No Better Words

We all enjoy complimentary words - they encourage our hearts. I have been personally blessed by so many friends who regularly strengthen my heart with kind words and deeds. For this, I am so grateful! These are words written about Abraham: "Abraham believed God" (Romans 4:3a NASB). How many of us would take those words over other words? I dare to say we do not fully grasp the extent of ... believing God. Note it does not say Abraham believe "in" God but that Abraham simply "believed" God. We can believe in something without trusting it explicitly, i.e. I believe in electricity but I do not trust that it will always do what it should do. God called Abraham to leave his home and go to a place God would show him, and that's exactly what Abraham did. Why? Because he not only believe "in God," he "believed God" knew and would do what was best. That belief meant something far beyond anything Abraham could or would know: Romans 4:3 concludes with these words: "it was credited to him as righteousness." Abraham's believing [God] became to him God's righteousness. In the same way, when we believe God sent His Son (Jesus) as payment for our sin, Jesus' righteousness becomes our own: "to the one who does not work but believes in Him [Jesus] Who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness" (Romans 4:5 ESV). No better words can be spoken of anyone than that he or she believes God. That belief results in the righteousness of Christ. If that is personally true, there is no greater encouragement; there are ... no better words.

Our Celebration

It's not uncommon to hear the phrases "funeral service" or "memorial service" replaced with ... "celebration of life." And why not - life is indeed a gift and should be celebrated. I suggest, however, life is best celebrated while living! Those who know me know how much I love my birthday; as far as my family is concerned, it is the biggest reason to throw a party. Why would any of us not celebrate that The LORD God breathed into man's nostrils the breath of life and at that moment man became a living being (Genesis 2:7). In then out we breathe ... our very life, originating from the Breath of God. Indeed, let us celebrate by living lives not solely defined by moral behavior and ethical decisions, nor alone characterized by kindness and graciousness to others, neither confined to wise and honorable pursuits. Ecclesiastes 12:12 - "The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man." For sure, living morally, ethically, kindly, graciously, wisely and honorably is excellent but not so we deserve some great eulogy or good words inscribed on grave stone; rather, "whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men" (Colossians 3:23 ESV). Christ glorified is the why we live each day in celebration - He alone is to be the motive for each breath we breathe-in and breathe-out. Nothing matters more and there's nothing more to celebrate day-after-day: Jesus Christ ... our celebration.

Steady Steps

In the German folklore of "Hansel and Gretel," you may recall Hansel leaving a trail of bread crumbs to mark his and his sister's way back home. The crumbs might have been a good idea except they were eaten by the birds, which left the couple lost in the woods. This is a sadder story than we realize when we consider how we've chosen the world's bread crumbs over the truth of God that guarantees the way to a spiritually prosperous life. Like Hansel and Gretel, we've followed-after the world faltering counsel rather than steadfast and fixed truth, leaving us [also] ... lost in the woods. This spiritually wandering condition - lost in the woods - is definitely not where God would have us to be: "Seek the LORD, all you humble of the earth ... Seek righteousness, seek humility." (Zephaniah 2:3 NASB). When the way seems lost, rest assured it is not: God has graciously given us all the instruction we need in His Holy Word. While worldly wisdom is foolish and fallible, Jesus assures us "heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away" (Mark 13:31 ESV). The question is just how long will we stumble following after worldly bread crumbs and forfeit the stead steps led unfailing truth? It's really not much of a choice ... steady steps.

Tender Heart

Most of us love to enjoy a tender, well-flavored steak!  While many choose to grill their own, I'm quite content to pay someone else to prepare mine. The word "tender" refers to being susceptible to or influenced by [as Noah Webster 1828 says] the "softer passions" such as love, compassion, kindness. In Second Chronicles 34 records we read when King Josiah heard the long-neglected words from the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes as a visible sign of sorrow. God took notice of King Josiah's humbled and tender heart to His words (V.27). I suggest not only as a nation but as children of God, we have lost our sense of wonder regarding our own sin and God's tender mercies! Even as we faithfully read God's Word, many times we approach it too casually and with very little expectation of change to our hearts. Although Israel as a nation was judged for its neglect and disobedience, the king himself was spared because of his tender heart toward God and His words. God said in Jeremiah 29:11, "I know the plans I have for you" and His plans always include plans to lead us in the [spiritually] safe and prosperous way, away from disaster. King Josiah's tender heart met the ever-tender mercies of The Father. Dear Lord, keep me humble and may I always offer to You a ... tender heart.

Un-Distracted

Many years ago on top of the church Christmas tree was a multi-colored star that blinked erratically - no pattern, no rhyme or reason. To say that I was distracted by it is quite the understatement. You may recall when Jesus visited His dear friends in Bethany that Mary chose to sit at Jesus' feet listening while her sister, Martha, was actively busy with hosting responsibilities. When Martha pointed this out to Jesus, He responded, But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42 NASB). There are many good and honorable things that can become distractions to choosing the best things. I propose we all at times may feel we have the weight of many things upon us - community obligations, career responsibilities, financial commitments, nurturing relationships, etc. How is it possible to not be distracted by these otherwise good things from being joined to Christ?  "Let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, 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 12:1-2 NASB). The key to meeting all earthly expectations is to do so with eyes "fixed on Jesus" - understanding that He authors and finishes the faith in us to the glory of The Father. There is a joyful progression in a life focused on Christ alone; He is able and will keep us centered on what matters most. He alone leads us ... un-distracted.