Narrow Viewpoints

“Jesus said, “You’re tied down to the mundane; I’m in touch with what is beyond your horizons. You live in terms of what you see and touch. I’m living on other terms. I told you that you were missing God in all this. You’re at a dead end. (John 8:23-24 MSG)

I have driven down country roads for miles, expecting that they will eventually connect to a main road, only to find myself at dead ends staring at a cattle fence. Similarly, when I attempt to live on my own terms--outside of God’s influence and grace, I am merely driving towards a dead end--no matter how promising or scenic the road may seem.

“My judgment would be true because I wouldn’t make it out of the narrowness of my experience but in the largeness of the One who sent me, the Father.” (John 8:14-18 MSG)

My thoughts, writing, and actions are mostly based on my narrow experiences. Occasionally, my viewpoint may be broadened through something I read or hear. Yet, it is always limited to a human perspective. I am tied down by the mundane, the earthly, the day-to-day problems. I can sense very little beyond my limited field of experience. I base my life on the tangible--on what I can grasp and understand. I fail to account for God, because He is immeasurable and incomprehensible. I drive down paths that seem good to me, away from God’s influence. No wonder I keep hitting dead ends!

Lord, help me to see things from Your divine perspective, operate from Your largeness, and live on Your terms.

Generations of Goodness

“And these children will honor me by living holy lives. In holy worship they’ll honor the Holy One of Jacob  and stand in holy awe of the God of Israel. Those who got off-track will get back on-track,  and complainers and whiners learn gratitude.” (Isaiah 29:23-24 MSG)

It is easy for older people, like me, to feel discouraged about the upcoming generation. The proliferation of social media seems to have paved the way for a culture of self-absorption and self-promotion. However, I recently met a young woman who makes me feel hopeful. This young lady has a Youtube channel dedicated to old, obscure hymns. I was amazed by the purity of her work. She doesn’t show her face or use her name. Her site has no frills, no flourishes, and no gimmicks. She simply sings while strumming on her acoustic guitar. Her voice is melodic and authentic, yet somehow she manages to keep the spotlight on God without calling attention to herself or her talent. She seems determined to glorify and honor God and only God.

I pray that every one of us, no matter our age, can live holy lives filled with worship and reverence. Absorbed in worldliness, we may fall off-track. Yet, God promises us that He will lead us back on track--away from our natural tendency to complain and gripe, away from our feelings of entitlement, away from worry and negativity. Instead, we shall all learn to honor God with gratitude and trust. Fortunately, God’s promises cover every generation--whether we are Baby Boomers, Millennials, or Generations X, Y, or Z.

Willpower

“Anyone who wants to do the will of God ...” (John 7:17 NLT)

Do you lack willpower? Do you make resolutions to exercise, eat better, pay off debts, be more organized, spend more time with loved ones, and live mindfully--but fail to follow through?

I have noticed that most of us have a certain amount of ‘selective willpower’--we can summon the strength to accomplish our goals when we really want something. This leads me to the following conclusion:

Willpower= Desire + Determination + Discipline

Do you really WANT to do the will of God, or would you rather pursue other interests?

When God becomes our first priority and our ultimate goal, then we are willing to do whatever it takes and give up everything else in order to draw close to Him. When we desire to align our lives to God’s will, His Spirit works in us, training us to develop the necessary perseverance and self-discipline to press on.

My goal is God Himself, not joy, nor peace,

Nor even blessing, but Himself, my God;

'Tis His to lead me there—not mine, but His—

At any cost, dear Lord, by any road.(Lyrics from old Hymn)

Reasons for Living

“I live because of the living Father who sent me; in the same way, anyone who feeds on me will live because of me. I am the true bread...” (John 6:57--58 NLT)

I live because of_______

What or who has brought you to this point in your life?  Was it your hard work, good looks, wonderful talents, superior intellect, excellent choices, or awesome connections?

I live for________

If you had to give a reason for living, what would it be? Do you live for: the weekend, football, applause, your job, your children, or yourself? Or, maybe you don’t like to think beyond today. Maybe you are just focused on survival--getting your immediate wants and needs met. Do you mindlessly ingest whatever is available, whether it is nourishing or harmful? Whatever your reasons for living, are they worthwhile? Do they bring sustainable contentment or mere temporary satisfaction?

We are who we are because of Grace. Jesus is the only nourishment that fulfills and satisfies. Jesus is sustaining, while everything else is mere filler. Thus, the Lord is the cause and reason for our lives.

Lord, may we absorb you fully, so that you become the reason for our existence.

Courses in Suffering

“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” (1 Peter 5:10 ESV)

In order to get a college degree, there are certain courses one must take. Wouldn’t it be nice to bypass the difficult courses and just take the interesting ones? I have always wondered if suffering is a mandatory prerequisite to a life of faith. Although I pray constantly for the gift of faith--for myself and my loved ones--I do not want anyone to suffer.

“Suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope...” (Romans 5:3-4 ESV)

Suffering can lead to perseverance, patience, trust, and faith--but not for everyone. Some students go through a difficult class, study just enough to pass the test--and then promptly forget the material as soon as the course is over. Good students retain the lessons--otherwise, much of the energy they expended during the class would be wasted. Similarly, some of us go through suffering, but fail to grow and learn from it--and the lessons from pain are wasted. We dismiss what we learned as irrelevant for the future and are eager to forget the unpleasantness.

Yet, the lessons we learn during trials can draw us closer to God, if we allow it. And, when we ingest and digest these lessons--the God of all grace will complete His plans--restoring, supporting, strengthening--until we are put together according to His purpose.

Why Seek God?

“Jesus answered, ‘You’ve come looking for me not because you saw God in my actions but because I fed you, filled your stomachs--and for free.” (John  6:26 MSG)

Why do we seek Jesus? Are we motivated by our desire to access God’s power--so that our needs are met, our life is smoother, and our efforts are successful?  Are we wishing that our loved ones would also be influenced by God, so that they too may have trouble-free lives? Or, do we search for Jesus because we want to be near Him, to have an intimate relationship with Him?

Personally, I want to draw close to God for multiple reasons. I am convinced that moments with God are better than moments without Him. When I  am connected to God, my problems don’t go away; however, I feel that I can handle things better. I am less afraid. I draw strength from His presence. I know I am cared for and supported. I am better able to discern between good and evil. Even in the midst of pain, I experience flashes of hope. The darkness is not as dark. I feel reassured that there is meaning and purpose in everything--even suffering. I am not alone. I sense God’s love.

God of grace, I ask that we may all recognize You and draw closer to You.

Resisting Temptation

“That evening Jesus’ disciples went down to the shore to wait for him. But as darkness fell and Jesus still hadn’t come back, they got into the boat and headed across the lake toward Capernaum. Soon a gale swept down upon them, and the sea grew very rough. They had rowed three or four miles when suddenly they saw Jesus walking on the water toward the boat. They were terrified, but he called out to them, “Don’t be afraid. I am here!” Then they were eager to let him in the boat, and immediately they arrived at their destination!” (John 6:16-20 NLT)

Jesus and His disciples had gone across the Sea of Galilee, away from civilization. Now it was evening, and Jesus had slipped away to pray, and the disciples were eager to get back to the familiar town of Capernaum. Jesus wasn’t back yet, so the disciples went ahead and started without him.

When you are in the unknown wilderness, away from all that is familiar--it is tempting to take steps on your own, to start without Jesus and head back to conventional worldly values. Don’t!

When you are in the midst of a storm at sea and have very little control over anything--it is tempting to worry.  Don’t!

When you are faced with impossible situations and cannot recognize Jesus approaching, it is tempting to give in to fear. Don’t!

Don’t succumb to the temptation to figure things out on your own. Whatever your situation, wait for God. Don’t be afraid. Jesus is near. And once you take him on board, you will be where you need to be.

Stretching Faith

“When Jesus looked out and saw that a large crowd had arrived, he said to Philip, ‘Where can we buy bread to feed these people?’ He said this to stretch Philip’s faith. He already knew what he was going to do.” (John 6:5-6 MSG)

I have difficulty reaching things on the top of my kitchen cupboards. I have to stand on tiptoe and stretch as much as possible to get a box of cereal from the top shelf. It is frustrating when there is a gap between my height and what I want.

My faith often falls short, too. When there is a disparity between my wants and my faith, I struggle. Yet, without these deficiencies, my faith would not  stretch and grow.

God sees our insufficiencies and our shortcomings. He already has a plan on for what He is going to do. Yet, He waits to implement his plan so that our faith may expand. As we stretch, our understanding widens, our confidence strengthens, and our trust deepens. Our deficiencies can make us look higher, reach beyond our own ability, and bring us closer to God.

Go Where God Points

“Even then, my work didn’t amount to all that much. It was God giving me the work to do, God giving me the energy to do it.”  (1 Corinthians 15:10 MSG)

My golden retriever would not make a good hunting dog. She has neither the training, nor the disposition. She chases whatever is in front of her, whether it is a rabbit, a squirrel, a frog, or a bird. She is strong-willed and intelligent. She will follow directions--but only when she thinks it might benefit her in some way.

Good bird-hunting dogs are tuned in to their masters. These dogs are trained to be disciplined and obedient. They do not get distracted easily. Hunting dogs must have a ‘soft mouth’--the ability to hold something in their mouth with a light grip. They must be able to retrieve what their master wants--without consuming it--without damaging it.

I would like to develop the traits of a good hunting dog. I want to go where God points. I want to do what He commands.  

In order to know where God is pointing, I have to keep my eyes focused on Him. I have to listen for directions. I have to be disciplined enough to wait for the proper timing. I can’t chase after other interesting things that pass before me. I have to stay tuned-in, alert, ready. And when the time comes, I have to be willing to run into the unknown and do what I am supposed to do--not for my benefit, but because it’s God’s will.

I want to focus every resource that God has granted me today--time, energy, abilities, mental faculties, opportunities, health, wealth, freedom, security, experiences, pain, disappointments, relationships, technology--to accomplish God’s purpose. I have to be careful not to consume any of these resources for my own benefit. I have to hold them with a light grip, remembering that my duty is to lay everything softly at my Master’s feet.

Mutant Powers

Each of you as a good manager must use the gift that God has given you to serve others. (1 Peter 4:10 GWT)

What are the differences between a superhero and a villain? Both are usually weird in some way--often due to a mutation of some sort. This uniqueness gives them certain strengths that are different from the crowd. While the superhero uses his powers to serve others, the villain uses his to serve his own agenda.

It takes us a while to figure out that our weirdness is our superpower. It takes even longer to learn to direct our uniqueness in productive ways. For years we moan over our atypicalness, trying to hide it under uniforms of normalcy. In rare moments we may have allowed ourselves to express our individuality, but we fumbled and failed to regulate our powers conscientiously. Some of us may finally learn how to manage our distinctive qualities and use them for the good of humanity rather than for self-serving ambitions. This is why we were given specific gifts and circumstances--so that we may gain different perspectives and adapt our mutations into useful talents that fulfill God’s purposes.

With your very own hands you formed me; now breathe your wisdom over me so I can understand you. (Psalm 119:73 MSG)

Layers of Confirmation

“I carry out the will of the one who sent me, not my own will.”  (John 5:30 NLT)

Two days ago, I suddenly felt convicted about a habit that I have. The next morning, I woke up with the thought that I need to quit this habit. For the last two days, I have been receiving layers of confirmation about this conviction. This rarely happens to me. I have asked and prayed for confirmation about my plans before, but I seldom feel this sense of affirmation.  This  time, I didn’t even initiate the thought; it just seemed to come out of nowhere. Usually, I have a goal in mind, and I ask God to pave my way and remove any obstacles. This time, God superimposed His will on my conscious.

I’m sharing this personal experience for two reasons. First, writing it down helps me to remember it. Even though I feel the weight of this impression right now, it might fade in a few days. Secondly, I’m sure that God convicts all of us regularly, but most of us just fail to notice. We can get so wrapped up in our own desires that we fail to clear space for God’s purposes. We all need to quit this habit.

“Think straight. Awaken to the holiness of life...Ignorance of God is a luxury you can’t afford in times like these. Aren’t you embarrassed that you’ve let this kind of thing go on as long as you have?” ( 1 Corinthians 5:34 MSG)

Layers of Grace

“For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” (John 1:16 ESV)

What is Grace?

Grace comes from the Greek word Charis. We use it to describe people and things with beauty, elegance, and charm. The word is commonly used to describe prayers of gratitude before meals. In the New Testament, grace is equated with God’s favor, blessing, divine influence, anointing, mercy, and forgiveness. Through grace, God freely extends Himself--reaching out into human lives to give of Himself.

God endows us with layer upon layer of grace. Like a multi-tiered cake, we are covered with God’s love, overlaid with mercy, coated with blessing, and frosted with kindness. The Spirit hovers attentively over us--continually influencing us toward goodness, strengthening our resolve, and infusing us with wisdom. We cannot earn grace; we just have to be receptive. As long as we stay close, we are able to accept His gifts, His anointing, His ministrations. From God’s abundant supply, we are layered with grace upon grace.

The Higher Road

(continued from the last post)

Jesus continues his conversation with the Samaritan woman:

“He said to her, “Go, call your husband and come here.” The woman answered and said, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You have correctly said, ‘I have no husband’; for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; this you have said truly.” (John 4:17-18 NIV)

Why did Jesus bring up her marriages in between this spiritual discussion?

As long as we inattentively plod through life, we stay bogged down in our own preoccupations and perspectives. In order to see clearly, we need to take a higher road.  Once we are able to acknowledge our faults, we can use them as footholds to climb higher. We have to see our iniquities clearly before we can accept God.

Then Jesus told her, “I AM the Messiah!” (John 4:26 NLT)

Jesus prompts us to face the truth about ourselves before he reveals the truth about Himself.

Sustainable Resources

“Jesus answered and said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again; but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.” (John 4:13-14 NIV)

When Jesus speaks to us, how do we respond? Are we like the Samaritan woman at the well described in John, chapter 4? Do we question his motives? Are we skeptical about his assurances?

My parents live in India. A few feet from their home, they have an old-fashioned water well with a pulley and a bucket. They also have a motor attached to this well that pumps water for their household needs. When I visit them, one of my favorite activities is to draw water from this well. Maybe it is the novelty of it; maybe I like the idea of being able to take care of our water needs even if the electricity goes off. My parents have a neighbor woman who comes to draw water from their well. Her own well runs dry frequently, so she walks over with a few empty buckets, draws water manually from my parents’ well, and carries it back to her house. Understandably, she is not as enamored by this activity as I am.

Every day, we struggle to keep up, to have enough. Jesus offers sustainable living, yet we are reluctant to stop striving. Some of us like to hang on to the idea that we can take care of ourselves. Others, who have experienced numerous disappointments, are afraid to put their trust in anyone or anything else. Thus, we are hesitant to accept what God is offering: perpetual sustenance, enduring satisfaction, lasting peace.

Lord, help us to realize that we cannot sustain ourselves or our loved ones through our striving. May we trust you and rely on you completely.

(continued in the next post)

Stay Tuned

(continued from last post)

“That is why the Holy Spirit says, "Today when you hear his voice, don't harden your hearts...” (Hebrews 3:7-8 NLT)

Yesterday, after reading the above verse, I stayed alert. I didn’t get any mind-blowing insights. A few times, I felt an internal sense that I should not speak but just listen for that moment. I have a habit of talking too much and directing conversations. I also feel the need to fix problems right away. Yesterday, I felt the nudge to allow others to process their situations at their own pace. Although this felt unnatural and uncomfortable, I listened and obeyed.

Today might be one of those days that God speaks to you, nudging you from your everyday, comfortable roles to a more specifically-directed purpose. Don’t ignore these gentle intuitions that are placed in your heart. Don’t fill your life to the brim with busyness. Don’t be so distracted that you can’t hear Him. Stay tuned-in. Expect to hear from God.

Stone Jars

“Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing.” (John 2:6 NIV)

The miracle where Jesus turns water into wine is familiar to most Christians. Since there are so many interesting elements to this story, we hardly notice the role of the stone jars. These empty vessels, which were usually used for ceremonies, were supposedly fulfilling their God-ordained purpose. For years, they merely played their ritual roles. But Jesus had a higher purpose for them--beyond what society expected--beyond going through the motions--beyond ritualism. Jesus changed what was inside them, while outwardly they looked the same as always. They got to participate in a miracle that glorified God.

Many of us are like these stone vessels. We may go through several decades fulfilling our ceremonial roles. We may be hard workers, devoted spouses, good parents, loyal friends, regular church attendees, and community volunteers. Then, one day, Jesus uses us for His divine purpose. All that is required of us is to be empty and receptive. He repurposes us from our ritualistic roles into our God-ordained roles.

(continued in next post)

Decorating the stone

“I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.” (Michelangelo)

Michelangelo was a famous Renaissance artist. His best known works are the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and the sculpture of David. According to Michelangelo, a good sculptor sees the figure inside the stone and chips away the extraneous parts.

What if our true selves were hidden beneath several superficial layers?  Who or what would carve out the excess? Would the process be painful?

Most of us attempt to mold ourselves and others around us to fit our vision. We lose weight, we sculpt our bodies through exercise, we change our make-up and hair, and make over our images to conform to current cultural trends. We pursue worldly success, accumulate wealth, and seek external validation.  Instead of chipping away at the superfluous, we merely decorate the stone.

“But whoever did want him, who believed He was who He claimed  and would do what He said, He made to be their true selves, their child-of-God selves. (John 1:9-13 MSG)

Our true self is hidden underneath all the worldly excess. Since we are children of God, our true nature resembles the Divine. God, the master sculptor, chips away the superfluous, until our true selves are revealed.

Freaking Out

“When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (Mark 4:39-40 NLT)

Here is my version of this story:

I am facing some challenges. The circumstances are stormy and unpredictable. Life seems like a boat that is about to capsize any moment. I am agitated, and Jesus seems to be asleep at the stern. I call out for help. He seems unconcerned that I am about to drown.

When he finally wakes up, He responds with the following question: Why are you freaking out? Don’t you trust ME? Do you not have confidence in ME?

My response: That is a totally unfair question! I have faith in You, Jesus--BUT, maybe you could respond a bit quicker? I do have confidence in Your abilities, but sometimes I’m not so sure of Your plans. Plus, I don’t trust humanity. You gave us ‘free will’--which leaves a lot of room for everyone to mess up.

Then, I realize that Jesus can influence nature--both external and internal. If He can alter the wind, rain, and the waves--He can also change individuals. He is the Redeemer--and no person or situation is unredeemable. Thus, I need to quit freaking out. Instead, I have to remain confident in Jesus. Even if my life is overturned, God can use that for His purposes.  And I have to learn to be okay with that.

Spiritual Fitness Coach

“Don’t grieve God. Don’t break his heart. His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for himself. Don’t take such a gift for granted.” (Ephesians 4:30 MSG)

I try to run daily. I wish I had a coach--a friend who would run beside me--encouraging me, supporting me, motivating me to run a bit harder, reminding me to stretch, to hydrate, and to stay free of injuries.

I like to think of the Holy Spirit as my Spiritual Fitness Coach--a constant friend--always helpful, inspiring, and spurring me closer to the goal. A coach who would motivate me to be disciplined and train my spirit daily. The Holy Spirit’s goal is to make me fit for God’s purposes. He moves and breathes with me, instructing my spirit every moment. I don’t want to disappoint my coach, so I try to show up daily and give Him my all. Anything less would be disrespectful. I have accepted my coach’s goal as my own. I trust Him. I am grateful for His constancy. I don’t ever want to take the Holy Spirit for granted.

Staying Committed

“Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you.” (Psalm 37:5 NLT)

Commitment involves giving yourself over to a person, cause, or task. It requires discipline, trust, and submission. When we commit ourselves to a job, a relationship, or even a hobby--we have to relinquish a certain amount of control. We give up other opportunities and other relationships, as well as time and energy for other pursuits. We hesitate to make long-term commitments, because we aren’t sure how passionate we will feel about anything in the future.

Some people have difficulty making commitments; others have trouble keeping them. Staying committed, after the novelty and excitement have waned, requires more dedication and discipline than many of us can muster. Or, if you are overcommitted with too many responsibilities, you may not be able to follow through on all of them. No wonder we are plagued with commitment issues!

The solution is to make only ONE primary commitment. Hand yourself and everything you care about to God.  Entrust everything to Him. He will help you. Listen for directions and follow Him. Acknowledge that God is in charge. Invest all your energy into staying faithful and devoted to His cause. Trust God to point out any secondary commitments you may need to make. Rely on Him to give you the supernatural strength that is needed to maintain these commitments.

“Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;   he’s the one who will keep you on track.” (Proverbs 3:6 MSG)

The Critic

“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging.” (Matthew 7:-1-2 MSG)

What is the difference between discernment and judgmentalism? Discernment allows us to recognize truth; judgmentalism allows us to criticize others and feel superior. A discerning spirit is able to distinguish between good and evil, right and wrong. A critical spirit hones in on what is wrong in every person and in every situation. Discernment and judgmentalism are so closely related that both characteristics are often present in the same individuals.  

Unfortunately, I am one of these individuals. For every spoonful of discernment, I have pots full of judgmentalism. As I get older, I have learned to conceal my criticisms; however, I am still thinking these thoughts, whether I express them or not. And my critical spirit has boomeranged. I have become quite self-critical. As I judge others for their faults, I sense my own deficiencies.

I now recognize that we are all a big mess--just in different ways. We are like those animals that are covered in black sludge after an oil spill. Some can no longer fly; some can no longer swim; some can no longer grow. None can clean themselves or their environment. They need external help.

Similarly, humanity cannot clean itself up. Grace is the only effective solution to this mess. Grace dissolves our iniquities. Grace heals the critical spirit. Grace neutralizes sin.

Avalanche of Trouble

“When I am overwhelmed, You alone know the way I should turn.” (Psalm 143:3 NLT)

When was the last time you felt overwhelmed? Did you feel like you were buried in an avalanche of trouble? We all have different coping mechanisms when our life spins out of control. Some of us try to numb the pain with alcohol or drugs; others try to distract themselves with shopping, gambling, promiscuity, or other risky behavior. These choices merely pile on more misery.

When we are overwhelmed by an avalanche of adversity, our first instinct is to try to dig ourselves out.  Soon we realize that we are in over our heads.  At this point, it is tempting to succumb to despondency and give up. Yet, this can also be our turning point, for powerlessness allows us to surrender to God.

Lord, I am overwhelmed; I have no energy left; I don’t know what to do. Please take over. Show me what to do and grant me the strength and wisdom to do it.

1000th Post

This is the 1000th Post on this blog. I started publishing my daily musings on January 2012. I didn't expect that it would continue for so long.

I want to use this post to express my gratitude.

I thank God for continually enabling me to write. I thank all the regular readers, especially those who send me feedback. I thank my Sis and my friend Teri who convinced me to start this blog despite my hesitation to make my personal life more public. I thank my husband, who provides for our family, supports my writing, reads every post, listens to me as I process my thoughts, and puts up with me being unavailable for several hours each day. 

Finally, I have to thank my good friend Linda. She reads and edits every post ahead of time. She has been my mentor--prodding me to think deeply, challenging me to be a better person, and teaching me not to use commas whenever I feel like it. Even though her life is often hectic, she consistently makes time for me. Estoy muy agradecido, Chica. 

For those of you who have asked about a print book, I am working on it. However, I will be honest. I would rather spend my time writing new stuff than going back over old stuff. Thanks to all of those who have been helping with that project too. 

Meanwhile, I hope to continue writing as long as God allows me to do so.  Thank You for reading...