even if it seems it's not doing me any good.  In the end, when I enter into my eternal home lit by the glory of God, I'll be glad I waited to receive my blessing.

That's not to say there won't be good things to taste while here, but I had better be looking in the right place to receive those blessings.  I can't expect God to work within the parameters of this world, giving what is valued here.  While He can bless with money and material goods, that is not the true benefit for us.  For His children, He would rather give more valuable treasures like a rich, meaningful life with a purpose, the assurance of dwelling in the security of a perfect love, and the peace that only comes through Christ (Jeremiah 29:11, Romans 8:38-39, John 14:27).

Prosperity in God's kingdom is quite different than I may expect, but much more valuable.

I often get it wrong, falling prey to a common misconception as I expect my life to follow a certain path as long as I'm true to God.  In reality, God has His own economy and His idea of success is quite different from mine.  Therefore, I must expect fruit production when I stay connected to Christ, development of strong faith, and kingdom prosperity as a result of my faithfulness.  This is so much better than what I first thought would be mine if I stay loyal to God.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can look for my kingdom blessings instead of worldly ones.

When do I get disappointed because Jesus doesn't give as the world does?

How am I looking for the wrong kind of blessing?

Kingdom Prosperity

"The LORD was with Joseph so that he prospered,

and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master.

When his master saw that the LORD was with him

and that the LORD gave him success in everything he did,

Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant.

Potiphar put him in charge of his household,

and he entrusted to his care everything he owned."

Genesis 39:2-4

He wanted the good life; a fulfilling career complete with perks, a nice home with all the modern luxuries he'd grown to expect, a car that was more than a mode of transportation but a symbol of status, financial security, and a beautiful wife and 2 good-looking children.  This man went after these goals until he was living the epitome of the prosperous life.  Everything went according to plan and he reached the pinnacle quicker than anticipated.  Why, then, did he feel so empty inside?

As humans, we often base our lives on the pursuit of worldly prosperity.  Once we attain the goal, however, we realize that what we're striving for is never enough.  There is always a longing that cannot be satisfied with anything that can be touched, tasted or seen with the naked eye: Only our Maker can fill that void inside.

While my flesh may desire the kind of success reached by the above-mentioned man, God has a better way for his children.  In His kingdom, prosperity looks different than it does in the world.  As His beloved daughter, I would be wise to desire His brand of wealth.

Flourish

Water leaked through the cracks in the wall, forming a perpetual stream of sliminess through the center of his space.  His bed was the hard stone floor that also served as his desk, dining table and recreation area.  The never-ending stream of insects became his friends and the tiny birds that came to feast on them his confidantes.  Still, Joseph's life was flourishing. (Genesis 39:20-23)

Despite his dismal surrounding as he languished in the king's prison, Joseph's heart bloomed.  He knew the God of his father Jacob, and the belief that the Lord was with him made all the difference in his present circumstances.  Even though he did nothing to deserve this brutal treatment, knowing that God has a purpose for everything He allows into His children's lives gave him peace.

I can take a lesson from Joseph.  Many times I let my present situation define my mood or outlook.  I think if things don't look good through my eyes, then there is nothing for which to be thankful.  In reality, the good things are there, I just have to look for them.

When my car breaks down, I may think I'm undergoing cruel and unusual punishment but if I'd never gone to the shop, I'd have never met a sister in Christ who encouraged me as I paid the bill.  When I can't bear the thought of how much I miss my dearly departed brother, I soon experience the comfort of the Father of compassion in a way I'd never before felt. (2 Corinthians 1:3-5)  Even though I don't understand why my loved one has to lose his mind, I begin to more clearly understand the love of my heavenly Father as I witness His care.

While it would be easy to grow bitter at all the suffering in this world, focusing my eyes on Jesus gives me a whole new perspective.  As I trust Him to lead me through the gauntlet of troubles found in the world, I will experience nothing but peace.

Seeking first God's kingdom as I live this life means my heart will flourish.

Success

Even though Joseph was a slave, Potiphar made him supervisor over all the affairs of the household.  Instead of treating him as property, his master put Joseph in charge and every effort he made ended in success.  In addition, due to his presence in this Egyptian home, God blessed everything that belonged to Potiphar. (Genesis 39:5-6)

Wherever I go and whatever I do as one who has committed my life to the Lord, I will find a similar principle.  As I stay connected to Jesus in my day-to-day life, any effort put forth in God's kingdom will bear fruit.  (John 15:4)  Living in relationship with my Lord and Savior and letting Him have His way in my life will result in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control that is foreign to my own flesh. (Galatians 5:22-23)

This kind of success will then draw others to me as the blessings of God will overflow from my life to those around me. (Psalm 23:5)  Instead of going after the worldly success that consists of climbing the corporate ladder, living out the American dream, or gaining all the trappings of the rich and famous, I would much rather experience God's kind of success.  In the end, it is all that will last.

Seeking first God's kingdom as I live this life means I will experience success as God has defined it.

Favor

He possessed no experience leading men.  When he first fell into slavery, he was only a boy of seventeen who had lived a charmed life under the loving care of his doting father.  All his needs were provided for him and his responsibilities were few.  Still, when he found himself in prison for a crime he didn't commit, the jailer inexplicably placed him in charge of all the prisoners. (Genesis 39:21-22)

Joseph could have refused this responsibility, citing inexperience as a valid justification.  Instead, though, he trusted God that this new-found job came from Him and moved forward in faith, believing that the Lord would equip him to handle the task at hand.

In the same way, I will be offered jobs I may feel completely unqualified to fulfill.  Instead of relying on my own abilities or lack thereof, I can do as Joseph did and trust God to supply my every need.  (Philippians 4:19) Instead of fearing my own weaknesses and frailties, I can walk forward in confidence, knowing that the favor of God is upon me because of His great love for me.

Seeking first God's kingdom as I live this life means I will recognize opportunities of greater responsibility as the favor of God.

Prosperity means something totally different in the world than it does in God's kingdom.  In His realm, I can flourish despite my dismal surroundings, find success simply by staying connected to Christ, and receive job offerings that have nothing to do with my qualifications but everything to do with the favor of God.  In these ways, I am experiencing  prosperity, kingdom style!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God to supply all my needs when I am faced with a task outside of my comfort zone.

When do I hang back in fear instead of walking forward with confidence in my Father?

How am I missing out on God's blessings because I am afraid to submit to Him?