Hindrances to Imitation

Should you not also have had mercy on your fellow slave, in the same way that I had mercy on you? Matthew 18:33

Have you ever found it difficult to forgive an individual for an offense you had against them? What if someone owed you a certain amount of money and you knew there was no way they could ever repay you? What if someone did something to you that caused wounds and years of pain to you? Sometimes we are able to handle forgiving small offenses but the bigger the offense the harder it tends to be to forgive them. Why is that? Why is it that we hold so tightly to bitterness, unforgiveness, and revenge?

Part of the answer lies in the fact that we have a misunderstanding of what forgiveness is and what it isn’t. We are holding off the forgiveness and holding on to the grudge because of what we think it will mean if we actually let go. Let me give you just two misconceptions we often have. Forgiveness says that what that person did was okay and forgiveness says there are no consequences to that person. If this is you and it is causing you to bind yourself in bitterness allow me to mention a resource that may be helpful. Christine Wyrtzen speaks on this subject of forgiveness and has a CD entitled LONG LIVE THE KING. It can be ordered by going to her website, http://www.daughtersofpromise.org/. She offers a wealth of information that will help you get started on the road to forgiveness.

But along with that I would encourage you to take the time to read Matthew 18:21-35. It is the gripping account of someone who was extravagantly forgiven but chose to continue to walk in unforgiveness toward another person. It contrasts the heart of God with a heart of ingratitude and coldness. It is such a striking story because it causes me to see myself when I can receive something from God and yet refuse to display the same attitude and action toward another individual.

God’s intent is not that we would simply be the recipient of His love, mercy, grace, patience, and forgiveness but that we would be extravagant in showing those things to others. This is only possible as we see what He has done for us and then ask Him to empower us to do the same.

Father, You have shown me Your heart innumerable times through your acts toward me. Create in me a heart like Yours. Reveal to me my walls of resistance for imitating You to others. Amen.

It Took a Second Touch

Then again He laid His hands on his eyes; and he looked intently and was restored, and began to see everything clearly. Mark 8:25

A blind man is brought to Jesus for healing. Jesus takes him by the hand, leads him out of the city, spits in his eyes, lays His hands on Him, and then asks him what he can see (Mark 8:22-25). After reading many accounts of instantaneous healings, one would expect perfect 20/20 vision. But this man’s vision was still with distortions. Jesus then lays His hands on his eyes a second time and he is then able to see everything clearly. The uniqueness of this second touch miracle has gotten my attention this morning.

I am near-sighted. Actually, I would be considered legally blind without the use of contacts or glasses. To read a book without my aids would require holding it just inches from my face. For all practical purposes I could not function outside my home if left on my own to see. And yet for years I lived with a type of blindness that was worse….spiritual blindness.

I knew Christ as Savior but failed to see so much truth about Him. My view was distorted and it caused me to live my Christian life in the dark so to speak. In the spring of 2004 God touched my spiritual eyes and I began to see things about Himself that I had never seen before. I have spent the past couple of years taking in truth that has revolutionized my life, my thinking, and my person. But God knew my “healing” was not complete. There were still some distortions. He knew that while I was taking in truth and it was filling me with excitement and passion for Him, I was still not fully taking it in. Learning truth and embracing truth are two different things. I was still living my life with a lot of mental assent.

What God had to do was show me some reasons for some core beliefs I was still holding to. As soon as I could admit to Him and myself my own continued blindness He opened my eyes fully! And all the truth I have been taking in is now sinking in! I am living with a freedom I never knew before. It is changing everything for me. With joy I spend my days going, “OH! Now I see!” Praise Him!

Father, I thought my vision had been corrected, but my healing was not complete. The fog has been lifted and the focus is clear. Thank You for a second touch that has made all the difference in the world to me! Amen.

The Power of Persistent Prayers

Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, your faith is great; it shall be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed at once. Matthew 15:28

There is much I still don’t understand about prayer. But what I am learning is precious. It is meant to be a dialogue between my Father and me… not a one sided conversation where I do all the talking. The answers to my prayers are determined by my faith as well as by God’s sovereignty and wisdom. But most recently I am learning that prayer really can stir the heart of God and bring Him to the point of action. Many times God will not move until someone prays.

This was the case with a woman who spoke to Jesus (Matthew 15:21-28). She was not a Jew. She came to Him on behalf of her daughter who was demon possessed. She wanted healing for her daughter and her dialogue with Jesus is fascinating. This is a persistent woman. She presses past Jesus’ silence and first spoken words. She reminds me that many times what appears to be the final answer is really an invitation to keep asking. If she had walked away after the first exchange or even the second exchange her daughter would have remained in her possessed state. But because of her determination she touched the heart of God and Jesus gave her what she desired. Her daughter was healed.

This woman had a view of prayer that I want to see in my own life. God is showing me that often times my view of Him can hinder me from having a powerful and effective prayer life. Do I see Him as a God of love who desires to be extravagant with me or do I see Him as stingy and cold? Do I know in my head that all things are possible and yet resign myself to the feelings that He just doesn’t want to act on my behalf? Am I more inclined to pray safe prayers that I know He’ll say yes to or will I dare to risk and ask Him to do the impossible? Am I expecting to hear “no” more often than “yes?” Have I even begun to take Him up on His invitation to approach Him at any time for any reason?

Persistent and passionate in prayer? May God not only show me my true view of prayer but may He radically transform my personal prayer life.

Father, I have so much to learn when it comes to prayer. May it not be so complicated I grow discouraged and may it not be so hit and miss that I see little results. Help me to come to You with boldness, sincerity, and trust. Teach me! Amen.

From Faith to Fear and Back Again

But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” Matthew 14:30,31

Circumstances have a way of overpowering our ability to trust. What we see with our physical eyes and experience in our day to day living can wreak havoc with our walk of faith. But more so is the power of our interpretation of what things mean in our life. It is the entrance of “possibilities” that can open the door to fear and slam shut the door of faith. After all, Peter stepped out of his boat and on to the water in the midst of a storm and in the presence of Jesus. Neither of those things had changed when he was moved from faith to fear. It takes mere seconds for our mind to go from strong faith to extreme fear. If we do not come against the fear it will take over and we will find ourselves sinking in the midst of a storm.

For each of us the “wind” that we see and become frightened over can take on many different forms. It may be the opinions of others as they question what we are doing. Their look of disdain and verbalized negative responses can be like hurricanes to our soul. It may be a medical diagnosis that changes the entire scope of our life. It may be the loss or change of a job that causes the fear of financial instability to blow us over or take us under. The unknown and what ifs of this life are gales that continually blow for each of us.

We would do well to allow Jesus to ask us the same question He asked Peter, “Why did you doubt?’ Or in a more present sense, in the midst of the storm and the grip of fear the question might be, “Why are you doubting?” What is it that has suddenly obscured my vision and opinion of Jesus? What looks more powerful to me than Him at the moment?

The answer to the fear is always to reclaim and proclaim the truth of who God is and what God can do. When the enemy tries to tell me that He will abandon me, neglect me, or leave me on my own, I must fire back at him what I know to be true. Regardless of what I see and how I feel.

Father, it is easy to doubt You because of the hardships in life. Help me to constantly review the truth of Your power, character, and presence. Amen.

Faith Amidst Tears

Therefore comfort one another with these words. I Thessalonians 4:18

Well known Bible teacher, author, and speaker, Beth Moore had a statement that has stuck with me ever since I read it. She made it a point to say that our faith needs to be built on who God is rather than what God does. Her explanation was that if it is built on what God does we will be in for a roller coaster ride of a Christian life when God does not respond and act the way we want Him to act. Whereas when it is built on who He is, that never changes and we have something to hold to that is solid.

It was that reminder and truth that I took with me as I drove to a local hospital to visit a friend earlier this morning. There are times when we face the difficulties and heartaches of life and know that God alone is the One who will comfort in ways we cannot. After battling some years of infertility and finally becoming pregnant with twins, my dear friend called this morning to let me know she had lost the girl twin at 20 weeks. As I drove to the hospital my mind raced for answers only to be reminded that my faith must be built on who God is! I cannot describe for you what it is like to step into a hospital room with a young couple filled with grief and yet holding tightly to their genuine faith in God. Just a few feet from her bed was little Haley no bigger than my hand yet fully developed! As I rested my hand on her little body I had to remind myself that God now held her spirit.

God alone helps us to minister to people when we find ourselves in situations with which we cannot relate having never been through their particular ordeal. He faithfully and gently nudged me to share two truths with her. First of all, I let her know her grief, tears, and questioning were not an insult to God. They were emotions He understood and did not want her to shut down that part of the experience. She has much to process in all of this as well as a continued pregnancy with little Jacob. May she know His shoulder is available for her tears and sorrow.
Second, I reminded her that we can trust who God is even when He doesn’t answer our prayers in the way we had hoped. We may never know the “why” but we can rest in the fact that He is still a good, loving, and faithful God. At this time, God holds my friend, her husband, and their unborn son securely in His hands.

Father, tears are to be expected at this time and trust in You is what will see us through! You are who You say You are! In that we rest. Amen.

Staying In or Getting Out?

And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. Matthew 14:29

Have you ever had a “climb out of the boat and walk on the water” experience with Jesus before? I believe God brings His children to specific times in their life when this is exactly what He wants them to do. I look back at countless Bible characters and time and time again God is calling them out of their comfort zones and sedentary lives to learn to walk by faith arm and arm with Him. That is what I see when I read the accounts of Moses, Abraham, Daniel, David, Paul, Esther, Ruth, Mary Magdalene, and His disciples. Each one was called to leave what they could see with their physical eyes in order to live by spiritual sight.

For me it was a slow realization but I can look back and point to the exact moment when I took my first step out of my “boat” and dared to put my foot on the “water.” I had come face to face with an issue that had remained unsettled in me for decades….music! My beliefs were such that I had to stay in line with what others said was the “right” music to listen to. I remember the night I asked God to give me the freedom to listen to the music that ministers to me. I was in the guestroom of my grandmother’s home. It took two hours of prayer and many tears but when it was over God handed me the freedom I longed for and that He longed to give to me. It not only opened up a whole new world of music to me but it opened up a whole new relationship for me with God.

It was not so much about the music. That is an area of preference. It had more to do with realizing I needed to live my Christian life according to God’s voice, God’s opinion, and God’s Word rather than what other people were telling me. Finding my security in the beliefs of others is no way to live. I had spent years watching people and listening to them. I had the art of conformity down pat. But internally I was dieing a slow death. My relationship with God was weak, empty, and distant.

Something was awakened in me when I dared to step away from my safety nets of human opinion and really search for God’s hand. Scary? Yes! Risky? Absolutely! And yet necessary! I cannot imagine living any other way.

Father, there is so much more You want to show me. May I not hesitate to let go of anything that keeps me from knowing and following You. Amen.

An Outrageous Walk of Faith

Peter said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” Matthew 14:28

Asking Jesus to do something extravagant is one thing, but asking Him to COMMAND you to do something outrageous is quite another! Peter was a risk taker and although his mouth could get him into some interesting predicaments I admire his spirit of adventure. I see him as the “bungee jumper” of the group. Consider the scene with me.

It had been a long day. They had just spent a good part of the day with over 5,000 people. Healings had taken place and then a boy’s lunch of bread and fish had fed them all…with twelve baskets left over. Jesus had the disciples get into a boat while He sent the crowds away and then went to a secluded place to pray and night fell. A storm arose as the disciples crossed the body of water. Somewhere between 3:00 and 6:00 in the morning Jesus comes to them walking on the water. Their first thought upon seeing him is that it is a ghost. Exhausted, fearful, and anxious they cry out. He gives them words of assurance as He says, “Do not be afraid. It is I.” While those words may have put the other disciples at peace, Peter makes his bold statement and requests that Jesus commands him to come to Him on the water.

This command would require Peter to step out of the safety of his boat….a comfort zone. It would require him to do the impossible….walk on water. Amidst the crash of waves and howling of the wind, Peter has one thing in mind…..do what Jesus is doing! He knows that when Jesus commands him to do something He will provide the ability to do it. Given his present circumstance, Peter chooses the most extravagant thing he could come up with. It showcases a “walk by faith and not by sight” event!

I want to live like Peter! I want to be so caught up with who God is that I dare to jump off cliffs of comfort, make my way out on to some skinny limbs, step out of boxes that confine me and stifle my growth, and just ask God to command me to do something that exceeds the norm. People will not always understand but God delights in such things!

Father, take away any reluctance on my part to live uninhibited with You. Call me to Yourself and command me to do what is impossible to do without Your help. Amen.

Hindrances and Opportunities

And He did not do many miracles there because of their unbelief. Matthew 13:58

Have you ever been misjudged because of your background, family ties, or family history? Do you have people in your life who have a preconceived idea about you and nothing you say or do will change their thinking? They are convinced they know you through and through and are not about to let you persuade them otherwise. Be assured, Jesus understands because He faced the same thing among the people of His home town. While they were astonished and amazed at the miracles He had performed in other places and the wisdom He displayed in His teaching, they could not come to embrace the truth about Him. To them, Jesus was one of them, from a family who lived among them. To see Him as anything different, and especially to see Him as God come in the flesh, was offensive to them. What they saw and heard astounded them but what they THOUGHT hindered them from belief in Him. And that unbelief became the hindrance for any miracles being performed there. Oh, what they missed out on because of their ability to wrap themselves up in their own mindsets.

Some of you know what it is like to witness to family members and they stand in unbelief because they grew up with you. Their familiarity with you hinders them from hearing the message you desire to share. Don’t give up! Pray for their hearts to become receptive and their minds to open up. God has a way of working behind the scenes of their lives. Also pray that someone of influence in their life will step forward with boldness and share the gospel with them. For many of us, we will not be the ones to actually lead them to a saving knowledge of Christ. But we can know that God will use someone!

At the same time, we must realize that we are that “someone” in another person’s life. They have loved ones praying a bold witness would speak to them. We each come in contact with people on a daily basis. God has strategically placed us in our neighborhoods and workplaces. May we pray for opportunities to share Christ with them and then may we go in His power and might to take the opportunities as they come.

Father, I know You. Others in my life and sphere of influence do not know You. Today as the opportunity opens up help me to freely share Jesus with them….by my life, my actions, and my words. Amen.

When Unshakable Faith is Shaken

And blessed is he who does not take offense at Me. Matthew 11:6

Trials and difficulties have a way of revealing our true beliefs and also of clouding our view. I find it interesting that John the Baptist spent years preaching in the wilderness and baptizing in the waters of the Jordan River. He was the voice of one crying in the wilderness, “Prepare ye the way of the Lord.” It was his mission to prepare people for the entrance of Jesus. He had no trouble standing up against the religious and government officials of his day. He had a job to do and he did it. Whether people accepted his message or not, he spoke the truth. He also had no trouble pointing out who Jesus was. When he saw Jesus approaching him, he proclaimed with strong conviction, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” His certainty was unshakable!

And yet later on, John is in prison and sending his own disciples to Jesus with one question. “Are you the one we are looking for or should we look for another.” I sense weariness in his question along with discouragement, confusion, and a faltering faith. It could be that John’s life did not turn out the way he thought it would. Maybe he thought he would be that voice crying in the wilderness and eventually just fade into the background. When the circumstances changed he needed reassurance that he had been on the right track all along.

When Jesus talked about not taking offense at Him, He was not only referring to being bothered or upset. He was also talking about not getting tripped up. He knows it is in our nature to second-guess ourselves, get disheartened, and lose sight of Him in the midst of trials and testings. If John the Baptist needed the reminders and encouragement, we surely do as well. It is too easy to experience the discomforts of life and the disapproval of people and come away with the wrong view of God and ourselves. Like John, there are times we need to refocus and renew our minds. Over the weekend I sought out the encouragement of a handful of people. They heard the doubts and fears behind my questions and they were faithful to help me see clearly what had become clouded. I thank God for each one of them. This morning I rejoice in my God once again! While my situation has not changed, what I am focusing on has!

Father, it is when I understand the least that I need You the most. I hold Your hand tighter because only You can see what is ahead. Amen.

Taking Him Up on His Invitation

Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

Jesus has many commands and promises throughout Scripture and this is one of my favorites. His is a continual invitation for each of us. It is imperative that I understand His desire is that I find the things I need in Him. When I come He gives! I am asking myself this morning, what is it that causes me to hesitate in coming to Him? Many things.

Sometimes it has been a misunderstanding of what the Christian life is like. I had the idea that it was possible in this life to live above pain, sorrow, hurt, disappointment, grief, loneliness, emptiness, and failure. When I would experience any of those things I thought I must be doing something wrong. This would lead me to deny they existed or minimize the effects they had on me. My rule of thumb was “Don’t share it. Just grin and bear it! In time it will go away!” Not good! God has had to bring me to the place of admitting to Him how I am really feeling and allow Him to comfort, encourage, and heal me. I have had to learn I am not a disappointment to Him for having the struggles. In love, He is inviting me to tell Him the truth so He can help me. I no longer need to hide from Him, fear Him, or cower in His presence.

Other times it has been because I have looked for substitutes. It seemed easier to turn to a person, read a book, listen to a song, or watch a movie. Those things can be helpful and sometimes God uses them in the process. But I am missing out on the ultimate Source of help when I fail to go directly to Him. No one knows me better, understands me more clearly, and is able to minister to me so deeply as God. He knows every issue behind my feelings and emotions. My cobweb of thoughts do not repulse Him, intimidate Him, or exasperate Him. The needs are there on a daily basis so the necessity to go to Him is on a daily basis as well.

So today I once again admit life is hard! Each day has its own sets of trials, troubles, and difficulties as well as joys, laughter, and delight. At least now I know where to go with it all. I go with openness, honesty, and expectancy!

Father, it is early and I already have things to bring to You. Thank you for the invitation and welcome mat. I know You will help me. Amen.

Stepping Into the Storm

When He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea. Matthew 8:23,24

The dynamics of their day changed when the disciples climbed into a boat with Jesus. Following Him led to a storm in their life and I am being reminded this morning that many times it is no different for us in this present age. As believers we have a desire within us to know God on a personal, intimate level. For some that desire has been buried under years of religious activity, going along with the crowd, and making their outward life appear to be just right. But the desire is still there. It is that ache inside them that whispers to them when they are finally alone with their own thoughts. Something is telling them there has got to be more to the Christian life and they long to know what it is.

I use to have a pretty “safe” way to live my Christian life. It boiled down to a neat system of behavior. Go to church, get involved, keep the rules, do what was expected of me, keep issues at the surface, never question, blend in to look and sound like everyone else, stay away from anything or anyone that didn’t agree with what I believed, and at all costs don’t make waves! While it was a safe box to live in it brought no internal satisfaction, healing, direction, or connection to God on a personal level. God was not the One I felt comfortable talking to, His Word was not something I opened on a daily or even weekly basis, and an incredible sense of emptiness, loneliness, and condemnation engulfed me. That was the shore of my existence for decades. Could people tell it on the outside? No! But my internal world mocked me.

The day I climbed into my own “boat” with Jesus was profound. All was bright and sunny for the most part. But the storm eventually came and I had to learn what it means to trust Jesus no matter what the circumstances of my life looked like. While it would appear my life has come unraveled my soul finally knows what it is like to be in daily relationship with my heavenly Father. So let the winds blow, let the waves cover me, let the rains descend! I have no intention on going back to the shores of comfort. I would rather be alone with Jesus in the midst of a storm than be surrounded by multitudes in my own emptiness.

Father, You see every storm that approaches. Your presence, Your Words, and Your voice sustain me! Amen.

When Others Experience the Storms

For I know that on account of me this great storm has come upon you. Jonah 1:12

It is a difficult thing to face the storms in our life. Consequences for choices we have made can be painful at times. That is the case when we choose to sin and sometimes that is the case when we are striving to do what is right. Jonah was running from God and yet he was not the only one to experience the storm at sea. When confronted with the question as to what they should do, he told his ship companions to throw him into the sea and he gave voice to the bottom line of their predicament. The trouble they were experiencing was on account of him! The price of his choice to disobey God’s command was being paid by himself as well as others.

I think of the many Bible characters who faced hardship because they chose to follow God. The storms of persecution came not only upon them but upon their friends and family members as well. If a father was put in prison for his faith, his family suffered the loss of his presence, protection, and provision. The enemy would be quick to condemn his choices because of the suffering others were experiencing on account of him. In many countries today there is still persecution abounding. What is it like for the one whose passion for Christ has a cost to not only himself but for his family as well? If they do not live under the grace and mercy of a loving heavenly Father, they will very easily second guess their decisions. Watching others suffer because of our personal choices can add extra pain to what we are already experiencing.

This has been the story of my life for the past seven months or so. My husband is facing the darkest and most difficult days of his life as a direct result of choices I made in relationship to my walk with God. It was easier when I was the only one paying the price for my decisions. It is much harder to see him in the midst of the storm. I have no doubt God will bring us out on the other side in complete victory. But I also know the enemy will use every thing he can to get us discouraged, doubtful, and disheartened. Every day I have two choices. I can choose to let God define this time for me or I can choose to let Satan do the defining. I choose what God says!

Father, You are the only Anchor in the midst of this storm. Help us to hold on to You like never before. We seek Your glory, Your honor, and Your deliverance. Amen.

Seeing Fruit and Victory

And He caused His people to be very fruitful, and made them stronger than their adversaries. Psalm 105:24

Although these words were spoken in regards to Israel, they are God’s intention for His children today. As believers, they capstone two very essential qualities He desires to be evidenced in our lives…fruitfulness and victory. Both must come out of a life that daily connects with God and lives in intimate relationship with Him. This morning I am asking myself how well I am doing at bearing fruit and being stronger than my adversaries.

When I think of fruit on a tree I see something that can nourish others as well as show that the tree is alive. I want my words and actions to nourish others and to show them that I am alive in Christ. Sometimes we limit “bearing fruit” to leading others to Christ. While that is certainly important (and thrilling when it happens) it is not the only thing that constitutes fruit in the life of the believer. Any conversation or interaction with individuals that shows them an aspect of God is a way of sowing seed that will eventually result in fruit. May God help us to see the moments in each day when we are able to show others who He is and what He is like by our lives.

When I first saw the phrase “stronger than their enemies” I immediately thought of the verse that says, “Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.” Satan is obviously our number one enemy but not the only enemy. Strongholds, addictions, generational bents, sins, certain people, over whelming circumstances and a host of other things can be our daily adversaries. Those things which can cause us to stumble are not suppose to have the victory over us. Through Christ we are MADE stronger than all of them. But many times we don’t know our own strength and we don’t live as if we are stronger.

The key is in the two words “caused” and “made”. It is God who is working in us to make this verse a reality in our life. He alone can reveal to us what is hindering either one from being true for us. This morning this verse becomes not only a challenge but a promise!

Father, may fruit and victory both be evidenced in my life on a daily basis. May Christ be seen in me! Amen.

Deliverance From Within

You have brought up my life from the pit, O LORD my God. Jonah 2:6b (New King James Version)

What a proclamation of deliverance! While Jonah’s pit was both that of disobedience and then near death, we too know what it is like to be in a pit. I think of Bible characters whom God brought out of pits. Joseph was in the pit of prison, Moses was in the pit of the wilderness, Ruth was in the pit of widowhood and famine, David was in the pit of adultery, murder, and fear, Paul was in the pit of persecution, etc…

For most of her life, my mother battled the pit of depression. I have known family members who battled (and still do) the pit of alcoholism. I have a friend who battles the pit of loneliness and rejection. Several close friends are presently in the pit of illness. For 30 years I was in a pit of emptiness. These pits are not places in which anyone wants to be. They are uncomfortable, difficult, and lonely. But we have a God who is faithful to deliver!

I find myself wondering about circumstances that some dear people endure and it appears their deliverance may not be seen in this life time. What do I do with this verse in that case? I realize there is still deliverance. God can still deliver them from despair, discouragement, hopelessness, bewilderment, and feelings of abandonment. For I remember that Jonah spoke these words while he was still in the belly of the fish…not when he was standing on solid ground!

What is your plea this morning? If you are lonely, God is present! If you are empty, God is the One who can fill you! If you are afraid, God is the One who comforts! If you are in need of forgiveness, God is the One who invites you to embrace His forgiveness! I find that for most of us, the torments of our internal world far surpass what we are experiencing on the outside. Mental anguish, heartache, regret, loneliness, and fear are not always seen by others but they are what we can find ourselves experiencing.

Jesus still says to each one of us, “Come unto Me and I will give you rest!” While the outward circumstance may continue for a season, I know that I can experience rest and peace of mind even in the midst of any storm. I can proclaim with Jonah that God has delivered me from the pit of my internal world.

Father, Your invitations to me abound! I come to You this morning to find my rest. Amen.

God's Greatest Concern

How is it you are sleeping? Get up, call on your God. Perhaps your God will be concerned about us so that we will not perish. Jonah 1:6

This captain speaks words to Jonah which are a sermon in themselves. If I had to phrase it in my own language I would say, “How can you ignore our plight? If you don’t care, maybe your God does!” Two verses come to mind because of his last statement. I Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon Him for He cares for you. And John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. Both verses become powerful when we slip our own name into them. There is no “perhaps” about it. As a believer, I know to use the word “since” or “because” in front of a statement that refers to God’s concern. God is concerned and God has gone to great lengths to ensure that we do not perish. Where we spend eternity is the deepest concern of God’s heart.

This life is short and full of hardships. The past couple of days with the heartbreaking news of school shootings has caused us all to see that we really do live in a fallen, depraved, cursed world. The present war in Iraq remains a reminder of that as well. Watching loved ones suffer with different forms of disease and illness has a way of filling us with sorrow. Each of us have areas in our life that bring us face to face with pain, loss, and heartache. Taking all of that into account, I am reminded of the words someone spoke which are so true. For those who know Christ, this world is the closest thing to hell they will ever experience. For those who do not know Christ, this world is the closest thing to Heaven they will ever experience.

As believers, we have the privilege of letting others know the truth about what lies beyond this life. Our God does care and He has made a way for us to spend eternity with Him. While He desires that no one will perish, He leaves the choice to each individual. Ultimately we must do the same. Our main task is to live it before them, speak it to them, and allow God to work in their heart. Only He can bring them to the place where they are ready to listen.

Father, help me not to be asleep like Jonah when it comes to souls. May my life and words speak volumes of Your concern for mankind. Amen.