In Galatians we learn, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” This is not that complicated; if I plant an orange seed I get an orange tree, if I sow love I get a harvest of love. I have never been a big fan of connect-the-dots puzzles, but refusal to connect-the dots in life can be very costly. What I do today has both benefits and consequences in the future, whether I later see the connection or not. After a lifetime of counseling people through difficulties I conclude, the human capacity to disassociate one thing from another is stunning and dangerous. Otherwise bright people will foolishly refuse to connect the obvious. When desire is enflamed, truth can easily be ignored. Gracious Father, help me see through the confusion selfishness activates. Awaken good discernment within me and lead me in the way of life.
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TWO STICKS OF LOVE
“Thy rod and Thy Staff they comfort me”. David’s words ring true to my heart; These two ordinary instruments of shepherding are sticks of love. The Lord deals straightforwardly with my weaknesses, treating me as a son who requires His discipline yet bearing no grudges against my many failings. Though we each stray from the boundaries of His will at times, He never grows weary of searching for his wandering lambs. When I scamper away from His Presence, He always finds me wherever I’ve roamed. His rod of discipline is rightfully applied, but it never done in disgust or as we rightfully deserve; rather, it is always dispatched justly and delivered in His perfect love. When I stray into danger, He lifts me to safety with His staff and does not abandon me, as I deserve. Selah. O Lord My Great Shepherd and Keeper, hallowed be Your Name! Deliver me from earthly obsessions and draw me near to Your side. Grant me grace to take hold of all You have commanded and to live accordingly.
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THIS PILGRIM'S PROGRESS
John Bunyan’s “The Pilgrim's Progress from This World, to That Which Is to Come” is an allegory written while he was imprisoned for his Christian beliefs. Until we reach the Golden Gates of Heaven we must progress in our walk of faith here on earth. Each time I think I understand God’s ways and means He turns the diamond and new facets of His splendor emerge. For the true believer there is no spiking the ball in the end zone on this side of Glory; there is no settling down where we are in this life. Not only am I tolerant of this constantly changing status, I am genuinely thankful for it. I am being pulled toward eternal purpose that I cannot fathom but I instinctively know awaits me. So I’ll keep my shoes on until it’s over. Lord, though I struggle in Your arms, You never let me go. Keep me moving toward Your perfect will. Help me never miss a turn or stop unnecessarily. Keep me progressing toward Your perfect will.
NOTHING WASTED
Antoine-Laurent de Lavoisier, widely considered the “father of modern chemistry” stated: “Nothing in nature is wasted”. An astute observation for sure, but this fact leads to an even greater truth revealed in Romans: “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead.” So creation bears our Creator’s image and reveals His character. As in nature, nothing is wasted with God. Redemption is God taking the rotting compost of our lives and transforming it into fertilizer for the future. The Bible declares: “All things work together for good to those who love God” and by the Cross, “to reconcile all things to Himself”. In other words, nothing wasted, nothing lost, only transformation! LORD of Lords, Your ways are beyond wonderful! Thank you for redemption. Thank You for wasting absolutely nothing!
A DIVINE RYTHYM
Daybreak soon, then the beat goes on. Once this life is over a day cannot be purchased at any price. Over-thinking past or future events diminishes the value of this fresh new start. So I will begin in quiet meditation and prayer with the words of the psalmist penned while in the Judean desert: “O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land where there is no water.” There is a divine rhythm within every moment, a holy mystery in each twinkling of an eye that is easily missed if ignored. Only sensitivity to the Spirit of God can unlock the constantly present treasury of wisdom, insight, power and heaven-sent comfort. Blessed Father, settle me down. Deliver me from attempting to turn mysteries into formulas. Teach me to patiently take it all in and not miss a thing. Grant me entrance to Your secret place in each moment, day by day.
BY FAITH
"As it is written, the just shall live by faith.” The simple biblical phrase “BY FAITH” opens a universe of understanding and divine power. Biblically-formed faith is not presumption, it is not easy-believism; it is death to self, rock-solid trust in God and spirit-infused obedience. BY FAITH, I may confidently approach the Throne of Grace despite feeling unworthy to do so. BY FAITH, I can freely love others without terrorizing fear of rejection or misunderstanding. BY FAITH and all her sisters, IN FAITH, THROUGH FAITH, WITH FAITH, I can dance through the Valley of Darkness and Doubt with certitude, irrepressible joy and boundless remedy. O LORD My Victor and Keeper, Your faith-launching promises grant me uncluttered assurance, releases unbounded joy and thrusts me forward in the way of everlasting! By faith I enter this day in peace and power.
GOD LOVES ME
Proverbs proclaims: “The Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he in whom He delights.” And in Hebrews we read: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him.” So I’m thinking, God loves me a whole lot. It seems that nothing I think or do misses His constant oversight in things both big and small; His instructive voice never ceases. So I take heart in knowing both the severity and the goodness of God. Thankfully, He is patient and kind, mostly accepting my micro-changes and slow pace. But at times His rebuke is sharp and to the point. This too, is the mercy, wisdom and love of God at work. Dear LORD and Father, though at times discouragement buffets my soul Your love lifts me to the heights and grants strength for the battle.
HERE WE GO AGAIN!
A seasonal shift brings change in the air; almost unperceivable at first, then obvious signs emerge. I love how God works in both Nature and in my own life. There is always something afoot. Just as I settle down new seasons arrive unannounced and everything begins to change; grace for where I have trod slowly recedes and grace for what is next begins to appear. I may uselessly complain that I’m not ready for change or I can embrace what is ahead and begin to prepare for what its coming. There is simply no future in the past; I must trust that God will carry me through my next season as faithfully as He did the last. Lord of All Creation, acclimate my heart to what now approaches. Grant me increased capacity to accept a new measure of grace for this new season. More of You, less of me.
AN ENLARGED HEART
For many people life is all about grabbing all you can and canning what you get. In other words, the value of this type of person’s life is measured by how much they are able to collect, control and keep. But true life is experiencing the blessing of living to give, living to lift, living to bless and living to love. When my attention is on what I lack, my hearts shrinks, but when my eyes are on what I can do for others my heart is enlarged, faith is released and joy abounds. Once love takes over amazing things happen. While I have known and practiced these principles for a long time, still I am tested. Like a pilot who must continue to be re-certified each year for the sake of everyone’s safety, my heart must be re-certified continually by generosity. LORD God, keep my heart cleansed and filled with love. All that I am and all that I steward in this life is Yours to direct.