The Very Best Way

John in his first epistle to the churches reminds of a basic but vital truth. Every act of obedience is an act of love. And every act of love draws us closer to the Savior thus deepening our love for Him. And that growing love makes it "easier" to obey Him the next time. Which deepens our love for Him . . . and on and on into an every deepening intimacy. Never underestimate the power and necessity of obedience in even the smallest things. Never. And guess what happens if I choose to disobey? The cycle moves in the other direction. Lessening love, harder to obey, a loss of a sense of His presence in our lives. A cold heart.
What's that little chorus the children use to sing? "Obedience is the very best way to show . . . " The very best way.

Unity

Christian unity is not something that has to be manufactured. The Holy Spirit has made us one in Christ--one family, one body, one temple. Unity is something we must diligently work at in order to preserve it. And as Jesus told us, when God's people demonstrate their unity and love for one another, it declares to a watching world the undeniability of the love of God as demonstrated by His Son's loving sacrifice for sin on the cross. It draws people to the body--it evangelizes.

"Being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" is a vital ongoing ministry of God's people. Diligent.

Reflections on Trust

"All these years I have followed Christ and found Him to be a good Master."
(Polycarp)
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 "When peace like a river attendeth my way"

"When sorrows like sea-billows roll"

These are not two separate experiences for the child of God--they reside in our hearts simultaneously.
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"Iron sharpens iron." At times your best friends will "rub you the wrong way."
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Ironic is it not, that we trust Him with taking care of us for eternity; yet, we doubt His promise to meet all our needs today? 

Vantage Points

We must remember that we see all things from the vantage point of the finite--this day, this hour, this moment, but He sees all things from the vantage point of the infinite. It is from that vantage point--the eternal throne--that the King of Kings and Lord of Lords promises that all things in our lives will be for His glory and the good of His people--not just us; all of His people. Rest in that promise: rejoice and do good.

Talents

There a few ideas in the parable of the talents that I, at times, need to remind myself of. First, that God gives the talents. I haven't earned nor have I merited the talents that He, in His sovereign love and wisdom, has decided to give me to "invest" in the kingdom work. (Neither have you). They are His gift to me. In addition, it is not that He needs the five talent guy or the two talent guy more than He needs the one talent guy. They are all three necessary--essential--in order for the kingdom to prosper to its fullest measure. Paul, in fact, tells us that the one talent servant--the least--is the most vital "clog" in the spiritual success of God's ministry on earth . (As always, we get a lot of things backward, don't we?) Also, God does not demand or expect the one talent servant to produce five talent results. He just expects that His servants use the talents He has given them to the best of their ability. And the talents are not for the exultation of the servant but for the completeness of the kingdom work. The talents God has given do not make anyone special--just accountable. And the accountability is the same for everyone--use them. What talents has the Master given you? Have you thanked Him? Have you put them to use in the furtherance of the kingdom? Do you give Him all the glory? Do you in humility recognize that your talents are dependent on His other servants using their talents for His glory? Are you then an encourager, an edifier, or do you see yourself as a competitor in the expansion of His work? Do you use your talents to draw attention to yourself--that's called idolatry? Do you covet someone else's talents in essence telling God that He doesn't know what He's doing when He assigns responsibilities? Coveting is idolatry, too, you know? Do you downplay the vital necessity of your talent being used effectively for His work? Each and every servant's work is essential.

Talents. Gifts. Strengths. Whatever you want to call them. God gives such to every servant. And every servant is expected to "invest" them wisely with all their strength and for His glory. Get busy. And don't become weary of doing well.

The reward? "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Reflections on Change

"The Word of God is living, and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing . . . and able to sift the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Do you want to see the Spirit change lives? Wield the sword of the Spirit. He will begin by using it to change your life. Allow the Spirit to make His Word a spontaneous focus of your every day conversations. "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer."

"How will a young man purify his walk? By taking heed to the Word of God." 
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The first thing a nation denies on its way down to exulting in its depravity is that God is the Creator of all things. That frees them to worship the creature, and nothing is more frightening than when men worship themselves. 
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When I think I am strong enough to do what God has called me to do, failure is at the door. When I admit that I am too weak to do what He has called me to do, His grace becomes all the strength I need. And the glory is rightfully given to Him.
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 If after twenty years of persevering prayer, God answers the prayers you have for those you love, which of those years of prayer would have been wasted years? Which years would you regret? Persevere in prayer!!!! Day by day come before the throne of grace. He is able. He is willing. Admit that you are helpless and come before His throne that you may receive the gracious, merciful help of the omnipotent God of love..

Failures

Our God is unconditional love, infinite goodness, and abundant grace. Yet, our Savior lets His children fail. And it does not in any way diminish His love, goodness, or grace. In fact, in exalts it. It is through our failures and struggles that we discover the greatness of who He is. It is through our failures and struggles that we discover the depths of His love for us, the invincibility of His goodness, and the sufficiency of His grace. It is through our failures and struggles that He molds us into His image--purging the self that is the cause of our failures and replacing it with the servant-hood that is His calling for His maturing children. Failure is the path to victorious transformation, a deeper experiential understanding of His love, and a humility that sends me to my knees for the sufficient grace that makes my weakness His
strength.