Loving God = Obeying God = Loving God

“But if anyone obeys his word, God’s love is truly made complete in him.

1 John 2:5 NIV

“He who does not love me will not obey my teaching.”

John 14:24a NIV

Do you ever wonder why obeying God is so difficult? I have come to realize that it is because I do not love God enough to obey him. I confess, as a Christian, that thought makes me very uncomfortable. Yet still I choose to disobey.

I feel that on the “big stuff” like murder, stealing, adultery I do a pretty good job of obeying God. Yet I must ask myself if I live like that because I love God or because I have good morals? I must admit that it is the “little stuff” that bothers me. Things like always speaking kind words, judging others, being negative, responding to God in fear, gossiping, not giving all that I could, and not spending more time in the Word and in prayer. I know that God wants me to obey him regarding all those things and I’m sure many other things that I haven’t mentioned. Then why don’t I simply obey? Again, I think it is because I do not love God enough.

As a child I obeyed my parents to avoid getting into big trouble. Later I obeyed them in order to find favor with them. Their favor would prove to be beneficial to me in getting what I wanted. Finally, as I grew older I began to obey my parents simply because I loved them and didn’t want to disappoint them or dishonor them in any way. My love for my parents grew so strong that I just naturally wanted to please them. My acts of loving obedience told them in unspoken words how very much I loved them. It seemed like the formula was Love = Obeying = Love. The more I loved my parents, the easier it became to obey.

I would like to suggest that perhaps the solution for my lack of obedience to God is simple. I must fall deeper in love with Jesus! ! I must spend time with him. I must learn as much as I possibly can about how Jesus thinks, what he does, who he is, what he stands for, and who he loves. Just like in any relationship, when I discover more about the object of my affection, I fall head over heals in love with that person. Their character, their qualities, their abilities, and their love for me all contribute to my desire to love, obey, and serve them in return.

I wonder what a day of completely and perfectly loving Jesus would look like. For sure it would be a day void of selfish desires and ambitions. My day might start out by me saying, “Good morning God, here I am bright eyed, able and willing. What can I do for you this morning?” “Ask what you will God, I’m your gal!”

Instead, the scenario is more likely to be, “Thanks God for a good night of rest. Now here is a list of what I need today, what I need for my family, and what I need for my friends. God, I’d really like to spend some time with you this morning but unfortunately I have a very busy day. Please know God I wish I could, but I can’t! Oh well, not to worry, God, I know you will be pretty busy today because I, for one, have left you with a very long “to do” list.”

You see, on occasion I have been guilty of believing a very big lie of Satan that says to me, “God does not need you.” After all, if he is an “all knowing,” “all powerful,” and “all present” God, why on earth would he need you? I perceive this lie as making perfect sense because down deep inside, I really don’t think I have much to offer.

Au contraire, my friend. God does need us! However, God does not need our knowledge, our power, or for us to fill in for him in case he can’t be somewhere that he needs to be. No, God has all of that covered. But God created each of us because he needs our fellowship and our love. When we, as believers, experience a personal relationship with God he allows us to ask him for what we need, and then he tells us what he needs. It may be go, stay, wait, serve, encourage, give, or a myriad of other opportunities. We show God our love by obeying his commands and doing whatever it is that he asks of us.

Only selfish, ungrateful children would expect the relationship to be one sided. Remember we should love God not because we fear him, or need to, or want to be found in his good favor so we can receive gifts from his hand. No! We obey him because we love him.

I don’t think I ever really understood the sacrifice that my parents made for me. I doubt that my children see the sacrifices that my husband and I made for them. I also doubt that my grandchildren are conscious of the sacrifice their parents are making for them. So I imagine that I, a child of sin, do not really understand the sacrifice that God ordained for me even before I was born. God gave his one and only son to die as a sacrifice for my sin. Jesus took my place. Without Jesus’ sacrifice and his shed blood being applied to my heart I would be hopelessly separated from God for all eternity. If I was destined to remain separated from God because of my sin, I would die at the end of this life and never again receive his love, his gifts, or his provision. His protection would disappear from my life. I am reminded that God chooses to bless both believers and non believers. But some day his generosity will end for those who do not love him.

I know that I really do need to try to understand all that God has done for me so that I can love him more completely. I want my love to be pure. From time to time the test will come and Jesus will simply ask me as he did Peter, “Do you love me?” and then he will ask for my obedience as proof. Feed my sheep, give of your time and resources, take better care of yourself, and last but never least, spend more time alone with me.

I am convinced that my love fosters obedience, and obedience speaks a message of love to my Father in Heaven. Love = Obedience = Love! God knows that I am dust. I know that God does not require my perfection but he looks at my heart and he knows full well the depth of my love and that my desire is to love him. I want to love God more today than yesterday. I want to love him tomorrow more than today! I want to fall deeply in love with my Jesus! Less of me and more of Him!

Questions:

Do you have trouble obeying God?

When you obey, why do you obey?

What do you think you can do to fall deeper in love with Jesus?

Do you agree that the more you love God the more you will obey him?

Prayer:

Dear God,

I am finding that I cannot be consistently obedient to you without consistently loving you. It must be the desire of my heart to obey you simply because I don’t want to disappoint you. I want to obey you because that is what husbands and wives, children and parents, and good friends do for one another. They help each other because they love each other. You are my Father and my friend. I confess, many times I have tried to obey you apart from loving you. It simply doesn’t work. God, I thank you that you first loved me. Amazingly, you loved me enough to send your Son to the cross to die for me even before I loved you. How gracious is your love for me! God, I need to spend more and more time with you so I can fall madly in love with you. After all, that is what people who love each other do. God I don’t want to just take from your hand. I desire to give back to you in obedience because I love you. Father, you lavish your love on me. Oh, that I might love you lavishly in return.

In Your Son’s name I pray. Amen.

Fear In The Garden

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.
He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit,
while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes
so that it will be even more fruitful.”

John 15:1-2 NIV

A long time ago Adam and Eve sinned in the beautiful garden that God had given to them. As a result, when God came looking for them they hid and experienced a new emotion, fear. Genesis 3:8 It was their sin that caused that fear. After all, the Bible tells us, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear,” 1 John 4:18a NIV

Satan tempted Adam and Eve with the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. I have come to realize that my life is not so different from Adam and Eve’s. I still face temptations from Satan. When I succumb to the temptation I then experience the fear of facing God with my sin. But I need not fear because Jesus is my Savior and I am safe because Jesus’ blood covers my past sin, my present sin and my future sin. Because God loves the Son, he accepts Jesus’ sacrifice for my sin as payment for my sin. He loves me for the sake of the Son. Jesus’ love for me is perfect. It will drive out any fear I may have if I put my trust in him.

So why then do I at times fear the garden? It is because I am in need of correction. I need to have sinful branches that bear no fruit cut off. I need the pruning of the gardener in my life so that my life will be able to produce even more fruit. The pruning shears of the Master Gardner scare me because I fear the pruning process will be painful even though I know the Gardener will use the shears in love.

So today I am slowly shuffling my way to the garden. As I walk toward the garden I am rebuking myself because I have fallen into some sinful behavior. If there are flowers blooming as I enter the garden I do not see them. I am wearing the hat of submission but I am also wearing the coat of dread! I feel a bit like Adam and Eve, ashamed. What I really want to do is hide. I too hear the Master walking in the garden and I know without a doubt that he will be carrying his pruning shears!

As a believer there are some things that I really hate! I hate the things people do that bring out the worst in me. I hate when I have a bad attitude and end up needing to have my attitude hacked off the vine. I hate when I have spoken inappropriate words that hurt others. I hate when I try to carry my own burdens and fix my own problems. I hate when I have embraced a spirit of fear. I hate when I argue with God and fight being obedient. I hate the process of working through my sinful behavior! But most of all I hate that as a believer I must hold myself accountable to Jesus. I hate when I allow something to happen in my life that casts a shadow on my relationship with Jesus. I hate when I realize that I am in need of a painful trip to the garden to get my sinful behavior pruned and forgiven. I know deep down in my heart that there is no other way.

I know from past experience that it is absolutely necessary for me to reach the point where I can wave the white flag of surrender and submit to the pruning shears in order to restore fellowship in the garden between myself and my Savior. Pruning is necessary so that I will walk in a loving relationship with my Lord and bare fruit that will bring him glory.

Still it is my nature to try to avoid pain, admit guilt, confess my sin, and ask for forgiveness. Much to my chagrin I usually nurse the conflict that is raging within me, consequently causing the situation to become a very long and drawn out process before I can head for the garden, meet up with the Vinedresser, and bow to his shears. I have traveled this road many times before and I know all too well where it must end! Why does it take me so long to release my anger, admit my fear, confess my sinful behavior, and seek his loving forgiveness? Why do I want anything less than the Vinedresser's approval and my inner peace?

What I love is that Jesus holds me tight and never lets me go! I love that he keeps calling me to the garden! I love his faithfulness to me even when I am unfaithful! So here I am in the garden and now I hear the Master Gardner speaking reassuring words of comfort to me. I know this pruning procedure will change my self-centered character and as a result I will become more like Jesus. I now begin to cry tears of joy knowing that I am exactly where I need to be. I know that when the Master Gardener is finished with me I will be one more step closer to looking like him. Because of God’s amazing love for me I know that my life will flourish with his grace because of this pruning. Oh! Without a doubt, pruning is not to be dreaded and despised. Pruning is to be seen as God’s love gift to me!

As I leave the garden it is my desire to be a person of godly influence. For this day the work of the Gardner is finished; my pain has turned to joy. My fear has turned to peace. That which was not good has been forgiven, cut off and tossed into the fire. I am blessed. I am at peace. The vision of all he wants me to be for his kingdom has been cast by the Master. Somehow by the grace of God I now feel cleaner and stronger, and I walk a little taller. My eyes look upward; there is a lilt in my step, a smile on my face, and praise on my lips and gratitude in my heart!

I begin the walk back toward the house and as I walk I am asking myself a few questions. Paula, why do you wait so long to seek out the Gardner? Why do you put yourself through all of that prolonged misery? Paula, the next time you feel God’s rebuke why don’t you just run to the garden and bypass the painful struggling? I remember the last thing that Jesus said to me when I was leaving the garden. He reminded me that running to him immediately, is a mark of Christian growth and maturity. Oh how I desire to be in that place!

Questions:

Have you ever feared the garden?

When was the last time God pruned your life?

What were the results of his pruning?

Are you currently in need of God’s pruning shears?

Are you making plans to run to or from the garden?

Can you see that God’s pruning is his gift of love to you?

Prayer:

Dear God,

I am getting tired of fighting you. Next time I want to go straight to surrender. After all, perfect love cast out fear. There is no need to fear the garden. Help me God to remember that all you do in my life is for my eternal good. I thank you God that you love me enough to whisper your words of conviction to my heart. I am blessed that your love wants to make something beautiful out of my life. I am so glad that you think that I am worth the effort. I am so thankful that you don’t want to allow the ugly branches of sinful behavior to grow out of control and remain in my life. I know the pruning you do in my life is your way of equipping me to serve you and others more effectively. I know that the more I love you, the less I will fear correction, and the more I will trust and obey you, and the quicker I will run to the garden. Prune me Lord, so that others will look at me and see your Son, Jesus Christ.

It is in your Son’s name I pray. Amen.

Walking With Jesus

“Enter through the narrow gate.
For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction,
and many enter through it.
But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life,
and only a few find it.” Matthew 7:13-14 NIV

Winter is definitely not my favorite season! Yet deep inside I know that all God has made is good and serves a purpose. All creation is a reflection of God’s glory. Winter also provides protection, rest and refreshment for God’s creation and for me as well. Although much of winter can be boring brown and gloomy gray nevertheless, a beautiful blanket of clean snow can cover a massive amount of ugly. Shimmering ice can drip and freeze beautiful stalactites hanging from the roof of my house while God paints amazing patterns of ice doilies on my windows. Beautiful red cardinals sing from the deep inside the green cedars and the bright red Nandina berries beam of winter joy.

So on this winter day I want to enter the garden of my heart through the narrow gate that the Bible says leads to life. This will be a day I will reflect on what can happen when I take my eyes off of Jesus. So many times in my busy life it is easier to go through the wide gate. So many times in the past my selfish attitudes and ambitions has sent me flying through the gate that sends me down the road of destruction.

Let me tell you about that road and what I experienced and observed when I traveled that road. The wide road was a busy highway. On this road I heard the cunning call of compromise. I was never alone and solitude eluded me because there were so many people on this road to keep me company. It was next to impossible to focus on anything that would lift my thoughts toward heaven. In fact the crowds and often responsibilities lured me away from God and straight into a “self-centered mentality”. At any given time it was easy for me to rub shoulders with those who were bitter because life had not worked out as they had planned, and so we drank together the cup of “poor me” and still I felt no comfort. There were people who beckoned me to join them in living for the moment. That path snuffed out God’s truth and led me into a self-absorbed life. I remember that many on this road were totally unaware that God continued to bless them even when they ignored him. Hanging out with the likes of these offered me a false happiness and only made me feel more pangs of unhappiness when I was alone. My sins continued to plague me and I found it hard to go on. At times I was depressed because Satan told me that my life wasn’t worth much.

Others on this road appeared to be happy. They lived in the moment and believed with all their heart that life was all about them. There were others who sat along this road and pondered if God existed. They believed that their intelligence was far superior to a belief in God and concluded that if you can’t see him he doesn’t exist. These souls have set themselves up as a god and they believe Satan’s lie that convinces them that within their own strength they will be able to meet all of the challenges of life. They believe that they alone are in control of their life and that is not a position that they want to compromise or give up.

Everyone on this road to destruction lives only for themselves. These are impulsive people who live for moments of gratification rather than a life of hope and peace. The longer they travel this road the more self-absorbed they become. They believe that their success is more important than anything or anyone else. They start pushing others aside to get ahead and forget to hold dear those most precious to them.

I for one became weary with this dead end road and hopeless lifestyle. I remembered that in days past I had been on a narrower road that was full of hope. Eternity and eternal life was on the horizon. It was on that narrow road that I walked in peace knowing that my physical death was actually the door to real life forever. It was on this road that I knew that nothing was too difficult for God. It was a road where I had experienced that God was always faithful even when I was not.

During this “wake up and stop feeling sorry for your self” call I found myself searching for an exit. To both my surprise and joy the wide road was lined with multiple exits. There was one every few feet! Yes, God always has a plan and provides a way for our escape. I didn’t waste another moment as I quickly ran to the exit marked “Narrow Road.” Without a doubt, this road was narrow and not as well traveled, yet there were many travelers. These travelers were not without baggage and crosses but their faces were smiling and peaceful. The tree lined road provided me with shade from the heat of the day and relief from the pressure and stress of my life. Beautiful flowers were blooming for my enjoyment. The joy of my salvation was restored as I began to take pleasure in walking the narrow road with Jesus.

The travelers that I encounter on this road are God’s people. We walk together, talking and sharing about our Heavenly Father. We talk about how fortunate we are that even in difficult times God has his hand on our lives and that he continues to draw us to himself so that we can receive his wisdom and comfort. Even when we take a wrong turn, God lovingly draws us back to the narrow road where we belong. God treats each of us as his precious child and lavishly loves us as though we haven’t been away a minute!

It is my experience that the people on this road know that God will use any set back or problem in their life for their good. These folks speak of their many blessings. They know that God is not finished with them yet and that they are a work in progress. The children of God, my friends, all desire to experience progress in their spiritual life as they walk this road with Jesus Christ. They treasure their relationship with Jesus as they take time to stop along the road to read their Bible, pray, praise and worship Jesus. I absolutely love these inspiring, encouraging people!

As I personally walk this road with Jesus I know that I am not in control, and that’s okay with me. I am comforted to know that the God of creation is in control of my life and the lives of all those I love. I know that even in the worst case scenarios of life God is in control and has a plan. When fear grips my heart, the Holy Spirit comforts me with the knowledge that God will never leave me or forsake me. That is God’s promise to me and I stand firmly on that promise. I gladly give God credit for all that is good in my life. Because I love God I find joy in helping others, I choose to be happy for the success of others. I choose to weep with those who weep. I choose to set aside my selfish will and submit to the perfect will of God. There is no other road on which I would rather travel than this narrow road of life that leads to an amazing relationship with Jesus Christ now. I do not walk this road in perfection but when I take time to glance back over my shoulder I do see progress. I do not take pride in this but totally give God praise because he loves me enough to challenge me to walk closer to him. Gratitude is the word I would choose to express how I feel when I realize that I am not the person I used to be. God has been faithful to help me grow in my faith. It is true, the best is yet to come! At the end of this road I anticipate a joyful life after death that will never end. Some call the road I travel the road of narrow mindedness, but I call it the road of joy both now and forever! It is the road that keeps me safe from destruction!

Questions

Are you traveling life’s wide road or the narrow road?

If you are traveling the wide road, how is that working out for you?

If you are traveling life’s narrow road, describe your current mental and emotional state.

If your current mental and emotional state is less than peaceful and joyful, is there a possibility that maybe you have taken a wrong turn?

Do you believe that Christians sometimes leave the narrow road and follow the wide road?

How can Christians avoid a detour?

If you have found yourself on the wide road of life, do you see an exit in sight? If so, take it!

Prayer

Dear Jesus,

You never said that life would be easy. In fact you said we would have troubles in this world. But you have promised to be with us in all things. You have promised us that if we trust you we will be all right no matter where the narrow road of life takes us. You said a comforter would come to be a very present help to us in our trouble. You have promised that you were going away to prepare for us an eternal home and that you would come again to personally escort us to that place so that we can live with you forever. Jesus, I pray for your forgiveness when I allow fear to grip my heart and when I entertain the sinful behavior of selfishness and pride. I desire that my life will be ordered by you. I pray against the spirit of fear that cancels my trust. Jesus, protect me from Satan’s subtle temptations that would invite me to exit the narrow road and foolishly pursue the wide road of destruction. Father, help me to stay focused on you as I read your Word, walk with you and fellowship with your people. Be with me as I daily open my heart to you in prayer. Jesus I pray for your joy to fill me as I walk with you on the narrow road that ends in a beautiful life that will last for all eternity.

In Your Name I pray. Amen

Being On the Same Page as God

“And God spoke all these words:” Exodus 20:1 NIV

Today I am waking up to a cold January morning. The real garden is dead and the only evidence that growth lies beneath the soil are ugly stalks of last season's dead perennials and the faith that believes that those plants will bloom again next spring.

I am so blessed that the garden of my heart has beautiful flowers and shrubs, climbing vines and flowering trees, evergreens and deciduous trees all blooming continuously year round! Believe me…it’s a God thing! And so this morning, though I am cozy inside my home, I will sip my coffee and escape to the warm garden of my heart. The imagery of the year round garden may be fantasy but the truth that I will learn today and everyday in the garden with Jesus is and always will be is real! The close relationship that I have with the Master Gardener is indescribable. Jesus is tender and merciful, forgiving and kind. This amazing love is fresh and new every morning.

And so I walk down the sun filtered path stopping at a beautiful clump of pink coleus. Beyond the coleus rests a stone with the Ten Commandments carved into the stone as if God had placed the words there himself. I pause and remember a time when God did give his law to Moses for the people. Each law was engraved in the stone by the finger of God.

My mind goes back to a time when our children were middle school age. I had posted the Ten Commandments on one of the cabinets over our breakfast bar. Sometimes our children’s friends would be setting there at the bar having a snack and would comment on the Ten Commandments. I remember one young man asking if I thought that keeping the commandments would get a person into heaven. I remember sharing with him that each individual must believe in Jesus Christ and accept the blood of his sacrifice as a covering for his or her own personal sin. I further explained that it is that blood that offers us an opportunity to be forgiven. That forgiveness comes to us as a free gift from God. Each living soul must choose to accept that gift if we want to be allowed to enter heaven. Without accepting that gift there is no entrance into heaven. I did say however, that it was a good idea to pay close attention to the Ten Commandments because they are God’s guidelines that are specifically designed to help us have a happy life. I pointed out that the first commandment was the most important of all because when we love God and put him before, anyone and anything else we most likely won’t have trouble knowing how to keep the others. Realizing that we are a lost sinner and then accepting God’s forgiveness is the first step on our journey of loving God.

For me there are a few familiar passages in the Bible that seem to float meaningless through my brain because I have heard them so many times. Scriptures like the Lord’s Prayer, the 23rd Psalm, and the Ten Commandments. I do believe that from time to time these precious scriptures need to be revisited. So this morning I choose to sit at the feet of Jesus and meditate on the commands of God that are perfect in every way.

God's instructions to us:

# 1 - Don’t love anything or anyone more than you love me.

# 2 - Don’t worship anyone or anything but me because I am a jealous God and there are consequences if you do. I will punish families and nations for this sin. I will punish you, your children, your grandchildren, your great grandchildren, your great, great grandchildren, and your great, great, great grandchildren if you ignore and hate me. On the other hand, if one person turns away from hating me to loving and respecting me from that moment on I will show blessing and love for a 1,000 generations.

# 3 - Don’t abuse my name by swearing or misrepresenting what I stand for. When you slander me or damage my name you cast a shadow on my reputation.

# 4 - Remember to take one day a week to rest and carve out time for me. Make this a holy time to rest in my love and care. It is my will for you to be refreshed, renewed and rested!

# 5 - Honor and respect your parents. I don’t care how old you are, or if your parents are living or deceased, it is important not to do anything that would shame your parents as a result of your sinful behavior. Always show love and make sure that your integrity is intact. This is honoring and respecting your parents.

# 6 - Do not murder. Do not take someone’s life or damage their reputation by speaking falsely against them. Lying about someone’s character is killing their reputation.

# 7 - Do not commit adultery, physically, mentally or emotionally.

# 8 - Do not steal anything that does not belong to you. Do not steal property, money, or ideas from anyone.

# 9 - Do not lie about anything or anyone. White lies are only one nanosecond away from a full blown lie!

# 10 - Do not want what someone else has so badly that you will do anything to take it away from them.

Jesus’ New Commandment: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. Love your neighbor as yourself.” Matt. 22: 37,39b NIV Treat everyone as you want to be treated.

So how do I want to be treated? I want to be treated fairly, honestly, and with respect. I want to feel love and appreciation from others. I want to experience kindness and mercy. I want to be a recipient of love, kind words and encouragement.

I find that rule is not too hard as long as I am able to select those to whom I want to show love. As long as my love can be selective and conditional I am in good shape. But here lies the rub. Sometimes I base my love on whether or not I feel someone is deserving of or in need of my efforts of love. Most of the time it is very difficult to love those who do not treat me well, those who take advantage of my kindness, those who don’t treasure me and my ideas, those who think and behave different than me, and those who are different than me. Then there are the people who are mean and discourteous and set out to cause me harm. Those who abuse, persecute, and falsely accuse me. Yet Jesus says, love them as you want to be loved. This is not a suggestion. It is a command. It is times like these that I realize that I am NOT on the same page as God. I see clearly that I desperately need my Savior’s example of unconditional love for me that he displayed on the cross. I need his example of mercy and forgiveness that he offers me every single day of my life. I also need the power of the Holy Spirit to assist me during my times of need. I will not get it right every time but I must continually desire to aspire to this high calling and command from God. I so desire to be on the same page as my loving Father.

Questions

How do you feel about loving others as you do yourself?

When was the last time you got it right?

When was the last time you failed?

Why do you think you failed?

Do you think that loving God more would help you love others more?

Read: Exodus 20:1-21 and Exodus 31:18

Prayer

Dear Awesome, Almighty God,

You God are the great “I AM” and your ways are higher than my ways. You know the pathway of life that will bring me joy and you honor. Help me to glorify you by choosing to keep your laws. God I confess that sometimes I don’t love you more than I love myself. Forgive me God. Please fan the flickering flame in my heart that desires to be on the same page as you. God my desire is that I will love you more than any one or any thing. I need your grace and the power of your Holy Spirit so that I will love others as I love myself. Help me to fall in love with Jesus to the point that I cannot help but love others unconditionally, just as your Son loves me. Help me to love your laws and daily walk in obedience to your laws.

In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.

God Is My Authority For Guidance

“Show me your ways, O lord, teach me your paths;

guide me in your truth and teach me,

for you are God my Savior,

and my hope is in you all day long.”

Psalm 25:4-5 NIV

I know that I will never reach a point in my life when I no longer need God. As a believer, part of my personal relationship with Jesus Christ is that I have the privilege of asking God for his divine guidance in every situation that comes into my life.

My entire life I have experienced multiple times when I have had a need for guidance. Some of those needs have been for guidance in meeting my husband, a career choice, which job to accept, where I should live, how to be a better parent, what I should do during a financial crisis, when to move ahead or when to let go, and sometimes how to respond to a difficult person. The list goes on and on!

It is my nature to rush ahead of God and make my own plans. When I find myself uncertain as to what decision I should make, I often seek the advice of another person. Some people consult horoscopes, or a self proclaimed guru, tarot cards, a crystal ball, Ouija boards and fortune tellers. The likes of these are of no value whatsoever! In fact, these are crafty tools used by Satan to keep us from seeking God and all he has for us! However, the Bible tells me that above myself and all others, even good friends and well meaning people, I must learn to seek the guidance of God. “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:6 KJV It has been my experience that during the times when I have failed to consult God I have often added unnecessary complications and consequences to my life.

The practice of seeking God’s wisdom for all of my decisions should become as natural to me as eating food. This year my prayer is that I will not rush ahead of God, but rather, that I will first seek God’s guidance in all I do. Asking for God’s divine guidance really is nothing more than this very simple prayer, “God, please show me what I should do.” After I have prayed that prayer I should immediately, as an act of faith, start actively looking for God’s guidance in my life.

For me, a starting point for recognizing God’s guidance would be to take a look and see where God is already working in my life. I must prayerfully consider the fact that God may be keeping me on the current page of my life a little while longer or he may be nudging me to move on. I am also learning that God often speaks to me through my desires, my thoughts, or through an open door of opportunity. Sometime God speaks and directs me through the appropriately spoken words of another person. A gentle word from the Holy Spirit that is no louder than a whisper or a reoccurring one word message that seems to hit me everywhere I turn. I seem to hear a voice behind me saying, "This is the way; walk in it." Isaiah 30:21b

I have come to realize that God places specific people in my life for a reason. God also puts me in places where my experiences will help me learn and prepare me for the days ahead. Therefore, it is important that I completely trust God to lead me down the path that I should take in his perfect timing. As a means of protection, I need to also ask God to take away any desires or opportunities that would not be in my best interest.

In God’s attempt to guide me he will not push or force me down his path but instead he calls me to follow him. I am discovering that when I find that I am lost and on the wrong road it is because I decided to do the leading. Other times it has been when I have wanted my plan, my dream, or my passion satisfied so I pressed on full speed ahead. At one point in my life, I believed Satan’s lie that said, “If it’s to be, it’s up to me!” Many times I have found myself on the wrong road when I have refused to relinquish the control of my future and simply trust future days to God. “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 NIV

Other times I have wondered if my part was just to sit back and do nothing. Because God has made us intelligent beings with thought processing ability we are always to do all that we know to do. We are to work hard and be responsible. I believe that we are to attempt to walk through every open door until God closes that door tightly. It is important to seek God’s wisdom so that we will know the difference between a closed door and a road block. Satan often sets up roadblocks, those things that discourage us, slow us down and cause doubt. Thwarting God’s plan for us is right down Satan’s alley. In many cases road blocks are sure signs that we are indeed on the right path. "But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever,” Psalm 33:11a NIV

As believers, learning to pay attention to our inner spirit is an important process. Acknowledging God and asking for his direction for our life is never a mistake. It is the path to our greatest joy. It is not always a road that is free of pain and hardship, but still it is the right road. The road to Calvary was more difficult than we could ever imagine, but it was the road by which Jesus glorified his Father.

Questions:

Are you facing major decisions in the coming New Year?

Are you currently praying about those decisions?

Do you see that perhaps you may be on your road instead of God’s road?

Are you holding on to what you want or are you allowing God to show you what he desires for your life?

Are you having trouble trusting God?

What can you do to learn more about trusting God?

Prayer:

Dear Awesome, Almighty, All Knowing, All Present, All Powerful God,

How could I ever trust in anything or anyone other than you? You have been faithful in the past, and you are faithful today. Therefore, I know you will be faithful tomorrow. Forgive me for clinging so tightly to control and for not being able to trust you with my life and the lives of those I love. God, help me this new year to trust you for guidance in all that I do, or consider doing. Help me to trust you for the hard things in life that frighten me. Help me to learn about trusting you by reading about trust in your Word. Help me to tune in to YOUR messages of guidance that are all around me. Help me to see YOUR sunrise every day and know that you can be trusted. Teach me and guide me for you God are my hope all day long every day.

In Your Son’s name I pray. Amen.

A Christmas Mulling

“…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right,
whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable –
if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.
…and the God of peace will be with you.”
Philippians 4: 8-9b NIV

When I first decorate my home for Christmas everything looks so beautiful! Even though it is a lot of work I still say things like “I just love Christmas!” or “Christmas is my favorite time of year.”

And then it’s over. The candles have burned down to a nub and there is wax on my favorite tablecloth. My pretty holly dinner dishes are clean but stacked on the counter waiting to be packed away for another year. The cute cookie tins that were full of cookies just a few days ago now contain only a few stale crumbs. Our once beautiful tree now looks wilted and the bottom of the tree looks naked without the gifts skirting the base. As my eyes cruise the room I see stacks of unwrapped gifts everywhere that are waiting to find their new home. Piled up at the back door are several large garbage bags full of crumpled wrapping paper and crushed bows that are waiting to make their way to the curb for tomorrow’s trash pick up. I am finding it hard to believe that jut a few days ago everything was picture perfect.

This scenario reminds me that the glitter of life always leave us feeling let down and unfulfilled. No matter how beautiful and appealing the things of life are they are only temporary. The aftermath of a holiday, or a party, or a nice vacation can leave us feeling disappointed, lonely, and depressed. The truth is that there is absolutely nothing in this life that can satisfy our inner soul but Jesus and doing the work that he has given us to do.

I love my family and I cherish the time we have together but when Christmas is over and there is nothing left but hugging everyone good-bye and cleaning up the mess I must admit that I get a little depressed. I have even been known to shed a few tears. I think that this year I would be wise to guard my heart and move on in a positive way. I think that first on my agenda will be sitting in my favorite chair and sipping a hot cup of cranberry-orange cider as I mull over some of the very wonderful events of the holiday. Yes, reflection is exactly what I need.

What will I mull over? I think that I will try to think about the things that can’t be purchased and things that are true and noble. I want to think about things that are right and pure. I will choose to think about lovely and admirable things. I will mull over things that are excellent and praiseworthy.

To start with I will close my eyes and inhale the refreshing aroma of my Frasier Fir. Even after the ornaments have been removed the fragrance will still remain. Our Christmas tree will serve as a reminder that Jesus died on a tree and because of that I am forgiven.

I will also think of our delicious Christmas dinner. I love to sit a pretty table and prepare delicious food. Even though only a few leftovers remain I can still remember the good meal and the fellowship as we sat around the table. God’s provision is always something to give thanks for. Now this memory triggers my mind to think about how God continues to provide for me in unique and amazing ways every day. I am blessed and privileged to be under his Almighty wing of protection.

Another memory would be the twinkle in my grandchildren’s eyes on Christmas morning. The innocence of childhood and the faith of little children is something to imitate. Jesus has said that we need to come to him with the simple faith of little children.

Moving on I begin thinking about the music of Christmas. My all time favorite is “Mary Did You Know?” and perhaps for the last time this year I will hum that tune and play those lyrics over again in my mind.

The tree lights are still twinkling and as they twinkle I know that Jesus is my hope. He is the light in a very dark world. This year I am thankful for all of the gifts that I received, but at this moment I want to think about all of the rich gifts that God so generously gives me over and over again. They are his priceless gifts of love, peace, joy, and hope.

Still looking around the room I see splashes of red everywhere and this too, serves as a beautiful reminder to me of Jesus’ shed blood. It was his own precious blood that he shed for my salvation.

I must say that now my spirit is refreshed, but I think that my body is in need of a much needed nap. So what’s one more day? I believe that tomorrow I can clean up the Christmas mess with a smile on my face as I look forward to January and the start of a new year.

I believe that this year I have discovered a four step program for phasing out of a busy but beautiful Christmas.

Step 1 – Reflect on meaningful moments
Step 2 – Rejoice in the birth of Christ
Step 3 – Rest
Step 4 – Resolve to move ahead

This year my plan for moving ahead is to read all four of the gospels. Christmas is about the birth of Christ, but I now want to walk through the thirty-three short years that he walked on this earth. The winter months will be a perfect time for doing this.

Questions:

How does Christmas leave you feeling?

What are your favorite Christmas memories?

Do you think that the four step program of Reflect, Rejoice, Rest and Resolve might be of benefit to you?

Prayer:

Dear Jesus,

Thank you for the joy that I have experienced this Christmas season. Thank you for the music of Christmas that has carried me to heavenly heights. Thank you for my family that gathered together. Thank you Jesus, that you are the reason for this Christmas season. Thank you for the delicious sweet treats that I have enjoyed that remind me that your name is indeed the sweetest name on earth. Lord, I am tired so please give me your peace and rest. I know that you too rested after your work. Jesus I ask that you give me your direction and purpose for the days ahead. I pray that you would create within my heart a deep longing and desire to know you more as I seek to have your thoughts become my thoughts.

Now Lord, I pray for those who may not have had a wonderful Christmas. Jesus please wrap your arms of love around the poor, the needy, the sick, the lonely, the solider, and the one who is grieving. Father, please grant peace to each hurting life and give them a double portion of your love. Send hope into their heart. Comfort them and provide for them in the days ahead. Please help them to look to you for the grace they need to get through this difficult time in their life.

In Your Name I Pray. Amen.