Fellowship Offering

"If he offers it for a thanksgiving,

then he shall offer with the thanksgiving sacrifice

unleavened loaves mixed with oil,

unleavened wafers smeared with oil,

and loaves of fine flour well mixed with oil."

Leviticus 7:12

The women were scurrying around in the kitchen, preparing a feast of all the traditional fixin's.  There was tender, roasted turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, savory stuffing, tangy cranberry sauce, sugary sweet potatoes, traditional green bean casserole, steaming-hot rolls followed by an array of pies.  So much time is spent preparing the spread and enjoying the tastes that it's easy to forget why we gather around the table.  The purpose of the holiday is to give thanks to God.

President Abraham Lincoln, in the midst of a bloody civil war, issued a proclamation on October 3, 1863 at the request of the editor of Godey's Lady's Book, Sarah Josepha Hale to "set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens."  It was his intention to nationalize a previously local celebration first established by President Washington so that all American hearts would annually be turned toward the Lord and all He so mercifully provides.

The Israelites were given a similar rite to help them turn their hearts toward God's goodness as He blessed them in so many ways.  They were given the option of presenting to the Lord a fellowship offering as an expression of thankfulness for His provision.  How can I do the same, especially as I prepare for the upcoming American holiday of Thanksgiving?

Attitude

I woke up dreading the day to come.  Even though I was excited to move to our new location, I knew moving day would be filled with hard work as we loaded all of our belongings onto the moving truck.  Since I had fallen into bed in the wee hours of the morning, I was running on little sleep, adding to my poor outlook.  It seems I couldn't shake this grumpy attitude.

There are many factors that can play into the way I feel about my current circumstances.  Ultimately, though, the way I think or feel about the life God has given me is up to me.  Either I can be grateful for all with which He has blessed me, or I can desire more than what He has supplied.

This reminds me of a story I heard about Mother Teresa.  In 1994 she spoke at the National Prayer Breakfast, recounting the time she cared for a sickly woman she found living on the street.  As she showed the poor soul the love of Christ, placing her gently in bed, the dying woman took hold of the nun's hand and with the most beautiful smile on her face uttered only two words, "Thank you."  Her eyes then closed as she died.  

Mother Teresa was touched by her attitude of gratitude.  Instead of drawing attention to her great needs of hunger, pain relief and poor health, she choose to give her caregiver a dose of grateful love.

There are so many times when I choose to feel sorry for myself and the predicament in which I find myself instead of being thankful for all the good God has given to me.  It is really a matter of my heart.  Paul encourages us to "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God." (Colossians 3:16)

I present a kind of fellowship offering to the Lord when I choose an attitude of gratefulness instead of discontent.

Focus

The weeds were everywhere.  I couldn't take my eyes off the jungle of invaders creeping over the ground in my flowerbed.  It was hard to focus on any other chore in the yard until I removed all those weeds.  After I finished the job, I turned my attention toward the roses that had been presiding over my frenzied weeding.  The colors popped from luscious vines as the drops of dew seemed to magnify their beauty.  How did I miss such splendor?  I was focused only on what was wrong with the garden and had completely overlooked all that was good.

This happens often in my life.  The evil and darkness is so obvious in the world in which God has placed me, making it all too easy to focus my attention on everything negative.  If I turn my attention toward the Lord, however, and resolve to look for all the good that He is doing, I might be surprised at what I find. (James 1:17)

Instead of seeing only the couples who are divorcing right and left, I will begin to notice the marriages that are thriving against all odds.  When it is easy to adopt a spirit of despair based on the rowdy behavior of the children in my Sunday School class, I may be surprised at the fruit God is growing when I turn my attention toward their hearts.  In the place of focusing on the wrong that seems so obvious in my country's culture, I will find much for which to praise God when I look for the good that is just beneath the surface.

If I look for the evil, dark and sinful in the location which God has placed me, I will find it.  If, however, I choose to turn my attention toward the goodness that comes from God, I will discover much treasure in which to encourage my heart and pour out in gratitude to my gracious Father.  (1 Timothy 4:4, Proverbs 11:27)   

I present a kind of fellowship offering to the Lord when I turn my attention toward the good that God is doing all around me.

Training

As my children were growing up, it was easy for them to take the good things people offered.  What was not so natural, however, was for them to express their gratitude for gifts given to them.  It took regular reminders to train my daughters to say, "Thank you."

In the same way, I can't expect gratitude to come naturally.  It takes intention and a sense of purpose to train myself to give thanks in the way God has in mind.  (Philippians 4:6)  It may be fairly easy to feel grateful when I receive a raise in my paycheck, an unexpected gift, or good health.  It takes practice, however, to give thanks to God for the times of struggle, the let down that comes when I don't receive what I expected, or the unfavorable diagnosis.  

Since God is a good God and I am His child through faith in Jesus Christ, I can rest in the knowledge that the hard stuff in my life will be used to bring about good. (Romans 8:28)  It may not be the kind of good that I am used to categorizing as beneficial, but it will, nonetheless, be exactly the good He deems as best for me.

Therefore, I can trust God enough when money is low to thank Him for the little, knowing the struggle is not without reason.  I can also thank Him for the pain that keeps me humble enough to realize it is not I who sets the agenda for my life.  I can even thank God for the unthinkable, keeping my faith in a God who has a master plan of which I know nothing. (Jeremiah 29:11)

I present a kind of fellowship offering to the Lord when I intentionally choose to thank God for all His goodness.

At this time of year, many people are talking about the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.  As I prepare for the big day, however, it is my intention to develop an attitude of gratefulness toward the God who loves me enough to sacrifice His only Son for my benefit, to purposefully look for the good He is doing all around me, and to train myself to give thanks even when it seems there is nothing for which to be grateful.  In doing these things, I am presenting a kind of fellowship offering to a loving, gracious Father who knows how to give good gifts.  (Matthew 7:11)

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can look for all the good God is doing.

When do I focus more on the bad that rises to the surface of my consciousness?

How can I make the effort today to thank God for the good things for which I must search?  

Continuous Fire

"The fire shall be burning continually upon the altar;

it shall not go out."

Leviticus 6:13 AMP

Cold crept through the cabin as the evening came to a close.  My husband and I, newly married, were spending our honeymoon at a cabin belonging to a friend of the family.  Snow covered the ground outside on that late November night and we knew the temperatures would feel pretty frigid by morning.  Since the wood stove was the only source of heat, we banked the fire to keep the coals alive until we got up the next day. Then, it would be a simple job to get the fire going again to warm up the house as we enjoyed breakfast together.

In the same way that we kept the coals burning throughout that cold wintery night, God required that the fire on the altar of the Tabernacle be kept going continuously as a symbol of His constant presence and the people's perpetual need for atonement.  Even though my sins have now been paid for once and for all by the sacrifice of the perfect Lamb of God, I still have a need for His constant presence.

There is no place that I can go that would be away from Him, for His Spirit dwells within me. (Psalm 139:1-18) What does His omnipresence mean for me as I go about my daily life?

Conviction of Sin

The pressure on her chest was so strong that my friend thought she was having a panic attack.  Every time this sensation occurred, she realized she was about to do something that would grieve the Holy Spirit.  Soon she put two and two together and surmised that the pressure she was feeling was the conviction of God's Spirit, warning her not to do what she was considering. When she heeded this cautionary sign, the sensation would dissipate.

While God does not convict me in such a physically obvious way, He has His way of letting me know when I've sinned or am about to enter into dangerous territory.  If I ignore this subtle warning, I find myself drifting away from God in my disobedience.  Learning to heed His cautionary alerts results in an increase of the intimacy I share with my heavenly Father as my faith grows.  

When I sense that uncomfortable feeling in the pit of my stomach, I had better pay attention to what I've gotten myself into.  It is easy for me to feign ignorance, pretending I don't realize the action I'm about to take is an affront to God.  If I humble myself, however, and submit to His authority, I'll find a peace flooding my being.  (Psalm 119:1-8)

As a sinful creature, I am comfortable with wrongdoing.  If left to my own devices, I may want to obey God, but my flesh desires that which offends Him. (Romans 7:18-20)  Therefore, I need His indwelling Spirit which comes through faith in Jesus Christ to point out that which is second nature to me, convicting me of the sin I must turn away from.  When I've already fallen, it is only His holy presence that lets me know my own role in this downfall.

God's ever-present burning within me serves as a strong yet subtle warning system.

Guidance

The surveyor got right to work marking the boundaries of our property.  I was surprised to find out that all he needed to do was find the markers already buried underground to guide his way.  Once he found a metal stake, he would post a flag in that position.  Therefore, the work of determining the borders had already been done by the developer and all that was left for the surveyor to do was locate the stakes that were left behind.

This is similar to my life.  I don't need to forge my own path, determining with my own understanding which is the right way to go.  Instead, God already has a way marked out for me.  All that is left for me to do is look for the tell tale signs of His presence.  (Jeremiah 29:11-13, Proverbs 3:5-6)

The key to knowing God's will for my life is submission.  I must want His way more than I desire to do what I want.  When I place myself into His capable hands, I am giving Him the authorization to guide my footsteps.  If I'd rather be in control, I'll never be able to locate His plan for my life since I am letting Him know in my attitude that I prefer my own way to His.  (Proverbs 3:34, Romans 12:2)

God's ever-present burning within me serves as a guide to the way of righteousness. (Psalm 23:3)

Transformation

He was a new creation.  The transformation from angry, self-destructive addict to peaceful, productive man of God was almost instantaneous.  His family couldn't believe their eyes.  His co-workers hardly recognized his new serene countenance.  His friends dropped away as they grew uncomfortable with his changed persona.  Confessing Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior altered his life dramatically.  (2 Corinthians 5:17)

While every new believer does not experience such a radical, immediate change, we all go through a transformation process as we walk with the Lord by faith. (Philippians 1:6) He alters my priorities, taking that which used to be so important to me and rendering it meaningless.  (Philippians 3:7)  

He also gives me a new perspective so that I see things I never used to notice, like the grumpy man who is really just lonely or the mean and bitter woman whose heart mourns the loss of her husband. (Ezekiel 36:26)

As I submit myself to the work of God's Spirit within me, I will find that I will want to do things that please God.  While I used to only be concerned with what would bring pleasure to me, as a child of God through faith in Jesus Christ, my very desires change to that which pleases Him.  (Psalm 37:4)  None of these modifications are as the result of my own effort, but simply the work of God's Spirit within me.  (Philippians 2:13)

God's ever-present burning within me serves as a catalyst for change that I cannot explain.

In the same way that the constant burning of the fire at the altar in the Tabernacle of old symbolized God's omnipresence, as a child of God through faith in Jesus Christ, I can also rely on the continual presence of God's Spirit within me.  Therefore, I can expect Him to convict me of past and present sin, guide me on the way He has prepared for me to travel, and transform me supernaturally as I submit to His authority in my life.  In these ways, His continuous fire is a powerful sign that I belong to Him.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can leave my own desires behind and completely submit to God's work in my life.

When do I try to find my own way instead of seeking God's?

How am I trying to bring about change through sheer effort instead of letting God change me from the inside out?  

What I Know

"If anyone thoughtlessly takes an oath to do anything,

whether good or evil

(in any matter one might carelessly swear about)

even though they are unaware of it,

but then they learn of it and realize their guilt-

when anyone becomes aware that they are guilty

in any of these matters,

they must confess in what way they have sinned."

Leviticus 5:4-5

A crescent moon peeks out from behind a bank of wispy clouds.  Stars twinkle in the deep darkness of the sky, inspiring thoughts of what lies beyond. Patterns begin to emerge as I examine the tiny points of light.   Lying on my back in the soft grass, I am suddenly aware of how small I am and how big God is.  Thoughts of my Creator spring forth as if I were listening to a great sermon being preached by the heavenly hosts. I can learn much about God and His character by paying attention to His creation. (Psalm 19:1-4, Romans 1:20)

Every human ever created has been equipped with knowledge of God as standard equipment. As a result, all of mankind intuitively know He exists and has made all things.  To make things interesting, though, I have also been equipped with free will, giving me the option of acknowledging God as Creator and worshiping Him in the way I live my life, or choosing to ignore His presence and influence. I find that the further I get away from God, the darker my mind becomes as I lean on my own weak understanding of things. (Romans 1:21)

God created me to live in relationship with Him.  When I deny His existence, even unconsciously, I deny His teachings as well.  I begin to make decisions based on what I think is best or what most suits me and my way of thinking.  Soon I find myself living an ungodly life.

As far as God goes, I am held responsible for what I do know. (Matthew 25:14-30,  2 Corinthians 5:10)  It is easy for me to feign ignorance and pretend there is no standard, but God teaches me otherwise in His Word.  

Do Right

He knew the right thing to do.  The man stuck between a rock and a hard place contemplated his options.  Either he could tell the truth and risk getting caught, or he could cover up his transgression in an effort to manipulate the system.  As the police officer approached his car on the routine traffic stop, the young man decided to go with the latter.  Unfortunately, he suffered the consequences of trying to pretend like he didn't know there was a warrant out for his arrest.

While I've never been in such a predicament, I do get myself in trouble by choosing the easy way rather than the right way.  I am faced with dilemmas every day.  Most of the time, I use my own faulty line of thinking to reason my way to a solution.  

If there is a necessity I don't possess, I search for a way to provide for myself instead of asking the One who has perfect knowledge of my real needs. (Matthew 6:31-33, James 4:2-3)  If I find myself in opposition to a friend, I stand my ground, telling myself the issue is not really that important but I'm not going to back down because it's the principle of the thing. (Romans 12:18, 2 Timothy 2:23-26)  If I see a neighbor in need but turn a blind eye, rationalizing that there are social programs available for them to find help, I fail to love them in the way I am loved.  (1 John 3:16-18)

God gives me a sense of what is right and what is wrong.  As His child, I am called to choose to do right.  (Isaiah 1:17)

Holy Life

The precious gem stayed locked up in the safety deposit box.  A family heirloom, the diamond ring was treated as valuable; only worn on special occasions and protected from theft or damage.  There are some things that are valuable enough to be kept safe from harm.

As God's child, I am considered to be His precious possession. (Deuteronomy 7:6) When I entered into a relationship with Him through faith in Jesus Christ, He adopted me into His family. (1 John 3:1) As a result, I am set apart for His use so that I will shine as a beacon of hope in the midst of a dark world.  (1 Peter 2:9)  

Therefore, I must not view my own body or even my life as my own. (1 Corinthians 6:19) Rather, I am to place myself in my Father's hands, giving Him the authorization to mold me as He sees fit, use me in the way in which He designed me to be used, and transform my thoughts so they fall more in line with His.  In these ways, my life will begin to look different than what I see around me.  (Romans 12:2)

God has chosen me as His holy and precious possession.  As His child, I am called to live a holy life.  (1 Peter 1:13-16)

Intentional Living

It took a lot of work to paddle the canoe upstream.  The moment my friend and I stopped paddling, we drifted backwards, losing all the ground we had gained.  Exhausted, we decided to drift down to the nearest landing spot and walk our boat to our destination.

It is always easier to go with the flow than to work against it.  As I live in a world whose values are contrary to my own, it is vital that I constantly stand guard against the faulty world views that sound so good to my sin nature but run counter to the truth I read in the Bible.

When I want to stand up for my own rights, ready to fight to get what I believe I am owed, I find God's Spirit reminding me that love is the only thing that will last. (1 Corinthians 13:13) Whether or not I got what I thought was coming to me will not matter a bit in eternity. (Matthew 6:19-21)

When every fiber of my being is ready to treat others the way they treat me, I am called to the higher standard of mimicking my Father's mercy. (Luke 6:31,36)

When I desire financial security, working hard to build up a retirement fund and follow the advice of my fiscal guru, I am called to focus more on how God would use what He has given to me for His kingdom purposes.  When I seek to use the resources He has blessed me with for His glory, I may leave less in storage for my own future, but there will be more invested into His kingdom.  (Luke 12:13-21)

God desires for me to live purposefully for Him.  As His child, I am called to strive tenaciously forward toward the finish line.  (Philippians 3:14)

It is easy to get into the habit of living in whatever way makes me happy, fulfilled and content.  When my own pleasure is what is most important, though, I tend to let everything I know about God fall by the wayside.  I am held responsible for what I know so I would be wise to do what is right, choose holiness, and live intentionally for Christ.  While I may feign ignorance as to what God wants me to do, He knows my heart and discerns what I do know.  I can't fool God!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can take my life seriously enough to realize how much each minutes counts.

When do I drift along, letting the world's views sweep me away?

How do I compromise in my values, forsaking the teachings I know to be true?  

Gravity of Sin

"If the whole Israelite community sins unintentionally

and does what is forbidden in any of the LORD's commands,

even though the community is unaware of the matter,

when they realize their guilt

and the sin they committed becomes known,

the assembly must bring a young bull

as a sin offering and present it before the tent of the meeting.  The elders of the community are to lay their hands on the bull's head before the LORD, and the bull shall be slaughtered before the LORD. . .

In this way the priest will make atonement for the community, and they will be forgiven.

Then he shall take the bull outside the camp and burn it as he burned the first bull.  

This is a sin offering for the community."

Leviticus 4:13-15, 20-21

I could only imagine the flies that would buzz around the altar, drawn to the blood sprinkled and poured there.  The priests must have become quite proficient at slaughtering animals of all sizes, as often as they were called to do the job.  It took quite a bit of work in order for atonement to be made for the sins of God's people.

Looking at the Old Testament law, it is clear that sin is an affront to God.  Even though He is a merciful God, He is also just, so my sin is not easily forgiven.  In fact, there is no forgiveness without the shedding of blood. (Hebrews 9:22)  

This necessity of a blood sacrifice in order for atonement to be made drove Jesus to the cross where He offered Himself as the final and perfect sacrifice.  Due to the shedding of His blood, I am made clean, a holy God's requirements having been satisfied, and a way for me to boldly approach His throne being completed.  Atonement has been made, once for all.

It is obvious by the lengths that must be taken that sin is a grave problem.  How does the gravity of sin influence the way I live?

Sensitivity

When I first laid eyes on the dirty sweater, I didn't want it to touch my skin.  As I examined its heaviness, though, and realized the warmth it would bring, I no longer minded the filth so much.  Instead of holding it at arm's length, I now snuggled within its depths as it protected me against the cold night air.

In the same way that I grew comfortable with the grime of an abandoned sweater I had found while on a camping trip, I can compromise with sin in my life.  Instead of keeping it at bay, I can make provisions for it, allowing what I know to be wrong into my life by justifying its presence.

When I know my language is to honor God, for instance, but I slip back into old habits, rationalizing that the words I say are not that big of a deal, I may soon find myself sinking deeper and deeper into a worldly way of using language. (James 3:10) Before I know it, I'm starting to think and speak the way I did before I knew Christ.

When I know that I must guard my heart against the ungodly influences I see on television but my favorite actress shows up in a questionable new sitcom,  I decide to watch just this once.  (Proverbs 4:23) Soon, I'm caught up viewing all sorts of programs that demean the values God holds dear.

When I know that bad company corrupts good character but I am attracted to the charismatic, raunchy personality of a new colleague, I may soon find myself imitating her ways. (1 Corinthians 15:33)

In order to realize the gravity of sin in my own life, I must guard against growing insensitive to it.

Pursuit of Holiness

We only used the heirloom china on holidays and special occasions.  In order to keep it looking nice and to protect it from wear and tear, we stored it up high in a separate cupboard.  When we washed the set after a meal, we took great care to not chip or scratch each piece.  This dinnerware was set apart for special use.

In a similar way, I am set apart for special use.  As His child who was bought at a price, I am called to hold holiness in the same high regard as does God.  This does not mean that I can be perfect in all I do, but that I am to see the importance of keeping myself pure for His purposes.  (1 Peter 1:16)

Therefore, I must be on guard against my own flesh, realizing my natural desires and inclinations run counter to God's ways. (Galatians 5:16-18) If I were to simply do what comes naturally, I would live in a way that dishonors God.  Instead, I am to intentionally seek a holy life, taking every thought captive and examining every action to make sure it lines up with God's ways. (2 Corinthians 10:5)

In order to realize the gravity of sin in my own life, holiness must be important to me.

Never Forget

The wall stands as a reminder of the great cost of freedom.  Hundreds of names engraved upon the smooth, granite surface draw forth from me a sorrow for the lives lost on a foreign battlefield.  The Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C. helps the American people keep fresh upon their minds the sacrifices made in the name of liberty.

In the same way that it is important for me to remember how many men and women gave their lives so I could live freely, I must never forget what Jesus did for me in dying on the cross.  My very identity as a sinner saved by grace is tied up in that bloody sacrifice.  When I lose sight of the lengths God went through to make me right with Him, I am at risk of regarding my salvation lightly.

For this reason, I need to preach the gospel to myself often.  Jesus took my sin upon Himself, taking the punishment I justly deserve so that I could come into a right relationship with a holy God.  Even more amazing is the fact that Jesus suffered separation from His own Father at the hour of His greatest need so that I would never need experience such agony. 

When I keep this unspeakable sacrifice fresh upon my mind, it colors my life.  Prayer becomes a precious pursuit as I realize it's impossibility apart from Christ.  God's Word breathes new life into my bones as I understand the sacrifice that was made so I can experience it's power in my life.   Every breath I take becomes a gift given by a God who loved me enough to save me from certain death.

In order to realize the gravity of sin in my own life, I must never forget what Jesus did for me.

Looking at the Old Testament law, I realize how grave is my sin problem.  This gives me a different perspective on my sin, driving me to stay sensitive to the sin that so easily creeps into my life.  I also realize the importance of pursuing holiness and keeping the sacrifice Jesus made fresh upon my heart.  In these ways, the gravity of sin changes the way I live.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can be repulsed by sin.

When do I feel comfortable with certain sins?

How can I keep the sacrifice Jesus made for me fresh upon my heart?

Blind Obedience

"When anyone brings a grain offering to the LORD,

their offering is to be of the finest flour.

They are to pour olive oil on it,

put incense on it

and take it to Aaron's sons the priests.

The priest shall take a handful of the flour and oil,

together with all the incense,

and burn this as a memorial portion on the altar,

a food offering,

an aroma pleasing to the LORD.

The rest of the grain offering belongs to Aaron and his sons;

it is a most holy part of the food offerings 

presented to the LORD."

Leviticus 2:1-3

The toddler runs happily down the hill, content to be using his little legs to propel him faster and faster.  As he enjoys the sun on his face and the wind in his hair, he is oblivious to the danger lurking just ahead.  His father, though, sees it all.  Using that authoritative voice saved for times such as these, he commands his little boy.  "Stop!"

The youngster doesn't know why his father wants him to stop running.  He doesn't have a clue.  What he does know, however, is that his dad knows more than he does and when he uses that serious tone of voice, he means business.  Consequently, the little boy immediately stops on the edge of the country road, protecting him from a collision with a lone passing car.

What this child didn't know could have killed him.  Thankfully, he has a father to watch out for him.  If he hadn't paid attention to what his dad said, he could have lost his life.  I, too, have a Father who watches over me.  His scope is limitless; unrestrained by time, distance or understanding.  Therefore, I can trust Him to guide my steps.

Even though I have a desire to understand what is happening and why, comprehension is not necessary for obedience.  I am sure the Israelites didn't get why God created so many intricate rules regarding sacrifices during the time of Moses.  Knowing that He is the Lord their God who brought them out of slavery in Egypt, however, is all they needed to understand.  If He said to do something, there was a reason.

Likewise, I have the entirety of God's Word to teach me, rebuke me, correct me and train me in righteousness, equipping me to do what He has prepared for me to do.  (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Ephesians 2:10)  If I expect to understand why He has set up His kingdom in a certain way before I will do as He says, I will find myself outside of God's will.  Understanding is not necessary for obedience.  Sometimes, I just have to do as He says.

Higher

There is a scene from The Avengers where Hulk is battling against the demi-god Loki.  Take a look:  

Loki is fed up with being treated like a mere human and tries to exert his "godly" authority over Hulk.  The green beast with the anger-issues, however, proves just how wimpy this so-called god is.

This scene always makes me think of my great God.  If I were able to understand His ways, perceive His plans and comprehend His purposes, He would be a puny God indeed.  Instead, He tells me in His Word that His thoughts are not like the thoughts of a mere human.  They are far beyond anything my puny mind could conceive. (Isaiah 55:8-9)  Therefore, I can't expect to be able to comprehend Him completely. (Job 36:26) He only allows me to understand what I need to know. (Daniel 2:28, James 1:5) 

Even more, He has plans for me about which I know nothing. (Jeremiah 29:11)  If I want to know the path that has been laid out for me, then, I cannot rely on my own ability to find my own way in life.  Instead, I need to seek out the Master Planner for every step I take. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

In addition, if I am to follow the Lord wholeheartedly, my obedience cannot be offered only on the condition of understanding.  Acknowledging that He is so much higher than I is one way I can show my reverence of Him.  Expecting to be able to comprehend His reasons puts myself on His level, a thought that is as absurd as the idea that the Lord needs my counsel.  (Isaiah 40:13-14)

I cannot expect to understand God's supreme ways, making comprehension unnecessary for obedience.

Incomprehensible

It's fun to go to dinner at a friend's house.  As we share the meal, there is much laughter and love that is passed around the table.  While I enjoy the company, one of the best parts is that I don't have to cook!  Even though I don't mind preparing meals, I do enjoy the break that comes from sharing food with friends.

Once my family piles into our vehicle to head home, though, there is always a level of guilt that comes afterward.  I realize that the ball is now in my court and I will need to reciprocate the kindness shown by another.  Soon, it will be time for me to host a dinner.

This is the way of our culture; one kindness is paid back by another.  In this way, we seem to stay indebted to each other.  I cannot, however, apply this same principle to God.  It is easy to get into the mindset that if I do certain things, make difficult sacrifices, or keep His ways that He somehow owes me.  I may not even be conscious of this belief, but it often shows up in my attitude.

For instance, I am disappointed when God doesn't answer my prayers in the way I expected.  I think that since I have been growing closer to Him, He will give me what I want.  Instead, He gives freely without regard to my performance, not expecting anything in return.  After all, what could I give to God that He doesn't already have? (Job 35:7) 

I need to realize there is nothing I have that God needs. (Psalm 50:7-12)  My sacrifices are not necessary for His well being.  His will is not dependent upon my obedience.  His plan does not hinge upon my willingness to comply.  When I realize how inconsequential are my actions to the success of God's plan, I will understand that my obedience is more a matter of the heart.  In other words, God wants me to do as He says because it shows my love for Him.  If I don't obey, it will not throw off His plan.  If He were that dependent upon me, He wouldn't be that big of a God, would He?

Instead, His decisions are unfathomable, His ways untraceable and His thoughts incomprehensible. (Romans 11:33-34) As such, I must stop thinking God needs me and realize my place in His kingdom as His precious possession chosen for His own purposes. (Deuteronomy 7:6-8)

I am not an indispensable part of God's Kingdom, but I am much loved by the God who cannot be comprehended.

Life of Faith

He didn't know much. While God did give him a detailed blueprint of how to build the large craft, he didn't know when the destruction of mankind would take place or how it would come about.  All Noah knew for sure was that God had told him to build an ark.

It took quite a bit of faith for Noah to undertake such a project.  He lived in an area far away from any body of water during a period of time when rain was nonexistent.  As the decades went by and the sea-going vessel took shape, he must have taken quite a bit of flack from those around him.  

"What's the boat for, Noah?  Are you planning a sea voyage?  How are you going to get it to the water?  What a fool!"  I'm sure Noah must have wondered how this would all play out.  Instead of letting what he didn't know hold him back, however, he stuck with what he did know.

God told Him to build an ark.  He said He would destroy the earth and everything in it.  The Lord promised to establish a covenant with he and his family, saving them from the destruction.  Then there were the plans; detailed instructions on the materials to be used, the dimensions and the layout.  On this, Noah focused his attention, doing just what God commanded.  (Genesis 6:9-22)

It took faith for Noah to complete such a big project.  Even though he didn't understand everything, He did as God directed him to do.  In the same way, I am called to live such a life of faith.  I am to walk by what I know to be true, not by what I see or by what I don't understand. (2 Corinthians 5:7)  I cannot expect to reason my way to God.  Instead, I either decide to take Him at His word, or I focus more on what I can't figure out.  

When the cupboards are bare and the rent is not paid, I may be tempted to think I'm doomed. My faith, however, will remind me that I have a Father who knows my needs and delights to give me good things. (Matthew 7:11) At this point, I can either go by what I see, or choose to believe what God has told me. (Matthew 6:8, 32-34)

When my marriage seems over and the fighting never stops, I can cut my losses and get out, or I can trust that God is the God of the impossible.  (Matthew 19:26)

When I feel like I can't go on, unable to overcome the feeling of despair rising up within me, I can give in or remember my identity as a precious child loved by a powerful God.  (1 John 3:1)

I cannot expect to base my life on what I sense, but on what I have been taught as the truth of God's Word.

I naturally have a deep desire to understand before I move forward.  In God's kingdom, however, I am called to do the opposite.  I cannot expect to understand God since His ways are higher than mine, nor can I comprehend the part He has asked me to play.  Therefore, it is important that I realize this is a life of faith so I can move forward based solely on God's Word.  When I take Him at His Word, I will understand the meaning of blind obedience.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can focus on what I know to be true instead of what I see around me.

When am I afraid to move forward because I don't understand what God is doing?

How do I think God owes me a good life?   

Pleasing Aroma

"It is a burnt offering,

a food offering,

an aroma pleasing to the LORD."

Leviticus 1:17b

I was so thrilled that I had finally found a young person who took my instructions seriously.  As I was walking my teenage neighbor through the list of directions for taking care of our four cats, two dogs, plants and house while we were gone on vacation, she whipped out a pen and began to take notes.  She asked questions to clarify my intention and made sure that she completely understood what I expected of her.  I felt so relieved to know this young lady was serious about the job for which I was paying her.  I honestly knew I would not worry about a thing while I was out of town with my family.

While it may have been a huge relief to find a conscientious caretaker, that is nothing compared to the expectations God has for me.  If my house-sitter missed a few details, a plant may die or a cat could get locked in room when the door unintentionally closes.   If I don't take God's Word seriously, there are more long-term consequences.  

Living my life in a lukewarm state where I go through the motions of doing what I feel comfortable doing while leaving out that which is unpleasant leads to a life that is less than what God intended. (John 10:10)  Even more worrisome is the fact that I can never please God unless I follow His instructions to the "T."  In fact, taking His Word seriously gives off an aroma that is pleasing to Him.

Loving God

"I love Jesus!  My love for Him is so great that I want to shout it from the rooftops!  I want everyone to know!"  I sat on my bed in our apartment in Germany, listening to my little sister on the other end of the phone gush about her love for Jesus.  We had both accepted Jesus as our Savior some 15 years earlier, but I had never experienced what she described.  I began to question my own faith, wondering if it was real since I had never felt what my sister was so eagerly describing.  It seemed something was lacking in my own life.

As the years passed by, I began to study the Bible. Instead of reading God's Word as a way to fulfill a requirement, I began searching for the answers to my questions.  Who was this God I claimed to follow?  What did He expect from me?  What could I expect of Him?  What is with this love my sister had so eagerly proclaimed yet I had never sensed?

As I sought the Lord, I found Him. (Jeremiah 29:13) The love I had long been missing began to grow in my heart.  Suddenly, the entertainment I had easily embraced for so many years became offensive to my eyes.  The words I sometimes let loose tasted bitter in my mouth.  The company I kept turned from pleasant to empty. The music I used to find joy in now seemed meaningless. Jesus became my passion.  Apart from Him, nothing made sense.

God is a jealous God.  He is not jealous of me.  Instead, He is jealous for my time and attention.  He made me so that I could be devoted to Him and Him alone.  (Exodus 34:14, 2 Corinthians 11:2-3)  When I want to know Him more and more each day, I am fulfilling His purpose for my life.  As easy as it is to make it my life's aim to please the people who are important to me or to satisfy my own desires, God's heart is the one in whom He truly wants me to delight. 

Loving God above all other pursuits gives off an aroma that is pleasing to the Lord.

Loving Others

My own needs are about what I am mainly concerned.  I tend to be suspicious of other's motivation.  Many times, it is easy for me to do things for others only when I know it will somehow bring me a benefit.  My heart is selfish to the core.  

As I come into contact with Christ, putting myself into His hands, I find a transformation taking place. (Philippians 2:13, Romans 12:2)  The needs of others start to become more important than my own.  (Philippians 2:3-4)  

I also find that I want to believe the best in every person, hoping when it seems there is nothing upon which to base that optimistic expectation.  (1 Corinthians 13:7)  

Those who surround me with hurt and seek to destroy my reputation become the object of a kindness I never before knew as God's mercy wells up inside of me, propelling me into a mission of giving without expecting anything in return. (Luke 6:35)

As I grow closer to the Lord, I find a change taking place in my heart.  His love, mercy and grace flow freely, benefiting not just me and my life, but overflowing into the lives of those around me.  I cannot love my neighbor as myself out of sheer effort and by an act of my will any more than a lion can lay down with a lamb without incident.  Instead, I find that the only way I can love others is to accept the great love God has for me.  (1 John 4:7-8) 

Letting God's love pour out into the lives of others gives off an aroma that is pleasing to the Lord.

Willing Vessel

Approximately 215 million people in over 185 countries have heard him preach the gospel in person, while countless more have listened over television, video, film and webcasts.  No other preacher has reached more of the world's lost for Christ.  How was Billy Graham able to accomplish such a feat?  Was it his charisma?  His masterful speaking skills?  His educational background?  His dedicated team of workers?  None of the above.

The reason Billy Graham was able to do what no man has ever done before was because he was willing to be used by God.  At a young age, he gave his life to Christ.  Even more, though, Billy was willing to let God mold him and shape him in order to fulfill the purpose God had for his life.  (Isaiah 64:8)

God has a great purpose for each of our lives.  He desires that I step into that plan, allowing Him to use me as He sees fit.  Most of the time, however, my own fears, doubts and insecurities block His efforts.  The Lord is not a bully, forcing me to fit into the mold He has created for my life.  Instead, He waits for me to willingly submit myself into His hands, allowing Him to form me and use me.  

To reach this point, I must understand the futility of my own efforts, the depth of my sin and the deep need I have for salvation.  (Psalm 51:17)  As I humble myself in this way, He will lift me up, giving me the life of significance which He prepared in advance for me.  (James 4:10, Ephesians 2:10)  There must be less of me in order for more of Him to shine through.

Making myself a willing vessel to be used by God gives off an aroma that is pleasing to Him.

When I follow God's instructions to the "T,"  I give God great pleasure.  He has made it clear that loving Him, loving others, and trusting Him enough to place my life in His hands are some of His most important teachings.  When I take His Word seriously, I give off an aroma that is pleasing to Him.  

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can show His love to others instead of hording it all for myself.

When am I least willing to let God shape me?

How do I fail to love God?

#loving God, #loving others, # willing vessel, #Billy Graham