Unfailing Love

Have you ever heard the saying that tells you not to look at how big your problems are but at how big your God is?  Join with me for a few minutes on a walk with the team who are sent out to assess the land.  As you walk the streets of the village you see the people who are heads and shoulders taller than you, whose houses are huge to accommodate their stature.  Walk further into the field and see the size of the harvest ready to be collected.  It takes a couple of the team to carry just one bunch of grapes.  And so the journey continues everything looks impressive, great and bountiful, until you listen to the people talk.  They talk as big as their build is.  Nothing in their opinion can ever subdue or conquer them. Suddenly fear grips you for you realise that there must be power behind the size of their muscles and they could crush you easily.  Now return with the team and listen to their report.  Ten members of the team speak of the fear that overcame them when they heard the people talk.  The other two spoke of the size of their God in comparison to the size of the problem.  Who reflected the unfailing love of God in what they shared?

Puzzled, sore all over, overcome with sorrow from the severe loss he had just suffered he tried to make sense of his situation.  Well-meaning friends had joined him and together they discussed the situation. It wasn’t hard to recall the events that had taken place, or to reflect back on what memory could recall of previous actions and reactions, but to make sense of the sudden overwhelming destruction and loss begged answers that were not easily found.  In one of the moments of reflection he couldn’t help but appreciate that life was his only because the Creator gave it, all he ever had was because of the love of God, so maybe this was also a gift in disguise from the hand of love that knit him in his mother’s womb.  While little else made sense the peace that flowed through him when he recalled the unfailing love of the Creator assured him that those thoughts were honest and true.

It was a life changing decision she had made but she didn’t regret a moment of it.  As she settled into life in her new environment she knew in her heart it was the right decision. It
was harvest time and she wanted to do something to help with the food supply in the home.  Knowing that it was customary for those who owned no land to be allowed to collect the left over grain after the harvesters had been through the field she joined in with one of these groups. After seeking permission she laboured diligently at gathering what she could.  When the owner of the field came by that day he noticed her and inquired about who she was.  When told she had asked that morning to join the gathers and how diligently she applied herself, he connected that with what he had already heard about her faithfulness to her mother-in-law.  He spoke with her telling her to remain in his fields for the duration of the harvest for he would ensure she was treated fairly and safely, something others might not promise to do for a foreigner on their land. The owner’s actions spoke to her of the Saviour’s love that had drawn her to make the life changing decision. A love we can know as unfailing and faithful always.

Can you think of one gift you have ever received that spoke to you in volumes about love? We receive many gifts that tell us others love us, but there is one gift that surpasses all. We read about it in the Word of God in many places, and the one place that is known to many reads, For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son. It is what the Son was given for that makes the gift so special and precious. He was not given for our pleasure and enjoyment but pay the price for our mistakes, our short comings, our sins.  Nothing is greater than that love, for it never fails anyone who is willing to receive and accept it. It is faithful to the end, for all; that is everyone, who believes in God’s gift, his Son, can and will be given eternal life. Imagine it if you can – an eternity with the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.  While the gift is free it still comes at a cost. Don’t be alarmed at that, for the cost is giving up on your selfishness and humbly submitting ‘you’ to the Saviour. Will you share in the unfailing love that is faithful for ever?

Corrective Criticism

A plea for food was rejected and the hungry army was sent on its way.  Even though they needed sustenance they kept going always loyal to their duty.  A meal would have given them the energy needed to be more efficient at their task, but without it they still continued on.  Such loyalty was not seen by those who refused to share their food.  All they thought about were the benefits they could get out of the situation.   A promised word was not enough to motivate them to share what they had.  They put a condition on their supplies.  Even though they had been made aware of the miracle of God in providing the victory the army had achieved to this point it wasn’t enough as far as they were concerned.  God’s word wasn’t enough.  It had to be their way or no way.  When God had provided the complete victory for the army as promised his words of judgment against the greed of the town also came to pass.  They refused to be corrected in their mistake and accordingly received their reward.

Loss is always an emotional experience.  It was no different for the prophet of old who had ordained the king, saw him rise to fame and then plummet into disgrace because he had chosen to turn from the God of Heaven.  The time for mourning needed to end so the prophet was given a new task.  As he met with the family he was asked to speak to, he observed the stature, looks, disposition of each of the sons with the view of one of them being ordained as the new king as he had been instructed to do.  He saw the height of one and the looks of another and the strength in the next, but each was rejected by God.  He was told don’t look so carefully on the outside appearance for God looks on the heart and accordingly makes his choice.  The son to be chosen wasn’t there yet, but he was called for the Lord knew his heart was receptive to doing what was asked of him.  So it is with us we need to be willing to hear God speak to us and follow his instruction, and when needed to be corrected.

Does it take the watchful eye to motivate you to do your best in your work?  Sadly for some that is the case, but thankfully it is possible to improve and change.  His loyalty had been proved many times over and he didn’t need the watchful eye to ensure he was doing his work well.  Many an obstacle in his way proved challenging though and a few words of encouragement went a long way to help him stay focused to walk in the way of faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.  If only it was the same for those he ministered to.  They had taken their eyes off God and his truth, so selfishness surfaced as their code of conduct.  The possessions they owned and the way they were able to obtain it and use it drove their thoughts and actions.  Their self-importance directed another course to follow other than the way of the Lord.  They didn’t appear to care for the correction the Lord was sending them through this loyal servant of his, but the consequences would still happen if they didn’t change their minds.

His had been a promising career.  Intelligence was his, a position of trust was his, and he was part of the selected few who were given the extra instruction so they could minister and teach others the better way of living.  Yet, something wasn’t quite right.  When loyalty mattered the most it wasn’t there, and under the influence of the desire of his heart he betrayed the one who had done nothing but the best for him.  Shame and remorse sadly ended his life instead of causing him to do a U turn and make better choices.  His friends were together considering what he had done and realised that Scripture fulfilled itself in his actions.  Would they be tempted to do something like that?  The possibility was there, but so was the instruction that if they wait on the Lord he will send the Holy Spirit who will guide and instruct them in the right way to go.  Patiently they waited, received and went out to tell others as they had been instructed.

What instruction, correction or constructive criticism are you receiving from the Lord?  Are you willing to take heed and make the necessary changes so that punishment and discipline doesn’t have to deal with your stubborn heart?  Will you be led by the God who reads the heart or the eyes that sees the outside appearance?  Will you persist in your way and receive a beating for your short sightedness?  Will you be loyal under all circumstances and let that be the direction you go instead of letting the pleasures of this world take over and cause you to lose your love for the Lord?  Are you willing to patiently wait with the Lord and heed the Holy Spirit’s instructions when they come?  Life is filled with choices and the choices we make will determine the course we travel whether it is with the Lord or not.  There is no other option, so which one, will you chose to travel this week? 

God's Freedom

The tug-a-war was going in their thoughts.  When they had been told that faith in a risen Saviour was the way they were to live they embraced it and found great joy and freedom in their lives.  Then one day a new message was delivered saying that faith was important and much needed but the old way of the covenant relationship of circumcision was equally important.  How could they expect to find full acceptance without adhering to this ritual.  Confused with the conflicting views they felt the tug-a-war happening in their thoughts.  Who is right?  The first person who shared the words that brought such joy and freedom or the second person who said that freedom is found only in going back to the original covenant requirement.  Thankfully the first presenter heard of the situation they were in and wrote to them reminding them that the original covenant of faith in a Saviour to come was fulfilled at the cross and now it is the faith relationship with a risen Saviour that brings true freedom.

Hers had been a sad life in many ways, but what she was being subjected to at that moment was at the top of list of bad moments.  In front of a crowd of people she was being humiliated.  Yes, she knew she had engaged in something that was punishable by death, but it was a crime that could not be done solo, so why was she the only one being accused and humiliated in front of this crowd.  To add to the embarrassment of the moment her situation was to be judged by One she had recently heard about as being filled with compassion and love.  Perplexed she watched in silence waiting for the judgment call to be made, instead her accusers melted from the crowd because they could not fulfil the requirement of executing the punishment.  When only she was left with the One, the love and compassion she had heard about was offered by forgiving her and telling her to make changes in her life.  Those words lifted a huge burden of her shoulders setting her free like she had never felt before.

What do you think of when you hear the word ‘slave’?  Do you think of being subject to another person?  Or is it subject to an idea or passion?  Is it working tirelessly or with great enthusiasm?  Did you know that there is freedom in being a slave? How can that be no doubt is your next thought?

Let’s visit with Paul for a moment and see what he shares on that topic.  He reminds us that by nature we are sinners and slaves to sin.  When the master of sin controls our lives he leads us to be slaves to anger, hatred, immoral living, impure thoughts, selfish ambitions, jealousy, envy and other kinds of sin.   On the other hand we have the option of changing our master from the nature of sin we inherited by being part of this world to accepting Christ who has been raised from the dead.  When we connect with our new master we act and live according to his principles and values.  We show love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, gentleness, patience, faithfulness and self-control in our lives and this brings us the greatest freedom we can imagine.

Where does this freedom lead?  Let’s follow the new master and see where he went.  While on this earth he told the crowd who were listening to him that he knew where he came from and where he was going.  He had come to show them the way to where he would be going back soon, for his way is the truth and in him is the only life that has value.  So what is his way?  It is living according to his tender-heartedness, mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, being considerate of others, forgiving and loving; keeping a song of praise in your heart and on your lips, talking often with the Lord and submitting to his will.  Jesus came from heaven and has gone back to heaven to prepare that special place for us to go and join him.  When we live with that goal in mind we experience the true freedom from the slavery of sin, to everlasting freedom of being a slave to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  To choose God’s freedom and live by that choice is freeing, will you make that choice today?

The Goodness of The Lord

What a blessing rain is when the ground is dry and dusty, when the food plants need the moisture to grow, when man needs the water to drink and wash.  Do you know how the rain is formed?  Does the miracle of the water vapour being drawn up from the earth and lodged into the dust particles in the air to be carried to where the rain will fall come into mind when you are refreshed by the showers?  Do you consider whether you and others are deserving of such a blessing?  Pause and consider the goodness of God and how it touches your life every day.  Do you sense his presence, his forgiveness, his love, his compassion all the time or just in those moments when anxiety or distress touches you?  Remember that what he has made; he governs to reveal his great character of truth, love, justice and many more qualities so that there is no question left unanswered about the accusations the Devil has made against our God.

The constant stream of ‘why’ became a little disconcerting to the parent who wanted to move on to other things.  Patiently though the questions were answered to help the child grasp what he didn’t know, so he could build the new view of the world he was living in.  We are often puzzled about what is going on around us.  We have a picture of God’s goodness and when things don’t fall into that picture we have questions.  Who do we go to, to ask those questions?  Do we go to the source or does that require too much faith?  Jesus never tires of answering our questions but he does ask one thing of us, which is to be willing to listen and create that new picture he is painting for us.  It is an exciting journey of faith when we are willing to be part of it.  The most important requirement is that we have to let go of those thoughts and ideas that were stepping stones in the process and embrace the new expanded view of who God is.  Are you enjoying such an exciting adventure of discovering the goodness of the Lord?

Can you imagine a fountain of tears?  A fountain that runs day and night and never stops running?  Can you imagine the sorrow that would cause anyone to wish for such a thing?

Imagine further how you would feel if you found out that what you had been told was based on lies, how would you feel?  What if you discovered that you were being used and abused because of these lies?  Is the sorrow building?  Now consider a stubborn refusal to listen to the truth which is played out be doing more of that which was asked not to be done?  Are the feelings intensifying?  Go further and add to this that you are being accused of being the reason for the lies, deceit, abuse and stubbornness.    Is this picture causing you to wish for a fountain of tears of sorrow as you see those whom you love behave in such a disgraceful manner?  Maybe you can’t see yourself in all this, but this is what sin does and who of us are not sinners?  It is only when we humbly come to the Lord with a circumcised heart that we can see his goodness and the above is not a description of the sorrow we cause the Lord.

Who does not want to be loved?  It is only in our darkest moments that we turn from love for it pierces the gloom with light that is too bright for our thinking.  Move away from the darkness and into the light and what joy there is even in the midst of great sorrow.  Respect for yourself and others come from having that respectful relationship with the Lord.  In this heart circumcised relationship kind words and deeds cover the unkind, truth replaces lies, ears are open to listen and hear the Word of God and hearts respond by right living.  Is suffering removed from such a situation?  It seems not, a look at Jesus’ sinless life tells us otherwise for we see how much he suffered.  We can take comfort though in knowing that the darkness that continually attacked Jesus will attack us, but with Jesus we can resist and be victorious to live by faith and share in the goodness of God.

The Christian journey surely is an adventure in faith living the truth filled life while surrounded by the forces of darkness that try their best to rob us of this joy.  The choice is ours who will guide our lives and in whose presence we spend each moment of every day.  God’s goodness is right, just, and filled with unfailing love.  It is ours if we want it.  Do you want it today?