“Finally, brothers, 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.” (Philippians 4:8)

I walked into the spacious church library, a room filled with books by some of Christianity’s greatest authors. The volunteer librarian that day was a woman of mature years, a Christian committed to Christ and to the church. At the moment of my visit, she was munching on her lunchtime sandwich but still totally available to visitors.

But what was that voice I heard in the background? An angry voice derided what he considered to be the “wrong” people currently in office. I spied a small radio that the volunteer had turned down low. She was listening to a talk show host during her lunch hour. With millions of words surrounding her, words that could instruct, encourage, turn her more fully to the face of Christ, she was listening to the angry words of one man.

In his book, Good to Great in God’s Eyes, author Chip Ingram relates the results of research on the effects of media on how people think:

One of (the) studies attempted to determine the impact of a five-minute radio program that was filled with negative news stories… After evaluating the listeners who were daily exposed to five minutes of bad news…four discernible effects were shown: (1) they were more depressed than before; (2) they believed the world was a negative place; (3) they were less likely to help others; and (4) they began to believe that what they heard would soon happen to them.

After the Apostle Paul encourages Christians to think about “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy,” he goes on to give the outcome of such determined focus: “And the God of peace will be with you.”

Radical opinions—on any side of the spectrum—can disturb our peace. God’s plan for our thinking brings peace.

Father, I want to fill my mind and heart with Your words and Your thoughts. Teach me to be a careful consumer. May I often speak of You. Amen

Question: Whose words are you listening to?

“The Lord is my shepherd…” (Psalm 23:1a)

“We interrupt this program…” and then comes the latest news flash from a radio or television station. We may hear an important piece of information, but occasionally the bit of news affects our lives only minimally. After the news comes another announcement, “We now return to our regularly scheduled programming.”

In our relationship with God, too often we think He only breaks into our consciousness when He has some “news” of great importance. Life is too often regarded as “regular programming” with God bursting into our awareness only when He wants to halt us in our tracks or get our attention in a specific way.

Perhaps we are only aware of His presence Him when we intentionally call on Him. (Which usually only happens when we need His help!) Occasionally the sight of a snowcapped mountain will remind us to praise Him but when there are no visible mountains, we easily go on about our business. We return to our “regular programming.”

It seems that David got it right as recorded in the first words of the familiar Psalm 23.  “The Lord is my shepherd…” All the verbs in the psalm are present tense except for the final phrase when the Shepherd King contemplates his glorious and unending future.

In Grace: An Invitation to Life, the authors write, “it is possible to live in the unceasing care of a relentlessly attentive and gracious God” (emphasis mine). Living this way is true “regular programming” with the events of life breaking in only as minimal interruptions.

Dear God, Help me to focus first on you, and only after on my circumstances. Thank you that You are always enough. Amen

Question: Is God part of your “regular programming?”

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise Him.”  (Psalm 28:7)

After a robbery my mother had a security system installed. I live far away and thought this was an excellent idea, providing both physical safety and emotional confidence. The company expert explained the system in great detail and left material describing its functions and operation on the table.

Just prior to exiting the house, a series of digits needs to be keyed in to a small panel to enable the system. Anyone who tried to enter illegally would immediately have their eardrums bombarded with a piercing sound that would deter the wrongdoer and also alert neighbors and passersby. The expert had also emphasized how important it was to follow the procedure for re-entering the house. My Mom needed to unlock the door and quickly—very quickly—key in the “disarm” button so the alarm would be deactivated.

What was intended to be something that eased my mother’s mind very quickly became a major irritant. While she remembered the exit strategy, entering was often more complicated. With arms full of groceries, mother would unlock the door and rush to answer the ringing phone. Within seconds the screaming blare of the system would shock not only the neighbors but send my panicked mother to the numbered panel where she promptly forgot which button to push.

We who are Christ-followers have a foolproof security system: God Himself. He promises to never leave or forsake us, to be with us wherever we go, to light the path ahead of us and surround us with His love. We experience that security not by pushing buttons but, says King David, by trusting in Him.

In quoting “the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel,” the prophet Isaiah records a phenomenal security promise: “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.” But then four crucial and sobering words are added: “But you were unwilling.”

We will not experience the fullness of God’s security system unless we are willing to return and rest.

Question: How are you doing with resting in God’s plan for your life? How can you place more trust in Him today?

“…I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” (Philippians 3:13, 14, NLT)

Theater critic, Brooks Atkinson, once said, “Drop the last year into the silent limbo of the past.  Let it go, for it was imperfect.” Drop, let go, forget – that’s easier said than done. People, events, and circumstances of this past year—perhaps past years—continue to nag at us. Disappointments, betrayals, and losses creep into our minds to disturb the peace that God promises.

How do we move on when our spirits have been wounded, or our families disrupted?

Several words used by the apostle Paul give us clues about the process so necessary for forward movement. First there is the word “focus,” meaning to concentrate on. Instead of allowing our thoughts to meander into the morass of the past, we choose to deliberately think of the future. This in no way means denial, but rather a purposeful action involving looking ahead to what God may have in store.

What about “forget”? This word has within it the idea of neglect, e.g., giving less weight to what has happened in the past, refusing to dwell on those things that disturb our peace and threaten the future God has planned for us.

And then there is “press on.” Here I imagine a runner, surrounded by competitors, just about to cross the finish line. The race has been long, the runner is almost exhausted and she finally sees the ribbon extended across her path. Determined to win the race and knowing that any part of her body must cross that ribbon in order for victory to be declared, she stretches out her arms—she presses on.

This is not a once-a-year process, but rather a daily examination of the hours just past and the glorious future of the day ahead. The heavenly prize is definitely within reach.  Let go.  Press on.

Question: How has God helped you move beyond hurt and into forgiveness and freedom?

We’re only a few months into the New Year and though some of our resolutions may already be broken. We truly do want to begin again. We are thrilled by the grace of God, which not only forgives, but gives power to live by the Spirit of God.  But in the midst of a busy life we start to doubt that real change is actually possible.

Then comes that whisper of the Spirit, “This is the way; walk in it.” We hear the whisper, we even see the way laid out before us, but past experience makes us hesitate. “I’ll follow, but…,” “I’ll obey, however…” “I’ll speak, except…” We put qualifiers on response to God.  We try to stay in control while appearing obedient.

The Old Testament—given as an example “to keep us from setting our hearts on evil”—is filled with vivid illustrations of those whose lives were filled with buts, excepts and howevers.

“Solomon showed his love for the Lord by walking according to the instructions given him by his father David, except that he offered sacrifices and burned incense on the high place.” (1Kings 3:3)

“He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord…The high places, however, were not removed…” (2 Kings 15:34, 35)

“He did what right in the eyes of the Lord, but not wholeheartedly.”  (2 Chronicles 25:2)

“That is too high a standard,” we exclaim. “No one can attain—and maintain—that kind of life.” And that is exactly what God is waiting to hear. The only One with no buts, excepts or howevers in His life was Jesus.  Jesus, living within us, promises to give us the power to present ourselves as living sacrifices, ready and willing to experience all that He is ready to give.  No strings attached, no buts, excepts or howevers.

Question: Where do you have too many buts, excepts or howevers? What will it take to fully say yes to God?

“Speak out to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, offering praise with voices [and instruments] and making melody with all your heart to the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:18-19, Amplified Version)

In the small drawer of the old sewing machine was an even smaller can of oil with a long, pointed tip that could reach into nooks and crannies of the motor. I can still recall the scent of the oil when my mother would carefully drip it into whatever secret places only she knew needed attention. She would wipe up spilled residue and go on with her project, turning square of fabric into a colorful dress for me or a pair of crisp new curtains.

That old sewing machine outlived my mother, discarded only when I discovered that replacements parts were no longer being manufactured. When it was finally traded in for a new machine, the little oil can—many times refilled over the years—was still in the drawer.

Oil in the Bible has always indicated God’s Holy Spirit. The prophet Samuel obeyed God when it was time to anoint a new king,“Rise and anoint him…this is the one…and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came on David in power.” (1 Samuel 16:12-13)

Today we don’t need Samuels for anointing. Jesus said, “I will ask the Father and He will give you another Advocate…the Spirit of truth.” The Holy Spirit comes into our lives upon our invitation as we submit to the call of Christ. While He takes up residence within us, Paul describes the frequent “oiling” we need, “[E]ver be filled and stimulated with the Holy Spirit.” (Ephesians 5:18, Amplified version)

With such attention, beautiful bounty will result – “rivers of living water will flow from within them.” (John 7:38) Father, Thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit and work in my life. Teach me to listen when You instruct me, to respond when You guide me and to be quick to repent when you convict me.  Amen.

Questions: Have you been “oiled” with the Holy Spirit? What are some ways that your life emulates being filled with the Spirit?

“Why, Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?”  (Psalm 10:1)

“How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? . . . But I trust in your unfailing love. . .” (Psalm 13:1,5)

Jesus broke into first century religious Jewry when He challenged the view that material prosperity proved God’s blessing and approval. Could it be that Jesus is seeking to break into twenty-first century, Western, conservative Christianity in a similar way? Could He be saying that material comfort, good health, and picture-perfect families are not necessarily indicators of God’s blessing?

In The Voice of Jesus, author Gordon T. Smith writes, “We cannot assume that a comfortable lifestyle is necessarily a sign of God’s blessing… (We must be) alert to the way in which Jesus may want to disturb rather than comfort us… Through the illumination of our minds, the Spirit challenges our basic cultural assumption; the gospel is countercultural.” (Emphasis mine)

Immediately after Job’s friends misdiagnosed his condition we hear the thunderous question of God: Who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge? I love the way Eugene Peterson so vividly paraphrases it in The Message: Why do you confuse the issue? Why do you talk without knowing what you’re talking about?

Only after God’s roaring description of His character and actions is Job finally able to say: “My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.” (Job 42:5) It was Divine Disturbance that finally revealed truth.

Father, Help me not to lose sight of You when I’m faced with circumstances that I do not want to deal with. Draw me closer to You.  Amen.

Question: Has God ever used your circumstances to speak to you? Why do we assume that God’s best is the same thing as our comfort?

Does the task you’re facing feel impossible today? We’d love to pray with you. Send us your prayer requests today.

  “Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.” (Matthew 11:28-30, The Message)

The challenge ahead of me is huge and seems impossible. I was asked to serve on the committee that would search for the next pastor of our large church. Our congregation has spiritually prospered under current leadership, but God has called our pastor to another position. We are grappling with our sadness at both the loss of his teaching and the loss of closeness – a deep friendship has grown between us.

This search process will involve long hours of meetings during which we will spend time getting to know each other at deep levels in order to build trust. We will pray, laugh, weep and discuss together.  The paperwork seems mountainous. Hours will be spent reviewing résumés, and talking with candidates. How in the world will this God-given task be accomplished?

While re-reading a small book by Frank Laubach, I came upon a similar situation while he was involved in a seemingly impossible ministry. He writes that if he were asked the chief difficulty in this endeavor, he would have to reply, “No chief difficulty except to keep ready spiritually.”

His words are so simple, so profound. The twelve of us on the search committee need to work hard and with integrity. And we need to keep ready spiritually. We need to walk with Jesus and work with Jesus and learn the unforced rhythms of grace.   If we keep ready spiritually, we will be doing it “the Jesus way”. God Himself will take care of the rest.

 Father, You know the impossible things that I am facing today. Remind me that it is all in your hands.  Help me to focus on doing this your way so I can rest in the knowledge that you will make a way for me. Amen.

 Question: Are there areas of your life that seem to be unbearable? Pray that God would help you see it through His eyes and give you ways to walk through it “the Jesus way.”

How can you be a better friend? Find out in “The Friendship Reflection” 

“I thank my God every time I remember you…” (Philippians 1:3)

On the first Saturday of this past December, I opened the doors of the kitchen cabinet that is high above all others. In that cabinet I store the red plates and cups that grace our table each Christmas. It is not just their color that makes them appropriate for the holiday season. Almost twenty years ago while living in Germany, a friend called to invite me to travel with her and a few other friends to a famous factory where Christmas dinnerware was manufactured. Unfortunately, my schedule was full for that day, but I asked her to bring back three or four of the less expensive plates and mugs.

A week or so later I opened my front door to see Cathy standing there with a complete set of the deep red dinnerware! Conflicting emotions immediately surfaced: “How absolutely beautiful our Christmas table would look!” And, “There is no way I can pay for all this.” But before the latter words came out of my mouth, Cathy said, “This is my Christmas gift to you.” And so through all these years, Cathy’s generosity has come to mind as I set our Christmas table.

This past December I noticed that the dinner plates were no longer bright and pristine. Surface scratches could no longer be hidden with white dinner plates set atop. It was time to pack up the plates and donate them to the re-sale shop down the street.

Even while twinges of sadness rose in my heart, I was reminded that while things wear out, memories remain. If I found replacement red plates, they would not be the same ones given by Cathy, but her generosity and love would be remembered. The temptation to grasp things is strong, especially in later years when such things seem to be the only tangible evidence of the past. But letting go of things while treasuring memories is a healthy way to live.

Dear Father, Thank you for the gift of friendship. Help me to be a good steward of the people you have placed in my life.  Amen.

Questions: Have you ever received an unexpectedly generous gift? Has God ever asked you to go above and beyond? How did you respond?

“I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39, The Living Translation)

Recently much of the eastern United States endured flooding as a result of heavy rains after a hurricane. Roads were washed out and people were stranded far from help. Small streams became raging torrents, ripping houses from their foundations. Electric power was nonexistent for hundreds of thousands of people. As one woman discarded spoiled food, she said, “I feel like a fish forced into a river.”

Where do fish go in a flood? Are they swept away to sure destruction? If they survive, how do they survive? One conservation specialist says that many fish go deep into the river to sit on the bottom where the current is least strong, the muddy, opaque water concealing them. Some simply adjust to go with the flow, enduring the stress but with only short-term storm effects.

While not everyone experiences a watery flood in his or her lifetime, similar devastation comes into the lives of everyone. A previously healthy, active child is suddenly diagnosed with cancer. A young adult son with a promising future suffers a deadly accident. The well-planned career is snatched away without warning. Divorce unexpectedly shatters a family.

Where does the Christian go in a flood? Many of us have learned to go “deep into the river to sit on the bottom.” We cannot avoid the swirling tempest, but we get into the quiet space with God where we can hear His whispers. Life demands that in one respect we “go with the flow,” tending to the demands of everyday responsibilities, but because of that deep place with God, the storm only alters us, but does not destroy.

Questions: Where do you head when you’re feeling overwhelmed? Is a time of flood an experience that strengthens your faith?