But A Vapor - Rev. 4:11

From yesterday's reading:

"For you created everything, and it is for your pleasure that they exist and were created." Rev. 4:11

It occurred to me when I read this verse that the world was created with the end in mind. That, for reasons we may never understand, God had a desire to have an eternal relationship with a group of beings, that he created, who freely chose him as their Savior. That the world was simply created as a testing grounds of sorts, to sift out those who would indeed get to enjoy that eternal gift. That all those who see God as a mean, overbearing dictator, and have decided that, "If that is how God is, then I want nothing to do with him--I don't want him as MY God," are missing the entire point. They don't have any choice, he IS their God. Whether they choose him or not, their world will end as it was designed to, and they will either continue to exist for eternity with him or for eternity in torment -- those are their ONLY real choices. Our lifetimes are but a millisecond in God's timetable. As the Bible says, we are "but a vapor" that appears for a little while then are gone. We should not be thinking of ourselves as any more than that. Us humans have a major flaw in that we believe that what we think actually matters, when in reality we were simply created for GOD'S pleasure.

God, please help me to always keep my purpose in perspective. Keep Satan's lies far from my heart. In and of myself, I have no importance -- I am simply occupying space on this earth unless I am doing your will.

Today's reading: Rev. 5-9

Predestined - Jn. 6:43-45

"But Jesus replied, 'Don't complain about what I said. For people can't come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them to me... They will be taught by God. Everyone who hears and learns from the Father comes to me.'" Jn. 6:43-45

It's almost like Jesus is saying, "Don't worry if you can't accept what I say, because you would only be able to accept it if God has called you." The implication being that you can only be saved if you have been previously "called," or predestined. This is that concept that us mere humans have an impossible time wrapping our heads around (how can you be predestined yet still have free-will?) -- but what it also tells me is that the Holy Spirit's role was critical WAY before Jesus' death. Without guidance by the Holy Spirit, we would never find our way to God.

God, thank you for loving us enough to send your Holy Spirit to lead us to you.

Today's reading: Jn. 5, 6

Pure "Religion" - Jn. 4:23

"But the time is coming and is already here when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for anyone who will worship him that way." Jn. 4:23

The woman at the well was focused on the legalistic issue the proper place to worship God. What a human thing to do, but don't we all do the same? Isn't this how denominations and even different religions are formed? Church splits? Jesus basically tells her that she and her people really don't know what they are talking about, and that they are missing the whole point. That God isn't looking for someone who is worshiping in the right place, or even with the right form; rather, he is looking for someone who has a true understanding of who God is. Pure religion is a condition of the heart, not a physical location, structure or any man made ceremony or tradition. I know I am guilty of looking past the person and seeing only their denominational label. That was NEVER Jesus' intent--it's all about each individual heart and WHO that person believes Jesus is--end of story.

Jesus, I can have such a tough time separating the physical and spiritual worlds. I can't seem to keep myself from labeling and categorizing people -- YOUR children. Please help me to have a genuine love.

Today's reading: Jn. 2-4

Eyes On Heaven II - 2Pet. 3:13-14

"But we are looking forward to the new heaven and new earth he has promised, a world where everyone is right with God. And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to live a pure and blameless life. And be at peace with God." 2Pet. 13-14

That last line really hit me, "And be at peace with God." What does that mean? It's what I want and desire, but in the moments I feel that peace I also feel a sense of arrogance. Like how could I ever really feel right before God? I know I am saved, and I know it is Jesus that God sees. But I also KNOW me... every part of me. And most of it is nothing to be peaceful or proud about--especially in front of God! The only thing that bridges the gap is my faith that God means what he says. To feel that sense of peace is to live in a constant state of denial of what I know I am in this carnal state, with a focus instead on what GOD knows I am -- his son.

Lord, show me what it means to be at peace with you.

Today's reading: 2Pet. 1-3; Jn. 1

Eyes On Heaven - Jude 1:19

"They live by natural instinct because they do not have God's Spirit living in them." Jude 1:19

The world throws up SO many distractions, and it can be hard to keep a heavenly focus in the midst of daily living. In that daily living, we are constantly confronted by people who "live by natural instinct," and we have to listen to their perspective of life which is based solely on human logic and intellect. This is dangerous for me because I am weak and easily enticed by the material world, or an argument that I can justify as "defense of the faith." The power of the need to be right is an amazing thing indeed! That is why today's reading in Hebrews was SO awesome. I am reminded that I did NOT come to a "physical mountain," but "to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem... to thousands of angels in joyful assembly... to the assembly of God's firstborn children, whose names are written in heaven... to God himself, who is the judge of all people."Heb. 12:18-23 I have to keep my eyes on heaven, and all that God himself has prepared for me.

Holy Spirit, help me to keep my focus on the things that matter -- fill me with YOUR wisdom.

Today's reading: Heb. 12, 13; Jude

Must Be Personal - Philem. 1:6

"You are generous because of your faith..." Philem. 1:6

I cited this verse because it is the most instructive to me in the entire book. Other than my generosity being born out of my faith, I am not sure why God included this book in the Bible. I'm not questioning God's wisdom, I just don't understand. Even with this singular verse that I find instructive, Paul was simply using it to set up Philemon so he can ask him to take Onesimus back. This is what the entire letter appears to be about -- Paul leaning on Philemon (says he won't demand, but he really does) to put aside his differences and accept Onesimus back as his slave for Paul's sake. There is obviously some history here that we are not privy to, so I'll chalk this one up to more of a personal issue for Paul than instruction for the church.

Lord, when I fail to see your ways, I pray that you open my eyes--give me wisdom.

Today's reading: Philem.; Heb. 1-4

The Secret - Phil. 4:6

"Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done." Phil. 4:6

This is Paul's formula for living a peaceful and content life. In fact, I am convinced that this is what he was referring to in vs 12 when he says, "I have learned the secret..." Worry doesn't produce anything when God is control of everything. Yet, much of our lives are consumed with worries. The more I am able to incorporate faith into my day to day (moment to moment) living, the more I displace worry. If I REALLY trust God, how can there be worry?? This is where God wants me to be so I can be TRULY productive for him.

Lord, increase my faith and banish forever that demon of worry!

Today's reading: Phil. 1-4

Effort Required - Ps. 119:25-29

"I lie in dust, completely discouraged; revive me by your word. I told you my plans and you answered. Now teach me tour principles. Help me understand the meaning of your commandments, and I will meditate on your wonderful miracles. I weep with grief; encourage me with your word. Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your law." Ps. 119:25-29

All through Ps. 119 I sense the Psalmist expressing the effort required to live a godly life. "Keep me from lying to myself..." If that doesn't describe my plight! Three steps forward, two back--but with God's help always hopefully gaining ground. But it takes reflection, focus and continual effort. It's when I let my guard down and try to coast when I get in trouble. I turn into that greedy person we read about in Eph. 5 today who is really nothing more than an idolater, worshiping things of this world. How easily I am distracted!!

Holy Spirit, you know how weak and worldly of a person I am; how easily I believe the lies I tell myself--help me make the most of every moment, keep me focused on your ways and your call.

Today's reading: Eph. 5, 6; Ps. 119:1-80

True Righteousness - Rom. 14:14-16

From yesterday's reading:

"I know and am perfectly sure on the authority of the Lord Jesus that no food, in and of itself, is wrong to eat. But if someone believes it is wrong, then for that person it is wrong. And if another Christian is distressed by what you eat, you are not acting in love if you eat it. Don't let your eating ruin someone for whom Christ died. Then you will not be condemned for doing something you know is right." Rom. 14:14-16

Wow, that hit hard! It's not about me, it's not about being right, it's about LOVE. How often, in my righteous thinking, am I actually condemning another Christian? This verse says that I am actually condemning myself, and because of my self-centered living, potentially ruining another Christian's walk with Christ! My focus HAS to be less about me and more about others -- THAT is the example Christ gave me to follow, and demonstrate.

Holy Spirit, it is only with your help that this aspect of my life can change. Infuse me with true, genuine love for others, so Christ can be more accurately reflect through me--I want to be selfless, but I am not.

Today's reading: Rom. 13-16