THE FIRST CHRISTMAS CARD

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. Therefore, he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has given birth; then the rest of his brothers shall return to the people of Israel. And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth. And he shall be their peace. (Micah 5:2-5 ESV)

            The first Christmas card, as we know it, was designed in 1843 by the artist J.C. Horsley and measured about the size of a postcard. From his design, one thousand cards were lithographed and hand-colored three years later for Sir Henry Cole, the first director of the South Kensington Museum, London. The card showed a Victorian family celebrating the spirit of the season around a table. They were making a toast to the health and happiness of their family and friends. Flanking the scene of cheer and celebration, in stark contrast, were two phrases: “Clothing the naked,” and “Feeding the hungry.”

            The first Christmas card did not set too well with most church people. The scene contained too much revelry and the reminder of benevolence was too graphic and convicting.

            Actually, Horsley and Cole’s creation was not the first Christmas card. The first announcement of celebration and cheer occurred before the Incarnation of Christ, the honor going to the prophet Micah. His card had the backdrop of Bethlehem on its cover and spoke of a glory that would come out of humility. The town was not considered great in the eyes of the public, but it would be the scene of one of the greatest events ever witnessed on earth.

            When the nation was divided, Micah was the final prophet of the northern kingdom and was a contemporary of Isaiah. He was the country preacher while Isaiah was the court preacher. Micah’s prophetic word includes three sermons. His first sermon announced that God Himself would soon respond in judgment to the waywardness of His people. His second sermon stated the Lord condemns anyone who plots and performs wickedness. His third sermon revealed God was angry with those pronouncing peace when there was no peace. The promoters of a false peace knew right from wrong yet they were saying what people wanted to hear instead of the truth. In this setting, Micah presented the first Christmas card; out of lowly Bethlehem would come a Shepherd who would not only bring peace but is the Author of peace. He would come as peace personified.

            The setting surrounding the first Christmas card is not much different than today The Lord is opposed to the proud and angered by wickedness. God is about to appear to address a world living in willful rebellion and selfishness. Yet, is there not hope for the individual who wants a different life and outcome? Yes! Christmas cheer is grounded in the message of Jesus.

            Micah’s announcement contains the true outline for a joyous Christmas.

A divine Shepherd has come

            The country preacher announced the Savior could be compared to someone tending sheep. Jesus used the same metaphor while here on earth.

            “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.” (John 10:11-16 ESV)

            A Shepherd has come emphasizes two blessings. First, those following Jesus belong and are embraced by the gracious Lord instead of a menial minion. Secondly, since they belong to Him, they are the special object of His affection and attention. He is so concerned for them that He is continually near them and cares for, protects, and guides.

            What God did, in sending His Son, reveals He is someone you can love instead of someone you should shun. Soren Kierkegaard described this love relationship in a story about a king and a maid. The story is a Christmas story, although not framed in that setting.

            “Once upon a time, a king fell in love with a maid. It’s an old theme on how love overcomes all barriers of class and of race and of nationality. But for all its beauty, the king did not see the matter easily resolved. Racking his mind and heart was the question: How to declare his love?

            “Unable to answer it, he summons to his palace all the wise people of his kingdom and put the question to them. As one, they responded: ‘Sire, nothing could be easier. Your majesty has but to appear in all your glory before the humble abode of the maid and, instantly, she will fall at your feet and be yours.’

            “But it was precisely that thought which so troubled the king. In return for his love, he wanted hers; not fear that would lead to her submission. He wanted her glorification, not his. What a dilemma: Declaring your love means the end of your beloved, and not declaring your love means the end of love.

            “Night after night he saw love’s truth: Freedom for the beloved demands equality with the beloved. So, late one night, long after his courtiers and counselors had returned to their chambers, the king stole out of a side door of the palace and appeared before the humble abode of the maid dressed in the garb of a servant.”

            God, during one of the darkest times in history, slipped out of His robe and came as a baby to reveal His great love. He came to us as one of us.

            The Lord came as a loving Shepherd.

Everyone can enter His fold

            People have an opportunity to abide in Christ and be cared for by Him.

            My wife and I have lived in the Black Hills on three separate occasions. When our oldest daughter was only five years old, we decided to cut down our own family Christmas tree. My little girl and I went with a friend from the church to find the perfect tree. He had grandparents who lived in a cabin nestled in the forest. They gave permission to remove a tree from their property.

            We set out from their home into the woods and came to a stream. Earlier in the week, the water was frozen but a warming trend got the stream flowing again. The best trees were located on the other side. An old log was laying across the ditch making it possible for us to crossover.

            My daughter was too scared to traverse the piece of fallen timber so I had her climb onto my back. Once we were on the log and she saw the water rushing under us, she started to wiggle. We were about to go into the stream. Instead of falling, I jumped in and landed on my feet with water up to my knees. I waded across to the other side with my daughter still on my back, perfectly dry. Although there is more to the story, when we got home I announced to my wife, “This tree may have been free but it cost a lot!”

            When your fears get the best of you, He carries you. And if the situation gets worse, His strength will support you to the other side.

            Included with this special relationship with God is the robe in His majesty. Jesus became a man in order that everyone might be clothed in truth and righteousness. The One who knew no sin became sin, providing people with a righteousness not of their own. Personal righteousness is insufficient and lacking, yet His righteousness places upon the believer a robe of majesty and might.

Peace is found in His fold

            A retired couple was alarmed by the threat of nuclear war so they undertook a serious study of all the inhabited places of the globe. Their goal was to ascertain a location least likely affected by a nuclear war; a place of ultimate security. They studied and traveled; traveled and studied. Finally, they found what they considered was the perfect setting. On Christmas, they sent their pastor a card from their new home, the Falkland Islands. Their paradise, shortly afterward, became a war zone for Great Britain and Argentina.

            Jesus promised, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27 ESV)

            There is no place you can go where peace is assured accept into the loving arms of the Lord. When someone yields their life to Jesus, they do not have to look for a perfect paradise; one is being prepared for them.

            Several years ago, a submarine was going through a series of test and had to remain submerged for many hours. When the vessel returned to the harbor, the captain was asked, “How did the terrible storm affect you last night?”

            The officer looked at him in surprise and responded, “Storm? What storm? We didn’t even know there was one!”

            The submarine had been so far beneath the surface that it reached the area known to sailors as “the cushion of the sea.” Although the ocean may be whipped into huge waves by high winds, the waters below were never stirred.

            The human heart will be protected against the distracting waves of worry when trust is placed in Jesus. Sheltered by His grace and encouraged by His Spirit, believers find the perfect tranquility that only Christ can provide.

Merry Christmas

            Take to heart Micah’s greeting in the first Christmas card. Make it personally meaningful: The Shepherd has come, enter His fold, and discover His peace. Make Jesus your Lord and come under His care. If you do, you will truly experience a very merry Christmas. Blessings!

ENRICHED BY THANKSGIVING

Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. (Psalm 100 ESV)

            The average person in America, if asked how things are going, normally replies, “Good!”; work is okay, bills are paid, the family is healthy, the home is comfortable, the marriage is fine. Although these are all good things, what would be even better is having an enriched life; what Jesus called an abundant life.

            In the eyes of the nations, America is rich in resources and provision, yet many citizens, both the comfortable and destitute, need enrichment, a life rich with satisfaction and purpose. Is an enriched life possible? Dietrich Bonhoeffer gives the answer: “It is only with gratitude that life becomes rich. It is very easy to overestimate the importance of our own achievements in comparison with what we owe others.”

            No one can honestly boast, “I accomplished everything on my own.” Everyone has been influenced and shaped by others. When I reflect on my early days of ministry, I realize how many wonderful people influenced my outlook and efforts. Glen Cole showed me the zeal of the gospel. Paul Murray showed me the love of the gospel. Albert Knudson showed me the music of the gospel. Dolt Allen showed me the Spirit of the gospel. Ron Masters showed me the declaring of the gospel. And, Lowell Lundstrom showed me the passion of the gospel. Many others are still influencing my life for the better and I am extremely thankful.

            Those following Jesus owe much to other believers and even more to the Lord. God sent His only begotten Son to provide eternal life and, by abiding in Christ, He is helping believers victoriously manage the day-in and day-out events of living.

            When you possess a thankful heart, He enriches your existence. What are some ways life is enriched?

Enriched in happiness

            “He who forgets the language of gratitude can never be on speaking terms with happiness.” (C. Neil Strait)

            Thanksgiving helps a person to be happy. It frees the heart from worries. Expressing thanks conditions a soul for joy. Unhappiness is an indicator of someone losing an attitude of gratitude.

            Scripture portrays the Lord as richly providing everything for your enjoyment. Yet only the thankful notice the “all things to enjoy” that God so richly supplies. (1 Timothy 6:17) When residing in the sphere of gloom and doom, people easily lose sight of the victories occurring daily. They become paranoid over the next crisis, which inevitably crosses everyone’s pathway.

            The happiest people are those that quickly thank God for every circumstance. My wife and I knew a wonderful married couple who resided in the north part of Chicago. They did not have much money, they could only afford to rent a modest apartment, they drove an inexpensive car, and a holiday outside of the immediate area was unheard-of. They lived very simply. We joined them for dinner one evening and to every question, the husband responded with thanksgiving to God. Although not possessing many possessions there was much laughter and unending smiles on their faces. Their lives were enriched with thanksgiving. They convinced us that happiness comes by thankfulness.

Enriched by humility

            David, the psalms’ composer, sang, “My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad.” (Psalm 34:2 ESV)

            The higher someone exalts God, the more accurately they see themselves. The more clearly a person sees the need for total dependence upon the Lord, the more enriched they become by His goodness and grace.

            Only the humble recognize God as the source of all blessings. Seeing Him as the fount of every good thing develops gladness. When you comprehend that you are not the one providing, you end up glad the blessings are there for your pleasure.

            Pride and arrogance rob people of a thankful heart and deprives them of an enriched life. Currently, pride and arrogance are emptying the streets of America of deep-seated joy. The nation would be better off boasting in the Lord and humbling herself.

Enriched in holiness

            Paul wrote the young man Timothy about the end times being filled with people that are ungrateful and unholy. (2 Timothy 3:2) These two “un-” go together.

            Being unholy leads to ungratefulness. When charting out the moral decline of people, Paul wrote of them failing to give thanks to Him. (Romans 1:21). A vain, self-willed, self-sufficient individual ignores the God to whom they are indebted.

            Paul also reveals ungratefulness deteriorates to unholy. Without thankfulness, people go down a road that eventually causes debased forms of immorality. “For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened… Therefore, God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves.” (Romans 1:21, 24 ESV)

            Thanksgiving helps reverse the moral decline of the human condition. Paul instructs believers: “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry... But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth... Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” (Colossians 3:5, 8, 12-13 ESV) Three times believers are admonished to take deliberate action in opposition to unseemly behavior.

            He then reveals the pathway to enrichment: “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:15-17 ESV) Three times believers are admonished to live in the arena of gratefulness.

Enriched in heaven

            Heaven is populated with thankful people. “A great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne… They fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying, ‘Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.’” (Revelation 7:9, 11-12 ESV) The anticipation of a heavenly home is richer to those who, in this lifetime, develop the habit of continually giving thanks.

            Take on an eternal view. By doing so, the number of things causing thanksgiving become virtually endless: Thankful for being set free from rebellion and pride; thankful for the eternal inheritance prepared for you; and thankful for the Savior who guides you to your glory-filled destination.

            Have you ever lost a friend or loved one through death? A heavenly outlook creates a sense of thanksgiving amid the grief of parting. The brief separation is simply a sign of a follower of Jesus residing in heaven, where all suffering ceases.

Thanksgiving

            Become enriched through thanksgiving. Your life may be going well, but it can be made better in thankfulness.

            A resounding thought permeates the Psalms; namely, giving thanks to the Lord for his enduring goodness, as well as praising Him continually. (Psalms 34:1; 107:1) The Lord rightfully deserves these two expressions of adoration. Cheating Him of thanksgiving and praise only cheats the person that fails to express them.

            It was only after Jonah raised his voice in thanksgiving that he was set free from his predicament. (Jonah 2:9) It was only when Paul and Silas punctuated their suffering with praise in a Philippian jail that the doors of freedom flew open. (Acts 15:25-26) You hold the key to having an enriched life, to becoming delivered and set free from your circumstances.

            Have an enriched day of thanksgiving this coming Thursday by entering the Lord’s gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.

            Blessings!

LIVING ON THE CROSS

And [Jesus] said, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? (Luke 9:22-25 ESV)

Now great crowds accompanied him, and he turned and said to them, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? (Luke 14:25-28 ESV)

            Followers of Jesus are to consider the cost of living on the cross, which speaks of giving up items of great personal value. Luke 9 is a description of sacrificing “self-focused love” and Luke 14 is a description of sacrificing “the love of every treasured item and relationship.”  Followers of Jesus are to lay at the altar of grace halfhearted devotion and divided loyalties.

            The Luke 14 passage reveals that His statement was made while traveling. Those condemned to crucifixion were normally staked alongside major thoroughfares. Were crosses located along the roadway they were traveling? Did the condemned serve as a natural illustration? Luke only records Jesus’ charge, yet was the requirement of faith both seen and heard while they were traveling?

A cross to bear

            My wife and I ministered in a Minnesota town claiming to be 70% Roman Catholic, 20% Lutheran, and 10% all the other churches combined. By my second meeting with the church leadership council I announced we would evangelize Catholics. A majority of the 70% were affiliated with the church by name only, and through their required participation in the annual “My fair share” financial program, done grudgingly. I even told one of the priests my intentions. He laughed and showed little concern. During the five years overseeing this little congregation, many Roman Catholics started attending, mostly young families.

            One couple at the church was Mike and Sally, dairy farmers. Like many who work the family farm, he labored with the understanding of one day becoming the inheritor. The parents, however, became unhappy with his decision to leave the Roman Catholic Church.

            Mike came to my office one morning very troubled. His dad had just given an ultimatum. If he did not return to the family church, he would lose the inheritance. He loved the farm and wanted to continue the legacy, the family business. He asked me what he should do.

            Coming from an unchurched home and placing faith in God as a teenager, I understood the quandary of choosing between family and faith. The decision had to be exclusively his. This was his cross. I assured him the congregation would understand if he felt they had to do what his father was demanding. We spent time praying together.

            After Mike went on a prolonged personal journey of prayer and reflection, he sat down with his dad for a talk. While fully resolved to live with the consequences, he kindly told him of his love for the family and the farm, but he would not be returning to the family church. Mike also mentioned that his dad should do what he thought best, and he would always love him no matter if he decided to disinherit him. Dad changed his mind.

            The story has a happy ending for Mike, but many are not so fortunate.

Hanging on the cross of Calvary

            If there is going to be any spiritual development in your life, there must be a death to self. When it comes to notoriety, to position, to prestige, to influence, and to power, there must be a complete dying out of want and wishes. With a deeper dying to self, ambitions for status are reduced and what remains is a deep desire to lift up Christ and serve Him fully.

            All subtle, insidious infiltrations of pride are crucified. All selfish motivations are nailed. All ambitions of attainment are pierced with a sword. Everything experiences the agony of letting go until the soul cries out, “It is finished.”

            When the cross is embraced as a mode of living, every area of life feels the pain. Every point of contact on the rough wood and every physical strain for comfort only adds to the anguish. There is absolutely no area of life that can avoid or evade the torture and misery of the cross. From the highest to the lowest level of the inward being, everything becomes saturated with the spirit of Calvary.

            There is great torment associated with the dying of self. Desires and drives personally deemed acceptable and legitimate come under scrutiny. The only passion remaining is the deep groaning to do the will of God. The only objective still intact is abiding in Christ and walking in the Spirit moment by moment, hour by hour, day by day.

Carefully consider

            The value of the various sufferings is taking the self-element to the cross. Most people want to identify with power but they must also identify with pain. Paul wrote Philippian believers, “That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.” (Philippians 3:10-11 ESV)

            In America, there is so much of self-seeking involved in life. It is not always money. Sometimes notoriety, fame, and the ability to directly or indirectly call attention to self, rules the heart. Many subtleties must be regularly guarded against.

            The more you become like Him in His death, the more you experience the daily expression of resurrection power. Most people want to take a shortcut but none exists. If you want to see the Lord manifested in a great and tremendous way, you must identify not only with His suffering but also His death.

            What does “like Him in His death” mean? Examine the cross for the answer! When a person hangs on the cross, there is no going anyplace unless carried or taken. When hanging on the cross, there are no future plans, no future ambitions and desires as it concerns this world. On the cross there is no holding on to anything. The person turns loose of everything.

            Most people are known for having tremendous potential, but they never come in greater fullness to what God has for them because of clinging to this, that, or some other thing. They grasp onto selfish pride, greedy desires, and covetous agendas.

Your cross

            Nothing can take preeminence and precedence over the will of God. To every ambition and every motive Jesus declares, “Take up your cross.” The challenge of the crucified life, to live dead, is removing self from your personal throne and allowing Jesus to rule and reign over every dimension of your being.

            While visiting New York City, a few Illinois ministers and their spouses spent an afternoon sitting in an office located just off of Times Square, talking with David Wilkerson. One of his more memorable comments gave attention to living a devoted life as an older and longtime follower. He said, “I thought as I got older it would be easier living for God but it isn’t.” I am now one of those older, longtime believers and better understand what he meant.

            I will have been following Jesus for fifty years next month. When starting the journey, I was one very messed up kid. The actions, attitudes and ambitions needing attention were too numerous to count. God graciously unwrapped the onion of my soul, one layer at a time instead of all at once, revealing another tearful odor. He brought me down the road of life until I was ready to address another fault and failure, associated with abiding in the righteousness of Christ, allowing some distance between each confrontation and reducing the overwhelming sense of discouragement.

            Just the other day a situation occurred that surfaced an unsavory odor, and I found myself wondering, “Now where did that come from?” One more attitude needed attention and the time had come to nail it to the cross.

            Hope is only found in God while facing the agonizing moments connected to living on the cross. Crucifixion is a lifelong experience, and when the temporal comes to an end, the ultimate resurrection follows. Until then, depend on new-life power, divinely available during those moments when you come up short of His glory. Tap into His power often, and do not rely on personal strength to overcome during the painful moments of reproof and correction. (2 Timothy 3:16)

ELIJAH

            From Moses is a lesson on intercessory prayer, unselfish in nature. From Job is a lesson on prayer in life’s darker moments, sensing His sovereignty. From Samuel is a lesson on knowing the voice of God, the One speaking and giving the guidance. From David is a lesson on blending petitions and praise, with praise focusing on the Lord and petitions focusing on needs. From Solomon is a lesson on asking, making requests acknowledges dependence. From Elijah is a lesson on passionate praying, and also misguided prayers.

            The Bible reveals not only the zealous exploits of the prophet but also his frustrations and failures. Anyone on account of any series of events has the potential of becoming the glory or the scandal of grace.

The Challenge

            And at the time of the offering of the oblation, Elijah the prophet came near and said, “O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel, and that I am your servant, and that I have done all these things at your word. Answer me, O LORD, answer me, that this people may know that you, O LORD, are God, and that you have turned their hearts back.” (1 Kings 18:36-37 ESV)

            One of the more famous stories in the older covenant involves the promoters of idolatry contending with the prophet of God. (1 Kings 18) Elijah challenged chief idolaters to a duel. Which divine being was truly supreme? Which ruling force existed and could actually listen? At a location overseeing the Mediterranean Sea, the contest had been arranged. He proclaimed, “If Jehovah be God then serve Him, if Baal be god then serve him.”

            The promoters of deceit and falsehood were given first opportunity to invoke a sleeping god. They performed their dance routine eagerly and fervently, using every technic in their parchment of hocus-pocus. Nothing achieved the desired outcome.

            The prophet of honesty and authenticity came forward. He dampened his chances for success, taking the results completely out of his hands. Only the one True God could bring about the preferred results. Jehovah responded and the fake was exposed and eliminated.

            The content of Elijah’s prayer is a mirror of his heart. His sole passion was to restore the thoughts of the people back to God. He was praying a “whatever it takes” kind of prayer. The miraculous demonstration of might that followed returned the people to the one True God. The people fell prostrate and cried, “The Lord – He is God.” They recognized that Baal was no god at all.

The Toll

            I grew up in a musical family, everyone played instruments and/or sang. As a teenager, I played the saxophone in a rock band and was a backup singer. After committing my life to Christ, I auditioned and was selected as a member of a statewide gospel choir, spending three weeks in the Hawaiian Islands performing concerts. In the Air Force I was a regular soloist in a local church. While attending college, I led the singing in the weekly worship services and directed an Easter cantata. In the ministry assignment following college, I started the first choir in the history of that church.

            My second ministry assignment intensified the music focus. The pastor wanted a Singing Christmas Tree event. I had heard about this new kind of evangelism tool but had never seen one. Some men in the church came up with a tree design and helped construct the set. I created a musical called, “Christmas Around the World.” The church hosted the first singing Christmas tree in the community and was featured on the local news.

            The pastor’s wife was the church pianist and a great encouragement. Together we created a children’s Christmas musical. The viewing audience and parents of the kids loved it. Another church in the State used the script for several years.

            Resurrection Sunday was filled with music but in place of an Easter musical a springtime Festival of Praise was created and produced, performed the weekend before Mother’s Day. The event became a highlight of the season.

            Through years of church ministry, I was privileged to direct various choirs for Minister Ordination Services, Mission Conventions, and occasionally lead the singing at statewide Minister Retreats, all requiring special practices and lots of logistical coordination. I knew well the emotional toll caused by producing and directing heart-stirring events.

            Pastoral ministry eventually brought me to a musically gifted church in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. I flew in for the initial interview and met some impassioned believers in Christ. After the formal dialogue at a church member’s home, the group mingled together while enjoying refreshments. The conversations I overheard seemed to focus primarily on music. All of a sudden four of the women went to a piano for an impromptu practice and started singing an upcoming song. Their voices were fantastic, the blending was superb, and the spontaneous rehearsal was virtually flawless.

            Up to this time in church ministry my wife and I had never seen such a musically talented church. The orchestra and choir were of a professional quality. The three seasonal musical events performed each year were the talk of the suburbs. People came great distances to attend one of the numerous performances. Each production was presented to packed-out crowds. Numerous decisions for Christ occurred in every presentation.

            The various Ministers of Music serving with me were the best. They worked tirelessly for months to achieve phenomenal results, almost to their detriment. Since I had created and overseen my fair share of special happenings, I took careful interest in their emotional wellbeing when an event was over. I demanded they take extra time away from the office and give additional time to spiritual and family connections.

            One particular servant of the Lord struggled with my instructions to have downtime. The adrenaline rush from the high-pitch emotional experience often lingered and he wanted to keep going in high gear. I literally had to forbid him from coming to work. Later he saw the wisdom of my actions and thanked me.

            What happened to Elijah after Mount Carmel can happen to anyone. (1 Kings 19) The emotional drain from a highly successful extravaganza leaves a person vulnerable to intensely low feelings. The mood swings are often extreme. Unfortunately, no one was in a place of authority to watch out for the prophet, telling him to cool his jets and quit trying to compete with superman.

            Then he was afraid, and he arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there. But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, “It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” (1 Kings 19:3-4 ESV)

            When the reputation of God is at stake, prayers are passionate and actions are intense. Yet watch out for what often happens next. An unhealthy mental outlook easily follows.

A time for everything

            There is a time to pray passionately and a time to rest guardedly. Prayers when exhausted and depressed easily become emotional pleadings that contradict God’s nature and grace. The Lord does not condemn misguided prayers when life seems overwhelming, and thankfully He does not respond as dictated by the errant request.

            Physically and mentally drained, Elijah requested to escape earth by death. God had greater plans for him, a whirlwind escape while riding a chariot of fire. Thank God for unanswered prayers during depleted moments.

            Pray with passion, especially when God’s honor is involved, yet pray cautiously when weary and worn.

SOLOMON

            From Moses comes a lesson about intercessory prayer, given unselfishly for others. From Job comes a lesson about prayer during the dark moments of life, gaining a sense of God’s sovereignty. From Samuel comes a lesson about the voice of God, knowing who is speaking before obeying the message. From David comes a lesson about petitions and praise, blending the two together. From Solomon comes a lesson about asking.

Solomon

            Solomon is recorded as being the wisest man who ever lived, yet he was still a human and his wisdom was not all-inclusive, requiring him to bring every decision to God in prayer. He was considered a shrewd administrator, a competent diplomate, and an able commander-in-chief. But was everything he did wise? He had three hundred wives and seven hundred concubines. Seriously? No man can even understand one. Not too smart to me! This action as well as the excessive accumulation of horses and the amassing of great wealth even went against the directives of the Law of Moses. (Deuteronomy 17:16-17)

            He made his mistakes, ended up committing idolatry, and lived to tell others about his folly. Three books in the wisdom and poetry section in the older covenant are normally attributed to him. The passion of the Song of Songs was composed in the Spring of his years. The counsel of Proverbs was developed in the Summer of his years. And the folly of Ecclesiastes was chronicled in the Autumn of his years.

Seeking wisdom

            The beginning of his reign over Israel showed a lot of promise. The immensity of the assignment was mind boggling to him, and his youth and inexperience caused a healthy crisis. Fretting and agonizing produced a calamity of the soul, bringing him to wonder, “Where can anyone get enough smarts to manage the various hats I have to wear?”

            As the ministry entrusted to my stewardship developed, I began being asked to become a member of various boards and committees. My initial approach was the following: If asked then it must be God’s will for me to do. The invitation was never brought before the Lord in prayer, I automatically accepted.

            Eventually the volume of work required others taking control of my schedule. Two women ended up dictating my life, my wife and my executive assistant. They became great friends with each other and made sure my personal and professional calendars were kept in right priority. There was very little discretionary time left.

            One day I came to the office and noticed my Daytimer was filled from morning to evening with various committee meetings. While heading toward the conference room for the first session I asked my assistant, “How many committees do I serve on?” She said she would check and let me know when I was done with the first appointment. She researched and told me afterwards I served on eighteen committees and chaired nine of them.

            Committee work is a slow turning wheel seeing only gradual progress, if any advancement at all. Grace and patience is an absolute prerequisite. Serving on too many committees leaves the door wide open for frustration and even discouragement. The time came for me to assess and determine through prayer where the Lord wanted me to serve. The wisest attribute I gained from the experience was when to respond to an invitation, “God has someone else in mind for the assignment.”

Ask

            At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, “Ask what I shall give you.” And Solomon said, “You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant David my father, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you. And you have kept for him this great and steadfast love and have given him a son to sit on his throne this day. And now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?” (1 Kings 3:5-9 ESV)

            Solomon was instructed by the Lord to “ask.”  Asking acknowledges dependence upon Him. God has made the labor associated with a divine appointment contingent on exercising prayer and asking for help.

            Before Solomon ever launched his petition he made a few notable acknowledgements. God had shown great mercy and kindness to the previous leader. The Lord made him the next leader. And he felt utterly unable to oversee God’s people who were “too many to be numbered or counted for multitude.”

            Solomon was feeling overwhelmed by the magnitude of responsibility. He gained an answer not only by his humble attitude but by his unselfishness. His concern was for the welfare of those under his care. He did not consider the recipients of his leadership as his own people but as a uniquely chosen people belonging to the Lord. He wanted to carry out God’s will and work as a leader on His behalf in a manner that reflected Him.

            In the mid-years of church ministry, I became determined to discipline myself in how I spoke, avoiding certain terminologies commonly used in church ministry. During a moment of contemplation, I grew increasingly uncomfortable with the possessive nature of some phrases; such as “my ministry,” or “my congregation,” or “my church.”

            Paul instructed Timothy that the duties of the Call are prayerfully entrusted, a divine stewardship. The ministry, congregation and church are never the property of an overseer, rather, a stewardship has been entrusted and based solely on continued faithfulness. (2 Timothy 2:2)

            Solomon came to the same conclusion about the people of Israel as I did about the people of the Church. When talking to God, he desired a wisdom to lead indiscriminately and to administrate fairly the people entrusted to his stewardship.

Heavenly wisdom

            The New Testament proverbial writer James gave some great clues about heavenly wisdom:

            “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17 ESV)

            “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (James 1:5 ESV)

            “Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.” (James 3:13-16 ESV)

            You will know when the wisdom you exercise is divine in nature by these diverse qualities and attributes.

Get help

            Are you experiencing something causing you to feel overwhelmed?  Then ask for heavenly wisdom, insight from above. And make sure you ask for the right reason, as an act of stewardship instead of possession.

DAVID

            Different Bible characters can help deepen your prayer life.  Moses shows intercessory prayer as the most unselfish kind of praying. Job shows the importance of embracing God’s sovereignty during life’s darker moments. Samuel shows the need of knowing the voice of God, the central issue of prayer being hearing and obeying His voice.  David shows the value of blending petitions with praise.

            The Word of God is increasingly losing influence in shaping the thoughts and lives of men and women throughout the country. More and more of the stories contained in Scripture are not known by the general population, or known inaccurately, such as an apple being the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden and the large fish swallowing Jonah being a whale. Probably some of the last stories of the Bible that will be forgotten in America involves the life of David.

David

            If someone walking on a busy downtown sidewalk was asked, “What stories do you know in Scripture?” no doubt some would mention David fighting Goliath, or David having sexual relations with Bathsheba. Yet the greatest lessons coming from his life surround his devotion to prayer. Although the man was not perfect by any means, he attempted to have his life ruled by constant dialogue with God.

            When reading the numerous psalms penned by King David, a pattern of praise and petition is readily seen. Do your prayers reflect a balance between praising and petitioning God? The entranceway to the heavenly throne is praise, bringing you into His presence. An audience with the Lord, where petitions can be laid at His feet, is made possible by thanksgiving and praise.

            The human heart and soul should blend and balance praise and petition. David praised God for all things and with all means, including musical instruments and choral songs. His praise was not defined by mindless chants and excessive redundancy. His actions were not what is normally witnessed at high school pep rallies, repeatedly shouting simple phrases in an effort to build excitement and enthusiasm. His psalms show a heart moved and inspired by the Holy Spirit, expressing deep-seated groanings for an encounter with God, often too unfathomable for human comprehension.

Praise

            From David gain a sense of divine melody:

            For the director of music. To the tune of The Death of the Son. A psalm of David. I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High. (Psalm 9:1-2 ESV)

            A psalm. A song. For the Sabbath day. It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night, to the music of the lute and the harp, to the melody of the lyre. For you, O LORD, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy. (Psalm 92:1-4 ESV)

            A psalm of praise. Of David. I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever. Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable. (Psalm 145:1-3 ESV)

Petition

            Also from David gain a sense of holy supplication. David’s petitions encompass a variety of situations and circumstances:

            Petition for guidance – “Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your way straight before me.” (Psalm 5:8 ESV)

            Petition for cleansing from hidden and willful sin – “Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults. Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.” (Psalm 19:12-13 ESV)

            Petition for blessing – “Make your face shine on your servant; save me in your steadfast love!” (Psalm 31:16 ESV)

            Petition for right words and thoughts – “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14 ESV)

            Petition for help when overwhelmed – “Save me, O God! For the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in deep mire, where there is no foothold; I have come into deep waters, and the flood sweeps over me. I am weary with my crying out; my throat is parched. My eyes grow dim with waiting for my God.” (Psalm 69:1-3 ESV)

Blend

            Prayers should be a blending of petitions and praise. “May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, Selah. … Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you!” (Psalm 67:1, 3 ESV)

            These personal reflections are much shorter than normal. Will you use the time normally spent on reading today for talking with God? Come into His presence with thanksgiving in your heart, and enter His gates with praise right now, then with gladness of heart lay your burdens before Him. (Psalm 100) Do not delay!

SAMUEL

Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the LORD in the presence of Eli. And the word of the LORD was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision. At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his own place. The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was. Then the LORD called Samuel, and he said, “Here I am!” and ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” So he went and lay down. And the LORD called again, “Samuel!” and Samuel arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, and the word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him. And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the LORD was calling the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant hears.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. And the LORD came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.” Then the LORD said to Samuel, “Behold, I am about to do a thing in Israel at which the two ears of everyone who hears it will tingle. On that day I will fulfill against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end. And I declare to him that I am about to punish his house forever, for the iniquity that he knew, because his sons were blaspheming God, and he did not restrain them. Therefore I swear to the house of Eli that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be atoned for by sacrifice or offering forever.” Samuel lay until morning; then he opened the doors of the house of the LORD. And Samuel was afraid to tell the vision to Eli. But Eli called Samuel and said, “Samuel, my son.” And he said, “Here I am.” And Eli said, “What was it that he told you? Do not hide it from me. May God do so to you and more also if you hide anything from me of all that he told you.” So Samuel told him everything and hid nothing from him. And he said, “It is the LORD. Let him do what seems good to him.” (1 Samuel 3:1-18 ESV)

            From Moses are lessons about intercessory prayer, the most unselfish manner of praying.  From Job are lessons about prayer during life’s darker hours, beholding God as sovereign.  From Samuel are lessons about the voice of God, hearing from Him.

            Skepticism has grown exponentially throughout the world, legitimately caused by the fabrication and exaggeration increasingly occurring in the disseminating of news and information through various outlets, network as well as social media. Suspicious feelings can also impact a relationship with God.

            Is a mindset of cynicism choking the voice of God, strangulating genuine dialogue with Him? Some confess sins with a mere hope of being heard and leave their private confessional sensing doubt. Others petition about a need only hoping they are heard, but lacking assurance. Entering discourse with the Lord and ending without hearing His voice is discouraging.

            Prayer is two-way communication. If you know how to listen, God responds through the inner ear of the heart, or by visions and dreams, or through the prophetic, and if necessary in audible ways.

            The call was extended to the church by Jesus to have ears to hear what the Spirit is saying. (Revelation 2 and 3) If not achievable, would He make such a request? Anyone sincerely praying should be anticipating a response. Jesus desires to clearly guide, as well as kindly correct, through prayer.

Knowing the Source

            Young Samuel could not know the message until he recognized the Messenger, and neither can you.  The Source is as important as the statement.

            Samuel heard from God, “Samuel, Samuel.” (V.10) Then God heard Samuel recognizing Him as the Source, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” (V.10) Having learned to recognize the voice of God and how to communicate back to God, made Samuel ready to fulfill the task designed for him by God.

            Through Samuel’s whole life there was unimpeded communication between himself and God. Samuel spoke and God responded. God spoke and Samuel responded. This level of meaningful conversation can only take place when a person recognizes His voice.

            Someone else was involved in helping Samuel recognize the voice of God. Eli, the leading spokesman for the Lord among the people, gave him clues. Simply stated, ask by faith and wait. (v.9) When Samuel reported to Eli his divine encounter, the priest confirmed the genuineness of the moment. (v.18) A word from the Lord is identifiable to others equally devoted to Him. A person should never conclude that they are the sole measurer of divine truth.

            Where can someone turn today in order to acquire an ear to hear what the Spirit is saying to the church? This zealous aspiration is achieved by Scripture and the Son of God!

            First, the greatest awareness of God’s voice is developed by regularly spending time in God’s Word. The nature of God is clearly disclosed in the Bible. The more you read from the pages of the Book, the more you behold pure reality, the imposters lose the ability to deceive.

            Also, Jesus is the exact representation of God. (Hebrews 1:1-4) Abundantly leaning on Him, learning of Him, and walking in His ways, completes the mosaic as sketched and illustrated in the Covenant writings. The Word became flesh, filling in the blank pages.

Voices

            Several voices are clamoring for the attention of those committed to following Jesus:

            social voices,

            cultural voices,

            patriotic voices,

            political voices,

            radical voices,
            militant voices

            moderate voices,

            courageous voices,

            cowardly voices,

            ethnic voices,

            racial voices,

            liberal voices,

            traditional voices,

            religious voices,

            secular voices,

            tolerant voices,
            combative voices,

            unkind voices,

            progressive voices,

            conservative voices,

            macho voices,

            effeminate voices.

They demand the right to influence a world-defining view, decision-making view, life-shaping view, and course-directing view. The Holy Spirit is a heavenly filter, sifting every opinion and helping you attain the Christ-conforming view.

            Having served in a variety of leadership positions, various pressures were applied in multiple situations to conform to the dictates of many voices. These were not necessarily evil or malicious voices. Most were well-meaning. Some voices had strong convictions about their approach being the most compassionate and fair. Others voices wanted to minimize me placing myself in harm’s way and potentially becoming ill-treated. In each and every occasion came a personal burden to hear the voice of God.

Hear His voice

            First, Samuel heard God’s voice on more than one occasion, and eventually gained an accurate word from the Lord. Multiple encounters will help you know when His voice is speaking to you. Development often requires repetition.

            Secondly, confirmation by those just as devoted to Him helps someone gain more certainty about His voice. Fellow believers play a vital role in the final outcome.

            Samuel is a testimony of someone with a heart to obey, regardless the uncomfortableness of the directions. He was divinely positioned to address corruption, to confront evil, to restore honor, to usher in righteousness, to provide a clear witness of the one True God. One dares not approach such weighty needs without hearing from God and knowing that the voice they hear is His.

            You may not presently have such weighty matters to address, yet knowing and hearing His voice is important to experiencing a triumphant life. God cares, and wants to speak to you.

            Seek His voice above all the other ones clamoring for your attention. Desire to have an ear to hear what the Spirit is saying.

JOB

            Last time gave emphasis to Moses. His life of prayer provides clues about intercessory praying. God is looking for followers of Jesus that are willing to stand in the gap for the church. The opposite practice is to grumble. Will you be an intercessor?

            [If everything you read is supposed to make you feel good, you may want to stop reading right now and wait for next week’s reflections.]

            The story about the Biblical character of Job gives attention to unpleasant feelings that prompt prayers. In particular, Job’s unhappy experiences generated complaints to God. What does prayer look like when circumstances defy all rational explanation, or when there are more questions than can ever be answered, or when the answer is not what you want to hear? Moments do occur when you have to live with the worse while hoping for the best, way more times than anyone wishes.

            I am the last remaining member of my family. After deciding to follow Jesus in high school, I hoped to see my family come to an awareness of the Savior from sin. I prayed, lived for Jesus around them, talked to them as opportunities would allow, and invited them to church, yet I never saw a single family member come to Christ before they passed away. I now live with the worst and place all my trust in the Judge who always does right. Thankfully a niece discovered the Truth, the Life and the Way on her own, although experiencing things I wish would never had happened. She is a great wife and mom, has a wonderful family, and cares deeply for others. Her coming to Christ causes me great joy in midst of heartache.

            I have also had a nervous twitch all my life. My sister often wondered about it when I was a little boy, and my wife comments about it from time to time.

            The twitch occurs in mostly my neck but sometimes in my mid-section. In public I can usually control and minimize the distraction, but privately they happen occasionally and last for a several moments.

            What fascinates me is a strange and holy calmness comes upon me when in the midst of a severe crisis or while going through an intense conflict. The more extreme the dilemma, the calmer I become, and the compulsion to twitch does not surface until the situation is over. After the storm passes, however, prolonged neck or stomach spasms often follow, sort of like a relief value discharging pent up pressure.

            I have asked the Lord on numerous occasions to remove this physical disorder, or to show me what bodily exercises or mental training will eliminate them. His loving response to me comes across as, “Live with it! There are worse things the human body can experience than muscle spasms.” Some unknown good reason exists, but I find the malady very trying and also humbling. I am constantly reminded about the infirmity of humanity.

Misery

            Job cried in the midst of a prolonged and debilitating agony, “Oh that I might have my request, and that God would fulfill my hope, that it would please God to crush me, that he would let loose his hand and cut me off!” (Job 6:8-9 ESV) Was he actually wanting to die and spend eternity away from God? Talking to the Lord in this manner suggest He was in an extreme state of misery.

            People experiencing anguish lose sight of life. Have you ever wondered if praying for life to end is really that uncommon? If the secrets of the soul were clearly exposed, the percentage of those with similar feelings may well be high. Thankfully, nowhere in Scripture does a single incident occur where God honors such an emotional outcry.

            Some would contend, “Shame on Job for thinking and especially talking to the Lord this way!” But Scripture does not record any condemnatory alarms bells sounding in heaven for stating honest feelings and speaking truthfully. In fact, it appears that expressing his genuine feelings in prayer triggered the divine revelation that brought a completed picture of Glory, leading to his recovery. The last part of Job’s story even reveals emotional frustrations and verbal complaints did not deprive him of future blessings. Does the Lord prefer people to be candidly honest with Him, instead of playing some form of positive thinking game and calling it faith?

            When experiencing trouble, people often develop an inability to discern divine intentions or see beyond the present. God may appear distant. The result is a wrestling match fought in an arena created by the devil, the master of accentuated darkness. There are no flawless feelings or one-size-fits-all approaches to the darker moments of life. People simply hang on to the little they know until God appears.

            The struggle caused within the heart and played out in unpleasant surroundings can bring a person very close to losing complete mental and emotional equilibrium. When inflamed and confused, the human mind can end up yielding to disappointment and despair, and end up thinking in distorted ways. The person cannot see beyond the circumstances yet, fortunately, the brutal condition naturally drives them to search. When there is no extreme pressure, no shining diamonds of priceless value will ever emerge.

What if?

            One very real scenario is especially difficult for most people to wrap their head around and accept; namely, being set free may not be in the divine plan. Even though not fully understood or preferred, a permanent “thorn in the flesh” may be in the providence of God, yet not without benefit. (2 Corinthians 12:7-10) Can you grasp the meaning of a Lordship that includes no matter what, and yield to it?

            When in the middle of an unhappy situation, a feeling of assurance evaporates that a loving Lord has designed a good end. A person often loses sight of God as He truly is; sovereign.

            Paul wrote a letter to Timothy when death was eminent. He reveals to his assistant, although he had been spared on numerous occasions, he would not escape death this time. His comments show someone accepting his situation and discovering a different kind of peace. (2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18)

            A heavenly harmony is available both by acceptance as well as by deliverance, when someone is fully yielded to the supreme plan of God.

Clues

            The friends of Job could not paint a legitimate portrait of what was happening and neither I, nor anyone else, can create an accurate picture of your troubles. Yet from Job’s complaints and actions come clues that can help while you wait for God to come on the scene.

            First, “What is man, that you make so much of him, and that you set your heart on him, visit him every morning and test him every moment? How long will you not look away from me, nor leave me alone till I swallow my spit?” (Job 7:17-19 ESV) Even should you feel that you do not want Him nearby, during distressing moments the Lord is intimately close and deeply cares about every detail of life, such as saliva in the mouth.

            Secondly, “Then Job answered the LORD and said: ‘Behold, I am of small account; what shall I answer you? I lay my hand on my mouth. I have spoken once, and I will not answer; twice, but I will proceed no further.’” (Job 40:3-5 ESV) No one can provide a justifiable complaint, or give a self-centered defense, or match wits with God and expect righteous vindication.

            Finally, “Then Job answered the LORD and said: ‘I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted … I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore, I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes.’” (Job 42:1-2, 5-6 ESV) Answers are discovered by seeing and not just hearing. His presence is the solution. The remedy involves experiencing God, instead of just acquiring more data and facts about your situation.

            Abundant living is about traveling a path with a Person, more than implementing a plan established upon principles. Jesus is the Way. The path is a Person, a journey filled with unknowns, involving much faith and little sight.

One final thought

            Isaac Watts in the classic church hymn “At the Cross” included a phrase that was eventually considered offensive and changed to soften unsettling feelings in the politically correct era: “Alas! And did my Savior bleed, And did my Sovereign die? Would he devote that sacred head, For such a worm as I?” An uncomfortable synonym for many, but Scripture describes godly people as worms, a creature crawling along with a slimy understanding of life. (Isaiah 41:14) The word is even used twice in Job’s story.

            Everyone needs from time to time a good healthy reminder of not being super great. Be prepared to be knocked down a couple of notches occasionally, and while you are at it, avoid mispresenting the Lord by saying something you will regret later.

            When Job saw himself through God’s greatness, his humble confession ended the emotional turmoil played out in his soul. Besides, by having a more accurate outlook he ended up in a position to soar to greater heights of divine blessing.

            If feeling like Job, take heart, a pristine peace is close at hand and blessings will undoubtedly follow. Wait for God and do not accept anything less.