Well-Ordered Life

Nonsensical - I like that word! Its root word, nonsense, stirs my memory to countless comical antics of days-gone-by of Mister Bill and our three boys. All foolishness aside, Scripture instructs Believers: "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing Salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and Godly in the present age." (Titus 2:11-12). In this world, to deny ourselves seems irrational-illogical (nonsensical), however, that's exactly what we are instructed to do in order to live a sensibly holy life! Verse 13 explains why: "Looking for the Blessed Hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus." A well-ordered, sensible, forward-looking life in anticipation of Jesus' return. I recall fondly those days of the guys' utter nonsense yet I care nothing for a spiritual life devoid of direction. Oh, for grace to deny myself and embrace the Godly ... well-ordered life!

Sweet Resignation

Although it simply means to give-up or relinquish, the word "resign" typically brings a negative thought. Resigning one's self to inevitability, i.e. the effects of gravity - well, how's that negative? M. Molinos wrote: "Strive to carry thyself with a total resignation to the Divine will, that God may do with thee and all thine according to His heavenly pleasure, relying on Him as on a kind and loving Father." Now, that's resignation with purpose and a confident end! How much more, however, we'd rather depend upon our own imaginations and strategies with [in reality] uncertain success. God says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding" (Proverbs 3:5, ESV). Frankly, we are nothing short of fools to put the sum of our trust in ourselves and what we know and understand about ... well, anything. In contrast, "perpetual resignation" - hard as it may be - guarantees a peace and confidence found nowhere else and in no one else than The All-Sufficient One. Resignation (surrendering, giving-up) of personal will (not mine but Thine) to the All-Knowing (Omniscient) and All-Powerful (Omnipotent) God is truly ... sweet resignation.

Cautious Traveler

As leaves begin to turn, folks take to-the-road to see the lovely fall colors.  But who wants to drive - the driver can't look ... he has to watch the road!  Followers of Jesus have been given excellent directions for travel:  "Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersover thou goest." (Joshua 1:9).  Whether the road is smooth or rough, the directions do not vary ... be strong, encouraged because God is with you.  These words were not written just for the traveler who has lots of frequent-flyer miles, silk suits, and an unlimited expense account. They were given to normal folks who [too] struggle in the trenches with not enough time, money, patience, and stamina to go it alone. M. A. Kelty writes, "Watch your way then, as a cautious traveler; and don't be gazing at that mountain or river in the distance, and say, 'How shall I ever get over them,' but keep to the present little inch that is before you, and accomplish that in the little moment that belongs to it."  The Holy Spirit Who indwells the Believer provides all power for every moment.  We must not watch the road but keep our eyes on The One Who knows the road - every bump, curve and ditch! Trust the Lord and be a ... cautious traveler.

Reign in Me

If my hair could talk, I wonder what it would say to me first thing in the morning. I suspect it would be quite candid about the abuse it suffered during the night! If there's one thing I often overlook in my spiritual life, it is my sinful tendencies - that is, my natural leanings. Paul writes of the conflict between the two natures: "What I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate." (Romans 7:15). Of course, it could not have been said any better! As miraculously and confidently redeemed (saved) as I, that old [sinful] nature plagues my thoughts, motives and actions. I exclaim with the psalmist, "Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping Your statutes!" (Psalm 119:5). There is hope! "Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (Romans 7:24-25).  We sing it like this: "Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it - Prone to leave The God I love - Here's my heart, O take an seal it - Seal it for Thy courts above." Morning hair will continue to be ... morning hair; here on earth, the sinful nature will be ... the sinful nature. Let our daily prayer be ... Lord, reign in me!

Choose Wisely

Vision statements are often overlooked but are actually a great way to move forward as an organization or individually. One of the best "vision statements" ever voiced was made by a Bible hero named Joshua: "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" (Joshua 24:15). Unfortunately, too much of the time I allow my calendar to direct my life! An opportunity presents itself, I quickly check the date [on my calendar] then seize the vacancy for what I will ... but what does God will for me? Joshua, Moses' successor, stood before God's people and challenged them: "choose this day whom you will serve" (V.14). Interestingly, the challenge was for "this day," not for tomorrow or some distant time-to-come. The challenge was for right now - the current moment, which is all we really have. Here's the question for each of us: what will we do with the current -moment? Joshua staked his claim on the time-at-hand, he chose to follow and serve The Giver of the moment and all moments. It's my choice, your choice ... choose wisely.

Keep Calm

Perhaps you've seen the "Keep Calm" phrases: "Keep Calm and Just Smile" ... "Keep Calm and Order Pizza" ... "Keep Calm and Call Batman" - the list is endless. Keeping calm should be a virtue of every child of God! "The Lord God says this, 'Listen carefully, I am laying in Zion a Stone, a tested Stone, a precious Cornerstone for the [secure] foundation, firmly placed. He who believes [who trusts in, relies on, and adheres to that Stone] will not be disturbed or give way [in sudden panic].'" (Isaiah 28:16, AMP). I'm not a builder, of course, but what I understand about a building's cornerstone is that it is the stone-piece that not only marks the origin of the building but also unites or joins intersecting walls; it's also a common practice for that fundamental piece of the building to be specially inscribed or marked. Do you see the beautiful message of Jesus as our Cornerstone! Any anxiousness is settled in Christ as we are united in Him. "Holy Spirit, Peace divine - Still this restless heart of mine - Speak to calm this tossing sea - Stayed in Thy tranquility" (S. Longfellow). Because of and in Jesus ... keep calm.

Just Say The Words

A parent's ear is trained to a child's call or cry in the still of night. I remember even the sniff or cough of one of my boys was enough to put my feet on the floor. We aren't always welcoming recipients to things God sovereignly allows in our lives. Our good response is usually to the tune of the Hebrews in their wilderness, each verse filled with rebellion and complaining! Dare we deny that "every good gift and every perfect gift is from above." Oh, how much better we could have planned our lives! A surrender or resignation to God's divine will is certainly more in line with a grateful heart. Rutilius in 1604 wrote, "for hearts unthankful can no blessing find." How do we as children of God - Abba, Father - tune our hearts to sing His praise? Wm. Law wrote, "Whenever, therefore, you find yourselves disposed to uneasiness or murmuring at any thing that is the effect of God's providence over you, you must look upon yourself as denying either the wisdom or goodness of God." Because we are His dear children, The Father's ears and heart are ever-listening for the sweet sound of His child's voice. Let the sound be one of deep gratitude and eagerness to draw near in love and obedience. Abba, Father ... just say the words.

Do Better!

When my boys were still boys, occasionally Mister Bill and I would call a "family meeting." That meant when all activities were halted and the five of us came together [basically] for some "do-better" conversation. Oswald Chambers ask this question, "If Jesus Christ is going to regenerate me, what is the problem He is up against?" In other words, if there's really going to be a change in my life, what's got to happen? That do-better family meeting was a time when Mister Bill and I brought to light some things that as a family we needed to be aware of; often it wasn't anything earth shattering but small things that were hindering the smooth-running wheel of family life. As sinners, however, the issue at-hand is always a big deal: sin. Paul uses a beautiful phrase that describes the eternal change that comes to be in the new heart of a Believer: "Christ formed in you" (Galatians 4:19, ESV). Interestingly, when Christ is "formed" in us, we don't just do better, we are changed from the inside out. Because we ARE a "new creation" (2 Corinthians 5:17), we want to DO better - all because of the righteousness that Jesus has put within us! I must admit, those family do-better conversations were usually fairly effective ... at least for a time. What confidence we have in knowing who we ARE because of and in Christ, and by His grace empowered to ... do better!

Spread the Cheer

There are countless shortages in this world: perhaps right now, we're all wondering if we need to stock-up on this or that. May I suggest a real shortage that none of us will find on store shelves nor waiting to be unloaded from some foreign or domestic shore ... that is, a smile. Some experts propose it is 15-20 muscles engaged in both frowning and smiling, however, few agree whether it's frowning or smiling that give the face a muscular break! God's eternal Word of Truth says: "A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." (Proverbs 17:22, ESV) ... "A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed." (Proverbs 15:13, ESV). Maybe you've also discovered it's an exercise in futility to look in the mirror and practice smiling; wanna know why? A smile doesn't originates from facial muscles; a genuine smile comes from a heart that is devoted to The Lord, the source of real joy and sheer delight and deep cheerfulness! The shortage of joy and delight and good cheer is something every Believer can do something about. Job said, "I will put off my sad face, and be of good cheer." (Job 9:27, ESV). What this world is short-of and in need-of are kind faces illuminated by a hearts filled-to-overflowing with the Love of God. Children of God, let's be challenged and encouraged to do something about this shortage: If The Lord is Lord of you, let your face speak of it ... smile, spread the cheer!

Sweet Conversation

The concept of re-purposing items isn't a new one: my grandmother took her empty snuff cans and used them as spit cups! David wrote, O LORD, "You have tried my heart; You have visited me by night; You have tested me and You find nothing; I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress." (Psalm 17:2-3, NASB). David acknowledged that God knew his heart yet David humbly asks for God's strength as he determined to live a pure life. The seasonal time of pruning bushes is upon us - so is it ever-timely that we allow God to prune our hearts, purifying our conversations. "How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" (Psalm 119:103, ESV). The spiritually effective words of God should transform our daily conversations into a wealth of The Father's sweetness to others: "Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body." (Proverbs 16:24, ESV). I'm not suggesting we give up talking about the weather or family or sports or [even] politics - just re-purpose those conversations for opportunities to exalt the Name of Jesus and glorify The Father! Like Jeremiah, let our words be counted among those that become "a joy and the delight" of our hearts (Jeremiah 15:16) ... yes, sweet conversation.

A Song for a Sigh

Have you ever got a song stuck in your head? Even the sweetest of songs, after a while, begin to make you nuts! Handley Moule wrote, "It is possible to see the will of God in everything, and to find it, as one has said, no longer a sigh, but a song." To see the sovereignty of God in every moment of life is indeed a challenge yet a worthy goal. When life takes that unexpected twist and unpleasant turn, it's not our nature to be happy about it or rejoice in it. The common response of "oh no" and the resulting attitude and complaining that follow often is best described [in musical terms] as sour and off-key. Paul wrote, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, ESV). Don't let those words "always" or "without ceasing" or "all circumstances" get stuck in your throat! Let this be the never-ending song of the Saints: God is higher and mightier than any twist or turn; look to Him - The Presence and The Power. Christ is your trusted ... song for a sigh.