What Does God Want

“Now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.” (1 John 3:2-3 NIV)

What does God want from you and me? Why are we here? What is our purpose?

We may not yet know who we are meant to be. We may spend most of our lifetime figuring this out. We can pray for revelation.

Most of all, God longs for relationship. Many of us are like the prodigal son who leaves home and never calls or visits. We want to prove that we can make it on our own. We feel restricted and burdened by all the obligations and expectations that come with being part of a family. These notions are based on our human relationships. God wants to connect with us, to enjoy our companionship. He does not expect us to meet His needs or go visit Him every Sunday like a dutiful child.

God shaped our identities. He created each of us as unique individuals who are capable of expressing a part of His glorious nature. He made us to be extensions of Himself. We are meant to channel His creative energy, purity, and love. Our purpose is to enjoy a glorious, intimate relationship with God.  He delights in us. We are refreshed by Him.

Shortcuts

“Don’t look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don’t fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires total attention.” (Matthew 7:13-14 MSG)

According to Oswald Chambers, temptations often come to us in the form of shortcuts. We rarely do things we know to be wrong or evil. However, if we can justify our choices, if we can think of them as moral compromises that are necessary to achieve our goals--then we may be lured into all sorts of transgressions.

In order to recognize the bait, we have to be aware of our secret desires. Do you have a fondness for admiration, comfort, security, or validation? Or maybe you want to avoid guilt, fear, or humiliation. Every day, we are presented with opportunities to take shortcuts to meet these personal goals. When we approach them, we don’t see them as falling into temptation or giving in to weakness.

Many of us desire to be close to God. Every day, we are presented with shortcuts to this goal--formulaic religion that guarantees a better life in this world and the next; a part-time commitment to God that brings full benefits; popular methods and easy access to the Divine.  Do not fall for these temptations--these shortcuts will lead you astray.

Commitment to God is not a side trip that you can take on your way to reaching your own goals. The path of faith is long and requires total devotion, discipline, and attentiveness. It necessitates surrender. It demands humility. It is contingent on Grace.  

Wandering Eyes

“Can’t you stick it out with me a single hour? Stay alert; be in prayer so you don’t wander into temptation without even knowing you’re in danger.” (Matthew 26:40-41 MSG)

Do you or your partner have a wandering eye? Do either of you ‘check out’ other attractive people instead of focusing on your mate? This type of behavior is often seen as harmless, but, in reality, it is inconsiderate and insensitive.

When you pray, are you focused on God? Or does your mind wander?

I must confess that I am frequently unfaithful to Jesus. I get bored, so I seek out diversions. My mind wanders to all the other worthy things I could be doing instead of spending time with God. The temptation to follow my own interests takes over, and I ignore the One who is always with me.

Lord, may our minds stay focused on you. Protect us from temptations. Help us to be faithful.

Putting Off Your Calling

“Today when you hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts.” (Hebrews 3:7-8 NLT)

We procrastinate about stuff that we feel compelled to do: exercise, work, chores, unpleasant tasks, obligatory interactions--basically anything which makes us feel uncomfortable, incompetent, or fearful. We know we should get to these things--sometimes we even convince ourselves that we want to do these things...just not right now.

Have you ever felt like running away from everything? This sometimes happens when there is prolonged disharmony between our spirit and our persona. Years and years of societal expectations have seeped into our conscious making it difficult to delineate between our true identity and our fabricated one. When we put off being the person whom we are called to be, and, instead, pretend to be the person whom everyone expects us to be, we become disconnected from our soul. We are all meant for more than this muck-filled existence of human vanity. We are called to be “believers cleaned up by Jesus and set apart for a God-filled life.” (1 Corinthians 1:2 MSG)

Prayer and Healing

“Believing-prayer will heal you, and Jesus will put you on your feet. And if you’ve sinned, you’ll be forgiven—healed inside and out.” (James 5:15 MSG)

Hundreds of people have been praying for my friend who has been fighting cancer for the last four years. We have joined together, in one accord, devoting ourselves to constant prayer for her. She is still sick. How do we make sense of this? No one would say that she is still suffering because of a lack of faith or devoted prayer, nor because of a sinful nature.

Jesus prayed. He was faithful. He was blameless. He still suffered and died. Yet, Jesus was also healed and whole--inside and out. He was raised up, on His feet, in union with the Father.

Physical healing is sometimes part of God’s plan. And, these miracles often enlarge our faith. However, while we pray about short-term issues of earthly magnitude, God concerns Himself with long-term matters. We pray for physical healing, while God is focused on the soul. He repairs the schism between our spirit and His Spirit.  God cares more about healing our brokenness, making us whole, and preparing us to join Him eternally.

Walk by Faith

“Faith assures us of things we expect and convinces us of the existence of things we cannot see.” (Hebrews 11:1 GWT)

Most mornings, I wake up before sunrise. I keep the lights off so as not to disturb my husband. I feel my way through the darkness, maneuvering around the familiar layout of our bedroom. However, this early morning walkabout is much more difficult when we stay in hotels. I tend  to stub my toes or trip over things while I attempt to move about in the unfamiliar surroundings.  

When we are in the dark, we often try to navigate by feelings, emotions, and instincts. This method may work in certain situations, but it is just a matter of time before we stumble. There is a better way. We can learn to walk by faith and not be feeling. Faith is like a candle that lights the next step in front of us. God is present in all circumstances, even though we often fail to notice Him. Faith enlightens us, helping us discern God’s presence even in darkness.

Rumblings

“Then they said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves;” (Genesis 11:4 NIV)

Tokyo, San Francisco, and Istanbul are populated city centers. Many of the inhabitants live and work in lofty high-rises. Unfortunately, these cities happen to also be prone to earthquakes. Those who live in these areas learn to get out of buildings as soon as they sense even minor tremors. They head outside into wide-open spaces--away from humanly-constructed structures.

Most of our days are lived out in man-made towers of lofty ambitions and self-made plans. Each year we construct taller goals and engineer ways of climbing higher up the rungs of societal expectations. However, when we sense rumblings of trouble, we know that none of these is dependable.

Anxiety is a sign of instability and uncertainty. When I am agitated, I know it is time to get out of my self-constructed shelters.  I run into the wide-open arms of God, knowing that He alone is dependable. Even when dreams collapse and well-laid plans come crumbling down, I rest, knowing that I am safe.

Prayers from the Pit

“A prayer of one whose life is falling to pieces, and who lets God know just how bad it is: God, listen! Listen to my prayer, listen to the pain in my cries.” (Psalm 102:1 MSG)

When we pray, we are communicating with God. It is okay to let our emotions show, even when we are feeling angry, sad, frustrated, desperate, or hopeless. Many of us feel ashamed to express these negative emotions with God. Ranting and having a tantrum seem so juvenile. We want to be faithful and respectful, so we bury our true feelings  and try to say reverential prayers. These words do not reflect our true feelings; thus, they are insincere. Our relationship with God becomes stilted.

When our life is falling to pieces--we cannot sincerely say prayers of thanksgiving and praise. We have to cry. We have to let God know how bad it is. We want to know that God is paying attention. This pain cannot be ignored. We need Him, NOW!

Lord, we cry out from the pit of despair. Please let us know that You are listening. We feel helpless, frustrated, ignored, and rejected. We don’t understand why everything is the way it is. Our strength is ebbing away. Our faith is fading. Please reveal yourself. Show us that you care. Let us know that we are not alone.

Private Worship

“Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That’s the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship.” (John 4:23-24 MSG)

What or whom do you worship?

The person or thing that occupies and consumes us is the object of our worship. Most of us are unwilling to admit, even to ourselves, that we are consumed by many things other than God. Public worship magnifies this problem. It is easier to go through the motions in a group setting; we can be ritualistic participants or disengaged spectators. Even when we get alone with God, we are often preoccupied with our problems--our minds absorbed in our current circumstances, our prayers consumed by worries, and our hearts filled with agitation.  

Intimacy requires honesty. Unburdening our problems leads to transparency, which is a good first step. However, we must then move on.  Our spirits, once disengaged from earthly concerns, become free to engage in a sincere relationship with God. These private moments of intimacy allow us to be occupied and consumed by God as we become one with Him.

Be Yourself

“The LORD doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7 NLT)

We spend so much of our life trying to prove that we are worthy. We try to make a good impression and present ourselves in the best light. We attempt to look our best, display our talents, and prove our intelligence. We strive to earn people’s love, approval, and admiration. Why? Why do we attempt to justify, explain, and defend ourselves to others? Why do we base our self-worth on external validation? Why do we seek constant reassurance that we are lovable?

The material world has carved out a hole in us. We attempt to fill this void through experiences, interactions, possessions, comparisons, and distractions. Yet, we  merely end up with a pit filled with rejection and insecurities. Trying to base our self-worth on external validation is similar to filling in a hole with grenades.  Even though our lives feel less empty, it is just a matter of time before we implode.

There is a better option. We can derive our sense of worth from a relationship with God. We don’t need to lose weight, dress up, strive to be sophisticated, or pretend to be intellectual. We can turn to this God who accepts us ‘as is’ and get to know Him intimately. God is worthy--and we are worthy by association.

Expressing God

“God says, ‘I will pour my Spirit on everyone. Your sons and daughters will speak what God has revealed.’” (Acts 2:17 GWT)

Are you lacking motivation? Have you been praying for direction?  Do you find yourself searching for purpose and meaning in your life? Perhaps you have found your path, but you know someone else who is struggling with these issues.

Have you ever made a poke cake? Poke cakes are infused with flavored gelatin. These cakes are moist and delicious. After the cake is baked, you poke holes in it. Then you dissolve powdered gelatin in hot water and pour it on the cake. The holes allow the flavors and colors to permeate the cake.

God’s Spirit surrounds us. Yet, many of us are unable to perceive Him. Life’s struggles poke holes in us, making us more porous. The Spirit of God is then able to permeate the deep recesses of our soul. We are then able to absorb God’s directions. We shall find the motivation to pursue our calling. Our lives shall have meaning and purpose as we express what God has revealed.

Moving Through Discouragement

“This is what the LORD says: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast number, for the battle is not yours, but God's.’” (2 Chronicles 20:15 HCSB)

A dear friend of mine is facing a multitude of problems. She and her husband have been battling her cancer for several years. Their faith is stunning. Their devotion to each other is inspiring. Yet, I know they must be worn out. I am feeling discouraged for them. I have been praying, but their suffering continues...

“Suffering, failure, loneliness, sorrow, discouragement, and death will be part of your journey, but the Kingdom of God will conquer all these horrors. No evil can resist grace forever.” (Brennan Manning)

My discouragement stems from a lack of confidence in God. I must go back to spending more time with Him; for to know Him is to trust Him. I need to remember that God is at the forefront of this battle and every battle. I have to trust that good will eventually conquer evil--that grace will prevail in the end.

Relationship > Usefulness

“The person who lives in right relationship with God does it by embracing what God arranges for him. Doing things for God is the opposite of entering into what God does for you.” (Galatians 3:11-12 MSG)

I have a strong desire to be useful. To me, any form of idleness feels like I am squandering time and opportunities. When I help others in tangibly productive ways, I feel valuable. Thus, I am eager to find meaningful ways to serve God. I’m usually too occupied with what God wants from me that I neglect to enter into what God has for me.

God has invited me to a picnic. He has picked out a great location and laid out a blanket with delicious food and refreshing drinks. He wants us to get to know each other and to enjoy each other’s company. But I am too busy showing off all the things I brought to the picnic: Look at the beautiful blanket that I crocheted and the wonderful food I cooked!  Oh, and by the way, I did see a better picnic spot on my way here. Would you mind moving Your stuff?

“You will never be able to measure fully what God will do through you if you do not have a right-standing relationship with Jesus Christ.” (Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest)

God arranges our circumstances so that we may turn to Him and get to know Him. Whatever life throws at us--if we respond with a deep assurance that God is capable and caring--then, our relationship grows more and more intimate. We measure our worth by our usefulness. However, God values relationship over all else.

Reaction > Circumstances

“I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances.” (Philippians 4:11 MSG)

As I look back over  my past circumstances, I can’t say I have always been content. I respond to positive situations with joy and gratitude. However, when faced with uncertainty or disappointment, I become fretful and sad. I also have a tendency to quickly forget the positives while dwelling on the negatives. I get caught up in the snare of circumstantial cares, and the more I struggle, the more I am trapped.

If we think of our circumstances as questions on a test, would our responses qualify us to pass? When we are faced with prolonged periods of difficulty and instability, how do we react? Do we look to our own intellect and resources to find solutions? Do we get agitated if we are not able to resolve the situation quickly? Do our emotions take over? Do we spiral into hopelessness, destructiveness, and purposelessness?

Being led by our circumstances is a lot like handing the car keys to an erratic child. No good can come of it. We can either allow our conditions to dictate our emotions and behavior, OR we can be guided by a Higher Power. When our reactions are influenced by God, we can rest assured that we are being driven by a dependable driver who knows the destination.

“God uses the reaction of your life to your circumstances to fulfill His purpose.” ( Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest)

Confidence and Assurance

“Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.” (Hebrews 11:1 NLT)

Many Christians have adopted a Disneyesque view of faith: if you profess faith in God, attend church, pray enough, and try not to sin--then, all your dreams will eventually come true and you will live happily ever after, if not on earth, then in heaven.

Faith is an assurance in a God that we cannot see, contain, or measure. By attempting to prove, categorize, quantify, and qualify it, we merely belittle faith. By straining to fit our beliefs about God into our current understanding of the universe, we try to squeeze our faith into a box. By trying to explain our faith within the context of human language, we limit it even further.

Faith allows us to access that which is beyond our sensory perceptions. Somewhere within us, we each have the capacity to sense God. Some of us have honed this ability, while others have let this instinct atrophy.  Faith enables us to perceive the Spirit all around us, to develop an assurance of God’s goodness, a confidence in His power, and a deep trust in His unconditional love.

On Track

“God himself is right alongside to keep you steady and on track until things are all wrapped up by Jesus.” (1 Corinthians 1:8 MSG)

When life is going according to our plans, we feel like a train that is chugging along smoothly on its track. Yet, we have all experienced the derailment that comes with disappointment and heartbreak. Many of us reach out to God in prayer--asking Him to set us back on track. We are hoping that God places us right back on the path that we have laid out, according to our own desires and ambitions.

However, God may have a completely different track laid out for us. It may curve away from our intended route, taking us in a completely different direction. This can be disorienting and depressing. BUT God does not expect us to figure it all out by ourselves. He does not abandon us. He comes alongside us, keeping us steady and on His track--until everything works out according to His plans.

Inner Being

“I pray that he would give you, according to his glorious riches, strength in your inner being and power through his Spirit.” (Ephesians 3:16 ISV)

A home requires regular maintenance and upkeep on the outside and inside. Every few years, water heaters, a/c units, plumbing, gutters, windows, roofs, carpet, appliances, furniture, etc. will have to be fixed or replaced. Sometimes we renovate our homes because they no longer fit our vision. These external changes are much more noticeable and, thus, appealing. For example, investing in a kitchen remodel feels more rewarding than spending time and energy to clean out mold in your ductwork. Some tasks can be done on our own, and other jobs might require help from an expert.

Most of us are eager to keep up our external appearances. We diet and exercise to maintain our looks. We pursue careers that will bring us wealth and respect. We adhere to societal rules in order to retain acceptability. We spend an inordinate amount of effort on the Outer Being while neglecting the Inner Being.

Our Inner Being is our true self--an intricate synthesis of our character, consciousness, and spirit--and  this Inner Being needs regular care and maintenance. A certain degree of inner work can be done by each individual. Introspection, contemplation, personal accountability, breaking harmful habits, and avoiding negative influences are within our jurisdiction. Yet, we can only do so much on our own. Eventually, we reach a point when we have to call for help from a higher power. Our inner being is empowered to its full potential only through the Spirit of God. We can pay attention to our Inner Being and notice what is broken. We may even be able to start the process of renovation, but only God can completely restore us to wholeness.

Self Eclipse

“Focusing on the self is the opposite of focusing on God.” (Romans 8:5-8 MSG)

Focusing on our circumstances never leads to true peace. When our situation seems difficult, we worry; when conditions seem favorable, we have an illusion of peace. Our perspectives are skewed by our experiences and our influences. Thus, the emotions and attitudes that we develop are usually distorted as well.

Circumstances, emotions, and other influences can easily divert our focus, looming like mountains, blocking our view to what is beyond. We become cut-off from divine light. We need to move out of the shadows, change our perspective, and refocus our attention on God. Our concerns must fade into the background; our mindset must align with His will; His Spirit must become our essence.

When Self eclipses God, we are shrouded in darkness. When God is in the forefront, we are suffused by light.

Inner Transformation

“Only love effects true inner transformation, not duress, guilt, shunning, or social pressure.” (Richard Rohr, Breathing Under Water)

When someone we care about exhibits destructive behavior, most of us try to fix them. We remind them of their responsibilities, express our disapproval, manipulate them with guilt, coerce them with ultimatums, exert social pressure, withdraw support, or avoid their company. We call this approach ‘tough love’, because it’s tough for everyone involved. Sometimes this approach can bring about superficial changes. However, only unconditional love can lead an individual to inner transformation.

I have seen marriages that were rocked by infidelity, alcoholism, and financial difficulties restored to wholeness. I have witnessed young people with addictions and behavioral problems develop into functional adults. In all these cases, the individuals could sense that they were unconditionally loved and accepted. This level of love requires divine grace.

I have also noticed that some people never seem to change. They are not able to sense love even when it is present. They are often coated with impenetrable barriers of self-loathing, insecurity, or self-absorption. Love can only lead to transformation when it can be received.

Lord, soften our hearts so that we may perceive your love.  

Transitions

“Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life...” (Ephesians 4:22 ESV)

“When we go to school we make a passage from life in the family to life in the larger community.  When we get married we make a passage from a life with many options to a life committed to one person. When we retire we make a passage from a life of clearly defined work to a life asking for new creativity and wisdom.  Each of these passages is a death leading to new life. (Henri Nouwen, Bread for the Journey)

Transitions are difficult because many of us are not ready to give up our old ways of life. When we move from one place to another, we still cling to old friends and pine for our favorite haunts. When we get married or have children, we are reluctant to give up our independence and embrace our new responsibilities. Even after we retire, we remind ourselves and others of our old professional identities of past productivity and significance.

Those of us who have had horrible experiences are more eager to move on. But most of us pick and choose what we like from our old lives and try to incorporate it into our new lives. When we keep one foot in each phase, we cannot commit to growth. Occasionally, a crisis thrusts us out, closing the door completely on our former life. These forced transitions can be devastating. It’s best to allow some time for adjustments between phases. Some people are able to move on quickly, while others need more time. Trying to push a loved one through a passage when they are scared or reluctant is next to impossible. Each of us has to move forward according to our own internal pace.

Eventually, we all die to our old selves. We bury our past. God’s grace transforms us. We emerge from the tomb when we are ready. We embrace our new life.

Antidepressant Verse

“Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.” (Philippians 4:13 MSG)

Whatever I have...

Take an inventory of your current circumstances. What do you have? What do you NOT have? Maybe you have a great many blessings. Maybe you also have some disappointments and fears. Perhaps, like me, you have a tendency to focus on negative thoughts. This is as dumb as intentionally watering the weeds in our gardens instead of the vegetables.

Wherever I am...

Each phase of life comes with its own set of trials. Childhood comes with dependence, young adulthood with confusion, middle age with deterioration, and old age with sickness. Changing locations--whether by switching careers, moving to different places, or starting new relationships--will not negate our feelings of powerlessness.

I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am...

We are not defined by our circumstances but by God who makes us who we are. This goes for our loved ones too. We can trust God to mold each of us and direct our lives as He sees fit. No matter what our situation, we can get through anything if we are aware of Christ’s presence and strength within us.

Nothing but the Truth

“What is truth?” (John 18:38 NLT)

There are many things that are beyond our sensory perception. Some of us may question the vastness of the universe beyond our solar system, because it is immeasurable and incomprehensible. Truth exists whether or not we understand it fully.

Truth is pure--without embellishments, flavoring, or garnish. It is like a raw vegetable straight from the garden that still has its  skin and seeds. It can be unpalatable and indigestible to most of us. Thus, we peel it, take the seeds out, slice it, cook it, and add spices to suit our taste.

Religion is man’s attempt to make truth user-friendly. Truth, in its purest form, is difficult for most people to stomach. Thus, we have learned to modify and codify it to suit our cultural mores. At its best, religion makes truth more accessible to the masses. At its worst, it is a highly processed, overcooked, oversimplified, overgarnished version of the truth.