January 3
“… I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” (Philippians 4:11, ESV)
How many times in your life have you thought to yourself, “If only I had (fill in the blank), I would be happy!” It is all too common in modern times to think that having more “things” will make you happy, that being healthier will bring you the ultimate joy, that in the right circumstances you would have success. I have seen many who were jealous of the rich, because they had all the breaks. There were others who though if they only had a perfect spouse, they would be complete. Over and over in life, most people are not content with their situation. They are always looking for more wealth, more success, more power, better looks, more everything… then life would be enjoyable. They spend hours wishing and longing and dreaming about having something better. The whole while, they are not content with what they do have or what they could do.
I have met many millionaires who were not content that they had enough money. Some worked themselves to death! I have met dying people who thought that if they only had more time in life, they would live better or healthier. I met poor people who regretted their life choices and were critical of themselves and others. Many grew bitter with age. I have seen many husbands who were not happy with an aging wife. I have heard from many women who thought that if only they could change their husbands, life would be so much better! In a billion different ways, it is easy to find something to complain about, someone to resent, something to regret. Why is our world filled with so much discontent?
Are you content with what God has given you in life, or are you angry that God didn’t bless you more or fix something for you? Are you content with God’s love or do you long more for things to make you happy?
Meeting for the third month with a couple having marital problems, I asked a simple question to the wife: “In previous sessions, you aren’t happy with your financial situation. You wish your husband made more money. You don’t like your house. You don’t like to budget. You constantly complain about not having enough. Please tell me: how much money would make you happy?” She thought and thought, then her face turned quizzical. After a minute, her husband replied, “10% more than we make.” His response to my question explained his point of view that his wife would never be happy, never have enough money, never stop complaining about what she didn’t have.
After healing a young girl in Philippi, Paul and Silas were thrown into jail (Acts 16). Despite their healing the girl from a spirit that tormented her, they were wrongfully locked behind bars. What did they do in this situation? What would you do? Acts 16:25 tells us that Paul and Silas prayed and sang hymns to God! Most people would be grumbling, complaining, calling a lawyer, crying, you name it! Not Paul and Silas. They saw their time in prison as a chance to pray, sing hymns to God, and let other prisoners hear about the good news of Jesus Christ!
In Philippians 4:11, the scripture for today, Paul mentions that he has always learned “in whatever situation” to “be content”. Paul could have been a wealthy landowner. After meeting the resurrected Jesus, he was content to go on several long missionary journeys sharing the gospel and starting new churches. During these journeys, Paul suffered many ills. He was shipwrecked three times, imprisoned, threatened, and starved. He was beaten with rods and whipped and stoned within an inch of death (2 Corinthians 11:25). What was Paul’s response to all this suffering? He talked about how blessed and great God was! (2 Corinthians 11:30). He explained how God’s grace was sufficient to bring him joy (2 Corinthians 12:9). He explained a few verses later that he was “content” with all of it, because of Christ (2 Corinthians 12:10). Christ meant more to Paul than all the hardships. He was thrilled to wake up each day filled with God’s Spirit and ready to take his next step in mission for Christ.
I have found that not being content in heart and soul often makes one bitter and resentful. If you are never content with your lot in life, you will never find peace. I’m not saying that you should accept everything thrown at you without complaining or doing something about it. I am saying that in order to really find joy and peace in your life, you need to be content with what God has given you. You should rejoice in God’s blessings. Is that enough for you, or do you want more?
A discontented husband will search for a perfect wife to fulfill his fantasies. Where will he find her?
A discontented parent will belittle a child who doesn’t measure up. Ever seen a perfect child?
A discontented soul will always be looking for mortal things to bring pleasure. Those pleasures will be short-lived.
Is there an area in your life in which you are not content? Have you come to terms with your weaknesses and strengths, or do you wish you were someone else? Is jealousy or envy eating at your soul? If you are never content with what you have been blessed with, you will never be at peace with God or with your own heart and soul.
I have met many millionaires who were not content that they had enough money. Some worked themselves to death! I have met dying people who thought that if they only had more time in life, they would live better or healthier. I met poor people who regretted their life choices and were critical of themselves and others. Many grew bitter with age. I have seen many husbands who were not happy with an aging wife. I have heard from many women who thought that if only they could change their husbands, life would be so much better! In a billion different ways, it is easy to find something to complain about, someone to resent, something to regret. Why is our world filled with so much discontent?
Are you content with what God has given you in life, or are you angry that God didn’t bless you more or fix something for you? Are you content with God’s love or do you long more for things to make you happy?
Meeting for the third month with a couple having marital problems, I asked a simple question to the wife: “In previous sessions, you aren’t happy with your financial situation. You wish your husband made more money. You don’t like your house. You don’t like to budget. You constantly complain about not having enough. Please tell me: how much money would make you happy?” She thought and thought, then her face turned quizzical. After a minute, her husband replied, “10% more than we make.” His response to my question explained his point of view that his wife would never be happy, never have enough money, never stop complaining about what she didn’t have.
After healing a young girl in Philippi, Paul and Silas were thrown into jail (Acts 16). Despite their healing the girl from a spirit that tormented her, they were wrongfully locked behind bars. What did they do in this situation? What would you do? Acts 16:25 tells us that Paul and Silas prayed and sang hymns to God! Most people would be grumbling, complaining, calling a lawyer, crying, you name it! Not Paul and Silas. They saw their time in prison as a chance to pray, sing hymns to God, and let other prisoners hear about the good news of Jesus Christ!
In Philippians 4:11, the scripture for today, Paul mentions that he has always learned “in whatever situation” to “be content”. Paul could have been a wealthy landowner. After meeting the resurrected Jesus, he was content to go on several long missionary journeys sharing the gospel and starting new churches. During these journeys, Paul suffered many ills. He was shipwrecked three times, imprisoned, threatened, and starved. He was beaten with rods and whipped and stoned within an inch of death (2 Corinthians 11:25). What was Paul’s response to all this suffering? He talked about how blessed and great God was! (2 Corinthians 11:30). He explained how God’s grace was sufficient to bring him joy (2 Corinthians 12:9). He explained a few verses later that he was “content” with all of it, because of Christ (2 Corinthians 12:10). Christ meant more to Paul than all the hardships. He was thrilled to wake up each day filled with God’s Spirit and ready to take his next step in mission for Christ.
I have found that not being content in heart and soul often makes one bitter and resentful. If you are never content with your lot in life, you will never find peace. I’m not saying that you should accept everything thrown at you without complaining or doing something about it. I am saying that in order to really find joy and peace in your life, you need to be content with what God has given you. You should rejoice in God’s blessings. Is that enough for you, or do you want more?
A discontented husband will search for a perfect wife to fulfill his fantasies. Where will he find her?
A discontented parent will belittle a child who doesn’t measure up. Ever seen a perfect child?
A discontented soul will always be looking for mortal things to bring pleasure. Those pleasures will be short-lived.
Is there an area in your life in which you are not content? Have you come to terms with your weaknesses and strengths, or do you wish you were someone else? Is jealousy or envy eating at your soul? If you are never content with what you have been blessed with, you will never be at peace with God or with your own heart and soul.
January 6
“The Lord detests the way of the wicked, but he loves those who pursue godliness.” (Proverbs 15:9, NLT)
A few months ago, I had a conversation with a person who is not a believer in God. He and I agreed about various issues and points of view, but we differed greatly in our beliefs about the human condition. I believe that people who are left to their own discretion will inevitably sin. They will do evil to one another. He, on the other hand, believes that people are inherently good and that there are no “sins”. We could not come to an agreement on even this basic point: he believed people are good-hearted and by nature help one another, and I believe that people are sinful in nature and without God will sin against one another. I found it quite odd that this man, who believes whole-heartedly in Darwin and evolution could not see that under Darwin’s theory, people will struggle and fight to win at natural selection. One has only to look at what happened in New Orleans during and immediately after Hurricane Katrina. Looting was common. When the power went out, people attempted to rob banks and stores, knowing the security systems were down. SWAT units were brought in from other states to keep the peace. One SWAT officer and former soldier stated publicly that he “would not walk down many of those New Orleans streets unarmed.” Food was stolen, people were threatened, and lives were lost. Yes, there were many instances of rescue, grace, love, and faith; but many places were not safe once the police presence disappeared.
When Chicago police officers cut back on their foot patrols in some of the inner-city areas in 2010 through 2016, violence increased. When officers in Ferguson, Missouri left an area to work riot control, twelve buildings were burned down in their absence. In parts of Mexico where narcotics trafficking is openly performed, rape and violence is common. In Northeast Nigeria where the government has little control, Boko Haram extremists routinely kidnap young girls and violate them. This is after they murder the families of these young girls in front of them. In the seas off places like Yemen and Honduras, pirates have murdered people while stealing their boats or ships. Some were held for ransom!
I am not saying that there aren’t good people in the world. What I believe is that when people live in opposition to God, they can be capable of any demeaning and self-destructive act. Those with the most power will use that power to abuse others, increase suffering, and control necessities for gain. Even people who call themselves Christian are capable of evil, like the priests found guilty of sexual assault or pastors who stole money from their congregations. Many people who are given the chance to sin will often do it if nobody is watching or they think they can get by with it. However, our scripture for today is clear that God IS watching. Judgment is coming.
In Proverbs 15:9, we see two types of people watched by God. The Lord is watching evil people who pursue wickedness. This scripture makes clear that the Lord “detests the way of the wicked.” God abhors what evil the wicked propagate. However, God also watches over those who “pursue godliness”. They live holy lives of righteousness and respect God’s commands. These God “loves”.
While visiting with friends in Kentucky, I met a woman who was abused as a child. She shared her stories with me, knowing I was a pastor and counselor. You could still see some of the haunting looks in her eyes as she spoke. Tears streamed down her face. Despite the passage of years, the hurt was still deep. She told me that it helped to talk about it with friends and professionals. But, since I was a pastor, she asked me a question that bothered her for years, “Where was God when all this was happening?”
I told her what I know. God detests what was done to her. God hates the evil that turned her world upside down. Judgment Day is coming for the man who abused her so fiendishly. God will make sure he pays. We can’t stop people from choosing evil. However, while some will turn away from the terrible things done in this world, God will not. God will cause the wicked to suffer. God will attack the evil that was done. God will show love to the hurting. Even as the high and mighty revel in their evil acts, God is already planning their eventual recompense. Their days are numbered.
The scripture for today ends with God showing love to those who “pursue godliness”. Never forget that godliness is always something that you strive after. It takes work. It is not easy. Godliness will require that abused woman from Kentucky to let go of any hate for her abuser. Godliness will demand that you forgive those who do you wrong. Godliness is a difficult thing that necessitates difficult choices. Even when you are wronged, God expects you to make things right, not to seek vengeance or return “evil for evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:15). Godliness is not easy, but God’s response to it is priceless. By rejecting wickedness, God shows justice. When you pursue godliness, especially in the face of wickedness, God responds with love. You will feel HIS love breaking through.
When Chicago police officers cut back on their foot patrols in some of the inner-city areas in 2010 through 2016, violence increased. When officers in Ferguson, Missouri left an area to work riot control, twelve buildings were burned down in their absence. In parts of Mexico where narcotics trafficking is openly performed, rape and violence is common. In Northeast Nigeria where the government has little control, Boko Haram extremists routinely kidnap young girls and violate them. This is after they murder the families of these young girls in front of them. In the seas off places like Yemen and Honduras, pirates have murdered people while stealing their boats or ships. Some were held for ransom!
I am not saying that there aren’t good people in the world. What I believe is that when people live in opposition to God, they can be capable of any demeaning and self-destructive act. Those with the most power will use that power to abuse others, increase suffering, and control necessities for gain. Even people who call themselves Christian are capable of evil, like the priests found guilty of sexual assault or pastors who stole money from their congregations. Many people who are given the chance to sin will often do it if nobody is watching or they think they can get by with it. However, our scripture for today is clear that God IS watching. Judgment is coming.
In Proverbs 15:9, we see two types of people watched by God. The Lord is watching evil people who pursue wickedness. This scripture makes clear that the Lord “detests the way of the wicked.” God abhors what evil the wicked propagate. However, God also watches over those who “pursue godliness”. They live holy lives of righteousness and respect God’s commands. These God “loves”.
While visiting with friends in Kentucky, I met a woman who was abused as a child. She shared her stories with me, knowing I was a pastor and counselor. You could still see some of the haunting looks in her eyes as she spoke. Tears streamed down her face. Despite the passage of years, the hurt was still deep. She told me that it helped to talk about it with friends and professionals. But, since I was a pastor, she asked me a question that bothered her for years, “Where was God when all this was happening?”
I told her what I know. God detests what was done to her. God hates the evil that turned her world upside down. Judgment Day is coming for the man who abused her so fiendishly. God will make sure he pays. We can’t stop people from choosing evil. However, while some will turn away from the terrible things done in this world, God will not. God will cause the wicked to suffer. God will attack the evil that was done. God will show love to the hurting. Even as the high and mighty revel in their evil acts, God is already planning their eventual recompense. Their days are numbered.
The scripture for today ends with God showing love to those who “pursue godliness”. Never forget that godliness is always something that you strive after. It takes work. It is not easy. Godliness will require that abused woman from Kentucky to let go of any hate for her abuser. Godliness will demand that you forgive those who do you wrong. Godliness is a difficult thing that necessitates difficult choices. Even when you are wronged, God expects you to make things right, not to seek vengeance or return “evil for evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:15). Godliness is not easy, but God’s response to it is priceless. By rejecting wickedness, God shows justice. When you pursue godliness, especially in the face of wickedness, God responds with love. You will feel HIS love breaking through.
January 8
“Blessed is the one who waits for and reaches the end of the 1,335 days.” (Daniel 12:12, NIV84)
“Dad, is it time yet?”
“No!”
Five minutes later, his daughter asked again, “Dad, can we see if it worked? Can we check it now?”
“No! Not yet, sweetie.”
Five more times, Carrie asked her father if the time was completed when the epoxy would be cured enough to see if her dollhouse was fixed. Thank goodness her father used 5-minute epoxy!
Like young Carrie, you may have a hard time waiting for some things. Waiting during the Christmas season to open presents can seem like forever! Waiting for the clock to wind down on a boring lecture can feel interminable! Waiting to find out the results of a very important medical test to determine if you can get pregnant may make you anxious, worried, or hopeful. Still, the wait seems to take so much longer than normal time. Most people are not patient enough to deal with waiting. In these days of fast-food, instant access, and speedy computers, some people have found it almost impossible to wait for some things. However, it is important to remember that many of the most important things in life take time to develop, work out, and succeed.
As I crossed a bridge not far from home this week, I noticed two ice fishermen with their lines in the water. Both were sitting on chairs by their holes in the ice, waiting for a perch to bite. They spent several long, cold hours on the ice, waiting for a fish to take the bait. Not one hundred feet away was a sign by the roadside which read, “Get a Pizza today! Speedy delivery!” As I looked upon this scene, I was intrigued by the extremes. The ice fishermen took their time waiting for the fish to come to the hook. They were content to sit and wait for the perch to bite. On the other hand, those who called the pizza delivery service would not wait too long for their pizza. When they called, they wanted it delivered as quickly as possible. Many people cannot wait like the fishermen. Most people today want something as fast as they can get their hands on it. Sometimes, you have to wonder, “Why be in such a hurry? Some things take time! Can you wait just a little while? Do you have to always be in a rush?”
As I was perusing online, pondering the scripture for today, a man wrote that he was shopping for a new computer. Another asked him why he needed one. The man replied, “I’m sick of waiting fifteen seconds for my favorite game to load and be ready for play!” It will cost the man $1800 for the computer he is looking at buying. Knowing computers well, I realized that with this new setup, the man would wait for his game to load and be ready for play in about seven seconds. The man responded, “It’s twice as fast!” I said to myself, “Couldn’t he just save $1800 and wait for eight seconds every time his game began?” I guess not!
In the apocalyptic book of Daniel, God gave the prophet Daniel many dreams and visions. One of these visions was to be of a great “abomination” that was to take place in Israel. Wickedness was going to take hold in the land. This awful time would endure for more than 1300 days (Daniel 12:12). Daniel was told that during this time, he should wait for the end of those days. Then, God would do a great work and cleanse the nation. When this vision was delivered to Daniel, I’m sure the prophet wanted to go out and stop the abomination right away. He didn’t want the land to be cursed! However, God wanted Daniel to wait. God had plans. Certain things had to take place in order for the pure of heart to be made ready. Then, and only then, would everything God said fall into place!
From the first mention of the coming of Christ until Jesus was born in Bethlehem was over five hundred years! From the first mention of the end of the exile until the people of Judah returned to the destroyed temple was more than forty years. Some things take time for God to develop. Sometimes, God wants you to just wait, to bide your time. In order for God to work things out behind the scenes, you need the patience to accept that God doesn’t want you to charge ahead full throttle at every challenge. You may have to shut up and wait in order for something to work out! God may need for you to wait for the right moment, the perfect situation, the best time.
God can see things you cannot. If the little girl didn’t wait for the epoxy to set on her dollhouse, the repair would not have worked. If Daniel had not waited for the time of the abomination to end, he would not have seen all the faithful ready to cleanse the land of sin. Don’t be so rushed that you fail to see when God wants your patience. You need to learn when to be content to wait. You need to be ready for God’s go-ahead. Then, and only then, will everything work out for good.
“If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.” (2 Timothy 2:21, NLT)
“No!”
Five minutes later, his daughter asked again, “Dad, can we see if it worked? Can we check it now?”
“No! Not yet, sweetie.”
Five more times, Carrie asked her father if the time was completed when the epoxy would be cured enough to see if her dollhouse was fixed. Thank goodness her father used 5-minute epoxy!
Like young Carrie, you may have a hard time waiting for some things. Waiting during the Christmas season to open presents can seem like forever! Waiting for the clock to wind down on a boring lecture can feel interminable! Waiting to find out the results of a very important medical test to determine if you can get pregnant may make you anxious, worried, or hopeful. Still, the wait seems to take so much longer than normal time. Most people are not patient enough to deal with waiting. In these days of fast-food, instant access, and speedy computers, some people have found it almost impossible to wait for some things. However, it is important to remember that many of the most important things in life take time to develop, work out, and succeed.
As I crossed a bridge not far from home this week, I noticed two ice fishermen with their lines in the water. Both were sitting on chairs by their holes in the ice, waiting for a perch to bite. They spent several long, cold hours on the ice, waiting for a fish to take the bait. Not one hundred feet away was a sign by the roadside which read, “Get a Pizza today! Speedy delivery!” As I looked upon this scene, I was intrigued by the extremes. The ice fishermen took their time waiting for the fish to come to the hook. They were content to sit and wait for the perch to bite. On the other hand, those who called the pizza delivery service would not wait too long for their pizza. When they called, they wanted it delivered as quickly as possible. Many people cannot wait like the fishermen. Most people today want something as fast as they can get their hands on it. Sometimes, you have to wonder, “Why be in such a hurry? Some things take time! Can you wait just a little while? Do you have to always be in a rush?”
As I was perusing online, pondering the scripture for today, a man wrote that he was shopping for a new computer. Another asked him why he needed one. The man replied, “I’m sick of waiting fifteen seconds for my favorite game to load and be ready for play!” It will cost the man $1800 for the computer he is looking at buying. Knowing computers well, I realized that with this new setup, the man would wait for his game to load and be ready for play in about seven seconds. The man responded, “It’s twice as fast!” I said to myself, “Couldn’t he just save $1800 and wait for eight seconds every time his game began?” I guess not!
In the apocalyptic book of Daniel, God gave the prophet Daniel many dreams and visions. One of these visions was to be of a great “abomination” that was to take place in Israel. Wickedness was going to take hold in the land. This awful time would endure for more than 1300 days (Daniel 12:12). Daniel was told that during this time, he should wait for the end of those days. Then, God would do a great work and cleanse the nation. When this vision was delivered to Daniel, I’m sure the prophet wanted to go out and stop the abomination right away. He didn’t want the land to be cursed! However, God wanted Daniel to wait. God had plans. Certain things had to take place in order for the pure of heart to be made ready. Then, and only then, would everything God said fall into place!
From the first mention of the coming of Christ until Jesus was born in Bethlehem was over five hundred years! From the first mention of the end of the exile until the people of Judah returned to the destroyed temple was more than forty years. Some things take time for God to develop. Sometimes, God wants you to just wait, to bide your time. In order for God to work things out behind the scenes, you need the patience to accept that God doesn’t want you to charge ahead full throttle at every challenge. You may have to shut up and wait in order for something to work out! God may need for you to wait for the right moment, the perfect situation, the best time.
God can see things you cannot. If the little girl didn’t wait for the epoxy to set on her dollhouse, the repair would not have worked. If Daniel had not waited for the time of the abomination to end, he would not have seen all the faithful ready to cleanse the land of sin. Don’t be so rushed that you fail to see when God wants your patience. You need to learn when to be content to wait. You need to be ready for God’s go-ahead. Then, and only then, will everything work out for good.
“If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.” (2 Timothy 2:21, NLT)
January 10
““Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.””
(1 Timothy 4:8, NLT)
(1 Timothy 4:8, NLT)
During the month of January, many fitness centers, gyms, and diet centers push for people to take on New Year’s resolutions. They offer special rates and programs for those who want to exercise more, eat healthier, lose weight, or get fit. The University of Scranton did a study of those who took resolutions for the new year and found that only eight percent achieved their goal. The problem is that when tempted by favorite foods or when struggling to do something, many people take the easy route. They find the couch more comforting than the gym. They gravitate toward comfort foods when stress hits. They give up on difficult or challenging things even when these will help greatly.
The same type of gravitation toward the easy route is often the main choice in the spiritual life. Rather than go to worship, people choose to sleep in. When prompted by God to make something right, they begin to pray, only to fall back into old ways and a prayer-less life within weeks. It has been proven by many studies that prayer lowers the heart rate, eases stress, combats pain and so much more, and yet people neglect this area of their spiritual life. When it comes to making choices, sadly the same applies. Rather than do the right thing, a Christian might do the easy thing. Rather than make time to work on missions, the church-goer may get involved in social groups that are more entertaining. Instead of taking time to read and study the Bible for themselves, most Christians choose to have the Bible spoon-fed to them by others. How good at you at training for godliness?
In the words above written to Timothy, the Apostle Paul wrote about the positive aspect of physical training. Paul knew that eating right, exercising, and keeping healthy were important. In the Greek world, throughout which Timothy traveled as a missionary, the Olympic-style games were practiced and upheld. People saw physical training as good for body and mind and soul. It is still true today. However, Paul was critical of those who only saw physical training as good or necessary. As he wrote Timothy, “training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come” (1 Timothy 4:8). Paul was not saying that Christians should ignore physical training and neglect their health. He called this pursuit “good” for the Christian. Still, he knew that training in godliness held greater benefits. It not only helped in this mortal life but helped for all eternity.
Have you felt the “greater benefits” of godliness? What are those benefits in this life and the life to come?
Dick was a good man. Though in his youth, he got himself into trouble more than a few things, Dick had a warm heart and gracious soul. When he was in his early twenties, he got married. He made a lot of money doing complex work. He had two great kids. He was successful in everything, or so it seemed. In his early thirties, Dick’s best friend died. Over the next few months, Dick found himself in depression and sought help. He grew close to his pastor through counseling, and the two struck up a friendship. For years, Dick’s private desire was to help pastors and those go through depression in any way he could. Finding no opportunity to do this, he went back to working hard and staying in great shape. He enjoyed every minute with his family. He made many friends.
When Dick was in his fifties, he became ill. He suffered with a rare disease and could no longer work. He had enough money saved to ease the financial strain for a short while. He always thought he would go back to work. He collected insurance money as his illness made him disabled. During this time, his wife left him. He lost his home. Many friends didn’t have time for him. Dick thought back to his younger days and vowed to reach out and help those with depression and pastors in need. That’s when I met Dick. He reached out to me. He offered to help me with small projects around the parsonage and was a great person to talk to. We both enjoyed sitting down for breakfast and talking about God and scripture and spirituality. He was a great friend for a pastor who had great responsibilities, like me.
I once asked Dick how he got along with losing so much. He responded that through it all, he felt God coming closer. He was now able to help people with depression. He took care of several needs of local pastors in town. He felt a calling. He felt very sad for his wife, who did not have much faith in God. He, however, found that taking time to worship and read his Bible gave him great enjoyment. Worshiping God brought great peace and comfort. Reaching out to help those with depression was his passion. He told me that the more work he did for God, the more he felt at peace in his life. He shared these ideas with others. Unable to work, he was called on by many for help. He was and is an unsung hero in his community. People have no idea the many lives he has touched.
When Dick exercised and worked hard in his youth, he had many benefits. He was financially and physically rewarded. But, when he became disabled, Dick found training in godliness to be his saving grace. He prayed and studied scripture. He reached out in missions and in a personal way. Many people have benefited by his godly life. His children and grandchildren adore him. I’m also sure that God smiles upon his life.
When you make a choice to train your heart and soul and life in godliness, the benefits are eternal. You will not only make a huge difference in this life, God is making preparations for your eternal home. Please do get physical training in your life. However, do not neglect the godly training that will so affect others and your future. It can easily bring you closer to God than you have ever thought possible.
The same type of gravitation toward the easy route is often the main choice in the spiritual life. Rather than go to worship, people choose to sleep in. When prompted by God to make something right, they begin to pray, only to fall back into old ways and a prayer-less life within weeks. It has been proven by many studies that prayer lowers the heart rate, eases stress, combats pain and so much more, and yet people neglect this area of their spiritual life. When it comes to making choices, sadly the same applies. Rather than do the right thing, a Christian might do the easy thing. Rather than make time to work on missions, the church-goer may get involved in social groups that are more entertaining. Instead of taking time to read and study the Bible for themselves, most Christians choose to have the Bible spoon-fed to them by others. How good at you at training for godliness?
In the words above written to Timothy, the Apostle Paul wrote about the positive aspect of physical training. Paul knew that eating right, exercising, and keeping healthy were important. In the Greek world, throughout which Timothy traveled as a missionary, the Olympic-style games were practiced and upheld. People saw physical training as good for body and mind and soul. It is still true today. However, Paul was critical of those who only saw physical training as good or necessary. As he wrote Timothy, “training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come” (1 Timothy 4:8). Paul was not saying that Christians should ignore physical training and neglect their health. He called this pursuit “good” for the Christian. Still, he knew that training in godliness held greater benefits. It not only helped in this mortal life but helped for all eternity.
Have you felt the “greater benefits” of godliness? What are those benefits in this life and the life to come?
Dick was a good man. Though in his youth, he got himself into trouble more than a few things, Dick had a warm heart and gracious soul. When he was in his early twenties, he got married. He made a lot of money doing complex work. He had two great kids. He was successful in everything, or so it seemed. In his early thirties, Dick’s best friend died. Over the next few months, Dick found himself in depression and sought help. He grew close to his pastor through counseling, and the two struck up a friendship. For years, Dick’s private desire was to help pastors and those go through depression in any way he could. Finding no opportunity to do this, he went back to working hard and staying in great shape. He enjoyed every minute with his family. He made many friends.
When Dick was in his fifties, he became ill. He suffered with a rare disease and could no longer work. He had enough money saved to ease the financial strain for a short while. He always thought he would go back to work. He collected insurance money as his illness made him disabled. During this time, his wife left him. He lost his home. Many friends didn’t have time for him. Dick thought back to his younger days and vowed to reach out and help those with depression and pastors in need. That’s when I met Dick. He reached out to me. He offered to help me with small projects around the parsonage and was a great person to talk to. We both enjoyed sitting down for breakfast and talking about God and scripture and spirituality. He was a great friend for a pastor who had great responsibilities, like me.
I once asked Dick how he got along with losing so much. He responded that through it all, he felt God coming closer. He was now able to help people with depression. He took care of several needs of local pastors in town. He felt a calling. He felt very sad for his wife, who did not have much faith in God. He, however, found that taking time to worship and read his Bible gave him great enjoyment. Worshiping God brought great peace and comfort. Reaching out to help those with depression was his passion. He told me that the more work he did for God, the more he felt at peace in his life. He shared these ideas with others. Unable to work, he was called on by many for help. He was and is an unsung hero in his community. People have no idea the many lives he has touched.
When Dick exercised and worked hard in his youth, he had many benefits. He was financially and physically rewarded. But, when he became disabled, Dick found training in godliness to be his saving grace. He prayed and studied scripture. He reached out in missions and in a personal way. Many people have benefited by his godly life. His children and grandchildren adore him. I’m also sure that God smiles upon his life.
When you make a choice to train your heart and soul and life in godliness, the benefits are eternal. You will not only make a huge difference in this life, God is making preparations for your eternal home. Please do get physical training in your life. However, do not neglect the godly training that will so affect others and your future. It can easily bring you closer to God than you have ever thought possible.
January 12
“You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.” (Psalm 30:11–12, NIV)
The doctor walked in the hospital room. I stood in the back against the wall. The young boy was in the hospital bed. His mother and father were on each side of the bed. I could tell from the doctor’s expression that the test had not gone well. The doctor said to the parents, “The damage to his stomach and intestines is terrible. He may not eat normally again.”
Then, the doctor turned to me and said, “I think we need extra prayers on this one. I don’t know what to do to stop the virus that is raging inside him. It’s time to break out all the prayers. Call whomever you can and get them praying, too.”
I responded, “Doc, we’ve got hundreds praying for this boy and his family. I’ve got hope God will help. When I pray, that’s how I feel anyway.” The doctor left the room after shaking my hand. I could see a frown and some fear on his face. This young boy was very sick, and the doctors couldn’t stop the virus that was waging war in his body.
Psalm 30 was written by David to extol the power of God to come through for the faithful. It was written about a time when David’s health was failing, and his hope was flagging. David “cried to the Lord for help” (Psalm 30:2). He really thought he might die (Psalm 30:9). God came through. God healed David and helped him to recover. In response, David penned the words in our scripture for today. He boldly claimed how God had “turned his wailing into dancing”. God had removed David’s “sackcloth” in which he suffered (Psalm 30:11). David’s response to God’s help was passionate. David wanted to “sing God’s praises and not be silent” (Psalm 30:12). David wanted to “praise God forever”.
I have witnessed many people who were healed while the doctors remained baffled. I have witnessed people whose lives were changed completely by God’s intervention. God brought comfort to the bereaved, hope to the hurting, peace to the damaged soul, help to the lonely. God came through. In response, the people sang God’s praises. They talked about God’s presence during their dark hours. Whether its depression, health issues, bad thoughts, bad habits, regrets, pain, or betrayal, God can help in great and wonderful ways. God can brighten your day. God’s healing touch can change your crying to laughter. Like David in this scripture, your life can move from thoughts of death to moments of joy.
Why do people not reach out to God for help? Why do they ignore the one who knows them heart and soul and mind? God is a great healer, hope, deliverer, and savior. There is no better source to turn than to God when you are in trouble. Though suffering from great pains and betrayal, Jesus turned to God the Father on the cross. In days, Jesus was resurrected. The tears of His hurting disciples and family were replaced with joy. The family in the story above also cried out asking God for help. The boy did recover. Actually, it was a miracle. The doctor confided to me that he couldn’t explain the change in health. I knew who made the change. I know who helped.
For weeks after the boy from the hospital came home, people heard his story about God’s intervention. The parents were convinced that God had a hand it the healing. The virus died suddenly and disappeared from the boy. Though every medicine given to the boy failed to work, the boy was healed two days after the doctor said to me that “we need extra prayers on this one.” The doctor just shook his head in amazement at the changes. The boy has never gone back to the hospital for that condition since.
When things look bleak, don’t hesitate to turn to the Holy One who can help. Put your trust in God’s grace. Don’t hold back. Just don’t be surprised when God does help or heal or bring you through.
There are situations where God withholds healing for unknown reasons. In heaven, we’ll find out why. However, God helps people far more than you even know. Many times, people call a miracle coincidence, give credit to a doctor or medicine, or cite luck in the process. Don’t be so naïve. You and I both know that God has a hand in a lot more than humans ever give HIM credit. David, in Psalm 30, was giving credit where credit was due. God was the one who healed him. God was the one who helped, when nothing else could.
Then, the doctor turned to me and said, “I think we need extra prayers on this one. I don’t know what to do to stop the virus that is raging inside him. It’s time to break out all the prayers. Call whomever you can and get them praying, too.”
I responded, “Doc, we’ve got hundreds praying for this boy and his family. I’ve got hope God will help. When I pray, that’s how I feel anyway.” The doctor left the room after shaking my hand. I could see a frown and some fear on his face. This young boy was very sick, and the doctors couldn’t stop the virus that was waging war in his body.
Psalm 30 was written by David to extol the power of God to come through for the faithful. It was written about a time when David’s health was failing, and his hope was flagging. David “cried to the Lord for help” (Psalm 30:2). He really thought he might die (Psalm 30:9). God came through. God healed David and helped him to recover. In response, David penned the words in our scripture for today. He boldly claimed how God had “turned his wailing into dancing”. God had removed David’s “sackcloth” in which he suffered (Psalm 30:11). David’s response to God’s help was passionate. David wanted to “sing God’s praises and not be silent” (Psalm 30:12). David wanted to “praise God forever”.
I have witnessed many people who were healed while the doctors remained baffled. I have witnessed people whose lives were changed completely by God’s intervention. God brought comfort to the bereaved, hope to the hurting, peace to the damaged soul, help to the lonely. God came through. In response, the people sang God’s praises. They talked about God’s presence during their dark hours. Whether its depression, health issues, bad thoughts, bad habits, regrets, pain, or betrayal, God can help in great and wonderful ways. God can brighten your day. God’s healing touch can change your crying to laughter. Like David in this scripture, your life can move from thoughts of death to moments of joy.
Why do people not reach out to God for help? Why do they ignore the one who knows them heart and soul and mind? God is a great healer, hope, deliverer, and savior. There is no better source to turn than to God when you are in trouble. Though suffering from great pains and betrayal, Jesus turned to God the Father on the cross. In days, Jesus was resurrected. The tears of His hurting disciples and family were replaced with joy. The family in the story above also cried out asking God for help. The boy did recover. Actually, it was a miracle. The doctor confided to me that he couldn’t explain the change in health. I knew who made the change. I know who helped.
For weeks after the boy from the hospital came home, people heard his story about God’s intervention. The parents were convinced that God had a hand it the healing. The virus died suddenly and disappeared from the boy. Though every medicine given to the boy failed to work, the boy was healed two days after the doctor said to me that “we need extra prayers on this one.” The doctor just shook his head in amazement at the changes. The boy has never gone back to the hospital for that condition since.
When things look bleak, don’t hesitate to turn to the Holy One who can help. Put your trust in God’s grace. Don’t hold back. Just don’t be surprised when God does help or heal or bring you through.
There are situations where God withholds healing for unknown reasons. In heaven, we’ll find out why. However, God helps people far more than you even know. Many times, people call a miracle coincidence, give credit to a doctor or medicine, or cite luck in the process. Don’t be so naïve. You and I both know that God has a hand in a lot more than humans ever give HIM credit. David, in Psalm 30, was giving credit where credit was due. God was the one who healed him. God was the one who helped, when nothing else could.
January 16
By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; and he set out, not knowing where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8, NRSV)
Sometimes, God will send you somewhere or to someone without you knowing clearly why. That’s the reason you have something called, “faith”. It takes faith to follow God’s leading without having all the details. It takes faith to trust in God without having all the answers. Many people talk about faith, but few really live it out. Do you trust in God enough to go into the unknown with only God’s direction or the Holy Spirit’s leading alone?
Daniel attended an adult retreat when he was in his thirties. The retreat was sponsored by his church. For years, Daniel had felt a closeness with God; a comfort in his relationship with the Divine. While at that retreat, he felt God leading him to seek something more. Within a week of returning home, Daniel was in his pastor’s office. The two talked about a variety of subjects, when Daniel finally explained his reason for the visit: is there something more he can do in the church? The pastor thought for only a short few seconds, then came up with three possibilities. The last one seemed to resonate in Daniel’s soul. The church was looking for another youth leader.
Without knowing much about youth leadership, Daniel threw himself into the youth ministry. He attended youth meetings, helped at fund-raisers, and began to develop a camaraderie with several youth. In a few months, things began to change. Youth were coming up to him at church and just talking. Parents began to speak about their teen daughters or sons to Daniel. The pastor began to inquire of Daniel’s ideas for future youth functions. It was all very surreal. Five years later, Daniel went to Bible College to learn youth ministry. Today, he is the main leader in a large church youth program. But it all started with Daniel going into a retreat with no idea why he was supposed to be there. Years later, it was obvious why he was supposed to be there. God had a plan!
I have met many missionaries, pastors, leaders, and teachers who followed God’s leading without knowing where it would end up. They had the faith to follow God’s “still small voice” (1 Kings 19:12). They listened in prayer. They felt the Holy Spirit’s leading.
In the scripture for today from Hebrews 11, Abraham was led “by faith”, “not knowing where he was going.” Even great Abraham had moments when he was not sure what God was doing, but he had the faith to follow God’s direction. He “obeyed” (Hebrews 11:8). How well do you listen to God’s voice and obey God’s direction, even when you don’t have all the facts? Abraham was known as a “patriarch” of the church. He was a leading figure in the early days of faith presented in Genesis. Even though very special to God, even though promised a great future by God’s command, Abraham still had periods in his life when he didn’t have all the answers. He didn’t know where or why God was urging him toward a place. Only later would he find out some of the answers. He was not even privy to all the answers.
Some people are just not wired for faith. They can’t handle going into the unknown, following God without all the facts. They are hesitant to follow God’s voice when they don’t have all their questions answered beforehand. That’s not faith. Faith means you have to be willing to follow God’s direction, EVEN WHEN YOU DON’T’ HAVE ALL THE ANSWERS OR INFORMATION! Can you do that? Do you have what it takes?
All of the greatest people of the Bible didn’t have all the answers all the time. They weren’t knowledgeable about all the facts of their walk with God. Even Jesus told the disciples that the end times were only known by God the Father (Mark 13:32)! Human beings are limited in what they know and how far into the future they can perceive things. When you encounter moments like that, trust in God’s leading. Follow the Holy Spirit’s urging. God the Father can see a lot further than you. Heaven sometimes has intricate plans where the next steps can be unclear. In moments like that, you need the faith to follow closely behind the Lord who loves you. But will you?
Daniel attended an adult retreat when he was in his thirties. The retreat was sponsored by his church. For years, Daniel had felt a closeness with God; a comfort in his relationship with the Divine. While at that retreat, he felt God leading him to seek something more. Within a week of returning home, Daniel was in his pastor’s office. The two talked about a variety of subjects, when Daniel finally explained his reason for the visit: is there something more he can do in the church? The pastor thought for only a short few seconds, then came up with three possibilities. The last one seemed to resonate in Daniel’s soul. The church was looking for another youth leader.
Without knowing much about youth leadership, Daniel threw himself into the youth ministry. He attended youth meetings, helped at fund-raisers, and began to develop a camaraderie with several youth. In a few months, things began to change. Youth were coming up to him at church and just talking. Parents began to speak about their teen daughters or sons to Daniel. The pastor began to inquire of Daniel’s ideas for future youth functions. It was all very surreal. Five years later, Daniel went to Bible College to learn youth ministry. Today, he is the main leader in a large church youth program. But it all started with Daniel going into a retreat with no idea why he was supposed to be there. Years later, it was obvious why he was supposed to be there. God had a plan!
I have met many missionaries, pastors, leaders, and teachers who followed God’s leading without knowing where it would end up. They had the faith to follow God’s “still small voice” (1 Kings 19:12). They listened in prayer. They felt the Holy Spirit’s leading.
In the scripture for today from Hebrews 11, Abraham was led “by faith”, “not knowing where he was going.” Even great Abraham had moments when he was not sure what God was doing, but he had the faith to follow God’s direction. He “obeyed” (Hebrews 11:8). How well do you listen to God’s voice and obey God’s direction, even when you don’t have all the facts? Abraham was known as a “patriarch” of the church. He was a leading figure in the early days of faith presented in Genesis. Even though very special to God, even though promised a great future by God’s command, Abraham still had periods in his life when he didn’t have all the answers. He didn’t know where or why God was urging him toward a place. Only later would he find out some of the answers. He was not even privy to all the answers.
Some people are just not wired for faith. They can’t handle going into the unknown, following God without all the facts. They are hesitant to follow God’s voice when they don’t have all their questions answered beforehand. That’s not faith. Faith means you have to be willing to follow God’s direction, EVEN WHEN YOU DON’T’ HAVE ALL THE ANSWERS OR INFORMATION! Can you do that? Do you have what it takes?
All of the greatest people of the Bible didn’t have all the answers all the time. They weren’t knowledgeable about all the facts of their walk with God. Even Jesus told the disciples that the end times were only known by God the Father (Mark 13:32)! Human beings are limited in what they know and how far into the future they can perceive things. When you encounter moments like that, trust in God’s leading. Follow the Holy Spirit’s urging. God the Father can see a lot further than you. Heaven sometimes has intricate plans where the next steps can be unclear. In moments like that, you need the faith to follow closely behind the Lord who loves you. But will you?
January 17
“Then Saul said, “I have done wrong; return, my son David, for I will no more do you harm, because my life was precious in your eyes this day; behold, I have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly.”” (1 Samuel 26:21, RSV)
When frustrated at the belligerence and faithlessness of the children of Israel, Moses responded in Deuteronomy 32:6 by saying: “Is this the way you repay the Lord, you foolish and senseless people? Isn’t he your Father who created you?” (Deuteronomy 32:6, NLT) Moses was astonished at the way the people treated God, especially after their monumental failures! Then again, people can sometimes be very foolish in the way they think and act.
In the devotional, Strength for Today, John MacArthur pointed out several ways that Christians can “play the fool”. One way they do so is through disbelief. On the road to Emmaus, Jesus appeared to two disciples who didn’t believe that He had risen from the dead. Jesus said to them, “O foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken!” (Luke 24:25). To disbelieve God and His Word is to play the fool.
Another way believers play the fool is through disobedience. In Galatians 3:1 the apostle Paul says, “You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified?” And in verse 3 he says, “Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?” They started out well but were disobedient and got caught up in the works of the law.
Still another way Christians play the fool is through desire for the wrong things. First Timothy 6:9 says, “Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires.” If you desire the wrong things, you play the fool.
Finally, you can play the fool through doing the wrong things. James 3:13–17 says that there are two kinds of wisdom. Godly wisdom produces “good behavior” (v. 13), but foolish wisdom produces “jealousy and selfish ambition” (v. 16). A self–centered person plays the fool.
In our scripture for today, King Saul admits his own foolish behavior. After attempting to kill David, Saul realized his own sin. David was a special asset of God. David had done no wrong. Out of jealousy, Saul wanted to rid himself of David. With blind ambition, Saul had murderous thoughts and intentions. When David spared Saul’s life, Saul realized that he was being utterly sinful and decidedly foolish. The scripture for today bear’s Saul’s own words of regret and confession. He told David, “I have played the fool, and erred exceedingly. (1 Samuel 26:21).
While it is sometimes hard to admit when we are being foolish, it is wise to make sure it doesn’t happen. Foolishness flies in the face of God. It is a trait that is both dangerous and sinful. It is an affront to God. It can cause you untold embarrassment, anguish, heartache, and regret.
Like Saul, are you foolish about something in your life? Are you blind to your own pigheadedness? Do you suffer from a bad attitude? Does pride nudge you to be overly critical or selfish? Foolishness attacked the relationship between God and the children of Israel. It caused a major rift between Saul and David. It can wreck the best of people. It can destroy everything you hold dear. Search your heart and soul for foolishness. Weed it out before it can wreak havoc in every part of your life.
In the devotional, Strength for Today, John MacArthur pointed out several ways that Christians can “play the fool”. One way they do so is through disbelief. On the road to Emmaus, Jesus appeared to two disciples who didn’t believe that He had risen from the dead. Jesus said to them, “O foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken!” (Luke 24:25). To disbelieve God and His Word is to play the fool.
Another way believers play the fool is through disobedience. In Galatians 3:1 the apostle Paul says, “You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified?” And in verse 3 he says, “Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?” They started out well but were disobedient and got caught up in the works of the law.
Still another way Christians play the fool is through desire for the wrong things. First Timothy 6:9 says, “Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires.” If you desire the wrong things, you play the fool.
Finally, you can play the fool through doing the wrong things. James 3:13–17 says that there are two kinds of wisdom. Godly wisdom produces “good behavior” (v. 13), but foolish wisdom produces “jealousy and selfish ambition” (v. 16). A self–centered person plays the fool.
In our scripture for today, King Saul admits his own foolish behavior. After attempting to kill David, Saul realized his own sin. David was a special asset of God. David had done no wrong. Out of jealousy, Saul wanted to rid himself of David. With blind ambition, Saul had murderous thoughts and intentions. When David spared Saul’s life, Saul realized that he was being utterly sinful and decidedly foolish. The scripture for today bear’s Saul’s own words of regret and confession. He told David, “I have played the fool, and erred exceedingly. (1 Samuel 26:21).
While it is sometimes hard to admit when we are being foolish, it is wise to make sure it doesn’t happen. Foolishness flies in the face of God. It is a trait that is both dangerous and sinful. It is an affront to God. It can cause you untold embarrassment, anguish, heartache, and regret.
Like Saul, are you foolish about something in your life? Are you blind to your own pigheadedness? Do you suffer from a bad attitude? Does pride nudge you to be overly critical or selfish? Foolishness attacked the relationship between God and the children of Israel. It caused a major rift between Saul and David. It can wreck the best of people. It can destroy everything you hold dear. Search your heart and soul for foolishness. Weed it out before it can wreak havoc in every part of your life.
January 21
“But they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And their voices prevailed. So Pilate gave sentence that their demand should be granted.” (Luke 23:23–24, RSV)
Tyler Heep bought himself a lottery ticket this past week. Upon checking it, he found that he had won $1.00. He drove to Lottery Headquarters in Iowa and demanded that they give him a big check like all the big winners. They took him into a room full of photography equipment and took his photo and gave him a large novelty check upon which was written that he had indeed won $1.00.
In the national and local elections last fall, several of the losers “demanded” a recount of the votes, convinced that they had won. When it was found out that they didn’t win, they decried that the process was rigged, shouting that votes were procured through illicit channels or that mistakes were made.
After missing a college quiz, one student in California entered her class and demanded that the teacher give her the quiz anyway. When the teacher refused, the student slammed down her textbooks, shouted angry insults, and refused to leave the room. Security had to be called for the student to be removed.
In a recent study of students at the University of California at Irvine, 66.2% of students believed that if they “tried hard”, they should get a good grade. Teachers there felt that the students were overly demanding that they should receive better grades overall.
In these and many, many other instances, people “demanded” that things they didn’t like were removed or changed. In some cases, the people were offended. In others, those involved wanted every advantage. Our world today is becoming more and more demanding. Activism has become a rallying cry for people to get what they want. Organizations pop up to help people “demand” changes that suit them I have found that some demands in life are very important. However, some demands are petty or self-centered, reckless or corrupting. Too often, people’s demands don’t consider the cost to others in order to fulfill the demand. In some instances, people don’t even care about the cost to others or society. They want their own way. They make demands.
In the scripture for today from the gospel of Luke printed above, the Jewish people gathered at Pontius Pilate’s public space demanded “with loud cries” that Jesus “should be crucified” (Luke 23:23). They didn’t want a fair trial for Jesus. They didn’t want the Roman government to be impartial. They were “demanding” for Jesus to be murdered. Despite no evidence, “their voices prevailed”. Pilate sentenced Jesus to death. “Their demand” was “granted” (Luke 23:24). This sinful act is forever a mark against those who were there, a sin that cannot be washed away. A mob made a “demand” against innocent Jesus. The mob swayed justice.
Be careful how you deal with “demands” in your own life. Are you demanding? Do you make demands when you don’t get your way? Are you swayed to change your ideas of right and wrong depending on whom is demanding your attention? Do you change the rules when pressed by a group? Pontius Pilate killed an innocent man to please the demands of a mob. Are you liable to follow the whims of others in order to look good?
When a demand goes against what is right, do you stand your ground? When God’s way is perverted or justice is twisted, you need to stand up for what is right. However, to be swayed by people who just want their way and demand you change, is what causes faith and justice to be damaged. Lives can be lost. Be careful about what demands you make. Be careful with demands that undermine what is right. God’s justice will not be swayed by selfish voices or mob rule.
In the national and local elections last fall, several of the losers “demanded” a recount of the votes, convinced that they had won. When it was found out that they didn’t win, they decried that the process was rigged, shouting that votes were procured through illicit channels or that mistakes were made.
After missing a college quiz, one student in California entered her class and demanded that the teacher give her the quiz anyway. When the teacher refused, the student slammed down her textbooks, shouted angry insults, and refused to leave the room. Security had to be called for the student to be removed.
In a recent study of students at the University of California at Irvine, 66.2% of students believed that if they “tried hard”, they should get a good grade. Teachers there felt that the students were overly demanding that they should receive better grades overall.
In these and many, many other instances, people “demanded” that things they didn’t like were removed or changed. In some cases, the people were offended. In others, those involved wanted every advantage. Our world today is becoming more and more demanding. Activism has become a rallying cry for people to get what they want. Organizations pop up to help people “demand” changes that suit them I have found that some demands in life are very important. However, some demands are petty or self-centered, reckless or corrupting. Too often, people’s demands don’t consider the cost to others in order to fulfill the demand. In some instances, people don’t even care about the cost to others or society. They want their own way. They make demands.
In the scripture for today from the gospel of Luke printed above, the Jewish people gathered at Pontius Pilate’s public space demanded “with loud cries” that Jesus “should be crucified” (Luke 23:23). They didn’t want a fair trial for Jesus. They didn’t want the Roman government to be impartial. They were “demanding” for Jesus to be murdered. Despite no evidence, “their voices prevailed”. Pilate sentenced Jesus to death. “Their demand” was “granted” (Luke 23:24). This sinful act is forever a mark against those who were there, a sin that cannot be washed away. A mob made a “demand” against innocent Jesus. The mob swayed justice.
Be careful how you deal with “demands” in your own life. Are you demanding? Do you make demands when you don’t get your way? Are you swayed to change your ideas of right and wrong depending on whom is demanding your attention? Do you change the rules when pressed by a group? Pontius Pilate killed an innocent man to please the demands of a mob. Are you liable to follow the whims of others in order to look good?
When a demand goes against what is right, do you stand your ground? When God’s way is perverted or justice is twisted, you need to stand up for what is right. However, to be swayed by people who just want their way and demand you change, is what causes faith and justice to be damaged. Lives can be lost. Be careful about what demands you make. Be careful with demands that undermine what is right. God’s justice will not be swayed by selfish voices or mob rule.
January 24
“Jesus replied, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” (John 14:23, NIV84)
In the scripture above, there is an action by a person followed by a response from God. In effect, if a person loves Jesus enough that he or she will “obey” Jesus’ teachings, then both the Heavenly Father and Jesus will show love to that person and make a home with that person. There is a direct correlation between the human action and God’s response. When you love and obey God, the response you get from heaven is God’s love and God’s presence in your home. Do you realize that God wants to be with you, even being present in your home? If you love and obey God, God is present with you; God doesn’t keep a large distance. God is close.
Three decades ago, I attended a church camp as a counselor. One evening, as camp activities were winding down, I went for a walk down a dark pathway at the camp. Not long into my walk, I almost walked right into a young man. He was sitting by himself in the dark. Usually at camp, youth were encouraged to go off in groups of two or more, so this was unusual. I asked him why he was alone. His response was telling: “I am always alone.” It was then that I knew that this young man was not only by himself but feeling abandoned. We talked for about ten minutes there in the dark. What was nice was that nobody was close, so he felt free to talk. As we spoke, I could tell he didn’t want me there. His words were pushing me to leave him as well. I didn’t.
In the dark shadows of a tree, I asked him about his relationship with God. He told me that he had never felt close to God. I asked him why he was at church camp. He told me that his parents sent him to one camp or another every summer to get him out of the house. The more we talked, the more I felt he had not only felt isolated at home, he was isolating himself at the camp. Then, I saw an opening in our conversation. I said, “How would you like to never feel alone again?” He looked at me confused. I told him how God loves to be “with us” (Emmanuel! Matthew 1:23). I told him to watch for God and hold onto God tightly. In response, I told him that soon he would feel God’s presence and see little signs of God’s closeness. He confessed that would be nice, but he didn’t believe it to be true. I challenged him to pray and talk to God in his heart as much as he could for two straight days to see what might happen. Then, we rejoined the campers together.
Hour by hour at the camp, the boy seemed to loosen up. I saw his first real smile late the next day. I continued to wave to him and spoke words of encouragement to him. He began to come out of his self-imposed shell. By the end of the week, he revealed that he actually felt like God was closer to him. His words to me when he left camp were precious: “You’re right Pastor Dave. I don’t feel alone anymore. God’s right here,” he said, pointing to his heart.
“You aren’t alone anymore,” I responded as I hugged him.
When you show love and obedience to God, your relationship with the divine changes. God responds to your outreach. God shows you love, and God comes to make a home with you (John 14:23). If you are a true Christian, you never walk alone. God is present in a real way. God is with you, beside you, in you, watching over you. The only way to lose that intimacy with God is to stop loving God or stop obeying God. A distance with God will always develop when sin takes over in your life.
If you want to feel closer to God, show love and obedience to God. Invite God to be with you, in your home and heart and mind. This scripture promises that God will respond. You will have a constant companion of a heavenly sort!
When is the last time you and God had a nice intimate conversation about an important topic? When was the last time you felt God’s welcoming presence when you came home from work? If you ever feel alone, you can bet it isn’t because of something God initiated. God loves you and desires greatly to “make your home with Him”.
Three decades ago, I attended a church camp as a counselor. One evening, as camp activities were winding down, I went for a walk down a dark pathway at the camp. Not long into my walk, I almost walked right into a young man. He was sitting by himself in the dark. Usually at camp, youth were encouraged to go off in groups of two or more, so this was unusual. I asked him why he was alone. His response was telling: “I am always alone.” It was then that I knew that this young man was not only by himself but feeling abandoned. We talked for about ten minutes there in the dark. What was nice was that nobody was close, so he felt free to talk. As we spoke, I could tell he didn’t want me there. His words were pushing me to leave him as well. I didn’t.
In the dark shadows of a tree, I asked him about his relationship with God. He told me that he had never felt close to God. I asked him why he was at church camp. He told me that his parents sent him to one camp or another every summer to get him out of the house. The more we talked, the more I felt he had not only felt isolated at home, he was isolating himself at the camp. Then, I saw an opening in our conversation. I said, “How would you like to never feel alone again?” He looked at me confused. I told him how God loves to be “with us” (Emmanuel! Matthew 1:23). I told him to watch for God and hold onto God tightly. In response, I told him that soon he would feel God’s presence and see little signs of God’s closeness. He confessed that would be nice, but he didn’t believe it to be true. I challenged him to pray and talk to God in his heart as much as he could for two straight days to see what might happen. Then, we rejoined the campers together.
Hour by hour at the camp, the boy seemed to loosen up. I saw his first real smile late the next day. I continued to wave to him and spoke words of encouragement to him. He began to come out of his self-imposed shell. By the end of the week, he revealed that he actually felt like God was closer to him. His words to me when he left camp were precious: “You’re right Pastor Dave. I don’t feel alone anymore. God’s right here,” he said, pointing to his heart.
“You aren’t alone anymore,” I responded as I hugged him.
When you show love and obedience to God, your relationship with the divine changes. God responds to your outreach. God shows you love, and God comes to make a home with you (John 14:23). If you are a true Christian, you never walk alone. God is present in a real way. God is with you, beside you, in you, watching over you. The only way to lose that intimacy with God is to stop loving God or stop obeying God. A distance with God will always develop when sin takes over in your life.
If you want to feel closer to God, show love and obedience to God. Invite God to be with you, in your home and heart and mind. This scripture promises that God will respond. You will have a constant companion of a heavenly sort!
When is the last time you and God had a nice intimate conversation about an important topic? When was the last time you felt God’s welcoming presence when you came home from work? If you ever feel alone, you can bet it isn’t because of something God initiated. God loves you and desires greatly to “make your home with Him”.
January 25
“Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.”” (John 18:36, ESV)
While defending himself before Pontius Pilate, Jesus explained His mission. In the verse above, it all came to a head with the saying that Jesus’ “kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). At the end of the verse, Jesus repeated this stance. He wanted to be very clear to Pilate and to future generations that His Kingdom was not meant for nor planned for this world. In fact, Jesus mentioned several times that His followers would not be accepted by this world. John 17:14 and John 15:19 contain predictions by Jesus that His followers would “be hated” by the world. Being in the world as a faithful follower brings “tribulation” (John 16:33). All of these and many more verses of the Bible show that a true Christian will never feel at home in the world. In fact, you should feel alien to it (see 1 Peter 2:11 for just these words).
Though Jesus taught that “the world” lives by rules in opposition to the Kingdom of God, there continue to be Christians who desire to set up God’s Kingdom in this world. They do so in a variety of ways. Some church people desire to enact laws that force society to follow godly ways. Others attempt to shape the church in a way that is acceptable to the world and thus meld them together. There are many who twist words of scripture to make them more palatable to the world. Still others form their own little fiefdoms in which their view of faith is practiced. These methods all will fail in time, because Jesus’ Kingdom WAS NOT OF THIS WORLD!
I’m not saying that you shouldn’t proclaim your faith in the world! I am saying that no matter how you try to bring God’s word to the world, the world will not accept God’s true teachings. There is evil in the world. Satan is effective in this world. People will twist God’s laws and manipulate the faith to fit the world. In many ways, God’s perfect word is twisted by those who would make it resonate with modernity. God’s kingdom cannot be matched to our world. To do so taints it.
So how do you deal with a world that is in competition with God’s Kingdom? First, don’t try to make God’s word fit to the world. Second, don’t water down God’s commands to fit in. Third, don’t be surprised if the world does not act fair or right. The world operates by different principles. Jesus said that His followers would be like “sheep in the midst of wolves” (Matthew 10:16)! The world needs to see your faith, but it will be difficult. To share your faith will cause some to revolt against you. They will want to shut you up. You shouldn’t be surprised when people are highly critical of your faithfulness.
Recently, I met a woman named Dorothy who was very upset that a friend at work no longer talks with her. What did she do wrong? She invited the friend to her church. She thought her invitation was such a nice gesture that her friend would see it as a grace-filled example of love. Instead, her friend thought Dorothy was “doing something wrong” by talking about her faith at work. How dare she! To this day, Dorothy can’t understand the hostility she is receiving at work from her friend. She’s even heard others complain that Dorothy wants to “indoctrinate the whole office”. Dorothy doesn’t want to do any such thing. Dorothy was just inviting a friend to her favorite place of worship with no strings attached. Instead, Dorothy is having to defend herself and her faith to her office. It shouldn’t be that way, but it is reality.
God’s Kingdom is not of this world. Your faith is alien to worldly people. The world put Jesus to death for proclaiming God’s Kingdom. What might the world do to you? Don’t be surprised when your faith does not fit in the world. It’s not supposed to! Your faith is beautiful and life-giving. The world is a place that often damages beauty and corrupts life. Your faith feels comfortable around grace and love. The world promotes class warfare, hatred, and sin. You will never feel “comfortable” until you are fully in the arms of God. Until that time, you will feel like a stranger in a strange land!
The church was supposed to be a place where people feel “at home” with God and others in the faith. Too often, the church has become so worldly that it does not feel right with your soul. I have been in many houses of worship where you have to be politically liberal or conservative to fit in. I have been in churches where politics and power were openly played. Some churches feel more like a funeral home than a place of celebratory worship of the Supreme God! I’ve met people in the pews who acted more like a social club. I’ve met choir members who cared more about the quality of music than rightful worship. That’s why it is so crucial to not only keep pure your beautiful faith, but to encourage God’s righteous way of life to be central to your church.
Do you feel alien in our world today? How has your church succumbed to societal pressures? Would Jesus feel at home in your church pews? Has the world caused you to twist what you believe to fit in? How might you more emulate Jesus' Kingdom this week? There’s a challenge!
Though Jesus taught that “the world” lives by rules in opposition to the Kingdom of God, there continue to be Christians who desire to set up God’s Kingdom in this world. They do so in a variety of ways. Some church people desire to enact laws that force society to follow godly ways. Others attempt to shape the church in a way that is acceptable to the world and thus meld them together. There are many who twist words of scripture to make them more palatable to the world. Still others form their own little fiefdoms in which their view of faith is practiced. These methods all will fail in time, because Jesus’ Kingdom WAS NOT OF THIS WORLD!
I’m not saying that you shouldn’t proclaim your faith in the world! I am saying that no matter how you try to bring God’s word to the world, the world will not accept God’s true teachings. There is evil in the world. Satan is effective in this world. People will twist God’s laws and manipulate the faith to fit the world. In many ways, God’s perfect word is twisted by those who would make it resonate with modernity. God’s kingdom cannot be matched to our world. To do so taints it.
So how do you deal with a world that is in competition with God’s Kingdom? First, don’t try to make God’s word fit to the world. Second, don’t water down God’s commands to fit in. Third, don’t be surprised if the world does not act fair or right. The world operates by different principles. Jesus said that His followers would be like “sheep in the midst of wolves” (Matthew 10:16)! The world needs to see your faith, but it will be difficult. To share your faith will cause some to revolt against you. They will want to shut you up. You shouldn’t be surprised when people are highly critical of your faithfulness.
Recently, I met a woman named Dorothy who was very upset that a friend at work no longer talks with her. What did she do wrong? She invited the friend to her church. She thought her invitation was such a nice gesture that her friend would see it as a grace-filled example of love. Instead, her friend thought Dorothy was “doing something wrong” by talking about her faith at work. How dare she! To this day, Dorothy can’t understand the hostility she is receiving at work from her friend. She’s even heard others complain that Dorothy wants to “indoctrinate the whole office”. Dorothy doesn’t want to do any such thing. Dorothy was just inviting a friend to her favorite place of worship with no strings attached. Instead, Dorothy is having to defend herself and her faith to her office. It shouldn’t be that way, but it is reality.
God’s Kingdom is not of this world. Your faith is alien to worldly people. The world put Jesus to death for proclaiming God’s Kingdom. What might the world do to you? Don’t be surprised when your faith does not fit in the world. It’s not supposed to! Your faith is beautiful and life-giving. The world is a place that often damages beauty and corrupts life. Your faith feels comfortable around grace and love. The world promotes class warfare, hatred, and sin. You will never feel “comfortable” until you are fully in the arms of God. Until that time, you will feel like a stranger in a strange land!
The church was supposed to be a place where people feel “at home” with God and others in the faith. Too often, the church has become so worldly that it does not feel right with your soul. I have been in many houses of worship where you have to be politically liberal or conservative to fit in. I have been in churches where politics and power were openly played. Some churches feel more like a funeral home than a place of celebratory worship of the Supreme God! I’ve met people in the pews who acted more like a social club. I’ve met choir members who cared more about the quality of music than rightful worship. That’s why it is so crucial to not only keep pure your beautiful faith, but to encourage God’s righteous way of life to be central to your church.
Do you feel alien in our world today? How has your church succumbed to societal pressures? Would Jesus feel at home in your church pews? Has the world caused you to twist what you believe to fit in? How might you more emulate Jesus' Kingdom this week? There’s a challenge!
January 28
“Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other.” (Isaiah 45:22, NRSV)
On December 20th, 2014, two New York City Police officers, Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos, were gunned down. Their killer had traveled from Baltimore with the hopes of killing some police. They were ambushed and essentially executed. At their funeral in early January, an unusual sight was pictured by many. Around ten thousand police had come to line the streets for the funeral. When Mayor De Blasio of New York eulogized the officers, thousands of those police officers turned their back on the Mayor as he spoke. They wouldn’t face him. It was a huge sign of disrespect by police officers who believed that the Mayor’s political stance led to the executions of the police officers. Even the gunman acknowledged that the Mayor’s stance had emboldened him to do what he did. This sign of disrespect will be remembered by many New York police officers for years to come.
Turning your back on someone is not only a sign of disrespect. It is a sign of utter disgust at the other person to whom you show your back. It is a statement of rejection and a public sign of humiliation to the person who is turned away from. In our scripture, God had seen terrible sins committed by the people of Israel and Judah. Their sins were the equivalent of showing God their backs. As the sins mounted, God spoke through the prophet Isaiah a warning. In our scripture for today, God demanded that the people (along with all the earth!) “turn” to face God and “be saved” (Isaiah 45:22). Through the prophet, God said, “I am God, and there is no other.” God in Heaven loathed seeing His people sin against Him, disown Him, disrespect Him, and reject Him. God wanted the people to turn and face Him. He wanted them to follow His voice. There was no other way they could be saved.
When Jesus was ministering and teaching in the area of Capernaum, he also noticed rebellion among His followers. John 6:66 mentions this rejection saying, “After this many of his disciples drew back and no longer went about with him.” Seeing many abandoning His ministry, Jesus asked the twelve disciples if they wished to go away as well. Peter spoke up courageously on that day saying, “You have the words of eternal life!” (John 6:67). The disciples clung tightly to Jesus, displaying their true colors.
There will come a time in your life when you find yourself making a decision about whether to face God or turn your back to God. When a sin has taken hold in your life, you might be tempted to follow the sin and turn away from God. When bad things happen to you, you might feel like God doesn’t care and desire to give up your faith. When following God becomes difficult, you might be tempted to just walk away from your commitments. During difficult moments, you will have to choose to either look to God or turn your back upon Heaven; and God will pay particular attention to which direction you face.
Joni Eareckson Tada grew up in Baltimore, Maryland riding her bike, playing tennis, and swimming. She loved going for long walks and enjoying the outdoors. However, her life was changed in 1967, when she dove into the waters of Chesapeake Bay. She misjudged the depth of the water while diving and injured her spine. She became a paraplegic.
In the intervening years, limited by her illness, she has had many difficult adjustments to make. She has to be helped often. Her wheelchair can get uncomfortable. The corset she wears to keep her erect can restrict her blood flow and dampen her breathing. While being interviewed for an article for Christianity Today, Joni mentioned that she often thinks her life is just plain too hard. One day, she said to her secretary, “I want to quit this”, meaning her suffering. In those difficult moments, she has found that turning to God brings her great hope. Facing Heaven, she prays and finds the courage to continue on with her life and work and ministry.
Facing toward God or away from God will define your life. Others will notice which way you face. God will notice which direction you turn. God enjoys seeing your faithful face. Why would you ever think of turning away from such love?
Turning your back on someone is not only a sign of disrespect. It is a sign of utter disgust at the other person to whom you show your back. It is a statement of rejection and a public sign of humiliation to the person who is turned away from. In our scripture, God had seen terrible sins committed by the people of Israel and Judah. Their sins were the equivalent of showing God their backs. As the sins mounted, God spoke through the prophet Isaiah a warning. In our scripture for today, God demanded that the people (along with all the earth!) “turn” to face God and “be saved” (Isaiah 45:22). Through the prophet, God said, “I am God, and there is no other.” God in Heaven loathed seeing His people sin against Him, disown Him, disrespect Him, and reject Him. God wanted the people to turn and face Him. He wanted them to follow His voice. There was no other way they could be saved.
When Jesus was ministering and teaching in the area of Capernaum, he also noticed rebellion among His followers. John 6:66 mentions this rejection saying, “After this many of his disciples drew back and no longer went about with him.” Seeing many abandoning His ministry, Jesus asked the twelve disciples if they wished to go away as well. Peter spoke up courageously on that day saying, “You have the words of eternal life!” (John 6:67). The disciples clung tightly to Jesus, displaying their true colors.
There will come a time in your life when you find yourself making a decision about whether to face God or turn your back to God. When a sin has taken hold in your life, you might be tempted to follow the sin and turn away from God. When bad things happen to you, you might feel like God doesn’t care and desire to give up your faith. When following God becomes difficult, you might be tempted to just walk away from your commitments. During difficult moments, you will have to choose to either look to God or turn your back upon Heaven; and God will pay particular attention to which direction you face.
Joni Eareckson Tada grew up in Baltimore, Maryland riding her bike, playing tennis, and swimming. She loved going for long walks and enjoying the outdoors. However, her life was changed in 1967, when she dove into the waters of Chesapeake Bay. She misjudged the depth of the water while diving and injured her spine. She became a paraplegic.
In the intervening years, limited by her illness, she has had many difficult adjustments to make. She has to be helped often. Her wheelchair can get uncomfortable. The corset she wears to keep her erect can restrict her blood flow and dampen her breathing. While being interviewed for an article for Christianity Today, Joni mentioned that she often thinks her life is just plain too hard. One day, she said to her secretary, “I want to quit this”, meaning her suffering. In those difficult moments, she has found that turning to God brings her great hope. Facing Heaven, she prays and finds the courage to continue on with her life and work and ministry.
Facing toward God or away from God will define your life. Others will notice which way you face. God will notice which direction you turn. God enjoys seeing your faithful face. Why would you ever think of turning away from such love?
January 31
“Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.” (Isaiah 64:8, NIV)
As I watched the sculptor mold the clay, I became aware that the final product eluded me. I couldn’t tell what the sculptor was doing. He seemed to know what to do, how to move his hands over the clay to find the right position to make the desired effect upon the clay. While I had no I idea where he was in the process, the sculptor knew exactly how to shape the clay; where to push, where to add more clay; when to wet the clay. I could only watch in fascination as the clay was molded, transformed into the beautiful likeness of a torso and head. With his instruments, he put life into the bust of a man, giving the man character and depth. In the end, I saw a beautiful museum-worthy caricature of a man. Until the sculptor was finished, I could never have determined the steps it would take to mold that beautiful creation.
The scripture for today describes God as a sculptor who molds the clay of your life. You are the clay. God is “the potter”. God molds parts of your life to make a better you. He knows what the final you will look like. He is constantly molding, adapting, shaping things in your life. He desires a beautiful, worthy person. He is willing to put in all the work required to shape you into a precious gift to humanity. Though some may not see who or what you will do with your life, God has an image of who you could be. God has a vision for your life. God continually adapts and shapes your life so that you will be perfect in His eyes. Do you notice when God is shaping your life?
Recently, I met a woman who went through a terrible breakup with the love of her life. She was engaged to the man she truly loved. For months, as they planned their wedding, she dreamed of a future with children and a loving home. As the day for marriage drew near, she grew more and more excited. Then, her world was devastated one day when she came home early to surprise her love. She took the day off work to be with him. It was a lovely surprise gift that was never to be given. When she arrived at their apartment, she found him in bed with her best friend. Later, she found out that the two had been seeing each other for months. Tracy’s world was devastated. In her sorrow, she packed up her car and left the state, moving to the Midwest. She moved into an apartment a thousand miles away from her old life and began her new life.
If you look at Tracy’s story, you might wonder how God could ever have wanted her to experience such a terrible period in her life. If you thought that, you don’t have the imagination to see how God was shaping Tracy’s life. You see, when she moved a thousand miles away, she happened to move into the town where God had been healing a young widower named Thomas. Thomas’ wife had died two years previous from Leukemia. His daughter was still shy with people and cried herself to sleep many a night. Tracy ended up falling in love with Thomas and his daughter. In less than a year, Thomas and Tracy were married. Today, they are very active in their church and a huge part of their community. But Tracy would have never found the true love of her life if she had gone through with her plans back East.
God shapes and molds your life in ways you are never completely aware. And, just like I could not see the final sculpture in the early stages of the sculpting process of the clay, you may not quite see what God is doing in your life. You may not comprehend how God might use an event or a situation to change the direction of your life. God might use an obstacle to give you a stronger backbone. He might use the loss of a job to move you on to something better. God might get you sick in order to keep you away from an addiction. God might use the hurt in someone else’s life as a warning to you. In thousands of little ways, God, as the potter, is sculpting your life. God is whittling away at undesirable traits and adding things here and there to reshape the final YOU.
Isaiah, in our scripture for today, was entirely convinced that God molds people’s lives. Like a potter works the clay to form a piece of art, God works things in your life to make a better YOU. You may not see it now, but when you meet God face to face, you will understand a whole lot more about what He had sculpted and molded into your life. Until that day, just realize that you are still clay in His hand. He is still working on perfecting His image for your life.
The scripture for today describes God as a sculptor who molds the clay of your life. You are the clay. God is “the potter”. God molds parts of your life to make a better you. He knows what the final you will look like. He is constantly molding, adapting, shaping things in your life. He desires a beautiful, worthy person. He is willing to put in all the work required to shape you into a precious gift to humanity. Though some may not see who or what you will do with your life, God has an image of who you could be. God has a vision for your life. God continually adapts and shapes your life so that you will be perfect in His eyes. Do you notice when God is shaping your life?
Recently, I met a woman who went through a terrible breakup with the love of her life. She was engaged to the man she truly loved. For months, as they planned their wedding, she dreamed of a future with children and a loving home. As the day for marriage drew near, she grew more and more excited. Then, her world was devastated one day when she came home early to surprise her love. She took the day off work to be with him. It was a lovely surprise gift that was never to be given. When she arrived at their apartment, she found him in bed with her best friend. Later, she found out that the two had been seeing each other for months. Tracy’s world was devastated. In her sorrow, she packed up her car and left the state, moving to the Midwest. She moved into an apartment a thousand miles away from her old life and began her new life.
If you look at Tracy’s story, you might wonder how God could ever have wanted her to experience such a terrible period in her life. If you thought that, you don’t have the imagination to see how God was shaping Tracy’s life. You see, when she moved a thousand miles away, she happened to move into the town where God had been healing a young widower named Thomas. Thomas’ wife had died two years previous from Leukemia. His daughter was still shy with people and cried herself to sleep many a night. Tracy ended up falling in love with Thomas and his daughter. In less than a year, Thomas and Tracy were married. Today, they are very active in their church and a huge part of their community. But Tracy would have never found the true love of her life if she had gone through with her plans back East.
God shapes and molds your life in ways you are never completely aware. And, just like I could not see the final sculpture in the early stages of the sculpting process of the clay, you may not quite see what God is doing in your life. You may not comprehend how God might use an event or a situation to change the direction of your life. God might use an obstacle to give you a stronger backbone. He might use the loss of a job to move you on to something better. God might get you sick in order to keep you away from an addiction. God might use the hurt in someone else’s life as a warning to you. In thousands of little ways, God, as the potter, is sculpting your life. God is whittling away at undesirable traits and adding things here and there to reshape the final YOU.
Isaiah, in our scripture for today, was entirely convinced that God molds people’s lives. Like a potter works the clay to form a piece of art, God works things in your life to make a better YOU. You may not see it now, but when you meet God face to face, you will understand a whole lot more about what He had sculpted and molded into your life. Until that day, just realize that you are still clay in His hand. He is still working on perfecting His image for your life.