NorthStar Community Daily Devotional: September 2008

Day 275 - Virtue

Having a Heart in a Sometimes Heartless World

Scripture focus: The Rock [God]: His works are perfect, and the way he works is fair and just; a God you can depend upon, no exceptions, a straight-arrow God. Deuteronomy 32:4 The Message

…his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he. Deutornomy 32:4(b) NIV

Living life God’s way…imitate Christ…as the son imitates the Father, so must we. This is a message most of us have heard often. So if we’re going to follow, it might make a lot of sense to consider the character of the one we are following!

One characteristic of God is virtue. The NIV translation often takes the word “virtuous” and translates it “upright.” God is “upright.” According to Deutronomy, he’s also fair and just and dependable. These “virtues” are among the same values communicated by Randy Pausch in his “Last Lecture” – a lecture he gave to faculty, friends, family, and students at Carnegie Melon Institute. Some might call it coincidence, but to me, it seemed like a “God thing.” Pausch had been one of many faculty members over the years invited to give a “last lecture.” This is a popular trend on college campuses. Ask a favorite faculty member to come and give the lecture he or she would deliver if it were their last and the subject matter was all their own choosing. For Pausch, this was more than an intellectual exercise or a marketing strategy to get a bunch of people to show up and hear him talk. It literally was going to be his last lecture. Armed with the knowledge that pancreatic cancer would indeed cut his life expectancy short, Pausch was busy preparing to live his last days when the invitation arrived. He couldn’t pass up the opportunity.

This lecture became an instant YouTube sensation. The world listened intently to a guy who looked like he had everything to live for describe how he planned to live with the numbered days he had left. Much of what he discussed was about being the kind of guy who doesn’t bluff his way through life. Instead, Randy painted a beautiful picture of a virtuous man. I don’t think he would have said it like that! But whether he knew it or not – Randy Pausch has given us a picture of what it could look like to live a virtuous life.

In this month’s devotional series, we’re going to study some of the lessons that Pausch learned in his own life, and graciously shared with the world. I hope these devotional ditties will raise questions and cause us to seek answers about how we’re living our own life journey.

Recommended reading: Isaiah 66 and Psalm 48 in the morning; Psalm 49 and Proverbs 25 in the evening

Day 274 – October, Week 40 – Virtuous, who me?

Having a Heart in a Sometimes Heartless World

Scripture focus: The wicked bluff their way through, but the virtuous think before they act. Proverbs 21:29 NLT

In today’s scripture focus, the writer of this proverb tells us that the virtuous think before they act. I’ve wondered about this – what do the virtuous think about? To think of myself as “virtuous” seems like too big a hill to climb, but today, I want to encourage us to start climbing. I understand the word is daunting, but if we’re going to live life God’s way – we need to increase our virtuosity!

“I haven’t looked myself in the eye in a long, long time. Last night, in a desperate attempt to try to remember who I was, I took a peak in a mirror – and I don’t know who the person is that was staring back!” Have you ever felt like this? In an effort to find a satisfying life, this person went looking in all the wrong places. In fact, they did what was normal. They studied life, noticed what felt good, what seemed to work for others, thought about the risks and rewards – and then they set out to acquire what they thought would “work” for them. Everyone does this. Along the way, some people make choices that their family, friends and society find acceptable – and others do not. People also self-correct along the way. Maybe they pick a career, and make a mid-course correction. No big deal. Changing spouses is a bit tougher, but people do that too. Others enter into a life of darkness. They didn’t intend to lose themselves along the way – they were just going to have a bit of fun. What’s the harm? Isn’t that…normal?

My friend lost herself while choosing-her-own-adventure. She can’t remember why she did what she did, or what she was thinking as she did it. In the language of the writer of proverbs, this could be called – bluffing our way through.

The virtuous don’t bluff. They think before they act. I used to think a virtuous person never did anything wrong. They didn’t cuss or cheat at cards. They always let someone turn in front of them at a four way stop sign. They regularly passed the last dessert to the person behind them in line. This proverb has me thinking.

Maybe virtue has more to do with what we think about than the particulars of how we live. (The virtuous have a lot to think about. The wicked only have one road sign to follow: the path that promises them their own way all the time. Virtue might be more about using our whole brain, rather than letting our mid-brain call the shots.) Virtue may be the ability to choose to do the next right thing, even if it means sacrificing personal comfort or satisfaction along the way. Virtue may be making decisions that are driven by a commitment to living life God’s way.

Virtuous people can’t live extemporaneously. The virtuous can’t do what comes naturally. Tough questions like – what does God’s way look like? – must be asked. To live virtuously will require backbone. It will involve digging deep and pulling out a large dose of courage and self-control.

But I bet we could look in a mirror, and be reasonably happy with who stares back. That’s worth a lot!

Recommended reading: Isaiah 63 and 64 in the morning; Isaiah 65 and Philippians 3 in the evening

Day 273 – The Month of September at a glance

Having a Heart in a Sometimes Heartless World

Scripture focus: For the life of every living thing is in his hand, and the breath of every human being. Job 12:10 NLT

it is God who works in you (me) to will and to act according to his good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13 NIV)

This month we considered all the ways God works in us. We examined the fruit of the Spirit, and reminded ourselves that it is by our fruit that we are truly known. We talked about how this fruit isn’t something we can will ourselves to produce, but it is a sign of who we’re living for. If August’s studies were a bit of a drag, thinking about the symptoms produced in the life of someone trying to get their own way all the time, then September was a breath of fresh air. But it wasn’t without its own urgent warnings. We concluded the month challenging ourselves to PAY ATTENTION.

The bottom line in all these matters: live life God’s way.

Get up and start walking.

No one said it would be easy.

Begin.

For me, I’ve had to keep this walking simplified. I can’t entertain dreams of climbing the highest peaks without getting distracted and falling off a cliff! Instead, each day, I am trying to follow the Master. This week that meant treating an unkind stranger with gentleness and patience. Last week a stranger was kind to me! More than anything, I find that my daily walking is most enjoyable when I look at those around me with affection. You remember that word, don’t you? Just in case you’ve forgotten….“Agape occurs when an individual sees, recognizes, understands, or appreciates the value of an object or a person, causing the viewer to behold this object or person in great esteem, awe, admiration, wonder, and sincere appreciation. Such great respect is awakened in the heart of the observer for the object or person he is beholding that he is compelled to love it. In fact, his love for that person or object is so strong that it is irresistible.” (July 23rd, Sparkling Gems from the Greek)

May we gaze upon those around us – including ourselves – with the affection that God has planted within us. Where there is trouble, may we see opportunity. Where there is bad behaving, may we hope for promising potential. Where there is strife, may we find peace. Anywhere the enemy steals, kills and destroys, may we be the kind of people who are ready, willing and able to provide evidence of the abundant life. Not because we ourselves are able, but because we are following hard after the one who makes us able!

You’ve completed the two hundred and seventy fourth day of this devotional series.

Recommended reading: Isaiah 60 and 61 in the morning; Isaiah 62 and Philippians 2 in the evening

Day 272 – More urgent warnings

Having a Heart in a Sometimes Heartless World

Scripture focus: Jesus continues…”But my purpose is not to get your vote, and not to appeal to mere human testimony. I’m speaking to you this way so that you will be saved.” John 5: 34 The Message

In an election year, it’s nice to find one voice that isn’t out to win our vote! But Jesus is speaking with a tone of urgency. He goes on to offer even a stronger warning as he concludes this section of chapter 5 with these words: “The Father who sent me, confirmed me. And you missed it. You never heard his voice, you never saw his appearance. There is nothing left in your memory of his Message because you do not take his Messenger seriously.”

Remember, these were people who were attracted to John the Baptist. They had a form of spirituality. They weren’t discounting the existence of God so much as they were minimizing the seriousness with which they took Him. He came with a message, and they gave Him a nod of acknowledgement but refused to bow before him.

When we hear God’s word, but walk away and forget what he said, it’s as if nothing is left in our memory of his message. I don’t mean to be Debbie Downer here, but come on! God speaks to us so that we might be saved! These aren’t mere recommendations or helpful suggestions. These aren’t pithy phrases or options for living. We’re not choosing between bagels and donuts, or eggs and cereal for breakfast!

We’re choosing: its life or death.

We’re choosing: its light or darkness.

We’re choosing: its freedom or bondage.

We’re choosing: its saving or losing.

We’re choosing: its the abundant life or a life characterized by killing, stealing and destroying.

It’s my prayer that we will continue to ask ourselves the hard questions – are we following the Master, or asking him to bless our personal agendas?

Recommended reading: Isaiah 58 and 59 in the morning; Ephesians 5 and Philippians 1 in the evening

Day 271 – A sense of urgency

Having a Heart in a Sometimes Heartless World

Scripture focus: “It’s urgent that you get this right: The time has arrived – I mean right now!” John 5:25 The Messge

Sometimes tomorrow never comes.

I have a friend who understands the truth of this more than most. Anytime I encourage us to be patient with ourselves, and focus on the process more than perfection, he gives me a loving but gentle reproof. My friend wants you to know that sometimes we don’t have another relapse in us. We probably shouldn’t count too heavily on a second chance.

He’s right. He’s right because sometimes we lose our opportunity to choose.

* The spouse who gives little regard to their family, and one day wakes up and their family has little regard for them.

* The child who defies all the rules and then doesn’t feel equipped to live with the consequences of his or her actions.

* A person who squanders their gifts, talents, and resources only to discover that all were limited resources, only available for a season – and the season has passed them by.

My friend is not only right for the reasons he lists, which are all related to loss but also because sometimes we miss the big win. It’s not always about what we lose, sometimes it’s about what we fail to gain. I desire for us to make haste for a different reason. I fear that if we aren’t intentional in our pace, we will miss opportunities and big dreams.

* Perhaps you dream of writing a novel, a screen play, song lyrics, or poetry. Your dreams might include other forms of creative expression like painting or sculpting or making beautiful music.

* Dreams might include a spouse – with or without children.

* Maybe you want to make a difference in the world through financial generosity to causes near to your heart.

* You may want to challenge your physical body to its limits.

* I suppose you could even have an ill-formed dream. You hope to leave this world a better place than you found it upon our arrival – but you have no clue how to go about leaving your mark.

* It’s possible that you want to rid yourself of some pesky habit that is holding you back. You see the potential, but you’re aware of a problem that stands between you and your big dream.

If we want to move from being a big dreamer to big dream fulfiller, we must deliberately, proactively, steadily walk toward the light. Don’t be a person with big dreams but no heart for the mission! Could this be the day and time for you to move forward in your life? If so, follow Jesus. Allow him to lead you out of darkness, into his wonderful light.

Recommended reading: Isaiah 54 and 55in the morning; Isaiah 56 and 57 in the evening

Day 270 – More urgent warnings

Having a Heart in a Sometimes Heartless World

Scripture focus: “It’s urgent that you listen carefully to this: Anyone here who believes what I am saying right now and aligns himself with the Father, who has in fact put me in charge, has at this very moment the real, lasting life and is no longer condemned to be an outsider. This person has taken a giant step from the world of the dead to the world of the living.” John 5:24 The Message

A giant step from the world of the dead to the world of the living…

In step one of the Christ-centered 12 steps, we acknowledge our powerlessness and name the parts of our lives that are unmanageable. In step two, we admit that there is a God and he can restore us to sanity. In step three, we make a decision to turn our life over to His care and control. Evidently, someone has been reading the book of John.

Isn’t Jesus agreeing with the writers of the 12-steps? He reminds us that it is urgent that we align ourselves with the Father. And when we do so, at the very moment we make this decision, the real, lasting life becomes our new reality.

That does not mean we suddenly get our acts together. What this verse means to me is that at the moment we make this realignment, we possess the potential for the real, lasting life. We’re no longer condemned as an outsider. We’re in the proverbial “hut” of God’s love. It’s a giant step. It’s a beginning. The race has begun.

Don’t forsake this necessary first step. But I want to also offer a warning – do not mistakenly assume it is the only step.

Belief gains us entry. Following, walking, stepping as God speaks, moves us along our way. We will grow into the kind of person who is fit for the fruit of the Spirit. Our attempts to live life getting our own way all the time will diminish. There will be a kind of “back-and-forthness” to our lives as we learn how to relinquish control and follow God.

Please don’t get discouraged by the uneven meanderings of your feet. The road may be winding, but it leads to the throne of grace!

Recommended reading: Isaiah 51 and 52 in the morning; Isaiah 53 and Ephesians 5 in the evening

Day 269 – After the criticism

Having a Heart in a Sometimes Heartless World

Scripture focus: So Jesus explained himself at length. “I’m telling you this straight. The Son can’t independently do a thing, only what he sees the Father do. What the Father does, the Son does. The Father loves the Son and includes him in everything he is doing.” John 5:19-20 The Message

After Jesus made the decision to heal the sick man on the Sabbath, he took a lot of heat for his decision. In the beginning, it was an indirect hit. They began by picking on the cripple. Sick for thirty-eight years, healed by Jesus in a second – none of us would argue that the guy did the right thing. Instructed by Jesus to pick up his bedroll and walk – this man followed his instructions. But the Jewish people took umbrage with this choice because evidently you don’t carry your bedroll around on the Sabbath.

When the Jews found out that Jesus was the cause for all this bad behaving and rule breaking, they attacked him. Jesus defended himself. This fueled their flame of indignation and NOW they wanted to kill him! The passage continues with, “So Jesus explained himself at length…” Jesus isn’t in the habit of feeling the need to explain himself all the time. So when Jesus starts explaining, my ears perk up.

The first really important truth Jesus speaks about is his connection with the Father. (The book, The Shack, does an amazing job teaching this same point in fiction form. If you haven’t already, you may want to read this awesome little book!) Jesus clearly states that he doesn’t run around acting independent of his Father. Intimately connected, Jesus follows his Father’s lead.

I bet people give you plenty of feedback – whether solicited or not. I can soooo relate!

Here’s what I do when this happens to me.

I remember the words of Jesus. He always acts in concert with his Father. He’s obviously learned the unforced rhythms of grace, and he dances to that tune. We can follow his lead. As the Father led the Son, the Son leads us. Jesus has explained himself at length – not because he’s insecure and defensive, not because he is a people-pleaser. So why did he bother to explain? I suspect it was to show us the way to the abundant life.

People will often express opinions about our life choices. Some advice will be timely and wise. Other times it’ll be meddling. But always always always – it is excellent advice to follow the Son.

If the definition of sin is – living independently of God, then the abundant life must be – learning the unforced rhythms of grace as we follow our Master. May you press on in your pilgrimage, led by the Father, Son and Holy Spirit!

Recommended reading: Isaiah 49 and 50 in the morning; Psalm 47 and Proverbs 24 in the evening

Day 268 – Ludicrous Limitations

Having a Heart in a Sometimes Heartless World

Scripture focus: Jesus said, “Get up, take your bedroll, start walking.” The man was healed on the spot. He picked up his bedroll and walked off. That day happened to be the Sabbath. The Jews stopped the healed man and said, “It’s the Sabbath. You can’t carry your bedroll around. It’s against the rules.” John 5:8-10 The Message

I have the most interesting life! While shopping for eggplant, I was accosted by a gentleman who felt compelled to give me some feedback about my life. You need to understand that I’ve never met this guy, and I don’t think he’s ever met me! But he knew of my affiliation with NorthStar Community, and so he made some assumptions and offered some unsolicited advice. As he began, I chose to listen carefully. Although I understand the principle of asking for permission before offering feedback, I didn’t discount him simply because he wasn’t following my protocol!

“The problem with you people is…” And we went on to talk about the many rules he felt we were breaking in our attempts to help the hurting. It was a carefully constructed lecture. He made some valid points.

Another day I had the same kind of experience, but this “critique” took the opposite position, finding fault with the very things the other guy probably would have considered great ideas. (Wouldn’t it be fun for the two of them to meet on a blind date?) I appreciate the level of passion people have for the mission of NSC. But I sometimes find the conflicting advice confusing. Fortunately, I’ve read John 5 a few billion times.

Here’s the deal. God can’t be locked in a box. Man’s attempt to limit how he expresses himself doesn’t appear to sit well with Holy God. God is in the business of taking cripples and getting them walking. God is more concerned with restoration than he is with legislation. Some people find the Christ-centered 12-steps an essential part of their recovery process; others manage to find their way back to God with little to no understanding of those materials. Different people have one list of “must do’s” to worship, and others have a different set of criteria for evaluating a great day in the house of the Lord.

All those different opinions are fine; most of them are even well-informed. But over and above all these strongly held beliefs and opinions, rules and restrictions – Holy God prevails. His Spirit sweeps in and moves among us. His ways are mysterious. So I want to encourage you today. Whether or not you or someone you love thinks you’re following all the requirements to gain entry to the throne of grace, I want you to know that God is big enough to hold you in his hand. He can choose to heal you of your infirmities any old time he pleases – on the Sabbath or otherwise. Because God is God. He is the God who is and will. He shows up in the midst of our lives and turns everything right-side-up. Not because we’ve figured out the magic formula for how to get God to give us what we want, nor because we’ve somehow managed to stumble upon a way to convince God to save us from ourselves. God saves and restores, resurrects and renovates – because it is within His prevailing purposes to do so! May you have a God-renovated kind of day!

Recommended reading: Isaiah 46 and 47 in the morning; Isaiah 48 and Ephesians 4 in the evening

Day 267 – Jesus undeterred

Having a Heart in a Sometimes Heartless World

Scripture focus: But true wisdom and power are found in God; counsel and understanding are his. Job 12:13 NLT

“I just don’t understand why she keeps doing this to herself!”

“If you know it’s bad for you, why don’t you just stop doing it?”

“Why doesn’t he want to get better?”

Families of the addicted ask lots of questions when faced with an addict who sincerely seems to want to change – but never actually gets around to doing so. Frustrated, confused, and sometimes critical – when the desire to be transformed doesn’t translate into action – eventually, people are tempted to grow weary and judgmental.

Soon another Feast came around and Jesus was back in Jerusalem. Near the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem there was a pool, in Hebrew called Bethesda, with five alcoves. Hundreds of sick people – blind, crippled, paralyzed – were in these alcoves. One man had been an invalid there for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him stretched out by the pool and knew how long he had been there, he said, “Do you want to get well?”

Do YOU want to get well? Jesus asked a question that SHOULD bring an obvious response. But listen to how the invalid answers.

The sick man said, “Sir, when the water is stirred, I don’t have anybody to put me in the pool. By the time I get there, somebody else is already in.”

The cynics among us may hear a hint of whine in the man’s voice. Perhaps he has grown comfy in his role of victim. Maybe he thinks it is someone else’s job to get him into the healing pool. Others may feel sympathetic. After all, what’s the guy supposed to do? Roll himself into the waters? Wouldn’t those with more mobility crowd around the waters, blocking his path?

Jesus said, “Get up, take your bedroll, start walking.” The man was healed on the spot. He picked up his bedroll and walked off…. John 5:1-9 The Message

I wonder what holds you back from wellness. Do you feel that there is no one to help you along the road to recovery? Are others blocking your pathway to peace? Jesus asked the man a question – and the guy didn’t even answer it. Instead, he offered up an excuse. Maybe it was a valid reason, it’s possible it was not.

But here’s the really cool part of the story – Jesus healed him. The sick man didn’t have to get himself to a level of clarity of thought and mind BEFORE Jesus would act. Jesus stood among hundreds of sick people – and he paid attention to the one. One guy, who couldn’t muster up a resounding, “Yes, Lord, I want to be healed!” Jesus was undeterred. Maybe your mind is confused. The world as you know it may be coming to an end – and you feel fine. Is that denial or faith-filled living? Who knows?!? But this we can know – Jesus is determined to heal the hurting. Whether they KNOW the extent of their injuries or not! I pray Jesus picks you out of the crowd today and provides you with something you desperately need – whether you know you need it or not! Start walking!

Recommended reading: Isaiah 44 and 45 in the morning; Psalm 46 and Ephesians 3 in the evening

Day 266 – Week 39 – “It’s the end of the world, as we know it, and I feel fine…”

Having a Heart in a Sometimes Heartless World

Scripture focus: Our bodies are buried in brokenness, but they will be raised in glory. They are buried in weakness, but they will be raised in strength. 1 Corinthians 15: 43 NLT

Life is sometimes very, very confusing. Recently our economy has tanked. Our election process, while extremely interesting, is really hard to follow – don’t you think? In forty-some days, we’ll go to the polls and vote. Unless you’re a rabid fan of one political party or the other – admit it - don’t you hesitate to pull the trigger in that ballot booth? Who can know, for sure, which candidate will lead us wisely? I know – some of you reading this think that, for sure, you know exactly who that person is – but I want to call your attention to the scriptures – where good kings go bad and no one predicted it. And how about our own lives? Could we accurately understand the twists and turns of our own bad behaving when compared to our big dreams?

Here’s something else that’s confusing. Scripture says our bodies are buried in brokenness, but will be raised in glory. Even Paul, the author of this good news reports, “But let me tell you something wonderful, a mystery I’ll probably never fully understand…” (1 Corinthians 15:51 The Message)

Even writers of pop songs get confused.

“In the final verse, (The other night I tripped a nice continental drift divide. Mount St. Edelite. Leonard Bernstein. Leonid Breshnev, Lenny Bruce and Lester Bangs. Birthday party, cheesecake, jelly bean, boom! You symbiotic, patriotic,
slam, but neck, right? Right.) Michael Stipe describes a dream that he’s had about being at a party where everyone in the room is a famous person with the initials L.B. It’s silly and weird, and it’s a non sequitur in a song full of non sequiturs, but it’s perhaps the most memorable part, and provides its best shout-along moment: “Leonard Bernstein!” In the context of the song, it’s a colorful moment that captures the imagination with extremely specific language, but in the context of the band’s career, it’s one more example of Stipe delving into his unconscious mind for an impression of the world skewed by the imperfect way the human brain processes and categorizes information. In an old interview, Stipe expressed a bit of concern about why some corner of his mind could automatically offer up a list of famous men with the same initials, or why that sort of scenario could come up at all, but really, that’s just part of the beauty of the mind, and of dreaming. I reckon that if there’s any reason he has written about dreams on every record of his career, it’s because they provide our only direct path to the mysterious workings of our own minds, and the baffling pile-up of information, memories, traumas, received wisdom, and images that somehow add up to inform our perspective on the world, and form the basis of our identities.” Blog site written by Michael Perpetua, on September 9th, 2008 in reference to R.E.M.’s song…It’s the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine…

So perhaps it’s good to start the day with a reminder. Although the world is wacko and our brains are baffling, God reminds us that we’ve got an awful lot going for us. Namely, God himself – in the business of making sense of the world we live in, and even the complicated creature we call ‘self.’ Whether the economy is boom or bust – God is still God. We may or may not understand ourselves or even our dreams – but we can seek with all our heart, mind, soul and strength to know God. At this moment, that sounds like a far safer bet than the stock market or our own wisdom. With all this going for us, my dear, dear friends, stand your ground. And don’t hold back. Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort. 1 Corinthians 15:58 The Message

Recommended reading: Isaiah 42 and 43 in the morning; Psalm 45 and Ephesians 2 in the evening

Day 265 – Week 30 at a glance

Having a Heart in a Sometimes Heartless World

Scripture focus: "Ah, God, listen to my prayer, my cry—open your ears. Don't be callous; just look at these tears of mine. I'm a stranger here. I don't know my way— a migrant like my whole family. Give me a break, cut me some slack before it's too late and I'm out of here." Psalm 39:12-13 The Message

This week we walked through Psalm 39 in our scripture focus. It concludes with a veiled threat. “Give me a break, cut me some slack before it’s too late and I’m out of here.”

Before Pete and I married, we made a promise to each other: never, ever mention the “D” word (divorce) in an argument. Threats of leaving and divorce are serious trust-busters in a marriage. We weren’t making a theological statement or taking a naïve approach to our marital commitment. We weren’t trying to avoid the possibility of divorce, or caring more about staying married than having a great marriage. Our promise to each other was one where we said we’d never use withdrawal of love and commitment as a weapon of war in a disagreement.

God and I have the same deal going. Even when I feel forsaken and abandoned – I refuse to believe it. And sometimes when it would be easy to think about giving up on this God stuff and taking up tennis instead, I refuse to romance the idea of leaving God.

Sometimes the commitment is easy. Last night I stood in a muddy river and baptized a group from our NorthStar community. Standing ankle deep in muck and watching the faces of those entering the water, my spirit cries out, “Yes Lord!”

Other days the commitment is hard. A string of dry devotional days or financial hardships paired with difficult decisions and solid evidence pointing to my own inadequacies all add up to make my decision to believe in the one he has sent an act of discipline.

Our marriage has had the same challenges. When everything is rocking along at a steady pace, I delight in my marriage. Other times I consciously decide to count my marital blessings, and I have to rummage through some yukky stuff to find the hidden treasure.

But on those lonely, sometimes paranoid days, I recall this: the fruit of the Spirit is lush and I can only gain access to an internal Garden of Eden when I live life God’s way.

So although the psalmist is just spouting off, I am not a big fan of threatening to leave, or acting like the world is coming to an end.

My brother gave me some sage advice years ago, when on one of my freaking out days he gently advised, “Teresa, the world can only come to an end once. In the meantime, we probably ought to just get busy doing the next right thing.” Amen

This concludes our two hundred and sixty sixth day of devotional readings. Keep going!

Recommended reading: Isaiah 39 and 40 in the morning; Isaiah 41 and Ephesians 1 in the evening

Day 264 – Pity Parties

Having a Heart in a Sometimes Heartless World

Scripture focus: When you put us through the fire to purge us from our sin, our dearest idols go up in smoke. Are we also nothing but smoke? Psalm 39:11 The Message

Yesterday I suggested that there can be a gap between keeping it real and being honesty. For me, this is a big deal. Who values hypocrisy? - no one that I know. But I fear that in our efforts to “keep it real” we might be making excuses for blunt, boundary-less communication.

Honesty helps us avoid this problem.

The psalmist has been real, but I think the case could be made that he is not quite honest with himself. That’s okay, sometimes we have to spout off before we can shape up. But it is not healthy to stay in the spouting place for too long.

The value of “keeping it real” is often found in the aftermath, when others provide feedback and help us get honest. Don’t hear me saying that “keeping it real” is a bad thing. It isn’t. But it isn’t the whole deal – it’s simply a decent place to start.

To answer the psalmist’s question – are we also nothing but smoke? The truth is, yes, sometimes we are nothing but smoke. Unfortunately, my dearest idol has sometimes been myself. This isn’t my true, God-created self. It’s the self that wants to get her way all the time. It’s the self that when things don’t go according to my plan, I start throwing a big pity party and only invite myself. It’s the self that devalues others, experiences paranoid loneliness, and all those other symptoms that come with idolatrous living. (See Galatians 5:19-21.)

I bet this guy wrote this psalm hoping that someone would comfort him in his misery and remind him of his value. Comfort and valuing are good things. But a true friend might also ask him to consider some other things – like whether he’s being arrogant or angry or self-pitying or vying for attention.

As we find ourselves “keeping it real” – let’s make sure we’re also getting really honesty about our own stuff.

Recommended reading: Isaiah 37 and 38 in the morning; Psalm 44 and Galatians 6 in the evening

Day 263 – Keeping it real

Having a Heart in a Sometimes Heartless World

Scripture focus: "What am I doing in the meantime, Lord? Hoping, that's what I'm doing—hoping - You'll save me from a rebel life, save me from the contempt of dunces. I'll say no more, I'll shut my mouth, since you, Lord, are behind all this. But I can't take it much longer. Psalm 39:7-10 The Message

In Randy Pausch’s book, The Last Lecture, he has some great advice: tell the truth, all the time. In this psalm, this guy is getting down to the nitty gritty. But there’s a difference between keeping it real and getting honesty. Let’s pick apart this verse –

Hoping, that’s what I’m doing – hoping. That’s a good thing. But does this guy sound hopeful to you?

Save me from a rebel life – I guess he knows what he’s talking about, since it is his own life he’s assessing. Is he rebelling? In this psalm, it sounds like he’s trying to behave. On those days when I determine to keep my yap shut, it’s usually because my speaking got me in trouble the day before! Is he rebellious, or simply a guy in need of making restitution? I’m speculating, but could it be that he is trying to solve a past sin with a promise of future “do gooding”? It’s awesome when we learn from past mistakes and re-order our lives accordingly. I’m just not sure what’s happening here. Is this an act of repentance, or merely a ploy to avoid further confrontation with his shortcomings?

Save me from the contempt of dunces. I’m curious when I read this psalm. His anger pops out as he describes others. This makes me suspicious. He sounds like he’s above the fray of the ungodly and dunces of the world. For me, when I take on this attitude of superiority, it’s usually a cover for secret shame.

You, Lord, are behind all this. Certainly scripture says God will never leave us nor forsake us. Clearly God is in control. But I wonder…can any of us, in the midst of hardship, really be so certain of God’s role in our story? Is he thwarting us or supporting us? Job suffered as a righteous man. His friends/counselors tried to make it all about Job’s sin. They couldn’t spell out the sin, but according to their theology, Job had to have done something very naughty to have gotten in such hot water with God. In the end, the only people God expresses anger toward are those friends! I’m more comfortable knowing that God’s ways aren’t mine, and that as a mere mortal, I might be missing something in translation.

I can’t take it much longer. This is absolutely a real statement about how he feels; but is it true?

I pull apart this psalm and offer up wild speculations, not to rip the writer to shreds, but to commend him for his willingness to be real with His God. He let it all hang out. We can too. But having let it all out, it is beneficial to go back and analyze what we’re saying, thinking and feeling. Then we can double check our perception of reality with truth. We may find that we aren’t being as truth-filled as we hope.

Recommended reading: Isaiah 34 and 35 in the morning; Isaiah 36 and Galatians 5 in the evening

Day 262 – Not worth saving?

Having a Heart in a Sometimes Heartless World

Scripture focus: 4-6 "Tell me, what's going on, God? How long do I have to live? Give me the bad news! You've kept me on pretty short rations; my life is string too short to be saved. Oh! we're all puffs of air. Oh! we're all shadows in a campfire. Oh! we're just spit in the wind. We make our pile, and then we leave it. Psalm 39:4-6 The Message

“I feel like I’m rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic.”

I love that quote. If you feel like you’re rearranging deck chairs on your own personal Titanic, then I’d like to offer a couple of suggestions.

(1). Stop rearranging the chairs. If you find yourself doing the same thing, over and over again, knowing that it’s not working – then stop what you’re doing. It’s possible that you’re wasting valuable time. Regain the time you’re losing rearranging those soon-to-be-sunk chairs.

(2). Stop rearranging the chairs and listen for the voice of the captain. There are people in your community who are prepared for disaster recovery. Listen to sound advice. Stop rushing around. Slow down. Pay attention.

(3). Stop rearranging the chairs and move calmly and quickly to the life boats. Begin to spend your time more productively. There may be new strategies to employ, but you won’t find them doing busy work. You won’t be able to apply sound advice if you’re too frantic to follow through. But I bet there are things you can begin to change, maybe small steps, that will lead to huge progress.

(4). Stop rearranging the chairs and step into the life boat. This may require jumping over board. The rescue boat may look rickety and not as sturdy as the luxury cruise ship you boarded previously with big plans and a action-packed itinerary. But sometimes things aren’t what they appear.

Each of these steps is going to require you to stop thinking like a victim. When the Titanic sunk, some people realized they were in trouble, and they sought help. Others simply refused to believe that an unsinkable ship could actually sink. Do you know the difference between a victim and a survivor? It’s not lipstick! Survivors believe. They believe that they were created to live the abundant life – and they refuse to let anyone or anything hijack them. Be one of those guys!

Recommended reading: Isaiah 30 and 31 in the morning; Isaiah 32 and 33 in the evening

Day 261 – Self-control is a misnomer

Having a Heart in a Sometimes Heartless World

Scripture focus: "Mum's the word," I said, and kept quiet. But the longer I kept silent the worse it got—my insides got hotter and hotter. My thoughts boiled over; I spilled my guts. Psalm 39:2-3 The Message

I relate to the psalmist – I tell myself to behave, oftentimes in areas where I sincerely desire to change – but my insides have other plans! The longer I manage to hold it together on the outside, the bigger the tempest inside! (For more information on this, check out the website www.northstarcommunity.com for a teaching on the cycle of shame.) The apostle Paul learned this same lesson and reports on his experiences in chapter seven of the book of Romans, “For if I know the law but still can’t keep it, and if the power of sin within me keeps sabotaging my best intentions, I obviously need help! I realize that I don’t have what it takes. I can will it, but I can’t do it. I decide to do good, but I don’t really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. My decisions, such as they are, don’t result in actions. Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time. It happens so regularly that it’s predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up….I’ve tried everything and nothing helps. I’m at the end of my rope.”

Paul goes on to provide an answer to this dilemma, and you can check that out in the last paragraph of chapter seven. But for today’s devotional, I am focusing on the folly of relying on self-control as a life plan. When we try to scrunch up our faces and will ourselves to better behaving – we’re in for a fall.

The fruit of the Spirit – including self-control, comes to us when we live life God’s way. We can’t muster up enough energy to survive on self-control. But we can acknowledge our powerlessness, and turn our lives over to the care and control of God. He provides what we need, including self-control.

I don’t know why I keep wrestling control away from God in a vain attempt to get my own way. I am comforted to know I am not alone in this struggle. But I’d be a big dummy to pretend it’s not a battle! I’ve thought the battle lines fell in the midst of my need to develop more self-control. Evidently the real issue lies in whether or not I’m ready to live life God’s way.

Recommended reading: Isaiah 28 and 29 in the morning; Isaiah 30 and Galatians 4 in the evening

Day 260 – Who are the wicked among us?

Having a Heart in a Sometimes Heartless World

Scripture focus: I will hold my tongue when the ungodly are around me. Psalm 39:1 NLT

I have a confession to make. Sometimes I approach my spiritual life as if it were a bad diet. Let me explain. Have you ever tried to go on a really bad diet – one that you know is terrible for you, probably illogical, definitely too expensive – but it holds out the promise of losing up to ten pounds a day? The promise seems too good to be true – because it is – but the allure of perfection and a quick fix causes us to abandon all reason!

When I try to live my life independently of God – it is too much for me! I end up stressed out. This is an example of cyclical suffering. In recovery lingo, we call it “doing the same thing over and over expecting different results.” Intellectually, I get the foolishness of my ways; emotionally, I’m under stress. With stress giving my mid-brain a workout, I stop using my whole brain and start living as if I’m trying to survive a disaster. It’s at moments like this when bad diets and spiritual over-achieving seem like good ideas.

I re-double my efforts at prayer, quiet time, and service for others. I swear off fiction and obsessively read the Christian’s equivalent of self-help books. I wake up extra early and stay up late at night, peering intently into God’s word. Just like those crazy diets, this kind of frenetic faith does offer some short term pay-offs.

But it also leads to trouble. Have you ever experienced success in dieting and exercise to the point where you become arrogant? Have you ever “tsk-tsked” as you watched someone chow down on desserts while you sip water and munch on a rice cake? If so, you know what I mean! Anytime we commit ourselves to being on our best behavior, it’s easy to all of a sudden have a bad attitude towards the “slackers” of the world!

Imagine the psalmist, biting his tongue in an effort to avoid sinning (and not get in trouble). He looks around, and observes how others chatter on around him. The resentment builds. He thinks, “How dare the ungodly talk while I’m holding my tongue?”

If our attempts at better behaving are driven by a desire to avoid trouble – how is that godly? When we go on crazy diets that leave our bodies weak and malnourished – how can we call that healthy? If our efforts to self-improve are driven by a concern for appearance management or in an effort to avoid suffering – does that make us godly – or people who have adopted a new strategy to get our own way?

Who are the ungodly among us? Could it be….me?

Let’s each self-examine with this questions: Am I really living God’s way, or am I trying to spiritualize my attempt to get my own way all the time?

Recommended reading: Isaiah 25 and 26 in the morning; Isaiah 26 and Galatians 3 in the evening

Click on comments below and share your thoughts and ideas with us.

Day 259 – Week 38 – Beware of the ego trap

Having a Heart in a Sometimes Heartless World

Scripture focus: I said to myself, “I will watch what I do and not sin in what I say.” Psalm 39:1 NLT

Alternative translation, from The Message: “ I'm determined to watch steps and tongue so they won't land me in trouble”.

When I first discovered scripture, I was overcome by its hints at my potential. I determined in my mind to achieve all that God had promised me. I took charge of the situation. Grabbing a notebook, I began to write down a list of all the rules that “good Christians” followed and set out to succeed at following them.

Evidently, the psalmist tried this tactic too. I doubt if the psalmist and I are the only two who’ve tried to behave our way into the kingdom of God. This week, we’ll look at how ineffective that strategy is – at least for the psalmist and me!

As we’ve studied the fruit of the Spirit, did you notice that one of the yummy benefits to having the fruit of the Spirit is self-control? So shouldn’t my efforts to control work for me? As a believer, can’t I expect to gain self-control? Sure! But we can’t acquire it by shooting for it as if it is our goal. Self-control is a by-product that comes into our lives AS WE LEARN HOW TO LIVE LIFE GOD’S WAY – AND THEN ACTUALLY COMMIT TO LIVING WITHIN THOSE PARAMETERS!

So here’s what I want you NOT to do.

I don’t want you waking up every morning with a tight-lipped, grimly determined, steely resolved commitment to behave better.

Instead, I suggest you do this. Ask a question. “God, if I believed in you with all my heart, mind, soul and strength – what work would you have me do today?”

As you go through the day, continue to ask this question. Don’t presume that you’ve got your believing or your behaving under control. Don’t assume you know the answer. Instead, think – I could be wrong! Or – maybe God is teaching me something in this particular experience.
Be gentle with yourself. Assume that mixed in with your believing is probably a bit of unbelief as well. That’s okay. Jesus never took anyone to task over an honest self-assessment!

Let me know how this experiment works!

Recommended reading: Isaiah 22 and 23 in the morning; Isaiah 24 and Galatians 2 in the evening

Day 258 – Week 37 At A Glance

Having a Heart in a Sometimes Heartless World

Scripture focus: But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives..Galatians 5:22 The Message

In review: Affection for others – “Agape occurs when an individual sees, recognizes, understands, or appreciates the value of an object or a person, causing the viewer to behold this object or person in great esteem, awe, admiration, wonder, and sincere appreciation. In fact, his love for that person or object is so strong that it is irresistible.” (July 23^rd, Sparkling Gems from the Greek)

Exuberance about life – Joy - Chara - Joy - Spirit-given. When the apostle Paul writes of joy, it is usually in the context of suffering. Although great trouble accompanied the Word, you were able to take great joy from the Holy Spirit! – taking the trouble with the joy, the joy with the trouble. (1 Thessalonians 1:6 The Message)

Serenity – Peace - eirene – the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew word Shalom, meaning – wholeness, completeness, tranquility in the soul that is unaffected by outward circumstances or pressures, the rule of order in place of chaos, a calm, inner stability that results in the ability to conduct self peacefully, even in the midst of circumstances that would normally be very nerve-racking, traumatic or upsetting, prosperity in one’s soul, orderly, stable and poised for blessing.

Willingness to stick like glue – Patience/Longsuffering - Patience – from the Greek word makrothumia, a compound word meaning – anger, swelling emotions or strong and growing passion that is long, distant, far, remote, of long duration; the patient restraint of anger, forbearance

Compassion – Gentleness – chrestotes – “to show kindness or to be friendly to others and often depicted rulers, governors, or people who were kind, mild, and benevolent to their subjects…compassionate, considerate, sympathetic, humane, kind or gentle…God’s incomprehensible kindness for people who are unsaved, adaptable to others” (July25th, Sparkling Gems from the Greek).

Goodness – agathusune – a person who is generous, big-hearted, liberal, and charitable with his finances – a giver! Goodness is a supernatural urge to reach beyond our own natural inclinations – to get our way all the time AND become the kind of person who meets the natural needs of those around him. (Paraphasing Renner in his devotional of July 26^th in Sparkling Gems from the Greek)

Loyal and Committed – Faithful – pistis – a person who is faithful, reliable, loyal, and steadfast; a person who is devoted, trustworthy, dependable, dedicated, constant, and unwavering. (Paraphrasing Renner in his July 26^th devotional)

Not need to “go codependent” - Gentle – prautes – the attitude or demeanor of a person who is forbearing, patient, and slow to respond in anger; one who remains in control of himself in the face of insults or injuries; kindness, gentleness, mildness or even friendliness. In the Greek, the word conveys the idea of a high and noble ideal to be aspired to in one’s life.

Able and willing to direct our energies wisely – Self-control – enkrateia – in control, power over one’s self; control or restraint of one’s passions, appetites and desires.

Recommended reading: Isaiah 19 and 20 in the morning; Isaiah 21 and Galatians 1 in the evening

Day 257 – Ineffective laws

Having a Heart in a Sometimes Heartless World

Scripture focus: Legalism is helpless in bringing this about (referring to the previous verse about the fruit of the Spirit). It only gets in the way. Among those who belong to Christ, everything connected with getting our own way and mindlessly responding to what everyone else calls necessities is killed off for good – crucified. Galatians 5:23(b) – 24 The Message

Against such things (the fruit) there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Galatians 5:23(b) – 24 NIV

Here’s the deal. When it comes to living the abundant life – there’s simply no way to codify, legislate, compel others to comply, or even instruct each other effectively on how to live it. Simply put – the abundant life is, has always been, and will always be – a God thing. This is why.

We can’t anticipate all the wild and crazy ways that God can and will use a person who has been willing to have their sinful nature killed off. We can’t legislate things like kindness, gentleness, and goodness. They are spontaneous responses to spur-of-the-moment encounters. Like the guy who motioned me ahead (with a polite wave and a smile) in the parking lot today – after I rudely pulled out in front of him. Or my favorite mechanic, who came to my rescue last week when my car battery died at an inconvenient time on a day when I was emotionally fragile. Or the nice lady in line at the subway station, who helped us figure out our connections so that we got to Little Italy and didn’t end up in Harlem or Times Square or Central Park inadvertently. Each of us have moments when we must decide how to respond to attention-deficit drivers, or ladies who show up crying when their car won’t start, or tourists who can barely figure out how to come in out of the rain. This kind of courtesy can’t be coached. That’s why it’s called a gift! God gives us the gift of the fruit. We are charged with the duty of whipping it out of our spiritual backpacks and sharing it with others.

One word of caution before we proceed: When Galatians says that we’ve “crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires” – the emphasis is not on the eradication of passions and desires. What has been crucified is our sinful nature. Get it? It’s saying that we continue to have passions and desires. Instead of responding to them from the perspective of people “trying to get their own way all the time” – we are committed to living “God’s way” – and that changes HOW WE RESPOND TO OUR PASSIONS AND DESIRES.

So if we want to have God moments, we better get busy figuring out how to live life God’s way. As usual, this is going to require a big heart!

Recommended reading: Isaiah 15 and 16 in the morning; Isaiah 17 and 18 in the evening

Day 256 - More Self-Control

Having a Heart in a Sometimes Heartless World

Scripture focus: But the fruit of the Spirit is…temperance/self-control/able to marshal and direct our energies wisely…Galatians 5:22 Self-control – enkrateia – in control, power over one’s self; control or restraint of one’s passions, appetites and desires. (Paraphrase from Renner’s devotional of July 27^th, Sparkling Gems from the Greek)

Remember – the fruit of the Spirit is a gift from God. But this is one of those gifts with strings attached. We must live God’s way. We don’t get to run around all willy nilly, doing and thinking and saying whatever comes to our mind and tickles our fancy. We can’t run to the store and buy some fruit of the Spirit when we find ourselves in need of a strong dose of patience. First, we must live God’s way.

We get up one morning and read in our devotions that God expects us to love our enemy. And then some nit wit goes and acts like an enemy. Living God’s way, we must wrestle with what it means to love them. Maybe it means ignoring the insult. Perhaps it means discussing the incident with them. It’s possible that it means we can’t keep hanging out with them – they may be unsafe people. But no longer does it mean that we get to impulsively react to their bad behavior. We must pause to prepare. And however we respond, our motivation must be driven by love. Is it more loving to ignore or discuss the situation? If they truly are unsafe people, then how do I continue to love them – from a safe distance?

I thank God that he has granted us access to the fruit of the Spirit and the mind of Christ and his mighty power. Thank you, Lord, that we may approach your throne of grace with confidence. We can come to you, and the Holy Spirit will guide us in all our ways. Thank you for making a way for us to practice what we preach!

Recommended reading: Isaiah 12 and 13 in the morning; Isaiah 14 and 2 Corinthians 13 in the evening

Day 255 - Self-Control

Having a Heart in a Sometimes Heartless World

Have you noticed how many of these fruit-words have an element of control over one’s self in their definition? I’ve also noticed that several of the words reference anger. This is shocking to me. Somewhere along the line I figured that once I matured as a follower of Christ, I’d get over the emotion of anger all together! Boy was I naïve!

In our recovery community, one of the important principles we try to practice in all our affairs is the concept of powerlessness. It’s very important (if we want to transform our lives) that we understand the nature of our own willfulness. If we’re relying on willpower and self-control to sustain transformation – forget about it! It won’t happen! All sorts of psychologists, self-help experts and diet gurus tell us that willpower is not a proven or effective life skill – if we expect to maintain our steely determination long term. It works for awhile, but eventually, our willpower wilts!

I suppose that’s why the fruit of the Spirit is such a blessing. Given to us by God, it has less to do with us and much more to do with who God is and what he wants to accomplish in and through and with us. It’s true. We can choose to refuse the gift. And if we do, we lose the opportunity to experience what the gift would provide us.

How do we access this powerful gift? The scripture is clear - when we live God’s way… He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard…

So now we get it. God provides us with things like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. But we have a part in this story too. More on that tomorrow.

Recommended reading: Isaiah 10 and 11 in the morning; Psalm 42 and 43 in the evening

Day 254 - Gentle

Having a Heart in a Sometimes Heartless World

Scripture focus: But the fruit of the Spirit is meekness/gentleness/not needing to force our way in life…Galatians 5:22

Gentle – prautes – the attitude or demeanor of a person who is forbearing, patient, and slow to respond in anger; one who remains in control of self in the face of insults or injuries; kindness, gentleness, mildness or even friendliness. In the Greek, the word conveys the idea of a high and noble ideal to be aspired to in one’s life.

When I first found my way back to God, I aspired to be a meek person. I interpreted this to mean that I would become a quiet, shy, introvert, with good people skills! I thought my bossy temperament would be, well, tempered. I thought I would become a lady in my church that I admire very much – who is as gentle as a lamb and as sweet as cotton candy.

But guess what. It hasn’t happened. I’m still more like Mexican food.

That doesn’t mean that God has overlooked me when handing out his tasty fruit. My friend from yesterday’s devotional isn’t the only one who has suffered at the hands of those who should love her best. I’ve had some of those moments too. I haven’t always responded with gentleness. I’ve been known to try to force my way in life. I’ve demanded an apology. I’ve held onto resentment. I’ve felt not only justified but self-righteous. So trust me, I get what it means to live without gentleness.

Recently, I experienced a repeat performance of offensiveness. It’s not my story to share, but if I shared it, I think you would offer me a shoulder to cry on. At a minimum, you might pat me on the back! But in the midst of the offending, I felt this amazing fruitful feeling. And I thought differently about the situation. I chose to respond in ways that are completely foreign to me. Along the way, I didn’t turn into a woolly lamb or cotton candy. I’m still more spicy than sweet. But I was so slow to anger that I didn’t even get around to it – even upon reflection. I never felt out-of-control in the face of insult. I didn’t compulsively obsess over the situation. My mind was not consumed with questions and my heart wasn’t wounded and hurt.

I don’t know if you’re more the sweet or spicy type of personality – but take it from me, no matter what our personality type – we can still be gentle with others. We can be friendly. This is both a high and noble ideal to be aspired to in one’s life. And, it’s also a gift from God!

Recommended reading: Isaiah 8 and 9 in the morning; 2 Corinthians 12 and Psalm 41 in the evening

Blog Archive

Subscribe to Our Podcast

Click Below for Blogging Help

Chat Rooms

Read More Blogs

Links