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?
Friday, July 31, 2009
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.
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!
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!
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
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?
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"?
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"?
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