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.