Sidetracked

Have you ever been sidetracked? Beginning a project with the right intentions, only to find yourself miles off course when you start to evaluate things? I'll be the first one to admit my guilt. As an inspirational/devotional writer, I'm serious about pointing readers to the Lord. Sharing His love and holiness. Yet sometimes, my thought pattern shifts. I'm ashamed to say it, but I get distracted by things that will promote me more than my God.

Satan's deception is subtle. I may still be conveying Bible truths, yet I become more concerned with building my platform than seeing people pointed to the Savior. When I start down the wrong path, my steps begin to slide. Consider what led to Satan's removal from heaven: "For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God...I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High," (Isaiah 14:13a, 14; KJV). What arrogance! Yet every time I call the shots and focus on self-promotion, I'm responding just like Satan - focusing on my desires instead of the will of my Heavenly Father.

Being aware of the problem is half the battle. I'm thankful for a God who is slow to become angry and who is extremely merciful. He loves me and is just waiting for me to run back to Him. His Word reveals these truths, "The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy," (Psalm 103:8). "Therefore turn thou to thy God: keep mercy and judgment, and wait on thy God continually," (Hosea 12:6).

Having the proper perspective of God, helps keep me on track. The Psalmist's words remind me of His greatness, "Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty. Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain: Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters: who maketh the clouds his chariot: who walketh upon the wings of the wind," (Psalm 104:1-3). His tender love is revealed by the pen of David," He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him, " (Psalm 103:10-13).

With an awareness of my weakness, and an accurate perception of my Father and His strength, I can return to the job before me with the resolve of John the Baptist, "He must increase, but I must decrease, " (John 3:30).

Do you struggle with pride? What helps you put things in proper perspective?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your abundant grace and mercy in my life. Your Word acts as a lifeline - showing me when I've sinned, and clearly guiding me back to You. Help me to love and exalt You in everything I do. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Hope: An Anchor

Life is hard. From health problems and relationship issues, to the devastation of earthquakes and tsunamis - the cares of life can seem overwhelming. This past week has been surreal. Matters of deep concern for friends and family have been the topic of many phone conversations and text messages. Only days later, news programs relayed mind-numbing reports that continue to be difficult to grasp. Fear and hopelessness appear poised to take over.

Fear is a crippling enemy, with the ability to rob me of peace. When my mind begins playing the 'what if' game, fear gets in on the action, reminding me that I'm not in control. I can't change circumstances and I can't make decisions for others...soon hopelessness joins the game, unbidden. Fear and hopelessness link arms and if given a foothold, can wreck havoc with my mind. Yet, even in the presence of these foes, there IS hope.

Take a look at the life of Job. Listen in on a conversation between the Lord and Satan. "And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?" (Job 1:8; KJV). Job was a good guy. Satan claimed Job was only loyal to God because God had blessed him. Satan asked for permission to destroy all that Job had, reasoning that Job would curse God as a result.

In a matter of 24 hours, Job lost all of his children and all of his oxen, sheep, and camels, in addition to most of his servants. Look at Job's response, "Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly," (Job 1:20-22). Amazing!

Satan was permitted to go one step further and afflict Job's health. Job's wife doubted God's goodness and advised him to curse God and die. "But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips," (Job 2:10).

Job wasn't superhuman. Throughout this forty-two chapter book we see Job falsely accused by his friends, and we witness his hope waxing and waning. Before Job sinks into despair, the Lord appears to Job. He doesn't offer answers to the many questions that have tormented Job. Instead, He poses a series of questions to him. Questions that no human being could answer. The point? God's thoughts and ways are infinitely higher than ours (Isaiah 55:9). Even during difficult times, when nothing makes sense, He is still God, and He is still in control.

Following personal tragedy, Job was able to cling to his hope in God and go on. And God blessed Job abundantly, "So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses. He had also seven sons and three daughters...After this lived Job an hundred and forty years, and saw his sons, and his sons' sons, even four generations." (Job 42:12-13, 16)

Are you experiencing difficulties? Feeling fearful or hopeless? Anchor yourself to the Lord and allow Him to restore your hope!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for being a just, holy, merciful God. I don't always understand why things happen, but it's comforting to know that You are still in control. Comfort all those who are hurting. Forgive me when I give in to fear and hopelessness. Help me to remember Your Word: "Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost," (Romans 15:13). I praise You today for who You are. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Gray Skies

The sky was gray. The mist was especially heavy, leaving little hope for a sunny day, much less, warm temperatures. As we ate a leisurely breakfast, my daughter and I discussed our plans for the day. Our hotel was situated across the street from a large mall. Considering the weather, a bit of walking and window shopping might not be a bad option.

No sooner had we crossed the street, when the first rays of sunshine pierced through the mist. I scanned the sky, noticing that several patches of blue were now visible. The waiter had been right when he told us that the heavy mist should burn off by noon. With glimpses of sunshine and blue sky getting more prevalent by the minute, it seemed his prediction would be quite accurate. We were able to enjoy the beauty of a sunny day after all.

Life can be a lot like the weather. When the gray skies come, I sometimes change my plans, not realizing that God sees the bigger picture. The very storm I dread, may be useful in purging pride from my life, or helping me to identify an unhealthy attitude. The book of Hebrews shares some encouragement, “Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby” (Hebrews 12:11; KJV). Following correction, I’m promised a harvest of good fruit!

Persevering is key, trusting in my Father’s plans for me. Not losing hope. Faith and hope work hand in hand. Faith in a loving God who desires to conform me to the image of His Son. Hope causing me to believe that with God, all things are possible. If Satan can’t get me to question my faith in God, he can try to capsize my hope. Ever been there? A situation that just doesn’t seem to change, no matter how much you pray? A conflict with a friend that seems beyond resolution?

Hope is essential. God is a God of hope. “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost” (Romans 15:13). As I submit to my Heavenly Father, trusting His ultimate plan for me, I am able to abound in hope, knowing He’ll bring it to pass. Joy and peace are glorious by-products of this way of living!

Are there gray skies in your forecast? Don’t lose hope! Remember that your Heavenly Father is in control, and when the clouds part letting the sun shine through, you’ll be able to say with the apostle James, “…count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” (James 1:2-4).

Prayer: Gracious Heavenly Father, thank you that Your view isn’t limited by cloudy skies. You know the plans You have for me. Help me not to be discouraged by the gray skies that come into my life. Strengthen my faith and hope in You, that I might be used for Your honor and glory. Amen.