Wisdom is not the Answer

"I said to myself, 

'Look, I have increased in wisdom more than anyone

who has ruled over Jerusalem before me;

I have experienced much of wisdom and knowledge.'

Then I applied myself to the understanding of wisdom,

and also of madness and folly,

but I learned that this, too, is a chasing after the wind.

For with much wisdom comes much sorrow;

the more knowledge, the more grief."

Ecclesiastes 1:16-18

Humans are so busy learning new things and seeking greater understanding of the world and everything in it, but what good does it do?  How does it relieve suffering or deliver meaning?  Does knowledge have eternal significance or make an everlasting impact?  The answer is "No."  In a lot of ways we are wasting our time because the more we know, the more we realize our lack, our deficiency, our utter hopelessness to save ourselves from insignificance.

So, what is the answer?  Jesus.

Understanding.  I find it difficult to have deep conversations with intellectuals who only want to discuss what they can quantify, prove, or sense.  Many look down on me for my faith in a God they cannot see, refusing to acknowledge even the possibility that there is Someone greater than they.  In their arrogance and at their own peril they reason that if they can't understand it, then it can't exist.  What a superficial and hopeless existence.

There is more to life than what we can touch, see, hear, smell and taste.  If I only pursue knowledge of physical things which are here today and gone tomorrow while completely ignoring spiritual truths which last forever, I am limiting myself to that which is temporary.  If I never recognize my Maker who set a perfect standard which I constantly miss, I will never see my need for rescue from the punishment my shortfalls deserve.  If I spend my life limiting myself to what I can comprehend and what I can sense, when I get to the end of this life and stand before a holy and just God, not only will He judge me according to my own sin, condemning me to an eternity of punishment, but I will have nothing to show for all my effort to understand.  Seeking knowledge and insight will not save me from the inevitable.  Only faith in the blood of Jesus can do that (Hebrews 9:11-15).

A life spent trying to gain insight into this world is a life wasted and an eternity doomed.

 Abundance.  There is an emptiness apart from Christ.  Humans have a desire for meaning, for fulfillment, for purpose.  I can search for the reason for my existence by throwing myself headlong into an important career, or giving my all to a vital cause, or pursuing deep connection with those I love, but still there is something missing.  No matter how hard I try, I will never find what my heart truly desires.

It's not until I see my own depravity, my brokenness, my lack that I will understand my need.  There is nothing in this world that can fill the void left by my estrangement from God due to my sin.  As I see how far I fall short from God's expectation for me as His image bearer, understanding the gulf that exists between Him and me, I see the value in what Jesus died to offer:  Forgiveness from the One who set the standard I fail to reach and restoration of the bond between Him and me (Romans 3:21-24).  This is the abundant life Jesus came to deliver to me by faith (John 10:10b)

A life spent trying to fill the void inside apart from Jesus is an empty and pointless life.

Purpose.  Why am I here?  Every human asks this question in one way or another.  Some look to religion to find the answers, finding a certain meaning in the rituals and fellowship.  Others turn to science, thinking if they can understand the "how" they will understand the "why".  A few use reasoning powers to conclude there is no purpose, life came about spontaneously and completely by accident so there is no ultimate reason for our existence.

No matter how I try to answer the question of my purpose, I come up empty apart from Jesus.  In Christ, I find my purpose as I learn I was made on purpose for a purpose (Ephesians 2:10).  Not only is there a design for all of creation, but I am placed right where I am to shine His light in the darkness around me (Matthew 5:14-16).  Knowing He made me for a specific reason gives me a feeling of worth and value.  I am intrinsically valuable to the One who made me (Psalm 139:13-16).  Therefore, my life takes on a new-found importance as I live for His glory instead of my own (Colossians 3:17).

A life spent looking for my purpose apart from Christ is an exercise in futility.

Wisdom in and of itself cannot save me.  It is powerless to rescue me from eternal condemnation, give me a rich life, nor reveal my purpose.  Only Jesus can fulfill such missions, and as I give my life to Him by faith, I'll find a new meaning that will lead to the rich and abundant life for which I've always longed.  Wisdom is not the answer, Jesus is!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God enough to look to Him to find the answers I need.

When do I look in the wrong places to find the answers I seek?

How am I wasting my time on temporary fixes instead of the permanent solution that is in Christ?  

  

The Abomination of Unfairness

"A false balance and unrighteous dealings are 

extremely offensive and shamefully sinful to the Lord,

but a just weight is His delight."

Proverbs 11:1 AMP

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Enlightenment

"Make me understand the way of your precepts,

and I will meditate on your wondrous works."

Psalm 119:27 ESV

The 18th century was a time of philosophical exploration, of great scientific finds, and the replacing of tradition by reason.  It was dubbed "The Enlightenment" and many great writings, inventions and discoveries, radical laws and revolutions were generated during this time period.  It seemed to be a time of great awakening.

In order for my mind to be awakened to God's Word and to come to a deeper understanding of His ways, I need Him to intervene.  I am dependent upon His grace to make Himself known to me; it's not something I can attain through my own effort and in my limited capacity.  What will happen when He does?  I will undergo a revolution of my own!

Strength.  I'm ready to give up.  I feel like I can't go on.  Life has become too difficult and I've lost the will to live for Jesus.  It seems easier just to let things happen as they may.  Great sorrow fills my soul as I realize how desperate is my situation.

I take a chance and cry out to my Father, sinking into His Word.  There I find strength as I submerge myself in the life-giving Truth.  As my mind is realigned with His perfect ways, right-thinking is restored and I see my situation from a different viewpoint.  Instead of only focusing on the difficulties surrounding me, my field of vision is taken over by the magnificence of God.  He gave me strength by putting things back into proper perspective with Him at the center of my attention.

"My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word!" (Psalm 119:28)

Guidance.  I'm easily distracted from the Truth.  Alluring ways entice me away from wholehearted devotion to Jesus.  I hear a repackaging of an old lie and I think I've found the answer; it appeals so to my flesh that I'm quickly drawn away.  I need help to stay on track.

Through faith in Jesus Christ I have a Spirit who shows me the better way.  While I may not be removed from temptation, He is faithful to provide a way out so that I can stand firm against that which lures me away from my First Love (1 Corinthians 10:13, Revelation 2:4). 

Sometimes these temptations are merely attitudes.  On the outside it may seem I'm committed to God and His ways, but my motivation may be off; I could be more devoted to pleasing people than God or driven my ambition instead of a passion for Christ or inspired by fear or guilt instead of love.  I need God to show me the fallacy of my ways and show me His in a way I can understand.

"Put false ways far from me and graciously teach me your law!" (Psalm 119:29)

Heart.  It's hard to commit to something if I don't see the value of it.  When I was young, I didn't understand the importance of checking the oil in my car, even though I'd been told numerous time to do so.  Since I didn't see the value in making sure my vehicle's engine had enough oil circulating through it, I hardly ever bothered to pull the dip stick out to gauge it's levels.  Then one day the car wouldn't start.  The engine had been damaged beyond repair by driving without enough oil.  After spending hundreds of dollars to repair it, I suddenly understood the importance of checking my oil.

I tend to learn things the hard way, but when it comes to God, I can trust Him to open my heart so I will understand the value of living His way.  As I place myself in His hands like a pliable lump of clay, He forms me into the shape He created me to be.  Undergoing this transformation, I find myself drawn to the rightness of godly living.  This internal makeover gives me a greater appreciation for His way, and a deep desire to stick to the rocky path that leads to life.  Even when the going gets tough, I'll want to stand firm in Him because He has given me an affinity for Him and His Word.  

"I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart!" (Psalm 119:32)

There is no way my puny mind can comprehend God's Word apart from His clarifying and instructive Spirit.  Therefore, I am dependent upon His grace to give me understanding.  As I lean on Him, I'll find the strength that comes from His Word, the guidance He provides through it, and the open heart I need in order to stick to it.  This is the kind of insight that comes from God; this is true enlightenment!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God enough to let Him enlighten me.

When do I lean on my own understanding instead of God's?

How do I sink into sorrow instead of letting God's Word give me strength?  

Then He Knew

"In his distress he sought the favor of the LORD his God

and humbled himself greatly 

before the God of his ancestors.

And when he prayed to him,

the LORD was moved by his entreaty

and listened to his plea;

so he brought him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom.

Then Manasseh knew that the LORD is God."

2 Chronicles 33:12-13

Sometimes it takes a crisis or tragedy to set thing right in my life.  I don't naturally choose to know that the LORD is God (Psalm 100:3).  It's easy to live my life apart from Him, forgetting who He is and denying His sovereign nature.  Forgetting, that is, until I'm up against a wall, or facing my own demise, or at the end of myself.  Then, I suddenly recognize how much I need Him.

Humbled.  For seven years he lived a solitary existence, out in the wilds of the land.  Instead of dining at the king's table where he wanted for nothing he ate grass like a cow.  There was no bedding to sleep upon nor blankets to cover him as he slept.  Consequently, he awoke each morning drenched in dew.  Year after year passed without grooming of any kind and his hair began to resemble the feathers of a bird, his nails growing to a hideous length.  Nebuchadnezzar, mighty king of Babylon, remained this way until he acknowledged that God is most powerful and the sole source of all good things.  God knew what it took to humble this man (Daniel 4:28-37).

Equally, He knows what it takes to wake me up from my slumber.  I naturally believe I can do whatever I put my mind to, that I will succeed if I simply try hard enough, or that everything I have is as a result of my own hard work.  I also foolishly deceive myself into thinking I can protect myself from harm as long as I take all the precautions that are necessary, covering myself with insurance policies and never putting myself in harm's way.  Suddenly, I find myself in a place where I believe I am the captain of my own destiny, the king of my own life and am able to provide for my own needs.  It's clear I need to recognize how dependent I am upon the sovereign Lord.

Sometimes it takes a wake-up call for me to remember that I am at God's mercy.

Heard.  Sometimes I feel unnoticed, unimportant or overlooked.  I can stand in a crowd of people and not one person will acknowledge me, as if I don't exist.  It's easy to go through life thinking no one cares.

Thankfully, the Lord is a God who cares (1 Peter 5:7).  He hears my plea and responds to the cry of my heart.  When I realize how much I need Him and His compassionate touch, I reach out to Him.  And the amazing part is that He hears me!  This God who made all things, oversees all of creation and keeps all the parts going also notices little ole' me.  

He is never too busy, preoccupied or consumed with more important things to attend to my needs, no matter how trivial they may seem.  He loves to listen to my petty complaints, or hear about my seemingly inconsequential grievances, or take note of whatever is plaguing my mind.  

When I cry out to the Lord with a humble heart, He hears me: I am understood.

New Understanding.  As I enter into this sweet union with my Father who loves me, I gain a fresh perspective on life.  Apart any effort of my own, I become less and He becomes more.  My scope of vision is dominated by the Lord as all the other stuff I used to pay attention to fades to the background.  All the goals and pursuits that drove me forward now seem so silly as I appreciate my relationship with Jesus as most valuable (Philippians 3:7-9).

Unfortunately, I cannot always attain this understanding on my own.  Many times it takes a difficult time to get me to the point where God can get through to me.  Then I will come away with the realization that the Lord is God;  He made me, I belong to Him and am the work of His hand: I am completely dependent upon Him.  It's always been true, it's just that I don't always see it.

When I am heard, God gives me a new understanding of His sovereign nature.

Only God is God.  I don't always acknowledge that I am not, however.  Many times it takes a wake-up call of some kind to humble me to the point where I can acknowledge His sovereignty.  When I do, He will hear my cries and get to work changing my perspective.  Then I will know that the Lord is God.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I will humble myself before the Lord, recognizing my position at His mercy.

When do I forget about God as I go through my day, wrongly thinking I have control of my own destiny?

How am I guilty of being my own god, placing my wants and desires at the forefront of my vision?

Out of the Ordinary

"Isaac pleaded with the LORD on behalf of his wife,

because she was unable to have children.

The LORD answered Isaac's prayer,

and Rebekah became pregnant with twins.

But the two children struggled with each other in her womb.

So she went to ask the LORD about it.

'Why is this happening to me?' she asked.

And the LORD told her,

'The sons in your womb will become two nations.

From the very beginning,

the two nations will be rivals.

One nation will be stronger than the other;

and the older son will serve your younger son.'"

Genesis 25:21-23 NLT

The mockingbird landed on the fern that swung gracefully in the springtime breeze where it hung on my family's front porch.  Spotting the unusual happening through my front window, I perked up.  "Lord," I prayed as I watched the scene unfold before me,  "I've never seen that kind of bird land in our ferns; it's usually the finches that come calling.  What does this mean?"

Soon, I received the sense that something was not right.  As the day wore on, God revealed to me the meaning of the rare sighting:  The mockingbird was targeting the eggs the finches had laid in a carefully-made nest snuggled in the center of the hanging plant.  The Lord was using this scene to warn me that the children in our afterschool program were in some kind of jeopardy.  

As the kids arrived later that day, I saw the threat:  the neighbor's brother who always seemed to be watching our home while he smoked on the porch, openly frolicked with his girlfriend while the rest of the family was away at work and school, and seemed to be generally up to no good was talking to one of the kids as they passed by his house on the way to ours.  Feeling a sense of foreboding, I later talked to my neighbor about the antics of her brother, and soon he was packing up his belongings and moving on.  God had used the sign to alert me to the threat this man posed.

When things happen that are out of the ordinary, it is wise to go to God for enlightenment.

Lesson

I arrived right on time for my weekly Bible study at my friend Karen's home.  Not seeing my usual greeter, their energetic Boxer-Pit Bull mix, I wondered if Buddy might be tied up in the back yard.  Distracted by my thoughts, I opened the door and was surprised by a set of muddy paws scrambling up into my Yukon.  "Buddy, you're all muddy!"  I exclaimed, the anxious tone in my voice only serving to heighten the animal's energy level.  "Sit!"  I ordered in my sternest voice.  My command only seemed to add to his excitement at my presence.  I carefully exited my vehicle and he proceeded to anoint me with mud.  I finally made it to the top of the stairs where I climbed behind the railing erected to keep him off the porch. Just then, my friend opened the door and came out on the porch, "Hi, Cindy!  Oh, what happened?"

After cleaning up, we talked about the incident.  "Usually, Buddy does not act this way.  All the other times I've come to visit, he waits for me to get out of the car before he greets me, and he never jumps up on me."

As we sought the Lord's guidance, He showed us the kingdom lesson found in the muddy Buddy incident;  We often leave the door open for Satan's work in our lives, many times without even realizing it.  Letting anger fester, for instance, gives Satan a foothold in my life, and withholding forgiveness also makes me vulnerable to his destructive work.  (Ephesians 4:27, 2 Corinthians 2:11)  Instead of staying alert and keeping submitted to the Lord, I easily fall into temptation before I even know what is happening, just like I unknowingly opened the door to a waiting muddy dog. (1 Peter 5:8,James 4:7)

Just as God used the unusual incident of the dog jumping into my truck as a sign to teach my friend and I an important lesson about His kingdom, He uses all kinds of things around me to enlighten me about Him and His kingdom ways. (Romans 1:20)  The only questions is this:  Am I paying attention?

Out of the ordinary circumstances can be used by God to teach me kingdom lessons.

Prophecy

Her abdomen erupted as if there was a battle taking place within her womb.  Sleep was nearly impossible since there was near-constant movement within.  I didn't know bearing children would be so disruptive to my normal life!  I can scarcely get anything done with all the commotion occurring within my belly.

Instead of going to a doctor or consulting the older, more experienced women, Rebekah went to the Lord for an explanation.  While a human may have given her a physical reason for her unusual pregnancy, the Lord gave her a prophecy concerning her condition:  There were two rival nations represented by the twins within her womb. (Genesis 25:21-23)

While it has been said by some that God does not give prophecies any more, I tend to disagree.  God's character is unchanging.  Even though I have the benefit of His indwelling Spirit, He is still free to give me a heads up about what is to come using any means necessary. (Acts 2:17-18) Sometimes, like the previously mentioned mockingbird in the fern, He alerts me to a future event using unusual events happening in my life.

Out of the ordinary circumstances can be used by God to warn of upcoming happenings or to reveal what is yet to come.

Understanding

He set off down the road riding his trusty donkey.  Soon, however, the animal seemed to turn against him, veering off into a field.  "What is wrong with you?  Get back onto the road!"  The angry man cried as he beat his beast.

Soon he found himself on a stretch of road between two walls.  Suddenly, his donkey pressed up against the wall, crushing his foot.  "Arrrgggg!  What has gotten into you?  I think you broke my foot!"  he raged as he liberally used his cane upon the beast's back.

The final straw was placed when the donkey simply laid down in the middle of a narrow lane.  "That's it!  I'm gonna kill you!"  No sooner had the words left his mouth than the animal began to speak to him.  "What have I ever done to you that you would treat me so cruelly?"

"You made me look like an idiot!  If I had a sword, I'd have stabbed you dead on the spot!"

"Have I ever done anything like this in all the years I have served you?"

The man's anger subsided and he said, "No."

Then he could see what the donkey had perceived all along:  A mighty warrior angel stood in the roadway, sword drawn, blocking the way. (paraphrased from Numbers 22:21-34)

Just as Balaam didn't see what was really happening to cause his donkey to balk, so there is much in my life that I do not perceive.  Lost keys seem like an aggravation to me but could be the means to slow me down and protect me from an accident that would happen if I was on the road at the wrong time.

Needed surgery being cancelled at the last minute seems like a disappointment but in reality, God is protecting me from unforeseen danger.  A lack of funds necessitating a call to a creditor seems like an embarrassment and hardship, but if I could see with spiritual eyes I would understand how God is using it to put me in touch with the sister in Christ on the other end of the phone line.

Out of the ordinary circumstances can be used by God to provide understanding to the work of His mighty hand in my life.

I can either view unexpected events as a curiosity, or I can seek God's guidance.  When I go to to Him, I may find a hidden lesson,  a warning regarding my future, or a bit of understanding hidden within the circumstances.  For this reason, out of the ordinary events become a window into God's kingdom.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I will pay attention to what God is teaching me this day.

When am I apt to ignore the unusual, assuming it's just a quirk?

How do I forget that God is constantly at work all around me?     

Clear Conscience

"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone

who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.

But do this with gentleness and respect,

keeping a clear conscience,

so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander."

1 Peter 3:15-16

Everywhere she goes, she is on the outside.  Her family has moved countless times, always with the hope that this place will be different. She wants nothing more than to be a part of a loving, supportive community.  She has much love to give.   But her heart breaks as she sees the same pattern occurring again as it always has before.  She is shunned.  She is ostracized.  She is on the outside.

This is the experience of a friend of mine.  It hurts my heart to see her suffer as she puts up a good effort to carry on, living life as God has called her to live.  But inside she is hurting.  

I, too, have been hurt by others with rumors shared, slander spread and judgments made.  As much as this kind of treatment hurts, there is something I can do to not only get through it, but to glorify God in doing so.

Devotion to Christ

Robert Louis Stevenson said, "Perpetual devotion to what man calls his business is only to be sustained by perpetual neglect of many other things."

The 21st Century life is a busy life, filled with fruitful activities, educational pursuits and interesting hobbies.  But every single thing I add to my schedule is as a result of a conscious choice.  When the business of life overwhelms me, it is because I have over-committed myself, leaving very little room for my relationship with my Savior. 

When I think of the word "devotion," I picture a loyal dog peering up into the face of his beloved master.  In his eyes, I can see he desires nothing more than to please his master.

This is how I want to be with Christ; wanting nothing more than to please Him.  Many times, however, other stuff gets in the way; things I choose to add to my life that distracts my attention from my Master.  Good things.  Beneficial things.  Enriching things.  But distracting things, just the same.

The Apostle Paul taught in 1 Corinthians 6:12 that, "You say, 'I am allowed to do anything'--but not everything is good for you. And even though 'I am allowed to do anything,' I must not become a slave to anything." (NLT)

How many times am I a slave to my job or my or my family's activities or schedules?

Devotion to Christ is a choice I make as I place Him in the top position in my life, giving Him my full, undivided attention.

 Preparation

Fire prevention experts advise people to create a plan for their families in case of fire.  Practicing that plan is important because it is easy for panic to paralyze anyone's common sense, rendering them helpless and at risk of injury or death in times of crisis.  But if a family has rehearsed what to do in case of a fire, the training kicks in at the time it is needed and lives are saved.

It is the same with sharing the hope I have.  People ask questions when they see behavior that doesn't match up to what they're used to seeing, and these questions are windows of opportunity.   "Why did you give your car away?"  "Why do all the kids flock to your house?"  or "How come you don't defend yourself and your reputation?"

If I haven't rehearsed what I will say, I may panic and not know how to respond.  This has happened to me plenty of times.  It is important that I think different scenarios through and seek God's guidance in how to respond.  It is also important that I study the Bible for myself and understand what it is that I believe.  If I can't explain my faith, I surely won't be able to witness to others when the time comes.  

Setting my heart on Jesus is vital, but preparation is also important in knowing what I believe and how I can respond to questions asked by non-believers.  

Gentleness and Respect

I have a small sign in my kitchen that says, "Seek to Understand."  I placed it there in an effort to remind myself and my family members that everyone desires to be understood and it shows respect for others when I try to appreciate their point of view.  When I don't make an attempt to empathize with another, I am showing that I really don't care about them.  

Our family has fallen into a bad habit of seeking to be heard instead of striving to listen.  It is easy for me to think of myself and my opinions, thoughts or feelings.  I assume everyone else wants to hear what I have to say as much as I want to say it!  

But James 1:19 challenges this assumption.  "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." Furthermore, if I look into the book of Proverbs, I will find that God considers me a fool. "A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions."

I can spend all the time in the world preparing my answers, but if I don't respect others, my testimony won't get anywhere.  As Ben Franklin said, "No one cares what you know until they know that you care." 

Treating others with gentleness and respect is a sure way to gain their trust. 

Living a life where others hurt me is difficult.  But when I devote myself to Christ, prepare myself in my beliefs and respond with gentleness and respect, I can rest easy knowing that God's got my back.  He'll protect me and even show others where they've been wrong, giving them a sense of shame regarding the wrong they've done to me.  

Then I can say as David proclaimed in Psalm 18:2, "The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.  He is my shelf and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can keep my eyes on Jesus.

How do I let other things distract me from the One who died for me so that I can live?

When do I respond in harshness and disrespect?

God with Us

The virgin will be with child

and will give birth to a son,

and will call him Immanuel.

Isaiah 7:14

Immanuel literally means, "God with us."  Have you thought about the miracle of worshipping a God who is with us, and what that means to us this Christmas?

Accessible  There is only One True God, the Maker of heaven and earth, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.  But there are many other belief systems out there, none of which can claim their god is with them!  Islam claims a god who is merciful and powerful, but he is far away and will never be accessible, even in the afterlife.  The Lord our God is different.  He came to earth in the form of a man in order that I, ". . .may approach God with freedom and confidence."  (Ephesians 3:12)  There is nothing that can separate me from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus!  My God is always available to me!

Understanding   Immanuel understands me better than I know myself!   I make homemade bread every week.  Because I added all the ingredients for each batch of bread, kneaded it for the required time, let it rise, formed the dough into loaves, baked them in the oven, and sliced each loaf before placing them into a bags, I can honestly say that I know that bread well.  I made it, so I know it intimately.  I am so much more complicated than a loaf of bread, yet God made me and He understands me in a way that no one else can!  The One who made me and knows me in this way also lived the life of a human for 33 years.  He can appreciate anything I experience because He lived it, too.  My God always understands me!

Caring  There is no problem so small that God would not care.  The other day, my oldest daughter came home with a kitten who had been soaked in motor oil.  I don't know how this happened, but the poor thing was shivering cold and pathetic as can be.  We cleaned her up and asked God to find her a home.  But does the God of the universe have time for a little kitten?  Yes, He does.  Two days later my husband and I were running an errand and mentioned the kitten to a dear woman we had just met.  She exclaimed, "I've been looking for a kitten!"  She named the sweet tabby, "Diesel," and picked her up the next day, filled with joy at the prospect of her new family member.  As the hymn goes, "His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me!"  I am reminded in I Peter 5:7 that I can, "Cast all (my) anxiety on him because he cares for (me)."  My God always cares for me!

As I run around this Christmas, doing all that I think is required of me, I am determined to keep this thought in mind:  Immanuel is accessible, understanding and caring.  God is with me!

As I begin this day, it is my prayer that I can live my life in a way that illustrates God's presence in my day-to-day existence.

Where am I relying on my own strength instead of leaning on the one who cares for me?

How do I fail to extend to others this same understanding that God shows me?

Soaring

The LORD is the everlasting God,
   the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
   and his understanding no one can fathom. 

 He gives strength to the weary
   and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
   and young men stumble and fall;

but those who hope in the LORD
   will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
   they will run and not grow weary,
   they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:28-30

The wind whistles through my ears and blows several strands of hair into my face, distracting me from my mission.  I readjust my grip, sending tiny pebbles and dust falling into my eyes.  I don't know if I can hold on any longer.  Drops of sweat form on my forehead and my heart beats faster as I feel my fingers slip from their place on the cold, hard stone.  I'm losing my grip . . .

In  life, I sometimes feel like I'm barely holding onto the edge of a cliff, dangling thousands of feet in the air making every effort to keep from falling.  If only I can hold on for just another day, I think, then I know things will get better.  That's when the truth of Isaiah 40 is most needed.  My God does not grow weary and He will give me strength if I only give Him a chance.  Who is this God that I should put my faith in Him?

My Creator  The One True God is the One who created me along with everything in this world. He knows me intimately because, "(His) hands made me and formed me."  (Psalm 119:73)  When I was growing up, my dad built our house, garage and barn.  Since he placed every beam and floor joist, he knew the strengths and weaknesses of our home better than anyone else.  This is how God is with me.  I can trust Him because He made me!

Everlasting  The Lord our God has no beginning or end.  He is not bound by time as we are.  As Moses prayed to God,"Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God." (Psalm 90:2)  This is a God who I can count on because He is a God ". . .who is, and who was, and who is to come." (Revelation 1:8)  I can trust Him because He will always be there!

Understanding  There are so many times when I feel like no one understands me.  I try to explain my point of view, or describe what is happening in my heart, but words cannot adequately describe my thoughts and feelings.  God, however, knows and understands!  David expressed God's intimate understanding of me in one of my favorite Psalms. 

"O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me.

You know when I sit down or stand up.  

You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.

You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. 

You know everything I do.

You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord."

(Psalm 139:1-4, NLT)

I can trust Him because He fully understands me.

Fall  When I feel I cannot hold on any longer, I need to let go and fall into the arms of the One who created me, who will always be there to catch me, and who intimately knows and understands me.  He will not let me fall.  In fact, in His arms. . . I will soar!

As I begin this day, it is my prayer that I will stop trying to hold on, and let my God carry me.

Where am I refusing to let God in?

How am I holding myself and others back by trying to do things myself, instead of letting God?

My Ways Are Higher

 



“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
   neither are your ways my ways,”
            declares the LORD.
“As the heavens are higher than the earth,
   so are my ways higher than your ways
   and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Isaiah 55:8-9

The Discussion
"No!  That movie is not good for you and I'm not giving you permission to go see it!"
"But Mom! All of my friends are going and if I tell them you won't let me go, they're going to be mad at me."
"My answer is still 'No.'  You're just going to have to trust me on this, Honey.  Believe me. . .you'll thank me for this later."
"Arrrgggghhh!"

Why?   I have always had a strong desire to understand why things happen, or to comprehend the motivations that drive someone to do something.  I can analyze a thing to death until I've studied all possible angles and viewpoints.  This can be helpful when thinking back on a hurtful conversation and understanding where I went wrong, but it runs counter to a faith relationship with my Father.

Understanding God's Character    Part of faith is following without understanding.  It's as if God is saying, "If I say jump, I want you to jump!"  It speaks to my understanding of God's sovereignty and power.  To trust Him in a thing, is to say, "I know you have a purpose here, and even though it seems wrong to me, I will trust you in Your plan."  It was like when the prophet Jeremiah assured God's people, who were in exile at the time, that God knew of their predicament and that He knew what He is was doing and, in fact, that their situation was all a part of a greater plan.  Read Jeremiah 29:10-14:


 This is what the LORD says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place.  For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.  You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.  I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”

Full Circle  God's plan would bring His people full circle, back to their homes in Jersualem after a period of time.   It was as if God were saying, "You're just going to have to trust me on this.  Believe me. . . you'll thank me for this later."

Acceptance  If I were one of the exiles, I'd probably analyze my situation, trying to understand the purpose for my plight.  But showing my faith in God would mean that I would accept where God has placed me, and would live for Him there.

As I begin this day, it is my prayer that I would accept the situations in which God has placed me, and trust in His plan for my life.

Where am I trying to understand instead of simply trusting in the goodness, lovingkindness and sovereignty of God?