What I Truly Deserve

                   “He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities . . . “

Psalm 103:10 (NIV)

   I  was looking through the pages of a magazine at the dentist’s office a few weeks ago when a picture of a very well-known singer and actress caught my attention. Her physical beauty was breathtaking. She was facing the camera, her perfect teeth and perfect smile were…well, perfect. Not a hair out of place, not a blemish on satin smooth skin, not a wrinkle in her very expensive slacks and shirt.

    I’ve seen some of her movies and read articles about her before, but this particular interview caught my eye because of her statement in bold letters: “I deserve something great. That’s what I want and that’s what I’m gonna have.”

    I read both sentences again, but my eyes kept settling on the first one. “I deserve something great.” And silently, I asked the question that needed to be asked.  Why? What had she done that caused her to believe that she was deserving of greatness?

   According to the article, she has been married several times. That can’t be it. She has children that she adores. So do many, many other people. She has more money than she can ever possibly spend in a lifetime. Well, that one might not apply to very many of us, but deserving greatness because of wealth? I don’t think so.

    Her determination to be successful was evident, even though life had not been fair. That is commendable, but I firmly believe that if life WERE fair, we would get what we deserved…and it wouldn’t be greatness!

    Consider Psalm 103:10. Jesus truly could have declared: “Look at me! I am the Savior of the world, and I deserve something great!” Instead, He reached out with mercy and forgiveness by humbling Himself and dying for every single one of us. Because we deserved it? Because we are somehow worthy of such an action?

    Absolutely not. Romans 5:8 says it all: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” He did not treat us as we deserved, but, because of the cross, gently wrapped us in the greatness of His forgiveness, mercy, grace, and love.

    When I have the attitude that everything I have in life is because of what I have done, I ignore what Jesus did for me. And my attitude of pride in myself will only end in a life that will never be satisfied being “great enough.” I don’t know about you, but I am forever thankful for NOT getting… what I truly deserve.

    Father, thank you for not giving me what I rightfully deserve but for covering my sin with mercy, grace, and forgiveness. I love you so much. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

R.A.P. it up . . . 

Reflect

• Have you ever felt that you truly accomplished something on your own and that you deserved something great?

• If so, how does that thinking fall in line with Psalm 103:10?

Apply

• Journal Scriptures that describe what you, as a sinner, truly deserve.

• Beside each entry, write Scripture that tells you what the Lord has given you instead.

Power 

• Psalm 103:10 (NIV) He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities…”

• Obadiah 1:3 (NIV) “The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rocks and make your home on the heights, you who say to yourself, ‘Who can bring me down to the ground?’”

• Romans 5:8 (NIV) “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Longing For the Old Days

    “Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?” For it is not wise to ask such questions.”

 Ecclesiastes 7:10 (NIV)

    I was not prepared for everything that came with being a mom. I remember one evening after a particularly stressful day. As my husband tucked our three little ones into bed, I found myself walking slowly around the neighborhood in a carrot-stained shirt with a rip on the shoulder, dirty jeans, and hair and teeth that had not been brushed for two days. 

    “Why didn’t somebody tell me how hard this would be and how much my life would change when we had children?” I thought. I loved them with all my heart, but at the same time, I found myself more than a little upset with God.

    I remember praying, “Father, when LeRoy and I decided to have kids, you never told me about stretch marks and varicose veins. I didn’t see any Scripture about developing a muffin top that has now become an inner tube top, or about clothes that no longer fit, and if they do fit, they have permanent stains of poop, puke, or a combination thereof. 

    “You didn’t tell me that I would never ever get more than 2 or 3 continuous hours of sleep a night. And you definitely never told me that after feeding and burping my baby every two hours all night long, my husband would wake up the next morning and say, ‘Wow! He slept all night long. Isn’t that great?’ and I would have to fight the urge to kick him to the curb. You never told me, God.” 

   One evening, my Bible fell open to Ecclesiastes 7:10, and it pierced my heart immediately. It was a reminder to use caution when comparing my former life with what I have now. Yes, before children, I slept throughout the night, I was in better shape physically, and my clothes didn’t always look like I had slept in them. 

   But now I have three blessings in my home that were not there before. And, according to Psalm 139:13-14, they are “fearfully and wonderfully made” and entrusted to my husband and me by the Lord to raise each one to desire a personal relationship with Him.

   Nothing is more important than sharing and living my faith with my children. There will be days in the future when my clothes are no longer covered with baby food. I will have plenty of opportunities to brush my hair and my teeth, and more nights than I can count when I can sleep without interruption. But as parents, we have been given the opportunity right now to influence our children in their faith and to help them grow to love the Lord. When you think about that honor, the old days no longer matter.

   Father, thank you for my precious blessings. Please help me to appreciate what you have given me and to help them grow in their faith. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

R.A.P. it up . . .

Reflect

• Have you ever longed for your life before you had children?

• Have you truly considered the influence that you have on your children to teach them about a relationship with the Lord?

Apply

• Journal a page for each of your children with your hopes and dreams for them as a Christian; include Scripture to encourage them.

• Share with each of your children what you have written.

Power 

• Ecclesiastes 7:10 (NIV) “Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?” For it is not wise to ask such questions.” 

• Psalm 139:13-14 (NIV) “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” 

• Psalm 127:3-4 (NIV) “Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one’s youth.”

 

On the Outside

 “But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

I Samuel 16:7 (NIV)

     “In just a few moments, we will talk with three members of the sexiest congregation in NYC,” the morning talk show host shared with the viewing audience. Huh?

    The young men and women interviewed were very polite, well-dressed, personable and attractive as they explained that the New York City church they attended – the “sexy church” as it was called – was being promoted to appeal to good looking young professionals who want to worship with those who are just like they are: similar careers, good looking, dressed in the very latest styles, with “like-minded values.”

    They shared that the sermons were tailored to their age group (18 to 34) and fit into their lifestyle as young professionals. And it was evidently working because the Sunday evening service was always packed, they smiled.

    They did not share their faith during the interview, but I found myself wondering if I would be welcome at their church. I don’t fit any of the criteria that seem to be encouraged to be a part of that congregation.

    In I Samuel 16:7, the prophet Samuel is told by the Lord to select a man from among the sons of Jesse to replace Saul as king over Israel. I suspect that Samuel had a “king must have” list: tall, good-looking, stands out in a crowd, dressed in the latest style of tunic, a professional warrior.

     But every time Samuel saw one of Jesse’s sons and thought he looked the part, God said no. Seven sons came before Samuel, and each time God’s answer remained the same. Samuel was looking at their physical appearance, but God was not. Samuel was gently reminded, “The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

    And with that statement, David came in from tending the sheep, and Samuel received a tap on the shoulder and confirmation from God that “he is the one.” (vs. 12) Samuel probably thought, “Are you sure, God?” but he immediately anointed David as the next king, not because of how he looked or his profession, but because God knew his heart.

    How thankful I am that Jesus does not use the criteria of physical attractiveness or career choice, or clothing style to determine if we can live with Him eternally. He simply looks at our hearts to see if we really want to be His. He is looking for a repentant heart and a longing for forgiveness and mercy, along with a desire to live for Him and share Him with everyone we meet.

    Man’s acceptance – even at church – may be determined by how we look on the outside. But God’s acceptance – the only one that really counts – is a matter of the heart.

    Father, thank you for loving me and knowing my desire to live for you. I praise you for not choosing me based on the world’s standards. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

 

R.A.P. it up . . .

 Reflect

• Have you ever believed that someone would be just right for a job/position simply based on how they looked?

• What were you basing your opinion on?

 Apply

• Make two columns in your journal and title them “world” and “Christ.” List everything the world says is important in the first column and Scriptures that describe what is important to God in the second column.

• Now, journal which column is most important to you and why. If you need to change the importance of one over the other, go to the Lord in prayer and share your heart.

 Power

• I Samuel 16:7 (NIV) “But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

• Isaiah 53:2 (NIV) “He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.”

• Matthew 11:28 (NIV) “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

The Holy Alarm

                    “And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.” 

II Corinthians 11:14 (NIV)

   My daughter has different identifying rings on her cell phone for each family member who calls her. I found out recently, quite by accident, that she has an especially “unique” one for me.

    She had misplaced her phone, so she asked me to call her from mine. Imagine my surprise when I heard a male British voice call out repeatedly from her coat pocket: “Warning! Warning! It’s your mother calling!”

   We all had a good laugh over it, but a thought occurred to me: what if we had a warning like that in our lives, the minute Satan was getting ready to throw sin in front of us? “Warning! Warning! It’s the Evil Liar attacking!” That identifying ring would instantly let us know what was about to happen. But do we need a warning like that?

    We are told in II Corinthians 11:14 that “Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.” Wait a minute. Doesn’t I Peter 5:8 say something entirely different? It says, “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” So which is it? Well, both descriptions are correct.

    Satan is sneaky, and he does everything he can to keep us from knowing when he is going to attack – even to the point of disguising himself. He may try to sneak into your heart in the form of pride, or he may try to sway your decisions with the promise of money or power. He may roar into your life through drugs, or he may be the seemingly innocent voice who whispers of a more “fun” life outside your marriage.

   Since Satan’s assaults against us take so many different forms, do we need an identifying “ring” in our lives to warn us whenever he is attacking? The good news is that we have the Holy Spirit living in us and HE warns us every day through the Word when we are being attacked – subtly or not so subtly – by Satan. Nothing gets by the Spirit, but it is up to us to be in the Word and to be listening for His warnings to us.

   How can you recognize the warnings of the Spirit? By planting yourself in the Bible. By prayer every day, not just when problems hit. By asking the Spirit to speak to your heart and by listening for his encouragement. By seeking God’s will in everything you do. Satan cannot stay in the presence of God. So keep your heart open. Warning! Warning! It’s the Spirit calling!

    Father, thank you for the Holy Spirit you sent to live in me and warn me to be on guard when Satan is attacking. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

R.A.P. it up . . . 

Reflect

• Have you ever felt like Satan blindsided you with sin?

• Did you ask the Holy Spirit to guide you? Why or why not?

Apply

• With every situation that comes into your life that you are unsure of, pray this immediately: “Is this from You, God?”

• Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you through Scripture for answers and write each one down in your journal. 

Power 

• II Corinthians 11:14 (NIV) “And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.”

• 1 Peter 5:8 (NIV) “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

• John 14:26 (NIV) “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”

 

 

 

Don't Ignore the Warning!

 “These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come.”

I Corinthians 10:11 (NIV)

     “What in the world is going on?” I thought to myself the other day, as I watched arms waving and heard horns honking from car after car as drivers tried frantically to flag down a woman in a little red van getting ready to pull onto the interstate.

    A few seconds later, I spotted the reason: a Yeti coffee mug and a camera were hitching a ride on the van's roof. The woman behind the wheel kept driving, completely oblivious to the people trying to help the “hitchhikers” on her roof avoid a messy and disastrous end to their ride.

    She finally glanced at the drivers but ignored their frantic waving and gesturing and drove on. Somewhere down the highway, as she picked up speed, the coffee mug and camera would fly off the van roof and smash onto the highway. Had she simply stopped long enough to see why the drivers were gesturing toward the top of her van, she would have immediately realized that they were trying to warn her of a sure catastrophe.

    God’s word is full of warnings and caution signs designed to “flag us down” before we, like the van driver, realize too late the mistake we have made. So many times we face decisions in our lives and feel overwhelmed, vulnerable, and weak. Instead of going before the Lord and asking for Godly wisdom, we listen to the “wisdom” of the world, ignore true guidance, and make decisions based on what will make us feel good. And the result? Disaster.

    He also knows our enemy will always be on the attack, and we cannot let up for a single minute as we guard against him. We are told in I Peter 5:8 to “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” Now that is a warning we all need to heed!

    Just as an earthly father warns his children about dangers around them, how much more our Heavenly Father continually cautions us to keep our focus on Him as He points us in the right direction for our lives. And if we don’t heed His warnings? If we ignore all His attempts to get our attention? Then we will face the consequences of deciding to ignore His warnings and continue down the path we have chosen.

    I urge you today not to ignore the “waving arms” in your path. They may be in the form of counsel from a Godly Christian friend, a devotional you read one morning, or a verse in the Bible that speaks to your heart. No matter the form they may take, please recognize them as our Father’s longing to “flag us down” and direct our paths away from flying mugs and cameras. 

    Father, forgive me for ignoring you when you warn me to look to you for guidance in decisions I am making. Help me to seek your will in my life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

R.A.P. it up . . .

Reflect

• Can you think of a time when you felt the Lord placing warning signs in your path, but you still went ahead with your plans?

• What were your reasons for ignoring those warning signs? What was the result?

Apply

• Ask a Godly prayer warrior who is continually in the Word to be an accountability partner with you and to pray with you as decisions require answers in your life.

• Keep a prayer journal of Scripture that encourages you to seek the Lord in all areas of your life before making important decisions.

Power

• I Corinthians 10:11 (NIV) “These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come.”

• I Corinthians 4:14 (NIV) “I am not writing this to shame you, but to warn you, as my dear children.”

• Ephesians 6:11 (NIV) “Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”