Sheep Without a Shepherd

Matt. 9:36-38

"When He saw the crowds, He had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd."

When Jesus looked at the crowd of people, He didn't judge them as God-haters, or immoral, reprobate people. Instead He looked in their hearts for the cause of their outward actions and attitudes. He saw them as harassed and helpless, as sheep without a shepherd. What allowed Him to have such an attitude toward them? I think it was His great heart of love and compassion. Jesus didn't see them as an inconvenience or as too weird to be around, but instead He saw their great need. First, He saw that they were harassed. What was harassing them? Certainly it was Satan controlling their lives at this point in time, but I think it could also be their own confusion, lust, and dissatisfaction with all life had to offer. They were in a frenzy trying one thing after another only to find more and more disappointment, what they experienced was one continual harassment from without and within. Secondly, they were also helpless, helpless to do anything about their condition. All they could do was to run helter-skelter. In fact, Jesus said they were like sheep. What an apt metaphor! Without a shepherd sheep eat poison weeds, get lost easily, are easy prey to predators, and wander aimlessly. The only fix for this situation is a shepherd. Jesus came to be that shepherd. He could give their lives purpose, guide them in the right paths, and protect them from predators. Jesus looked beyond the superficial to the inner needs of these helpless and harassed people. Do I look beyond the superficial? Am I fearful when I see these crowds? Instead do I seek the safety of the flock of God without caring for those lost sheep?

Jesus didn't stop there. He turned to teach His disciples that these people were a plentiful and ready harvest, but without willing laborers. He ended by saying, "Pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest." Harvesting only comes through prayer! I can't just look out, see the need, and then go harvest the field. I must pray because the harvest is the Lord's. Harvesting only comes through His power and in His time. But what He desires from me are willing hands and a compassionate heart. I am convicted at my heart's attitude when I look at fields of helpless and harassed people. Sometimes, I can't get beyond the surface. I prejudge the situation thinking that these people would never want to know Jesus when only God knows who can be harvested. My attitudes are not making me that willing laborer. As I pray for workers, I see that it is just not for more people, but it is for people whose hearts are in sync with God's heart. Am I willing to be that laborer for God? Am I full of compassion when I see the great needs of these people?

Father,

I confess I am fearful many times. I pray that You make my heart right so that I could be Your laborer to these harassed and helpless people. Let Your love flood me inside and out so that I see others through Your eyes.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Striving after Wind

Ecc. 1:17-18

"And I applied my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly, I perceived that this also is but a striving after wind."

Earlier in this chapter Solomon said that he had seen everything that was done under the sun. He had pursued all that the world had to offer including position, fame, wealth, and relationships. Whatever his heart had desired, he had sought for hoping to have the ultimate fulfillment in possessing it. Sadly, they all ended the same way. His conclusion was: "All is vanity and a striving after wind." What is vanity? Literally, the word vanity means "vapor" implying something "fleeting, ephemeral, and elusive." How significant since one of Solomon's chief aims was to find a meaning for life! He realized that the crooked could not be made straight, and what was lacking could not be counted. On one hand, I am sure he was frustrated with the presence and power of sin in all of life, but on the other hand, I am sure he was perplexed at what he could not understand about life. Many people have struggled with these same issues and have pretty much arrived at this same conclusion; but for me, I see it as man struggling for meaning apart from God, apart from seeing His sovereign plan. Even though I often wonder why God would allow some things, I can always rest in Him and His wisdom. I know that His thoughts and ways are not mine. Apart from Jesus, all is vanity and striving after wind. Jesus is the Rock, unmoving and everlasting. He is the anchor and the cornerstone of my foundation. I love how the words that describe Jesus are the opposite of 'fleeting, ephemeral, and elusive." Jesus is the answer to the searching of man's heart, the answer to man's quest for wisdom. I am so thankful that I do not have to spend my life running after the wind, never connecting and always unfulfilled. Who wants to race when vanity is the prize?

As I read this, I have two responses. First, I am so blessed because I race for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus and not for the 'Vanity Classic.' Secondly, I must ask myself if I still strive after wind. Are there times when I want what the world has? Does my focus shift? Have I neglected to 'forget the things that lie behind and strain forward to what lies ahead?

Father,

Send Your Spirit to sharpen my focus. Reveal to me when I have fallen into the snare of striving after wind. Jesus, You are my Anchor and Rock. Thank You for choosing me to live Your life of meaning and purpose.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Fruitful

Mt. 7:20

"Thus you will recognize them by their fruits."

Being fruitful is a mark of identification for the believer. Yet, in the next few verses Matthew states that there will be those who do works in the name of Jesus but will not enter into heaven. They are workers of lawlessness. Whoa! What a thought! Normally, when I think of fruit, I think of what someone does, but this passage negates that thought. The external act doesn't comprise the fruit alone, it must be accompanied by a right heart. External acts can be done totally in the flesh and for self-gratification. John clarifies this when he says in 15:4, "Abide in me and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches." Abiding must be part of fruit bearing. It speaks of intimacy with Jesus in prayer, saturation in the Word through study, memorization and meditation, and then outward acts of service that bring glory to God and not to self. Fruit also comes from the Spirit working in my life. (Gal. 5:22) Nowhere does it say that I need to produce this fruit. In fact, it is just the opposite. For me to be fruitful, I must be a healthy tree that abides in Jesus and allows the Spirit to grow godly fruit. My fruit is not mine; it is His! I must always remember that I am only the tree. God does the rest. What a warning when I consider those who seemingly did works for Jesus but yet without any reality! What a sobering thought about self-will and self-righteousness!

Father,

Keep me abiding in You so that I will be ready to produce Your fruit. Spirit, grow Your fruit in me. Draw me ever closer so that in that day, You will know me and recognize my fruit.

In Jesus name,

Amen

The Law of Kindness

Prov. 31:26

"She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue."

As I think back to all the times that I have read this verse, I realize that I have always been convicted about the teaching of kindness being on my tongue. Sadly, in the flesh, I am not a kind-speaking person. I believe that to have my tongue speak kindly would be a powerful work of grace in my life. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control..." There you have it. I can never successfully have these qualities in my life for the long haul. If it were short-term, I could do it, but when stress interacts with my flesh, who knows what would pop out of my mouth. The Spirit must produce His fruit in my life for me to be kind.

I notice that in v. 26 the woman speaks wisely. What is the source of this wisdom, and how is it related to kindness? First, I must pray for it. Jas. 1:5 says that if I am lacking in wisdom, I can ask God who gives liberally. It is there for me if I but ask the Father. Prov. 2:6 says "for the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding." He wants to give me what I need. Why don't I take it? Somehow I think my holding on to my unkind words is a pride issue. When I speak that way, I feel I am justified in doing so because of the way that I have been treated. I think my flesh wants to speak back to people, to put them in their place. But such speaking is not a fruit of the Spirit. I have to let go of my tendency to protect myself and let God come first. Did Jesus speak back when He was insulted or judged unfairly? No, He only spoke the word of God. What an example for me, but oh how hard it is to let go of self! I think that God is saying to me, "Am I first in this too?" Jesus has to be my all. He has to be more important than any insult or injustice that I might endure.

Secondly, I think to speak kindly I would have to be saturated in the word of God. I would have to "bleed Bible." If I am seeking God in such a way, then my responses will all be different because they will be responses of grace. "Teach me to number my days that I may get a heart of wisdom." A heart of wisdom is what produces a tongue of kindness. What is in the heart comes out the mouth! Certainly, I am so much less unkind than I used to be, but still I am amazed when something terribly unkind pops out of my mouth. It makes me wonder what is buried deep within my heart. Like the psalmist, I must pray for wisdom. I must seek God every minute of my life. My 'self' must lose its power, and Spirit-power must be my operating principle.

Father,

I am convicted of my unkind words and my selfishness. Help me to turn in another way and walk away from these fleshly responses. According to the riches of Your grace, fill me with your love and wisdom so that I may know how to guard my mouth and my words. Help...

In Jesus name,

Amen

Two Things

Prov. 30:8-9

"Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full and deny you and say, "Who is the Lord?" or lest I be poor and stead and profane the name of the God."

Jakeh prayed for two things. First he wanted to be far away from falsehood and lying. Just prior to this verse he reiterates the veracity of the promises of God. Following this he adds a strong statement about adding to God's word. Anyone who would do such a thing is a liar! I am sure that Jakeh never wanted to be rebuked by God, so he asked to be removed from this heinous sin. He knew that all Truth is the word of God! I am pretty sure that most people I know would never knowingly add to the word of God, but is there a way people do it unknowingly? When I doubt the word or interpret it so that it fits my scenario, am I adding to the Word? Am I thinking that I know better than God does? Am I a liar in God's eyes? If Jakeh feared this happening, should I? It really makes me think about my response to the Word and about the true nature of falsehood and lying?

Secondly, he asked for only what was needful. Those who have so much are too full of themselves. Those who have too little feel that they must steal to get what they need. Either way, both groups are denying God. What a picture of America! People either see no need for God, or they blame God for their lot in life. The final result is that they profane God's name. Jakeh prays that this will never happen. He only wants what is needful so that he can acknowledge God in his life and never profane His name. Am I contented with what God has given me? Do I desire only what I need? Are my longings drawing me closer to God?

Father,

Thank You that Your Word is Truth. Make my spirit and mind see this Truth in all that I say, do, or think. Give me only what I need. Keep my focus on needs and not on riches. Thank You for the great riches I have in Your grace.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Treasures

Mt. 6:18-20

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Do I consider the 'things' that I value treasures? What is my attitude toward the care and handling of them? How do these 'things' compare in value to the spiritual realities in my life? I know that our culture is a 'collecting' culture. People collect things that I would never imagine were collectible. What is the reason behind this? It could be a desire to create a legacy,to gain wealth, for enjoyment, or even for fame. But the verse says don't lay up treasures. Calling 'things' treasures implies an emotional attachment, a belief that these treasures are of great value and obtained at the cost of personal sacrifice either time or money. Once I saw a segment on TV about a man who collected license plates. Who knew license plates could be of value? Anyway, he had to add on to his house to accommodate what he treasured. I think that is the point. A treasure is something that alters a person's life. God wants to be the only life-altering thing in my life. He is to be my treasure! Why? First He can not be destroyed by natural forces such as moths or rust. Those seem pretty tame in light of tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, oil spills, etc. The news is replete with untold destruction from these natural forces where people lose everything not just their treasures. Not only that but God can not be stolen. I wouldn't have to take out a special insurance policy to protect my 'treasures' because He is my assurance! Finally, He wants to be my treasure because where my treasure is, there is my heart. God desires my heart to love and value Him above all else. When I begin laying up 'treasures' on this earth, those treasures send out little roots in my heart that grow deep and eventually become something that needs time, care, and consideration. I have only so much time, care, and consideration in this life. What am I going to do with it? Who is deserving of it? Is it God?

Father,

Reveal to me the priorities of my heart. What am I treasuring above you? According to the riches of Your glory, grow my love for You into such a treasure that there will be room for nothing else in my heart.

In Jesus name,

Amen

And When You Pray

Mt. 6:5-7

"And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites...But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret...And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words..."

The first thing that I notice about this passage is that it says 'when you pray.' It is not if you pray but when. Matthew's teaching presupposes the fact that believers do pray. That thought alone is convicting for me. Even though I know that it is essential to my relationship with God and to the growth and effectiveness of my Christian life, I must admit that there were and still are times when I don't pray. How can that be? How can I choose not to pray when I have the privilege to communicate with God Himself? I can only thank God that as I grow in Him, prayer is so much more meaningful to me. I am learning how essential it is and what a huge dynamic it brings to my spiritual life.

Next I see three things about prayer. First, I must not pray like the hypocrites who only pray to be seen of men. Praying must be an honest, pouring out of my soul to God. Ps. 62:8 says "Trust in Him at all times...pour out your hearts before Him. " It has nothing to do with men, but everything to do with God! As I pour, I must be like the psalmist who said that "as the deer pants for the flowing waters, so pants my soul for thee." Prayer was the very life of the psalmist. Just as the deer could not live without water, so he and I cannot live without prayer. Prayerlessness makes me spiritually sick! Without prayer, I will become wasted and dehydrated. God designed prayer so I can express my dependence on Him. In this honest communication with God, I am in His presence, and my soul is at rest. What a glorious gift God has given me!

Secondly, when I pray I need to go to a room, shut the door, and pray in secret. Obviously, this says something about one-on-one time with God. But beyond that, I think that this passage says something about having a place to pray that is without distractions. I am to be alone and shut in so that I may pray completely focused. Here, I can speak with God without any interruptions. The verse says that God rewards this solitary prayer time with Him. How does He reward it? I think it is in the great blessing that results in the heart and the life. The reward is delighting in God Himself. One-on-one uninterrupted time with God is rich!

Thirdly, I am to pray without empty phrases. I think that this goes back to the honesty factor. When I am pouring out my soul, I am expressing the deep issues of my life, my concerns, my burdens, even things that I seldom talk about with others. These issues are so fraught with heart-rending emotions that concern over phraseology is long gone.

After reading these verses, I am convinced again of the deep meaning of prayer. Instead of something that is neglected because of the busyness of life, it should be the time that is never neglected. Prayer is my life with God. Busyness often depletes this life of God in me. Does the pace of my life prevent this type of prayer? Am I willing to spend concentrated time in the closet with God pouring out my heart to Him? Do I really act like I believe that prayer is my life with God?

Father,

I so want to be with You in prayer. Help me to recognize and rid myself of the pull of the flesh that prevents this in my life. Flood my life with rich realities of prayer.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Love Your Enemies

Mt. 5:44

"But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven."

Since I really don't have someone that I would consider an enemy, I have to apply this principle to people that I don't enjoy being around. I do have people in that category. What kind of people are these? For me, these people are ones that have hurt me in the past, that say hurtful things to me whether they mean to or not, or that I have a problem dealing with them or their life style. Normally, I just avoid those people, or at times depending on what they have done, I think unkind thoughts about them as if God doesn't know what I am thinking. Is my attitude wrong? The answer would have to be a resounding, YES. Matthew is teaching me to pray for my enemies because I am a child of God. Instead of justifying my irritation at these people, I need to pray for them. I have noticed that when I pray for someone, my negative feeling dissipate. Praying for them changes me! What a miracle prayer is! But if I don't pray, it hurts my spiritual life not the people who have hurt me. What is the source of these feelings in me? I think it is my pride rising up against someone who would hurt me or irritate me. Something in me says, 'how could you say this or do this to me?'. How devastating pride is for the life of God in the child of God! Being a child of God who is in close fellowship with God must be the most important relationship in my life even more important than my pride! When a hurtful word or action crosses my path, I need to use it as a signal to PRAY!

Father,

Change my behavior and attitudes about those who irritate me. Help me love them by praying for them. Grow Your love in me for all those You have put in my path.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Salt and Light

Mt. 5:13a, 14a

"You are the salt of the earth...You are the light of the world."

I have often heard that believers are to be salt and light. Strangely enough, almost every time I have heard it used, it meant something different. What actually does Jesus mean when He uses it in this context? First, Jesus states that believers are salt. It is a fact! Whether I like it or not, I am salt so I need to know what salt does. As far as I can discern, salt is used for seasoning, preserving, and even for cleansing. Is my Christian life reflective of these 'salty' functions? Do I sprinkle a flavor of new life in Christ wherever I go? Do I Improve the bitter taste of the world' s system? Is my Christian life significant enough that I can sprinkle it around wherever I go? As far as my preserving ability, do I maintain relationships so that I can share Jesus? Do I actively seek opportunities to give the gospel? Does my relationship with Jesus ring true to the world so that they might seek this preserving and life-giving relationship? And as a cleanser, do I reach down to help those who have fallen in the world's 'grime'? Does my fear of the world's dirt keep me so separated that I never take the hand of someone crusted in sin? As near as I can tell, being salt does not mean coming alongside the unsaved to enjoy the world's system with them, but it means coming alongside them to be that flavor of Jesus that can point them to the all-saving grace of God. If I have lost my salt or have tried to be a no-salt substitute, I am not good for anything but to be thrown out. Jesus speaks clearly. I am salt. I must be salty in all that I say and do.

When Jesus speaks of being a light in the world, He particularly stresses the idea of visibility. A light should not be hidden under a basket, but should be on a stand for all to see. As light, Jesus wants me to be visible, not secretive, or hidden. People should never be shocked to find out that I am a Christian. In fact, it should be the first thing that they notice about me. Jesus as the light within me should light up my life to the degree that I light up the world as I go through it. He is my unlimited source of energy so I need never fear my light will go out. Why does Jesus want me to shine? He wants my good works to show so that men may see them and give glory to God. I think this last statement addresses the issue of the secret Christian. Could it be that Christians who don't want to shine are not producing the fruit of the Spirit? Could they be fearing that what would be exposed in this light would not bring glory to God? Something to think about...

Jesus states these two metaphors in the form of an established fact. I am salt and light so I need to live like salt and light! If I don't, then I am disobedient. Does justifying my lack of salt or my dim light make it right or excuse it? Or does it just make it sin?

Father,

My heart is deeply touched today as I examine my saltiness and my brightness? Help me to reflect You and to speak out for You wherever I Go. If I try to hide, send Your Holy Spirit to hammer me big time. Give me Your grace to be Your salt and light.

In Jesus name,

Amen

The Ancient Landmarks

Prov. 22:28

"Do not move the ancient landmark that your fathers have set."

What is the ancient landmark anyway? In the footnote of my Bible it says the landmark was the "boundary stone, and to move it was to steal a man's real property as well as his ancestral heritage." I can see the importance of this concept for land and property especially when livelihood is based on the land, but I think there is a practical application as well. My family has never lived in one area long enough to establish an ancestral land, but nonetheless, we have well-established landmarks in our family. Wherever we are, these landmarks are settled and ongoing.

From the time that I was a small girl, I saw my father serving the Lord. Our family shared in serving too. I remember going to the mission with him. We would stand outside on the street corner and talk to the homeless men and invite them in for a meal and a message. During the service, I would sing about Jesus. Our family always went to church even before my father was the preacher. We were faithful to be there whenever the doors were open because it was the center of our activities. Our home was a fellowship center. I remember missionaries, traveling singing groups, and friends staying with us. They would stay up late sharing and talking about the Lord. I especially loved listening to the missionaries. What unbelievable things they went through! Reading and studying the Word was important in our home too. It was modeled, and I followed that example. I would say that these were the landmarks of our home. Wherever we lived these things never varied. When I grew up and had my family, I kept these same landmarks. They are our family heritage. The neat thing about my family heritage is that it gets richer as it ages. As my relationship with the Lord grows, the ancient landmarks take on even more significance. Praise God that spiritual landmarks are not static! They are dynamic! My boundary stone is the Rock, Jesus Christ. I don't ever have to fear that my stone will be moved because I am His and He is mine!

Father,

Thank you for the heritage of a godly father. Thank you for giving me a family that values the ancient landmarks. Help me ever to uphold You as holy before the people You have put in my life.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Temptations

Mt. 4:1-11

The book of Hebrews adds more detail to this time in Jesus' life. In 2:18 it says "For because He Himself has suffered when tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted." And 4:15 says "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin." After reading Mt. 4:1-11, it might seem that Jesus was sailing through this temptation. I mean it says that after 40 days of fasting, he was hungry. Sounds a little bit understated! I mean if it were me, I would be ready for a body bag! In fact the entire passage seems somewhat short of emotion or suffering, but thankfully, Hebrews verifies that it was very difficult for Jesus. If it wouldn't have been grueling and intense, I don't think that He would be able to sympathize with any human. Somehow it makes me stronger to know that He has endured what I must endure.

I am sure that the bigger picture, and the one that I should focus on, involves the lessons that I am to learn, the lessons that will help me in the temptation arena. The first that I see is that His only defense was the Word. He countered Satan with God's explicit words not with human reasons, strong emotions, or even die-hard strong will. What a reason for me to know the Word! I need to have it at my quick and ready disposal. Just like Satan came for Jesus when He was physically weak, he attacks me when my defenses are down. If I don't know His Word, what will I use? Paul commands me to "Put on the whole armor of God, that I may be able to stand against the schemes of the Devil."

Secondly, I see that Jesus did suffer. It was not an easy thing. My mindset has to be ready for a battle. On one hand, I can't think that my spiritual life is going to be a breeze, and on the other hand, I can't get discouraged and feel sorry for myself when suffering comes. Suffering is the stuff of character building! It is the fertile soil for growing the fruit of the Spirit."For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in His steps." I am called to follow His example.

Thirdly, I see that Jesus said, "Be gone, Satan." Not only did He take the defensive, but He took the offensive. I don't have to allow Satan a foothold in my life. I can, on the authority of the Word of God, tell him to take off. God did not give me a "spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control." I need to remember that temptations are a battle ground, one that I need to use all the resources that I have available to me.

Fourthly, I see that there were more than one. Temptations do not play nice! They like to gang up and leave no time for rest. All the more reason for me to have the Word at my ready disposal. It is my strength. I also need to pray for grace. "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." There it is! Grace is what I need for whatever temptations might be lurking in the shadows.

Father,

Keep my eyes open to the prowling lion. Help me to fight this battle in Your strength alone. Thank You for showing me the love of Jesus as He endured this for me.

In Jesus name,

Amen

What a Scene!

Mt. 3:15-17

"This is my beloved son with whom I am well pleased."

Many people came to watch John the Baptist preaching and baptizing at the river Jordan. In the crowd were the Pharisees and the Sadducees, who were at odds with each other, but in this instance, united with each other against John. Isn't it funny how a cause makes the most unlikely groups unite? Pulling no punches, John speaks pointedly to them, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit in keeping with repentance." Harsh! Yet, he goes on to insult them even more by saying that their heritage with Abraham counted for nothing. If they do not bear the fruits of righteousness, the axe will be laid to the roots of their trees. What an explosive scene! So much drama! No wonder John had such a following!

Yet, into this scene comes even more drama. Jesus enters. John immediately recognizes Him and confesses his need to be baptized by Jesus, but Jesus stresses that Scripture must be fulfilled in His baptism. To the average eye, this might seem like another one of John's converts taking the plunge, but to the searching eye, so much more was happening. As Jesus came up from the water, the heavens opened. Wow! How often does that happen? Then out of the heavens, came the Spirit of God descending like a dove and resting on Jesus. As if that were not enough, the voice of God audibly spoke saying, "This is my beloved son, with whom I am well pleased." I can only imagine how I would have felt if I had been there that day. How did John's disciples feel? How did the Pharisees and the Sadducees feel? They of all people understood intellectually the significance of fulfilled Scripture. But did the condition of their hearts keep them from seeing or understanding what was actually happening? Did they have a clue that the entire Godhead was present anointing and presenting Jesus' ministry publicly? Did they have a clue about the fruitlessness of their own souls? I imagine there were many responses that day from awe to mockery. Thankfully, regardless of the human response, Jesus presented Himself to all, and for that I am truly thankful!

Father,

Thank You for sending Your Son to seek and to save me. Help my heart to be constantly seeking fruitfulness and not to be deluded by any form of self-righteousness.

In His name,

Amen

Gray Hair

Prov. 16:31

"Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life."

Speaking as someone who has gray hair, I do not always feel it is a crown of glory. Why is that? I think it has to do with comparison. As I look at others who are my age, I notice that usually I am the only one with gray hair. From a casual glance, others look so much younger than I do. When I think like this, I believe I have fallen into the trap of comparison [envy] and have let my pride flare. I am realizing that my gray hair is not the problem. My pride is the problem. Is God using my gray hair as a means to grow me in righteousness? Is He using it as a pride-o-meter exposing sinful patterns that are deeply buried?

I know that I have always thought that this verse referred to the life experience gained from maturing and progressing through life. It becomes a crown of glory because of the years of walking with Jesus, obeying the word, and growing in grace. It occurs to me now that it might be a crown of glory because it keeps me aware of my pride and my spiritual priorities. It keeps me focused on the spiritual issues that should consume my life and keeps my heart focused heavenward.

The idea of gray hair resulting from a righteous life is difficult for me since I know that there are people who are evil with gray hair, but here I think the proverb is talking about the gray hair that is a crown of glory. Specifically the gray hair that results from a righteous life is a crown of glory. Later in Prov. 20:29 it says that "the splendor of old men is their gray hair." I think that the gray hair refers to old age and service. Often when people become old, others and even the old people themselves think that they are not good for much of anything. They think their years of service are over as their focus is now the rocking chair. Instead old age should be a time of greater service. The gray hair is the crown of glory when it leads the way in service for Jesus and in bringing glory to His name.

Father,

Let me view life as you do. Keep my eyes focused on Your priorities and on bringing glory to Your name. Forgive me for my pride that ever seeks to pull me down.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Guard My Mouth

Prov. 13:3

"Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin."

After remembering James 3:5-10, this proverb makes so much sense. James says that the tongue is "a fire, a world of unrighteousness, set on fire by hell," and is a "restless evil, full of deadly poison" which has the potential to bless God and curse people simultaneously. With such a capacity for blessing and cursing, the tongue needs a careful guard. Prov. 18:21 says that "death and life are in the power of the tongue." Once again the dual nature of the tongue is evidenced. It is amazing that the tongue has such contrasting abilities! It can be a instrument for good or an instrument for evil.

Do I really have the strength or the ability to control my tongue? I would think that for awhile, I could, but in the heat of the moment, who knows what I would say? In fact, Jas. 3:8 says that "no human being can tame the tongue." What am I to do? Am I to be forever at the mercy of this small but deadly member of my body? Thankfully no, I can seek God for His strength and power. It is only "according to the power at work within me" that I can function at all. David had this same struggle. In Ps. 39:1-2 he said, "I will guard my ways, that I might not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle..." What would that muzzle be? I think for me, that muzzle would be the Holy Spirit. If I seek the Lord in prayer, asking Him to set a 'watch' over my tongue, He would work through His Spirit in my life. It is the power of the Spirit to convict, guide, lead, and teach that would be my strength and the muzzle for my mouth, or as James calls it a 'bridle.' (Jas. 1:26)

In Ps. 51 David deals with sin issues and heart issues. He cries out to God to be renewed and restored to the presence of God. In verses 14-15 David prays, "Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God...and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness. O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise." David's prayer needs to be my prayer. I want to sing aloud of God's righteousness and declare His praise, no longer enslaved to the evil nature of my tongue, but freed to honor and glorify God.

Father,

I bring my tongue to You. Even though it is deadly and dangerous, I know that You can transform it as a instrument of praise for You. Send Your Spirit to hammer me when I am off course and speaking hurtfully. Help me to pray before I speak, to think of You, and to ask if I am bringing glory to Your name. Change my focus.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Anxiety

Prov. 12:25

"Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad."

Even though all people have experienced it or even been controlled by anxiety, does it have to be a part of my life? According to Philippians the answer is 'No!' Praise God! But when it is in my life, how do I get rid of it? Phil. 4:6 says "do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." I think that prayer is antidote. Instead of carrying this heavy load, I need to give it to God in prayer. Sounds simple, yet it is not! There is something in most humans that likes to wallow in anxiety and worry. It gives some kind of weird self-gratification; but for that weird momentary feeling, a huge price is exacted. Anxiety actually affects the body physically. I think Paul gave such a strong command concerning anxiety because he knew the seriousness of the problem. He was well aware of the power of the flesh and had often battled with it himself. The secret for victory over anxiety is spiritual. I have to go outside of myself not deeper within myself. More resolve will not work: instead I must go to God in prayer. Anxiety demands a spiritual remedy.

Once I have prayed, then I must leave the situation with God trusting Him to work it out for my good. [Rom. 8:28] Yet, in Phil. 4:8 Paul goes on to give another way to handle this problem. "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." Control of anxiety is in direct relationship to my thought life. Amazingly, the things that are anxiety producing are 'what-ifs'. They are not even true. Saturation in the word of God transforms these thoughts of the mind and the heart because the Word is alive and active. It not only energizes, renews, and heals me, but it also guides me into thinking about what is true. It is unlike any self-help book about anxiety. The Word is Truth. Thank God I don't have to be "weighed down with anxiety"; instead "a good word makes me glad." The good word in this verse is the Good Word becoming part of my life.

Father,

Help me always to let loose of anxiety and give it to you. Let your word transform me so that I can trust You to be all that I need. Keep me ever close to You in prayer.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Contrasts of the Mouth

Prov. 10

Personally, I know that my mouth has a great potential for good or for bad depending on my motive and my purpose. Prov. 10 speaks pointedly about this same dichotomy. Verse 6 says "Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence." Why does the wicked mouth conceal violence? Perhaps because the deeds are so evil they need to be hidden and kept from public scrutiny. Conversely, there is a blessing for the righteous because the righteous mouth speaks for an entirely different purpose. A different purpose produces a different result. Instead of a secret life of violence, the righteous live a life of blessing that produces open and honest speech. What are the motives of my speech? Am I honest and transparent? Do I harbor secret thoughts that conceal ungodly motives?

Verse 11 says "The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence." Once again the wicked is consumed with concealing violence, but the righteous is concerned with life. Here is the fundamental difference in the purpose of the righteous and the purpose of the wicked. The wicked person's preoccupation with violence might often result in death, but the righteous' person's love of righteousness results in life. In fact, their mouth is a fountain of life giving to others the secret of eternal life found in Jesus Christ. When I examine my speech, do I consider what I say a fountain of life? Am I giving life to those I speak with each day?

Verse 13 says "On the lips of him who has understanding , wisdom is found, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks sense." Understanding is the key to speaking wisely. But, how do I get understanding? I think it comes from the Holy Spirit. "Theses things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God." The Spirit indwells me for the express purpose of teaching me the depths of God. In these depths comes understanding and wisdom. Do I desire wise lips or a rod for my back? Do I seek to speak in an understanding way?

Verse 20 says "The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; the heart of the wicked is of little worth." Righteousness produces silver speech, not speech of little worth. A righteous person has a heart that is worth much while the heart of the wicked is worth little. Anyone would choose choice silver over little worth, but what is the cost? Being righteous in heart and tongue is related to a right relationship with Jesus, one of obedience and bringing glory to God. Am I aware of the value of my words? Are they choice silver?

Verse 21 says "The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of sense." Not only are the lips of the righteous a fountain of life, now they feed many. This speech brings nourishment to the souls of others. Righteous lips produce life, growth, and prosperity, while the wicked fool dies for lack of sense. His lips utter non-thinking foolishness. How do I feed many with my words? I think it is through the Word being in my life and in my speech.

Finally, this chapter ends with "the mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut off. The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked, what is perverse." Righteousness results in wisdom. It knows what is acceptable not what is perverse. In every instance a righteous mouth is completely opposite of the words of the wicked. A righteous mouth is not just a reformed mouth, or one that is on good behavior, but it is one that is completely transformed by the power of God.

Father,

As I examine my speech, I know that many times I have not been life and nourishment to others. I confess this. I ask You to guide me down this path of righteous speech so that I will have understanding and wisdom.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Refreshed Hearts

Philemon 1:6

"For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you."

How important is love! Jesus Himself said that His followers were to be known by love. God's motivation for reaching down to man by sending His Son Jesus to die for each one of us was love. Christ demonstrated His love by sacrificing Himself on the cross. I, in turn, am to love others with the love that God has given me. How does this look practically? Like Paul, I need to pray for love like he did in Phil. 1:9 where he asked that love "would abound more and more in real knowledge and all discernment." Then , I need to let the Spirit have His full sway in my life so that His fruit will grow in me. Love is His first fruit. In addition, I am to love others, and this love is to positively affect my relationship with other believers. Heb. 10:24 says I am to "to stir up one another to love..." If I am stirring up with love and not with discord, then the Spirit is free to work in and through me. What is the source of this love? God has given me a life of "power, love, and self-control." It is His love in me that allows me to love at all. Jude 21 tells me to "keep myself in the love of God, " and I Cor. 16:14 says that all that I do should be done in love. Certainly the love of Christ must constrain me. How powerful and consuming is this love!

Paul shares how blessed his life is because of Philemon's love. It has given him joy and comfort because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by Him. Paul is not so much concerned about his own needs being met by this love, but he is encouraged that Philemon was meeting the needs of other believers. He rejoiced because the cycle of love was growing and spreading. He had joy because Philemon was growing in love as he should. The end result of this love-growth was the refreshment of all. I wonder does my love for others bring refreshment to them? What is refreshment? I think of a ice-cold drink on a sweltering, hot day. Am I that cold drink to others on those hot days of spiritual struggle? Do I complete the cycle by rejoicing when I see other brothers and sisters growing in love and refreshing others as well? The one thing that I notice in this verse is that this love is others oriented. Paul is not concerned about personally receiving this love. Philemon is not giving to get love in return. They both are concerned with giving this love. Joy and rejoicing comes in giving! How very important is love for body life!

Father,

Keep my eyes off myself and focused on You so that I may see the needs of others. Grow my love through the power of Your Spirit living, controlling and constraining me in all that I do and say. I confess that I am so selfish at times that I am not loving. Change me in a big way! Send Your Spirit to break up the fallow ground of my heart, so that I might reap a harvest of Your love.

In Jesus name,

Amen

A Heart of Compassion

Hosea 11:2,7-9

"The more they were called, the more they went away."

"My heart recoils within Me; My compassion grows warm and tender...for I am God and not a man, the Holy One in your midst, and I will not come in wrath."

When I read this account, I was so grieved for the heart of God. Israel constantly rebuffed Him. He called and called, but to no avail. In fact, the more they were called, the more they went the other way. There is such hopelessness in that phrase, such heartache! I think of how I would feel if I had constantly called or tried to help my child, but was only met with rejection. Since I am just a human mother with many flaws, there may be many reasons why my child would reject me, but God is God. He is without flaw and offers the purest of love. Not only did they reject Him, but they chose Baal. In essence, they had compounded their foolishness by offending God in a way like no other. What they had done deserved the severest of judgments! But how does God respond?

"How can I give you up, O Ephraim?" What emotion! Even though God felt this pain deeply, His deep love enabled His heart to recoil from anger and judgment. His compassion grew warm and tender. What love God had for Israel! God declared that He was not a man, He was God! He was the Holy One in their midst who would withhold His judgment. What a great example of the heart of God!

These verses touch me deeply. This same God is the Holy One who has called me. In His great love, He sent His Son to pay the debt of my sin and my idolatry. By His blood, I can answer His call and have the Holy One indwelling me. Praise Be! What a great God that loves me and that I love!

Father,

Keep my heart soft and tender, ever responsive to You. Thank You for Your love and mercy. According to the riches of Your glory, strengthen my inner being so that I may understand Your great love and Your tender heart.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Break up the Fallow Ground

Hosea 10:12

"Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love; break up the fallow ground, for it is time to seek the Lord, that He may come and rain righteousness upon you."

Hosea developed a farming image to describe the heart condition of Israel. Even though he began with God's positive instruction about what would bring righteousness back to Israel's heart, in verse 13 Hosea stated the problem: Israel had plowed iniquity, had reaped injustice, and had eaten the fruit of lies. In farming, plowing is step one because plowing prepares the field; in this case, the field was Israel's heart. If the heart plows sin, then injustice will grow bringing with it a full crop of lies. Sadly, this had been Israel's story. But Hosea now tried to spur them on into new action.

Instead of sin, they were to sow righteousness, but in order for this to happen, they had to break up the fallow ground. 'Fallow' ground is land that has been plowed, but not seeded. During this time, weeds very possibly could take control of the land. So before planting, it needs to be broken up or plowed again. Israel's heart had been plowed in the past, but left fallow. Had evil weeds sprouted and flourished? Before planting, this soil would need to be broken up. Their crop could go either way depending on what they sowed. Would it be righteousness? Even though God promised that in place of injustice and lies would be His steadfast love, they must seek Him now. Thankfully, God's time is always now! His heart of compassion and mercy always reaches out in love. If Israel would seek Him, He would rain down righteousness on them. There would be a time of great bounty and blessing!

As I examine the ground of my heart, is it lying fallow or is it broken up? Am I waiting for God's rain, or have I allowed the weeds of my self-will to take root? Do I want righteousness to be the crop of my life? Most certainly, then as for Israel, so it is for me. I need to seek the Lord right now. If my heart is plowed and receptive, then like rain His righteousness will pour. It will take root reproducing in my life a bountiful crop of love and holiness. What a great image!

Father,

I seek You so that I might bring You my plowed heart. It is not lying fallow, but is ready for Your righteousness. In Your grace and mercy, let it rain. Make it grow in me as only You can.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Seven Things

Pro. 6:16-19

"There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among the brothers."

What is amazing to me is that many times these things that are hateful to God are at home in a child of God, certainly to a lesser degree, but still they are there! What about haughty eyes? 'Haughty' speaks of pride, of looking down on others from a vantage point of superiority, or of holding myself aloof from the needs of others. I know that I haven't used my eyes or my pride to craft evil plans for others, but has my pride blocked my eyes from seeing the true needs of others? Have I thought I was too good or too busy to help someone else?

For the believer, a lying tongue and hands that shed innocent blood should be an impossibility, but still, have I stretched the truth and justified it as a white lie or even an exaggeration? Have I shed 'innocent blood' by gossip or unkind words about others? I know that James warns that the "tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness." Has my tongue been the match that started fires that have left scars and damaged relationships within the body? Hard questions!

The next three sound so extreme: devising wicked plans, running to do evil, and giving a false witness. For me to apply these to my life, it would have to be the area of disobedience. When I know the Word and the Spirit's prompting, and yet disobey, I am running from God. If I am running from God, then I must be running toward evil. I know that with God there is no middle-of-the-road position. In a way, these three grouped together remind me of what goes on in a work situation when tensions run high. Employees sacrifice integrity to keep their jobs by covering their tracks, not taking the blame for what they have done, or even taking credit for something that was not theirs. What a powerful witness is a life of integrity can be!

Finally, the last one is someone who stirs up strife among the brothers. Sadly, brothers are family, and in my case, the family of God. What is my attitude toward others in my local body? I might not be an blatant 'strife-stirrer', but what about my heart? Am I creating a discord within that takes a toll on my spiritual life? Jesus says that His followers would be known by their love. Am I?

Since all of these actions involve my physical body, they are sourced in my flesh. Thankfully, I can praise God that even though I am still plagued by the works of the flesh, they do not control me! Since I am a new creature, the indwelling Spirit convicts, controls, guides, leads, and even intercedes for me. I am no longer sin's slave; instead, I am a child of God. Through His power alone, I am able to honor and glorify Him!

Father,

I am so convicted when I think about the fleshly actions and thoughts that still seep out of my life. I so need Your grace to live and walk by the Spirit. Teach me how to obey and how to honor You in all that I do and say.

In Jesus' most holy name,

Amen

What Does God Require?

Deut. 10:12-13

"What does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, to obey Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the Lord, which I am commanding you today for your good?"

The answer to this weighty question is simple; God requires every single bit of me. He wants my complete and utter dependence on Him. But practically, how does this surrender look? First, God requires that I fear Him. I think of 'fearing' as a deep respect or reverence for Him, not so much because of his severe judgment and unlimited power, but because of His nature and His great attributes of love, kindness, grace, mercy, wisdom, and forgiveness. I revere Him because in His infinite wisdom, He chose me to be His child and allowed me to have a relationship with Him. He is my creator, my refuge, my rock, the One who I long to worship with songs of joy. For all of these reasons and so many more, I fear the Lord.

Secondly, God requires that I walk in His ways and obey Him. I think that in order to walk in His ways, I would have to obey. But how can I since I am a sinful human being who is torn between the flesh and the spirit? Thankfully, God not only gives the command, but He gives the means to obey the command. With Him, it is a win-win situation as long as I am surrendered and dependent. In my flesh, I can not obey, but He gives me the grace to obey. Rom. 8:5 says "live in the Spirit," and Gal. 5:25 says "Live and walk by the Spirit." It is through the Spirit that I can walk in His ways. As I yield to God, His Spirit is free to work convicting, teaching, leading, guiding, and transforming me.

Thirdly, God requires that I serve Him with all my heart and soul. The heart and soul speak to me of passion, emotion, and even will. I can't serve Him out of some sense of obligation or duty, but instead my service must come from a heart of passionate obedience. It reminds me of when my children were younger. As they played outside, they would see some pretty flower most often a dandelion. With their hearts bursting with love, they would run inside offering me their great treasure. They had no thought of ever keeping it for themselves. Who would have thought that I would ever value a weed? As I bring my service to God, it is similar. Many times my offerings might only be a dandelion, but God sees my soul and knows my heart.

Finally, the Lord does require my obedience. To Him, there is no other way. I must say with Paul, "Not that...I am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own...One thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." As I strain forward in obedience,

then I will be walking worthy of the upward call of God.

Father,

Keep me ever committed to our relationship. Even though I want to serve You, I am afraid that there are some days when I do not see all the opportunities for service that You have waiting for me. Open my eyes.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Images of Faithlessness

Hosea 6:4,6; 7;16

"Your love is like a morning cloud, like the dew that goes early away...For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings."

At the ending of chapter 5, God says that He will return to His place and wait for Israel to acknowledge their guilt and seek His face. He knows that it is in distress that they must seek Him. Normally, insurmountable odds will drive a person back to God. But with Israel would it be so? The prophet urged them,"Come,.let us return to the Lord; for He has torn us, that He may heal us; He has struck us down, and he will bind us up." The way was clearly stated, and the man of God had included himself in the journey. He would personally lead them to God to confess, be healed, and have their wounds bound up. But only a few verses later, God wonders what He will do with them because their love is fleeting. Sadly, distress has not impacted them to repent.

God now described their love for Him as a morning cloud and the early dew. When I think of a morning cloud, I think of Seattle or most coastal cities. I am amazed that in the morning there will be a substantial cloud bank, but before too long, the sky is perfectly clear. The span of these clouds is brief, and their impact is nil. Apparently, Israel's love was more of a pretense, a cloud without true impact. It was not lasting enough to bring true repentance and produced no moisture to soften the heart. The same is true of the morning dew. The grass and plants can be covered in moisture, but all to soon, it is gone. Has this dew provided sufficient water for the plants and the grass? Not in the least. Once again, the hearts of the people came with a surface covering of love, but one that did not bloom into a true love of God.

God said clearly that this was not what He desired. Instead, He wanted steadfast love and a knowledge of Him. The morning cloud and the early dew are like the sacrifice and the burnt offering. They are symbols of the real thing, but if the heart is not right, the symbol is worthless. God wanted a steadfast love, constant in the face of whatever life would bring. He wanted them to know Him and desire to be with Him. These verses make me examine my love. All this year I have meditated and prayed Eph. 3:14-21 so that I might understand the love of God and that it might impact my life in a greater way. Has my love grown beyond the morning cloud and the early dew? Is it strong enough to be steadfast, or do I waiver when the heavy storms come? Has my love drawn me into an intimate relationship with God? I would have to say that God has grown me. Praise God! His Word has given me a hunger to be with Him, and to have His love flowing through me to others and back to Him! Thankfully, He has given me His grace to strengthen me in my inner being so that I might love Him. and that I might be filled with all His fullness. Is my love without flaw? No, not by a long shot, but it is growing and alive. It does not vanish with the first heat of the day. I am confident that He who began a good work in me will perfect it in me.

"They return but not upward; they are like a treacherous bow."

Later, God described them again. Appearing to return and repent, they still carried the bow of destruction. It reminds me of when I play fast and lose with a habit or a sin. I confess repeatedly, but deep down, I justify this sin as a character trait, not really that bad, another's fault, or something that is unchangeable. I come to God truly sorry, but not sorry enough to forsake. I am not seeing my sin in comparison to the holiness of God, but in comparison to human standards. How many times have I confessed but still had my bow within my grasp? How many times have I confessed because I knew that I should and not because I desired to forsake this sin? How many times have I confessed knowing full well my action or attitude would surface again? What a great word picture! I think I could even apply it to my relationships with others. When I am sorry for something that I have done, or someone else has apologized to me for something that they have done, do I forgive them with all my heart, or am I holding, ever so slyly, that bow of destruction? Have I been aimed and ready to take the next shot because of my wounded pride? What great images that speak to my true motives and sincerity! When I come to repent, am I truly returning upward? My heart says yes, but I know my flesh is so strong.

Father,

What images that cut to my heart! I admit that at times I have grasped tightly my bow of destruction and made a pretense of my confession. Help me to love You so much that my human weaknesses will not be precious to me at all. Thank You for Your great love, grace, and mercy.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Lessons

Deut. 8:2-6

"And you shall remember the whole way that the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that He might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not."

God has a purpose in asking His people to remember, that is He wants them to remember the lessons that they had learned in the wilderness walk. First, he reminds them of the 'why.' God sent them into the wilderness as a test, a test to see what was in their hearts, a test to see if they would keep His commandments or not. Was God in their hearts, or was there a strong root of rebellion? What an example for me! Just as their life for 40 years was a trial so my life is a series of trials. These trials reveal the stuff of my heart. Do I cry out for God's grace to endure, or do I complain and rebel? In the training grounds of trials I can grow strong as long as God's word is in my heart, as long as I am obedient, and as long as I allow His grace to be my strength. My trials are God-sent opportunities to reveal what is in my heart.

"And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord." God's method of learning lessons comes through humility. God knows that when my pride is in control, I only listen to myself. To listen to Him, I must be humbled by God Himself. As part of Israel's humbling, He allowed hunger for the express purpose of teaching a lesson through feeding them. Does God allow hardship in my life so that I can see His meeting my needs? Am I so thankful for His meeting my needs that I do not see His lessons? Are the eyes of my heart even aware of God's hand in the physical details of my life? Israel's lesson was learning that they would not live by bread alone, but by the word of God. They had to replace the priorities of the physical life with the priorities of the spiritual life. Likewise, my life is not to be caught up in the pursuit of necessities, but in the pursuit of the word of God. I can trust God to supply what I need. I don't need to be "anxious about my life, what I will eat or what I will drink, nor about my body, what I put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?...My heavenly Father knows that I need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God."

Then God continues by saying, "Your clothing did not wear out on you and your foot did not swell these forty years. Know then in your heart that, as a man disciplines his son, the Lord your God disciplines you. So you shall keep the commandments of the Lord your God by walking in His ways and by fearing Him." Israel experienced another great miracle in their clothing and their physical strength. They may not have had much variety in their wardrobe, but all that they had was in great shape. Their clothes were made to last by the Creator Himself. This was not so that they didn't have to carry suitcases on their 40 year hike, but so that they might experience the discipline of the Lord as a training tool to teach them to walk and fear the Lord. I love how God's lessons are so specific. He deals with their shoes to remind them of their spiritual walk. Am I looking for the specifics of the lessons that God allows in my life? What was God's heart toward these people? He was as a Father to His son, a father who disciplines his son out of love. So it is with God. His love poured over Israel training them in how to walk and to fear Him. So it is with me. God is my loving Father who trains me in how I should walk and fear Him.

What an encouragment in these verses! What great insight into the trials that come my way and into the nature of the One who allows them! Through it all, I know that God loves me above all. Not only is God's school the school of hard knocks, of trials ,and difficulties, but it is the school of needs met, of provision, and of miracles. I need to focus beyond the provision and be looking for His lesson.

Father,

Open my eyes to the great things that You are doing in my life. Help me to focus on Your hand behind the trial, and Your lesson behind the provision. I so want to fear You and walk obediently in the ways of Your Word, but I need Your strength and grace to do this. I confess my discontent and grumbling when I wanted an easier path.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Love the Lord Your God

Deut. 6:4-9

"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart."

I love this passage because it expresses the depth of commitment that God wants from me. First, He begins with the command to love Him and not just obey Him. Obviously, I could obey someone and still have animosity in my heart for them. But with God, the order is reversed. He is concerned about my loving Him, about the condition of my heart and soul, and about the condition of my resolve. He wants me focused on Him in my heart. To me the heart speaks of what I really value, of what I treasure, and of what is a priority in my life. "For where your heart is, there your treasure is also." The next phrase involves the soul. I think the soul refers to that part of me that is spiritually alive and reborn. In my soul, I must let love be the driving motivation of all that I do. How do I get this love? "That according to the riches of His glory, he grants me to be strengthened with power through the Holy Spirit in my inner being." Why am I to be strengthened in my inner being? Eph. 3 says so that I may comprehend the love of Christ in its breadth, length, height, and depth, and so that I might be filled with all the fullness of God. I must seek Him for this love. Finally, I must love with all my might. Might in this context really means the strength of my resolve to surrender and be dependent on God to work in me. Even though it doesn't sound like it, it takes resolve to surrender. It takes might to willingly wait for God to work. What God desires of me should be what I desire for me. All of this does not involve my actions but my attitudes, motivations, and feelings. This command concerns what goes on inside of me where no one else can see except for God.

The next verse in this passage takes the heart, soul, and might into the realm of action. Not only are my children to be taught diligently, but I need to talk of this command when I sit in my house, when I walk by the way, when I lie down, and when I rise up. What else is there? My action of obedience to this love is all consuming. It is my total conversation and my life style. It must be synonymous with who I am. Taking it a step farther, God then says that I need to bind these words as a sign on my hand and as frontlets on my eyes. When I think of the hand, I think of all the actions of the hand which can be either an instrument of love and tenderness, or an instrument of abuse and cruelty. But, if my hands are bound by this command of love, then they would be God's vessel to express His love. When I think of the eyes, I think of the sins of the eyes, that is impurity in what I watch or even read. The frontlets on my eyes would block these temptations and even forestall my fall into these sins of the eye. Finally, He says to write them on the doorposts of my house and my gates. Now all that is done, said, and thought is surrounded by the love of God. My entire living space reflects my love for God. With this command in such plain view, my response to it is constantly under scrutiny. Either I will disobey by not loving God as I should, or I will obey and be who he want me to be. Wow!

Father,

Give me Your strength in my inner being so that I might love You with all my heart, soul, and might. Let what is in my heart be transparently reflected in all that I do and say, even in how my home looks. Help me to let Your love permeate who I am and what I treasure.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Praise Note: I just returned from speaking at a women's retreat in northern Idaho. It was a blessing beyond human imagining. God worked so marvelously! I thank Him that He continues to work patiently with me shaping me into the woman that He desires me to be. What a great God I serve! Praise His name.

Finish Well

II Tim. 4:7-8

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on the Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing."

Paul's life is his summation. He has been a teacher and a mentor who never asked his student to do what he did not personally do first. By observing Paul's life, Timothy's training was impacted visually, much like it is when I read a narrative account in the Bible or a biography of a great Christian. I know that many times as I have read these accounts, the light has turned on in my brain. I get great insight into how a Biblical principle plays out in my life.

He fought. He finished, and he kept, all very strong, action verbs. His Christian life was characterized by movement not stagnation. As I remember the images from Chapter 2, I see that these three statements are the end results of each one of those word pictures. First,, he encouraged Timothy to be a soldier. As a soldier, Paul had fought an intense battle with the powers of darkness. He had finished his fight as a good soldier of the cross. Secondly, he finished the race as an athlete who had followed the rules. Finally, he kept the faith with the endurance of a farmer whose crop was harvested and who's now blessed with the reward of his labors. What great pictures for me to remember as I live and walk in the Spirit! Timothy not only saw Paul's walk first hand, but he had vivid images that would remain with him for the rest of his life.

'Henceforth' is a word not often used today, but it so aptly conveys Paul's meaning. Because of Paul's lifestyle, because of his obedience, and because of his commitment, he had a crown reserved for him. I think that believers today dwell more with the words 'grace' and 'forgiveness' than with concepts of accountability and reward. Accountability and reward can be unpleasant things to consider if there is doubt about personal performance. Yet, Paul was not afraid. The Spirit had been his constant companion, guide, and power for his battle, his race, and his labor. Because he had lived a godly life suffering intense persecution, he would receive the crown of righteousness. Who gets this crown? Would I have to be in the 'Paul' class? No, it says it is reserved for all those who love His appearing. It just hit me! If I were living like Paul did, I would love His appearing. Paul had not grasped this world's system in any way, shape, or form. He totally lived for the world to come. Perhaps, that is why believers today are not longing for His appearing in the same way. How can my longing grow when I still long for things in this world? How can my longing grow when I have not made Him and the Spirit walk my only priority? Hard questions!

The righteous Judge will award this crown. Obviously, God knows who has loved His appearing! I don't even think that there will be a word spoken. One look will say it all. I will stand either as Paul confidently anticipating, or as one suffering a degree of loss though safely there. [I Cor. 3:15] I know God's righteous judgment operates at the same time as His grace and mercy since it is purely by grace that I am even there standing before the Judge. It is His grace that has allowed me to serve as a soldier, an athlete, and a farmer. It is his grace that grows in me an intense love for His appearing. My life is by grace alone! What do I do with the crown? In my mind, I think it will be a Rev. 4:10 situation, '"they cast their crowns before the throne, saying, " Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power..." Wow! What an exciting scene! What a time of rejoicing! Even as I sit here thinking about it, my heart gets excited.

Father,

Flood me with Your grace so that I may live like this, that I may follow these examples and that I may unclench my grasp on the world's 'delicacies'. Keep my eyes ever focused on You and Your will for my life. Spirit, You will have to reveal to me when I am losing it and hindering the growth of my love for His appearing. Convict me! Keep You fire ever burning in me!

In Jesus name,

Amen

Boot Camp

II Tim. 3:10-12

"You, however, have followed my teaching , my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions and sufferings...which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted...But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed..."

Yesterday I saw Paul's classroom training where he gave Timothy vital principles for the Christian life, but today I see their field training exercises. What they endured together was intense and grueling! Just like boot camp makes the soldier tough and battle ready, this training equips the believer for battling the evil one, growing in godliness, and enduring life's trials. To me, it sounds like Timothy was a ready recruit. He had identified with Paul to the point that their spirits were in sync. I love how Paul said that Timothy 'followed.' The best way to learn is to follow, to be a sponge soaking up all the mentor's words and actions.

If I leave the military metaphor behind, this verse really speaks to me about the basis for a true friendship. Certainly, Paul and Timothy were kindred spirits. Look at what they had in common: teaching, conduct, aim in life, faith, patience, love, steadfastness, persecutions, and suffering. This is a union that few people ever share. It involved their thought life, their character, their responses, their actions, their health, and their relationships with others. Most of all it involved their obedience to the God that they both loved and served. This relationship was strengthened "according to the riches of His glory , where God granted them to be strengthened with power through the Holy Spirit in their inner beings." Jesus Christ and Him crucified was the center and focal point of their lives. They delighted in Jesus and sought only to bring glory to His name through their obedience.

The conclusion of this training session is "all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." In essence Paul is saying that the heavy is about to fall, so get ready. Timothy was prepared. He had lived and breathed a godly life with his mentor. He had learned experientially that grace is sufficient for human weakness, and that he could be content and even rejoice in his weakness, in his insults, in his hardships, in his persecutions, and in his calamities. For when Timothy was weak, he would be strong. What a lesson! However, it's one thing to read it, study it, and even rejoice and praise God when someone else is in the thick of this, but it is another thing to personally plunge into such a life. How strong my flesh is! How weak my spirit! Indeed, I must claim these verses and pray them back to God so that He might transform me and make this lifestyle a reality in me.

Then Paul calmly says, "Continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed..." The message is 'continue'. Keep serving. Keep on keeping on. God will take care of the rest. He has the plan in place. Like Timothy, I just need to be that submissive follower who willingly yields to the teaching and training of my mentors. As God provides, my mentors might include other godly people, but it always would include the Word, the Spirit, Jesus, and my heavenly Father. What an array of mentors! What a wealth of teaching, empowering, and grace! I am a kindred spirit with the God of the universe, the Savior of the world, and the indwelling Spirit. My heart is overwhelmed.

Father,

What goodness You have poured on my life! What provision! Spirit, teach me to be godly and to live a life that brings glory to my God. I confess the weakness and fear in my flesh, replace it with power according to the riches of Your great glory. Make me strong in You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Be Strengthened

II Tim. 2:1-7

"Finally, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus."

In chapter two, Paul continues to instruct Timothy for the task at hand. It appears from reading these seven verses that Timothy had a rigorous task facing him. It fact, it was a man's job for Paul's child in the faith. Above all, Paul knew Timothy would need the grace of God for strength, strength that would be of prime importance for wisdom, for teaching ability, for interpersonal skills, and for perseverance in the task. Obviously, Timothy may have had wisdom and people skills beyond his years, but Paul was not as concerned about these areas as he was with Timothy's ability to access this unlimited supply of grace. I love how Paul cuts to the core of the issue. The issue is not training in management and human resources, but it is reliance on grace. Paul knew this first hand because God had told him, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." He knew that this same experience would be crucial for him to share with his son in the faith.

What exactly is the task Timothy was sent to do? Paul told Timothy that what he had heard and been taught, he must teach to other faithful men who would then teach it as well. This is God's ordained process. Whatever I personally learn or have been taught, I must share and teach as well. Learning and growing in Christ is a process that not only involves studying, but involves sharing a personal relationship. Understanding the concepts of the Word in light of these personal relationships makes this teaching like no other.

To explain Timothy's mission, Paul shared with him three word pictures. First, he said that Timothy was a soldier of Christ Jesus who would share in suffering. Soldiers train intensively for specific, dangerous, and even life threatening tasks. In fact, many Christians have accepted this same task have suffered horrendously even to the point of losing their lives. Also as a soldier, Timothy should not get entangled in civilian pursuits because soldiers must always please their commander by following his orders. As I think about this, I realize that soldiers have very limited freedom. Every minute of their day is structured in the service of their country. Pleasure and personal freedom are not considerations. Timothy had been through a rigorous boot camp with Paul where he was trained for this mission.

Paul's second image is of an athlete, an athlete who doesn't get crowned unless he competes according to the rules. I think that these rules are the Word of God. What Timothy had learned from the Word, he must obey and share. He could not think that he had a better way to accomplish his goal apart from God's plan, nor could he think that his timing was better than God's. If he was faithful to the Bible, then he, like the athlete, would get a crown not in this life but one that is reserved for him in heaven, "And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory."

The final image is that of a hard-working farmer who receives the first share of the crop. If Timothy completed his mission, he would get the first share of the crop. He would reap the increase that God gave in the lives of those who listened and received the message. Why had Paul chosen a farmer? His job is not nearly as glamorous as the soldier or the athlete, but instead the farmer seems to be a humble man who works unendingly. Likewise, the servant of God must be humble and ready to work unendingly.

Paul ends his mentoring session with "Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding." What a great example! Paul didn't say that Timothy would fail if he didn't do exactly as he said. Instead he merely asked him to think about it. In my experience, this addresses a huge flaw of much mentoring. Somehow mentors think they need to tell the ones they are helping exactly what to do. They get caught up in the specific details. But here, Paul taught principles, the principles of suffering, obeying, and working. As to the specifics, he left those to God. Paul was not worried that Timothy would crash and burn because he knew that the Lord Himself would give him the understanding. It would all be in the will of God. Paul could rest knowing that Timothy's mission was God's mission.

Father,

Strengthen me by Your grace so that I might serve you whether it's as a soldier, an athlete, or a farmer. I want to trust You for all that I need. Send Your Spirit to give me understanding as I "think over" what Paul has said.

In Jesus name,

Amen

His own Purpose and Grace

II Tim. 1:9

"Who [God] saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of His own purpose and grace, which He gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began."

This verse pretty much lays out the how and why of my life. First, my beginnings were set in place before the ages began. Life, and my life in particular, is the result of a Sovereign God. Even more than that, God saved and called me for His own good pleasure before the ages began. What a thought! This great work of grace had nothing to do with me, my potential, my sphere of influence, or even the lack thereof. Then why would He chose me? I am not really sure, but I know that I am eternally grateful for His choice. I have to remember constantly that God's ways are not my ways, and His thoughts are not my thoughts. For some, this fact of a life already set in place is insulting. They do not see it as a blessing, but as a loss of personal freedom. But for me, it is amazing that God reached down in a great act of grace and bridged the gap that separated us. If it were all up to me to set the course of my life, I cannot imagine the mess that would result. Not only that, but there is no way that I could save myself. There is no way that I could be in the presence of God. In His grace, God drew me to Himself so that I would be complete in Him.

Secondly, I have a purpose! I have something that God has lined out for me to do, that is a holy calling. In my flesh, this is not possible, but God in His great grace empowers me to live a holy life, pure and without blame until Jesus calls me home. How does this empowerment happen?

It results from my salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ, my ongoing obedience and growth in the Word, and the phenomenal power to the Holy Spirit within me. Not only that but I can go to the throne of grace moment by moment. I can sit at the feet of the One who formed my plan and my purpose. I can draw from His great wells of wisdom all that I need to accomplish His purpose in my life.

Finally, He chose me for His own purpose and grace. What is His purpose and how does that become my purpose? His purpose was and is to bring glory and honor to His name. Rev. 5:12 says "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!" It all belongs to Him! It is Him! He delights in His own worship and praise. Such a thought is hard to understand. If this were me, I would be unbelievably self-centered, but since it is God, He is believably worthy. So how does this purpose become mine? "The chief end of man is to glorify God by enjoying Him forever. He stands supreme at the center of His own affections. For that very reason He is a self-sufficient and inexhaustible fountain of grace." I accomplish this by His inexhaustible fountain of grace. His grace in me works perfectly in my weakness, "therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." I accomplish this by enjoying Him. He is to be my delight. Such heavy thoughts! How do I practically do this? For me the key to even beginning to live such a life is in prayer. Piper says that "Prayer is God's appointed way to fullness of joy because it is the vent of the inward burnings of our heart for Christ. If we had no vent, if we could not commune with Him in response to His Word, we would be miserable indeed." Along with prayer, is saturation in the Word, praying the Word, and memorizing and meditating on the Word. I must express my dependence on God and wait in His presence for Him to fill me up with what I need to delight in Him and bring glory to His name.

These thoughts are not easy to grasp, so in that respect, they must be accepted by faith. I believe God in what He says, in what His purpose is for me, in the how and the why of my life, in my bringing glory and honor to His name, and in my delighting in Him above all else. I believe Him that I can only be satisfied in Him through His great grace.

Father,

Teach me more. Draw me to Yourself so that I may know You. I want to glorify You, delight in You, and be satisfied in You. Send me Your grace in a mighty way. Take 'me' out of my life and make it Your life in me.

In Jesus name,

Amen

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