Inward

“I pondered the direction of my life and I turned to follow your laws.” Psalm 119:59 NLT

Any type of conversion or repentant experience has to start with something. A person doesn’t just decide one day to change; there is usually some motivating factor. What leads a person to desire change for themselves? The Psalmist said, “I pondered the direction of my life.” He thought about it. Where was his life going, how was his attitude, what was the end result of his life going along the current path he was on? He pondered it and decided something had to change. This change required a decision to move or turn from his current course, and go along a new course, the course of God’s word.

The beginning of change within us starts with a time of self-examination. We ask God to search us, but we also look within ourselves to see if there is something wrong. If I keep going on the path I am on, where will that lead me? Is there anything about my choices that needs to change?

Is self-examination biblical? God designed us with a free will, and within that free will is the ability to choose our direction. It’s up to us to make the choice of whether or not to maintain our current heading or put in a new route.

“When you are on your beds search your hearts and be silent.” Psalm 4:4

Before we go to bed is the perfect time to reflect on the day. Take a good look inward and see if there was anything that didn’t line up with the person of Jesus that we seek to represent. Anything less than a perfect representation means turning from that action/thought/attitude and getting back on his path. It is most certainly biblical to examine ourselves.

Do we feel regret over the short-comings we committed? Is there remorse? This remorse is necessary to lead us into a genuine repentance that alters our current actions. Does this mean we won’t ever commit that “sin” again? Of course not! We are human and we fail, but the genuine repentance will put us on a new path moving closer to the character of Jesus. Ups and downs are sure, but a consistent pattern upward will be evident of the repentant heart.

There is a counterfeit remorse, however, and its name is “self-pity”. This destructive behavior appears to be regretful, sorrowful over sin, yet it dwells on the wrongs and the failures rather than moving on and up in Christ.  Self-pity will always distance us from the voice of God. We must not allow self-pity to destroy our fellowship with him. Confess, repent (turn), be restored and move on!

 Unless we are looking in the direction of Jesus (through his word), we cannot know what light and life even look like. The joyful life is the holy life. Anything less will lead to a false sense of “happiness”. This false “joy” is the type of feeling that is easily tossed about whenever circumstances are uncertain. A lasting deep abiding joy comes in the life that is on the path to holiness. Those who appear to be happy in their “sin” will fall at some point, and deep down they will always be searching for the next “thing” to satisfy when all along Jesus has already given the answer to fulfillment!

“These people have stubborn hearts; they have turned aside and gone away.” Jeremiah 5:23

In order to know true joy I must be walking upward in my relationship with Jesus, moving closer to becoming like him. The only way I can see him and know him to be transformed into his likeness is to spend time with him in his word and prayer.

“The Spirit searches all things.” 1 Corinthians 2:10

We ask the Spirit to turn us to the light of his face through his word. We cannot see him unless we turn to look at him!

We look inward then we turn and look upward.

Prayer

Jesus, help me to take an honest look into my heart. Lead me into a time of self-examination and speak to me through your Spirit. Open my eyes to the truth of what lies within me that I need to turn from. You are truth, and your word is truth, so I ask that your Spirit guide me into the truth no matter how much it hurts. I want to press on towards a life of holiness in becoming more like you, and I don’t want anything to hinder that.

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way of everlasting. (Psalm 139:23-24)

Far-Sighted

“Turn my eyes from worthless things.” Psalm 119:37 NIV

I wear corrective lenses and have for more than two decades. When we find out we need lenses we usually hear a term like “near-sighted” or “far-sighted” to denote if we can see well close up or far away. Some people need regular glasses, bifocals or trifocals.  I suppose some might view this as a “defect” of vision. I know if I am not wearing my lenses I will be defective to anyone in my presence, especially if I am driving!

As far as our spiritual life goes, corrective “lenses” are necessary for everyone. We all need to have our spiritual eyes on as we walk through life. We need to be “far-sighted” with eternity in focus. Whatever is not of God and his will for our lives is going to be lumped under the “worthless” category.  This boils down to choice. Will we choose to put on our corrective lenses and focus on the eternal, or will we get lazy, not use our lenses and get caught up in what is not worthwhile? If we are not careful it can happen many times throughout the day.

“Do what is good and run from evil so that you may live! The then Lord God of Heaven’s Armies will be your helper, just as you have claimed.” Amos 5:14

“Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace and seek to maintain it.” 1 Peter 3:11

“Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace and seek to maintain it.” Psalm 34:14 (Yes, these verses in Old and New Testament are exactly the same!)

If we stay on our natural course, it will lead to evil. We must turn. Turn to God; turn to his word and our relationship and fellowship with him. This is the beginning of doing authentic “good”. Without our relationship with Jesus, any “good” is merely counterfeit and worthless. He alone is what makes a thing good and truly priceless. He alone sees the heart and the motives behind the good deed.  We can be hopelessly turned from God and still be doing “good”, but this type of good has no eternal value, it will be burned up as nothing.

“Apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

No amount of good will measure up in eternity when done apart from Jesus. Anything of lasting value and worth can only be accomplished through him. If we are truly Christ followers we must remain in fellowship with Jesus to keep our eyes on eternity. This is how we make every moment count for something. Is your life consumed with the temporary or eternal? Are you fixated on what can make you feel better now, or what will stand the test of fire when standing before Christ? Which lenses are you wearing; near-sighted or far-sighted?

How can we know what lasts for eternity? God says he cares about our hearts, and our secret motives. Anything done to the glory of God is something that will last for eternity. Sincere worship, service, acts of love and even scrubbing toilets! If it is done for God’s glory and obedience to him with an honest heart, it matters for eternity! These are the things precious eternal gems are made of; the type of gems and crowns we can lay down at his feet as an offering of gratitude for what he sacrificed for us! I know when I see Jesus, I don’t want to hand him a pile of rubble! I want to give him my all now, so I will not be ashamed on that day when I see him face to face! I want to be far-sighted every day with eternity in focus.

“It is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Hebrews 11:6

“Plant the good seeds of righteousness and you will harvest a crop of love. Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and shower righteousness on you.” Hosea 10:12

“Seek the kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.” Luke 12:31

“Seek the Lord, all who are humble, and follow his commands. Seek to do what is right and to live humbly.” Zephaniah 2:3

It’s time to dust off those far-sighted lenses and put them on! Or maybe you’ve never had them on? Ask God to give your heart an eternal focus every day in all you do. These are the people who are impacting lives and making a difference for eternity.

What have you done that will last for an eternity today? This “doing” starts with a sincere heart for God and his word.

Prayer

Thank you for being a holy and just God that looks at the heart rather than the outward appearance. Keep my heart pure before you; may all I do be out of sincere love for you. If I have been focused on worthless things, change my vision. Give me lenses to see what matters for eternity so that I can make the most of the time you have given me! Every day is a gift and I want to use it to glorify you. You alone deserve the praise and glory; there is none like you, Lord!

Bent

“Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward worthless gain.” Psalm 119:36 NIV

Selfish; we are naturally selfish creatures, and apart from the Spirit of God we cannot fix it. Just take note the next time something is being discussed in a church meeting. How many people have complaints against “change” because of how it will affect them personally? Whatever happened to wanting what is best for the body of Christ, rather than what is best for us?

How about worship? How many times are there complaints over types of music, what people are wearing, or how the preacher is preaching? When did church turn into this self-pleasing ritual? I go to church to get something out of it, I do it for me. What? I’m sorry, but I have yet to find in the Bible where we are told church is designed to please us.

Are there benefits from fellowship? Absolutely! We will undoubtedly be blessed by communing with our brothers and sisters, we will be built up (or should be) and edified and mature in our faith. Yes, church has its benefits for us, but that is not the reason for church. The body of Christ is a place of communal worship to Jesus, a place that exists wherever two or more are gathered together in His name to bring glory to God. Church is the body of Christ, and by church I mean the people.

It’s so easy, and so tempting to be wrapped up in what the “church” can do for me, how I can feel good after I’ve heard the message or sung the songs, but if that is our motive for going to a building called “church” every Sunday, then we need a heart check.

How is your heart bent? Is it bent towards how you can be pleased or how you can be of service to others? What is the reason you go to church? Are you offended when something is changed that doesn’t suit your style or preference? Are you easily distracted by what others are doing rather than on your own heart of worship?

This is what comes natural for us apart from Christ! Apart from Him and his word we are hopelessly self-centered! I think we could all use a heart check in this area. When your heart is bent towards self, your whole life will follow that direction. Everything will turn in to a story about you, and how everything is affecting you. It is so easy to lose sight of others and put self on the front burner. It’s a heart sickness. We can even be serving others with a wrong heart. If we are serving to get praise, recognition, or pleasing people, then we are misusing the gift of service for self.

“I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature.” Romans 7:18

“So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you.” Colossians 3:5

How do we put “self” to death? We do as the Psalmist did, and ask God to turn our hearts from self! We cannot do it apart from Christ; without the Spirit of God we are bent towards selfish worthlessness. To build up character that edifies, serves, and loves unconditionally we must seek to walk in the Spirit, and abide in Jesus. (John 15:4) We do this by spending time in his word. Hearing the word, receiving the word, loving the word and obeying it! As we submit our selfish will to Him, he will bend our hearts in a new direction, up! It is something we must daily commit to him, or we will slowly find ourselves being bent towards worthless gain again and again.

Prayer

I confess my selfishness to you, Lord. I have been guilty of seeking to be satisfied more than seeking to serve. I ask you to bend my heart towards your word and your ways, and away from worthlessness. The next time I step in to the building of “church”; show me how to have a servant’s heart rather than a prideful self-serving heart. Give me opportunities to edify and build up those around me, and let me be willing to be used in any capacity for your glory. Any service done for you is worthwhile, whether hundreds of people see it or not. Thank you for forgiving me, and cleansing my heart. I seek to glorify you in all I do over and above all human recognition; may this always be the purpose of my heart.

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“It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.” Psalm 119:71 NIV

Instruction

Every day we are learning. We learn from past experiences, we learn from what others teach us (erroneously or not), we learn from what we read, what we watch, what we absorb through various means of media; we are constantly learning.

God can and will use many things to teach us his ways. The Psalmist mentions the use of afflictions as a blessing rather than a curse. “It was good…” How often are we overcome with afflictions and declare, “Wow this is great”? Well, I know I am not usually responding that way. Often it is not until the trial is long past that I can see any good. Sometimes I have never understood the good. There are some circumstances I hope and expect to understand someday when I see Jesus face to face but until then I ask, “What am I to learn?” I don’t want to miss what the trial was teaching. For whatever reason God has allowed the hardness into our lives, we can be sure there is something there to be learned.

“Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered.” Hebrews 5:8

Afflictions bring us into obedience, and Christ Himself learned this lesson! What a privilege to be tested in the same way as the Son of God! How do you react to the test? Does it bring you to obedience or do you feel compelled to rebel in anger and self-pity?

“But those who suffer he delivers in their suffering; he speaks to them in their affliction.” Job 36:15

We can’t talk about afflictions without mentioning Job. Surely, this righteous man of God knew a thing or two about suffering unjustly! What happened? God spoke to him through his afflictions. Which, by the way, God sovereignly allowed to come upon Job for no other reason than the devil asked God if he could test him! No secret sin to be revealed in Jobs life, only the certainty that Job would remain faithful to God and not curse him or fall into the poisonous cycle of cynicism. God delivered him, and spoke to him while he was suffering. God meets us in our affliction, and teaches us there. We must not shut our eyes or cover our ears to his message during that time! Self-pity is the number one silencer to the voice of God. Focus on yourself for a while and you’re sure to lose sight of any lesson God was trying to teach you.

“I applied my heart to what I observed and I learned a lesson from what I saw.” Proverbs 24:32

Are we determined to see Gods message? This is another vital point in the afflicted one. We must press on and wrestle if we are to discover the lesson God has set before us. I don’t want to leave any trial without that “blessing”. I have said as much in my prayers, “Lord, I am not leaving here until you show me what I am to know!” Sometimes he wants us to persevere and show some determination. Do we give up or press on? How focused are we on getting taught?

“We can rejoice too when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.” Romans 5:3

“For God is pleased with you when you do what you know is right and patiently endure unfair treatment.” 1 Peter 2:19

How else can we experience Gods pleasure over our passing the test unless we’ve been put to the test? How else can we mature as believers unless we are stretched like an archers bow? Are we willing to endure trials in faithfulness to receive the prize that is waiting? Do we trust that we will gain what he has promised through the refining fire?

We behave what we believe. If we’re not behaving like we trust him, we need to find out exactly what we believe about him.

“Burst into song, O mountains! For the Lord has comforted his people and will have compassion on them in their suffering.” Isaiah 49:13

Know that God is not pleased that we must endure suffering, but he is pleased when we come out of it shining with a crown of endurance! We can be sure he is pleased when we have sought his face and desired to learn his lessons with the pain! We can know that he is waiting to tell us, “Well done!” And won’t that be a marvelous day indeed! Well worth any trial!

Lastly, may our afflictions teach us not only how to trust our Lord, seek him, lean on him, and listen to him, but also to be contented with him.

“I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, (Every situation!) whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.  I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:12-13

Christ Himself gives us His strength to endure any trial allowed in our path. That alone should elicit a shout of praise, “Teach me more of your wonderful ways!”

Prayer

Thank you, Jesus, for being my guide and for using whatever means necessary to teach me your ways. I confess the times I have indulged in self-pity and loathed over my circumstances. I confess the times I have focused so much on my own misery I have completely missed you in the trial. I don’t want to leave here without understanding your lesson for me at this moment. Teach me your word and help me to trust you more. Bring me to that state of contentment in any situation; that is my prayer. I want to hear you say “Well done” when I see you face to face so I ask for your endurance through these difficulties. You have called me to press on, and I accept this calling with joy!

“When will you comfort me?” Psalm 119:82 NLT

Expectation

“I look to the Lord for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me.” Micah 7:7

I can’t think of anything much worse than getting the silent treatment, especially getting the silent treatment from God. Sometimes our afflictions come in the form of silence. We cry out, we plead, beg, anguish, and it seems to fall on deaf ears. “Where is that God of yours?” you hear while wondering within yourself, “I don’t know.”

We have the word, we know the promises, we claim the truths and yet we get nothing but silence. What are we to do? When will we receive our comfort? The Psalmist went through this awful silence, and he didn’t seem to like it much either. There is an answer, and we do have a choice.

The real answer comes in the waiting. The Psalmist knew that God would comfort him, that wasn’t the issue. The issue was when? It seems that this waiting is usually the problem with us. There is a reason for the silence, though. We can be sure God is not ignoring us, mocking us, playing games, or tricking us. He does care. (1 Peter 5:7, Psalm 55:22)

Do we trust what God is doing? Do we trust him in the silence, while we wait for his answer? Micah 7:7 says we can be certain he will hear us. Certain! Right now if you are experiencing the silence, you simply need to be reminded of who God is and how he feels about you. If you believe the Bible is infallible, then you must take the truth that he does care, and wrap it up in your heart like a treasure. Hold on to that during the silence. He will sustain the righteous. Hold on to that during the silence. Truth; hold on to it, stay in it, remind yourself of it, and do not give in to doubt and unbelief that threatens your security in Christ!  The enemy would like nothing more than to get us off the path of trust and into the darkness of doubt. We are rendered ineffective when we are wrecked with unbelief. We cannot help but drip the scent of that poison like garlic cloves hung around our necks. NO! Refuse the unbelief, and embrace the joy of his words to you.

We are called to be active in the waiting. We expect our God to answer, we look for his reply. We don’t stop living life and curl up in a heap while tragedy strikes. We actively trust God and walk in that trust. That is what we are shown throughout the word.

“Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.” Psalm 5:3

“So now, come back to your God…always depend on him.” Hosea 12:6

“The Lord is good to those who depend on him. So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the Lord.” Lamentations 3:25-26

“But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.” Romans 8:25

Lastly, we wait with confidence. When we trust someone, we have confidence in them. We know they will come through for us, and that encourages and motivates us. We have confidence in God because of his word that has proven true over and over again in the lives of millions throughout the centuries. Is it even logical to doubt now? When we consider the stars, the heavens, the earth, and all of creation so well designed, does it really seem reasonable to doubt that God will take care of our situation, silent or not?

“Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.” Psalm 27:14

We wait expectantly for him to answer, we know he hears us and sustains us in the silence, we have confidence in him, and we live like we believe what he says!

When the answer comes, when the words are spoken softly to your heart, when understanding is clarified, you can rest assured it was in Gods perfect timing, and not a moment too soon.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I thank you for the silent times, when you have allowed me to learn to wait on you. Thank you for developing a deeper level of trust and confidence in you. Thank you for increasing my faith. I confess my times of unbelief and doubting to you, and ask that you remind me of who you are and how you care for me. Combat the lies of the enemy that tell me you’ve abandoned me with the truth that you are sustaining me. Make that truth real in my heart and open my eyes to see you clearer in my circumstances. Teach me to trust while I am waiting on you.

“In faithfulness you have afflicted me.” Psalm 119:75 NIV

Intentional

“The Lords plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken.” Psalm 33:11

Do bad things happen to good people? Do good things happen to bad people? Is the state of the world fair? These are valid questions this verse seeks to resolve.

There is nothing that can occur without the permission of our sovereign God. Tsunamis, earthquakes, car crashes, cancer, burglaries, murders, and any other horrible thing you can imagine. We sometimes imagine God “up there” in his cosmic home ordering chaos just to make us miserable, but that could not be farther from the truth. Affliction comes to the righteous out of God’s faithfulness. Faithfulness translates as “truth, firmness, security, or stability”. God alone knows all, sees all, understands all, and comprehends the greatest course of our lives. In short, there is absolutely nothing that can touch us by accident. If it’s happening, God has allowed it, and there is a purpose. God is very intentional in what he does, he is not chaotic; he is not confusion.

“God knew what would happen, and his prearranged plan was carried out…” Acts 2:23a

“You do such wonderful things! You planned them long ago.” Psalm 25:1

“We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” Proverbs 16:9

“They do not know the Lords thoughts or understand his plan.” Micah 4:12

God in his infinite wisdom knows everything that is coming our way; he sees the big picture where we can only see one stroke of the brush. When affliction comes we must first remember God’s character. Is he omniscient? Is he omnipotent? Is he intentional in all he does or allows? If so, then he clearly is not surprised by the events of our lives, though we certainly are! What usually happens is that major trial comes and we are blindsided, knocked off our block we are scrambling on our hands and knees wondering what just happened and where did God go? We lose sight of God’s heart, we doubt his character and his love for us, and we despair. If we would only remember that God is intentional, and has a purpose for everything that has stampeded through our lives, we would begin to develop a deeper level of trust and peace!

The beginning of trusting God comes in understanding who he is. He is sovereign, and he has a plan. Rather than resist it, we should seek his face in it. How are we to mature and grow through this storm? What is he showing us through this trial? How can he be glorified through our circumstances?

We may never know or understand, but we can trust him based on the knowledge of his character. He is good, and he desires the best, therefore all that is allowed is for our best. Peace comes in trusting him.

“You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.” Proverbs 19:21

We can declare with the Psalmist it was due only to the faithfulness of our loving Creator that any adversity was permitted into our lives. Trust that God sees the big picture, and leave it in his hands.

Prayer

It is not easy for me to say, but I thank you for the afflictions you have allowed into my life. I see that you are faithful, and it is because of your faithfulness that you are maturing me, and stretching me. Teach me how to lean on you and trust you when I am tempted to doubt. As new trials come, remind me of who you are and how you care for me, that I can remember your intentions are holy and just. Nothing has happened by accident, you have permitted it for a reason, help me to trust you whether or not I ever understand your purpose. Use this storm for your glory and may others come to praise you through it.

“Before I was afflicted I went astray.” Psalm 119:67 NIV

Preparation

What types of events might you find yourself preparing for? Perhaps it’s a musical performance, teaching a class, taking a test, promoting a product, making a speech, or running in a marathon. At one time or another we have all experienced a time of preparation. If we prepared well, we likely did well in the event, however if our preparation time was lax, our performance probably showed the effort.  I remember a piano recital where I did not give my best. Truthfully, I didn’t even give 50% of my best. I was a teenager, and I was consumed with the object of my current affection; piano recitals weren’t really a priority. Over a decade later and I still remember that day, what a humiliation! It was a dreadful performance to say the least, and I couldn’t wait to get out of there! I was too focused on what I thought was more important. It may have taken several years for me to learn my lesson, but God has drilled it into my heart that when it comes to musical performance, I can never be “too” prepared.

“…I went astray…” vs. 67

This word should be translated “to sin ignorantly”. We’re talking about a major lack of preparation.  To keep our feet on the path planned for us we need to prepare for the journey. We must know the word of God in order to follow it! If we do not know the word well, we will come under affliction, or discipline, until we have learned what is necessary to mature.

“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11

We prepare for life by memorizing the word, storing its truth in our hearts to be ready for spiritual warfare, sickness, doubt, discouragement, confusion, or any other arrow hurled our way.

Our natural inclination:

“All of us like sheep have strayed away. We have left God’s path to follow our own.” Isaiah 53:6

We prepare for the journey by studying the word of God and being able to discern what’s “good” from what’s “best”. We need to know the difference between a counterfeit happiness and a true joy. We want to stay on God’s path, because our own path will inevitably lead to personal pain as well as pain for those around us.

“A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it. Humility and fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor and life.” Proverbs 22:3-4

Wisdom foresees temptation and has discernment; humility brings true wealth in God’s economy which leads to the life God intended us to have!

“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10

When we are ignorant in the word we will stray from the path He made for us. We will fall into error and we will be disciplined (Hebrews 12:6) by our loving Father until we return to the life he designed us for.  This doesn’t mean that every “bad” thing that happens is a result of our ignorance, or sin. There is a whole book in the Bible dedicated to this common misconception (Job). However when we do find ourselves in trials, tests, and difficulties we should take that time to make sure our feet are on the path they are meant to be on. We must ask God to search our hearts and make sure we have not wandered away, chasing after a counterfeit happiness. Are we on God’s “best” path, or just our own “good” path?

The Psalmist was thankful for the affliction that brought him back to God’s path, and back in line with where he needed to be spiritually. He declared

“…now I obey your word.” vs. 67

Let us never find that our sin was caused by ignorance of God’s plan for our lives. His will is laid out in his word; it’s our responsibility to be prepared.

Prayer

Thank you for your word that guides my path! Thank you for designing a perfect plan for me and loving me enough to discipline me when I wander from your directions. Lead me to the truth that you would have me hide in my heart and help prepare me for the battles ahead. Give me wisdom and discernment that I might not ignorantly sin against you.

 Idols and Adultery

“Woe to them, because they have strayed from me! Destruction to them, because they have rebelled against me! I long to redeem them but they speak lies against me. They do not cry out to me from their hearts, but wail upon their beds.” Hosea 6:13-14

Oh Israel, you’ve done it again. You’ve left your God in the dust to follow after your own lusts and desires. You have committed idolatry and adultery against your Redeemer.  Does this sound at all familiar with the modern day church? How long does God put up with this nonsense? If you have ever sat down and read through the book of Hosea you have likely noticed the theme: Adultery. God even commanded the prophet Hosea to marry a prostitute, Gomer, to signify this relationship between Israel and Himself.

Harsh

Not only do we see the adultery of the nation of Israel, we see the consequences of their choices. They knew the truth, yet they chose to ignore it. God declares

Woe to them

Destruction to them

My anger burns against them

I will come upon them like a lion

I’m getting the idea that God takes things like adultery/idolatry very seriously. No, I am not talking about a physical adultery, though that is a very serious sin for sure. Rather, I am referring to the adultery of wandering away from our first love, our True Love and making relationships with other lovers. (Idols)

Some of the more common idols today:

Work

Kids

Church Ministry

Finances

Health

Food

It’s easy to get out of balance; serving the service rather than the One we seek to serve.

Are we wailing to God with our mouths, but not with our hearts? (Hosea 6:14) We must stay in the word to keep our hearts pure, keep Jesus on the throne where He belongs, and keep our priorities straight.

God makes it clear; those who wander from his commands will suffer the consequences.

“After desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full grown, gives birth to death.” James 1:15

When our eyes wander from the truth of God’s word, we lose our focus and if it is not regained we can quickly fall into sin.(Idolatry, pride, unbelief…) God disciplines those he loves, and he loves His children! Sometimes he will allow us to suffer the consequences of our choices during our times of wandering.

We would do well to learn a lesson from Israel instead of rebuking them; mean while acting like we would never do the same things. The truth is we probably commit idolatry more times than we realize. We need to heed the warning given to us by the Psalmist:

God does not tolerate willful disobedience, and he will deal with it.

If you have a known act of rebellion in your heart, won’t you allow God to deal with it today? Be thankful if you have not come under major consequences yet, consider that God’s mercy.

 If you’re contemplating sin, run from it! The desire itself could bring forth the act, and sin will always lead to death of some kind. Confess, repent, and be renewed.

Are you counted among the cursed or the committed?

Prayer

Jesus, I confess my idolatrous heart to you. I realize that many times throughout the day I lose sight of you and focus on myself, my needs, what I need to get done, and who or what is bothering me at any given moment. I confess my attitude and ask you to make me whole again through your word. Don’t let me wander from your commands and fall into the deadly consequences of sin! Keep me from judging the actions of my brothers and sisters in Christ, and help me focus on my own heart and relationship with you. Keep me committed to your word.

“I have tried hard to find you-don’t let me wander from your commands.” Psalm 119:10 NLT

Focus

 What does our life look like without the Word?

It’s so easy to lose focus. I must be a professional at this. How many times have I read Matthew 14:29-30, and scoffed at Peter for not keeping his eyes on Jesus while he was walking on the water? Come on, Peter! How hard could that have really been when you had Jesus right in front of you? Of course, easy to be a back seat Bible reader, isn’t it? How often do we see someone else going through a difficult time, and we proudly tout our Bible logic, “Just trust Jesus!” We’ve done our part, shared some wisdom, and maybe we’ll say a prayer or two for that individual.

Then OUR storm comes.

Before you know it, we’re wandering around in a sea of confusion and doubt. Perhaps this type of thing happened in the Psalmists life, and he recognized his need to stay close to God’s Word. He cried out, “Don’t let me wander from your commands!” How often do we pray such a thing?

 Maybe we would do well to ask God for some focus.

 Maybe, if we had more focus in His Word, our circumstances wouldn’t feel so crushing.

The second our eyes wander from the Word is the same second our focus gets shifted to the storm-from Him to me.

When we are saturated in the promises and truth of God’s Word, it leaves little room for doubt and wandering eyes. Does it mean we’re bad Christians if we have a moment of fear or worry? No, I think that means we are normal.  However, there is a difference between momentary glances at our circumstances (fear and worry) then there is a shift of focus (doubt, unbelief, depression).

If we recognize these feelings within us, we must force ourselves to focus on His Word, the Truth, and His care for us. It’s the only way out of the miry pit of self-pity and spiritual collapse.

“…they will seek my face; in their misery they will earnestly seek me.” Hosea 5:15

How nice it would be if it didn’t take the misery of guilt, depression, worry, doubts, or pain to seek the face of God? Like the Psalmist we should be asking our Savior to keep our focus continuously on His Word, that we will not become distracted, disjointed, and despairing followers of Christ.

Let us stay committed to focusing on the Word of God and leave no room for wandering spiritual eyes.

Prayer

Jesus, do not let me stray from your Word! Keep me faithful to your truth, and keep my focus on your promises of care and love for me. Do not let the circumstances of life overwhelm and consume me with fear, worry, and unbelief; rather, let my focus be so intent on you that these lies will have no place in my heart. Convict me where I need a change of focus, and draw me deeper into your Word.

“I consider all your precepts right.” Psalm 119:128 NIV

Opinions

What do you think about the word of God?

It matters.

What you think about the word of God will translate in to how you live the word of God.

In some areas of spirituality our opinions really don’t matter. For instance, what we think of God doesn’t change who he is or his character. However what we believe and how we view God and his word will always play a huge role in how we obey him.

The Psalmist recognized Gods word for what it was: right. If we truly believed the word was right, every last stroke of the pen blotted down, would we live differently? This question was recently posed in a Sunday morning class I attended and we all sat kind of stumped as we realized we really don’t live like we consider the word of God to be true.

 Silence and stares.

We often walk around thinking we know our stuff, we talk our talks, we walk our walks, and boy we have a lot of knowledge! But when it comes down to it, the unbelief, doubt, worry, anxiety, angst, and care speak for itself.

Our behavior shows what we really think of what God has told us.

“God…will supply all your needs…” Phil. 4:19

If we considered that true, would we ever worry about our physical needs, possessions, material wealth, or finances?

“He cares for you.” 1 Pet 5:7

If we recognized that truth, would we question the circumstances he has allowed in our lives?

“Your plans are too numerous for us to list.” Psa. 40:5

If we acknowledged that truth, would we wonder if God had a purpose for our lives?

“He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.” Psa. 103:12

If we thought this to be true, would we agonize over the past?

When all is said and done, the Bible is full of God’s heart towards his creation-us. This book is a great gift to us, full of his love and truth, his great Gospel message and salvation along with life promised and peace eternal. There it is, all for the taking! We read, smile, nod in agreement, then we close the Book and walk through our day consumed with-our own understanding. We just don’t trust his word! We say we do, we want to, but our behavior gives us away!

I’ve lost my job, how will I pay my bills?

God could never use me for anything after what I have done with my life!

I don’t even know why I am here, I am useless.

My marriage is falling apart, I don’t know how to fix it, what will I do?

God must be punishing me for all the horrible things I’ve done, no wonder all these bad things keep happening.

We need to start recognizing these attitudes as doubt, unbelief, and distrust in the word and promises of God. Read his word, believe it, and act on it! Do as the Psalmist did, consider the word to be right!

Knowing the word of God is like knowing the answers for the test called life.

The answer is trust; the result is peace.

Prayer

As I lay my head to sleep this night, I thank you Jesus for your righteous word of truth. I thank you for your promises that give peace and life. I confess my doubt and unbelief. Let me sleep well knowing that I can trust your heart for me, trust your words for me, and trust your plan for me even if I don’t understand the moment by moment circumstances. Surround me with your peace as I sleep, and let my mind meditate on your truth as I rest in you.