Dry as a desert. It takes living in one to appreciate the truth of that statement. I've lived in an arid climate the past few years, and one truth is abundantly clear: any green vegetation that exists here is due to irrigation. This is an inhospitable environment, devoid of sufficient rainfall to produce lush greenery that is so characteristic of areas of abundant rainfall. Water, therefore, is a precious resource, and the refreshment that a cold bottle or glass of water brings on a hot, dry desert day is especially valued by us desert dwellers.

Vital as water is to the refreshment of thirsty bodies in a dry land, refreshment for the heart and soul is essential to our existence on the deepest level. And it was from this deep thirst that the apostle Paul appealed to a brother in the Lord:

"Yes, brother, let me benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ " (Philemon 20)

The deepest thirst of our lives can only be satisfied by refreshing from brothers and sisters in the Lord who are vitally connected to the springs of living water found uniquely in Christ. When our souls are parched and desperate for refreshment, there are those in the family of God near to us who ladle out cool refreshment from the fountain of Christ that revives and renews.

I'm reminded of my personal times of deepest spiritual thirst, and of those who brought cool refreshment that satisfied my soul like nothing else could. These are people who were standing especially close to the well of living water, and who shared refreshment from Scripture as it had personally refreshed them. They were like precious irrigation on a fragile green plant in the dry desert.

In the short Bible letter bearing his name, the apostle Paul appealed to his friend, Philemon, concerning a runaway slave, Onesimus. Onesimus, whose name means "useful", was no doubt a valued servant in the household of Philemon. Runaway slaves were subject to severe punishment and even death if found and returned to their owners. This slave, who had become useless, was being returned to Philemon in an even more useful capacity. He was no longer a slave, but now a brother, since he had found Christ as Savior, and would be useful in increased ways. He not only could provide useful service, but now spiritual refreshment.

We are those who were once useless slaves, but who are now useful members of the household of faith. Because of the abundant refreshment we have received in Christ, we are able to refresh the souls of those who are thirsty at the deepest level.

May our desire and prayer this day be to be useful to at least one other person in refreshing their soul, and may we in turn be refreshed through this act of mercy and service.

Steve

"What goes around comes around". According to this old saying, both good and bad eventually come back to us. And sooner or later, that's exactly right.

You are probably familiar with the legendary trials of Job. No one has ever endured greater loss and trials than this faithful man of God. In spite of counsel from his wife and others to "curse God and die", he refused to do so. But amidst his severe trials, he was not without fault. When he and God finally have a heart-to-heart talk, God reveals Job's error. And we see the true integrity of this man of God when he finally responds to God's questions and words to him:

“Then Job answered the LORD and said, I know that You can do all things, And that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted. 'Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?' "Therefore I have declared that which I did not understand, Things too wonderful for me, which I did not know." 'Hear, now, and I will speak; I will ask You, and You instruct me.' "I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear; But now my eye sees You; Therefore I retract, And I repent in dust and ashes." (Job 42:1-6)

The probing questions of the Almighty led this man of God to a realization of the deficiencies in his true understanding of God. He knew generally, but this divine encounter caused him to know intimately. This humbling encounter caused him to declare that "I have declared that which I did not understand, Things too wonderful for me, which I did not know." Ultimately, Job responds as only a mortal can in the face of the Infinite, Immortal One: "Therefore I retract, And I repent in dust and ashes".

Job's encounter causes me to think of my own naive assumptions about the One I profess to know. Have I reversed the creation account and somehow made God in my own image? Have I placed my words in His mouth, so to speak (not intended to be a bad pun), to rationalize my actions and behavior? In what ways have I trivialized the One who is infinitely greater in all ways than me?

I consider that I've got a pretty good theology of God, but what I understand is only the launching point to more fully knowing Him. Like Job, I can say, "I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear; But now my eye sees You". Know ABOUT and knowing are vastly different.

May all that we have heard and read about our matchless Creator be merely the beginning of the journey of personal discovery.

Steve

In case you think you might be having a bad day, it's nothing compared to this. First, there was word about the loss of all the livestock and the hired hands. As if that wasn't bad enough, word came that his seven sons and three daughters had perished in a tragic storm. It just doesn't get any worse than this. And yet his response was anything but what we might expect:

"Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head, and he fell to the ground and worshiped. He said, 'Naked I came from my mother's womb, And naked I shall return there. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD'" (Job 1:20-21)

Did you catch that? In response to this horrible, tragic news, Job WORSHIPPED. Isn't worship something we do when we are extremely blessed and grateful? Something we do when things go well in our lives? According to the example of Job, apparently it is something we also do in the face of our greatest tragedies and losses.

Job's words reveal an amazing perspective. He recognized that he came naked from his mother's womb - without clothing or possessions. All that he had been given in life was gain, but when it was taken away he was no less than he had been at his birth. The Lord Yahweh had given all and now had chosen to take away. He was no less to be praised in adversity than He was in prosperity.

Job is perhaps the most outstanding example of all time of someone who held all things loosely. That which he lost was not so much a personal loss as it was a loss of that which God had entrusted to him. If we acknowledge that God truly owns that which is in our hands, it is easier to accept when He chooses to recall it.

We know the background of the story of Job as we read the previous verses in chapter one. It was not God who chose to inflict pain and loss on Job, but rather the enemy of God and His people as God permitted (which in itself may be a difficult concept for us to grasp and accept). God is often blamed for the adversity that the devil has been permitted to mete out.

I would dare not be so presumptuous as to predict how I would respond to Job's adversity should it come my way. The pain of miniscule losses may be a fair gauge and, if so, I have a long way to go to ever be a "Job". Therefore, there is much training to be done in learning to hold all things loosely.

All of life is stewardship for the child of God. The sooner we learn that all that we have is on loan, the easier it is to adjust to the seasons times in life of gain and loss. Jesus' parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) reminds us that servants are entrusted with that which is designed to be used for gain for the king and the kingdom. All that we have and all that we are is designed for this great purpose, rather than for our own indulgence and pleasure.

I pray that none of us faces the adversity of Job but, in prosperity and adversity, may our response be as his was: "The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD".

Steve

Imagine thinking that billowing clouds are really incredibly soft cushions. What a shock to jump out of a plane and find that, instead of landing on one as though it were a soft mattress, you passed right through it and on down to a traumatic collision with the hard surface of the earth - not a pleasant prospect. Obviously, it is best to know the facts about clouds before such a risky venture.

Belief has a direct bearing on behavior. We act upon that which we most passionately believe. Therefore, the importance of correct belief cannot be overstated; your life and lifestyle is dependant upon it.

"But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine" (Titus 2:1)

What follows this admonition are very practical words on how older men and women, young men, and servants, are supposed to live. Three times the word "sensible" is used to describe how they ought to live - a "sensible" lifestyle is a fitting response to "sound doctrine". All are to live their lives in such a way so as to "adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect" (Titus 2:9).

It's a well-worn cliche' with me, but the older I get the more I see the priority of the simple word, "balance". Rare is the person who is truly balanced in spiritual priorities (and I lack that balance as well). One extreme focuses on the "practical" side of Christian living so much that little emphasis is placed on the "doctrinal" - intellectual beliefs and understandings. The other extreme is overemphasis on intellectual beliefs and doctrines such that there is little grounding in the reality of daily life. Either extreme, according to Paul's words to Titus, potentially discredits the faith.

Perhaps nowhere else in the Bible is there a better balance between belief and behavior than this outstanding passage in Titus:

"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds" (Titus 2:11-14).

The doctrine of God's grace - if we truly have received and embraced it - leads us to a decisive lifestyle of rejecting certain worldly practices and behavior, and embracing a "sensitive", righteous, and godly lifestyle motivated by the doctrine of the "blessed hope" - the Second Coming of Jesus. And the doctrine of His atonement works out in the purifying process of His people who are empowered and eager for good works.

Belief matters, because belief behaves. May we be eager to be a balanced people of both belief and behavior, as Paul's excellent words to Titus direct.

Steve

Golfers often refer to a "sweet spot" on a driver. It is that specific place on the surface of the club where impact with the ball is maximized and the ball travels the furthest. When the swing is just right, and the club impacts the ball in that specific spot, a golfer enjoys the satisfaction of a good drive (something I've rarely experienced!).

There is a "sweet spot" in the spiritual realm, and it is when we are in the right place at the right time in order for God's purposes to best connect with the specific need of the moment. Perhaps the most outstanding biblical example of this is Esther. This short, ten-chapter Old Testament story is loaded with romance, intrigue, conspiracy, power, greed, and hope. It is the story of a sinister plot to annihilate the Jewish race (a recurring theme in human history), and of God's miraculous intervention through unlikely circumstances. Ultimately, the focal point of this highly-dramatic episode is Queen Esther - a young Jewish woman elevated to a high position of royalty prior to the unfolding plot of Jewish genocide. Insulated in her position of royalty from the ominous developments, an urgent message is received from her uncle, Mordecai, appealing to her to take action.

"Do not imagine that you in the king's palace can escape any more than all the Jews. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this ?" (Esther 4:13-14)

The right place at the right time; God's "sweet spot". Is it not possible, inquires Mordecai, that Esther has been placed in her position of royalty "for such a time as this ?" And indeed she had; she alone was successful in averting the intended genocide, and the legacy of the Feast of Purim is established in Jewish tradition to commemorate Esther's role in these dramatic events.

Esther's story is our story. We, the people of God, have been placed right where we are "for such a time as this". The purpose for our place in time and geography may not be for anything as dramatic as preventing a holocaust, but the purpose is vitally important nevertheless. It is not an accident that you are where you are at this particular point in time. You may long to be somewhere else, doing something else, but that which you seek to escape from may be the very circumstances that God most greatly desires to use for His purposes and glory. You are where you are at this point in time for a reason.

It's easy to look at the story of Queen Esther and conclude that we could have the greatest impact for the cause of the Kingdom of God if only we could be in a position of power and influence as she was. But consider the Prince who became a pauper in order to fulfill God's greatest plan: "although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men" (Philippians 2:6-7). Either extreme, or somewhere in between (where most of us are), is the place for God's will to be done in and through us at this time.

Prayerfully consider your present circumstances, and remain faithful and steady where you are, because it is "for such a time as this" that you are where you are.

Steve

"The difficult we do right away; the impossible takes a little longer", goes an old saying I saw posted in a business years ago. First priorities are usually both urgent and difficult, but they are worthy of our best efforts.

"First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity" (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

At the top of Paul's list to young Timothy was all-inclusive prayer (that sounds like something in the "impossible" rather than the "difficult" category). A special focus of prayer is to be government leaders, and for a specific purpose: so that the family of God might quietly live so as to have the lifestyle impact that we are designed to have. In other words, we are to pray that the government stay off our backs so that we can focus on the "government" that we truly belong to.

Paul elaborates further: "This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time" (1 Timothy 2:3-6)

The "business" of our true authority and His government is salvation and truth. As has been much on my mind recently, His plan centers on His "truth revolution" - truth that changes everything. And nothing is more radical and life-changing than the truth in focus here: "For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus". These words echo Jesus' words: "This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent" (John 17:3).

Paul punctuated these words about our Father's explicit desire for the salvation and knowledge of truth of all people with his opening words, "First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men". the avenue to salvation and knowledge of truth is faithful, persistent prayer.

I've rigorously debated and dialoged with plenty of people over the years concerning the truth of God's nature and that of His Son, our Savior, Jesus. Often these discussions have resulted in little more than deadlock and dissent. But (a degree of wisdom comes with years!), I've lately seen how effective probing questions and gentle answers can be that our bathed in prayer. The One whose explicit desire is for salvation and truth is actively involved in leading the receptive and responsive to these ends; He needs little more than my humble prayers, sensitivity, and readiness to provide a soft answer with His word.

Prayer for government leaders to keep our lives free of entanglement so that we can be about the salvation and truth work of our Father is top of the list. Who, then, is on your prayer list for salvation and truth? may we each make this first priority our high priority this day.

Steve

What's the point if it isn't profitable? There are some discussions not worth having. Like arguing over which Greek word for love is used in a Bible text, and then parting ways in an unloving manner. Or debating over pre, mid, or post-tribulation rapture until we are red in the face instead of choosing to "comfort one another with these words" (1 Thessalonians 4:18).

The apostle Paul's first admonition to Timothy was to "instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines, nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation rather than furthering the administration of God which is by faith " (1 Timothy 1:3-4). Instruction that prompts speculation, rather than true education, does not provide edification. Such 'instruction', according to Paul, is "fruitless" (1 Timothy 1:6), and is to be avoided.

The "measuring stick" for Bible teaching and discussion is summarized well in Paul's words: "the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith" (1 Timothy 1:5). Teachers, these questions are worthy of printing and placing on the refrigerator or bathroom mirror: Will this instruction contribute to genuine love? Will it help build a good conscience? Will it add to sincere faith? If the answer to any of these questions is "no", then it probably shouldn't be taught. And the same goes for informal instructional conversation among believers; if it fails the test of these questions, then it probably is a profitless discussion.

Time is precious, and the needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ are great. How many times have we engaged in deep discussion, all the while one of us in the discussion struggled with serious doubt, or major sin? The focus was on a minor issue, while a major issue that might prohibit us from entering the kingdom of God was never discussed or addressed. What an unprofitable discussion!

The older I get the more I long for "real" instruction and conversation. As is often the pattern of Paul in his New Testament letters, the focus is on truth and what truth means to us. That's what I want as well; to clearly understand truth, and then to know how that truth translates in to how I live. That helps build me in to a more loving person, with a good conscience, and with a stronger faith.

May we always be lifelong learners, and lifelong learners of that which is most profitable.

Steve

Cruise ships don't sail in to war zones. Tourists don't wear flak jackets, because rare is the threat of hostility in a friendly port of call. In contrast, warships sail into treacherous territory and stand at full alert in the most perilous waters. A cruise ship mentality would be a recipe for disaster.

The Christian life has rightly been compared to life on a warship in hostile territory. A cruise ship mentality, however, is all too often characteristic. Poolside pleasures, indulgent feasts, and carefree leisure beckon all the while the ship sails into treacherous waters.

The record of the Bible is replete with accounts of hostilities against the people of God. Numerous Old Testament accounts detail unprovoked aggression against God's people dwelling in safety in their cities. One such account involved King Hezekiah, a righteous ruler, whose domain was threatened by aggression at the hands of the powerful Assyrian ruler, Sennacherib. In the face of this perilous threat, King Hezekiah, a man of unswerving faith and devotion to the most High God, declared:

"Be strong and courageous, do not fear or be dismayed because of the king of Assyria nor because of all the horde that is with him; for the one with us is greater than the one with him. With him is only an arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles" (2 Chronicles 32:7-8)

More often than not, the battles the people of God face seem hopelessly lopsided. We are the Davids standing before towering Goliaths with a few stones and a sling, while our opponents are armed to the teeth with formidable offensive and defensive weapons. Fear and dismay come easily as strength and resolve melt away in the face of our enemies. But, Hezekiah's call reverberates down through the ages to us today in our battles as he encourages us to "not fear or be dismayed because ... the one with us is greater than the one with him". Our unseen warrior tips the balance heavily in our favor; the Lord God Yahweh towers far above our Goliaths and is no match for even our most formidable foe.

Perspective on the battle is everything, because all is not as it appears on the surface. "Then Elisha prayed and said, "O LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see." And the LORD opened the servant's eyes and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha" (2 Kings 6:17). Another battle at another place and time had this in common with all battles involving God's people: there is more to the battle than meets the eye.

My hope for all God's people today is that life might be as pleasant as a cruise ship experience, but reality tells me that the comparison to a warship in hostile waters is more accurate. As such, be prepared with the armor of God (Ephesians 6:13-17), and stand in the confidence that your unseen warrior is present and prepared to provide overwhelming victory.

Steve

It's easy to forget just how remarkable the journey has been. Beginning with a simple act of submission as a teenager, it has involved countless numbers of wonderful people, a wide variety of locations, and opportunities beyond imagination. Remembering leads to absolute wonderment.

There is a very specific reason why God ordained certain feasts and celebrations throughout the year: so that His people would not forget His mighty acts. It is recorded in 2 Chronicles twenty that "many people were gathered at Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread in the second month, a very large assembly" (2 Chronicles 30:13). Notice that this was not some solemn and somber occasion; it was a party! ("The sons of Israel present in Jerusalem celebrated the Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days with great joy, and the Levites and the priests praised the LORD day after day with loud instruments to the LORD" - 2 Chronicles 30:21). Remembering God's mighty acts was cause for great celebration.

What began as a one-week celebration stretched to two weeks: "Then the whole assembly decided to celebrate the feast another seven days, so they celebrated the seven days with joy (2 Chronicles 30:23). This two-week party was a rare celebration, as we see in the summary of this account: "So there was great joy in Jerusalem, because there was nothing like this in Jerusalem since the days of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel" (2 Chronicles 30:26).

Did you notice the repetition of the word "joy" in these verses? Remembering the mighty works and deliverance of Yahweh God was cause for great celebration, which leads me back to my remarkable journey. Granted, it may not seem all that remarkable from the standpoint of celebrities and dignitaries, but the fact is that it is MY journey with my Father, and for this country boy that is pretty remarkable. That the Creator of everything would involve Himself in the details of an obscure and lowly creature of His is beyond comprehension.

Trouble comes when we forget. Jesus implores His church in the city of Ephesus to "remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first" (Revelation 2:5). Remembering past grace is vital to present and future vibrant spirituality.

The more I remember, the more I'm like a kid in a candy store - in absolute astonishment at the assortment of delights that surround me. Each of us are surrounded by delightful blessings of grace provided by the Father throughout the journey of our lives. Lest we forget and take them for granted, stop periodically to ponder the journey that is uniquely yours with your Father, and let the joy and wonderment provide powerful incentive for faithful living today and beyond.

Steve

It's easy to forget just how remarkable the journey has been. Beginning with a simple act of submission as a teenager, it has involved countless numbers of wonderful people, a wide variety of locations, and opportunities beyond imagination. Remembering leads to absolute wonderment.

There is a very specific reason why God ordained certain feasts and celebrations throughout the year: so that His people would not forget His mighty acts. It is recorded in 2 Chronicles twenty that "many people were gathered at Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread in the second month, a very large assembly" (2 Chronicles 30:13). Notice that this was not some solemn and somber occasion; it was a party! ("The sons of Israel present in Jerusalem celebrated the Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days with great joy, and the Levites and the priests praised the LORD day after day with loud instruments to the LORD" - 2 Chronicles 30:21). Remembering God's mighty acts was cause for great celebration.

What began as a one-week celebration stretched to two weeks: "Then the whole assembly decided to celebrate the feast another seven days, so they celebrated the seven days with joy (2 Chronicles 30:23). This two-week party was a rare celebration, as we see in the summary of this account: "So there was great joy in Jerusalem, because there was nothing like this in Jerusalem since the days of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel" (2 Chronicles 30:26).

Did you notice the repetition of the word "joy" in these verses? Remembering the mighty works and deliverance of Yahweh God was cause for great celebration, which leads me back to my remarkable journey. Granted, it may not seem all that remarkable from the standpoint of celebrities and dignitaries, but the fact is that it is MY journey with my Father, and for this country boy that is pretty remarkable. That the Creator of everything would involve Himself in the details of an obscure and lowly creature of His is beyond comprehension.

Trouble comes when we forget. Jesus implores His church in the city of Ephesus to "remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first" (Revelation 2:5). Remembering past grace is vital to present and future vibrant spirituality.

The more I remember, the more I'm like a kid in a candy store - in absolute astonishment at the assortment of delights that surround me. Each of us are surrounded by delightful blessings of grace provided by the Father throughout the journey of our lives. Lest we forget and take them for granted, stop periodically to ponder the journey that is uniquely yours with your Father, and let the joy and wonderment provide powerful incentive for faithful living today and beyond.

Steve

The situation was desperate, and the outcome seemed certain. The local militia was no match for the large, well-trained and well-equipped army aligned against them. The only way this lopsided military contest was to be won was with the worship team. Say what? Sound like utter nonsense? It would be, if it weren't true.

This unlikely and unorthodox military campaign, recorded in 2 Chronicles twenty, begins with an ominous report:

"Then some came and reported to Jehoshaphat, saying, "A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea, out of Aram and behold, they are in Hazazon-tamar (that is Engedi)" (2 Chronicles 20:2)

The reaction of the king to this report hints at the unlikely outcome:

"Jehoshaphat was afraid and turned his attention to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah" (2 Chronicles 20:3).

Desperate times call for desperate measures. When the chips are down, turn to the only One who can save.

The following verses (vss.5-12) record a heartfelt and sincere prayer by King Jehoshaphat on behalf of the people of Judah. It is a prayer worth carefully noting and praying in your next desperate hour.

This prayer quickly yields an answer through an individual in whom God's Spirit has mightily come upon. it is an answer that should be rich encouragement to each of us amidst the worst battles and crises we face:

"thus says the LORD to you, "Do not fear or be dismayed ... for the battle is not yours but God's ... stand and see the salvation of the LORD ... for the LORD is with you".(2 Chronicles 20:15-17 - selected)

Note these encouraging words well, because they are for us in our battles as well as God's people in this battle so long ago. When foreclosure in imminent, or divorce seems certain, or the job layoff appears unavoidable, this is the time to face down fear, and surrender the battle to the One to whom it truly belongs, and to stand strong and see His deliverance. And deliverance comes in unlikely ways: "When they began singing and praising, the LORD set ambushes" (2 Chronicles 20:22).

Circumstances are never so dire that we should forsake praise. In fact, in our most desperate hour praise should ring loudest. Paul and Silas shared in a midnight prison praise service just before a miraculous jail break (Acts 16:25). Praise is powerful in more ways than we can begin to image.

"Do not fear or be dismayed ... for the battle is not yours but God's ... stand and see the salvation of the LORD ... for the LORD is with you". Face down your battles today with these encouraging words.

Steve

It's a matter of perspective. Forgiving a bad debt is a simple matter for a major financial institution, but for the burdened borrower it is monumental. The perspective on thousands of dollars is vastly different if you regularly manage billions as opposed to earning minimum wage.

Similarly, God's perspective is vastly different than ours because, after all; God is God. Factor the difference of perspective between an infinite Creator and His finite creation in this exchange between king David and God:

"Then David the king went in and sat before the LORD and said, "Who am I, O LORD God, and what is my house that You have brought me this far? This was a small thing in Your eyes, O God; but You have spoken of Your servant's house for a great while to come, and have regarded me according to the standard of a man of high degree, O LORD God. What more can David still say to You concerning the honor bestowed on Your servant? For You know Your servant. O LORD, for Your servant's sake, and according to Your own heart, You have wrought all this greatness, to make known all these great things. O LORD, there is none like You, nor is there any God besides You, according to all that we have heard with our ears. (1 Chronicles 17:16-20)

Yahweh God's promises to David and his future generations was more than this mere mortal could wrap his limited mind around. A creature of the dust recognized that what God had done was "a small thing" from His perspective, but powerfully overwhelming to a frail human. And perhaps his perspective reveals that basis for God's promises: David knew the truth about David, but he also was deeply humbled by what he knew about His Father and Creator. There was power in perspective.

In case you think God's best offer was reserved for David, don't lose sight of the fact that He has promised us things at least as astounding. From God's perspective, it is "a small thing" to give us the earth as an eternal inheritance, and a place of royalty and influence at His Son's side in His coming government, but for us this is an offer at least as overwhelming as David's. "What more can David (and I) still say to You concerning the honor bestowed on Your servant?" Leaves you at a loss for words, doesn't it?

This thing called grace really is amazing, as the familiar, timeless song goes. Why would God choose to bestow the richest honor upon His frail and imperfect creatures? Just because. There is no theological phrase or detailed biblical exegesis that yields an absolute answer. Simple-minded believer and learned scholar alike are left gape-jawed at this simple, but profound truth: God bestows grace simply because He chooses to. Not because of merit, or "religiosity", or genealogy. Just because.

May His choice of you, and the astounding promises made to you, leave you in absolute wonderment as you live for Him today.

Steve

Who doesn't like a good mystery? A good novel often reveals the mystery to the reader, and then the story revolves around the main characters discovering the mystery and its impact on their lives.

Here's a good mystery: "the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His saints, to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossian 1:26-27)

It's not that God is in the business of hiding vital information, but rather that some information is appropriate only at the appropriate time. Prior to the coming of His Son into the world, the mystery could only be hinted at. This "mystery", mentioned here by Paul, would essentially still be a mystery to those living in the "pre-Christ" era. But, in the "post-coming" era of Christ, the mystery is solved and can be clearly understood by all who eagerly seek to understand. The mystery? First of all, that salvation was for all people; not just the chosen Jews. But secondly, and perhaps most importantly, that Christ could indwell His people, giving them a taste of the hope of their future glory. If Christ lives inside His people, then future glory through resurrection is a very real possibility.

Case closed; mystery solved. Except that this mystery isn't one for a detective's files; it's a mystery to be lived and explored every day. If Christ is in you, what does He want you to know and do this day? It's the "W.W.J.D." thing (What Would Jesus Do?), and so much more. There is no short acronym for a bracelet, but this question is worthy of our deepest consideration: How does Christ want to live in and through me today? If each of us could sit down with Christ at the beginning of the day, with Day-Timer in hand, how would He fill in the time slots? Sure, He would respect your commitments to such things as school and work, but how would He schedule your discretionary time? An hour for prayer and Bible study, instead of several hours in front the TV, computer, or video game? A couple of hours on the phone encouraging and comforting brothers and sisters in Christ? A coffee or Coke with the neighbor who has expressed interest in spiritual matters?

The good news is that the "Christ in you" will clearly prompt the actions and activities that are His priorities. The bad news is that we can squelch His voice if responding isn't convenient or comfortable. This is essentially "quenching the Spirit" (1 Thessalonians 5:19), and it's a dangerous thing to do. So, being responsive to "the Christ in you" truly leads to "the hope of glory".

The King of the coming Kingdom is sufficiently empowered to inhabit all His people, and sufficiently compassionate to desire to do so. Within and through you, His prized possession, He desires to work out the Father's kingdom plans and priorities. What a privileged position!

The Bible is filled with examples of incredible feats performed by God through faithful people. Monumental as these feats were, they were isolated events. We, however, are privileged to know and experience His greatest feat - the abiding presence of His Son within to continually perform His good will.

Move and live confidently in the world today, hearing and heeding the voice within.

Steve