Personal Faith

"God did extraordinary miracles through Paul,

so that even handkerchiefs and aprons

that had touched him were taken to the sick,

and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them.

Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits

tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus

over those who were demon-possessed.

They would say,

'In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches,

I command you to come out.'

Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this.

One day the evil spirit answered them,

'Jesus I know,

and I know about Paul,

but who are you?'

Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all.  He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding."

Acts 19:11-16

The seven sons of Sceva tried to mimic the great works Paul was doing without knowing Jesus for themselves.  The evil spirits recognized their pretense and took advantage of their vulnerability.

There are times when I'm at risk of doing the same thing.  I notice and admire the good things my brothers and sisters are doing and try to generate the same kind of good works.  In so doing, I am not recognizing that those deeds are as a result of God working through them: This I can't fake!

Either I'm led by God's Spirit or I'm following my own common sense and understanding. (Galatians 5:16)

Either I'm acting out of obedience to my Lord and Savior or I'm trying to do what I think is best. (John 14:21)

Either I'm doing as a result of God's love flowing through me or I'm trying to behave in a way that looks loving. (2 Corinthians 5:14)

As Christmas approaches and my mind is preoccupied with many things, may I take some time to focus on my personal relationship with Jesus Christ, letting Him take the lead.  Then I will enjoy the stroll along the quiet waters that bring peace to my soul. (Psalm 23:2)

May this Christmas be a time of wonder and awe as I experience the power of His love working through me.

Immanuel

"One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision:

'Do not be afraid;

keep on speaking,

do not be silent.

For I am with you,

and no one is going to attack and harm you,

because I have many people in this city.'"

Acts 18:9-10

This is our calling from Jesus: Turn from fear.  Keep telling the truth of the gospel.  Do not keep quiet.  I am able to do as Jesus said because He is always with me! (Matthew 28:20) He empowers me, teaches me and emboldens me.

It is easy to fear.  The very ones who need Jesus the most may be those who put up the harshest front.  No matter!  Jesus can tame the wildest beast.

It is easy to grow discouraged.  Sometimes I feel like my words are not getting through.  No matter!  Jesus can penetrate the hardest heart.

It is easy to lose my nerve.  I have good intentions, but when it comes time to speak the truth I lose my conviction.  No matter!  Jesus can embolden even the meekest mouth.

This Christmas, as I scurry around making final preparations, it is my intention to remember that Jesus is always with me to break down barriers, to provide opportunities, and to supply courage so that I may continue to share His Good News of Salvation which is unto all people.

Who will God put in my path today?   

Heed the Warning

"When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia,

Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching,

testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ.

But when the Jews opposed Paul and became abusive,

he shook out his clothes in protest and said to them,

'Your blood be on your own heads!

I am clear of my responsibility."

Acts 18:5-6

"If anyone hears the trumpet

but does not take warning

and the sword comes and takes his life,

his blood will be on his own head."

Ezekiel 33:4

I live in a country where the gospel of Jesus Christ is often proclaimed.  Most of us know the basics: Jesus came to the earth in the form of a tiny, helpless baby (Luke 2:11), grew into a man and gave His life as a ransom for many. (Mark 10:45)  Never am I more exposed to Jesus than at Christmastime: churches host living nativity scenes, the truth of the gospel is declared in the form of songs on the radio and re-enactments of His birth play out in dramas and movies.  

The question I must ask myself is this: How do I respond to Jesus?  Scripture is clear that Jesus came to give me the gift of salvation. (Ephesians 2:8)  Do I simply accept, receiving eternal life as promised, or am I called to something more?

I am responsible for the path I choose in life.  If I do things my way, even though I saved from eternal damnation by the blood of Jesus, I will be walking the path that leads to destruction.  Little or no fruit will be the result, turmoil and confusion will rule.  If, however, I choose to follow Jesus, giving up my right to myself, He will lead me down paths of righteousness for His namesake. (Psalm 23:3)  Love and peace will then reign in my heart and I will bear much fruit. (Isaiah 9:7, John 15:5)

The Gospel is clear: Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life.  He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die." (John 11:25-26)  There is more to consider regarding Jesus, though.  If I truly love Him, not just desire to use Him as a means to gain eternal life, then I will choose to do as He commands.  (John 14:15)

I will love those who are unlovable.  I will forgive even though I'm hurt.  I will live in peace with others even when my rights have been violated.  I will seek to understand even when I don't agree.  I will refrain from judging those who are lost and living a life of destruction.  I will pray for those who hate me.

This Christmas, as I spending time celebrating the coming of Messiah, may His love rule in my heart.  May I decide to do more than just receive His love, but may I let down my defenses and allow His love to change me.  May the grace and mercy of a loving God spur me on to love Jesus in the way I love others.  

This Christmas will I pay attention to the truth of the gospel and make Him more than my Savior?  Will I make Him my Lord? (Romans 10:9)

Shower of Blessing

"During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia

standing and begging him,

'Come over to Macedonia and help us.'

After Paul had seen the vision,

we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia,

concluding that God had called us

to preach the gospel to them."

Acts 16:9-10

My husband and I have been married for 24 years.  When I was first getting to know him, he would sometimes tell me things he wanted to do, but would phrase it as if he were going to do it.  For instance, we talked on the phone a lot during those first few months.  Being a poor college student, I mentioned to him that my phone bill was more than I could handle with my limited means.  He began talking about how he should pick up part of the tab since he was benefiting so much from our conversations and that he would be getting paid soon so he should be able to help.  I concluded that he would help me pay my bill, breathing a sigh of relief. 

When it came time to pay the bill, I reminded him of his offer to help and he said he wouldn't be able to pitch in any money at that time.  I was ticked off, to say the least and that started our first real argument.  What I didn't realize was that his optimistic, hopeful way of thinking sometimes leads him to unintentionally mislead others.  To make matters worse, I had inferred from his words speaking of a desire to help the he was actually making a commitment to help.  

My husband now practices the art of being careful not to voice wishes or desires as if they are plans for future action and I try not to take his desires and transfer them into certainties.

Much of communication takes place not just through my words but in learning to read what is going on behind the words.  In my relationship with God, the closer I get to Him the more I sense His lead.  Sometimes, His guidance is not a definite command or order, but rather a need or dilemma presented as an option to get involved.  It's up to me to pay attention to His message and reach a conclusion intuitively and then act on it, leaving all doubt behind.  In other words, when God reveals a need or struggle occurring elsewhere, it may not just be information for my knowledge: It may be a call to action.

Prayer

I read a story about a woman who walked in on a burglar who was in the process of stealing her valuables.  He ripped the phone cord out of the wall and ordered her into a closet. She dropped to her knees and asked the intruder if she could pray for him.  "I want you to know that God loves you and I forgive you," she said.

The thief then apologized for what he had done, called his accomplice to come in from the pick-up parked in front of the house.  They returned all the furniture they had taken, going so far as to remove the bullets from his gun and hand the weapon over to her before he walked out the door.  Praying for our enemies can disarm even the most hardened criminal.

James said that, "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." (James 5:16)  Jesus taught us to pray not only for our enemies, but also for those who persecute us. (Matthew 5:44)    

Presenting unsolvable problems, difficult emotions and impossible situations to our Father opens up His work in the lives of those who are suffering.  Prayer is like a portal that opens to let God's Spirit in, giving Him permission to enter into a situation.

Prayer is not a formula or chant where specific words said in a certain order with the correct attitude will bring about the desired result.  Instead, it is communicating a faith in the God who can do all things that I am placing all my eggs in His basket, allowing Him to give me the solution He desires for my life and the lives around me.  

When I submit myself to God in this way, interceding for others who are facing difficulties, amazing things will happen.  Hearts will open to receive the truth of the Gospel, families will be transformed and lives will be changed.  A humble prayer to a mighty God is a powerful act.

When God brings a person to my mind, I can choose to pray for them, opening up the floodgates of heaven.

Sacrifice

The letter came, asking for an extra donation.  The missionary family we supported shared a specific need their family faced.  As I read of their plight and the money for which they asked, my mind immediately went to the unexpected check we had received in the mail.  The amount they needed and which my husband and I had received were the same.  I knew in my heart we needed to pass that on to our friends.

As I talked to the Lord about this, I told Him how I thought that extra money was going to go toward a dental procedure all four of our daughters were facing that month.  They each would have their impacted wisdom teeth removed, placing a heavy financial burden on our family.  Instead of going with what made sense to me, though, I sent that check to the missionaries.  

God took care of the dental bill, and the family received the blessing of seeing God provide for their needs.  I, in turn, learned a little something about sacrifice.  

Giving is not always about money, however.  Many times, the most powerful gifts are of my time, talents and spiritual gifts.  When God puts someone in my path who needs to talk, I can decide to ignore the call and finish the tasks I planned for the day, or I can take the time to listen.  If I see a need which I know I have the ability to fulfill, it's my decision whether or not I get involved.  For the times that God places a burden for a brother or sister on my heart, I have the choice to use my gifts to build them up or simply continue on with my day.

Being available to be used by God is my spiritual act of worship.  (Romans 12:1)

Choosing to take God's promptings as a call to action means I'll make a sacrifice that will result in blessing.

Preach

Not all of us are preachers.  My pastor is a wonderful preacher and teacher who dispenses the cold, hard truth in love.  I always come away from his sermons feeling a sense of encouragement as well as a deep conviction to change.

While I couldn't ever imagine myself standing behind a pulpit, I am called to preach at times.  There are instances when my path crosses with someone who needs to hear the truth.  Perhaps they've been burned one too many times in a church.  Or it could be that they've never set foot through the doors of a place of worship.  Other times, the person might be living in such a way that they think they could never get right with God.

Whatever the reason, there are times when the gospel must be preached.  When I see a need, it's up to me to open my mouth and let God's Spirit speak.  All He needs is a willing vessel to deliver His message of love, hope and grace.  When I'm available, He'll teach me what to say. (Luke 12:12)

There are many who need the Good News of Jesus Christ but would never set foot into a church.  For those, believers are compelled to share the Gospel. (Matthew 28:19)

God may not come right out and tell me to preach, but I can do so when I perceive an opening.

God doesn't always give direct commands for me to act.  Many times, He provides an opportunity and its up to me to realize the call for action.  Some of the ways I can act are to pray, sacrificially give and preach the truth.  When I take this step of faith, God will provide a shower of blessing.  (Ezekiel 34:26)

As I begin this day, it is my intention to read between the lines and perceive the call God is placing on my life.

How do I ignore opportunities to serve?

When am I afraid to boldly speak the truth of the Gospel in love?

Keep it Simple

"'It seemed good to the Holy Spirit

and to us

not to burden you with anything

 beyond the following requirements:

You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols,

from blood,

from the meat of strangled animals

and from sexual immorality.

You will do well to avoid these things'. . .

So the churches were strengthened in faith

and grew daily in numbers."

They wanted to follow Jesus.  His love drew them and they desired the peace found by those who walk with Him.  Some of the old-timers, however, were giving them all kinds of rules to follow, requirements to keep, and dictates to which they were told to adhere. This seemed more complicated than they first believed.  Maybe they weren't cut out to join the group of believers.  Their ways were just too foreign and difficult to learn.

The Gentiles, or non-Jews,  joined the dedicated and growing church in the first century soon after persecution began by the Jews who did not recognize Jesus as Messiah.  The gospel went out to the "unclean" heathens who were ignorant of Moses and his laws.  Since God made it clear that there was no difference between Jew and Gentile, that all were saved by faith in Jesus Christ, these foreigners knew they were a part of the Way. (Romans 10:12-13)  

Some people, however, did not want to let go of old habits, customs and teachings.  The result was not a closer bond between God's children, but a fracturing of the unity that comes in following Christ. (Ephesians 4:1-6)

In order to meet this challenge head-on, the leaders of the first church met and came up with a solution that still applies to us today:  Keep it simple.  Focus on the basics.  Don't muck up the clarity of the truth with unnecessary rules.  I would be considered wise to take their advice.

Worldly Ways

There is a spiritual unity between all mankind whose message changes to accommodate the times.

One can gain salvation from God through knowledge of Him.

Followers can gain eternal life by strictly and religiously performing certain acts and meeting specific requirements.

Adherents can gain enlightenment and inner peace through physical discipline.

According to the Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance, there are nineteen major religions recognized in the world today.  While thousands of smaller sects and belief systems exist,  most can be categorized within these main groups.  

Out of all the religions, however, only one offers the Truth.  Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)  As a follower of Jesus Christ, I must recognize this fact and guard myself from falling into the world's way of thinking where every belief system holds the same regard.

While I am not advocating showing disrespect for what others believe, I cannot deny the exclusiveness of the Gospel.  Jesus leaves no wiggle room; no space to sneak into His kingdom from another path.  He clearly states that He is the gate to enter into eternal life, and only a few will find His path to life.  (John 10:7, Matthew 7:14)  There is no other option.  (John 3:16-18)

The world tells me I must be tolerant of all religions, accepting them as legitimate and equally as acceptable as mine.  While I will not treat someone with contempt because of their beliefs, I will not be shy in telling the truth in love.  As the old saying goes, if I don't stand for something, I'll fall for anything.

God knew how vulnerable humans are to getting sucked into false beliefs.  Consequently, He forbade His chosen people to marry outside the faith.  He knew that once they intermarried with other people groups, it wouldn't be long before the Israelites would begin to accept foreign practices as their own. (1 Kings 11:1-6)  I am no different.  I must carefully guard myself against pollution from false religious viewpoints out of respect for the God whom I claim to serve. 

In order to follow Jesus, I must stay true to Him and keep myself pure from other religious beliefs.

Value Life

God destroyed all life that He had created.  He spared Noah, his family, and two of every unclean species of animal as well as seven of every clean animal and also seven of each variety of bird.  God wiped all other life off the face of the earth with a devastating flood.  

On the surface this may seem to illustrate a disregard that God holds for all the life He created.  He soon set that fallacy to rest, however, as He established a new covenant between Himself and His people.  He said He would demand an accounting for the life of each animal as well as man.  Then He declared, "Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made man." (Genesis 9:5-6)

There are many ways I minimize the sanctity of life.  I can callously disregard the suffering of pets, thinking they're just animals so why do they matter?  Sometimes, I don't treat another's opinion as important, but cast it aside as so much garbage, treating them as if they don't matter.  

Many times I hold a belief in my heart that abortion is wrong, but I won't go so far as taking a stand in public or speaking out against the callous yet lawful act.  Other times I won't consider taking a pregnant teen under my wing, instead choosing to simply cluck my tongue at her decision to end the life of her baby.  

How many times do I overlook the suffering of a single mom and her children, choosing to expect the government or someone else to take care of them?  

There are many ways I devalue the life God has created, but it's not always the life of others I disrespect.  Sometimes, that attitude falls closer to home.

Stanley Hauerwas made a significant distinction between existing and truly valuing the life God gave me through faith in Jesus Christ.  He said, "You are not free to make up your life as a Christian.  Your life is not like a gift, your life is a gift.  That is a very important grammatical point.  Until you learn to receive your life gift, you are lost."  

Many times, I take my life for granted instead of making the most of every opportunity and living intentionally.  (Ephesians 4:15-17)  Living in a way that honors life respects and values all life, including my own.  

In order to follow Jesus, I must value life as God has created it.

Sexual Immorality

Children dabble in sexual behavior with their classmates as if it were a normal pastime, kind of like going to the movies or playing Scrabble.  Girls kiss girls and boys have boyfriends.  Intimate details that cause me to blush are portrayed in sex scenes.   Two men raise a child and call themselves a family.  Risque and revealing clothing are the norm.  There is no doubt that the American culture reveres sex as a god and an acceptable part of entertainment

Television and movies are common vehicles for all kinds of sexually immoral behavior, attitudes and points of view.  As a follower of Christ, I am called to keep away from all kinds of sinful, fleshly pursuits, but there is something more grievous to God's Spirit in engaging in morally wrong behavior when it comes to sex.  

As one whose body is a temple for the Holy Spirit, I am to treat it as holy and set apart.  (1 Corinthians 6:18-20)  If I look closely at the teachings of Jesus, I don't think I can say that God only wants me to abstain from sex outside of marriage.  Since He said that, "I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart." (Matthew 5:28)

God is all about my heart. (1 Samuel 16:7)  In His kingdom, hating is considered to be the same as murder (Matthew 5:21-22), giving is to be done in secret out of obedience to God alone ( Mark 12:41-44, Matthew 6:1-4) and I can only find peace when I commit all worries and problems to Him.  (Philippians 4:6-7)  

For this reason, when I watch pornographic scenes in prime time in the comfort and privacy of my own home, my heart is exposed to all kinds of evil; things that are contrary to God's Spirit.  (Galatians 5:19-21)  It is my calling as a believer to keep myself pure and holy as God is holy.  (1 Peter 1:13-16)  I cannot watch, listen to or take part in filth and consider myself to be pure.  Instead, I am joining in with the sexually immoral behavior, absorbing it as if I approve.  (Romans 1:32)  I know better.   

As David reminded his son, Solomon, "Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that's where life starts.  Don't talk out of both sides of your mouth; avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip. Keep your eyes straight ahead; ignore all sideshow distractions.  Watch your step, and the road will stretch out smooth before you.  Look neither right nor left; leave evil in the dust." (Proverbs 4:23-24 MSG)

In order to follow Jesus, I would be wise to stay far away from sexual immorality of any kind.

There are many rules I could follow and much advice I could take in order to grow closer to God.  I would do well, however, to follow the guidance of God's Spirit as given to the new believers in Antioch.  He said to keep myself pure from other religions and belief systems, value life of all kind, and steer clear from sexual immorality.  In keeping it simple, I can please God.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can refrain from making my walk with Jesus more complicated than it needs to be.

How do I tend to add things to the gospel, believing there is something I need to do to gain eternal life, thus heaping a heavy load upon myself and others?

When do I fall into the ways of the culture in which I live?

Give Him all the Glory

"On the appointed day Herod,

wearing his royal robes,

sat on his throne

and delivered a public address to the people.

They shouted,

'this is the voice of a god, not of a man.'

Immediately,

because Herod did not give praise to God,

an angel of the Lord struck him down,

and he was eaten by worms and died."

Acts 12:21-23

When the crowd saw what Paul had done,

they shouted in the Lycaonian language,

'The gods have come down to us in human form!'

. . .But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this,

they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd,

shouting: 'Men, why are you doing this?

We too are only men, human like you.

We are bringing you good news,

telling you to turn from these worthless things

 to the living God, 

who made heaven

 and earth

 and sea

 and everything in them.'

. . .Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium

and won the crowd over.

They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city,

thinking he was dead."

Acts 14:11,14-15, 19

I remember watching Return of the Jedi and laughing as the Ewoks, the cute, fluffy creatures of the moon of Endor venerated the proper yet cowardly C-3P0 as a god.  The ever-sarcastic Han Solo, who at the time was held captive by the natives, said, "Well, why don't you use your divine influence and get us out of this?"  Surprisingly, the droid declined.  When Solo asked why, C-3P0 responded that, "it's against my programming to impersonate a deity."

Even a droid understands the implications of accepting the worship and adoration fit only for the One True God.  Unfortunately, King Herod did not mind accepting such admiration from men.  The consequences of his decision to remain quiet and allow men to call him a god were swift and horrible, resulting in his death.  

On the other side of the coin lies the example of Paul and Barnabas.  As soon as they heard men were attempting to label them as gods, they immediately showed their fierce revulsion of of the thought.  The two men did everything they could to convince the crowd that God alone deserved praise, but their enemies convinced the mob otherwise.  Paul was stoned and left for dead.

In both cases, the outcome was death.  For Herod, God's judgment was final and true.  For Paul, man's judgment was painful but not absolute.  It only appeared Paul was dead.

Honoring God in the way I live my life does not mean that things will always turn out comfortable and to my liking.  Sometimes, God allows evil to prevail for a time so that God can get all the glory in the end.  Through this and other situations of persecution, Paul learned that God grace is enough and that it is in times when I am incapable of saving myself that God's power is made known.  ( 2 Corinthians 12:7-10)

Allowing praise to go to God alone may not result in an easy life, but there are benefits to be reaped in giving Him all the glory.

Peace

Everyone has their own idea of how to achieve peace.  Jimi Hendrix said, "When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace."  Ralph Waldo Emerson believed that, "Peace cannot be achieved through violence, it can only be attained through understanding."  Nelson Mandela's approach was through friendship. He said, "If you want to have peace with your enemy, you must work with your enemy.  Then he becomes your partner."

While these ideas may seem grand in theory, and may even have enjoyed some success in practice, there is only one way to achieve inner peace.  Jesus gives me peace and provides a way for me to benefit from a relationship with the God whom I have offended with my sin.  When He took my punishment for my sin, He made a way for me to enter into a close, intimate relationship with the God of the universe.  My sin is not longer held against me, through faith in Jesus Christ.

In this way, I am at peace with God.  Harmony with God results in a heart at peace, despite what goes on around me or how I'm treated.  

Following Jesus, however, does not mean I'll have peace with the world.  Quite the opposite is actually to be expected. (John 15:19,Matthew 10:22)  Staying true to God and not accepting credit for what He has done may not be popular with those around me, but it will keep me at peace with God.

There are times when God has clearly worked out a situation in my life.  Those I work with may say, "Wow!  That was pretty smart of you!"  I can either accept the praise, or give God to glory.  When people praise my parenting skills, I can thank them and move on, or I can take the time to give God the credit for guiding me and teaching me.  During times of difficulty, others may notice my peaceful countenance.  It would be easy for me to accept their praise of my strength, but it would be more admirable for me to tell how God is my refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.  (Psalm 46:1)

There are many times that people try to give me the credit, but refusing to accept praise that God deserves will result in peace with Him.

Fruit

Growing fruit in a home garden is not easy.  There are many pests, diseases, and conditions to deal with, making the job quite complicated.  

In an even more powerful way, producing fruit of God's Spirit and results that will be valuable in His kingdom is completely impossible apart from Jesus.  (John 15:5)  I can try hard to win people for Christ, but if He is not leading me, equipping me and drawing them, it will not come to pass.  I can put all my effort into trying to be more patient and loving, but I will find I don't have it in me.  I can make it my life's passion to preach the truth but if it's not flowing from the One who claims to be the Truth, it will have no lasting impact.

When I acknowledge God in all my ways, though, I will begin to see things happen that I can't explain.  (Proverbs 3:5-6)  Lives will be changed, hearts will be softened, questions will be answered.  

Letting God rule in my life, however, means more than just giving Him all the honor and praise.  It also means letting Him take the lead, submitting to Him and His will.  In this way, everything I do will be attributed to Him.  (Matthew 5:16)  Missionary leader and writer Andrew Murray pointed out an important distinction to be made.  He said, "Do not confound work and fruit.  There may be a good deal of work for Christ that is not the fruit of the heavenly Vine."

How can I know?  By staying connected to Jesus in relationship with Him.  I do this by keeping Him at the forefront of my thoughts, obeying His lead, and responding to His prompts.  When I read His Word and His Spirit moves my heart, reacting with action to change my ways or thought processes in order to line up with what He taught me will lead to an even closer bond with Him.  As I grow closer, His love will naturally flow through me.  The minute I try to take back control or to pay attention to my flesh instead of Him, however, I'll drift further away from my Lord.

I am constantly tempted to control my own life , but when I submit to God's sovereign will, I will bear much fruit.

Kingdom

When I think of a kingdom, I picture a mighty yet benevolent king dwelling in a splendid palace, ruling over his doting subjects.  The kingdom I envision in this scenario is definitely a place.

The Pharisees must have thought similarly as they looked forward to the day when the Messiah would deliver them from the oppressive rule of the Romans.  Jesus, however, set them straight. He said, "The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you." (Luke 17:20b-21)

Jesus has set up His kingdom in the hearts of His people.  Wherever I go, I take His kingdom with me.  When times get hard, like they were for the Jewish people during Jesus' time, I can take heart because my Lord and Savior has overcome the world.  (John 16:33)

The only way Christ will set up His kingdom in my heart is if I give up my right to establish my own kingdom, ruled by my own selfish desires.  I want to defend my reputation or the privileges I think I deserve.  My kingdom is governed by my craving for my own comfort or sense of security.  There are times when the only thing I'm concerned about is in making sure I get my fair share.  My kingdom conflicts with God's.  (Galatians 5:17)

When my highest desire, however, is to please God and walk with Him, He will rule in my heart. It is then that I'll experience His kingdom within.

Christ will set up His kingdom within my heart as soon as I get rid of the rights I claim to mine.

As I go through my life, I will experience many who try to give me credit, temptations to garner control for myself, or the desire to establish my own kingdom.  If I let God get all the glory, however, I'll experience peace with Him, fruit that lasts and the joy of experiencing His kingdom.  These are all benefits that come with making an effort to give Him all the glory.

As I begin this day, it is my prayer that I will desire to give God all the glory.

When do I tend to steal the glory without realizing it?

How am I setting up my own kingdom where I rule supreme?

Pursue God's Heart

After removing Saul,

he made David their king.

He testified concerning him:

'I have found David son of Jesse 

a man after my own heart;

he will do everything I want him to do.'"

Acts 13:22

The nine-foot giant terrified every soldier, bellowing intimidating threats towards the army of God.  "C'mon.  Send me one of your men, worthy and experienced who can give me a run for my money.  I'm looking for a challenge.  Have you no one to accept my dare?  Have you no honor?"

The men of Israel looked around at each other, terrified.  "Who is stupid enough to take on this behemoth of a fighting machine?  Not me!"

The taunting and intimidation went on for forty days while the soldiers cowered in fear.  Finally a mere shepherd boy who had come to bring his older soldier-brothers some food, stepped forward to take on the challenge of the giant bully.  "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.  This day the LORD will hand you over to me, and I'll strike you down and cut off your head.  Today I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel.  All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give all you into our hands." (1 Samuel 17:45-47)

One thing I can say about David is he sure had nerve.  What made a lowly field hand, a measly boy, think he could take on such a seasoned soldier?  It was his heart.  There was something about David's heart that set him apart from all the other men of Israel.  Anyone who possesses these special qualities is pursuing God's own heart, just like David.

Pure Motives

I don't like to admit when I'm wrong.  Somehow, I feel like I'm diminishing myself in some way; as if in making this confession that I am announcing that I'm less of a person.  In a way, I guess that is true.  Coming to terms with my own sinful nature and my need for Jesus in becoming more than a conqueror is key to getting closer to God and living authentically with Him.  (Romans 8:37, 1 Corinthians 15:57)  I have learned that I can't both please God and hold onto my pride.

In this way, David was well aware of his sin.  This is never more painfully evident than after Nathan, the prophet, confronted him regarding the murder and adultery David committed while pursuing Bathsheba.  Once the realization hit David, and his prideful front was dropped, he cried out, "I have sinned against the LORD." (2 Samuel 12:13)

David was no longer concerned with his own desires, his schemes, or his kingly position.  Instead, he bared his soul before the One whom he had offended and put himself in the hands of the Lord, knowing God would justly give him whatever punishment he deserved. (Psalm 51:3-4)

There are many times when I'm caught in a sin and I try to justify my actions, make excuses for my behavior or give reasons for my attitude.  If, instead, I could see my sin as an affront to God, I could live more authentically with Him.  All pretenses would be dropped and I could honestly live before Him, knowing that my one desire is to draw closer to God, not to defend myself or make sure I'm taken care of.

British Bible teacher and speaker Oswald Chambers said, "God wants to bring you into union with Himself, but unless you are willing to give up your right to yourself He cannot."  Letting go of all drive toward self-promotion, self-preservation and self-gratification leaves me able to let Jesus be Lord of my life.

I pursue God's heart when I rid my heart of everything selfish and purely focus on pleasing Him.

Obedience

I volunteer with the Homeowner's Association in my neighborhood.  If I need some help, I tend to ask those who I know will do what I ask and follow through with completing the task.  If a person has a poor track record and doesn't usually fulfill a job, I won't ask them again but rather give the assignment to someone who I know will get the job done.

In the same way, God knows whether He can trust me to do what He has asked of me.  David could be trusted by God to obey him.  Even though David didn't always pay attention to what God said to do, such as when Uzzah was struck down for touching the ark of the covenant when David had it transported like a common idol on a cart pulled by oxen, God could count on David to eventually come around and get it right.  (2 Samuel 6)

There are many times when I try to do something good, but I don't give a thought to God and His will.  Instead, I go about trying to please God in my own way, using my own understanding.  I think, if I volunteer more in the church then He'll be happy with my service.  Or I mistakenly believe that the more I do to help others, the more pleased He will be.  Other times I get caught up in the false belief that building a resume filled with important ministries will impress God.

God does not look at things the same way I do.  He is not a CEO interviewing for an important position in His company, looking for training, experience and references.  Instead, He looks at my heart and knows if I'll obey.  Willingness to do as God has asked is key to pleasing Him. As nineteenth century American evangelist D.L. Moody said, "There are many of us who are willing to do great things for the Lord, but few of us are willing to do little things."

I pursue God's heart when I am willing to do whatever the Lord asks of me.

Belief in God's Power

I am one of the most insecure people I know.  As a teenager, I briefly held a job as a life guard at a water park.  It didn't take long for me to realize that I was too indecisive for such a position.  When disaster strikes, a swimmer in trouble needs a clear-thinking, fast-acting savior, not a hesitant, uncertain wanna-be.  Consequently, I found another job for that summer.

This reminds me of how I should be with God.  Not so much that I should be confident in my ability to do the right thing, have the correct answer, or proclaim the godly message at just the right time, but that I know how mighty and powerful God is.  When I put my full trust in God, I won't hesitate to act when the time comes.  Instead of wavering, I'll jump into action.

A person after God's own heart is not perfect, well-trained, nor experienced.  Rather, those who are going after what pleases God believe God can do anything, in spite of human frailties. 

When David stood before Goliath, he didn't draw confidence from his own ability to fight or even hurl a stone with accuracy.  He did have skills with a sling, but his courage came from knowing that God would fight the battle for him, just as He had done many times before when David faced lions who threatened his sheep.  David believed in the power of God.

Maybe if Moses had been able to see David's example before he encountered the burning bush, he wouldn't have been so hesitant.  Instead, he kept asking God for reassurance in the mission Moses was called to in delivering His people from slavery.  Finally, God reminded Him of who would go with him.  "Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind?  Is it not I, the LORD? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say." (Exodus 4:11)

Moses still faltered, angering God who ended up appointing his brother, Aaron, as the mouthpiece for Moses.  His insecurities kept him from fully witnessing God's power working through him in the way God intended.  Instead, he had to settle for watching God's words flow from his brother's mouth.

I miss out on God's hand working through me when my insecurities keep me from trusting God. My weaknesses are not too much for God to overcome.  Trusting God despite my flaws pleases Him.

I pursue God's heart when I obey despite the overwhelming evidence of my own inadequacies.

David was not without sin, perfectly obedient or free from flaws.  Instead, his motives were pure in that he was willing to repent, he was ready to do as the Lord asked of him, and he believed God could overcome his own weaknesses.  In short, David was a man in pursuit of God's own heart.

As I begin this day, it is my prayer that I can look beyond my weaknesses and trust in God alone.

When do I fail to obey because I'm afraid I'll mess things up?

How do I show my lack of trust in God by caving into my own insecurities?