Have it your way....

It’s a popular marketing concept. At Burger King, you can order your burger any way you like it. Subway lays all the ingredients out so you can see and pick what you want piled on your sandwich. Frank Sinatra sang ‘I did it my way’.

I’ve known parents who caught their child smoking and simply said ‘ok, you want to smoke…smoke this whole pack tonight, we will sit with you while you do it’. I’m not so sure that was a good way to discipline, but that kid certainly had it his way and most likely didn‘t want it again.

And all of us have tried to pass on our own knowledge to others, knowledge we gained from our own hard experiences, and we’ve probably had to stand back and see our advice slung aside as that person had it his own way.



“Since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke, they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes”(Proverbs 1:30-31 NIV).

God must shake His head in frustration as over and over we insist on having it our way. Even at all His warnings and instructions, His encouragement, the assurances of His love and best intent, we order up our own way, healthy or not.

It is so difficult to watch as a very, very wrong ‘my way’ unfolds. It is hard to see the consequences of bad decisions begin to materialize. When integrity and godliness disappear, arrogance, greed, and pride grow like weeds. When in obstinacy, leaders think ‘their way’ can be had at any cost, the cost gets greater and those who pay the price suffer in ignorance.

　

In this house, we sing along with Frank:
Regrets, I've had a few
But then again, too few to mention
I did what I had to do and saw it through without exemption
I planned each charted course, each careful step along the byway
And more, much more than this, I did it my way


I can say in all confidence that this particular way, was God’s way. With integrity, compassion, and a pure servant’s heart. 

Your next payment is due....

I frequently check the balance on the credit card I use for business purchases. I like to pay more than just once a month. When I call the toll free number, the automated services gives me information about my account. Usually, the voice will say “no payment is due at this time”.

Had I not already paid on the debt, that message would instead be “your next payment is due”, and give me a deadline for that payment.

　

“For you know what was paid to set you free from the worthless manner of life handed down by your ancestors. It was not something that can be destroyed, such as silver or gold; it was the costly sacrifice of Christ, who was like a lamb without defect or flaw. He had been chosen by God before the creation of the world and was revealed in these last days for your sake.” (1 Peter 1:18-20 Good News Bible)

No payment is due at this time. Or any other time.

I was in terrible debt, “for the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23 NIV)

There is no going over the limit. No service charges, no yearly fee. My account is paid in full. Hallelujah. Thank You Lord Jesus. 

Search and rescue...

I watched the television as first responders began sifting thru the devastation left by the tornado in Moore, Oklahoma. Listening to hear any faint cry, the goal was to rescue any survivor trapped under the rubble, snatching that life from the grip of death.

There were no prerequisites for rescue, no conditions to be met, no qualifications demanded. Everyone touched by this violent act of nature was searched for, rescued, then cared for.

For those left without anything except their life, the value of that life was profound. When found helpless, the offer of help was quickly accepted.

 
“My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.”(James 5:19-20 NIV)

No matter where I am, there are cries to be heard if only I have ears and quietness of heart to hear. People are devastated and trapped. The violent nature of sin ravages and destroys all who find themselves in its grip.

Will I even take the initiative? Do I evaluate when, where, and to whom I will obediently be the first responder?

Why do those in such dire need refuse the only Hand that can rescue them? Often time and time again. Why do they resist when He sends His rescue workers?

Where have I become in need of rescue or wandered from truth? Who would turn me from the error of my way, and how would I respond?

I believe there is security in my salvation. Yet death still looms when I become distanced from pure truth and find myself wandering. Death of peace, death of purpose, death of usefulness, death of relationships, death of joy, sometimes even physical death, and certainly death of a fruit bearing life. Yes, I am secure in my salvation. But because of it, I have the desire to be fruitful and useful.

I purpose to hear and respond to any search and rescue call He gives.

　

Making our approach...

I’m not sure if I’ve heard a real airplane captain say it or if it is just a movie I remember. When it gets time to land the airplane, the voice comes over the speaker announcing “Ladies and gentlemen, we are making our approach”.

　

　

There is a promise from scripture familiar to many of us, “ Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”(James 4:8 NASB)

That promise assures me that when I approach God, He approaches me. The airport doesn’t rise up and meet me. The prodigal son’s father didn’t wait on the porch, he ran out to meet his returning son. And God doesn’t watch and wait as I stumble and climb, trying to get to Him.

There’s much more information in that passage though, instructional advice about our approaching God.

“Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.”(James 4:8-10 NASB)
If I truly intend to approach God, I am admonished to “ Say a quiet yes to God….. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it's the only way you'll get on your feet. “(James 4:8-10 The Message)

　

It is not all up to me. I’ll never clean up my life, get rid of the sin, and live a perfect life. I’ll never achieve the removal of the sin that all we humans share. He knows that, even if I don’t know just how true it is.

I am to become humbled and submitted to His authority, putting His will above my own. I am to resist the temptation to do what He says is wrong.

I will never be more than what He will raise me up to be. I will never attain any status or accumulate any credential that will elevate my status more than being His child.

Me, approached and exalted by the Creator of the universe. 


Hallelujah.


　

If at first you don't succeed....

….try, try again. Never, ever give up.Great mottos.
Persistence is a good character trait to cultivate, setting goals and working toward them. If we give up easily, we certainly will be defeated easily.

I’ve set a few goals in my lifetime. I am not one to reach for the stars, I’m easily satisfied. Where I am in life has come from a slow persistent pace. Life is not a sprint, it’s a marathon, we do well to set a steady pace and maintain….

I’ve enjoyed some success in business. I have success in some of my relationships… a solid marriage, children who love and respect me. And, I’ve achieved some meager spiritual success.

But there are a couple areas of life, both spiritual and physical, that are a constant battle ground. My mind and my mouth.

What is in my mind is likely to come out my mouth, and very often, it doesn’t need to be in either place. I am warned in scripture about what comes out my mouth, and I do well to rely on some help with it….I’ll am assured that I will have no success simply on my own determination.
“This is scary: You can tame a tiger, but you can't tame a tongue--it's never been done.” (James 3:7-8 The Message)

My mouth needs a filter. I am convicted yet again for unleashing my tongue, and purpose that today will find me
“…fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. My tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building a life of obedience into maturity.”(2 Corinthians 10:5-6 The Message personalized by me)

It is hard to keep on keeping on. I have moments when I do give up and give in, giving too much rein to my tongue, spewing words of death when I need to filter my thoughts thru the thoughts the One Who died for all of us.

Not just me.

I purpose today for the Holy Spirit to tame my tongue. I purpose today that every word I speak will be words of life.  


　

Put under a microscope....

When stepping into the role of teacher, we open ourselves up to the possibility, and probability, of having someone be offended. And we subject ourselves to a scrutiny none of us will pass with a perfect score. Somebody will put us under a microscope.

“Don't be in any rush to become a teacher, my friends. Teaching is highly responsible work. Teachers are held to the strictest standards. And none of us is perfectly qualified. We get it wrong nearly every time we open our mouths. If you could find someone whose speech was perfectly true, you'd have a perfect person, in perfect control of life.” (James 3:1-2 The Message)

Teaching another person is a huge responsibility. In context, James was addressing a Jewish culture that valued and respected those in teaching positions of a religious nature. Spiritual life was at stake. Truth must not be compromised, but delivered in its entirety, with love and with firmness. Teaching is vital, and it is a high calling….

….but expect problems.

Expect to say the wrong thing sometimes, or say the right thing in a wrong way.
Expect to be scrutinized.
Expect fault to be found within you when you are scrutinized.

Makes you want to be a teacher huh?

I understand the context of James’ writing. I get the issues of the culture and the process of believers leaving behind the traditions and laws of Judaism. No longer was it only a Levite who could study and teach from the scrolls. Each believer was now a priest. Jesus Christ was the new high priest.

…and I understand the implications for those of us who have a call on our lives to teach in some capacity. For those of us who have children, we have assumed a role of teacher. Like it or not, intentional or not, we are teachers.

It is indeed a highly responsible work. We will certainly be held to strictest standards.


Those who want to find fault won’t need a microscope because we won’t get it all right. None of us are perfectly qualified, none of us will say and do all the right things.
Not a single one of us will refrain from saying or doing what we should not say or do. “We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.”(James 3:2 NIV)

That anyone James mentions…? Well that would be the only One Who is without fault, Jesus Himself. The rest of us strike out before we pick up a bat….

Human life would be extinct if only perfect people could bear children.

Spiritual life would starve if we insisted on only perfect people taking teaching roles.

Emotional life would be pitiable if only perfect people could minister to hurting people.

I purpose to take the first look at myself under the microscope. I purpose to place myself under the authority and control of the only One Who has no fault to see, even under close scrutiny.

And for those who would like to take a peek at that microscope…? Don’t bother…I’ll tell you up front, there’s some nasty stuff to see, but Jesus is working on it.

　

Do as I say....

I hated being told to ‘do like I said’. Then I found myself echoing those same words years later. They hated it as much as I did, I’m quite sure. (…right boys?)

It is a process, this learning obedience. In rearing children, we are somewhat able to enforce our will over theirs. We insist they do as we say. And they do to a degree but that only goes so far. Eventually they either obey out of respect and trust, or they refuse.

Ideally, they come to know that you have only their best interest in mind. The ultimate goal is for their actions to line up with the direction they are given.

Parenting is not a perfect example, but I think about the process as I read James’ teaching about the relationship between faith and action.

I ‘say’ I believe God. Then I often don’t follow thru with how I act out my life.


"So it is with faith: if it is alone and includes no actions, then it is dead.” (James 2:17 GNB)
Thank You Lord, for your grace that fills in the gaps, yet I am convicted to search my heart to identify any area of dead faith.

A young man I know recently repeated the phrase ‘Preach the gospel, if necessary, use words.’ It is not doctrinally correct in that we must use words, we must communicate the message of Jesus Christ. But when we just tell it and leave them with a ‘do as I say’….only to live in a way that doesn’t line up with what we say…

Well, imagine how your children respond to that kind of parenting.

That’s the way people will respond to the message of the cross, preached from a person with a dead faith.

I truly believe that we act out of what we really believe in our hearts. Lord God forgive my unbelief. I purpose for my conduct and thoughts to line up with what I say I believe. Forgive me and raise me up to get up and go on….doing as You say, simply because You are God.

Dress to impress....

I went thru a training once about presenting the right image. We were encouraged to buy that one pair of really great pumps, a tailored blazer that would multipurpose, and great fitting slacks in a neutral color… ( black, of course).

Dressing to impress would guarantee better response and higher income.

At another training, I remember being instructed to look outstanding, but NOT stand out.

Pitiful as it is, those strategies bring return in the marketplace when carried out correctly. If you look good, but not too good, your chances of success are great.

I’m in the business of image. I offer services that change what people see reflected in the mirror. I’m apt to offer fashion tips and trends. The old slogan comes to mind once again, ‘If your hair is not becoming to you, you should be coming to me’.

How we look matters. And it should. Yet again, it can get out of balance so easily. Worse still, how other people look matters to us. And maybe that shouldn’t…..certainly it should not change our behavior toward them.
“…believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.” (James 2:1 NIV)

I’ve recently witnessed a reward of fleshing this out. After years of being in a position to show a great deal of favoritism, many words of appreciation and honor have been spoken.

Some of those words were spoken by those ‘..
wearing a gold ring and fine clothes’ (vs.2), but a great deal of the affirmations came from those who don’t look like they mattered so much according to our culture standards.

They matter to God, and they mattered to my man.

For those who took time to voice the affirmations, thank you for the pleasure you brought me as he received that gift or words, whether spoken or written.

God views us all equally, no matter the fine fitting suit, the killer shoes, or the great hair. Regardless of the battered old jalopy we drive, or the newest luxury vehicle, His mercy is available, and His perfect law the same.

We do not have to compete for His love and protection, they are extended to all of us

　

I purpose to imitate my Father in showing no favoritism, especially favoring on appearances.

No pain, no gain....

I just read the remarks from someone after a first session with a personal trainer. He was sharing the woes of muscle failure.

I identify. Not so much with the weight training at the gym, ( I’d surely fail there too though…), but I identify quickly with spiritual muscle failure. Thankfully not as easily as once was true.

I don’t really like building muscle. It is not fun, takes persistent resistance. You have to increase the load, increase the repetition…sweat, ache… ugh. But I would like the results, were I to commit myself to it.

　

I dread what the living Word of God will speak to me each time I come to the book of James. Every time I read it, it is hard. There are a lot of things that put another weight on the bar, stretching me, convicting me, challenging me to grow muscle. And as I said, I’m not fond of building muscle. Certainly not fond of the work involved.

But I do like the results of the work, once He has completed it in me. So, I begin in chapter 1.
“My brothers and sisters, you will have many kinds of trouble…But this gives you a reason to be very happy.
You know that when your faith is tested, you learn to be patient in suffering. If you let that patience work in you, the end result will be good. You will be mature and complete. You will be all that God wants you to be.
Do any of you need wisdom?
Ask God for it. He is generous and enjoys giving to everyone. So he will give you wisdom. But when you ask God, you must believe. Don't doubt him.”(James 1:2-6 ERV)

No ifs, ands, or buts about it. Trouble comes. Often.

I still am not able to be happy about it, but praise God I do see trouble as an opportunity to re-present Jesus Christ and His power.

I purpose to live in His grace, depend on His empowering, and focus on His joy, anticipating the end result.

I do need wisdom, and purpose myself to not seek it from any worldly source, but instead to ask my Father for His wisdom.

……and enough of my own to use His.

We are not alone....

Remember the eerie space movies, where aliens come to inhabit earth? It was creepy to think that maybe ‘we are not alone’.

But it’s not creepy at all, in fact it is the most comforting thing I know….I am not alone.

I must admit, I was not at all comfortable with that thought at one time. The Presence of God so very present all the time was frightening. And I’ve never seen or heard Him….imagine the response of those Who experienced the God of Mt. Sinai, saw the fire, saw the cloud, witnessed the miraculous delivery from Pharoah’s army.

“I have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm; to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them, because they could not bear what was commanded..”(Hebrews 12:18-20NIV personalized by me)
“I have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant..”(Hebrews 12:23-24 NIV Personalized by me)


I am not alone. I am visited and indwelled by the Holy Spirit of God. He is both fierce and gentle. Wrathful and loving. “…for our "God is a consuming fire." (Hebrews 12L29 NIV)

There is sweet intimacy and deep respect. He lavishes His love, grace, and mercy, but at the same time metes out judgment. He is a consuming fire that engulfs every part of who I am, and a fire that burns away at any thing that is not good and right, removing what is not fruitful and eliminating what distracts me from what is for my ultimate good and His glory.

I remember fearfully singing, “There’s an all-seeing Eye watching you.”

What comfort it is to me now to know that not one thing escapes His notice. He is indeed watching, I need not beg or explain. He is already there.

"So I say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?" (Hebrews 13:6 NIV personalized by me)

Fake it til' you make it....

Continuing in Hebrews this morning, I look again at these heroes of faith listed in chapter 11.

Some of these people had great victories. Some had terrible defeat, disappointments, and some suffered or even died. Some of them never realized the purpose of it all in the grand scheme of things.

I often get on my soapbox about faith. I can carry on and on about how our faith must be in the Creator God of the universe, not in our ability to believe something. We can’t just grit our teeth, set our jaw, and determine to set our mind to it., and be any better off than we were. ( …in fact, I think it just hardens us when over and over we believe the enemy lie that it’s all up to us..)

Yes, we can and must make a choice and a decision. Yes, we must purpose in our hearts. But if we are the only source and the only determining factor in this faith, we are idolatrous. We have faith in ourselves.

I have thanked God so often for the words of the sick boy‘s father, "I do believe; help my unbelief." (Mark 9:24 NIV)

What an honest approach to God. I wonder why we think we can fake it til we make it with Him?

　

　

Faith isn’t something you can build up like a retirement fund. It isn’t something you can store away for future use like a pantry of food. You can’t save it up and watch it grow like money in a bank drawing interest. And no matter how much you have, it alone will never be enough.

Faith is meaningless without an object Who empowers and brings life. When Connie Pinkham is the object, simply my own self determination and choice, it is empty and worthless, leading only to death in situations, in relationship, and ultimately, in eternal death.

Faith in the Father of humanity makes the unseen real and it ushers in His grace, mercy, and strength. Faith in God demands that I have less and less faith in myself. As faith in Him increases, I realize over and over again my own inadequacy and His complete adequacy.

I purpose today to not fake it with Him.

And friend, I encourage you to get to know Him, don’t just decide to ‘be good’ or ‘act right’. Don’t think you can put your ears back and ‘have faith’. Don’t fake it. Because I can assure you, you won’t make it without His aid.

　

　

L O L.......smh...

LOL….smh……

For those of you who don’t recognize modern day shorthand, those letters mean a big ‘laugh out loud‘, and then ‘shaking my head'.　

　

Hebrews chapter 11 is often called the ‘hall of faith’. Listed there are people we refer to as heroes of faith. I stop at Sarah’s name, remembering how she laughed at a promise of God.

"So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, "After I am worn out and lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?" Then the LORD said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh and say, 'Will I really have a child, now that I am old?' Is anything too hard for the LORD?”(Genesis 18:12-14 NIV)　

Then her name is listed in this hall of faith chapter, branding her a heroine of faith, a believer in the promise of God.

“ And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise.” (Hebrews 11:11 NIV)　

I identify with Sarah. (….certainly not in the childbearing thing !!)

I understand how it feels to look at the circumstances of life and chuckle in disbelief.

I think about how long I have loved and claimed the promise of God as recorded by the prophet Jeremiah, “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”(Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)

I pray that it won’t be a long wait until I can laugh again with her, reflecting back on this day, marveling at how God has done exactly what He said. His plan is good. Whatever it is, however long it takes, it will bring a smile and laughter.

　

“Sarah said, "God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me." (Genesis 21:6 NIV)

I do laugh with you sister Sarah. And anticipate much more laughter in our future.

Standing on the promises of God ♫♪♪♫••*•♫♪♫•*•♫

　

People don’t always stand on their promises. Sadly, the trust factor between people is little to none these days. Even when something is documented, promises are broken.

I intend to keep my promises, but I too have often failed. I have learned not to make a lot of them.

Tonight, in some time alone in God’s Word, I’m thanking Him again for His faithfulness in keeping His promises. Whether any other human being is trustworthy or not, whether promises are made and kept, or made and ignored, God’s promises are sure. I can stand firmly on that.

　

“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” (Hebrews 6:10 NIV)

People forget, at least some of them do.

God never forgets.


　

An officer recently called our home to share a memory of when he was a rookie in training. A call came in about a woman who was causing a disturbance at a business. Eager to get there, and anticipating that they would escort the woman out of town, he was surprised to end up feeding the distraught and troubled woman, finding a way to get her shelter, contacting help for her, all of which calmed her and brought the situation under control.

What a gift it was to hear that the young officer tell the story of that day and how he had learned a valuable lesson.

Some people don’t forget.

God never forgets.

Hallelujah.

Ignorance is bliss.....

The recent events in our lives are hard to discuss. It’s complicated. But should I care to discuss it to a trusted friend, they try to understand. Their hearing me goes beyond comprehending my words. They may have never known or suspected anything amiss, they were ignorant. At least by Webster’s definition.

Webster defines ignorant as “destitute of knowledge; uninstructed or uninformed; untaught; unenlightened”

There is a huge difference in ignorance and ignoring. It’s one thing to not know something, but the offense is multiplied when we simply ignore it. Ignoring is intentional.

Do we act on what is revealed to us? Of choose to ignore?

Discerning good, recognizing evil, responding in a right way, taking appropriate action….or take no action, no active response to the revelation of truth.

　

　

The writer of Hebrews warns us about such. He stresses to us that maturity must be our goal. Learning and growing are not accidental. It is purposed. Intentional. Goal-specific.

“We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand.”(Hebrews 5:11 NIV)

I wonder, what has God told me to do that I have not been obedient in?

What has been revealed that I ignore?

What is it that is unclear to me simply because I refuse to engage my mind and heart to understanding?

Why should God go any further with me in the process of growing me up, if I refuse to act on the truth He has already revealed to me?

What is the last thing that you understood God instruct you to do? Have you done it? When is the last time you bent your ear to listen to Him? He still speaks, thru His Word, and has even provided a tutor, the Holy Spirit.

I purpose today to engage my entire self in understanding.

I purpose to act in obedience to whatever bit of understanding I gain, obediently participating with Him in establishing the line of communication between us.

I purpose to not ignore His still small Voice.

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

Drifting too far....

Drifting too far from the shore….

Kerry and I sing a song with that lyric, it’s one of my favorite.

Seems to be an epidemic of drifting these days. There are so many principles compromised, integrity absent, more gray areas than black and white.

Standing firmly on truth and what is right turns a person into a square peg, while there are mostly round holes.

Even in the first century there were issues. The believers who walked with Jesus, families who had such fresh experience with God in flesh, having heard for themselves, having heard from direct witnesses…and yet they drifted away, not anchored in truth.

It is imperative to have an anchor if you don’t want to drift. We must have it in possession, yet it is not enough to have it. We must carry it with us, always have it in the boat, know how to use it, and USE it. We must be familiar with it, but even familiarity can dangerous. Chunking it overboard doesn’t mean it’s anchored to anything solid, doesn’t mean waves can’t push us from the shore.

Mental assent is as useless as just having an anchor.

We say “I go to church.” “I attend bible study.” Or even “I have a degree from a bible school“ None of it makes one automatically anchored. We are warned in scripture with those first generations of Christians.
"So we must be more careful to follow what we were taught. We must be careful so that we will not be pulled away from the true way.”(Hebrews 2:1 ERV)

“….


we must pay closer attention to what we have heard. Then we won't drift away from the truth.” ( Hebrews 2:1 GW)

"Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion." Who were they who heard and rebelled? Were they not all those Moses led out of Egypt?”(Hebrews 3:16 NIV)


“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called "Today," so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.”(Hebrews 3:13 NIV)


　

I’ve been led out of my own slavery, made ‘free indeed’ (John 8:35 NIV) by the blood of Jesus.

Today, I hear His Voice in scripture and hear the whispering still small Voice of the Holy Spirit.

I purpose to use the anchor I am provided. Whether anyone else does or not.

And I pray for help that I am not hardened of heart or unaware of my own drifting.


　

dik-ah-yos-oo'-nay...it's Greek to me.....

dikaiosune..... a word from the original language of scripture translated as ‘righteousness’. It is defined as the state of him who is as he ought to be, integrity, virtue, purity of life, rightness, correctness of thinking feeling, and acting, justice or the virtue which gives each his due
　
　
Righteousness and happiness. Holiness and joyfulness. I wonder, is there a connection? Or are they are mutually exclusive?
 
We are instructed to have holiness as our goal. “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." (1 Peter 1:15-16 NIV) If you purpose to be holy, does that mean you will be less happy?

I wonder that we don’t think being a disciple of Christ Jesus means that we give up pleasure, putting off our surrender to Him until after we have ‘sown wild oats’. The wisdom of the world concludes that being a follower of Jesus means a life of drudgery, enduring the painful days and years of behavior modification and self denial.
 
Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, I think perhaps joy is diminishes with each compromise we make away from the goal of holiness.

Jesus was perfect. He was perfect in righteousness, and according to the writer of Hebrews quoting the Psalmist, was more joyful than all his companions. “… thou has loved righteousness and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.”(Hebrews 1:9 KJV)
 
Multitudes of people were drawn to Him. Even though He was a ‘man of sorrows‘ (Isa. 53:3 KJV) He was incredibly attractive to all sorts of people.
 
Loving righteousness= loving what is right.

It is God Who decides what is right, and whether you agree, whether the civil law agrees, or even whether national law agrees, what God says is right, simply is.

Coming to acknowledge that and choose to submit our will is the only way we find joy, only then that true happiness comes into our lives.
 
Oh, we may believe the enemy’s lie and think our behavior and activities make us happy, but until the joy of the Lord is experienced, you just have no idea what joy eludes you…..

That hurts so good....

My man has leg cramps. His feet hurt. His neck aches. His back aches….

And he likes it rubbed hard enough to make it hurt. He sucks in his breath, moans in pain, yells sometimes…and says it feels good. I don’t have the strength anymore (unless I use an elbow) to rub his aching muscles hard enough to suit him.

Now me…I don’t want it to hurt ! If I have a painful muscle, that’s quite enough for me. I’ll just let it hurt til it quits, not help it along with more discomfort. But, that’s just me….maybe cause I’m a wimpy girl…

I do know what it is like to have something hurt and feel good at the same time. The pushing in labor pains comes to mind. And recent life circumstances….　

　"Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord's people. “(Philemon 1:7 NIV)

The word ‘joy’ has come alive with meaning to us. I now have cause to identify with Paul in a new way. In anticipating future prayers for those who have ministered to us, loved us, and put us at Jesus’ feet.  My heart cries ‘Amen’ even now.

I thank Him for the refreshment that came to us thru ‘the Lord’s people’, and encourage you who are ‘fellow-believers’ to add your thanksgiving to mine.

“Every time your name comes up in my prayers, I say, "Oh, thank you, God!….Friend, you have no idea how good your love makes me feel, doubly so when I see your hospitality to fellow believers.” (Philemon 1:4,7 The Message)
 
As we sang this past Lord’s Day… “blessed be Your name, when I'm found in the desert place, though I walk through the wilderness. blessed be Your name”  I bless His Name, and beg blessings on His people.

We are thankful for the joy in the suffering.

　

　

Are you a leader or mentor....?

Leader. Mentor. Is there a difference?

At what age is that rite of passage from ‘young’ to ‘old’? When is it that we can be off the hook? Surely there is a time when we could excuse ourselves because we haven’t been shown or taught…

"God overlooks it as long as you don't know any better--but that time is past. The unknown is now known…”(Acts 17:30 The Message)

Well, I guess that settles that….age has little to do with responsibility of knowing and obeying God’s Word.

　
"…teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.”(Titus 2:3-5 NIV)

I remember a time that it occurred to me that I wasn’t in the same category anymore. I’ve joked many a time about being old and tired, but in reality and as time passes, I move further away from the young category and closer to the old (and I praise Him for every day He gives).


Yet again I am challenged to look at the responsibilities ahead. We don’t ever get done. As long as there is breath, there is influence and responsibility. And whose? The young point to the old people. The old point to the young.


The young people often think the old should be perfected by now, criticizing the methods they cling to, while the older people think the young are perpetually ignorant and inadequate, refusing to allow them the space to make mistakes and learn from them. Both are often negligent in investing themselves in cultivating relationships. Mentoring …being mentored. Leading…being led.


The older person can be heard to say, ‘I’ve done my part’. The younger person conveniently uses the excuse ‘I don’t have any experience in that’. When we gain a bit of knowledge and experience in one thing, we should be able to just do that from now on, right?


Yet again these words of scripture convict me…“….teach the older women to live the way those who serve the Lord should live. They should not go around saying bad things about others or be in the habit of drinking too much. They should teach what is good. By doing this they will teach the younger women to love their husbands and children. They will teach them to be wise and pure, to take care of their homes, to be kind, and to be willing to serve their husbands. Then no one will be able to criticize the teaching God gave us.”(Titus 2:3-5 ERV)

Am I young, or old? Am I a leader, or a mentor?

Yes.

I purpose to examine myself to see that I honor God in every aspect of both.

 

I don't know which part of me is more tired.....

I’m pooped. My body is tired. My mind is tired. And as always, God’s Word speaks right on time and right on topic.

“….constant study wears you out so you're no good for anything else. The last and final word is this: Fear God. Do what he tells you. And that's it.

Eventually God will bring everything that we do out into the open and judge it according to its hidden intent, whether it's good or evil.” (Ecc. 12:12-14 The Message)
I purpose to stop going over details, stop all attempts to explain or understand. It just simply is..

I purpose to simply be His child, act like His child, and wait.

….and beg for His help to do so.

Praying ahead...

It is a short drive from our home to town. That 8-10 minutes drive has been prayer time for many years.

Protect.
Guide decisions.
Be fair to all.


See the spiritual as well as the physical.
Speak encouragement.
Mentor.
　

I have one list, he had another. You have yours, I hope….

Solomon’s advice for the workday ahead is this:
“Go to work in the morning and stick to it until evening without watching the clock. You never know from moment to moment how your work will turn out in the end.

Even if you live a long time, don't take a single day for granted. Take delight in each light-filled hour, Remembering that there will also be many dark days And that most of what comes your way is smoke.

You who are young, make the most of your youth. Relish your youthful vigor. Follow the impulses of your heart. If something looks good to you, pursue it. But know also that not just anything goes; You have to answer to God for every last bit of it.”

(Ecc. 11:6,8,9 The Message)
We aren’t young any more. Those of you who are, pay close attention.

Approach every day from God’s perspective. Pray ahead. Follow Him, don’t try to lead. Today is not just about today. The picture is far bigger than what you and I see.

And that’s a good thing. I’m glad I didn’t see this part of the picture years ago. It feels different than it would have looked to us then. Maybe because Kerry prayed ahead every morning….