Words of Jesus

"When he had finished speaking,

he said to Simon,

'Put out into deep water,

and let down the nets for a catch.'

Simon answered, 'Master, we've worked hard all night

and haven't caught anything.

But because you say so, I will let down the nets.'

When they had done so,

they caught such a large number of fish

that their nets began to break."

Luke 5:4-6

"Go sit with the nerd who eats lunch alone every day."

"Go deep into the jungle and meet the viscous headhunters."

"Forgive the one who kidnapped your daughter from the safety of your own home."

"Quit your job and begin a full-time ministry."

"Sell your house and move into a smaller one in a drug- and gang-infested area."

"Move to a third-world country and start an orphanage."

These are all directives God has given to His people at one time or another.  None of them make sense to my own intelligence and common sense.  Each one of them goes against what I know to be the smart, self-preserving decisions on which I like to base my life.  Every one contains some kind of risk, whether it be physical, social or emotional.  None of them are things I would decide to do on my own.

Jesus has a way of breaking the mold of what's acceptable, normal or safe.  He is only concerned about one thing: doing the will of His Father.  (John 4:34, John 9:4) Since God's ways are opposite of the way I would naturally do things, (Isaiah 55:9) it takes effort to do things His way.  I must constantly allow Him to transform my mind into His way of thinking and doing.  (Romans 12:2)

When Jesus puts a radical idea on my heart, I can either act on it, or push it aside as impractical, reckless and radical.  My obedience is dependent upon what I've been doing up until that point.  Either I've been living for me or I've been undergoing training that prepares myself for His calling.

Stay Connected

We used to have this laptop that had a damaged power cord and a weak battery.  If we moved the computer even slightly, the connection between the source of electricity and the laptop would be broken resulting in the shutdown of the machine and loss of any work in progress.  Using this computer was risky and frustrating to say the least.

It's not so different with me.  When I'm connected to my Source of power, His love flows through me and I can do anything He asks me to do. (Philippians 4:13) But when sin, fear, doubt or pride get in the way and I begin relying on my own weak power, I no longer am able to accomplish anything that has kingdom merit.  (John 15:5-8 )

The world, however, tells me that I have the power I need to do whatever it is I want to do.  In reality, I'm helpless to achieve real change;  I need Jesus to transform me into who He created me to be.  (2 Corinthians 5:17)

How do I stay connected to the unlimited power of God?  Oswald Chambers likened the indwelling Spirit of God to a river.  He said, "The river of the Spirit of God overcomes all obstacles.  Never get your eyes on the obstacle or on the difficulty.  The obstacle is a matter of indifference to the river which will flow steadily through you if you remember to keep right at the Source.  Never allow anything to come between yourself and Jesus Christ, no emotion, or experience; nothing must keep you from the one great sovereign Source."

The key is to keep my focus so fully on Jesus that there is no room in my line of sight for doubt.  Whatever trouble or fear that pops up, I can then honestly say it is nothing compared to the overwhelming force of God that flows within me.  To do this I must moment by moment cultivate a strong relationship with Jesus.  Spending time with Him in the study of His Word, turning all my fears and doubts over to Him, and showing my trust in Him by doing what He says are all good steps to take toward building a close connection to my Source.

When I'm firmly connected the the Source, I'll have the power I need to answer His calling.

Seek First 

A friend of mine owned an enormous German Shepherd whose only passion in life was to chase his ball.  The moment I walked in the door, he'd pick up the ball and would never take his focus from that toy.  Nothing could distract him; not food, cats, affection, nothing!  He was all about his ball.

In a way, this is how God wants me to live my life, but instead of fixating on a hobby, toy or career, He is to be at the center of my attention. (Matthew 6:33)  In this way, instead of following man's way and going after what I want and need, I am showing God that I trust Him enough to let Him provide for me as I live my life for Him.

In my old way of thinking, I set a goal and then worked hard to achieve it.  In my new mind, I let God choose the goal and follow Him as He leads me to accomplishing it through His power.

The world tells me to live my life in pursuit of happiness and fulfillment.  God tells me to live my life for Him and I will find fulfillment as I please Him in being true to who He made me to be.

It's easy for me to worry about how I'll know the way God wants me to live my life.  Instead, I can wholeheartedly commit my day to Him and see how He guides me in what to do and supplies the words for me to say.

When I put all my effort into going after my relationship with Him above all other things, I'll never go without what I need.

Heavenly Minded

There is a saying that says, "Don't be so heavenly minded that you are no earthly good."  While this thought may appeal to my self-centered, independent mindset, it is contrary to God's Word.  The idea behind the saying is that God's ways have no bearing on the problems we are encountering on a daily basis here on earth.  

As the Creator of all things, I think God knows a bit about how the world works.  If I want to have an impact here on earth, I must keep my eyes on Jesus who is the author and perfecter of my faith. (Hebrews 12:2) If I set my heart and mind on things above, He will give me power over my earthly nature.  (Colossians 3:1-2)  Then I will be able to live my life in a way that pleases Him.

If, however, I set my mind on gaining knowledge, the trappings of success and popularity, then I risk becoming a fool in the eyes of God.  (1 Corinthians 3:18-19)  He is not impressed with my worldly pursuits and mindset.  I could earn a doctorate in rocket science and land on the cover of Time magazine but it wouldn't draw the eye of God.   What does delight the Lord is a heart fully devoted to Him and a mind continually set on Him.

Where is my mind this day?  Am I thinking about my schedule, my five-year plan or the obstacles that always hold me back?  Or am I focused on God's Word, the Truth that He knows the plan He has for my life, and His sovereignty which overwhelms all barriers?

When my mind is focused on heavenly things, my being is filled with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; all things that definitely do not come naturally to me.

The words of Jesus sound crazy to me as His follower.  The only way I'll be able to do what He asks is if I stay connected to the Source, seek His kingdom above all other things, and to keep my mind on heavenly things.  In this way I'll please Him and receive an abundant blessing that I'd otherwise never experience.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can focus on what Jesus is saying to me without regard to my circumstances or what my eyes may see.

How do I let my own earthly mind keep me from doing what Jesus asks because it doesn't make sense to me?

When do I go after my needs instead of letting Him provide?  

Just a Hometown Boy

"'I tell you the truth,'

he continued,

'no prophet is accepted in his hometown.'"

Luke 4:24

The headlines screamed out from the page lying on the counter of the little cafe: "Hometown Boy Makes it Big."  The small town gossip soon followed. . .

"What do ya' think about ole' Joe's boy?"

"I heard he wrote a book that made the NY Times bestseller's list."

"He's got millions of viewers on his television program."

"Ya, he's pretty popular."

"Remember his family?  Joe was a contractor, never really made it big.  Always had little jobs here and there, but nothing significant.  Never even had enough business to move out of the shop he had set up in his garage."

"Then there was his wife, Mary Jo.  She just kept having kids and always kind of kept to herself. In fact the whole family seemed like they thought they were better than everyone else."

"Ya. . . just kind of weird to see their oldest become such a star."

"Well, like they always say, 'there's no accounting for taste.'"

It's hard to believe when someone we grew up with becomes successful and well known in their field.  Somehow, I always think of them as that little kid who used to trip over his shoelaces, or the girl who had a crush on a different boy every week from the time she was in 3rd grade.  If I try to pay attention to the message their delivering, I get distracted by their past.

God uses broken, sinful people to accomplish amazing things in His Kingdom.  (1 Corinthians 1:26-31)  He does this so He will get all the glory.  Sometimes, though, when God uses a close friend or relative to deliver a message, I may miss it because I'm distracted by the messenger.  How can so-and-so know anything about marriage when she's divorce, I may think, or, what could he tell me about living as a peacemaker when he was the biggest bully in school. 

God can use anyone to speak truth into my life.  Humility allows me to look past the flesh and see and hear the Spirit within.

Full Disclosure

In the field of security, "full disclosure" is a term used to describe the idea that revealing weaknesses and problems with security systems will bring about solutions from industry professionals who want to protect their product's image and reputation.  Giving away the vulnerabilities forces the industry to come up with a better product, whether it be in the areas of computer security, alarm systems or safes and locks.  The idea is that transparency drives improvement. 

Unfortunately, this same concept does not translate well to other areas of life.  The more people know about me, the less they'll see that's admirable and the more they'll see that's fodder for gossip and slander.

Thankfully, God knows me intimately, and still loves me and chose me to belong to Him.  (Psalm 139, John 15:16) He knows all my weaknesses, all my sin, all my foolishness but wants to use me anyway!  Because of His great love and mercy, I can trust His choice of servants.

When I hear a child who is known for her spastic, disruptive behavior say, "Just trust God, Mrs. Boose."  I can either discard it as a ranting of a mere child, or I can take it before the Lord and seek His will.

If a relative who can never seem to get his life together begins a ministry that offers hope to the hopeless, I can dismiss it as foolishness or ask God's blessing upon him.

When a notorious gigolo becomes a man of God and is used by Him to strengthen marriages, I can laugh in his face or I can humbly accept God's sovereign work.

Knowing a person's faults can sometimes get in the way of how God is using that person but humility means looking past the flaws and seeing the Truth.

History

One of the hardest parts of the election season is all the dirt that comes out about each candidate.  It seems to be the objective of political campaigns to elevate themselves by dragging down their opponent so the voters are left with choosing the lesser of two evils.

Every human being has a history.  Some possess a more colorful past than others, but at the foot of the cross, the ground is level.  Sin is sin in the eyes of God. (John 5:17)  As a child of God through faith in Jesus Christ, my sin is made as white as snow.  In the eyes of God, I appear as if I were without sin. (Romans 3:22)

For this reason, God is able to use me.  He made me to be a vessel of His good works.  (Ephesians 2:10 , 2 Corinthians 4:7)  This truth goes for all whom God chose.  It then makes sense for me to look past another's record and instead keep my focus on what God is currently doing in their life.

God uses people for His purposes and glory.  He chooses those according to His plan, not because of their own worth, ability or qualifications.  He uses tricksters, murderers, prostitutes, and liars.  (Romans 9:10-13, Genesis 25:29-33, Exodus 2:11-14 ,Joshua 2 , Hebrews 11:31, Genesis 20) 

My history or the past of anyone else does not nullify the Word of God.  Letting go of yesterday means I can trust God with tomorrow and place my confidence in who He chooses to use.

Knowledge of history, my own or that of someone else, bears no importance to the sovereignty of God's plan but can instead be used as an impetus to grow my faith.

God Alone

I remember being at an event at a park where I couldn't see a thing that was happening on stage because of the large crowd that had gathered to watch the performance.  I could hear the music and message, but couldn't see the performers.

In God's kingdom, I am not a performer or entertainer, but a servant used by God.  (Matthew 20:26-28)  Many times, though, my own flesh will get in the way with what God is doing.  Either my fear will stop me from obeying, my past failures will give me reason not to step out in faith, or I listen to the voices around me who are speaking against what God has told me.  

Whatever the source of the obstacle, I must remember the truth that God alone can produce kingdom fruit in my life.  (Galatians 5:22-23)  Apart from Him, I can do nothing.  (John 15)  Everything good I see in my life and in the lives of those around me comes from the Father of lights.  (James 1:17)

As I go through my day, I can choose to focus on the weaknesses I see in my flesh and the humanness of those around me, or I can look for evidence of God's work.  If I look, I will find it!  

Knowing that God is the only one who can do good things gives me the ability to look past the faults and history of myself and others and focus on all the good that He is doing.

Jesus was not accepted as the Son of God in His hometown, Elijah was not sent to a widow he knew and Elisha didn't heal his friends and neighbors.  Many times our faults and history can get in the way of what God is doing.  In order to keep from being an obstacle to God's sovereign plan, I must guard against letting human weaknesses impede my vision of the Almighty.  I just might be surprised where I see God working!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God enough to know that He can use anybody.

How do I doubt God's plan when I catch sight of His servant?

When do I put a halt to God's work in my own life because I can't get past my fears?

Wilderness

  "Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit,

returned from the Jordan and was led

by the Spirit in the desert,

where for forty days he was tempted by the devil.

He ate nothing during those days,

and at the end of them he was hungry. . .

Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit,

and news about him spread through the whole countryside.

He taught in their synagogues,

and everyone praised him."

Luke 4:1-2, 14-15

His tongue was swollen and sticking to the roof of His mouth.  Hunger became His friend as He followed the Source through the dry and arid place.  There was nothing of beauty there, only suffering, yet He was not without Comfort.  Peace enveloped Him as His stomach rumbled and His lips cracked.  He took consolation from the thought that this was not without purpose but was all a part of the great Plan.  

I have gone through many wilderness times in my life:  Periods when it seemed like God had left me, when I didn't know which way was up and my faith seemed shaky.  Despite how these interludes appeared, they were times of intense preparation meant to ready me for something bigger.  

How is He training me today?  What difficulty am I enduring with frustration, longing to reach the other end?  How is God using this time for His glory?

Power of the Spirit

As a former military wife, I like to think of myself as being pretty self-sufficient.  If something in the house breaks, I'll take a crack at repairing it.  Moving furniture is not a job I feel the need to wait for my husband to help me with, instead I forge ahead and finish the task with gusto.  Outside work does not intimidate me; in fact I rather enjoy getting down in the dirt transplanting a bush or spraying the trees for pests.  I'm a typical independent, self-reliant woman.

The problem is, I can't be a modern-day autonomous female and a follower of Christ.  What I mean is that a believer is called to be dependent on God, reliant on Him and empty of self; characteristics that go drastically against my natural 21st-Century way of thinking.

God takes me through dry and difficult times in the wilderness to empty me of myself, remind me of my weak state and reiterate my need for Jesus.  Without Him, I am nothing.  When I forget these truths, I tend to rely on myself and don't tap into the power of the Spirit of God.  

The Apostle Paul explained that God used a weakness to humble him, reminding him that, "'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'"  Therefore, Paul confessed that it's his very fragile human state in  which he will rejoice because, ". . .when I am weak, then I am strong." (1 Corinthians 12:8-10)

Oswald Chambers compares God's power to a river.  He says, "If you believe in Jesus, you will find that God has nourished in you mighty torrents of blessing for others."  I have nothing to do with this flow: it comes from the Source as long as I am open to Him and empty of myself.

The times in the desert work to humble me and readjust my priorities to where God is squarely in the center of all things and the only source of power.

Open Doors

An open door can signify free access such as when a professor says, "Stop by my office at anytime.  I have an open door policy."  It can also represent a nation's willingness to trade freely with other countries.  Doors also have long been symbols of opportunity.  When a door stands open, the message is that I am welcome to walk through, seizing the opportunity.  If, however, an access-way is closed, it is not my time.

Everything works on God's timetable.  (Proverbs 16:9)  He is never late.  (2 Peter 3:8-9)  He is the one with the master plan.  (Jeremiah 29:11)  For these reasons, I must trust God with the times He has placed me in a barren place.  As I seemingly wallow in futility, God is putting all the pieces in place, making the path ready for my feet to traverse.  

John the Baptist went through a long time of preparation in the desert for his important mission; to prepare the way for the Lord.  (Luke 1:80 John 1:22-23) He needed to wait for Jesus to grow to a certain age, for specific men who would be the disciples of the Lord to be in place, and for God's timing to fit His plan.  

John knew his purpose and he could very well have tired of waiting, desired a better life than one of a vagabond in the wilderness or doubted God's plan.  Instead, he stayed where God had placed him until the time was right for him to begin his public duty.

I easily grow tired of difficult circumstances, dreary surroundings or less-than-desirable occupations.  But if I can trust God's timetable, it won't be long before it will be time to move into His greater purpose for my life.  Meanwhile, I can learn to be content in the wilderness.

The times in the desert serve as a holding area, giving God leeway to work until it's my time to go.

Praise to Jesus

I naturally cry very easily.  I have found this trait to be extremely frustrating as it makes it difficult for me to express what is in my heart; the tears get in the way of my ability to speak.  For those who know me, they see how much I struggle with this trait.  But when God is speaking through me, He gives me the power to get His message out with nary a catch in my throat.  All the glory goes to Him because everyone knows I am naturally unable to express myself very well.

In the same way, when I am filled with His Spirit after an arid time, He gets all the glory for whatever He does through me.  Just as people heard Jesus teach with authority and knew there was something special about Him, others will recognize His power once I come out of the desert.

The result of a time of difficulty and trial is that the name of Jesus will be lifted up on high.  Like when my friend's cancer defied all the odds and went away without a trace.  No one would have guessed that after all the suffering she endured that she would one day be standing there as a living testimony to the power and sovereignty of God.

It is hard to imagine how another friend would praise God as she told me of all the pain her body endured.  She knew that every breathe she took was a gift from the Almighty and trusted Him with her life, despite the suffering.  

Only the power of God could explain how a woman who endured a horrible divorce could come out on the other side as a humble creature willing to give God all the honor and glory for who she is and how her life turned out.

Difficulties are not the end.  Instead, they are a tool used by God to prepare me for a time when I will give Him all the praise. 

My purpose in life is to bring glory to God.  Sometimes this means spending time in a place where it seems there is no glory.  As I endure the preparations, molding and humbling, I'm giving God a chance to put all things in place.  Then, as His power flows through me, Jesus will get all the praise.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can keep my eyes on Jesus, especially through the difficulties.

How am I fighting God in the desert?

When do I fail to see His hand in the dry places?

The Plague of Doubt

". . .the angel said to him: 'Do not be afraid, Zechariah; 

your prayer has been heard.

Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son,

and you are to give him the name John. . .'

Zechariah asked the angel, 'How can I be sure of this?

I am an old man and my wife is well along in years?'

The angel answered, 'I am Gabriel.

I stand in the presence of God, 

and I have been sent to speak to you

and to tell you this good news.

And now you will be silent and not able to speak

until the day this happens,

because you did not believe my words, 

which will come true at their proper time.'"

Luke 1:13, 18-20

I remember when my oldest daughter was 4-years old.  She was always a chatterbox, but when she came into the age of inquisition, she became an interrogator worthy of the CIA or FBI.

"Come on, honey, it's time for me to give you and your sisters a bath."

"Why?"

"Because you're dirty and it's almost time for bed.  It's nice to go to bed clean."

"Why?"

"So you won't get the sheets dirty."

"Why?"

"Because then I'll need to wash the linens and I'd rather not make so much work for myself."

"Why?"

"Because I already have enough to do, now come on and gather up your sister's pajamas and let's head into the bathroom."

"Why, Mommy?"

"Because I said so!"

Preschoolers are naturally curious, constantly seeking to learn about the world around them.  I, too, tend to want to know why things are a certain way or what makes someone do what they do. There's nothing wrong with a healthy interest in what makes things tick.  Take Mary, for instance.  When the same angel that visited Zechariah showed up in her presence, Gabriel gave her some astounding news: you are going to have a baby named Jesus who will grow up to be some kind of ruler over a never-ending kingdom and will even be called the Son of the Most High. (Luke 1:26-38)

Mary accepted this shocking news but showed a simple curiosity in how it would all come about since she wasn't married.  How would she become pregnant; how was God going to bring this about?  There was no question as to whether this event would happen, just an interest in how it would occur.

Zechariah, on the other hand, questioned the accuracy of this message and God's ability to bring it to pass.  To make his point, he called attention to the old age of he and his wife.  

Curiosity is not discouraged by God; only doubt.  I am reminded in Hebrews 11:6, that without faith, or the ability to believe something will happen, it is impossible to please God.  

But I am prone to doubt, just like Zechariah.  His experience reminds me that there are consequences for my doubt.  Thankfully, my doubt will not stop the will of God.  Just as God's promise still came to pass in the form of a baby named John, God's purpose will always go forth. (Isaiah 14:26-27)  The only question is: Will I be a part of it, or will I be watching from the sidelines, mute and paralyzed by fear and disbelief?

God's Sovereignty

My husband and I owned a tandem bike for a period of time.  It was difficult for me to ride in back while he controlled the handlebars and brakes.  Donald decided in which direction to go and when it was time to stop.  If we rode down a hill, only he could slow it down.  In a nutshell, my husband had all the control and I had none.

This is kind of how it is with me and God.  He decides the direction my life will take, how fast I need to go, when it's time for a bumpy ride and when I need to stop for a rest.  This is His world and He's in control.

The problem is, I possess this desire to know my own future.  I want to know the details of what's coming up ahead.  When I give into this desire, I attempt to figure out what is happening and what I think will be the expected outcome.  I analyze all the possible angles, coming up with solutions for each scenario.  I spend a lot of time thinking about the issues at hand.  Much to my dismay, the reality is that this is the definition of "worry."

When I doubt God's ability to lead me well and hesitate to give Him control, I fall into an anxious heap.  Jesus said not to go after our needs or to try to orchestrate the details of my life because God knows what I need.  Instead, He said to, "seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things (all my needs) will be given to you as well.  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow  will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own."  (Matthew 6:32-34)

Worry and anxiety is a sign that I'm not trusting God's sovereignty and His ability to lead me well.  

If I want to avoid the plague of doubt when it comes to God's control over my life, I must learn to trust Him enough to place everything in His capable hands.  (Philippians 4:4-7)

God's Calling

God asked the impossible from a man who doubted.  He wondered how God could possibly use a reject like him to deliver such an important message to His people.  What if they didn't listen?  What if they didn't believe him?  What if he couldn't get the words out?  Who am I to do something so big?

The question is not, as Rafiki of the Lion King asked Simba, "who are you?"  Rather, the inquiry I should constantly make is, "who is God?"  You see, God's calling on my life has nothing to do with me.  It isn't dependent upon my abilities, gifts or desires.  Instead, it is about God and His ability.

When Moses asked God, "Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?"  God's reply was, "I will be with you."  (Exodus 3:11-12)

In the same way, when God places a burden on my heart for the hurting and downtrodden in my own neighborhood, but I'm afraid I won't be able to do the job, I can remember that God is with me.

Or when God convicts me to teach a Bible study despite my lack of degree in Bible teaching, I can take heart that God is with me.

Or when God inclines my heart toward the people of a third-world country even though I've always hated to travel, I will gain courage from the fact that God is with me.  It's not up to me.

The anecdote to doubt in the face of God's calling is to remember that God is with me and He will accomplish what He set out to do.

God's Plan

Clouds are looming on the horizon.  My way seems dark with no way out.  Voices laugh tauntingly as I continue down the path that seems destined for doom.  Should I continue on the way my Master pointed?  I wonder as my foot falls in a pothole.  Is this the way He meant for me?  It seems wrong; filled with pain and suffering.  How can this be right?

Which way is God leading that seems risky or perhaps not something I would choose for myself?  When I read that the Lord said, "For I know the plans I have for you. . .plans to proper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future," it's easy for me to form a picture in my mind of what those plans may look like.  I see comfort, pleasure and fulfillment.  

Then reality sets in as the test from the doctor comes back positive, the daughter goes missing or the loved one moves on to someone else.  How can anything good come out of this?  

Just as God allowed hard things to enter Job's life in order to test his faith, sometimes God allows trials and difficulties in the same way.  Other times, God's plan includes working with people I don't like, doing I job I don't particularly enjoy, or sticking with a marriage that brings unhappiness.  

Living a life of faith devoid of doubt means I'll have to do as Solomon instructed in Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT.  "Trust in the LORD with all you heart; do not depend on your own understanding.  Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take."  

In order to stop doubting, I must trust God's plan as good, even when it seems bad.

Asking questions of God is not forbidden, but doubting whether He is really in control of all things, is calling me to do something big or even small, or has a plan for my life comes at a price.  To fight the plague of doubt, I'll have to place my life in His hands, remember that He equips the called, and that His plan is good no matter how it looks to me.  Then I will avoid the consequences that come with disbelief and be able to say as Mary did, "I am the Lord's servant.  . .May it be to me as you have said."  (Luke 1:38)

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God with my whole heart and let go of the fear that holds me back.

When do I let my own insecurities hold me back from answering God's calling?

How do I judge a hard thing as not from God?

  

To Satisfy

"Wanting to satisfy the crowd,

Pilate released Barabbas to them."

Mark 15:15a

The hard prickly object hit me on the side of the head as I innocently walked toward my 5th-grade classroom during recess.  What was that?  I thought as I bent down to pick up the chestnut encased in it's thorny outer casing.  

"Ow!  That hurt!  Who threw that?"  I asked my friends as I rubbed the sore spot on my temple.  "What do they have against me?"  I wondered aloud, secretly feeling flattered when I spotted the group of boys laughing and pointing our way.

"Oh, I guess Billy must like you, Cindy."  my friends teased.

We all know how pre-adolescent boys show their affection; by hitting, throwing things at, or using some other form of physical violence toward the object of their liking, especially when boys gather together.  None of us makes the best decisions when influenced by a group.

While "Billy" may have been trying to get my attention in quite a desperate way, I too make foolish decisions when trying to impress or satisfy anyone or anything besides God.  There is much to distract me from obeying God wholeheartedly.  But without dedicating my whole heart to God, I can't please Him.

God or Others?

"I'd do anything to be popular," the little girl admitted as she ate her snack after school one day.  While this may seem drastic, most of us feel the same way, to one degree or another.  I remember when I was a student in High School being very concerned with buying the right pair of jeans and trying to act a certain way even though it didn't really feel natural; all with the goal of fitting in somewhere.  Teenagers are very concerned with what their peers think.

It's not so different, though, now that I've grown up.  I desire to please God, but many times I find myself thinking about what others will think.  What will people say if I skip weekly Bible study in order to spend more time with my family?  How will it look if my daughter shows up to church with a tattoo?  Will I be ostracized if I share what's really going on in my heart?

Just as Joshua challenged the Israelites to choose this day who they will serve, I must continually confront myself with the same choice. (Joshua 24:15)  Whose opinion matters most: God's or others?  Who will I follow: God or people I admire?  To whom do I pay the most attention: God or people?

When pleasing people is my innermost desire, I will do things that work against God like compromising on His precepts, telling myself it must not be that bad if everyone is doing it.  When trying to impress people, I will most likely end up hurting someone.  If I'm doing things, even noble things, for the wrong reasons, my efforts will bear no kingdom-impact and will mean nothing to God.  (John 15:5-8, Matthew 6:1)

When pleasing God is what my heart craves most of all, I will obey without question.  As Charles Spurgeon said, ". . . when God tells me to do a thing, if I say, 'What for?' I cannot have taken the place which Faith ought to occupy, which is that of simple obedience to whatever the Lord hath said."  Faith is believing beyond reason that God's way is best and that He is able to accomplish what He's promised.  Without this faith, it's impossible to please God.  (Hebrews 11:1)

With this faith, I can focus on pleasing God, not men.  As the Apostle Paul said, "You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed--God is our witness.  We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else." (1 Thessalonians 2:5-6)  A heart purely motivated by obedience to God will not hold any secret agendas or selfish plan.  Instead, it is all about pleasing the Lord.

A heart devoted to pleasing God will obey without question, while one intent on pleasing people will wonder about the impact made or worry about the fallout created.

God or Flesh?

"I don't want to clean my room!  I want to play outside!"  Anyone who has spent time with children recognizes this common attitude.  Children often express their desires, using them as an excuse to get out of chores.  If parents did not exist and kids simply followed their every whim and desire, I can only imagine the chaos that would follow.   While I chuckle at this sentiment, it reveals a serious underlying issue that faces every human.

I am inherently selfish.  My sin nature only focuses on me and my wants, comforts and drives.  If I live to please my flesh, I will, in the words of Paul, "reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. . . Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked.  A man reaps what he sows."  (Galatians 6:8, 7)

I can't expect good things to come out of my life: wholesome, uplifting, fulfilling and satisfying things, if I'm bent on pleasing myself.  Just as I can't expect to harvest a cucumber if I plant a carrot seed, it would be foolish for me to expect God to bless my life when I'm all about me.

In his letter the the believers at Rome, Paul explained that I can either live according to my own flesh, or follow God's Spirit who dwells within me.  (Romans 8:1-17)  Doing what I want leads toward death, while obeying God takes me on the path of life.  (Psalm 23:1-4)

A heart devoted to pleasing God will follow His lead down peaceful paths, while one focused on my own desires will reap a life of destruction and chaos.

God or My Reputation?

I've heard it said that there are two perceptions of each of us: One being who people think I am, while the other being who I really am.  The former is considered to be my reputation, while the latter is my character.

God deals with truth and reality not with perceptions and facades.  While I may be able to fool people into thinking I'm a pretty okay person, God knows my heart.  He knows me inside and out, understands how I think and even what I'm going to say before I say it.  There is nowhere I can go outside of His presence.  (Psalm 139)  

Despite this intimate knowledge of me and my shortcomings and evil heart, He loves me!  Evidence of this is that He picked me, I didn't choose Him. (John 15:16) Even though there's nothing good within me, (Romans 7:18)  He chose me for His purposes. (Ephesians 2:10)

Why, then, am I so intent on preserving my own reputation?  I want to make sure the things I do fit the perception of what I want others to have of me, or at the very least I don't want to look stupid or silly.  It's easy for me to make decisions based on what will make me look good instead of simply following God.  Or, I can fall into the trap of doing what I think I should do instead of being obedient to my Father.  

As Oswald Chambers taught, "The Holy Spirit expounds the nature of Jesus Christ to me in order to make me one with my Lord, not that I might go off as a showroom exhibit. . . .The spirit that comes in is not that of doing anything for Jesus, but of being a perfect delight in Him."

My relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ is what matters most:  Whatever He calls me to do or not to do is secondary.  What is most important is how I am related to Him.  If my own desire to look good to others is what is driving me, then it's getting in the way of my connection to Jesus. 

A heart devoted to pleasing God will be focused completely on my relationship with Him, while one concerned with my reputation will hinder my intimacy with Him.

Jesus said it was impossible to serve two masters.  (Matthew 6:24)  Each day, I must ask myself who I desire to satisfy:  It's either God or a myriad of other distractions.  When I commit my heart to pleasing God, I will be able to set aside my tendency to try to impress people, gratify my selfish desires, and worry about my reputation. Then I can pray as David did, "Create in my a clean heart, O God.  Renew a loyal spirit within me. . .Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you."  (Psalm 51:10 &12)

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I will desire to please God above all other things.

When do I let my self-conscious state take me away from existing in a God-conscious position.

How do my desires overpower God's as I go through my day?

Fear of Greatness

"An angel of the Lord appeared to them,

and the glory of the Lord shone around them,

and they were terrified.

But the angel said to them,

'Do not be afraid.  

I bring you good news of great joy

that will be for all the people.'"

Luke 2:9-10

It seems that whenever people encountered God's messengers as recorded in the Bible, they were terrified.  The angel then usually reassured them and delivered an amazing message:  "A Savior is born. . . I'm here to help. . . You are chosen. . . He's alive!"

It's natural to fear such power that comes straight from a holy God.  What is it God is telling me today?  What is His message to me?  Am I terrified?

'Do not be afraid!'  If I accept His Word and move forward in faith, I will witness His glory.

Great Things Disguised

"And Mary said:

'My soul glorifies the Lord

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for he has been mindful

of the humble state of his servant.

From now on all generations will call me blessed,

for the Mighty One has done great things for me--

holy is his name.'"

Luke 1:46-49

She was single and pregnant, an outcast during a time when such a thing brought great shame.

Yet she magnified the Lord and recognized the great things God was doing instead of dwelling on her circumstances.

What great thing is God doing in my life that's disguised as a burden, crisis or trial?

Humbling myself means I learn to accept what God has for me, even if it brings me shame or heartache.