Joy to the World

The night was probably quiet as the sheep rested in the field, the shepherds keeping vigilant watch over them and perhaps trading stories they had repeated many times before. Just another night in the life of a shepherd, or so they thought. Unknown to them, this was no ordinary night for while they engaged in the ordinary the extra-ordinary was taking place.

Luke tells us that as the shepherds kept their watch,"Lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men" (2:9-14, KJV).

It was a celebration like none other. A multitude of heavenly host, a chorus of voices giving glory to God and announcing His peace and good will toward men. As the angels returned to heaven (v.15) we can only imagine the rejoicing as millions of their counterparts joined in the celebration, no doubt watching in awe as the related events unfolded on earth. The world didn’t know it then but in the birth of the little boy, joy had come into the world; a joy that was not known before and one that has not been known since. Through Him the light had come and the glory of the LORD had risen upon us (Isaiah 60:1). God had introduced Himself to the world in the person of His Son Jesus. It's been over thousand years since and we are still celebrating God's most precious gift to the world. It is true that for far too many the reason for the season is buried under the avalanche of commerce, but for those of us who have accepted Jesus as Lord, we are forever grateful that God so loved the world that He gave us His only begotten Son. As we open our gifts this Christmas, let us remember the most treasured of gifts - JESUS. He is the reason for the season.

From my house to yours, a very Merry Christmas.

Published on Christmas Day - Jamaicans.com weekly Newsletter

Child-like Faith

As a parent, I can recall the number of times I had my son stand on a table and jump gleefully into my arms whenever I said, with arms outstretched, "Jump." No reluctance, no fear, no questions asked, just a blind trust that I would be there to catch him. I’m sure quite a number of you can recall those times as well; times that provoke a smile as well as they should. As these memories flooded my mind, I was reminded of Matthew's narrative in which he tell us, "And Jesus called a little child unto [H]im, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven" (18:2-3, KJV).

It is interesting to observe how as we get older we tend to become jaded and cynical. For sure, some life experiences (hurts, disappointments, feelings of abandonment, etc.) have robbed us of our child-like innocence and we are not as quick to believe, we are not as quick to jump. We want guarantees, we want proof, and in the absence of either or both, we stay on our respective tables. Unfortunately, some of us bring this form of cynicism into our relationship with our Heavenly Father. Despite His many promises that He will be there, that He will take care of our needs, and despite His open arms of love, we are cynical, we do not really believe.

The problem of course is not that God cannot be trusted, but that in our dealings with Him we have lost the innocence of the child within. When He says "Jump" our initial reaction is that of uncertainty and mistrust. Will He catch us? Will He do the things He promised? In Numbers 23:19 we read, "God is not a man, that [H]e should lie; neither the son of man, that [H]e should repent: hath [H]e said, and shall [H]e not do it? or hath [H]e spoken, and shall [H]e not make it good?" and here is not only a reminder but a challenge also. The integrity of God is of such that He is incapable of lying; the evidence is there to support the fact that He is not only reliable but also dependable.

The Father's greatest delight is that we trust Him without reservations. As you go about your Christian walk, how is your faith in the Father? Is it child-like? Are you willing to "jump" into His arms just because He tells you to?

The Gift of Today

There is something extra special about today. If we are following our regular schedule, most things, people, and places are familiar to us because we have seen them before; we are accustomed to them. Yet it is this routineness and familiarity that often causes us to lose appreciation for today. Have you ever stopped to consider that it is a day like no other day? That is because though we may be familiar with all that is around us, we have never seen today. Yesterday was another day and so will be tomorrow and that makes today rather unique. Once the clock strikes midnight, it is gone and can never be reclaimed or relived. It stands to reason therefore, that with each passing day we are writing history. The things we say and do will be the legacy we leave behind.

But there are some wonderful consistencies that accompanies each new day. We can borrow the words of the Psalmist when he declares, "This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24, KJV). Amidst the hustle and bustle of our day and the various challenges we have to deal with, we are often jaded to this reality. Being blessed enough to have woken up every morning for the number of years each of us has been around, it is easy to take today for granted. Each day is a gift from God, one to be celebrated, and like the Psalmist we too can should rejoice and be glad in it. Our obligation to have such an attitude to today becomes clearer when we realize, "It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness" (Lamentations 3:22-23). Not only are we beneficiaries of God's mercies every morning, but of spiritual blessings as well. Psalm 68:19 reminds us, "Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation." In other words, we have been blessed "with all spiritual blessings, with an abundance of grace, as well as with temporal mercies, for which [H]e is, and ought to be, praised day by day." And just in case we are not aware, today we can see God all around us, for "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world" (Psalm 19:1-4).

As you make your way through today, take some time to reflect on this wonderful gift. Yesterday is gone and tomorrow is nothing but a promise; the only "real" time we have is now. What attitude do you bring to it? Are you using it wisely? What legacy are you leaving behind?

Manifesting His Works

True to the tradition of the day they thought that anyone born with an infirmity was being punished by God, and so as they passed by the man, blind from birth, the disciples asked Jesus, "Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?" (John 9:2, KJV). The reply must have stunned them; "Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him" (v.3).

While there are some who hold the view that every instance of the child of God being in a tough spot is indicative of sin in that believer's life, this narrative shows that view is not absolute. It also shows the Sovereignty of God in our lives in that nothing that happens to us is by chance nor is it without purpose. While it is true that some difficulties we experience are the results of our own actions, in other cases it could be that God allows us to walk a difficult path in order that His works should be made manifest in our lives. Of course, this is not always obvious when we are going through those challenging times, but we can trust Him that He knows what He is doing. God "needs" men and women who are broken to show the world what He is capable of, and because He is God we are all candidates. The blind man did not get a vote nor did he volunteer for the position. However, his life-long infirmity provide the perfect platform for a miracle that confounded those who saw it.

On this point Bible Scholar Matthew Henry notes, "[1.] We must take heed of judging any to be great sinners merely because they are great sufferers, lest we be found, not only persecuting those whom God has smitten (Psalm 69:26), but accusing those whom he has justified, and condemning those for whom Christ died, which is daring and dangerous, Romans 8:33, Romans 8:34. [2.] That they are sometimes intended purely for the glory of God, and the manifesting of his works. God has a sovereignty over all his creatures and an exclusive right in them, and may make them serviceable to his glory in such a way as he thinks fit, in doing or suffering; and if God be glorified, either by us or in us, we were not made in vain."

This should be encouragement for those who while serving God faithfully, struggle with things and situations they do not understand. Like Job, maybe you are the one "chosen" to be the vessel through whom the works of God should be made manifest. Regardless of where we find ourselves, let our prayer be that of the song writer, "In my life Lord, be glorified, be glorified / In my life Lord, be glorified today." Are you up to it?

“Wilt Thou Be Made Whole?”

Like a faithful companion, for thirty-eight years his infirmity was with him. Sitting in the five porches of the pool by the sheep market in Bethesda were probably hundreds of sick people - some blind, some crippled, some paralyzed. They were "all waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had" (John 5:3b-4, KJV).

We are not told the nature of the man's infirmity but John tells us, "When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked" (vv. 6-9a). It is interesting to note that the man did not call out to Jesus, but despite the crowd at the Feast and the hundreds by the pool, Jesus saw him. Not only did He see him but He also knew his condition and as a result proceeded to ask him the most important question of all: "Wilt thou be made whole?"

The narrative tells us how this encounter ended and the application for our lives is tremendously significant. In Hebrew, the pool was called Bethesda, which means "House of Mercy," and it is here that we see Jesus extending grace to someone who had done nothing to merit it. It is one of many word pictures in the Bible that reflects Paul's reminder to the early church, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). While in our sinful state Jesus came along, called out to us and extended His grace. Like the man at the pool there was nothing we could have done and nothing we can do to earn this divine favor. However, grace and mercy met him at the point of his need, and Jesus is still capable of meeting all of us at the point of our greatest need.

"Wilt thou be made whole?" The same question is asked of us today. I guarantee that regardless of the nature of our “infirmity," there is more than enough grace to take care of it.

Giving With The Right Attitude

She was poor and a widow, not the greatest of position to be in during the first century. On this particular day, seemingly oblivious to what was going on around her and like she perhaps had done many times before, she approached the treasury - a place in the temple for the collection boxes. The scribes were there doing what they did best. It wasn't that long before that Jesus said of them, "Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts; Which devour widows' houses, and for a shew make long prayers" (Luke 20:46-47a, KJV). They wouldn't have noticed her, neither would the rich men who were there casting their gifts.

As she reached the treasury, she cast in her two mites. When compared to what others had put in, hers wasn't much, however, unknown to her there were a pair of eyes watching her. Not only did He see her but He could see right through her, deep into her intent and her heart. Despite her obvious poverty, instead of using the amount on herself she brought it to the temple. She was not giving out of her excess but sought to worship God out of her need. Christ saw that her heart was "in the right place", and said to those around Him, "Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her [need] hath cast in all the living that she had" (vv. 3-4). Bible Scholar Matthew Henry observes, "It was but two mites, which make a farthing; but Christ magnified it as a piece of charity exceeding all the rest: She has cast in more than they all. Christ does not blame her for indiscretion, in giving what she wanted herself, nor for vanity in giving among the rich to the treasury; but commended her liberality, and her willingness to part with what little she had for the glory of God, which proceeded from a belief of and dependence upon God's providence to take care of her."

It is not the size of the gift that matters but that whatever we give to the Lord we give with the right attitude. Our giving is a form of worship. Paul admonishes, "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7). So as you give to the Lord, in whatever form, do it with a cheerful and thankful heart. You will discover that "he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness" (v.10). Because He knows the intent of every heart, it is He that judges. How is your giving?

Coming Boldly to the Throne of Grace

In his letter to the Hebrews, the writer exhorts the brethren, and by extension us, to "come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" (4:16, KJV). Most of us are familiar with this passage and it has served us well in our prayer lives. It is a wonderful thing to know that we do not have to feel intimidated or be afraid to approach the throne of grace. Not only are we invited to approach it boldly, but we are assured that there "we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."

In reflecting on some of the reasons the child of God may feel a sense of fear or reluctance in approaching God, it occurred to me that this is a direct result of our awareness of our shortcomings and failures. At least this has been the case in my own life. Despite our best intentions, we are not always where we long to be in our walk with Him and there are times when feelings of guilt and shame overwhelm the words "come boldly." Lost in the process is the realization that God knows us exactly for who we are, and despite what He sees in us, He still says, "Come".

In looking closer at our reference text, the writer makes such an argument. He writes, "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in [H]is sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of [H]im with whom we have to do. Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin" (vv. 12-15). The realization that "all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do," serves to demonstrate that not only are we invited to come boldly but we can come as we are.

Having been tempted as we are being, Christ understands our humanity, He understands our failures. David said of Him as God, "He knoweth our frame; [H]e remembereth that we are dust" (Psalm 103:14). There is nothing about us that will surprise Him; nothing that we can tell Him that He doesn't already know. Therefore, come boldly. It is an invitation I gladly accept; one I find powerfully liberating. It is my prayer that you will too.

Building Right!

Running into God is like running into a brick wall; you are literally stopped in your tracks. I discovered this (again) first hand when a couple months ago I was talking to Him about some personal things I was struggling with, and throwing in some questions for good measure, when suddenly He spoke. There were no lightening bolts, no writing on the wall, no audible voice, but in the quietness of my time with Him the words from Psalm 127:1a came alive in spirit: "Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it" (KJV).

I didn't have to be a rocket scientist to know what that meant. As the weeks passed and as I reflected on that moment, it became clear to me that the struggles I was experiencing were all because I had tried to resolve some things in my own strength instead of trusting Him as I know I should. To try to build a life, a relationship, a home, a business, or anything else is all for naught unless God himself is the builder. That means putting Him first by building in accordance with His Word. It is no wonder Jesus reaffirms, "Thus, everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock” (Matthew 7:24-25). The opposite is also true: “And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined” (vv.26-27).

Deconstructing the way I was building was not easy; I felt out of control. It was a struggle that lasted weeks and came at great personal cost as everything else seemed secondary at that point, but it was important to heed the voice of the Lord and ensure I was building on the right foundation. It is interesting that in the examples Jesus used, both builders did manage to build the house. However, when adversity presented itself only the one that was built on the rock was left standing.

What is the foundation on which you are building your present and future goals and dreams? If God is not at the center, it is time to demolish and rebuild. Anything else will ultimately result in frustration and failure. "Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it."

Surprised by God

Have you ever been pleasantly surprised? I mean, wonderfully blown-away-knock-your-socks-off surprised? According to the Webster Online Dictionary, to be surprised is to be struck with "wonder and amazement especially because [of something] unexpected," and if we stop to think about how a loving God could love a sinful world and send His only begotten son to redeem its citizens, then that would qualify as a surprise. Frankly, if some of us were God we would not have done it.

But God didn't just stop there. Having made it possible for us to be reconciled to Himself through Christ, He didn't simple leave us to fend for ourselves. He adopted us and made us heirs and joint-heirs with His dear son (Romans 8:17), and so His entire provisions are open to us for our inheritance. As the Apostle Paul ponders the magnitude of our blessings, he writes, "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him" (1 Cor. 2:9, KJV). In other words, our minds cannot being to comprehend all the things that God has prepared for those who love Him. Try to imagine moving from being a servant of sin to being a child of the Most High God; from eternal damnation to eternal life. God "raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come [H]e might shew the exceeding riches of [H]is grace in [H]is kindness toward us through Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:6,7).

Though we cannot comprehend it all with our natural minds, we are not left in the dark. Paul reminds us, "God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God" (1 Cor. 2:10). It stands to reason therefore, that to get a glimpse of what God has in store for us we need to be walking in the Spirit. As we yield ourselves to Him, and as He brings about God's purposes in our lives, we will realize that we have not even scratched the surface of all that He has in store for us. It is then that we will be surprised at the wonder of it all; at how much we are truly love by God and the extent to which He has gone to demonstrate that love.

Why not allow the Spirit of God to show you those things?

"Show Me Thy Ways"

Though we sometimes make a mess of our walk with Christ, the heart of the true believer is to follow after Him. Jesus was very clear when He said to His disciples, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me" (Luke 9:23, KJV). Amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday living, it is very easy to lose sight of the path we should be walking in. Truth be known, at times it seems there are so many paths before us that if the child of God isn't careful, we can easily choose any number of them that lead us away from the "expected end" God promises for our lives (Jeremiah 29:11). There is only one acceptable way and that is the way of Christ.

As I reflected on Jesus' words, I was reminded of the Psalmist's prayer, "Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me" (Psalm 25:5,6a). On this text Bible Scholar Matthew Henry writes, "(1.) In doubtful cases we should pray earnestly that God would make it plain to us what [H]e would have us to do. (2.) That [H]e would incline [H]is will to do it, and strengthen [H]im in it: 'Lead me, and so teach me.' Not only as we lead one that is dimsighted, to keep him from missing his way, but as we lead one that is sick, and feeble, and faint, to help him forward in the way and to keep him from fainting and falling. We go no further in the way to heaven than God is pleased to lead us and to hold us up."

True discipleship requires that every believer seeks God's ways and His truths, and the best way to do that is to ask Him. Every step we take, every decision we have to make, we need His guidance. Not only does He care about us, He cares about everything that pertains to us.

One of the prayer songs that has been a big part of my life has the words, "I want God's way to be my way as I journey here below / For there is no other highway that a child of God should go / Though the way seems long and rough, if He leads me that's enough / I want God's way to be my way every day." Won't you join me in that prayer?

Whose Armour Are You Wearing?

When David stood before Saul on the occasion of Goliath's challenge to Israel, there was no doubt in his mind that he was qualified to take on the Philistine giant. Obviously, Saul had his doubts (1 Samuel 17:33), but David stated his experience and qualifications and concluded, "Moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine," to which Saul responded, "Go, and the LORD be with thee" (v.37, KJV).

However, it wasn't that simple. The narrative continues, "And Saul armed David with his armour, and he put an helmet of brass upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail. And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him" (vv. 38-39). David's response to Saul's effort is an excellent model for Christians who tend to think that what works for one believer will work for all. While there are some common elements in our spiritual walk that are clearly set out in the Scriptures, God reserves the right to deal with us in any way that accomplishes His purposes.

It is difficult to trust God in the big things if we do not have a record of trusting Him in the small things. The believer without a track record with God is likely to "borrow" every suggested steps to spiritual success recommended by their favorite author, preacher, or Bible teacher. Without a proven confidence, every solution seems workable. However, David's confidence in God was the result of his own experiences and not that of another, hence his statement, "The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine." Having proven his God faithful, he was now in a position to reject Saul's armour which he had not proven.

"I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him." As you prepare to fight your own giant(s), whose "armour" are you wearing? Is your confidence in God based on your personal experiences with Him or from leaning on the experiences of others?

Thou Shalt Not Bellyache!

There is no easy way to say it - being around some people can be downright depressing. To listen to them speak is like reading from a book of complaints. They are often joyless, hardly ever satisfied, and their perspective on life is so skewed that their cup is always half-empty, never half-full. To tell them a cheerful "Good Morning" is to be met with an attitude that says "What's good about it?", and to do them a favor is to be viewed with suspicion. Simply put, these people could wear out a saint.

At different times in their history, Israel was like that. In various portions of the Old Testament narratives we read of them "murmuring", more accurately, "complaining" (e.g. Exodus 15:24; 16:2; 17:3, KJV). This despite obvious signs of God working miraculously in different situations on their behalf. According to the Psalmist, "Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt; they remembered not the multitude of thy mercies; but provoked him at the sea, even at the Red sea. . . . Wondrous works in the land of Ham, and terrible things by the Red sea. . . . Yea, they despised the pleasant land, they believed not his word: But murmured in their tents, and hearkened not unto the voice of the LORD" (106:7, 22, 24-25). Can you hear them? Murmuring had become so much a part of them that they no longer listened to the voice of the LORD. That's dangerous ground to stand on.

The LORD was not amused. The narrative tells us, "And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD", so much so that "the LORD heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the LRD burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp" (Numbers 11:1). Space limitation do not allow us to go fully into the verse, but it is worth nothing the LORD's initial response to the complaining: "And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD". These are sobering words that we need to keep in mind the next time we are tempted to complain. For sure, things do not always go our way and at different times we have to face challenges, but let us not forget that God can and often use those situations for our benefit (Romans 8:28). Let us trust Him instead of complaining. He is very pleased with that.

Longing After God

When David decided to write what we know as Psalm 42, I believe in his mind was a picture of a tired and thirsty deer. Hunted for meat and sport, the speed of the deer was crucial to his survival. As a speedy animal, its moments of thirst are characterized by a panting, a longing, a condition that is only satisfied when it finds and drinks from the object of its search - the water brook.

As the Psalmist reflected upon the longing in his soul, he realized it was no different than that of the thirsty and panting deer. He writes, "As the [deer] panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?" (vv. 1-2). This is not unlike the longing we feel when we are separated from those we love; the longing to experience the joy and comfort of being in their presence. As long as we are in that state, nothing else really matters. In context, David was banished to the land of Jordan away from the the courts of the temple and as such was deprived from serving in, and receiving the comforts of being in it. In exile, his soul longed for God and the joys of going into His courts with praise.

It is one thing to love God but something different to long after Him. There are times when God places us in positions where our soul cries out for after Him. As Bible Scholar Matthew Henry writes, "If God, by [H]is grace, has wrought in us sincere and earnest desires towards [H]im, we may take comfort from these when we want those ravishing delights we have sometimes had in God, because lamenting after God is as sure an evidence that we love [H]im as rejoicing in God." The soul cannot truly lament after that which it does not love. David knew the joys of being in the presence of his God, and when he no longer had that his soul was restless; he could not be satisfied. Like the thirsty deer, he longed for the refreshing restoration that came with drinking from the fountain of living water.

In our world of mixed-up priorities, what is it that your soul longs for? If not for God and the things of God, could it be that your priorities are misplaced?

"If I Perish, I Perish"

When Queen Esther was challenged by Mordecai to speak to king Ahasuerus on behalf of her people the Jews, I do not believe he expected the resolute response he received. According to the narrative, "Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer, Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish" (Esther 4:15-16, KJV). In other words, bolstered by three days of fasting by the Jews, she would put her life at risk for an audience with her husband the king.

There are a number of lessons to be gleaned from the text, and one that stands out is the determination to what is right in spite of the cost. Back in the day it was not lawful for the queen to appear before the king on such matters, yet Esther realized that Mordecai was right. Her place as queen, replacing Vashti who had displeased the king (Chapter 2), was divinely orchestrated "for such a time as this" (3:14). Nothing happens by chance in the life of the child of God. Even if we find ourselves in places and positions that are not to our liking, let us not forget that God may have placed us there for a reason. As Christ's ambassadors we are called upon to represent Him everywhere. Everyone around us may be doing the questionable thing but we are called upon to do what is right, regardless of the cost. Esther resolved, "If I perish, I perish", but she would see the king.

Today's believers are called upon to show the same resolve in standing for the cause of Christ and fellow Christians everywhere. We do not have the luxury of sitting back and being indifferent. In our respective spheres of influence, God expects us to stand up for what is right, to speak up on behalf of those who are oppressed, and more importantly, to be bearers of the good news no matter the cost.

What is it that you are being called upon to do?

Jason Upton's No Sacrifice

A very dear friend recently shared the video below with me, and the words of the song continue to challenge me. I don't think there are too many of us who have not yielded to the temptation of giving God the parts of our lives that we want to, yet He stands patiently waiting for us to surrender all of it. "I Surrender All" is so much the heart's cry but it isn't always the easiest of things to do. It takes trust and an unwavering commitment to say to the Lord, "To you I give my life, not just the parts I want to / To you I sacrifice these dreams that I hold on to" and really mean it. But that is exactly what God asks of you and me, and being fully aware that I fall short in that area is why this song challenges me. Like Paul, I have not yet attained but am pressing towards that goal. I pray this song challenges you to full surrender.



To you I give my life, not just the parts I want to
To you I sacrifice these dreams that I hold on to

Your thoughts are higher than mine
Your words are deeper than mine
Your love is stronger than mine
This is no sacrifice
Here's my life

To you I give the gifts
Your love has given me
How can I hoard the treasures that you've designed for free?

Because
Your thoughts are higher than mine
Your words are deeper than mine
Your love is stronger than mine
This is no sacrifice
Here's my life

To you I give my future
As long as it may last
To you I give my present
To you I give my past

Because
Your thoughts are higher than mine
Your words are deeper than mine
Your love is stronger than mine

Your thoughts are higher than mine
Your words are deeper than mine
Your love is stronger than mine
This is no sacrifice
Here's my life

Speaking Gracious Words

"It's only words." Have you heard that statement before? Stated with good intent, the speaker seeks to soften the impact of words spoken. In one way or another we can all bear witness to the fact that the school yard taunt, "Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me" is not quite true. Words are powerful. Author Nan S. Russell writes, "Poorly chosen words can kill enthusiasm, impact self-esteem, lower expectations and hold people back. Well chosen ones can motivate, offer hope, create vision, impact thinking and alter results."

Christians are not immune from using poorly chosen words. At one point or another we have spoken or received words tainted with sarcasm, irritation, anger or frustration; words packing quite an emotional punch. Intentionally or unintentionally, we have been hurt by the words of others and we have hurt others with our words. In addressing the use of words among Christians in the early church, Paul writes, "Let your word be always with grace, having been seasoned with salt, to know how you ought to answer each one" (Colossians 4:6, Literal Translation). Salt not only preserves but in right amounts, makes our food tasteful. The goal at all times is for our words to be edifying and pleasing. Eugene Peterson paraphrases the verse, "Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out" (The Message). There is no ambiguity as to our responsibility to choose our words wisely and carefully.

Solomon, the wisest of men, observes, "The right word at the right time--beautiful!" and goes on further to say, "The right word at the right time is like a custom-made piece of jewelry" (Proverbs 15:23; 25:11, The Message). Even when stating truth, we are not at liberty to do so irresponsibly but rather to do so "in love" (Ephesians 4:15). By ourselves we are prone to get it wrong every time, but with the power of the Holy Spirit we can speak our words with grace at all times regardless of circumstances. He stands ready to help all those who ask it of Him.

How do you speak to those around you? How about those at home? Are your words spiced with grace?

When Life Happens

The first twelve words of Isaiah 6:1 are words with which some of us are familiar: "In the year that king Uzziah died I [Isaiah] saw also the LORD." Present in Isaiah's words is a profound contrast - Israel's king was dead, but Israel's God still lives.

How many times have we allowed some event, some loss, to cause us to lose sight of the ever living God? In his commentary on this text (July 13, My Utmost for His Highest), Oswald Chambers writes, "Over and over again God has to remove our friends to put Himself in their place, and that is when we falter, fail, and become discouraged. . . . When the person died who represented for me all that God was, did I give up on everything in life? Did I become ill or disheartened? Or did I do as Isaiah did and see the Lord?" In other words, when something or someone we hold dear was removed from our lives, what was our response?

How we respond during the times when we are walking in our respective valleys is very much dependent on how much of God we know before those times come. For some of us, our most memorable times with God were during some of the most difficult and challenging times of our lives. While we see from our limited perspectives and consider those times to be ones of disappointments and tragedies, it is possible that God, seeing things from His perspective, permits them in our paths so we would see Him. We have to be careful that we do not become so caught up in our circumstances that we fail to see God who stands supreme over our lives.

Chambers continues, "Your priorities must be God first, God second, and God third, until your life is continually face to face with God and no one [or nothing] else is taken into account whatsoever. Your prayer will then be, "In all the world there is no one but You, dear God; there is no one but You."

"In the year king Uzziah died I saw the Lord." Who do you see when life happens?

Setting Your Sail

In his account of Paul's journey to Rome, Luke tells of a brewing storm, a very strong wind blowing down from the island of Crete (Acts 27:14). He continues, "It hit the ship, and since it was impossible to keep the ship headed into the wind, we gave up trying and let it be carried along by the wind. We got some shelter when we passed to the south of the little island of Cauda. There, with some difficulty we managed to make the ship's boat secure. They pulled it aboard and then fastened some ropes tight around the ship. They were afraid that they might run into the sandbanks off the coast of Libya, so they lowered the sail and let the ship be carried by the wind" (vv. 15-17, GNB).

The last phrase is crucial; in light of the circumstances, "they lowered the sail and let the ship be carried by the wind." In that sentence is a profound truth - the setting of the sail determines the direction in which the ship goes. This truth is carried over into life in that it is our response to the situations around us that determines the effectiveness of our lives. In her poem, 'Tis the Set of the Sail, Ella Wheeler-Wilcox writes, "But to every man there openeth / A high way and a low / And every mind decideth that way his soul shall go / One ship sails East and another West / By the self-same winds that blow / 'Tis the set of the sails and not the gales / That tells the way we go / Like the winds of the sea / And the waves of time / As we journey along through life / 'Tis the set of the soul / That determines the goal / And not the calm or the strife."

We do not have to be victims of our circumstances. Regardless of what we face, the winds of life that are blowing, we decide how we set our sails. What will our response and attitude be in the face of hurts, provocations, trying times, discouragements, to name a few? Remember, 'tis the set of the sails and not the gales (winds) that tells the way we go. Given the winds blowing where you are, have your checked your sails lately?

Staying Focused

"Keep your eyes on the goal", is pretty good advice that most of us have heard or been given at one time or another. Keeping a goal or an objective in mind allows us to focus our actions towards its accomplishment. We know what we want to do and despite whatever distractions there may be, being focused provides the encouragement to stay the course.

I believe this was the attitude taken by the Apostle Paul when he wrote to the Philippians, "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you" (3:13-15, KJV). Eugene Peterson captures the essence of this in his paraphrase, "Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward--to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back. So let's keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision--you'll see it yet!" (The Message).

"So let us keep focused" - what beautiful words! Everyone of us have a story; things that have happened in our past, or even earlier today, that could throw us off course. Some of us may have been blown off course by the winds of adversity, but Paul encourages us to forget "those things which are behind". It could be that in order to do so we need to spend some time confessing our hurts to Christ, and claiming His healing in the deep places of our emotions where we are still affected. If that is the case, today is a good time to do that because we need to clear those obstacles in order to "press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Like a world class athlete running towards the prize, we are to run the most important "race" of our lives unencumbered by worry and care. In this life we will have them, but thank God we have a Savior who bids us to cast all our cares upon Him (1 Peter 5:7). We can forget those things which are behind.

It helps to remember that our lives will go in the direction in which we are focused. To lack focus is to wander aimlessly. With that in mind, where is your focus? Can you say like David, "I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved" (Psalm 16:8). If you're not there yet, today is a good time to change course. God is faithful, and He stands ready to help those who ask it of Him.

You Are Special!

“How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand…” (Psalm 139:17-18, KJV)

I believe that deep in the heart of most people is a desire to feel and know that we are special to someone, yet by ourselves we are just as special. Science tells us that no one else has our set of fingerprints. We can find someone who looks like us, walk like us, act like us, and have any number of characteristics just like us, yet if we pass away and a million babies are born into the world on that day, none of them can take our place. When David - while astonished at the admirable contrivance of his body, the composition of every part, and the harmony of all together - declared “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made…” (Psalm 139:14), he could just as easily have added the word “uniquely” as well. Science also tells us that even the hairs on our head have our own unique DNA print. Gosh, we are special. I believe that every morning we can look into the mirror and say – with some modesty of course – “I am special, there is no one quite like me.” You are not being vain because it is true.

For the believer, we have even more reason to feel special: we have been chosen by God (John 15:16). Lest we think that by accepting Jesus as Lord we were the ones that did the choosing, Jesus reminds us: “No one is able to come to Me unless the Father Who sent Me attracts and draws him and gives him the desire to come to Me” (John 6:44, Amp). That is not something we often think about, but consider the thousands of people who went to bed last night and did not live to see this morning, but died in their sins. Of course, it is not because of anything we did, or could have done, why we awoke saved, redeemed, and justified, but because of the grace of God that has been extended to us. Consider that if Jesus had not died we would not have been able to be partakers of His salvation, but as you look into the mirror, bear in mind that were you the only one on earth, He would have done it anyway. That is just how special we are, and a reflection of His thoughts towards us.

In our reference text, David got a glimpse of this when he declared: “How precious are your thoughts unto me, O God!” It is interesting to see how the Psalmist made it so personal considering his previous declaration in Psalm 40:5, “Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward.” It was as if he came to realize that God’s thoughts were not just universal, but very personal. So often we read that God so loved the world, but often not take the time to consider that God loves me, the individual. How great are His thoughts? They are more in number than the sand. I submit that under any numbering system, that is a whole lot of thoughts!

The next time you look in the mirror, be reminded not only of how wonderfully and fearfully made you are, but just as importantly, how special you are in the sight of God and that His thoughts towards you are numberless. You are always on His mind. Praise God!

Are You Walking Alone?

“And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence.” (Ex 33:15, KJV).

To the spirit filled believer, the presence of God means everything. The thought of being somewhere or in any situation where this Presence does not abide is not one that is entertained. Yet in our everyday lives, we often make the mistake of proceeding without making sure that we remain in the presence, and in the will, of God. Decisions seem to be made on the basis of our own evaluation. We often pretend as if we cannot bother our Heavenly Father with the routine things of our lives, choosing instead to take matters into our own hands. More times than not, we fail miserably in our own efforts.

In our reference text, Moses made it clear to God that unless He was prepared to go with them, He should not carry them anywhere! Having being chosen by God to lead the Israelites to the Promised Land, he would refuse to go anywhere without the abiding presence of the Almighty. What is interesting here is that in the preceding verse, God had already assured Moses that His presence would go with him. The man of God however sought the confirmation of the Creator that this would be the case. If not, “carry us not up hence.”

Today’s believer is also assured of God’s abiding presence. In Hebrews 13:5b we are reminded of the promise, “I [God] will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” We however need to bear in mind that the holy presence of God cannot go, and will not abide, any and everywhere. In the face of Israel’s transgressions resulting from their resolve to walk in their own way, the Holy One said “I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge their offense, and seek my face.” (Hosea 5:15). Seeing it is possible to proceed without God’s presence, and outside of His will, it is imperative that as believers we seek to ensure that wherever we go, and whatever we are involved in, God is there.

As we go about our daily lives, the spirit-filled Christian resolves to be led by the Spirit of God. A picture on my wall reminds me constantly that “God’s will never lead me where His grace cannot protect me.” As we walk what seems like a fine line, such a Christian can, and will know the mind of God providing we remain in submission to the Spirit. There is no point taking a job that pays quite a lot if it is in an area where the presence of God would not dwell. There is no point in marrying someone, regardless of what they bring to "the table", if the presence of God will not abide in that union. The only place we can find fullness of joy is whenever we are in the presence of God. David reaffirmed this when he said, “In thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures forever more.” (Psalm 17:15)

As you live your life I challenge you to do it differently, bearing in mind that if God’s presence does not go with you there is no point in going anywhere. Purpose in your heart to say as Moses did, “If thy presence go not with me, carry (me) not up hence.” God will watch over those who place themselves in His care. Is that where you are?

"What are They Among So Many?"

Like the rest of the multitude that day, he had followed Jesus over the sea of Galilee. They had seen His miracles on them that were diseased and were so enthralled that they must have lost track of time for it was almost time for the passover feast. Out in the middle of nowhere, the disciples were faced with the greatest of challenges - how would they feed the people? Caught up in the excitement around him, the little lad had not eaten his lunch. When he left home that morning, he had no idea that the lunch his mother had packed for him, five barley loaves and two small fishes, would be the source for one of Jesus' miracles.

But there he was standing among the disciples and before Jesus, the only one among the multitude with anything to eat. It was not enough to satisfy a grown man, and the disciples asked the question everyone was thinking, "What are they [five barley loaves and two small fishes] among so many?" (John 6:9, KJV). John tells us that after the men had sat down as directed by Jesus, "[He] took the loaves; and when [H]e had given thanks, [H]e distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would. When they were filled, [H]e said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten" (vv. 11-13). In the hands of the disciples the lunch was not enough. However, in Jesus' hands it was all that He needed; it was more than enough.

Have you ever felt like doing something for God but thought that what you had to offer was too small? John's narrative reminds us that it is not the size of the "lunch" that matters but the willingness to give to God what we have. If the boy had not given what he had, we would be reading a different story. Whether it is our time, talents, finances, or some other resource, God can use whatever we give Him to bring glory to Himself. The little you have may be all that is needed to trigger a miracle in your sphere of influence. What will you do with your "lunch"?

Mustard Seed Faith

In Mark 11:22-24 Jesus said to His disciples, "Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." That seems relatively easy to do, yet for countless Christians the exercise of faith is quite the struggle.

How much faith does it take to believe that God will do for us the things He has promised in His Word? It is not unusual to hear people talk about not having enough faith, neither is it unusual to others praying for increased faith. In the case of the latter, I have often wondered: if they can activate their faith to believe for increased faith, why not use the faith they already have to believe that the things they have asked for they will receive? In Luke 17:5 we see the disciples having the same problem. As Jesus taught them about forgiveness they said unto Him, "Increase our faith", to which Jesus replied, "If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you" (v.6).

Commentator Albert Barnes tells us, "The seeds of this tree were remarkably small, so that they, with the great size of the plant, were an apt illustration of the ... nature of faith." As the large sycamine tree came from the small mustard seed, so the exercise of our faith, though it seems small, can accomplish great things. The good news is that every believer has a deposit of faith on the inside. Paul reminds us, "God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith" (Romans 12:3), and as we note Jesus' response to the disciples request for more faith, we realize that all we need to do is to exercise the amount we already have.

We can rest assured that we do not need a trailer load of faith to believe God will do as He promise. It is true that the more we exercise faith the "easier" it becomes to believe, but we have to start somewhere. What better place to start than with what we have been given? Remember, no matter how big the challenges in front of you, ALL things are possible to those who believe (Mark 9:23). I really like the "all things"; how about you?

Baring the Soul

When was the last time you told God how you really felt? Not the last time you spoke to Him, but the last time you bared your soul and told Him exactly how you felt? It seems every time someone is asked "How are you?", a "I am fine" or something similar is guaranteed. We have become very good at masking our feelings, our innerselves, and unfortunately we take that into our relationship with God as well. Sure we talk to Him at different times but how many of those prayers were petitions for things on our laundry list of needs? If we didn't have physical and/or material needs that we have to rely on Him to meet, would we find a reason to talk to God?

These thoughts came to mind as I read David's cry, "Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak" (Psalm 6:2a, KJV), and it occurred to me that we could just as easily substitute a number of words in place of "weak". For starters, how about "worried", "frustrated", "angry", "discouraged", "fearful", "troubled", "overwhelmed", "heartbroken"? For some of us, these are emotions that often go unacknowledged in our prayer times because we fail to realize and appreciate that God cares about how we feel. This is even more important in these challenging economic times when despite our best intentions we find ourselves troubled by life's uncertainties. However, regardless of whatever emotions we experience, we can rest assured that "As parents feel for their children, GOD feels for those who fear [H]im. He knows us inside and out, keeps in mind that we're made of mud" (Psalm 103:13-14, The Message). In other words, nothing about what we feel or the way we feel will surprises Him.

Someone may ask: "If nothing surprises Him why do we need to tell Him still?" One of the characteristics of functional relationships is vulnerability, the state of being vulnerable or exposed. In our natural relationships we want the people we care about to "expose" themselves to us when they are having those valley experiences that seem to sap their mental, emotional, and physical resources. Truth be told, we are hurt if they do not trust us enough to share those difficult times. It is that same kind of open relationship that God desires to have with us; one in which we trust Him enough to tell Him not only what is going on with us, but exactly how we feel.

From personal experience I can assure you that there is no greater balm for the soul than to bare our soul to the one who invites us to do so. The next time you speak with your Father, why not give it a try?

The Renewing of the Mind

The will of God for His children is that we be Christlike. Paul declares that the purpose of all the ministries and the provision of God is to bring us "unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of Christ" (Ephesians 4:13). The transformation of our individual lives to one that is acceptable to God is accomplished in the manner according to Romans 12:1, 2.

Most readers will know that Adam was created a spiritual being capable of fellowship with God. In order to communicate with God and fulfil his directive, Adam must have possessed great intellectual powers. After his fall, man lost his spiritual awareness and his mind was no longer dominated by the spirit, but by his senses; he became carnally minded and has been that way ever since. When we accept Jesus as Savior we bring to Him a mind controlled by the senses and filled with all of the ideas, biases, opinions, hurts, fears, and experiences of a time away from God. In our acceptance of Christ we become new creatures (2 Corinthians 5:17); God forgave our sins and imparted to us a new life. The one thing that God did not do however was to blot out our minds. After conversion, we have the same mind full of stuff - good and bad - that we had before we were converted. The difference however is the awareness that we are now children of God.

Some have asked: "Why didn't God reprogram our minds?" If we were programmed, worshipping God in Spirit and Truth would be purely automatic. It would not require us to use the power of choice to choose to be true worshippers, the kind the Father seeks to worship Him (John 4:24). Though God did not reprogram our minds at the time of conversion, He made provision for its renewing by the power of the Holy Spirit who would lead us into all truths (John 16:13-15). He would create the mind of Christ within us, and enable us to become that which God has made us in Christ Jesus. As children of God we begin to understand spiritual things - those things related to the will and purpose of God - because we are partakers of His divine nature. We now have the mind of Christ. Providing we submit to His leading in our lives, the Holy Spirit is more than capable, and willing, to help us in our resolve to "adopt" the mind of Christ in our life here on earth.

What does it mean to be transformed? The word "transform" in the Greek is "metamorphousthe", from which we get the English word "metamorphosis" which means the change of something from one form to another. For example, a worm/larvae passes through various stages to become a butterfly. Mind renewal is not a one-shot deal. Paul's use of the word "renewing" - present tense - suggests that it is an ongoing process, and something that the child of God have to undertake every single day. In Christ we are like the butterfly, but to grow in that new life we must be transformed by the renewing of our minds.

What is the state of your mind? Is it being renewed day by day?

"Mirror" Check!

As a part of our getting dressed routine, most people spend a bit of time in front of the mirror. Whether we are staying indoors all day or going out to face the world, we want to make sure we do the best with what we have been blessed with. The mirror allows us to see ourselves as we really are, and gives us opportunities to "fix" what needs fixing. For some of us the time spent in the mirror is determined by any number of factors, but as we are all conscious of what we look like, and how others see us, we primp and preen for as long as it takes; until we are satisfied that the "imperfections" have been taken care of.

As it is in the natural, so it should be in the spiritual. Every believer who desires to grow in Christ, and who desires to experience a deepening of his or her relationship with Him, must constantly check themselves in the mirror of the Word. In James 1:23-25 we read, "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed" (KJV). The true test of how well we are doing in our walk with Christ is not based on what others say about us, but on the what the Word reveals about who we are.

In his commentary on this portion of text, Bible Scholar Matthew Henry writes: "As a looking-glass shows us the spots and defilements upon our faces, that they may be remedied and washed off, so the word of God shows us our sins, that we may repent of them and get them pardoned; it shows us what is amiss, that it may be amended. There are glasses that will flatter people; but that which is truly the word of God is no flattering glass. If you flatter yourselves, it is your own fault; the truth, as it is in Jesus, flatters no man. Let the word of truth be carefully attended to, and it will set before you the corruption of your nature, the disorders of your hearts and lives; it will tell you plainly what you are."

As we go about our day to day preparations, let us remember to spend some time before the looking-glass of the Word. It will not flatter, "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12), but we can rest assured that if we look in it sincerely, what we see of ourselves - strengths and weaknesses - is exactly what is there. It is only then that we can ask for help and trust our Lord to help us in those areas that need "fixing". When was the last time you tried it?

Off at the Next "Exit"

It was another afternoon's commute just like all the others. Or so it started out. God, as He often does, uses things around us to teach spiritual lessons and today would be one of those days. The highway traffic was moving fairly well in what was a pleasant drive, and as I prepared for the exit ramps that would take me home, the lesson went off in my being. Exit ramps along every highway were absolutely important; without them we would end up in places we didn't intend, and if we were headed in the wrong direction, there would be no way to get off in order to find alternate ways to turn around.

In that moment I was reminded of Paul's encouragement to the Corinthians: "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it" (1 Corinthians 10:13, KJV). The word translated "temptation" means "solicitation to do evil", and presents the picture of the believer being solicited (courted, romanced, wooed) to go against God and the things of God by the Adversary. However, isn't it comforting to know that God, in His sovereignty, not only knew that as we navigated through this life there would be all kinds of solicitations along the way, but He lovingly and graciously made provisions along the way for us to escape?

As I meditated on this, it occurred to me that the "way to escape" was God's exit ramp. These are not ramps that like exits ramps on an airplane we hope not to use, but God places them there because He knows that despite our best effors to walk in His ways, from time to time we will need to use them. As believers we are not immune to the temptations "common to man"; we are just as prone to demonstrating the fruit of the flesh as we yield to the Adversary's romancing (see Galatians 5:19-21). Our Heavenly Father knows that we do not always avail ourselves of His sustaining grace, and so while our testings may be equal to our abilities to bear them, we often find ourselves headed in the wrong direction. His "exit ramps" assures us that we can escape before we give in, but if we do give in they also provide ways for us to get out so we can get turned around and headed back in the right direction.

We can only stand in awe of God's love and care. "Like as a father pitieth [H]is children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear [H]im. For [H]e knoweth our frame; [H]e remembereth that we are dust" (Psalm 103:13-14, KJV). Are you making use of your exit ramps, or are you speeding contentedly along in the wrong direction?

"Naked" Before Him

When was the last time you told God how you really felt? Not the last time you spoke to Him, but the last time you bared your soul and emotions? It seems every time someone is asked "How are you?", a "I am fine" or something similar is guaranteed. We have become very good at masking our feelings, our inner selves; not wanting anyone to know what is really going on with us. Unfortunately, we take that into our relationship with God as well. Sure we talk to Him at different times, but how many of those prayers were petitions for things on our laundry list of needs? If we didn't have physical and/or material needs we have to rely on Him to meet, would we still have a reason to talk to God?

Yet, even as we try to put our best selves on public display, in the quietness of our thoughts we are intimately acquainted with our fears, our anxieties, and all the things that perplexes our minds. We know who we really are, and in the event that we have "forgotten", so does God. There is nothing to be gained by hiding our innermost feelings from Him because there is nothing about us that surprises Him. For most of us, we are not always on top of the mountain spiritually or otherwise. Despite our best efforts the challenges of life not only wear on us, they also wear us down. We doubt ourselves, we doubt our faith, and if truth be know, we doubt God.

These thoughts came to mind as I read Jeremiah's, "But thou, O LORD, knowest me: thou hast seen me, and tried mine heart toward thee" (12:3, KJV). In context, these words are a part of his prayer to God as he questioned "Why do bad people have it so good? Why do con artists make it big?" (v.1, The Message), questions we ourselves may have pondered at different times, but we can borrow his words because of the timelessness of the truths espoused. So if there is nothing about us that God doesn't know, doesn't it make sense that the next time we talk to Him we tell it like it really is?

That is the kind of relationship He wants us to have with Him. David writes, "What you're after is truth from the inside out" (Psalm 51:6, The Message), and it really doesn't matter what that "truth" is. It will not frighten or intimidate God who invites us to come boldly into His presence and not be ashamed. The next time you prepare yourself for prayer, resolve to come clean and tell Him exactly how you feel. Not only can He handle it, but collectively it is only then that we will genuinely experience His peace standing guard over our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:6-7), and the fullness of joy that comes with being in His presence as He works all things together for our good and for His pleasure (Psalm 16:11; Romans 8:28; Philippians 2:13).

The Cross in the Middle

If you were in the audience at the time of Christ's crucifixion, what would you have thought of Jesus? Was He the son of Joseph the Carpenter, who lost His mind and thought He was the Son of God? A good man who was misguided by His religion? Was He was just another one of those self-proclaimed Messiah who thought they could deliver God's people from Roman servitude? Would you have thought, "Good riddance; enough of Him already!"? As you look at the man on the cross in the middle, crown of thorns on His head, fresh wound in His side from which blood and water flowed, and everyone waiting for Him to die, what would you have thought?

As Christians the world over celebrate Good Friday, we look back and wonder, "How could they not have known?" They had seen the miracles - the blind received their sight, the lame walked, the lepers were cleansed, the deaf heard, the dead raised (Luke 7:22). He taught in the synagogue like none other (Matthew 13:54), He turned water into wine (John 2:11), fed the multititude with five loaves and two fishes (Matthew 14:15-21), the evidence was there for all to see; the spiritual leaders would have read of Him in the Scriptures of the day. The man on that cross was not a criminal, a raving lunatic, or an emeny of the State. He was who He said He was - Jesus, the Son of God.

That was almost 2,000 years ago, yet the chant of "Give us Barabbas" still echoes across time. From as far back as the garden of Eden, whenever mankind is faced with the choice of God's way or the other way, we have taken the other way. The first time God expelled man from the garden; this time man tried to kill Him. Yet the cross remains an expression of God's love; the intersection where His love and justice meet, and a powerful reminder of the extreme steps that He has taken to reconcile mankind to Himself. That cross in the middle was ours. We should have been crucified, we should have suffered and died, we should have hung on the cross in disgrace, but Jesus, God's Son, took our place.

On that grim and fateful Friday afternoon, those standing there made their choice. Today, we have to make ours. What do you think of Jesus? What are you going to do with Him? Will you accept Him as Saviour and Lord, or crucify Him afresh?

"Don't Worry!"

Isn't it ironic that the majority of professing Christians trust God with their eternal security but have difficulty trusting Him with the details of everyday life? On the basis of John 3:16, they fully expect to spend eternity with Him yet seem unable to take hold of Philippians 4:6, "Don't worry about anything, but pray about everything" (CEV). Is it that God who created the universe, and everything in it, cannot handle the details of the here and now?

God cares about us and the things that impact our lives far more than we realize. Like a good and loving parent, His heart breaks as He watches His children wrestle with things that provoke doubt, fear, and rob us of peace of mind and heart as He waits for us to bring those concerns to Him. He did not intend for us to worry about how we are going to make it from one day to the next, but rather that we should cast those cares upon Him (1 Peter 5:7). Not some of it, but "all"; everything, nothing - not even what seem to be the most trivial - left out. For some of us, that is an extremely difficult thing to do because worry is like a worn out pair of shoes - we need to throw it out but it is most comfortable. Yet there is no ambiguity to Father's instructions; He says "Don't do it!" for "Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?" (Matthew 6:30, KJV).

If God takes care of the fowls of the air, He will take care of those who are His. This is the same God who so loved the world that He gave His Son Jesus that all who believe in Him might have life and have it more abundantly (John 3:16; 10:10). Surely, having demonstrated the extent of His love for His children, how can we doubt Him when He says "Dont worry"? Is there anything too hard for Him to handle? (Genesis 18:4).

Whatever it is that weighs heavily on your heart and mind, why not resolve to come boldly to the throne of grace and leave it there? "Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life" (Philippians 4:6-8, The Message).

Gifted For Service

When we thinking of ministry gifts in the church, we usually think of the "five fold" gifts of apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor and teacher (Ephesians 4:12). Most Christians would not readily claim any of those gifts, and quite rightly so, but that does not mean each believer has not been blessed with at least one spiritual gift that should be used for the glory of God. In his first letter to the Corinthians Paul reminds them, "God's various gifts are handed out everywhere; but they all originate in God's Spirit. Each person is given something to do that shows who God is: Everyone gets in on it, everyone benefits. All kinds of things are handed out by the Spirit, and to all kinds of people!" (12:4,7, The Message).

It is true that the gifts given to ministers and Christians in the early church were for the spreading of the gospel and the conviction of unbelievers, and what was true then is still true today. However, some of the gifts bestowed on some believers can be exercised in everyday life with people we meet. We can encourage someone who needs an encouraging word, help someone with a task that few would probably notice, be an organizer where those skills are needed, pray, intercede, and comfort. These are just some of the ways in which God's people can impact the spheres of influence we find ourselves in, if we take the time to look out for and recognize the opportunities that God has placed before us to represent Him. Maybe a young mother could use some help, your local food bank another volunteer, your child(ren)'s school another pair of hands in the lunch room, and your local church another helper; the opportunities are endless. As ambassadors of Christ, the only Jesus that some people will ever see is the one they see in us and the things we do.

God expects us to be productive (John 15:2), and for that we need to use our gifts. For some of us that gift may be underutilized, and in some others, dormant. Isn't it time to "stir up the gift of God which is in thee"? (2 Timothy 1:6, KJV). The appeal of Jesus was, "Behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest" (John 4:35), yet "the harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few" (Matthew 9:37). Every committed Christian has a responsibility to answer that call, and to become harvesters of souls for the kingdom of God.

There is an area of service for which you have been gifted, and which is waiting for you to step into. What has God gifted you to do?

Spending Time in God's Waiting Room

Wait. Some Christians would rather cut off an arm. In addition to words like "forgiveness", "patience", and "submission", the word "wait" has to be on the Christian's top ten list of most disliked words! Whether in the doctor's office, the supermarket line, or stuck in traffic, most of us are galled at the idea of waiting. Advances in technology have ensured that to a large degree, we are living in the age of the instant. We want things done and we want them done right now. Patience it seems is no longer a virtue, and in corporate circles the saying is that time is money. No one wants to wait.

Unfortunately, most Christians bring this "instant mindedness" to their spiritual life. While it is true that God can and often times do the instant miracles, the prevalence of certain teachings have blinded some to the sovereignty of God; His right to do as He pleases, when He pleases, and with whomever He pleases. The Scriptures are filled with accounts of godly men who spent very long periods in God's waiting room. For example, who can argue with Abraham's faithfulness, yet he who was a friend of God spent 25 years waiting for the promise of a son. Joseph endured 13 years of trials, tribulations, and jail before realizing the fruition of what God had ordained for him. Moses waited 40 years in the wilderness. David, a man after God's own heart, waited 15 years to become king. It is true that these men were not always poster boys for lessons in unwavering patience, but no matter how many times they wavered, they always found their way back into God's waiting room where they waited patiently for Him.

In many of the places we are required to wait, we have the option of leaving. We can go to another store, another doctor's office, and so on, but with God there is no other God or gods to go to (Isaiah 45:5; 14). When we need for Him to do what He is the only one capable of doing, we have no viable option but to wait.

In Psalm 37 David encourages believers to, "Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him" (v.7), but not before setting the groundwork for this trust. "Fret not thyself" (v.1), "Trust in the LORD" (v.3), "Delight thyself also in the LORD" (v.4), and "Commit they ways unto the LORD" (v.5). Until we have done those preliminary steps, and until we come to truly accept God sovereignty in and over our lives, waiting upon Him can become a long and frustrating experience.

But there is good news. Jesus said unto Mary, "If thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God" (John 11:40). The same truth applies if we "wouldest" wait. Waiting is not easy, especially when it seems like nothing is happening, but He promises that "they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint" (Isaiah 40:31). If He says it, or promises it, we can believe it; no matter how long it takes. He is that kind of God.

Always On Time

When Jesus received news of Lazarus' illness, John was careful to note that "Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus, but oddly, when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed on where he was for two more days" (11:5-6, The Message). Finally declaring Lazarus to be dead, He then proceeded with His disciples to Bethany "only a couple of miles away" - exactly fifteen furlongs (v.18, KJV) or approximately two miles - but somehow by the time Jesus got there, Lazarus had already been buried for four days! Jesus' delay seem orchestrated for a reason. Earlier He had said, "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby" (v.4), and again when Martha pointed out why the stone could not be moved from the grave, He reminded her, "Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?" (v.40).

Obviously, Jesus' delay was deliberate, as was John's emphasis on the four days Lazarus was dead, but why was this significant? Back in the day the rabbis taught that resurrection of the dead was only possible within the first three days after death, and it was only the Messiah that could resurrect anyone that had been dead longer. Lazarus' resurrection was for the glory of God and the glorification of the Son, and so as Jesus called he who was dead by name and he came forth from the grave, it would affirm what Martha had confessed of Him,"thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world" (v.27).

During the course of His friend's illness and subsequent death, for those looking on, Jesus was detached. Some even protested, "Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?" (v.37). Little did they know that God had something greater in mind, and for the most part, we are much like them. We look at our individual circumstances and feel that God has fallen asleep on us, or has lost our address, yet nothing could be further from the truth. In every situation He is in control, and if we believe, despite the evidence, we too shall see the glory of God. It is important to understand however, that all of this happens in God's time. His timing and purposes will not be hindered by our wishes for the immediate. The resurrection of Lazarus would do far more to advance the purposes of God, and the glorification of both the Father and the Son than his healing could.

Be encouraged; nothing is over until God through Christ says it's over. Equally important, He is never late. What we consider late, dead and buried is His playground, and it is in those situations that His glory is best displayed. Lest we forget, everything is all for His glory. Do you have the faith to trust Him?

Alive & Stinking No More

When Jesus stood before Lazarus' tomb and asked for the stone to be removed, we can only imagine how shocked the crowd must have been. For sure Jesus had lost it, and just in case He was overtaken with grief and had some momentary lapse, Lazarus' sister Martha was quick to reminded him, "Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days" (John 11:39, KJV). Ah, the stench. Martha's claim was legitimate because after 4 days in the grave, the body was in a state of decomposition and its smell would have been very foul. However, that did not stop Jesus who was intent on demonstrating the glory of God (v.40). We know how the narrative ended. They rolled the stone away, Jesus called Lazarus by name, and "he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go" (v.44).

There must have been a wave of emotion on the part of those watching; shock, bewilderment, tears, laughter, and possible relief. But nowhere in the narrative was concern about the smell mentioned again. In the presence of Jesus, and the resurrected Lazarus, it was a non-issue. A stinking smell was representative of something that was dead; Lazarus was alive! The power and glory of God was revealed.

In this story is a snapshot of ourselves. Dead in sin, and stink to the core, God was nevertheless determined to bring us back to spiritual life. Jesus, sent by the Father, came to sin stained earth, not as a spectator, but that through His obedience we "might have life and have it more abundantly" (John 10:10b). He ignored the stench, called us by name, and God “who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us … quickened us together with Christ, ... raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:4-7).

Alive and stench-free! God called us out of our stink and funk to sit in heavenly places with Him. That's more than enough for me to shout and rejoice over. How about you? I believe today is as good a time as any to give God some praise.

Persistent Prayer

Imagine the scene. Hannah, one of the two wives of Elkanah, troubled and provoked by Peninnah, the other wife, because she was childless, praying fervently in the temple at the annual feast of the tabernacle. The narrative tells us that Peninnah "provoked her grievously, in order to make her tremble" (1 Samuel 1:6,MKJV), so much so that Hannah wept and did not eat (v.7). The intensity of her emotions were of such that "she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed to Jehovah, and wept sorely" (v.10). Despite her state, we read that she "spoke in her heart, only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard" (v.13). Hers was not just a prayer, but one of supplication with motion, tears, and passion. Because all of this was taking place after everyone had eaten and drank, it is no wonder that Eli, the priest, thought she was drunk.

We know of course that she wasn't. In those days a woman's ability to have children was seen as her being favored of God, and because of the stigma of childlessness, Peninnah, who had borne Elkanah children, would provoke Hannah every year around this time (v.7). Elkanah did his best to show his love and devotion, but the ache in her heart could not be satisfied by his words. She had one need, a son, and the only person who could fill that need was Jehovah Sabaoth, the Lord of hosts. The tabernacle was the place that housed His presence among the nation of Israel, and what better place to make supplication. When Eli reprimanded her for being drunk, she replied, "No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit. I have neither drunk wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before Jehovah. Do not count your handmaid for a daughter of wickedness, for out of the abundance of my meditation and grief I have spoken until now" (vv. 15-16).

There are many wonderful lessons in this narrative, but for our purposes we take note of Hannah's diligence in petitioning the Lord with her need. It is not enough that we become frustrated that our prayers are not answered after the first, second, third, or whatever number of times. While we do not know for how many years Hannah prayed, we know that on this particular occasion, her diligence and devotion bore fruit. After the family returned home, "Elkanah knew Hannah his wife, and Jehovah remembered her. And it happened when the time had come around, Hannah conceived and bore a son and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of Jehovah" (vv.19b-20).

Jesus taught that we should be persistent in prayer (Luke 18:1-8). Paul encourages us to pray "always with all prayer and supplication" (Ephesians 6:18), and again in Philippians 4:6, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." Our God still answers prayers. He may not respond on the first, second, or third call, but in due season, we will have whatever it is that we pray for that is in accordance with His will. Be encouraged. Jehovah "remembered" Hannah; He will "remember" you.

He's Still on the Throne

In Isaiah 6, we read the wonderful narrative of Isaiah's vision and commissioning. In this vision, he had a glimpse of the wonders of heaven - angels crying "Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory" (v.3) as they flew with covered faces around the throne of God. On this throne was the Lord, high and lifted up, and His train filled the temple, a sight so majestic that Isaiah wrote, "And the posts of the door moved at the voice of [H]im that cried, and the house was filled with smoke. Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts" (vv.4-5, KJV).

As I reflected on this portion of text, the profound truth of the first verse, and the implications for us as believers, came alive in my being. Isaiah's vision began with him seeing the Lord sitting upon a throne. The theology in this text is far greater than we need for our purposes, but what we can take way is the fact that the throne in heaven has not been abdicated, a word defined as to "give up, such as power, as of monarchs and emperors, or duties and obligations." Not only was the Lord sitting on his throne, but He was high and lifted up. The Apostle Paul spoke of this exaltation of Christ was he wrote that not only had God raised Him from the dead, but He "set [H]im at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under [H]is feet" (Ephesians 1:20b-22a).

Amidst the tough economic times, and the different challenges we all have to deal with, it is reassuring to know that the Lord is still on the throne. He has not abdicated, and despite Satan's best efforts, He has not been overthrown; nobody else but our Lord sits there. Yes, at times it seems like things are out of control, and the enemy of our souls would have us believe that God is unable to do anything about what is going on. Yet we can take comfort in knowing that our Lord is high above all else, His eyes is still watching over us, He sees our struggles, our tears, our fears, and He knows our pain. There is never a moment that we are out of His sight, there is never a time when we are without His love.

The writer of the book of Hebrews reminds us, "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" (4:15-16). The next time you approach the throne, isn't it reassuring to know that it is not empty?

Following Jesus

It is hard for Christians in Western countries to really appreciate the level of self-denial required of true disciples of Christ. We live in a society where emphasis is on the self and individual rights, a message so ingrained in our psyche that though we sing "All to Jesus I Surrender", some of us really have no intention of surrendering control of our lives, and all that pertains to us, to Him. We admire those who take charge of their lives, make the decisive decisions that needs to be made, and who are successful as a result of their efforts.

Yet in the kingdom of God things work in the opposite way. Jesus told His disciples, "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat; I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for?" (Matthew 16:24-26, The Message). In other words, the principles that work in our society have no place in God's scheme of things because once we accept Jesus as Lord, our lives are no longer our own (1 Corinthians 6:19), and we are subject to a different set of principles. In commenting on this portion of text, Bible Commentator Adam Clarke noted the principles of the Christian life Jesus put forth: 1) Having a sincere desire to belong to Him; 2) A renouncing of self-dependence and selfish pursuits; 3) To embrace conditions (troubles and difficulties) God has appointed for us to meet in walking the Christian road; and 4) To imitate Christ and do and suffer all in His Spirit.

No one could accuse Jesus of sugar-coating the cost of discipleship, but the disciples were not to be denied; they stood their ground. It was the same conviction with which Paul wrote, "Yes, all the things I once thought were so important are gone from my life. Compared to the high privilege of knowing Christ Jesus as my Master, firsthand, everything I once thought I had going for me is insignificant--dog dung. I've dumped it all in the trash so that I could embrace Christ and be embraced by him. I didn't want some petty, inferior brand of righteousness that comes from keeping a list of rules when I could get the robust kind that comes from trusting Christ--God's righteousness. I gave up all that inferior stuff so I could know Christ personally, experience his resurrection power, be a partner in his suffering, and go all the way with him to death itself" (Philippians 3:8-10).

As it was with the first century believers, so it is with us today. We are called to surrender our lives, our goals, our aspirations, all that we hold dear, to the cause of Christ. He has to lead, He has to be in control, for our union with Him to be effective. How much of you, and everything to do with you, are you still in control of?

Marvin Sapp's "Thirsty" & "You Are God Alone"

The first time I heard "Thirsty", I cried. Every time I hear it, my heart breaks. It so reflects my heart's cry, and a longing that Christ alone can satisfy. I pray it blesses you as much as it has blessed, and continue to bless, me.



I also enjoy his "You Are God Alone". Our God is God all by Himself, and that is just AWESOME! Be blessed...

"What Doth The Lord Require of Thee?"

For most people, the nature of prayer is of such that it inevitably includes a "shopping list" of requests for God to tend to. We are acutely aware of His ability to meet our every need, and though we are taught that the elements of prayer are Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication (ACTS), the last element is usually the dominant theme. We all know what it is that we require from the Lord, but very few seem to know what He requires of us.

It is not unusual for Christians to misunderstand the nature of God and what He requires. We engage in various activities "working for the Lord", and if we're not careful, we risk believing that our service is good enough. Yet as satisfying as it is to be engaged in the things of God, despite the things we offer as "proof" of His working in our lives, and despite our tithes and offerings, these are not at the core of the heart of God's expectations of His people. In Micah 6 we read of God's response to another of Israel's efforts to be reconciled to Him. As a people they asked, "Wherewith shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? (vv.6-7, KJV). Here we see they were prepared to do just about anything, but none of what they thought reflected the mind of God for in the next verse we read, "He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" (v.8).

As noble as the people's request seemed, they knew what was required for God has told already told them what was good (Deut. 10:12-13). As it was with them, so it is with us; God is not looking for things. Albert Barnes stated, "God seeketh not thine, but thee; not thy substance, but thy spirit; not ram or goat, but thy heart.” : “Thou askest, what thou shouldest offer for thee? Other thyself. For what else doth the Lord seek of thee, but thee? Because, of all earthly creatures, He hath made nothing better than thee, He seeketh thyself from thyself, because thou hadst lost thyself.”

Matthew Henry wrote, "We must, in the whole course of our conversation, conform ourselves to the will of God, keep up our communion with God, and study to approve ourselves to him in our integrity; and this we must do humbly (submitting our understandings to the truths of God and our will to his precepts and providences); we must humble ourselves to walk with God (so the margin reads it); every thought within us must be brought down, to be brought into obedience to God, if we would walk comfortably with him. This is that which God requires, and without which the most costly services are vain [offerings]."

The next time you approach the throne of grace with your list, it is worth considering how you are doing with His list: to do justly (give to all their due), and to love mercy (do what mercy, kindness, benevolence, and charity require), and to walk humbly with thy God (acknowledge thy iniquity, and submit to be saved by his free mercy).