The Power of Godly Leadership

"Then Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD 

in front of the whole assembly of Israel 

and spread out his hands.

Now he had made a bronze platform,

five cubits long, five cubits wide and three cubits high,

and had placed it in the center of the outer court.

He stood on the platform and then knelt down

before the whole assembly of Israel 

and spread out his hands toward heaven."

2 Chronicles 6:12-13

I am a leader.  Even though I may not feel like one, as a follower of Christ, I have been designated as such (Matthew 5:14-16).  People are watching me, curious as to how my life is different from others' lives (Titus 2:7-8).  Some pay attention so they can follow suit.  Others may be looking for a way to trash me or my Savior (1 Peter 2:12).  Whatever the reason, I am leading people down the path on which I choose to walk.

King Solomon seemed to understand this concept well and he chose to set a godly example that others could follow.  He humbled himself before God in front of all the people.  He could have chosen to commit such an act in private, just between himself and God.  He knew, however, that this moment was much bigger than himself.

By choosing to kneel before God in such a public way, Solomon demonstrated for his people how to live a godly life so they could do the same.  Who is watching me that I could lead down the path of life?

Power of Prayer.  "How can I pray for you?"  This question reflects my husband's passion as he meets with people through his job.  It is amazing how many open up to him because he took a  moment to show he cares.  In addition, he is also showing how powerful a prayer to a mighty God is to some who may never think about God let alone talk to Him.  

The Apostle Paul lists continuous prayer as one of the core practices necessary to my journey of faith (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).  I was made to stay in constant contact with my Father, taking my fears and doubts to Him with a spirit of thanksgiving for all He is doing around me.  He meant for me to see Him as my sole Source of answers for the difficult questions, solutions to the problems of life and comfort during the times of suffering.  Not only so, but it is His intention that I use prayer as a weapon with which to wage war in the heavenly realms against my unseen yet persistent enemy (Ephesians 6:18).

With such a powerful tool at my disposal, I bring glory to God when I use prayer as the first action taken in every situation.  While it's easy to pray as a last resort, when all other options have been exhausted and I'm desperate for help, I can realize the power found in prayer.  When I treat it as the most influential action I can take, others will follow suit and God will become their go-to resource as well.

When I use prayer as my first line of defense, I demonstrate to those watching me the power of prayer.

Words of Faith.  When I'm feeling weak, tired and ready to give up, I easily jump on the next bandwagon that passes by.  If I'm surrounded by negative, defeated people, I begin to talk like them, adopting their pessimistic view of the world and forgetting that God is in control and will not let me down.  If, however, I choose to listen to those who speak words of faith, reminding me that God is faithful to keep His promises and that He is good and will work all things for my good while conforming me to the image of His Son, I will find my perspective taking on a more godly slant.

Words are powerful tools that can tear others down or build them up, send them into a tailspin of hopelessness and doubt or bolster their faith, and point them toward destruction or send them down the path of life.  What I say, especially during times of trouble, can be a powerful influence on those who are watching.

Therefore, I must guard my tongue against the critical, negative and damaging words that come so easily to my sinful nature (Proverbs 13:3, James 3:6).  As I surrender my tendency to speak negatively, God will use my tongue for His glory, to speak words that bring life to those who are within earshot (Romans 6:13, Proverbs 18:21, Ephesians 4:15).

When I speak words of faith, I demonstrate to those watching me how to stand strong in the Lord and stay confident in His ability to save, protect and guide me.

Intention to Obey.  Talk is cheap (James 2:14-20).  While it is true that mere words are not as powerful as actions, I am off to a good start if I profess my intentions to those around me.  Simply thinking that I want to do what God says may not be enough.  There is no more powerful influence than accountability.

Therefore, if I voice my intention to do as God has commanded, I give myself a powerful incentive to follow-through.  Furthermore, when my heart is fully committed to what I have said, the actions that follow will set a powerful example to those who are watching.  

Knowing that my words mean something can set me apart from a world that loves to flatter and deliver empty promises (Titus 2:7).  When people see how they can trust my word, I set an example of the power of living in Christ that cannot be denied.

When I voice my intention to obey the Lord, I demonstrate to those watching me the integrity of my word as they see me follow-through, enabled by the power of Christ.

Living in a world that encourages me to look out for my own best interest and live to please myself does not promote godly living.  As a follower of Christ, then, I stand out from those around me, making me a leader.  What kind of an example am I setting for those who are watching?  If I demonstrate the power of prayer in my life, speak words of my faith in a dependable God, and voice my intention to obey Him, I will point others to the One who brings true meaning and abundant life to those who follow.  In so doing, I will realize the power of godly leadership.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can remember the eyes that are constantly watching me.

How do I often think my actions don't really matter that much, forgetting the influence I have on the world around me?

When do I tend to live unto myself instead of attempting to lead others toward life?

Cannot be Contained

"But who is able to build a temple for him,

since the heavens,

even the highest heavens,

cannot contain him?

Who then am I to build a temple for him,

except as a place to burn sacrifices before him?"

2 Chronicles 2:6

It burns out of control, fed by the dry grasses and timber, licked up like so much kindling for a campfire.  Before anyone realized it, the fire was threatening thousands of homes, sending many to run for shelter as they grabbed what little they could save from the impending inferno.  Soon, firefighters arrive from all over the region, working together to try to contain what seems impossible to bring under their control.  They work night and day suppressing flames, building fire lines, putting out flames and hot spots, all in an effort to stop the out-of-control destruction.

As difficult as it is to try to contain a wildfire known for changing directions without warning, jumping roads or rivers and gobbling up massive areas of vegetation, it's even more ridiculous to think about containing God.  It seems a bit silly to build a dwelling place for One who cannot be measured, who is above all things, and is greater than all of creation.  How could such magnificence be contained?  

Yet, I try to do so without even realizing it.

Plan.  20-year plan.  Retirement plan.  Career track.  Humans love to make plans.  As much as I desire to know what I can expect in the next few years, only God knows what He has in store for me.  He is the One who holds the blueprint for my life and since His ways are better and more complex than what I could ever hope to generate, I must trust Him to bring about His purposes in the details of my life without expecting to understand the entire scope of His plan (Jeremiah 29:11, Psalm 40:5, Isaiah 55:8-9).

Still, I love to try to figure out how God is going to work out a certain situation, or through what channels He will provide, or when He will come through.  In these ways, I limit God's plan to what I can understand or agree with.  Instead, it is better if I let God be God, giving Him free reign to do as He sees fit.

I attempt to contain my magnificent God when I limit His plan in my expectations of Him.

Presence.  For treasure hunters, there are many places to hunt for valuables.  Some of the most unusual include in a hollowed-out shingle on the roof of an old house, in a false bottom fashioned at the base of a livestock feed bin, between sheets of shelf paper in a kitchen cabinet or inside of a bicycle tire.

While I don't personally look for such fortune hidden in such surprising places, it does remind me of a characteristic of God.  There is nowhere I can go where He cannot be found.  While I wouldn't expect to find Him in a seedy motel, a strip club, or on a dark street corner where drug deals regularly take place, He is there.  Darkness is as light to Him (Psalm 139:7-12).

Thus, there is no place that is off-limits to God, no hurt in my heart which He does not see, no shame which drives Him away.  

I attempt to contain my magnificent God when I assume I can hide or conceal my heart from Him.

Power.  A change of heart.  Cancer cells shrinking.  The sun standing still in the sky.  There are some things I don't expect to see.  After living in the world for nearly 50 years, I know how things usually work and while I may imagine fantastical happenings, I don't really think I will see them come to pass.  I like to think I have my feet firmly rooted in reality.

Unfortunately for me, God does not work within the limits of my definition of reality.  He is free to accomplish whatever He desires; winning over the heart of an atheist, healing the terminally ill or bringing about that which defies the laws of nature.  God's power is unlimited.

Why, then, do I expect so little from Him?  Instead of asking for healing I settle for what man's inferior efforts can supply.  In the place of tapping into the power He's given me to forgive I harbor a grudge and grow angry and resentful, trying to mask the root of bitterness with my own efforts toward civility.  While I could allow His compassion to flow through me to the unlovable, I opt to avoid their difficult personalities in an effort to shield my life from discomfort. 

I attempt to contain my magnificent God when I bind His power with the bands of rational reality.

In the same way that it seems ridiculous to build a building that could contain God, I often limit His magnificence without even knowing it.  I restrict His plan for me to what makes sense to my human mind or by what I feel comfortable with.  Even more silly are my efforts to hide my self, thoughts or heart from God.  Finally, I end up crippling the Lord's work in my life when I label some acts as impossible or off-limits to Him.  In these ways I attempt to restrain a God that cannot be contained.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can stop trying to put God in the neat little box I have constructed out of ignorance and fear.

When do I expect very little from God?

How do I limit God's power in my life?  

Praise in the Midst of Suffering

"'Naked I came from my mother's womb,

and naked shall I return.

The LORD gave,

and the LORD has taken away;

blessed be the name of the LORD.'"

Job 1:21 ESV

His name is synonymous with suffering.  In the span of a few hours his oxen, donkeys and servants were slain, the sheep and their shepherds eradicated by lightening, his camels were stolen and their caretakers killed, and his beloved children all perished as the house was destroyed by a freak windstorm.  This goes way beyond having a bad day; it is the epitome of suffering.

How could Job honor God when he had lost everything?  I would think he would at least be a little angry!  How did he praise and exalt the name of the Lord in the midst of such heartache and trouble, and how can I do the same in the difficulties I now face?

Kingdom Eyes.  It's easy to see the bad stuff.  The difficulties blare out, announcing their presence with what sounds like a trumpet blast.  Sickness hits, financial hardships come, repairs become necessary, rebellion rears its ugly head in the hearts of my children; life appears to be one difficulty after another.  

Meanwhile, God is busy at work behind the scenes extending His mercy, grace and love.  Yet I fail to see it because I'm using my own fleshly eyes to view the world.  If I shed such a lowly viewpoint and don a higher way of seeing things, I'll notice God's mercy in the timing of the latest calamity, coming as it did when I was better positioned to face it.  Or I will take note of the love of God pouring out through the people I come into contact with as I negotiate the pitfalls of the latest tragedy.  Or I find great comfort coming in the presence of God signified through a kind act, or a beautiful flower, or an unusual bird.

God never rests and He has promised to always be with me.  Sometimes, however, I forget to notice His still, small voice, or appreciate His reassuring ways, or perceive His merciful acts.  It then follows that I will think He has left me when in reality He has been there all along, giving me what I need to get through each moment.

Job was able to praise God in the midst of suffering because he looked at his situation through kingdom eyes, and I can do the same.

Humble Outlook.  Nothing about my situation seemed good.  I could not perceive how things would work out in the end.  It looked like a hopeless situation to me, that is until I stopped trying to be in control. 

When I am the lord of my own life, thinking I have to put out the fires, solve the problems, and come up with viable solutions, every little hiccup becomes a crisis and I start to feel as if there is no point to my life.  In short, I get discouraged.

Placing Jesus in the position as Lord of my life, however, gives me a chance to settle into my rightful place as a child of the God who has all power and resources yet loves me perfectly (1 John 3:1, Matthew 6:8, 31-33).  When I recognize His ultimate control and am able to identify His nature as good, I can put my trust in Him to lead me through whatever may come my way.  

If, however, I'm not sure of God's motives, suspecting that He may allow hurt into my life for no apparent reason, I will be wary of His leadership and attempt to go my own way in an effort to protect myself.  Unfortunately, I'll end up getting into more trouble and experiencing more hurt as I muddle through apart from His perfect love (Isaiah 26:1-4).  As C.S. Lewis said, "God can't give us peace and happiness apart from Himself because it is not there.  There is no such thing."

God can be trusted.  He doesn't change His mind, is unable to lie, and will never go back on a promise (Numbers 23:19, James 1:17, Deuteronomy 7:9).  The only variable in my relationship with Him is me: Will I trust Him enough to submit to His authority?  Am I humble enough to let go of the reigns of my life?  Can I give up my so-called "need to know" mentality and surrender to His higher ways (Isaiah 55:8-9)?

Job was able to praise God in the midst of suffering because he possessed a humble outlook that trusted God to lead, and I can do the same.

Eternal Perspective.  It's so easy to think this is all there is.  When I adopt such an outlook I live for the here and now, grabbing all I can before it's gone and investing in fleeting pleasures.  The problem with this way of seeing the world is that when trouble comes, I feel like my life is over.  If there is nothing more than this life and things don't go well, what's the point of carrying on?  From where does my hope come?  Why should I keep trying just to get slapped upside the head time and time again?

When I know Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior, however, I gain a new perspective.  This world changes from the be-all, end-all to a temporary assignment (Philippians 3:20).  As a follower of Christ I learn that He is preparing a place for me in His Father's house, and that this place is where I will be perfectly satisfied and fulfilled (John 14:1-3).  Having such bounty and treasure to which I can look forward gives me strength to get through the nonsense which I must deal with here on earth.

Furthermore, knowing that Jesus is the ultimate Overcomer, that if I stick with Him I'll be on the winning side, gives me courage to stand firm instead of keeling over from the stress of life (John 16:33).  If I know who will come out on top, why wouldn't I pledge my life to Him?  Doing so means I will realize there is purpose behind the suffering, that He uses every situation in my life to bring about good while conforming me into the image of Christ, builds my character and develops eternal treasures (Romans 8:28-29, 5:3-5, Matthew 6:19-21).  

Job was able to praise God in the midst of suffering because he maintained an eternal perspective, and I can do the same.

It's hard to think about praising God as I walk through a dark valley filled with the stench of death.  It is possible, however.  I know this because Job was able to do just that, and his life serves as an example of how I can give God honor and lift up His name even when my circumstances beg for a curse.  I can look at my world through kingdom eyes, adopt a humble outlook, and gain an eternal perspective.  In these ways I'll be able to praise God in the midst of suffering.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God enough to follow Him when He takes me down a rocky road.

How do I turn my back on God in an effort to avoid suffering?

When am I focused mostly on the bad stuff that is happening instead of God's goodness?

All His

"O Our God,

we thank you and praise your glorious name!

But who am I,

and who are my people,

that we could give anything to you?

Everything we have has come from you,

and we give you only what you first gave us!"

1 Chronicles 29:14 NLT

Seriously?  I thought as I stood in the hot sun waiting for the tow truck.  First Donald's truck and now mine?  All at the same time?  When we don't have any money to spare?  I couldn't help but be a little ticked off at God, wondering how this fit into the good plan He has for my life (Jeremiah 29:11).  Lately, it just seems we've had one setback after another, almost like we can't catch a break.

It's funny how life can hum along with nary a hick-up for weeks at a time, and I rarely thank God for it.  As soon as things start going wrong, though, I'm quick to cast blame on Him.  Similarly, it's easy to start thinking my life is a result of my hard work, my effort, my smarts.  In reality, everything is His.  He created all things and made all people in His image, able to create, reason, repair, nurture; all traits that transfer well to the marketplace.  He even entrusted all of His masterpiece we call the world into the hands of man, giving us the job of stewardship.

Still, I often take ownership as if it's all mine, or thinking I'm responsible for it coming to be in my possession, or expecting clear sailing all the time.  In truth, without God's unmerited favor, I would have nothing and tribulation would be the rule not the exception.

People.  She's my daughter so I must make sure she makes the right decisions.  

I can't just stand by and let my friend marry the wrong man.

How dare she treat me in such a way!  And she calls herself a Christian?

It's easy to take ownership of the people God has placed in my life, thinking I must control, protect, and judge.  If God is their God just as He is mine, what makes me think I am responsible for ordering their footsteps, or sheltering their lives, or deciding what's right and what's wrong?

God in His sovereignty places me in the family He created for me, includes me in a certain circle of friends, and positions me where I will come into contact with those He desires me to know.  As a result, I can let go of my desire to control, protect or judge.  Those are all God's areas of responsibility, and He does a much better job than I could ever do.

All the people in my life are God's, giving me the freedom to let Him have dominion over their lives.

Possessions.  My house.  My car.  My clothes.  My phone.  My toys.  When it comes right down to it, I'm pretty possessive.  It's easy for me to think everything in my custody actually belongs to me.  After all, it has my name on it, right?  I bought it with my own money so that makes it mine!  Or so goes my line of reasoning.

In reality, the Lord gives me the wherewithal and the resources to be able to acquire the stuff I own.  Without His favor, the work of my hand would bear no fruit and I would not prosper.  I must realize, then, that if He can give me lots of things, He can also take those things away in a heartbeat, a lesson many people learned back at the beginning of this generation's Great Recession in December of 2007.  I know many who lost thousands of dollars of their retirement, suddenly found themselves jobless or were close to losing their homes during that difficult period.  Like Job proclaimed at the lowest point of his life, I must come to the conclusion that, "The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD."  Job 1:21

Therefore, I would be wise to hold with an open hand the possessions with which I've been entrusted.  Instead of calling myself blessed because God has given me a lot of stuff, I can realize the blessing does not come through material possessions but in spiritual ones.  The physical stuff is mostly just a distraction from what is truly valuable.

So, if someone has a need that I can fill, my hand will freely let go of what is needed since it belongs to God anyway.  He is simply using me to help someone else.  Or if something breaks down, I can easily accept it's absence, realizing it was never meant to be my source of joy or fulfillment.  Or if catastrophe passes through, taking with it all I belong, I can praise God for His goodness in the midst of it.

All the stuff in my life belongs to God, giving me the ability to hold it with an open hand.

Aptitudes.  I've been groomed to sell myself, telling of my talents, skills and experience in a way that paints my image in the best light, giving prospective employers a a desire to hire me.  Consequently, I often become prideful of my accomplishments, thinking it was my abilities that got me where I am, or my hard work that gave me the opportunities I now enjoy, or my years of education that gave me the edge.  

In reality, I was purposefully made in a unique way in order to meet God's specifications (Psalm 139:13-16).  If I have an unusually high I.Q., I cannot take credit for God's handiwork.  If I'm gifted athletically, musically, or artistically, it is my Creator who gave me such talents.  If people tend to flock to me, attracted to my magnetic personality, it is the Lord who put such charisma in my chemical makeup.

As a follower of Christ who is meant to glorify God with my life, I would be wise to honor Him in all my ways (Romans 12:1, Proverbs 3:5-6).  Thus my life will point others to Him. 

All my gifts and talents come from God, giving me the opportunity to honor Him with my life.

It's easy for me to view the people, possessions, and aptitudes with which God has graciously gifted me and assume they belong to me.  When I accept the fact that everything good comes from the Lord (James 1:17), it will follow that I will develop a more grateful attitude, learning to place the people in my life under His dominion, hold the possessions He gives me with an open hand until it's time to let them go, and honor Him with the way He has made me.  In these ways I will be showing that I believe it's all His in the first place!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can see all the good God has given to me.

When do I only focus on what is wrong instead of thanking Him for all the good?

How do I hold onto my stuff with an iron grip, not wanting to let go for any reason?

The Secret

"'So now, with God as our witness,

and in the sight of all Israel

--the LORD's assembly--

I give you this charge.

Be careful to obey all the commands of the LORD your God,

so that you may continue to possess this good land

and leave it to your children as a permanent inheritance.

'And Solomon, my son, learn to know the God

of your ancestors intimately.

Worship and serve him with your whole heart 

and a willing mind.

For the LORD sees every heart 

and knows every plan and thought.  

If you seek him, you will find him.

But if you forsake him,

he will reject you forever.

So take this seriously.

The LORD has chosen you to build a Temple as his sanctuary.

Be strong,

and do the work.'"

1 Chronicles 28:8-10 NLT

Everything was in place.  David had reached the end of his reign and was ready to place the crown on his son's head.  Before giving him such a responsibility, however, there were some things Solomon needed to know.  The charge David gave to his son could be a blueprint for living a life that is pleasing to God.  

What's the secret?  Well, it's really no secret.

Know and Serve.  It's easy to do one without the other.  I get caught up in serving, doing things for God, things He never asked me to do.  Things I think are necessary to the workings of His kingdom.  Things that seem good.  As I labor with gusto, I find myself growing weary as my own strength peters out.  Before I know it, the ministry I used to relish is nothing more than a chore; a responsibility added onto my long list of tasks to be done each week.

I was never meant to do things for God.  Instead, He'd rather I spend time with Him, getting to know Him in a more intimate way each day (Luke 10:38-42).  Then, when I see Him at work around me, I can join in, working in Him.  In this way it's really Him doing the work through me, empowering me to persist and enabling me to succeed (1 Corinthians 15:10, John 15:5).

I recently cut some blackberry vines that were intruding into our yard.  Before I severed their link to the main part of the plant, they were healthy and vibrant, producing delicious berries of their own.  Within an hour of clipping those branches, the leaves were withering and wilting.  I am just like this blackberry vine:  Apart from Jesus, I don't have the necessary resources needed to thrive and I will never bear kingdom fruit.  If I make it my life's pursuit to grow closer in my relationship with Him each passing day, relying on His Spirit for all that I need to live, fruit will be produced in abundance and I will never run out of steam.

I am charged with knowing God and serving through Him.

Seek.  Meaning.  Purpose.  Wealth.  Fame.  Praise.  Security.  There are many things I can seek in this life.  Some seem beneficial while others are obviously destructive and self-serving.  None, however, will bring satisfaction apart from one pursuit.

I am promised to find God if I seek Him with all of my heart (Deuteronomy 4:29).  He is not a God who plays hide-and-seek, withholding his affections if He's having a bad day, or is overwhelmed with requests from others, or just doesn't feel like hanging out with me.  Jesus is always ready to meet me where I am and desires nothing more than to be invited in to the most mundane parts of my life (Revelation 3:20).  He wants to be found.

If I will hold God as my most valued treasure, worthy of being pursued as my utmost endeavor, I will find contentment and fulfillment.  If, however, He is just one of many pursuits, I will always feel like there is something missing and my heart will always be found wanting.

I am charged with seeking God with all of my heart.

Be strong and do it!  There are some callings that seem more important than others.  Missionary work in a war-torn country.  Preaching God's Word to a hungry flock.  Feeding the hungry and hopeless on the street.  Somehow, it's easy to glamorize some work while minimizing others.

In God's kingdom, however, every position is important, vital to the function of the whole (1 Corinthians 12:18).  Therefore, wherever God has placed me to serve, I must do so with gusto, realizing it's importance to God and His kingdom (1 Corinthians 10:31).

If I am called to be a mother, even if it doesn't seem very life-shattering to wipe runny noses and tie little shoe-laces, I can do my job as if it is the most important job in the world, which it is.  

If I am placed in a position as a janitor, while I may be looked down upon by many, I can clean with all my heart, letting Him use me for His glory and keeping in mind that doing my best is important to God.  

If I sometimes feel overlooked in the place God has positioned me, thinking there is nothing special about my life, I must remember that what I do is vitally important in God's eyes.  Since He saw fit to drop me down into this situation, it means I have a job to do that has kingdom merit.

I am charged to stay strong in the Lord and do my job to the glory of God.

David's charge to Solomon is filled with godly wisdom.  When I follow his advice, I will see the value in building my relationship with the Lord daily and being a willing servant, make it my life's pursuit to seek Him wholeheartedly, and to realize the importance of the position in which He's placed me and do my work to His glory.  In these ways I have discovered the secret of living a meaningful and fulfilling life that pleases God.  

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can stop going after meaningless pursuits.

When do I forsake my relationship with God in order to go after the latest craze?

When do I get caught up in looking for meaning in all the wrong places?  

Now. . .

"Now seek the LORD your God with all your heart and soul.

Build the sanctuary of the LORD God 

so that you can bring the Ark of the LORD's Covenant

and the holy vessels of God into the Temple

built to honor the LORD's name."

1 Chronicles 22:19 NLT

The location had been chosen.  The materials were gathered and orders given for their preparation.  The charge and blessings were passed on from the Lord.  Needed encouragement for such a large project was imparted.  God's presence and provision was assured.  David made sure that everything was in place for his son Solomon to successfully build the temple.  Now it was Solomon's turn.

It's similar for me.  Everything has been set in place, prepared for me so that I can walk the path God has chosen for me (Hebrews 12:1, Ephesians 1:3, 1 Corinthians 1:7, John 10:10).  Now it's my turn.

Set.  "I can do anything I set my mind to do."  This is a popular sentiment that is based on the fact that what I think about can influence the direction my life takes.  Athletes understand the power of the mind and often use positive thought processes and well as visualization techniques to improve their performance.

If I use my brain power to mostly think about my own worthlessness, dwelling on how I have failed and doubting whether God can use me, I will head down that road of destruction.  If I focus mostly on using my own common sense and abilities to negotiate my way through life, I will move in a direction that takes me away from the Source of all I need to live the life I was created to live.  If my mind generates thoughts of worldly success, acquiring the trappings of the modern life and making for myself a comfortable existence that feeds my fleshly desires, I will succeed in making my own agenda rule supreme.

If, however, I set my mind on things above, using the brain God gave me to generate pure, lovely, excellent and praiseworthy thoughts, seeking Him and His will in all that I do, I will find myself walking the obscure path of life (Colossians 3:2, Philippians 4:8, Matthew 7:13-14).  Many times, spiritual warfare is waged on the battlefield of my mind (Ephesians 6:12).

Now that I have been given new life through faith in Jesus Christ, it is time for me to set my mind on the things of Christ.

Arise.  The time just didn't seem right.  I didn't have all my ducks in a row, so to speak.  I felt ill-equipped and unprepared.  Still, God had given me my marching orders.  Either I could ignore Him and continue on as if I hadn't heard His still, small voice, or I could muster up the courage to do as He had said.

Obedience takes faith.  In order to do what God wants me to do I must believe that He will equip me once I take that first step.  Walking forward into the darkness of the unknown, however, can be scary.  Instead of dwelling in fear and doubt, talking myself out of action, it is better to follow the advice of Nike and "Just do it."

God is always at work behind the scenes, setting all the necessary pieces in place and moving every player to where they need to be.  When I balk at His direction, hesitating to do as He has said, I am proving my lack of faith.  When I obey, refusing to wait for the elusive perfect time to act, I will find His plan at work all around me.

Now that I have been given new life through faith in Jesus Christ, it is time for me to arise and get to the business of obeying His call on my life.

Reap.  The ripened berries were dangling before me as I carefully moved down the row of raspberry vines.  Everywhere I looked, the tantalizing fruit hung down like tiny, ruby treasures hidden among the foliage.  I couldn't wait to pick this delicious fruit and get to the business of making jam.

While berries are quite delectable, there is another kind of fruit that is even more desirable.  When I let God's Spirit have His way in my life, giving Him the leeway He needs to work in my heart, I will discover evidence of His fruit growing in my flesh.  

Instead of impatiently pushing forward, I'll find the ability to wait on the Lord.  While I used to have a cynical attitude, now I see more of a joyful hope abiding within.  In the place of the anxiety and turmoil that used to rule my inner being, I find a peace that makes no sense to me (Galatians 5:22-23).

Furthermore, my obedience to God's calling on my life will lead to great blessing (Psalm 24:1-5).  Covered as I am by the blood of Jesus, I am free to focus on His kingdom as my standing with Him is made good (Romans 5:9-11, Matthew 6:33).  Instead of feeling the need to prove myself as worthy, or make my life mean something important, or going after all the things I think I need, I can simple abide in Him (John 15:5).  As I go after His will, I will find my perspective changing, giving me new goals and desires that line up with His (Psalm 37:4).  The resulting spiritual gifts will prove God's favor on my life.

Finally, as I set my mind on God and His ways, getting to the work of obeying Him, I will find myself making much of Him in my day-to-day dealings.  People will look at the fruit of my life and praise my Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16)!

Now that I have been given new life through faith in Jesus Christ, it is time for me to reap what He has sown.

It is easy for me to think I need to wait for just the right time before I can do what God wants me to do.  I must realize, however, that He has already laid all the groundwork.  Therefore, it is my job to set my mind on the task of seeking the Lord and get to the work of doing what I know He is calling me to do.  As a result, I will reap godly fruit and blessings as God gets the glory for the great things He is doing.  Now is the time.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God enough to step out in faith and obedience.

When do I wait, thinking I'm not ready to do as He has said?

How do I miss out on a blessing because of my fear and doubt?

Costly Offering

"But King David said to Ornan,

'No, but I will buy them (oxen, threshing sledges, wheat) 

for the full price.

I will not take for the LORD what is yours,

nor offer burnt offerings that cost me nothing.'"

1 Chronicles 21:24 ESV

It was a pittance, really, these small coins that clinked together as they fell into the collection box.  To most it seemed tiny, but to her it was all she had, given with a grateful heart (Luke 21:1-4).

Sometimes, those who possess little have a greater concept of the sacrifice found in giving.  The rich sometimes give to impress, while the poor have no means with which to make an impact.  God is looking for an offering from me that means something.  Therefore, I'd be wise to pay attention to what He values.

Heart.  Out of duty and obligation, I drop my allotted amount into the plate as it passes.  Since I feel a sense of responsibility to help, I give my time to the ministry I've always supported.  For no other reason than I don't want to say "No" to the cashier, I agree to support a charity about which I know nothing.

My heart is important to God (1 Samuel 16:7).  What drives me to do the things I do matters.  I can invest my time and money into important endeavors without a thought to God's intentions for these resources He's so generously given.  When I heartlessly give, knowing it is the "right thing to do" but fail to include God in the equation, what do these gifts mean to Him?  He doesn't need my help nor does He desire what I have to give.  Instead, what He wants from me is wholehearted devotion to Him and His ways.  Then, whatever I have determined to give will be offered with a willing heart and be found acceptable to Him (2 Corinthians 8:12, Isaiah 1:10-17).

Similarly, when I give because it makes me feel good to help others, easing my sense of pity and guilt for my inaction when I see the homeless man begging by the side of the road, or the forlorn look on the puppy dog's face, or the woman suffering from cancer, it doesn't mean much to God.  Instead of trying to give myself a benevolent buzz, I must give out of obedience to Him, desiring to please Him more than I want to lessen my own feelings of helplessness.

The way I give and my motivation for giving is more important to God than what I give.

Faith.  I need every penny of my paycheck to make ends meet.  Since I'm so hard up, I think God will understand if I keep His tithe for myself.  After all, He doesn't want me to suffer, does He?

It's easy to justify my failure to give what God requires, looking at the facts and figures and coming to the conclusion that it's foolish to make any kind of offering.  If God is calling me to give, however, I must use eyes of faith to look at my situation.

There was a time when my husband and I were in a bad way.  The debt was mounting and our prospects looked dim.  We turned to credit counseling for help and were advised to stop giving our tithe.  We decided to trust God and reject this worldly advice that seemed to make sense but flew in the face of our convictions.  It wasn't long before God provided for us a way out of debt in a way that surprised us all.  

When I believe God will provide, just as the woman who gave her all must have done, my faith will not let me down.  God's Word is good and He will always keep His promises (Matthew 6:31-33, Ephesians 3:20, 2 Peter 1:3) .  Therefore, when I prove my faith in Him by doing what He has asked, I will not be disappointed (Malachi 3:10).

Giving takes faith when doing so doesn't look good on paper.

Intention.  Benevolence is acceptable and even applauded by man.  I'm easily impressed by those who give sacrificially, leaving me with the idea that giving in and of itself is good.  If my intention is to please others not God, however, I might as well not give at all (Galatians 1:10).

Following Christ is not always easy.  Many times He takes me down a road that doesn't make sense to me, or seems like the wrong way to go, or risks my reputation.  As a result, it's not long before others are talking, wondering why I'm behaving in such a way, or making such foolish decisions, or being such a rebel.  In reality, I'm only doing what Jesus is calling me to do.

The kingdom of God is upside down and backwards from the world, often flying in the face of my own common sense.  When I think I should give to the obvious, He may point out the obscure.  When I am drawn to do that which makes me look good, He may have me invest time in something that could draw the scorn of others.  When I want to play it safe, He leads me to the edge of the cliff.

Intending to please and obey God is the best reason for giving.

It's easy to give something that costs me nothing  and means even less to God.  Instead of getting caught up in giving just for the sake of giving, it is time I learn what is important to God.  He values my wholehearted devotion, a faith that believes He will protect and provide, and my intention to please Him.  In these ways, I will give a costly offering that means so much to my Father who needs nothing I have to give but delights in my obedience.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can remember the reason that I give: to please God.

When do I give out of duty or obligation, not realizing it's my heart that really matters?

How am I robbing God because I'm afraid to give the minimum?