Life Pursuits

“I said to myself, “Come on, let’s try pleasure. Let’s look for the ‘good things’ in life.” But I found that this, too, was meaningless.” (Ecclesiastes 2:1 NLT)

Most of us spend the first half of our lives pursuing fun, entertainment, excitement, success, attention, approval, pleasure, thrills, wealth, fame, success, accomplishment, etc. As we mature, we realize that all these experiences can’t bring us the satisfaction we desire. Thus, we look to a different set of aspirations: stability, safety, peace, love, validation, legacy, wisdom, significance, and purpose. Although these values can lead to a fuller life, they, too, fail to bring complete fulfillment.

“But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless—like chasing the wind. There was nothing really worthwhile anywhere.” (Ecclesiastes 2:11 NLT)

We keep chasing meaningless things, only to find nothing worthwhile. Everything in this world is transitory, supplying us with temporary gratification, at most. We are left craving more, continually restless and dissatisfied.  

Eternal fulfillment can only come from the Spirit, not from anything this world has to offer. Once we leave behind the trivial pursuits of immaturity, we no longer feel the need to follow superficial cravings. We realize it is a waste of resources. Instead, we use what time and energy we have left to pursue God who created us for one purpose--to commune with Him. An intimate relationship with Christ makes us sensitive and receptive to His Spirit. It leads to a state of overflow. We become like vessels that are filled to the brim--spilling over onto everything around us.

Lacking Conviction

“We will no longer be immature like children. We won't be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth.” (Ephesians 4:14 NLT)

People who lack strong convictions are often easy to get along with. Their accommodating nature can make them pleasant companions. Unfortunately, their passivity also makes them targets for deceitful manipulators. Like cars in neutral gear, they can be pushed around without much effort.  

Developing strong convictions requires us to search our conscience deeply.

Who am I?

What do I believe?

What are my standards?

Why do I behave the way I do?

Are my actions congruent with my beliefs?

Are my values worthy enough to pass on to my children? 

Figuring out who we are and what we are about takes time and maturity. We have to leave behind our childish fickleness and shallow thinking. Until we internalize our beliefs, we are easy marks for crafty schemers. Once we have firm convictions, we are no longer swayed by our own whims or the coercion of others. Our foundation is stable. We grow deep roots into our conscience. We choose what we know to be good and turn away from that which is not.

Dedicated Outlets

“No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other.” (Matthew 6:24 NLT)

I only have one electrical outlet in my bathroom. If I want to plug in a hair dryer, an electric toothbrush, and a curling iron at the same time, I have to unplug one device in order to plug the other in. About a year ago, I got a power strip that had multiple outlets. Now I don’t have to choose; I can connect multiple devices simultaneously. I can’t do this with every appliance in my house. The washer, dryer, oven, etc. have their own dedicated outlets and circuits because they use so much power. The shapes of these electrical receptacles are also different from other standard outlets.

I would like to be a dedicated follower of Christ. However, I have a lot of other things I’m passionate about as well. I try to use the power strip approach--I simultaneously try to plug in to the Holy Spirit as well as to my personal agenda.  

We cannot be devoted to multiple things at the same time. Neither can we switch back and forth, unplugging the Spirit so that we can operate our own goals, values, fears, and concerns. The Spirit of God is mighty in power and requires dedicated followers. Complete commitment to Christ transforms us--we no longer conform to the standards of the world. We no longer allow the culture to drag us down into depravity. Instead, we become faithful disciples, single-minded in purpose, abiding in an exclusive relationship with God.

Blind Spots

“You will be ever seeing but never perceiving.” (Acts 20:26 NIV) 

In anatomy, the blind spot is the point where the optic nerve meets the retina. Since it lacks photoreceptors, it is insensitive to light. When our eyes cannot sense light, we cannot see. More commonly, the term blind spot is used to describe any zone where a person’s view is obstructed. For example, a forward facing driver has limited visibility of cars approaching close to the passenger side of his vehicle. In order to prevent accidents, a driver must be aware of his blind spots. He can also use tools such as mirrors, vehicle warning systems, or the help of other passengers to be safe.  

Many of us are unaware of our physical blind spots as well as our emotional ones. Experiences from our past can create biases that affect our perception. This can lead to distorted thoughts, self-sabotaging choices, and dysfunctional behavior. We may be oblivious to our blind spots. However, perceptive confidants may notice repeated, unhealthy patterns in our lives. It takes a great deal of trust before we can accept critical feedback from even our most intimate advisors. Our initial reactions are often defensive and dismissive.

Trying to hide a blind spot with denial is as delusional as concealing a bald spot with a comb over. We mask the truth so that we are affirmed--forgetting that the praise is for the facade and not for us. In our attempt to fool others, we end up deceiving ourselves. The consequences are often self-destructive.  

Lord, make us sensitive to Your light so that we may be healed of our spiritual blindness. Enable us to perceive truth, even when it is beyond our natural field of vision.

Testing Trustworthiness

“Our ancestors trusted in you, and you rescued them. They cried out to you and were saved. They trusted in you and were never disgraced.” (Psalm 22:4-5 NLT)

We had a bad experience with our first financial planner. He was a slick-tongued schmoozer. It took us a few years to figure out he was looking out for his own interests and not ours. After that experience, we have been wary of anyone peddling financial services. Thus, when my husband’s employer assigned him a financial advisor for retirement planning, we were understandably cautious. For the first few years, we would double check everything he said and did. Once he proved dependable in handling smaller funds, we started taking his advice on bigger funds. His consistent track record and years of faithful service allowed us to realize he was trustworthy.

How do we know God is trustworthy? We have to rely on Him for the small stuff first. These are things we could manage on our own, but we intentionally turn over to God. We ask God for advice before we take these little steps. The more we depend on Him, the more dependable He proves to be. The more often we recognize God’s faithfulness and providence, the less tentative we become. Unhesitant trust, over time, will reveal the trustworthiness of God.

“Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O LORD, do not abandon those who search for you.” (Psalm 9:10 NLT)

Undercover Boss

“Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times!

Don't live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand what the Master wants.” (Ephesians 5:16-17 MSG)

Undercover Boss is a TV reality show in which a member of corporate management pretends to be an entry-level trainee to discover what really happens in the day-to-day business of the company. The boss gets to know a few of the employees personally and experience some of the challenges they face at work. At the end of the each episode, the executive rewards the hardest workers.

What if God shadowed us on any given day? Would He be pleased with the way we live, the choices we make, our thoughts, words, and actions? Are we good stewards of the time, energy, opportunities, finances, health, talents, intelligence, relationships, and  social skills that God has placed in our hands? Do we conduct ourselves in a manner that is worthy of His name? Do we support His mission and His values? Do we comply with God’s principles and expectations? Or, do we spend our time living carelessly, unthinkingly, pleasing ourselves and distracting ourselves--frittering away the resources that have been placed in our hands?

Lord, make me constantly aware that I am working for you. Do not let me waste any of Your resources. Help me to make the most of every day. May I please You and honor You in everything I say and do.

The Sufficiency of the Word

“The signposts of God are clear and point out the right road.” (Psalm 19:7 MSG)

The last marathon I ran had some twists and turns that were not marked clearly. When you are tired and distracted, it’s easy to miss signposts. It’s common for runners to follow the person running in front of them. One misdirected runner can unwittingly cause many behind him to also lose their way. Luckily, I was following a pacer who had run the course several times and knew the way.

“GOD, teach me lessons for living so I can stay the course. Give me insight so I can do what you tell me--my whole life one long, obedient response.” (Psalm 119:33-34 MSG)

Life is full of unexpected twists and turns, and it is easy to get lost. Fortunately, God provides us with clear directions in His Word. His counsel is relevant and all-sufficient.  Jesus goes ahead, showing us the way. Our role is to pay attention to the insights, obediently respond to the instructions, and follow the example of Christ. We have everything we need to stay on course.

The Nesting Sparrow

“Even the stork that flies across the sky knows the time of her migration, as do the turtledove, the swallow, and the crane.” (Jeremiah 8:7 NLT)

This morning, I looked out my kitchen window at the freshly cut grass that my son had just mowed. As I was admiring his work, a tiny sparrow perched on the windowsill. She had a bit of dried grass in her beak. She looked me in the eye for a few seconds and then flitted off.

In those few moments....I experienced God.

It’s hard to describe. It was like a momentary revelation...like a picture that  you see on a screen for only a few seconds. I knew that just like the cut grass was my son’s work, this little bird’s instinct to find dry grass and build a nest was the Lord’s handiwork. In that one glimpse, I learned more than I could by reading books, listening to podcasts, watching videos, attending classes, or traveling far away. I understood that God is behind every design.  He upholds the universe and sustains every living creature. There is value in all that He has created. He directs every human and every sparrow. He watches over all that we do and has so much He wants us to know.

“I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in.” (George Washington Carver)

The Lilac Bush

“God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (Romans 8:28 NLT)

Our lilac is filled with sweet-scented, purple blooms, animated by the gentle breeze. This wasn’t always the case. At first I planted it on the north side of our property. I wanted it to be a hedge. It didn’t thrive. After a few years, I replanted it closer to the house, right outside the east-facing window where I sit and pray every morning. Over the last decade, it has grown exponentially. Its purpose was not to be a hedge after all, but to fill me with hope and inspiration.

“Earth's crammed with heaven, And every common bush afire with God; And only he who sees takes off his shoes.” (Elizabeth Barrett Browning)

God may have spoken to Moses through a burning bush, but He whispered to me through a lilac bush. I didn’t hear any voices, but I listened nonetheless: Put your hope in the Lord. Trust Him. Even  poor choices can be used for His purposes. Every detail of our lives shall be worked into something good.

Fun Sin

“Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden?’”(Genesis 3:1 ESV)

Not everything that is fun is sinful, but most everything that is sinful is fun, interesting, or exciting--or else, we wouldn’t be tempted by it. Young people are notorious for making poor decisions, especially when they are influenced by peer pressure. Thus, many parents teach teenagers to ask the following question before they make choices: Is what I’m about to do immoral, dangerous, or stupid?

Evil has not changed much since the story of Adam and Eve. It still uses the same techniques of deception, confusion, and manipulation. Many of us continue to give in to temptation, even when we are old enough to know better. The serpent still whispers the same question, only the vocabulary might be different: “Is it actually THAT bad? Isn’t morality subjective? Isn’t danger relative? Don’t be so uptight and boring. Lighten up and have some fun!”

“He that will play with Satan’s bait, will quickly be taken with Satan’s hook.” (Thomas Brook)

Many of us imagine that we can nibble at the edges of the bait and still remain safe from the hook. Resisting evil requires us to be alert and aware. We have to acknowledge our weaknesses and avoid situations that lead us to make poor choices. Do not rely on your intelligence to save you, for it is useless against temptation. We have all seen very smart people who fall for evil schemes. The Predator is cunning. Ask God for spiritual discernment and protection. Pray that you do not fall prey to evil.

“Don't let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.” (Matthew 6:13 NLT)

Joy vs. Fun

“For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17 NLT)

I got a bouquet of flowers one year for my birthday. I felt special...flattered by the attention. Plus, it was fun to have this vibrant display of color on my table.  However, these feelings and the flowers only lasted a few days. That same year, my husband and I planted a blue spruce in our front yard. During the winter when everything else is dormant or dead, the spruce remains verdant. In the summer, it provides a nesting area for birds and a hiding place for the neighborhood rabbits. This evergreen has been a source of gladness all year round.

We often use the words joy, happiness, and fun interchangeably. However, these words are very different. We have fun when we feel amused and entertained--eating, drinking, socializing, traveling, shopping, playing, thrill-seeking, indulging ourselves--all can be pleasurable activities. We are pleased when others approve and applaud us. Yet these feelings are  fleeting, and the satisfaction is temporary. A fixation on fun merely leads us on a wild-goose chase that never ends.

True joy, on the other hand, is fulfilling and everlasting. It is a state of blessed well-being and deep, soul-level contentment. C. S. Lewis called joy an “unsatisfied desire which is itself more desirable than any other satisfaction.” Warren Wiersbe defines joy as "that inward peace and sufficiency that is not affected by outward circumstances.” One of my favorite synonyms for joy is ‘beatitude’--supreme blessedness. This supernatural ecstasy is a byproduct of Grace. It is more desirable than any other satisfaction. It brings inward peace and sufficiency that is independent of our worldly circumstances. We have a limited amount of time and energy to invest in this life. Let us not waste our efforts on chasing after temporary fun. Instead, let us pursue what is worthy and sustainable--joy in the Holy Spirit.

Family Purse

“We each must carry our own load.” (Galatians 6:5 CEV)

When my son was an infant, I used a diaper bag to carry all the things I needed for him. Instead of carrying a separate purse, I would just tuck my car keys, wallet, etc. into the diaper bag. Once he grew out of diapers, I switched to a large purse. I took it upon myself to carry all sorts of supplies with me: snacks, mints, hand sanitizer, tissues, nail clippers, pens, paper, extra cash, change, medicines, band-aids, phone chargers, receipts, etc. As the only female in our family, my purse became the ‘family purse’--the vessel that held all the supplies we may need when we were out of the house. I didn’t mind carrying it; in fact, it made me feel useful. Thus, when I switched to a smaller purse that only had space for my essentials, it was an adjustment for all of us.

The 6th chapter of Galatians has two seemingly contradictory verses:

“Share each other’s burdens.” (Galatians 6:2 NLT)

“We each must carry our own load.” (Galatians 6:5 CEV)

The Apostle Paul instructs us to be empathetic to those in distress. He also reminds us that, at the same time, we are each responsible for our own conduct. No matter how much we want to help our loved ones, we cannot be responsible for their choices and their behavior. We can share our family’s burdens, but we cannot carry their load.

Riding Coattails

“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” (Romans 15:7 NIV)

I have a friend who seems to know everyone. He is tolerant of all sorts of people.  He extends grace to those who might otherwise be rejected. There are lots of people who ride on the coattails of his credibility. Because people trust him, they also welcome those whom he deems acceptable.

“While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

Christ accepts us even though we are unworthy. We ride on the coattails of His grace. Jesus intercedes for us. He is our advocate and mediator--speaking, defending, and vouching for us. Because of Him, we are welcomed into the Father’s presence. Let us accept one another, just as Christ did.

Praying Psalm 142

Lord, I am crying out to you,

Pleading

Spilling my guts out

I’m drowning in despair

My soul is overwhelmed

I’m scared

There are traps in every direction

I feel all alone

Lord, You are my only hope

Answer me

I’ve never felt this low

Rescue me

Pull me out from this dark hole

And I will praise you in public

Bring your agents into my life

So they can lift me up.

Terrible Storms

“As gale-force winds continued to batter the ship, the crew began throwing the cargo overboard.” (Acts 27:18 NLT)

Paul and several other prisoners were placed on a ship as they traveled to Rome. When they started, the weather was favorable, the ship was loaded with cargo, and everything was going as it should. But then things changed. What started out as a small breeze ended up as a typhoon. When faced with the prospect of being shipwrecked, the crew jettisoned everything--cargo, anchors, lifeboats, food, etc. This was done so as to lighten the boat and stabilize it. Their ship eventually ran aground on an island. The vessel was a wreck, but the people were saved.

Imagine your life as a large boat filled with everything that is important to you--relationships, health, wealth, security, dreams, identity. You are at the helm of this ship, sailing in the direction you want under favorable conditions. Suddenly things change. You are caught up in a storm. Life becomes unmanageable. You have very few options. Everything you have been depending on thus far has to be abandoned to God. How hard is that!

Our human instinct is to cling to all that we hold dear rather than to surrender everything to God. Even when we are drowning, we are reluctant to give up control. Yet, we were never in control. We were just standing at the helm of a ship that was always being propelled by the wind of the Spirit. We were always under His power. Once we realize this, it becomes easier to rely on God completely. Every part of our lives belongs to Him, is controlled by Him, and protected by Him. We are not in charge. He is. We just have to listen and follow directions. When we learn to trust God, the self-imposed pressure to navigate and keep our life intact is finally removed.

“Those who trust their own insight are foolish, but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe.” (Proverbs 28:26 NLT)

How to Endure

“We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.” (Hebrews 12:2 NLT)

One of the ways to become a better long distance runner is to train with experienced runners. You can learn a lot by just listening, watching, and following their example. They can inspire you to push down barriers and scale elevations beyond your capacity. Every time I have reached a new personal record in running, I have done it by trying to keep up with a stronger runner.

How can we endure burdens beyond our natural strength?

We don’t focus on the scary circumstances that weigh us down or our inabilities. We don’t give in to hopelessness. Instead, we keep our eyes on Jesus, the One who goes before us. He is the author and finisher, the initiator and perfecter, the source and the goal of everything we set out to do.  He leads us and makes our faith complete.

Endurance Races

“Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” (Hebrews 12:1 ESV)

I coach a running club for kids. Most of the students can run faster than me for a mile, but I have an advantage over them on longer runs. Their youth gives them speed and energy, but years of running have given me more endurance.

My definition of endurance--the ability to go through a difficult situation without giving up. I don’t think people are born with the capacity for endurance; it is a discipline that has to be developed through training. No one enjoys hardship. Yet, runners pay a fee and sign up to run 26.2 miles. Why? They know the value of perseverance, and they hope by training intentionally they will increase their strength and tolerance for pain.

Restrictive Thought Patterns

“Wherever the Lord's Spirit is, there is freedom.” (2 Corinthians 3:17 GWT)

What came naturally to most kids--playing games, hand-eye coordination, running without getting winded--all seemed out of my reach when I was in school. I was seen as the nerd. I accepted this label. For the longest time, I saw myself as physically weak and uncoordinated. Thus, when I started running in my late twenties, I constantly doubted myself. Negative messages kept replaying in my mind: Who am I kidding? I could barely run a mile in high school; what makes me think I can do any better after I’ve had a baby? My gait is weird. I’m so slow. I should spend my time on something I’m good at. I am not a runner!”

Your inner critic may repeat messages that are different than mine:

--You are fat and ugly

--You are stupid and everyone knows it

--You are defective

--You have no future, everything is hopeless

Restrictive thought patterns can be our own worst enemy. The way we see ourselves influences our choices and actions. The longer we stay in bondage, the more we succumb to slave mentality. 

There is only one way to free our minds from limitations. Turn to the Holy Spirit. Pray that you may see yourself as God sees you. Ask for a revelation of your true identity. The Spirit will supply you with the energy to rise above human expectations, to soar high on wings of freedom, to be who God created you to be.

Smooth Liars

“When the Liar speaks, he makes it up out of his lying nature and fills the world with lies.” (John 8:44 MSG)

Why do we elect leaders who routinely lie about small things and big things? They cheat on their taxes and their spouses. They exaggerate their wealth and their achievements. They rip off their clients, neighbors, and business partners. They accuse others of wrongdoings while never owning up to their own mistakes. Why do we continue to indulge people who are conniving to take advantage of others? Why do we excuse deceptive behavior? 

Well, we recognize that everyone lies, sometimes--including us. We have accepted it as ‘normal’ behavior. We hang on to the hope that the liars will be honest with us and save their deceit for others--preferably people whom we don’t care about. When we like someone, we tend to see what we want to see in them. When we encounter data that doesn’t fit our preconceptions, we overlook it as irrelevant information. This self-deception leads us down a dangerous path. We not only become victims of fraud, but also perpetrators of dishonesty. 

“A good person hates deceit, but those who are evil cause shame and disgrace.” (Proverbs 13:5 CEV) 

Forcing Blooms

“It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the LORD.” (Zechariah 4:6 NLT)

A few years ago, I bought some flowering bulbs as a gift for a friend’s birthday. I followed all the instructions that came with the kit--I planted them in potting soil, watered them, and placed the pot on a sunny windowsill. They were supposed to flower in six weeks. Well, they didn’t! I read online that heat might help force the plant to bloom, so a week before the birthday, I tried using a blow dryer to encourage the flowers to come out. Still nothing. I dumped the contents of the pot outside in my flower bed and surrendered my failed project to nature. I ended up buying another gift for my friend’s birthday that year.

Well, it took a while, but the flowers finally bloomed. It was exciting to see these flowers after waiting so long for them. But what was surprising is that they popped up the following year too--beautiful and wild--blooming in unexpected shades and spaces all over the back garden.

I remember these bulbs whenever I feel like a failure. Sometimes I can’t make things happen no matter how much I try. Pressure does not induce maturity. I can’t force growth--my own or that of others. And even if I have strong faith and pray diligently--I may not get what I want, when I want it. 

Every situation that is surrendered to the Lord will bloom in due time. The Holy Spirit is uncontainable, wild, and beautiful--popping up in unpredictable shades and spaces. True transformation cannot be coerced--it is always dependent on the Spirit of God.

Activating Faith

“Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1 NIV)

When a new credit card arrives in the mail, it has to be activated before it can be used. You have to call the number on the sticker attached to the card from your home phone number. Then, you have to sign the back of the card. Now the card is ready for use. If the card remains unactivated and unused for a long time, the credit card company may close the account.

“When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them.” (Psalm 91:15 NLT)

Having faith is not enough; it must be activated and used. We must call on God, sign our name to His promises, and confidently put Him in charge of our needs. Faith is not meant to be stored away until a crisis hits. Practice depending on God daily--for small and large transactions. Build confidence in Him. Let your life reflect trust and assurance in the Lord.

Truthful Actions

“Let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God. Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings, and he knows everything.” (1 John 3:18-20 NLT)

Speaking truth is not always fun. Most of us are eager to say nice things to others, but we hem and haw when faced with difficult conversations--even with our good friends. Truthful actions are even more challenging. I try to maintain a personal code of behavior with those I care about: I make time to be available if they need me; I communicate consistently and authentically with them; I respect their boundaries, once they clearly define them. When I slip up and my behavior is incongruent with the truth, I feel guilty. Yet, God knows my intentions are sincere. Thus, I approach the Father with boldness and confidence, knowing He understands me even when I am misunderstood by others.

Applying What We Learn

“However, the person who continues to study God's perfect teachings that make people free and who remains committed to them will be blessed. People like that don't merely listen and forget; they actually do what God's teachings say.” (James 1:25 GWT)

I’ve always loved learning. When I was in college, I spent years taking notes, making flash cards, memorizing, studying, and taking tests. However, much of what I learned did not have any real life applications, so I’ve forgotten most of it now. In contrast, I can easily remember certain recipes that I’ve used consistently over the years. I didn’t even try to memorize these recipes; they are just imprinted in my mind from repeated use. On days when I am too exhausted to think, I always make one of these recipes.

Studying God’s word has some benefit. Reading, listening, meditating, processing--all help us learn. However, consistently practicing what Christ taught is much more valuable. Jesus modeled compassion, generosity, self-sacrifice, forgiveness, love, non-violence, and inclusivity. He honored the Father by devoting himself to prayer, service to others, and speaking the truth.  Incorporating these lessons into our daily lives requires intentionality. We can imprint these teachings into our minds by consistent application. Then, even during times of adversity, these practices come to us naturally, because they have become a part of who we are. Like Christ, we are enabled to live simply, love unconditionally, pray in the midst of turmoil, have compassion for strangers, and forgive our enemies.