Fly Your Kite High

 

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

neither are your ways my ways,”

declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth,

so are my ways higher than your ways

and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV

 There is a meadow of beautiful wild flowers that lies just beyond the back fence of the garden of my heart. I love that meadow. On a day like today the colors are happy and bright as the sun casts a glistening ray that sparkles in the early morning dew. It takes me a little longer to walk the distance to the back of the garden, but I have felt the tug of the Holy Spirit calling me to the meadow all morning. Spending time in the garden is delightful but often God has a lesson for me outside the garden. So it’s to the meadow I must go. Anticipation of this outing and the lesson to be learned excites me as I quicken my steps.

 

As I approach the back gate of the garden I notice a beautiful hand carved chest next to the gate. Before exiting the garden I feel compelled to open the chest and look through its contents. As I rummage though the box I find many items that raise my curiosity as I assess their value. I’m not sure how this box got into the garden or who placed the items inside, but it is clear to me that they are for my personal use. It seems to be a survival kit of sorts.

 

The first item to catch my attention is a pair of funny over sized “Son”glasses. I am guessing that these might come in handy when I look up into the heavens in search of Jesus. Seeking the Savior every day is critical. Wonderful relationships are never one sided. I must always do my part in pursuing my Lord. Yes, these glasses could most certainly come in handy.

 

The next item to be examined is a pair of bright green rubber boots with silly frog faces painted on the toes. These rainy day shoes will not be needed today but might be useful at a time when I need to laugh. Perhaps I will use them on a day when I find myself walking in blind faith through a foggy day in fear or on a day when I find that I am being pounded with the unwanted rain that leads me splashing through the mud puddles of adversity. No doubt, these silly frog boots might be just what I need to redirect my focus.

 

A rainbow colored golf umbrella now catches my attention. Wow! What a beautiful reminder of God’s beautiful promises. Who has supplied me with this delightful umbrella to cover me and protect me during the dreary rainy days of my life? It makes me smile when I realize that God often uses cheerful people to encourage me during times when my spirit is downcast.

 

What’s this, a shovel? This will without a doubt come in handy when I am digging deeper into the scriptures. Life is busy but this shovel is a very visual reminder that if I am to live as a victorious Christian I must make time to dig deep into God’s precious Word. I know that God’s Word is a lamp to my feet and a light along life’s pathway.

 

I’m sure it is no accident that a Bible is tucked into this chest as well. The truth is I shouldn’t go outside of the garden without the Word of God. Reading the Bible is essential. I must memorize what it says and hide those words in my heart. The Bible has been given to me for instruction and reproof, and as I read God’s Word I will also discover his precious promises. These promises are designed to give me and you a hope and a future.

 

Packed way down on the bottom of the chest is an old handmade quilt. It appears to have been made by the loving hands of individuals who lived long ago. Each piece of this colorful calico quilt has a character all its own. Every piece has been carefully stitched into place. This beautiful quilt reminds me of my Christian heritage. My parent’s faith is precious to me because they allowed God to stitch every situation in their lives together with his thread of goodness. The end result was a beautiful quilt representing God’s faithfulness. Someday soon I am going to pack my lunch and fetch this quilt and head for a beautiful spot among the wildflowers that dance in my meadow. A quiet picnic will provide me with an opportunity to contemplate the legacy of faithfulness that I am endeavoring to pass on to my children and grandchildren. It is the desire of my heart to leave my loved ones with a quilt of beauty that will be a precious heirloom for their enjoyment. This quilt will not represent what I have accomplished but serve as a reminder of God’s faithfulness to me. My desire is to stitch the squares of my life’s quilt together with the threads of gratitude, love and obedience to my Lord.

 

Digging under the quilt, I discover some bottled water. I twist off the cap and drink the water that is amazingly cool and refreshing. This is so symbolic of the living water that is found only in Jesus Christ. Jesus has promised us that all those who choose to drink of Him, the living water of life, will never thirst again.

 

Last but not least, I spot a kite!  I hop up on the fence and lick my finger and thrust it high into the air. I am using this “old world” method to test the direction of the wind. The conclusion of this test is that it is a perfect day for flying this kite! I smile at the thought that this one last item has been placed in the chest for my pleasure and enjoyment. A kite for fun! The sole purpose of this kite is to lift my spirits high into the heavens as it soars above the cares of life. Quickly, I grab the kite and run out of the garden gate eager to fly this amazing bird made of simple wood and paper. The gentle wind on my face is a kiss from my Savior. Not only is he above and beyond the clouds, he is here in the meadow. Just to go one step further, he is also deep within my heart! There is no other God like my God. All powerful, all knowing, and always present.

 

This is a gorgeous day in the meadow. The sun is warm against my face. I am so happy that this morning I heeded and obeyed the prompting of the Holy Spirit in my heart. I remember it was just an undemanding nudge that suggested that I head for the back of the garden. My obedience proved to reveal a fantastic surprise. What a joy to dig through the survival chest. The discovery of the kite was a perfect delight. I know it is just a kite but for some reason I feel like today this kite is allowing me to run with Jesus. My spirit is lifted, I feel free, I feel joy, and I am at peace. As my kite rises higher the cares of life begin to fall off just like the cocoon of a butterfly as it flies to freedom. My concerns are one by one flying up to Jesus. As every inch of string unwinds it carries my kite a little higher and my heart soars even higher. I am overcome by a sense of trust in my Savior. I remember that his ways are higher than my ways and his thoughts are higher than my thoughts. How could I do less than trust him with all that concerns me.

 

The time has been short, but responsibility calls. I carefully wind up the string as I bring my precious kite back to the meadow. Before heading back into the garden I take one last look around me and drink in this glorious meadow. Back inside the garden I place my precious kite back in the chest for safe keeping. Walking home I smile with pleasure as I enjoy every blooming flower along the way. Each bloom shouts God is good! The walk back is long but it gives me a chance to ponder obedience. What would I have missed this day if I had not obeyed the prompting of the Holy Spirit? It is so true; those who wait upon the Lord will have their strength renewed. They will soar on wings like eagles and they shall run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint. God has so much for me but I must always take the first step in obedience if I am to reap his rewards. God speaks volumes in the garden but sometimes he has amazing lessons to learn outside the garden gate. I must learn to pay better attention. I don’t want to miss a single blessing that stems from simple obedience.

 

Questions:

1. What was the last amazing lesson that God taught you?
2. Have you experienced that sometimes God has an answer to a prayer or an experience of delightful joy at the end of your obedience?
3. Which item in the survival chest would best suit you today as you leave the garden of your heart?
4. Will the emotions you are feeling today affect your choice?
5. Will you choose to fly your kite of obedience high on this perfect day?

Prayer:

Dear Jesus,

 

I’m not sure but I suspect that the chest at the garden gate was placed there by you. I am so grateful that you go before me and prepare the way for me. You know the way I should go and the tools that I will need when I get there. Lord, I pray that I would begin to be especially mindful of the nudging of your Holy Spirit as he suggests the path that I should take each day. Help me to look at all I have planned for the day and then be intentional about considering the possibility that you may have another plan for me this day. Lord, I want to learn to view your changes in my plans as acts of love leading me toward delight. I also know it is entirely possible that an answer to prayer may be at the end of my obedience. Perhaps you are getting ready to use me in the life of another person who needs to know of your love.  Maybe one of your children needs help or encouragement. I am aware that a change in my plans may be for my own protection. Jesus, I thank you for these nudges. Help me to pay better attention. It is true your ways are higher than my ways and your thoughts are higher than my thoughts. My trust is in you as I choose to obey your voice.

 

Jesus, it is in your name I pray. Amen

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.

Simple Obedience

“If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land...”

Isaiah 1:19 NIV

As I begin a new year I am contemplating resolutions vs. real change. I believe God is impressed with real change rather than a resolve to hopefully change.

At the beginning of 2009 our minister spoke on simple obedience. That message has been tugging at my heart ever since last January. I began to search my heart regarding where I might be avoiding simple obedience.

For me it wasn’t that I was stubbornly refusing to be obedient; but that I was procrastinating doing something that God had put on my heart. Part of the procrastination came because I wasn’t sure what to do or how to accomplish the task.

Over the past years of my life my friends and family have said, Paula, you should write. I really could not see myself writing a book. Yet writing was something that I enjoyed and came quite naturally for me. I had already written miscellaneous Bible study teaching materials, and a small devotional book. In addition, I had filled many journals and I had written hundreds of notes on the backs of church bulletins, scraps of paper, note cards, shopping receipts, and sometimes a paper napkin had to suffice! Ideas would pop into my head and I just had to immediately write them down. I had no real purpose in doing what I did, I just did it!

God began to speak to me about all that I had written in addition to all of my scatterings of notes! One day out of the blue, my husband, Joe suggested that I use the internet to write. I still was not sure how to go about this and then I discovered blogs!

In my feeble attempt to write I was faced with many challenges. I started and I stopped. I had time and I didn’t have time. I had an office to write in and then I lost my office. I also wrestled with the thought that perhaps I really didn’t have anything to say. I was fearful. I wanted all of the answers before I could begin. The blog idea continued to poke at me. Again, through another sermon God showed me that if I had been given spiritual truth it was my responsibility to pass it on. Finally, God gave me some ideas regarding time management skills. He also impressed upon me that it was OK not to know all of the answers in order to begin the project, nor did I need to know what the end result would be. I then began the simple act of obedience as I began to write.

I do not have a clue as to what God will do with my obedience. Maybe someone will read my blog and be encouraged. Maybe someone else will read my words and decide to invite Jesus Christ into their life. Yet maybe another person will be mentored through the words I write. Perhaps no one will read it. Maybe others will read it and hate it! Regardless of the results, I am free of the outcome. I am however, bound to simple obedience, and God will determine the usefulness.

Questions:

Is God asking something of you?

What is God asking?

Are you being simply obedient?

What is keeping you from being obedient?

Prayer:

Dear God,

Help me to be obedient regarding what it is that you are asking me to do. It may be as simple as passing on a bag of hand me downs to another family, making a meal for a friend, or writing a note of encouragement to another person. It may be stepping up in service at church, or giving more of my resources. Or it may be the matter of adjusting my schedule to make more time for you. It may be going on a mission trip, opening my home for Bible study, or writing a blog. It may be the task of being nicer to my spouse or forgiving an offender. No matter what it is that you are calling me to do, please help me to be simply obedient to your call!

In Your Son’s Name I pray. Amen.