Keep Climbing

Some folks like to shower in the morning while other like to shower at night; me, now, I shower when I feel like it - could be morning or night or middle of the day. Remember: normal is a setting on the dryer. Knowing what is right is one thing but doing what is right is something altogether different. Old Testament Prophet Habakkuk asked why God allowed wicked men to continue and why He used them to punish the righteous - a good question even today. Albeit, Habakkuk said, “The LORD God is my strength, and He will make my feet like hinds’ feet and He will make me walk upon mine high places.” (Habakkuk 3:19). The "hind" here is a female red deer that makes her home in the mountains. Interestingly, the hind’s rear feet step precisely in the same spot where her front feet have just been. Each movement of the deer is single-focused and consistent. This alone makes the animal extremely sure-footed as she climbs! Too many Believers choose to dwell in low-lying places only to find the "spiritual air" stagnant and polluted? God has so much more for His own. Yes, the climb into “high places” may be on paths steep, treacherous and uncertain but God equips us [with hinds’ feet] for the roughest of terrains. Most who know me know I hum throughout the day, and most of the time don’t even realize it. It is a conscious decision I make each morning to have a song stirring in my soul, and I find it helps chase away gloom that seeks to devour my spirit. This life is tough and it’s rough, but in Christ we overcome and [with Habakkuk] can say -- “Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation” (3:18). A shower in the middle of the day is actually quite refreshing – so is whatever leads you upward into the Presence of The Most High ... keep climbing.

Just Imagine

Having been there two times, I am still drawn to the beauty of the Caribbean waters. Occasionally, I make an online excursion to dream and drool. Like an expert fisherman, many things "reel" us in - draw us. God said, "I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn you." (Jeremiah 31:3). Octavius Winslow's comment on this verse is profound: "The law of love is the law of God's moral government of His people." God rules from a heart of immeasurable love thus draws them to Himself - His beloved ones. From God's love has come His great kindness to mankind; ultimately, His Son, Jesus the Messiah. We can only speculate what this world would be if such love existed in the hearts of men! Winslow suggests there would be less judgment and harshness, and more examination of our own shortcomings. As God's "everlasting love" governs all His ways, so should the same quality and measure of love govern our ways. Oh, what a world that would be ... just imagine!

Unrecognizable Joy

This older-me fails to recognize people at times; perhaps because of my failing eyes or just simply that I haven't seen that person in such a long time. Whatever the case, it seems to happen more often than I like! How many things in life do you recognize as ... joy? Of course, we can name-off lots of things we count as joy but the list does have a limit. Scripture, however, extends the joy-list. James 1:2 says, "consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials." Now, troubles don't usually fall into the joy-category yet ... well, read it again. I know, I get it too - we're not feeling it, not seeing it at all ... those joyful troubles. So, why are we commanded to consider our trials as joy? James continues, "Knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing" (V.3-4). God is working in us through the difficult times to produce something Godly in us - a steadfastness which comes only when we endure and persevere through the trials of life - much like an athlete presses and pushes through strenuous practices to be his best and win the prize. What hardship are you enduring right now - is it physical, emotional, mental, spiritual? Do you see it as God's way of perfecting you, completing you? Whatever you are enduring right now, see it as an ... unrecognizable joy.

Book Report

Do you remember doing "book reports" in school? The hardest part of book reports [for me] was actually reading the book; mind you, there were no "cliff notes" in those days! The Good News of Jesus Christ is found in The Book of all books: God's Holy Word. Have you ever considered just how simple yet powerful The Gospel is: Jesus was delivered up for our trespasses (sin) and raised for our justification (salvation (Romans 4:25, ESV). Our offense against God (sin) demanded justice (payment) so Jesus (the innocent) offered Himself for us (the guilty) and the payment (justice) was served. Those who have believed in this simple-yet-powerful Gospel are then empowered by The Holy Spirit to live Christ-centered and Spirit-filled lives of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23, ESV). Good book reports come from those who have read the book well; effectively fruitful lives are the evidence of Believers who spend time in God's Word, carefully listening and intently obeying The Holy Spirit. The visible life we live is our spiritual ... Book Report.

The Ancient Path

Aren't in's and out's an interesting lot? Everything from baseball cards (oh, the millions we were once worth) to polyester (that wardrobe long since donated to charity), we find our "in's" have long been "out." The Ancient Way is never "out." Off-the-beaten path doesn't seem to interest many people today, but it should be the most desired path for Believers. There’s quite the caravan going the world’s way, and well-worn is that path! Every day we face intersections of right and wrong, choosing the way in which we will go. The Prophet Jeremiah wrote, "Stop at the cross-roads; look for the ancient paths; ask, 'Where is the way that leads to what is good?' Then take that way, and you will find rest for yourselves." (Jeremiah 6:16) Sadly, many Believers don’t choose the way of good, but rather what is expedient and trending. Genuine Christianity, however, takes a determined and often radical departure from the "way that seems right unto man" (Proverbs 14:12). God’s Way may be the less-traveled path but it is The Path, The Way to life victorious and everlasting. Heartily choose the ... ancient path.

Believing Heart

Suppose you heard of a wonderful item that claims to be constant, powerful and easily accessible: wouldn't you want to know more about it, maybe even have one to enjoy its wonders? What if I told you that each one of us already has such a thing. God warns us about it: "Take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God." (Hebrews 3:12, NASB). This warning is given to the children of God (Believers)! In essence, unbelief is a stubborn refusal to trust in God and the truthfulness of His Word. Followers of Jesus fail to notice, like unbelievers, we [too] struggle with the sin of unbelief. Don't forget what God tells us about the heart: "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?" (Jeremiah 17:9, ESV). Oh yeah, that constant-powerful-accessible thing is also subtle and dangerous, hindering us to live lives pleasing to God. Octavius Winslow writes, "For as faith is the parent of all holiness, so is unbelief the parent of all unholiness." God says "take care" - be alert and attentive - to your heart when it refuses to trust and rely on the Lord, when your heart turns away from God. I saw my heart doctor yesterday and got a great report; oh, how I wish my spiritual heart was doing as well. As David prayed [in Psalm 51:10], "create in me a clean heart, O God," let us faithfully ask God for a humble, obedient and ... believing heart.

Christ Is Everything

As a teenager, we used to sing a song titled "He's Everything to Me." Admittedly, it had a catchy tune and was [in those days] considered upbeat and contemporary. I fear, however, the words were a bit lost on me - I didn't comprehend the depth of their meaning. Paul wrote, "to live is Christ and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21). That was God's way of telling us that indeed Christ IS everything - all we need in life and all we need in death. When Jesus said in Matthew 28, "lo I am with you always," He really did mean ... always! There's nothing in any day of all our lives when He is absent, gone, not there. Throughout 2022 I watched my Dad sit quietly as he stared out the window. I knew he was deep in thought, contemplating both his 89 years and his final days on earth. Some of the final words I heard Dad speak were, "well, I guess it's time." In light of Philippians 1:20 - "Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life or by death" - my sweet Dad knew Christ was all - always there every breath of the way ... Christ is everything!

Trustworthy Words

Most businesses and organizations have a stated purpose or objective - it's actually good practice and a helpful way to stay focused and on-track. Paul wrote to young Timothy at Ephesus: "This is a faithful and trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance and approval, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost." (1 Timothy 1:14, AMP). What we actually do generally proves-out what we say. The writer of Hebrews describes Jesus as "the author and perfecter of faith, Who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:2, ESV). And, why did Jesus do that? Because that was why He came to earth! He never lost focus or was detoured from doing the will of The Father, perfectly delivering one such as me from darkness into light, from slavery into freedom, from death into life. I love how Winslow says it: "He will save you ... His compassion inclines Him to save sinners - His power enables Him to save sinners - His promise binds Him to save sinners." We can trust our God and Savior to do all He says - He's the one of ... trustworthy words!

Lofty and High

Living within limitations is generally good practice. For example, we should limit certain foods and habits with regard to best health and forego certain luxuries for economic reasons. With regard to spiritual growth, however, "let your standard be the loftiest, and your aim the highest" (Octavius Winslow). In other words, we cannot set our spiritual goals too high! It's tragic many Believers live expecting little increase in their faith. In pursuit of Godliness, we often slow the pace, take a breather while the finish line grows dimmer and more distant. Paul write to Christ's followers at Corinth: " we pray that you be made complete." (2 Corinthians 13:9, NASB). When our hunger and thirst for the things of God (His righteousness), we are in serious danger of a spiritual leanness that is unbecoming a Child of God. There is opportunity for full satisfaction found in a right relationship with Christ. Jesus said, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be satisfied" (Matthew 5:6, ESV). There are no limitations to what is found in Christ Jesus. Set your heart on full satisfaction - take aim at ... lofty and high.

All We Need

Helpers are good - whether they be products to clean floors and cabinets or extra hands moving groceries from car to house ... yes, helpers are good and appreciated! We are wise to rightly acknowledge the omnipotence of God Almighty. "Ah, Lord God! It is You Who have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for You." (Jeremiah 32:17, ESV). All-Mighty and All-Powerful in Himself, God depends upon nothing nor anyone; His might and power are altogether sufficient in every way. How sad when we treat God as the last resort - when all else fails, we're at our wits end and can't think of anything else to do. Furthermore, Christ's All-Sufficient might and power is "wedded to your best interests ... He is omnipotent to save - omnipotent to protect - omnipotent to deliver - omnipotent to subdue all your iniquities, to make you humble, holy, and obedient." (Octavius Winslow). What more do we need? We need nothing more, nothing else! Christ is ... all we need!

Confident Living

How blessed I am to have wonderful memories of time spent with both sets of my grandparents. One of the things I remember most is how they seemed to be content and at-peace with their circumstances. Having "more" didn't seem to be a driving force in their lives. We learn something vitally important about God from His words in Isaiah 65:24, "And it shall also come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear." God knows everything: before we put thoughts into words, He knows and is actively listening intending to answer. He promises to hear and to answer! Don't you find it somewhat disconcerting that listening is a lost art! What we say seems too often lost in the noise and distractions of life. Oh, how we long to be heard - to silence the background of life as we try to communicate our cares and concerns, our joys and sorrows, our innermost thoughts. God hears. "For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayer." (1 Peter 3:12, ESV). The last conversation I had with my Nanny were words of affirmation from Psalm 37:25 - "Bev, I've been young and now I'm old; not once has God forsaken me and I've never had to beg for bread." She had lived 97 years in confidence and peace that God faithfully hears and answers those who love Him. That is ... confident living!

Perfectly Countable

What do you count on? The weatherman getting it right ... The bank handling your accounts with all accuracy ... The family treating you with love and respect ... Your next heartbeat? Why, of course, we do! Therein lies a great problem, and sooner or later we come to understand just what a problem that is. What makes something or someone worthy of certain and unwavering confidence? Scripture says, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8). Unwavering ... Unchanging ... Altogether and Ever the same - does not describe anything we know of this world? Jesus made it clear that heaven and earth will one day pass away but His words never will - they are eternal. We struggle to comprehend eternal, to understand evermore; that there exists anything that is unchanging ... perfectly countable! Octavius Winslow said it like this: "Seasons vary, circumstances change, feelings fluctuate, friendships cool, friends die, but Christ is ever the same." Consider upon what, upon who you depend and trust; count on The One Who is ... perfectly countable!

A Good Slow-Down

 

Consider this: "If you treat every situation as a life-and-death matter, you will die a lot of times."  I’m curious how many times I died yesterday?  Of course, I'm not talking about physical death rather a moment's urgency that brought-on anxiety & stress. That's just way too much whiz-bang living! This is a push-button, drive-through, hurry-up world.  That's why Proverbs 3:5-6 is so refreshing: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."  I like that -- trust and lean not ... doesn't that sound wonderful! God knows the speed-of-life and He knows we are not equipped with the wisdom and strength for it.  I wonder how many times I've buzzed by God, maybe even plowed Him over speeding through the day.  I propose that is why we've experienced so many broken dreams, waylaid plans, sickness, failed relationships, etc. He uses these circumstances to slow us down and remind us we don’t do life well independently of God.  We all need time to unwind and rest, be refreshed and renewed, and tenderly be led back to walking hand-in-hand with The Father.  Yes, we all need …  a good slow-down!

Jesus Is With Us

Do you remember Calamity Coyote? He was a 1990's fictional cartoon character who, like his mentor Wile E. Coyote, was known for his invention of traps for unsuspecting prey. If we're not careful, Believers can fall-into the trap of looking forward with eyes of pessimism. Jesus said, "Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." (Matthew 6:34). Be sure of this: troubles are part of life, and none of us need to go a'lookin' for them ... they find us without any assistance! The best news for the Children of God is God's promise of "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9, ESV). Looking ahead is not [of itself] a bad thing, however, looking ahead and becoming paralyzed with fear is a faith-less act! "In the case of every child of God, calamity never comes alone; it invariably brings Jesus with it." (Octavius Winslow, Morning Thoughts). Although Calamity Coyote's antics were laughable, they were never successful; the calamities of life that often press us to fear and despair can never overcome us when we realize ... Jesus is with us!

We Are Not Alone

It's cold and flu season: even doing our best to wash our hands, stay hydrated, eat healthy and keep our immune systems strong ... there's no guarantees we won't become victims of the season. How completely do you believe Jesus identifies with us? Hebrews 4:15 says, "We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One Who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin." In the hardships of life, we often feel as if no one knows how we feel or suffers to the same degree we do. That is altogether wrong! Indeed it is a mystery but Jesus was completely divine (God) and He was also completely human (man): He was subject to everything known to mankind - hunger, thirst, tired and sore muscles ... yes, even sicknesses like colds and the flu. "Think not that your path is a isolated one. The incarnate God has trodden it before you, and He can give you the clear eye of faith to see His footprint in every step." (Octavius Winslow, Morning Thoughts). Let us not forget but be encouraged by the compassion that is ever heaped upon us by Christ Who both experienced all things and in every way as we do. Indeed, He knows entirely what and how we feel ... we are not alone.

Be a Refreshment

What would life be without refreshments?  Why, it’s the most popular thing at parties and most meetings. Think about it - what would ballgames be without the refreshment stands! Do you know anyone named Stephanas, Fortunatus, or Achaicus?  Neither do I but they are real people who made a mark on the life of Apostle Paul. "I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence, for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such people." (1 Corinthians 16:17-18, ESV). What a powerful testimony of these ... biblical refreshments!  When God’s children love one another in the boundless grace and beautiful Spirit of Jesus Christ, it's a balm - a salve, an ointment, a spritzing of comfort and joy and peace to the soul!  Have you been refreshed lately? Better yet, have you been a refreshment yourself to someone? Be a refreshment!

Grow in Grace

Fresh is good!  Think of it -- fresh bed sheets, fresh steamed broccoli & squash, a rain shower. My oldest son, Danny, took a big bite of recently thawed cornbread [meant for cornbread dressing], and he was not impressed! A Godly life stems from growth. The strength and well-being of one's spiritual life depend on the things which feed them.  Staleness or the lack of freshness comes when we stop feeding on the goodness of God's Word.  That’s how sin takes rule of our thoughts. Loretta Lynn once said, "you've got to continue to grow or you're just like last night's cornbread -- stale and dry."  Danny got a taste of that -- stale, dry cornbread!  This is how the world sees and hears us when we stop growing, moving forward in righteousness.  Peter asked: "what sort of people ought you to be in conduct and godliness?" (2 Peter 3:11).  The answer, "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 3:18).  Right now, today, is the perfect time to shake off the stale and water what is dry. Grow in grace!

True Discipleship

Have you ever imagined what something would be like only to find out you really had no idea! I suggest true discipleship [of Jesus] may be one of those things - what does it really look like? Interestingly, we do not have to guess nor even take a stab at it; no, we know with great clarity. "The Father has delivered and drawn us to Himself ... into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in Whom we have our redemption through His blood. Now He is the exact likeness of the unseen God." (Colossians 1:13-15, AMP). One of our grandsons is so much like his father, it is laughable! Truth is, every follower of Jesus should share in His likeness; we should emulate His love, kindness, compassion, patience, forgiveness, tenderness, endurance, perseverance, unselfishness ... our nature should reflect His nature! When someone looks at our lives, they should see something different, a life governed by someone other than ourselves. We are to be the visible of the Invisible One, the seen of the Unseen One. The question we must ask ourselves is: is that what discipleship (following Jesus) looks like in my life? It should and it can!

Enlightened Hearts

If you've ever used any kind of two-way communication (aka walkie-talkie), you know know important it is that each radio be on the same channel. It saddens me to consider how much I have missed from God because of a dull heart toward Him. In his letter to fellow-Believers at Ephesus, Paul speaks of his prayer that the eyes of their hearts "may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints." (Ephesians 1:18, NASB). The Greek word "enlightened" refers to illumination - a coming to light or evidence, spiritual knowledge and understanding. A root placed in the best soil, climate, sun, air and rain is not certain to grow; in the same way, it is not simply the heart of high ambition to which God reveals Himself. Jesus said seek Me and My righteousness first (Matthew 6:33) and God assures us when we seek Him with the whole heart, we will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13). How frustrating to find out when the two radios haven't been on the same channel - communication is rendered useless, ineffective. As children of the Living God, let us be challenged in this new year to faithfully pray for enlightenment, wisdom and understanding as we focus on knowing God through a very personal relationship with His Son, Jesus. May we live out of ... enlightened hearts.