Sep

22

Life in the waiting zone

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Life doesn’t always move as fast as we’d like. We want the restaurant table seating now, or the coveted job offer soon, or the call returned quickly. And we definitely wish the line would move faster and the check would arrive today, or the answer delivered immediately, if not sooner. In all of this, while we distract ourselves and focus elsewhere for a moment, the things we’re waiting for will eventually come in due time. Though, even better, to just sit and wait patiently on the Lord and dwell in him is the perfect place to be.

The secret about in due time, is that it requires waiting—that lull where we can either fret or just trust in the Lord. If he is sure to guide our steps, then we really don’t need to step ahead of him. Resting in him assures us that he’s got the reins; fretting says we’re holding on too tightly.

Too often, we put the cart before the horse in our goals and desires. Sometimes, it’s just better to sit on the horse and let God drive the cart. When we’re too quick or too rushed, we are prone to stumbling. Then we might really have problems. Is that all there is to the human condition…to be fighting an uphill battle, sometimes of our own making?

Our place is not to fight but to wait. To settle into a place where the peace of God can hold us up…a place where his word and his spirit can renew us to the point where we feel at peace right where we are. Waiting on the Lord and putting our hope in him goes against the fleshly nature, but it’s where true contentment lies.

“Those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles…” Isaiah 40:31

Sep

15

Standing forever

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The world as it exists today has a finality to it. God’s word assures us there will be a summing up of all things, and his return to earth is imminent. Praise God!

For the believer, this is great news. We hunger for his return and pray daily, Maranatha, Jesus, as we expectantly watch and wait for his coming. While we consider each day on earth a gift; still, our hearts are primed to be with him face-to-face.

With all of the worship of worldly things and materialism, we know that none of this will last into eternity. Not even our own bodies! As believers, our hope and assurance that we’ll receive a new body is based in biblical truth. We serve a risen savior and one day, we will be like Him. Our mortal bodies will give way to immortality.

Until the day arrives, take heart. Our hopes are built on the eternal wise God whose word is the foundation of truth. Everything that began with God’s word will also end with it, too. He is the Alpha and the Omega. His truth will carry us from here to eternity, and it’s the only foundation that will not crumble.

The grass withers; the flower fades, but the word of our God shall stand forever ~ Isaiah 40:8

 

Sep

08

The Good Shepherd

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As sheep, we can wander; though, as we rest in the nurture of the Lord, we can’t go far because his grasp is large. The word tells us that neither height nor depth…nothing at all can remove us from his hand. Even if one goes astray, our divine shepherd sets his sights on bringing the little one back into his fold.

One of the most well known and often quoted psalms in the Bible is the twenty-third, where Jesus is spoken of as our shepherd. How comforting to know we are in his flock and he has his eye on each of us, that he makes us to lie down in green pastures, leads us beside the still waters and restores our souls. He doesn’t just want us to pass through the quiet of the pastoral land; he makes us linger there as we’re led through His paths of righteousness.

If we should walk in the valley of the shadow of death, there is no fear of death because with God, it is but a shadow. And by His rod and His staff, he will comfort us.

When he comes again or takes us home, the knowledge that we’ll be together with him forever is beyond lovely. It’s the assurance to which we cling. Even with the uncertainty of tomorrow, we are sealed and have hope today that our tomorrows will be fine with the Lord by our side.

Sep

01

All things…

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It’s said that everything happens for a reason. Is that true? Frankly, that statement may have relevance to a New Age philosopher, but it’s really a knock-off, mainly due to the part that’s left out, the part about God. Of the saved, we believe that all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose ~ Romans 8:28.

When strange things happen to us, we’re apt to sometimes look at the situation negatively. “What did I say?” or “What did I do?” or “Why me, Lord?” Sometimes, it’s not about us. There’s a greater power working in all who love the Lord Jesus.

A friend once said—after he’d come to find out his son, unsuccessfully, attempted suicide—that the situation was, for him, all for his holiness. Hold on. His son’s attempt to end his life was the catalyst for making his father’s life more holy? As a mature Christian, that was his response.

As part of our daily walk with Christ, we’re being sanctified according to God’s plans and purposes. It’s not always easy. As the scripture song goes…some through the waters, some through the flood, some through the fire, but all through the blood.

God works all things together for good for the ones who love God. Yes, it’s all for our holiness.

Aug

25

Fellowship of the Spirit

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Apostle Paul rejoiced at the good works of the disciples in the church at Philippi and for their generosity toward him while in prison. Even from afar, he ministered to them through his letters, despite the pain of not being free to join with them physically.

However, in the fellowship of the gospel, he is able to join with them spiritually, for he was content to see that their salvation was true by their good deeds, and this reality brought him much consolation.

The fellowship of the gospel is all about love. As we share in this fellowship, we are living out our faith. To that end, as Paul demonstrated, there is no length he would not go to bring mankind unto a saving relationship with the Father.

As challenging as it may be,Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” ~ Luke 9:23.

To share in the fellowship of the gospel is to love God and neighbor no matter what. Paul’s experience reminds us that even if you suffer for doing good, God will give you the strength to continue loving.