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.