I’m Christ’s Alone

For in Him we move and live and have our being.

Acts 17:28

Many of the songs he’d written were inspired by the trials he’d faced. This song had become his mission statement, so to speak.

Jon had tested the waters of life. But there hadn’t been much wisdom in Jon’s selection process. He’d just headed out with the belief that he was entitled to have some fun. When confronted about his cavalier lifestyle, Jon smugly answered, “If it was good enough for Solomon, then it’s good enough for me!” So Jon set out to pleasure himself for the purpose of gaining self-awareness, an experiment of sorts, he called it. 

After years of the more sordid things of life, he’d gotten tired of the casual life. Redirecting his efforts, Jon pursued a more spiritual awakening, using mind-altering chemicals to assist in gaining nirvana.

One evening while high on crystal meth, Jon sideswiped an abandoned vehicle along the side of the road. His vehicle had rolled twice and come to rest in the ditch. Suffering life-threatening injuries, Jon had somehow survived.

Over the next ten weeks, he labored in the rehabilitation ward at the OSU Medical Center. Layer by layer, God peeled away Jon’s rebellion. One of his rehab nurses spoke to Jon about how blessed he was to have survived. She spoke about the hope she had found in Jesus Christ. The week before Jon left Dodd Hall, he gave his life to Christ, writing the words that would later become the song “I’m Christ’s Alone.”

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Many of us have traveled through life taking our own little detours from God’s designated path, recklessly experimenting with dangerous things, so we could experience life on our own terms. Most, if not all of us found nothing but emptiness.

Luke, in today’s text, sums up Paul’s words to the Romans about the freedom to be found in a relationship with Jesus Christ. Paul told them that God gives all men life, breath, and everything else, so that they might seek and find His Son. Like Jon, God is always willing to meet us at our point of surrender. Unlike Jon, we needn’t take life’s detours.

Prayer

“Lord Jesus, I’m tired of running. Lead me into a life better lived through Your Spirit. In Your Name I pray, amen.”

 Soldiers of Love

As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you.

Isaiah 66:13

J.J. had juvenile diabetes. His father pricked his little, four-and-a-half-year-old finger to see if he needed an insulin injection, a process that was repeated four times each day. J.J.’s mom was in charge of making sure he ate the right foods at the right times.

Blindsided two years ago by the diagnosis, Aaron and Megan had managed to make the necessary adjustments, ensuring their son would lead as normal a life as possible.

A professional musician, Aaron was on the road much of the time. Home for a few days, he loved spending time with the kids.

In a recent interview, he’d been asked how Megan managed the home with him on the road so much. “I head home if there’s a crisis,” he’d said wryly. “But meeting J.J.’s everyday needs falls to Megan. She’s a real trooper! Up at seven every morning, she tests J.J.’s blood sugar and fixes breakfast accordingly. She balances the demands of J.J.’s daily routine while Kaylie, our three-month-old, vies for her attention. Megan never gets a day off and never complains.” He summed up his thoughts. “Moms are soldiers of love. They’re the ones who handle the continuously changing needs.” He added, “Dads are the warriors; we kill the giants. But moms? Moms are forever! When our kids get sick or fall and skin their knees, there’s only one person they want. And it’s not me! I respect my wife. I could never do what she does.”

†

Mothers are a special breed. They faithfully go the extra mile without thought of compensation. If you tried to reward them, they would be offended.

Men may be the spiritual leaders of the household, but mothers are the glue that bonds the family together. It is said, “A father will go to war for his children; a mother will die.”

Jesus compared a mother’s love to His own. There is no greater compliment than to be compared to the Savior of the world. And the epitome of His love is revealed in the touch of a mother. They truly are soldiers of love.

Prayer

“Thank You, Lord, for mothers, for their compassion, tenderness, self-sacrifice, and thank You for creating them to love like Jesus. Amen.”

 Intellect or Wisdom?

A rich man may be wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has discernment sees through him.

Proverbs 28:11

J.D. Artweller had amassed a fortune. His holdings included three of the high-rise structures visible along Chicago’s skyline, one of which housed the eighty-second floor, corner office he was sitting in. He held partnership in two banks and owned the local ALS team. Nobody really knew the true extent to which he was involved.

“Martha!” Artweller hollered at his receptionist. “Is Flanerty here yet?” … ”Time is money,” he grumbled to himself.

“Yes, Mr. Artweller,” Martha answered.

“Then send him in!” came his clipped command.

She smiled across her desk at J.D.’s 2:30 appointment, hoping to alleviate any tension her boss’s crassness might be causing.

J.D. didn’t seem to care about people other than what they could do to increase his holdings. Embarrassed for the man, she said apologetically, “You may go in now, Mr. Flanerty.”

She needn’t have been worried. John Flanerty wasn’t fazed by Artweller’s demeanor. He’d had dealings with J.D. in the past. He knew him to be a very lonely man beneath the rough-barked exterior, and had determined when he’d first met J.D. to show him unconditional kindness by treating him in such a way that it would be in keeping with the nature of Jesus. Perhaps those seeds would sprout and choke out the bitterness entangling his heart.

†

For reasons unknown to most of us, there are people who have been wounded so deeply that they have turned to the god of wealth for their validation. They hold the misconception that accumulated riches equates to great wisdom. But there is a distinct difference between great wisdom and intellectual and financial cunning. And those who are discerning know the difference, they see right through the J.D.s of the world.

Matthew 6:24 says, “You cannot serve both God and money.” This world and everything in it is God’s. When we greedily hoard stuff or money we set our hearts against God. To be rich and wise in our own eyes is to be lost. Not just in thought or position, but in spirit. There are no riches worth such cost.

Prayer

“Help me to not be possessive of what You’ve given me, Lord. Guide my heart to distribute Your wealth where it will do the most good. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 Once Upon a Time

O Lord, open his eyes so he may see.

2 Kings 6:17

“Tell me a bedtime story, Daddy!” squealed Jennifer Rose.

“Okay, but just a short one,” Dale said as he lay his daughter in her bed. “Let’s see,” he began. “There once was a little girl who had a great big guardian angel. One day, as the little girl walked along a path beside a swift-flowing creek, she slipped in the mud, falling headlong into the water. Now, the water was deep and the undertow was strong! The little girl screamed ‘Help! Help!’ as she struggled against the current. She stroked with all her might, pulling herself closer and closer to the edge of the creek.

Unseen by the little girl, her guardian angel gently pushed her with his huge hand, nudging her toward safety until finally she reached the bank.

Well, that little girl clawed her way onto dry ground; thankful God had heard her cry. She raced home and told her mother about her harrowing experience!

Relieved that her daughter was safe, the mother scolded her for running off on her own. She warned the little girl to never go near the creek alone!

The little girl said, ‘I’m sorry, Mommy,’ then added, ‘But I’m never alone. My guardian angel is always with me! He’s the one who saved me!’

Her mother answered, ‘That’s nice, honey. Now go get changed.’ And the little girl lived happily ever after.

Okay, end of story, time to go to sleep.” He kissed Jennifer on the forehead and turned out the light.

†

Most bedtime stories are make-believe and fictional, the equivalent of a fairy tale. But what about today’s story? Do we believe, like the little girl, that angels are watching over us in the heavenly realm? Are there otherworldly warriors fending off the enemy as we journey through life? Do we believe, as the Bible declares, that the air around us is filled with a raging battle?

Or do we, like the world, believe that it’s just a good story in an outdated book?

We either believe it or we don’t. There is no middle ground. So what do we believe? Truth or fairy tale?

Prayer

“Reveal the truth to those who doubt in the heavenly realm, Lord. Like Elisha’s servant, open their eyes. Amen.”

 Deep- Seeded Desires

Each one is tempted, when by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.

James 1:14

Taylor was beautiful. Gary had tried—unsuccessfully—to land a date with her for almost two years. So when she stopped by his office on Tuesday and said with a smile, “I’m free Friday night if you don’t have any plans,” Gary immediately secured the date. The problem was he actually did have plans. And his plan’s name was Wendy. Gary and Wendy had been dating for about a month.

Gary, realizing his dilemma, called Wendy and told her something had come up, and he wouldn’t be able to keep their date on Friday. Wendy had assured him it was okay and that she would take a rain check.

All day Friday, Gary played out his perfect scenario of how the evening would go: a quiet dinner over on the east side at Carrillo’s, a ride in a Handsome Cab through the Old Town, followed by a romantic walk down by the pier. He couldn’t believe his luck; he had finally gotten a date with Taylor!

They arrived at Carrillo’s around 7:00. Upon entering the restaurant, Gary walked straight into his worst nightmare. There stood Wendy and her father, waiting to be seated. When their eyes met, Wendy’s smile disappeared and was replaced by a look of horror and humiliation. Suddenly, Gary realized in his desire to date Taylor he had made a self-centered decision. His regret was profound, immediate, and too late.

†

Our value systems become compromised when we cloak selfish, indulgent behavior in lies and choose to give in to deep-seeded desires that are morally or ethically wrong. When temptation rears its ugly head, we must look for a way of escape instead of allowing the thought room to breed and grow.

Temptation in itself is not sin. But, as James describes, we get carried away when we don’t immediately reject its offer. When we entertain the temptation, we are taking steps to consummate the agreement brought by the enemy. Instead, we should be running in the opposite direction. Remember, no temptation has taken us that we cannot overcome if we choose (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Prayer

“Lord, help me live a righteous life. Cause me to be aware of the danger in entertaining evil desires, even momentarily. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 Proven Character

We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Romans 5:3, 4

Cody was a C- and D student in his freshman and sophomore years of high school. The university he was applying to required a 2.8 GPA for enrollment. His cumulative 2.4 wasn’t going to get him in. But someone had watched Cody change over the past two years, and he believed in him. He wrote a letter to the dean of admissions, enlightening him with regard to Cody’s accomplishments and his 3.24 GPA in his final two years of school. He asked that the university take into consideration this change of behavior when determining whether this young man should be given an opportunity to prove himself at their institution.

To their credit, they allowed Cody to enroll at their branch campus, promising that a 2.8 GPA in his first year of studies would make him eligible for transfer to the main campus the following semester. To his credit, Cody carried a 3.1 GPA that first year and was allowed to transfer. He graduated with a 3.45 GPA, a bachelor’s degree in psychology, and a minor in criminal law.

†

Cody is reminiscent of those who for one reason or another have applied themselves in their latter years. Sadly, many who make these positive changes are never reaffirmed.

But unlike our peers, God doesn’t see us as unfit because we made poor choices in our early years. He is pleased that the changes take place. Cody was fortunate that someone saw the change taking place in him and believed it to be genuine.

God also wants to champion our cause, to stand up for us in the face of opposition. Abba Father wants us to know that He sees us. He knows the truth and urges us to persevere by overcoming hopelessness. He wants us to know and feel the satisfaction of positive change in our lives. He whispers, “It is possible to build character at any point during your life.” We need only choose to believe and follow His lead.

Prayer

“Lord, please raise up advocates for those who are genuinely trying to make a better life. Bind those who would stand against them and restore hope to the hearts of Your people. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 Miles of Preparation

Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 1:6

As he read the e-mail, he could actually picture the tears running down his daughter’s face. In her freshman year at college, she was struggling with separation anxiety. So was her daddy. Separated by two hundred miles, it felt like ten thousand.

That first year marked the beginning of new levels of growth for the family. Visits by both student and parents alike marked their progress. After a couple years of saying good-bye, they didn’t hang on to each other quite so long, and the heartache was a little less intense. As the four years passed, there was measurable growth. There were struggles and disappointments: Daddy would undergo bypass surgery, and his daughter would begin to lean on the other man in her life. Her boyfriend of four years would become her fiancé. They would graduate with their bachelor’s degrees, return home, and as planned over the past two years, get married. Then new levels of growth would bring new pain.

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There is pain attached to most meaningful growth. In childbirth, both mother and child experience trauma. But that trauma gives way to joy and delight. As children grow, they begin to assert their individuality. Falling, they get back up, sometimes crying in pain and needing comfort, sometimes stubbornly moving forward without much thought to the fall.

As God’s creation, we have an inherent need to seek and learn and grow. God’s good work prepares us for the future. Though our parents provide much of the knowledge we seek, experience is the teacher we learn from the most, because hands-on learning imprints itself deeper in our mind.

As we ourselves have grown, we must allow our children to go it alone, gaining their own experience, trusting in today’s text that God began this good work in their hearts. He alone can draw them into a relationship that will guide them as they grow. His preparation brings a certain amount of pain. With that pain comes growth.

Prayer

“I don’t really like pain, Abba. But I trust You. Walk me through the pain. Continue this good work in me. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”