Regard Christ

The life of a feather is really no life at all because it contributes nothing.  I suppose it could be described as fickle.  The Christian who regards himself rather than Christ is always grasping at wind, which we know is ever changing and unpredictable.  Circumstances, relationships, situations, even the mood-of-the-moment often determine the barometer of our lives, making one fickle as a feather. Hebrews 12:3 says, “Consider Him Who endured from sinners such hostility against Himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.”  In reality, we can regard only one: self or Christ.  How can we rightly disregard Christ Who alone founded and finished true faith, Who endured the shame of the cross, and Who is now seated with The Father?  Truth is, the Believer cannot rightly disregard Christ.  Let us press on to endure with disregard self – regard Christ.

The Company I Keep

A borrowed blessing by Beth Moore

 

Let me be known by the company I keep – By the One Who determines each day that I greet

From the moment I wake ‘til He rocks me to sleep – Let me be known by the company I keep

Let me be known by the company I keep – When the valleys are low and the mountains are steep

By the One Who holds fast when swift waters are deep – Let me be known by the company I keep

Let me be known by the company I keep – By the One Who implores me to sit at His feet

And quickens my soul to discern what is deep – Let me be known by the company I keep

Let me be known by the company I keep – Eclipsed by Your Presence that I may decrease

‘Till all You have chosen this traveler to meet – No longer see me but the Company I keep

Naked Soul

We use a term for the Grands when they are without clothes: nakies.  So glad it’s limited [so far] to the little ones!  There is one thing that [for sure] should cause each one of us to tremble: standing before Almighty God – as we all will someday.  Spurgeon describes it as the naked soul before God.  I am confident no one has yet experienced a moment with greater potential for shame!  This is why Paul wrote, “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!” (2 Corinthians 13:5).  Of all tests, this one we must not – cannot – fail.  It is the certain moment when every soul will stand before The One Who is Worthy and Just to declare “I never knew you; depart from Me.” (Matthew 21:23).  A worthy examination of how deeply we know and love Christ is found in 1 John 2:3, “Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.”  Completely bare before God is how we will be on that day.  Let each one now consider his own naked soul.

No Fear

Considering the number of ladders he owns, you’d never know Mr. Bill has a fear of heights.  It would be a likely assumption most Christians fear heights since we don’t care too much for the climb to know The Father.  God said to Isaiah, “… get thee up into the high mountain.” (40:9).  The distaste for the spiritual discipline to go higher with God has caused many long-time Believers to remain spiritual infants.  We are instructed, however, “Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation.” (1 Peter 2:2).  There is no ease in the climb yet the summit calls. Remember, it was atop a mountain God revealed Himself most faithful to Abraham, and up on a  mountain God gave Moses His laws.  Spurgeon writes, “The higher we climb the more we discover of His beauties.”  The disciplined climb is worth every moment of the sweet rewards at the pinnacle.  The heights hold the key to knowing The Father better.  Climb with no fear!

The Happy Walker

The Greek island of Crete boasts of being a “Walker’s Paradise,” and a website named “The Happy Walker” offers a taste of the real Crete on foot.  Scripture says the truest of happy people are those who “walks not in the counsel of the wicked.” (Psalm 1:1).   It’s not only the wise but the prudent who honor God and find genuine happiness by embracing His precepts.  Living by specific instructions in godliness results in a specifically happy person.  The rest of Verse 1 contrasts the one who walks in righteousness -- the wicked, sinners and scoffers.  Those I know who walk-for-fitness seem to enjoy it, but the psalmist’s non-walker does so not for enjoyment but for the joyous life it produces and the glory it gives The Father.  Let’s be a non-walker and experience the joy of The Happy Walker.

Daily Duty

Many years ago when I was first hired to work in the local school system, I signed in then reported to [what was called] a morning duty.  It was an additional and specific responsibility assigned to me by the administration.  Contemplating one’s life-purpose can be daunting; actually, many authorities have weighed in on the subject!  Well, so did God through King Solomon: “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).  In the Hebrew fear God means honor God, and we do this by keeping His commandments. Not easy, but simple – profound – conclusive.  The conclusion defines the goal of each day, each moment, each breath.  This is not an additional or specific duty, nor is it a morning duty. Rather, it is a daily duty – the conclusion of the whole matter of life.  In every moment and every way, let us know and do our daily duty!

Nail It Down

Mr. Bill doesn’t allow me to use a hammer.  In fact, all his hammers are locked up!  In a world of wondering about this and that, the words of God put an end to the wondering.  “The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one Shepherd.” (Ecclesiastes 12:11).  A goad is something used to guide one along the proper path.  We all know in the world of some-assembly-required the strategic placement of a nail means a lot.  So it is with the wisdom of God applied to a life well-lived.  Because “… wisdom giveth life to them that have it.” (Ecclesiastes 7:12b), the wise seek it – not from books or magazines or worldly experts – but from “one Shepherd” Who leads by a better way. Seems I don’t need a hammer after all to nail it down – give heed to Wisdom.

Let Loose

One of our grand-dogs (Olive) is a whippet, and fast doesn’t adequately describe her when she runs.  I am amazed to giggling!  The wise King Solomon wrote, “Cast thy bread upon the water: for thou shalt find it after many days.” (Ecclesiastes 11:1).  Interestingly, Bible scholars have been unable to apply any certain contemporary parallel to this metaphor but because it is God’s Word, there is indeed application for living.  I suggest the word cast to be key and proactive here: the Hebrew word means to let go, to stretch out, to set free, to let loose.  Isn’t it crazy how we hold too tightly those things which God has blessed us with?  Bread was the central part of the Jewish meal so to give away bread was a big deal – so was receiving bread. Perhaps the real message from these ancient words is to let go of what we hold so closely and cast it as a blessing unto others.  I wonder how many of us have that give away spirit; I can think of a few people!  The latter part of that verse is a promised blessing – for you will find it after many days.  Olive let loose is a sight to behold; so is the Christian heart casting forth his treasures!

Him Alone

We often struggle to know what to give someone who seems to have it all.  What is the gift most unique and useful?  For the soul, Isaiah knew: “For thy Maker is thine husband: the LORD of hosts is His Name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall He be called.” (Isaiah 54:5).  Oh, what foolish quests we make seeking more satisfying spiritual nourishment when it is found in Christ alone.  Spurgeon writes, “All His thoughts, emotions, actions, utterances, miracles, and intercession were for us.”  There’s no need of another gospel, more definitive truth, an alternative counsel, further comfort, deeper joy, or unconditional love than “thy Redeemer.”  He is All in all.  Find total life in Him alone.

Inhale

Our little semi-local get-away place is far enough from civilization that the night sky is brilliant on a clear night. The absence of street and city lights opens up the heavens in an amazing way.  Astronomers refer it the glow distractions as light pollution.  Oh, how sin pollutes our thinking, our attitudes, our behavior, our speech, etc.; in truth, nothing about us goes unscathed by sin’s influence.  Romans 8:13 describes living with disregard to sin-pollution: “For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die …” (Romans 8:13a).  The soul of man chokes for lack of spiritual fresh air: “But if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.” (Romans 8:13b).  To mortify is to put to death sin that threatens our spiritual breathing.  Hear the sweet and refreshing words of John:  “Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4).  The Greater One [Christ, not Satan] is the Pollution Killer!  Friend, what sin is polluting your life, causing your struggle to breathe freely?  There is Hope and Victory in Christ Jesus – The One Who restores spiritual breathing!  Trust Him today, then inhale!