Empty Altar

Sometimes, something triggers a memory: for example, a childhood memory that church services typically ended with an "altar call." This verse from 2 Samuel 15 in God's Word triggered that memory for me: "Has the LORD as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams." (V.22, NASB). It's not uncommon to wonder just what best we can offer God Who has given and continues to give to us everything - in what way can we rightly honor Him? He plainly says in this verse that the best way we can show Him praise and honor is "to obey" - it's better than anything and everything else. We may ask, "that's all?" ... well, obedience is usually the absolutely hardest and last thing we want to do, the most difficult condition for our hearts to be! Jim Elliot said if we are the sheep of His pasture, we must remember: "sheep are always headed for the altar." That laying-down of what we think and what we want is tough but so glorifying to the Fatter and satisfying to the soul. There's an altar call for each one of us to give-up and set-aside something. Listen intently and hear the call of the ... empty altar.

Well Content

Admittedly, I've never been one to observe "first light" ... I've seen some pretty awesome sunsets but few sunrises! In meeting his brother Esau, Jacob said: "I am unworthy of all the lovingkindness and of all the faithfulness which You have shown to Your servant ..." (Genesis 32:10, NASB). How is it so difficult to praise instead of complain, be positive rather than negative, to replace griping with gratitude? "Some murmur if their sky is clear - And wholly bright to view - If one small speck of dark appear - In their great heaven of blue" (R. C. Trench). Martineau wrote about people who choose to live not in expectation of the "right to be happy" but rather see their blessings not numbered by anticipation, but "come to them fresh and brilliant as the first day's morning and evening light." In other words, there's deep gratitude and contentment toward all things. Paul wrote, "And He has said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.' Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:9-10, NASB). For the sleepy-head, morning's first light brings joyful reality for another day of life ... For the early-to-bed, evening's first light is the assurance of the day's gifts and rest to come: contentment and gratitude in all things! What a life when we are ... well content.

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.