Strength to Carry On

"So, my dear brothers and sisters,

be strong and immovable.

Always work enthusiastically for the Lord,

for you know that nothing you do

 for the Lord is ever useless."

1 Corinthians 15:58

Discouragement rears its ugly head as she witnesses the fallout of sin all around her: Broken marriages, pain, suffering, abuse, murder, corruption, deceit.  She works hard in the ministry God has given her to the lost families in her community, but it's sometimes hard to see any fruit.  What's the point? she thinks.  No one is listening and everyone wants to continue living the way they always have, despite the trouble that brings.  She wonders if its time to give up.

Do you ever feel like giving up?  We all do at times, but we can take encouragement from the fact that God is accomplishing what He wants to bring about, even if it can't be detected by the human eye.

It's easy to feel discouraged when working with the lost.  Having experienced the victory over sin and death that Jesus provides, I am eager to pass on the hope I possess, knowing that my work is not in vain.  Sometimes, though, the very world I am trying to minister to brings me down.  It is this very hope, then, that can give me the courage to persevere.

Stand Firm

The defiant and jubilant atmosphere quickly turned to that of panic and despair.  The intimidating chariots of their oppressors approached at an alarming rate.  As the crowd numbering over 2 million frantically searched for an escape route, they realized their predicament, seemingly all at once: They were pinned against the Red Sea.

"Why did you bring us here, Moses?  Weren't there enough graves in Egypt?  We were better off as slaves!"  The people who earlier praised their liberator were now quick to cast all blame upon him. (Exodus 14:5-31)

Instead of joining in the fervor of alarm, Moses stood firm, saying, "Don't be afraid.  Just stand still and watch the LORD rescue you today. . .The LORD himself will fight for you.  Just stay calm." (Exodus 14:13-14 NLT)

I am no different than the Israelites, panicking when things seem hopeless.  Instead, I want to take on the faith of Moses who chose to believe in the sovereignty and power of God while everyone around him was highly alarmed.  It is important to remember what Moses seemed to know;  when things seem at their worst is usually when God is about to blow the roof off the place!

The hope I have in Jesus can give me the strength to stand firm and wait on His deliverance.

Give Fully

He was the perfect picture of a Hebrew: Circumcised at eight days of age, a member of the tribe of Benjamin, affiliated with the Pharisees and committed to following the Law with the severest level of compliance.  

Despite his bloodline, religious background and supreme effort, Paul considered his relationship with Jesus Christ to be of the highest value.  While his credentials previously meant everything to him, they now paled in comparison to the joy of knowing Christ. (Philippians 3:5-8)

Consequently, Paul was willing to offer himself completely to the work of the Lord.  However God chose to use him, Paul was eager to submit, so much so that toward the end of his life, he could look back and say that, "my life has already been poured out as an offering to God."  (2 Timothy 4:7 NLT)

God has given so much to me, just as He did for Paul.  I may not hold the credentials Paul did, but my spiritual heritage is rich in grace and mercy. (1 John 3:1)  Therefore, I have the ability to live fully in submission to God's will, as Paul did.  

First, however, I must cast away my fears, let go of my expectations, and shed my insecurities.  Then, I can take on the counsel of Oswald Chambers as he spoke about Jesus' command to feed His sheep.  Jesus gave us nothing with which to feed our brothers and sisters, but Chambers said,  "The process of being made broken bread and poured-out wine means that you have to be the nourishment for other souls until they learn to feed on God."

The hope I have in Jesus can give me the strength to give myself fully to the Lord I love.

Maintain Heavenly Perspective

The man drew a crowd as he sketched a map of the city under siege on a large brick.  Then he laid on his left side for 390 days, then turned to his right for 40 days.  All the while he was tied up with ropes, staring at Jerusalem.  During this time, he ate barley loaves baked over a fire made with dung as the crowd watched in disgust.

As if this year-long spectacle wasn't bizarre enough, the man then drew out a sword and shaved off all his hair.  Next, he produced a scale on which he weighed out three equal sections of his hair.  After performing some kind of strange pantomime, he then set afire one-third of the hair on the brick map.  Once the flames subsided, he scattered the second bundle and began hacking away at it with his sword.  Finally, he flung the remaining hair up in the air, except for a few strands which he tucked away in his robe.   Most people agreed: This guy was certifiably crazy.

While God used Ezekiel to do some strange things, each ritual was an illustration of the judgement that was to come against the people of Israel and Judah.  (Ezekiel 4-5)  I wonder how Ezekiel felt about performing all these bizarre practices?  How was he able to obey when he knew he was being made to look like a fool?

Ezekiel maintained a heavenly perspective, paying more attention to His Father's opinion than to that of the people around him.  It was more important for Ezekiel to be used by God than to see results or to live what the world sees as successful.

I can take a lesson from this prophet.  There are times when I know in my heart God wants me to do something that looks bizarre.  It could be to homeschool, give away all my belongings or to leave a lucrative business to minister to the homeless on a full time basis.  Whatever it is, people will think I'm crazy.  But if I take on the attitude of Ezekiel, caring more about pleasing God than people, I will feel emboldened to carry on.

The hope I have in Jesus can give me the strength to see beyond the temporal into the eternal.

Focusing on what is going wrong can lead to a feeling of hopelessness and a desire to quit.  But if I can keep my eyes on Jesus as the author of my faith, I can stand firm like Moses, give fully like Paul, and maintain a heavenly perspective like Ezekiel.  Then, I can persevere, knowing my work for the Lord is not in vain.

As I begin this day, it is my prayer that I can remember the work God is doing behind the scenes.

How often to I look for evidence of God's work or seek results as a sign of success?

When do I hold back instead of allowing God to freely use me? 

God of Integrity

"On the third day Abraham looked up

and saw the place in the distance.

He said to his servants, 

'Stay here with the donkey while I 

and the boy go over there.

We will worship

and

we will come back to you.'"

Genesis 22:3-4

The future was uncertain.  Death loomed, throwing it's oppressive shadow on the happy troupe as they climbed to the spot the Lord had designated as their destination. The father was so proud of his son and loved him as only one who has waited for the special blessing of parenthood can understand.  How could he sacrifice his only son?  The thought of it sent him into despair.  But how could he not?  The God he feared and followed had spoken; how could he disobey the One who meant so much to him? (Genesis 22:1-2)

Abraham made a choice that day.  He decided to act with confidence based on what God had promised.  Knowing that God is faithful, he chose to believe that he could trust the Lord to bring about His assurance that Abraham would be the father of many nations and that a great blessing would come through his child, Isaac.  (Genesis 12:2-3,  Genesis 15:5, Genesis 21:12)

Abraham didn't know how God would fulfill His promise, but he knew without a doubt that somehow, both he and his son would return from Moriah.  He had every intention of taking the life of his beloved, knowing in his heart that God would bring him back to life.  (Hebrews 11:17-19)

What drove Abraham to act was his understanding of the nature of God.  He knew God as One who could be trusted to carry out what He proclaimed.  I, too, can become a woman like unto Abraham.  Even when things look dismal and beyond hope, I can live in a way that proclaims my faith in a God of integrity.

Actions

By all accounts he was a righteous man who loved God.  When his Lord spoke, he put the plan into action.  This proposal was preposterous and would bring him much grief.  His reputation would be ruined, his home would be one filled with betrayal and pain, and there would be much speculation at the city gate as to his sanity, but Hosea trusted God and did as He commanded.

This prophet of God was used to illustrate the love of God to the unfaithful people of Israel through the circumstances of his life.  Hosea would become an example of the devotion of the Creator to the ones He chose as His own, even though their affections were for other gods.  Hosea was called to marry and cherish a prostitute; an adulterous woman who did not take her marriage vows seriously.

God may call me to live in circumstances which could bring about great pain to myself and those I love in order to bring Him glory.  Maybe it is a job in a far-away place that will mean separation from extended family.  It could be that He has a plan for me that includes living in poverty for a time.  Or, God might bless others through my willingness to share about a stronghold of sin that troubled me for a time.  

Whatever God is asking of me, I can be assured that my obedience will bring about great blessing, no matter how bleak my situation may seem.  Like Hosea, God will use my obedience to deliver a message of hope and love to a world doomed for destruction.

When I choose to obey God's calling despite the consequences my submission may bring, I am saying with my actions that I serve a God of integrity.

Vision

The reports were glowing.  The land was filled with good things to eat and flowing with milk and honey.  Grapes larger than ever-before seen were growing freely, and juicy pomegranate and delicious figs were abundantly available.  This was a wonderful paradise!

Oh, but there was one tiny problem.  The people who lived there were vicious giants who would not easily give up their land to the Israelites.  Thankfully, two men carried a vision of what God could do to those puny monsters!  Caleb and Joshua knew that God would deliver on His promise to guide His people into the promised land.  These two young men could see the twelve tribes living there as if it were already a done deal. (Numbers 14:7-9)

Because of their faith, Caleb and Joshua were the only two out of an entire generation who were allowed to enter into the land God had set aside for His people.  I, too, can live my life like these two men who believed God was capable of slaying giants.

When impossible circumstances present themselves, I can move forward as if God has already delivered me.  For the times the bills are piling high and my pay is dwindling, I can live as if my Father owns the cattle on a thousand hills.  When my child is behaving as if he doesn't know Jesus, straying far away,  I can treat him as lovingly as my Father cherishes me despite my waywardness.  During the rocky times of my marriage, I can treasure my vows, knowing that God will bring us through.

No matter how large the barriers in my life, God is up for the job.  Only He can give me the strength and courage to hang on when the storms of life rage around me. (Isaiah 43:2)

When I am in the middle of the seemingly impossible, I can choose to move forward with the assurance that God will deliver me.

Example

The sun gleamed, reflecting off the blade of the knife held high over his head.  Even though he lay in such a vulnerable position, laid out as a sacrifice to the Lord, his heart beat steadily.  The words of his father ran through his mind, bringing him comfort and the assurance that all would turn out well.  "We will come right back," he had said to their servants. (Genesis 22:5)  Isaac knew he would return home with his father.

As the mother of four daughters, it is hard for me to think about killing one of them in obedience to God's calling.  The more I know about God, however, the more plausible it becomes.  Abraham's faith in God was strong.  As a father, it was his desire to not only obey God, but to demonstrate his faith through the example he left for Isaac.  As one who loved his son as much as I love my daughters, his act of obedience wasn't cruel or unloving.  On the contrary, I would say he probably showed great love and care as he placed Isaac on the altar.

More importantly, though, was the faith he exhibited for his son.  Instead of feeling fear and trepidation at what was to come, then, Isaac only felt peace as his father's faith rubbed off on him.  His father's confidence in a God who could raise him from the dead gave him reassurance to move forward with a quiet sense of calm.

I, too, have the opportunity to demonstrate my faith to those who are following me or simply observing my life.  When hard times come, do I boldly live, knowing that God will provide or do I sink into depression, afraid that my life is over?   When I am asked to do what seems impossible, do I willingly rise to the occasion knowing that God will equip me or do I shrink away from the challenge, troubled by the thought of the test?  When bad things keep happening, do I speak of the hope I have in Christ, or only of the pain I feel in my heart?

However I react, I can be sure that people are watching.  Either they will gain confidence in the God I trust or they will see that my God is really not all that great.

When I speak the vision my faith gives me, all those around me can share in God's mighty acts and will then give Him glory.

What I believe about God is evident in the way I respond to His call.  When I move forward down the path He laid out for me despite the difficulty it brings, live with the vision of what He has promised as if it were a done deal, and leave a powerful example in my speech, then my life will  express a faith in a God of integrity.

As I begin this day, it is my prayer that I can live my life this day as if my God can do anything.

How do I betray my lack of faith in the way I tackle difficulties?

When do I convey a spirit of doubt in the way I talk about my circumstances?

Legacy of Love

"If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels,

but didn't love others,

I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.

if I had the gift of prophecy,

and if I understood all of God's secret plans

and possessed all knowledge,

and if I had such faith that I could move mountains,

but didn't love others,

I would be nothing.

If I gave everything I have to the poor

and even sacrificed my body,

I could boast about it;

but if I didn't love others,

I would have gained nothing."

1 Corinthians 13:1-3 NLT

How will I be remembered when I'm gone?  Will people remember the deep thoughts I shared, the times when I gave generously or the words I wrote?  When I am gone will my legacy point to me, or point to the God who loved me enough to send His Son to redeem me from the pit of death where my sins condemned me?

David Phelps, a tenor with the Gaither Vocal Band, performs a powerful song about the kind of legacy for which Jesus was known and to which I am called as His follower.  It is not a legacy of great works, mighty power and amazing accomplishments.  Instead, you and I are called to a legacy of love.  Listen to the words of "Legacy of Love" and ponder the purpose for which you were saved.  (John 13:34-35, 1 John 3:18)

Words

The scent of perfume filled the home as the guests dined in His honor.  This distinguished group had gathered to celebrate the miraculous salvation of Lazarus, but not everyone seemed to have the same focus.  While the woman lovingly anointed the feet of her Lord as a tender offering, another protested the extravagance.  "The poor would be better served by your generosity." (John 12:1-8)

While it is important for us to take care of those in need, and God made it clear in His Word that He wants us to generously give toward the poor, defending the cause of the weak, the widow and the fatherless, (Deuteronomy 15:11, Psalm 82:3-4) it is easy for the church to become just another institution providing social programs.

Doing things God's way means I'm not just concerned with His commands, but in how I carry them out.  Standing for the truth is important, but this does not trump the command that Jesus gave us to be known for our love for one another.  Sometimes the most compassionate thing I can do is to bear with my brother or sister until she can see the truth for what it is.  (Colossians 3:12-14)

Just as Mary's heart longed to demonstrate her love for Jesus in an excessively generous way, so should my actions be driven by my desire to show my love for my Lord and Savior.  When I'm so intent on saying what I know to be right, the message becomes more important than the one to whom the words are directed.  My passion for loving those around me should overpower my desire to be heard.

I will leave a legacy of love when my actions speak more of the love of Christ than do the words I say.

Faith

The man may have been small in stature, but he was big in faith.  He was despised by those who had suffered under his greedy hand, yet when faced with the One who offered the life he longed to live, Zaccheus accepted the gift without hesitation. (Luke 19:1-10)  

Instead of defending his cheating ways, Zaccheus immediately made things right, giving back four times what he had taken.   All those who knew him, though, sneered, "How could Jesus stoop so low as to dine with this traitor to our people?"  But Jesus knew the heart of the swindler turned philanthropist.

The love of Jesus allows me to always believe that people can change.  Instead of only focusing on the tenets of my faith, then, I can also trust God enough to rejoice in the truth even when it hurts.  I'm sure it wasn't easy for a wealthy tax collector to dip so deeply into his stores in order to do what was right, but his faith spurred him to do exactly that.  There is nothing else said of Zaccheus in scripture, but I wouldn't be surprised if he became an advocate for the outcasts of society, thus passing on the heritage he received from Jesus.  

I will leave a legacy of love when my faith in God drives me to never give up on anyone, even myself.

Generosity

The tinkling of the tiny coins falling into the coffers drew the attention of the Master.  While many men had given much money that day, no one gave as much as this elderly widow.  Why?  She gave all she had. (Luke 21:3-4)

How often do I give generously, but only out of my abundance?  I am quick to donate money when I have more than enough to cover my needs, but when times are tight I cut back on what I give.  It is easy for me to be generous with my stuff, but when it comes to taking the time to help someone, I'm stingy.  I am openhanded when it comes to volunteering where I feel comfortable, but I'm wary of pledging my help when I don't feel equipped or competent.

The widow's offering was remarkable because she gave out of her poverty, believing that God would come through to provide her needs for the next day.  If I saw God the same way she did, I would never hold back.  Then, a disruption to my schedule would become a divine appointment, a plea for help when the bank account is low would turn into an opportunity to watch God provide, and a needy neighbor on a busy day would develop into an opening for grace to flow.

I will leave a legacy of love when I freely give all of me.

It doesn't matter how much I do for God if love is not the hallmark of my life.  I can take a lesson from Mary, Zaccheus and the poor widow whose lives teach me how to not simply speak empty words, but demonstrate love in action; to trust God enough to give Him a chance to change the people in my life; and to generously give of myself.  In these ways, I will leave a legacy of love.

As I begin this day, it is my prayer that I will keep the love of Jesus always in my consciousness.

What would those around me say about my life and it's legacy?

How can I pay more attention to the opportunities God gives me to pass on the love of Christ?

Love Builds Up

"Now regarding your question about food that has been offered to idols.

Yes, we know that 'we all have knowledge'

about this issue.

But while knowledge makes us feel important,

it is love that strengthens the church.

Anyone who claims to know all the answers

doesn't really know very much.

But the person who loves God

is the one whom God recognizes."

1 Corinthians 8:1-3 NLT

The Pharisees knew the scriptures well.  They studied the Torah and the Talmud, which was the written record of the interpretation of the Law, an oral tradition passed down from generation to generation.  These men thought they knew exactly what God expected of them and that they were therefore the experts to be held up as examples of godly men.

Unfortunately, they neither knew God nor loved Him, leaving their knowledge of God as a tool that served to elevate themselves.  Jesus often criticized their sense of self-righteousness and ironically held them up as an example of how not to live.  While the Pharisees thought they had it all together, their opinion of themselves couldn't be further from the truth.

The question then becomes, how do I live in a way that elevates God instead of myself?  The answer is found in the way I respond to the following:  How do I love God?

Obedience

From the beginning he was a boy dedicated to the Lord and served Him from a young age. (1 Samuel 2:18)  The first time he heard the voice of God, his mentor had to tell him what to do.  Even though the first message was a difficult one to tell, he spoke to words the Lord had given him, delivering the prophetic judgment against his own guardian.  Samuel was obedient to the Lord.

His love for God led Samuel to take the Lord seriously, doing as He directed even if it didn't make sense.  When it was time to choose a king to replace the defiant Saul, then, Samuel had no problem passing over all the sons of Jesse who seemed fit for the position and instead let God choose the one whose heart was inclined toward Him.  Consequently, Samuel anointed the little brother, a mere shepherd boy who would come to be known as a man after God's own heart. (1 Samuel 16, Acts 13:22)

Loving God means doing what God asks me to do.  When my common sense says to take the easy way but God directs me toward the difficult, my love for Him will drive me into obedience.  When all my friends are advising me to take the job, but my heart is ill-at-ease, my love for Him will drive me to do exactly to that which He has inspired me.  When the obvious choice seems to be to go through the wide door, but the narrow gate is calling my name, my love for Him will propel me through the uncommon way.

My love for God can manifest itself in the same way it did in Samuel, a man who followed God's direction to the minute detail.

Priorities

Nothing had been spared to hunt him down.  Even though he was the Lord's anointed, his time was yet to come.  Meanwhile, he was living like a hunted animal, running from cave to cave, keeping just out of reach of the king whose jealousy burned like a consuming fire.

Suddenly, it seemed God had provided an opportunity for the hunted to kill hunter, ending this lethal game of cat and mouse once and for all.  As David and his men hid in a cave one day, Saul entered to find a private place to relieve himself.  David crept up and cut the hem of the king's robe, retreating quickly into the darkness before Saul even knew he was there.  Intending to kill the king, David's conscience got the better of him as he called off his men, saying, "The LORD forbid that I should do this to my lord the king and attack the LORD's anointed one for the LORD himself has chosen him." (1 Samuel 24:6)

Sometimes it seems that God has delivered the fruit of my desires to within my reach.  The temptation dangles like a luscious peach on a tree, but if I love God, I will put His will above what I want.

Loving God means His glory and His will is my most ardent desire.  Instead of taking what is so temptingly handed to me, loving God means I will set aside my reputation and instead choose His way.   Instead of doing what is within my rights to do, loving God means I will cast my privilege aside and pick the option that will best glorify Him.  Instead of paying attention to how my obedience to God might hurt another, loving God means I will put His will above my own popularity or comfort.

My love for God is apparent when I put Him first in all my decisions.

His Pleasure

He was the richest, wisest, most famous king of all time.  Every pleasure known to man was made available to him.  As one who loved women, He took 700 wives as his own and kept 300 concubines at his disposal.  (1 Kings 11:3)  No source of delight was withheld from King Solomon.

Still, he labeled everything as meaningless.  It's not like he didn't try to find purpose and fulfillment in the things of life.  He lived life to the fullest, tasting every kind of food, sampling the affections of many foreign women and studying the great philosophers.  Nothing, however, brought any kind of deep satisfaction to his life. 

Solomon's conclusion to his search for significance was this:  "Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone's duty." (Ecclesiastes 12:13)

When I am tempted to live for myself, catering to my own desires, my love for God will turn my heart toward pleasing Him instead.  When the way He leads me is filled with thorns and prickly people, my love for God will propel me forward anyway as I desire His delight above my own.  When I see what pleases me standing right in front of me, my love for God will turn me around toward what will please Him.

My love for God means I will seek His pleasure above my own.

It is easy to fall into the same trap as the Pharisees and know a lot about God, but not know Him.  When I enter into a personal relationship with the God of the Universe, I will find a love for Him growing in my heart.  This devotion to Him will lead me to want to do what He asks of me, to desire His will and glory above all things, and to seek to please Him in all I do.  In this way, love will work to build up God's kingdom in a powerful way.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I will keep God first in my life.

How do I seek my own pleasure instead of trying to find what God wants me to do?

When am I more concerned with my own rights instead of what will bring glory to God?     

Take One for the Team

"The very fact that you have lawsuits among you

means you have been completely defeated already.

Why not rather be wronged?

Why not rather be cheated?

Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong,

and you do this to your brothers."

1 Corinthians 6:7-8

The Pastor and his son violently disagree over church doctrine and the resulting estrangement makes national headlines.

The congregation splits into two factions, leaving a dark cloud over the church that lingers for years.

Arguments over the budget drove church members to turn to the court for resolution.

As a member of the family of God, the testimony I leave for those who are watching is severely hampered when I attempt to resolve conflict as the world does.  Instead of only looking out for myself and my own interests and rights, I can instead consider putting the reputation of God's people above all else.

His Glory

I remember hearing about a certain actress who always insisted on being filmed on a certain side because it made her nose look smaller and appearance more feminine.  Entertainers are often concerned with their reputation and popularity ratings, working hard to look their best wherever they go, just in case someone is there to take their picture.  They go to great lengths to keep up appearances in order to preserve and enhance their career.  In fact, I would even say that everything some celebrities do is with their own glory in mind.

Using this same idea, I can replace myself or my favorite star with God.  His glory should be of my utmost concern.  When I consider how my actions, speech and beliefs will affect the opinion of those who are watching me have of God, I will make my choices deliberately and with great care.

In place of doing what pleases me, I can think about what would please God.  Instead of choosing the activities or endeavors that make me look good, I'll ask God what will place Him in the best light.  As a replacement for making my voice heard and my opinion known, I can let the argument go for the sake of my Lord.

I never thought about how my actions affect Jesus but Oswald Chambers challenges me to do just that.  He said, "Whenever we are obstinate and self-willed and set upon our own ambitions, we are hurting Jesus.  Every time we stand on our rights and insist that this is what we intend to do, we are persecuting Jesus."

Letting Jesus be Lord of my life means that His glory will be the motivation for the way I live.

His Mind

We all think a certain way.  I like to save dessert for last while my husband has been known to dig into the sweets before the meal.  In my way of thinking, I am saving the best for last.  In my husband's mind, however, he's making sure he gets some of the goodies before he's too full.  

To compare God to a human is ridiculous:  He is, after all, the Creator of all things.  God does, however, have His own way of thinking, just like individual people do.  The difference is, that His  thoughts and ways are much higher than mine; I could never hope to fully comprehend His character, nature and manner (Isaiah 55:8-9).

Since God's mind is so superior and far above my own, the only hope I have of thinking from God's perspective is through His Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:16).  When the transformation begins, I will find that I desire what will bring others into God's kingdom instead of what will build my own following or validate my efforts.

His mind also is more focused on restoring relationships than in making sure people know the truth.  This might mean I'll have to humbly accept defeat even if I know I'm right.  As I leave the outcome in the hands of a just and loving God, I will be able to live in peace even with those who seem to be out to get me.

Seeing from God's perspective reveals a hurting heart where once I only saw anger and bitterness, fear that used to be interpreted as a lack of self-control, and disappointment instead of cruel behavior.

Letting Jesus be Lord of my life means seeking to think like Him.

His Family

Tony Wilson, English owner of Factory Records, manager of many bands and TV host is known to have said, "This is Manchester.  We do things differently here"  referring to the unique fuse of rock and dance music for which this region of England is known.

While they might have thought in a different way musically in Manchester, God's family also has a unique way of seeing the world and solving problems.  Not only do we utilize a different set of rules than the world, but God's judgment is also opposite of what the world would come up with.

Take the example of Solomon who was faced with two prostitute-mothers who were fighting over the one newborn who survived between the two of them.  One of the women had rolled over during the night killing her child, then replacing her dead child with the living one.  The thing was, they both claimed the living child as their own and it was up to Solomon to decide which mother was telling the truth.

Instead of calling witnesses and looking at birthmarks, Solomon utilized God's way of thinking.  He called for the innocent baby to be cut in half, with each mother taking home a piece.  As the sword was brought to the king, the real mother cried out, "Oh no, my lord!  Give her the child--please do not kill him" (1 Kings 3:26b)! Her response was all Solomon needed to know to distinguish between the real mother's love and the impostor.

In the same way, God gives believers a sense of discernment to be able to tell right from wrong, swindler from someone with a real need, and worldly versus godly decisions.  All I need is to stick with the family of God's way of resolving conflict instead of using secular methods.

Letting Jesus be Lord of my life means I'll settle disputes using the wisdom that comes from Him.

The testimony I leave as a walk down the path that God has for me is seen by many unbelievers.  When I inevitably encounter a conflict, it is God's glory that will be my utmost concern, His way of thinking which will guide me, and His way of solving problems that will distinguish me from the world.  Sometimes, this may mean I must take a hit for the team, but in the end, the world who is watching will only see the love of God.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can let go of my rights and think only of His glory.

When do I think more like the world instead of taking on the mind of Christ?

How do I tend to resolve conflict in a way that makes the Church look bad? 

Strong Foundation

"By the grace God has given me, 

I laid a foundation as an expert builder,

and someone else is building on it.

But each one should be careful how he builds.

For no on can lay any foundation

other than the one already laid,

which is Jesus Christ.

If any man builds on this foundation using gold,

silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw,

his work will be shown for what it is,

because the Day will bring it to light.

It will be revealed with fire,

 and the fire will test the quality of each man's work.

If what he has built survives,

he will receive his reward.

If it is burned up,

he will suffer loss;

he himself will be saved,

but only as one escaping through the flames."

1 Corinthians 3:10-15

The three were sent out into the world to make a life for themselves.  One chose the quick and easy route, taking the first job that came along and using his first paycheck to lease an apartment.  The second son decided to reach a little higher than his brother and sought a management position while saving up for a down-payment on a mortgage for his very own house.  The third son was the most ambitious and determined of them all, developing his own business from the ground up.  Soon, he amassed enough of a fortune to build a brick home.  

As my version of the story goes, the big bad stock market crashed, leaving the economy in bad shape.  The first son lost everything as his job was the first to be cut, leaving him out on the street.  The second was down-sized to a lower-paying job and he foreclosed on the home he bought on a whim.  The third son felt the impact of the downturn, but with his strong credit rating and business plan, he was able to weather the storm without much of a loss.

While life is not always like a fairy-tale, there is a lesson to be learned from every story.  Whatever I build my life upon will determine it's quality in the eyes of the Lord.  If I base my beliefs on what Oprah, Dr Phil, or even Pastor Paul says, I'm building on a weak foundation.  The only strong base for a life of meaning and purpose is to lay the groundwork starting with Jesus Christ.  Anything else will not survive the fire of God's judgment.  

If I'm serious about making Jesus the basis for my life, I can start with what He said about Himself in John 14:6a when He said, "I am the way and the truth and the life."  Then, I will be able to weather any storm and can live with the assurance that my life will have an eternal impact.

Way

"There are many ways to get to God."  This common belief came from the mouth of one who grew up in the Catholic Church.  Lately, he had drifted from his roots and tried another religion.

While there may be many belief-systems designed with the goal of getting closer to God, only one leads to a true relationship with God the Father.  As a sinner who lives in a state of defiance against God's standard (Romans 3:23), I am doomed to destruction when I stand before God based on my own merit. (Romans 6:23a)  The only solution to my sin problem is for someone to take the punishment meant for my sins, giving me a chance to live instead of facing the death penalty.

Jesus Christ did this when He died on the cross, making a way for me to live eternally in the presence of a Holy God and experience His love in this life on a daily basis.  No other religion provides a remedy for the rift my sin creates between me and God.

Basing my life on the fact that Jesus is the only way will keep me on the narrow path that leads to life.  I may not have all the trappings those around me enjoy as they travel the wide path, but I will have peace they can never experience apart from Jesus. (Matthew 7:13-14)

The only strong foundation for my life is to believe that Jesus is the only way to God.

Truth

Most people today believe that truth is whatever is good for them.  What works for me may not work for you, but the understanding goes that there is no universal truth.

Building my life on this fallacy will lead to many pitfalls.  If I think lying is okay as long as it doesn't hurt anyone, I will soon find that deceit will always bring pain and suffering.  If it is my neighbor's belief that God doesn't mind how we live as long as we've accepted Jesus as our Savior, I will soon witness the fallout of living a life to please the flesh.  If my friend doesn't accept the teaching on forgiveness, our relationship will suffer as she holds a grudge against me.

Rejecting the idea of truth goes further than creating a life of chaos and misery.  In turning away from what is right I am turning away from Jesus Christ who is the Truth.  In Him is found the wisdom of God and the fulfillment of prophecies.  He is more than a Savior, He is also the source of all that I ever need to know about anything.

Basing my life on what Jesus teaches me will lead to a life that will stand under intense scrutiny.    No matter how hard someone tries to find some dirt, none will be found.  Accusations will fall flat and legal claims will come to nothing.  The result will be glory for God as others see all the good He is doing in my life.  (1 Peter 2:12)

The only strong foundation for my life is to believe that Jesus is the source of Truth.

Life

The daily grind: I wake up to the annoying sound of the alarm, shuffle to the kitchen for a cup of coffee, turn on the news to hear the depressing onslaught of tragedy, scandal and corruption for the day, and begin another day in a meaningless string of equally-as-insignificant days.  What kind of life is this?

Jesus addressed this tendency for humans to settle for a shallow existence.  He said He is the gate to the kingdom of God who gives those who follow Him a full life filled with meaning and purpose.  Satan, however, only desires to use men for his own purposes, leaving a feeling of emptiness and discontent.  (John 10:7-10)

As I accept the abundant life Jesus offers, I will find my motivation for work that came from a desire for self-promotion and wealth turn into a passion for the humble ministry to which He has called.  In the place of looking for ways to please myself and fill my own tank of happiness, I find a desire to cater to the needs of others.  While I once found great pleasure in talking about the difficulties other's face, coming up with wonderful solutions for their problems, I now discover a love for lifting them up in prayer.

Where once existed an empty, self-centered life, now has been replaced with an abundant life overflowing with the love and goodness of God.  (Psalm 23:5)

I can base my life on many things, whether it be materialism, the teachings of wise men, or the search for self-fulfillment.  Whatever I decide to make as the foundation for my life, I will one day stand before God.  Only a life lived for Christ as the Way, the Truth and the Life, will be able to withstand the test.  I desire to build on the Strong Foundation!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I will choose to live as Jesus is leading me to live.

When do I get caught up in following teachings that don't line up with what Jesus taught?

In what ways is my life empty and meaningless?