We all have a sense of longing for more. Even in the best of times we know there lingers, a sense of dissatisfaction deep within our soul. Deuteronomy 4:29 says, But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find Him if you look for HIm with all your heart and with and all your soul.

In Acts 17, Paul says, From one man He made every nation of men, that they would inhabit the whole earth; and He determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him though He is not far from each one of us. For in Him we live and move and have our being.

So we seek God and learn He indeed is the One who truly satisfies. Isaiah 58 says, The LORD will guide you always; He will satisfy your need in a sun scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring who's waters never fail.

This blog is made up of reflections, that are to me, like dew drops in the garden. Things that spring from the pages of scripture and refresh my heart. Whispers, ideas, hope, inklings, inspiration, glimmers, breadcrumbs...all pointing me in the direction of my heart's true home which is the Lord.

Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life and through the length of my days the house of the Lord [and His Presence] shall be my dwelling place. Psalm 23:6


Saturday, December 27, 2014

Living with Intentionality


I was reading this morning about the disciples asking Jesus about things to come. That was a big topic then. It is a big topic now. There was then, as there is now, much suffering in the world. Wars. Natural disasters. Famine. Disease. Unthinkable evil perpetrated by human beings, one to another. So in Luke 21:7 they ask the question. When? When is this going to be all over?

 In classic Jesus style He didn't answer their question. Once again they didn't know which question to ask. He didn't answer when. He answered how. He wanted to prepare them for what was to come. And His answer for them is relevant for us today.

 Luke 21:12 “But before all this occurs, there will be a time of great persecution. You will be dragged into synagogues and prisons, and you will stand trial before kings and governors because you are My followers.13 But this will be your opportunity to tell them about Me. 14 So don’t worry in advance about how to answer the charges against you, 15 for I will give you the right words and such wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to reply or refute you! 16 Even those closest to you—your parents, brothers, relatives, and friends—will betray you. They will even kill some of you. 17 And everyone will hate you because you are my followers. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish! 19 By standing firm, you will win your souls.

 He was giving them amazing counsel but it must have been hard for them to hear. They probably didn't expect to hear the hard things that awaited them, personally. They still had the Savior on a white horse mentality. They wanted Jesus to get the Romans out of their country and set up His kingdom right then and there. They hadn't connected the dots concerning a Savior Who just rode in on a colt, Who was about to be crucified.

 We don't know what awaits us in life. We might face these kinds of things or other kinds of trials. But this counsel from the Son of God is none the less relevant for us today. Personally I see great advice on how to view life, on how to follow Jesus in this brief passage.

 ~ I can look at trials as an opportunity to tell others about Jesus. This may or may not include using words.
~ I can choose to not fear or worry.
~ I can trust Jesus to give me words and wisdom for every situation I find myself in.
~ I can stand firm in my faith knowing that it is how my soul is won.
~ I can be thankful that I can follow Jesus and He will give me what I need for every situation.
~ I can choose not be be bowed down by life but rather bow down to the Lord and trust He will lead as I follow.

 I must live in much intentionality in order to follow this wise counsel. Lord help me to have Your perspective as I journey through life. Help me stand firm in my faith as I follow and trust You to be with me. Thank you for giving me words and wisdom to live well, no matter what.


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