Missing

In a recent USA today poll, 87% of U.S. adults believe in the existence of sin.  The paper defined sin as “something that is almost always considered wrong, particularly from a religious or moral perspective.”  The top two sins mentioned?  81% of the people said adultery followed up by 74% condemning racism.  What surprised me was the decline in other things once considered sin... only 45% said that sex before marriage was one... and just 30% said the love of money was a problem.  

What were once clear issues seem a bit clouded.  What used to be considered by most to be wrong is now much more accepted as “normal” behavior.  Problem with a poll like this... Fundamentally, we don’t get to decide what’s sin and what isn’t.  Scripture tells us in 1 John 3:4... “Everyone who sins is breaking God’s law, for all sin is contrary to the law of God.”  Sin is when we miss the mark... but not a mark drawn by us, society, or man-made law.  It’s missing God’s standard.  Regardless of what the world says is right and wrong... the only real measuring stick is the truth of God’s Word.  It’s one thing to believe in the existence of sin... it’s something else to remember Who defines it and why avoiding it is important.  

Silence

Chuck Swindoll tells a story about a Kansas newspaper where someone took out a one-line ad targeted at lonely people.  The ad read, “I will listen to you talk for 30 minutes, without comment, for $5.00”  Before long, the person was receiving 10 to 20 calls per day.  

Loneliness is a pain that many endure...and most will do nearly anything to make it stop.  Maybe you’ve experienced it.  Maybe you’re going through it right now.  Deafening silence... alone with thoughts that seem to have you feeling hopeless and helpless.  God wants you to know something... He’s there.  Deuteronomy 31:6 tells us that “the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”  God understands when you don’t have words to express your feelings.  He stands by your side when others run out.  He is there to double your joy and take away your grief... and He promises that it will always be that way.   Feeling lonely?  Write down today’s verse and keep it with you.  And when the enemy tries to convince you that you’re by yourself... remind him that he’s a liar.   You are never alone.  God is with you.  And you are loved more than you will ever know.  

Pencil Line

A pencil (remember those...) with a hard lead will write about 30,000 words or draw a line 30 miles long before wearing out.  A 100 watt light bulb will burn about 750 hours before it is done for good.  That one dollar bill in your pocket?  It will circulate for about 18 months before it has to be destroyed.   It seems that nothing lasts forever... even us.  The average lifespan for a human being?  78.3 years.

Everything wears out.  But did you know that the Bible gives us several ways to lengthen our lives?  The first way is to fear God.  Psalm 34:11 and Proverbs 9:11 tell us that fearing the Lord leads to wisdom... and that wisdom helps us to live longer.  The second way?  Live obediently.  Deuteronomy 4:40 says that if we obey all of God’s commands... we will live a long life.  The last way to lengthen our life?  Honor our parents.  Exodus 20:12 gives us that insight.  Let’s not waste our time searching for the fountain of youth... everything we need is in God’s word... and when we follow it, He promises to give us more heartbeats to be with those we love. 

Wisdom

Researchers have concluded that there is more information in a single issue of the New York Times than a citizen in London during Shakespeare’s time would have had access to in a lifetime.  We live in an age with over 600 million websites... billions of facts... and 24 hour access to all of it.  Information is easy to find... but is it something we should dedicate our lives to gathering?  Maybe there’s something more...

Proverbs 4:7 says “Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom.  Though it cost all you have, get understanding.”  The Bible tells us that it’s wisdom, not just facts, that we should pursue.   Information is wonderful... but when it’s acquisition becomes the only goal, it tends to invite pride into our hearts.  When we know more... we sometimes think we’re more valuable or important.  Not so.  Scripture tells us that head knowledge is great but moving it down to the heart and using it to change the world is far better.  Seek wisdom not just facts... and you’ll be well on your way to reaching your God potential.

Turning

If you’ve ever gone skiing before, you know how exhilarating and beautiful it can be.   However, strapping two pieces of wood to your feet and plummeting down a mountain is not for the faint of heart... so it’s important to learn how first.  The problem with beginning skiers isn’t the forward movement... it’s turning and stopping.  Many rookies wait until they want to move right and then try to turn hard with both feet.  That just doesn’t work and often frustrates them.  What they quickly discover is that they simply need to look to the right and their body will naturally turn that way.  Where they look is the direction they go.  

Scripture tells us similarly that what we see steers us toward what we will do.  In Matthew 6:22, we read ““The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light,”   Want to think Godly thoughts?  Put yourself in environments where Christ is seen and lifted up!   Need to steer yourself to a life of obedience?   Put things in place that visually remind you to prioritize your relationship to God over any other.  Keep your head up and your eyes focused on God and His direction for your life... and you’ll find yourself racing down the mountain toward greatness.  

Caged

The zoo is an interesting place.   Modern zoos have eliminated cages and replaced them with “natural” habitats... where the animals feel as though they are in a familiar place with every creature comfort they could ever want.  Twice daily, zookeepers come in and feed them perfect cuts of meat or high quality grain... their water supply is clean... and they sleep in man-made structures built to resemble nature’s finest.  It’s everything an animal could ever hope for... or is it?  

So often, real freedom is confused with the perception of freedom.  People spend their lives in luxury... all their needs and wants are taken care of... yet they still find themselves trapped.  So how do they get out?  The Bible tells us in John 8:36 that when we live in a relationship with Christ, we are truly free.  No more limitations.  When we give ourselves to Him and let Him take over, we get to experience His power, grace, strength, and provision.  No matter how comfortable we try to make it... a cage is a cage.  Find yourself still missing something?  Seek Christ and unlock the door to a life of  true liberty and purpose.  

Climbing

In 1924, two men set out to conquer the ultimate mountain climbing prize... to reach the summit of Mount Everest.  Their first attempt failed miserably... part of the team died along the way and those that returned home felt an overwhelming sense of failure.  Soon after, the same two men tried it again... and had the same result.  A press conference followed the second try and the men were asked if they’d ever try again.  Here was one of their responses: “’Everest, we tried to conquer you once, but you overpowered us. We tried to conquer you a second time, but again you were too much for us. But, Everest, I want you to know that we are going to conquer you, for you can’t grow any bigger, and we can!’”

As you listen to this today... there may be a mountain standing in front of you.  It might be finances, relationships, self-worth, debt... every mountain is different.  But let me assure you... every climber is not.  Every single person has the opportunity to connect with Christ... and in turn... has a power source that is unmatched.  Philippians 3:14 tells us that we can do ALL THINGS through Christ.  He is the source of our energy... the strength in our weakness... and is there to help us back up when we fall.  Feeling overwhelmed by the mountains in your life?  Stop trying to climb them without Jesus.  He knows the way to the summit and will carry you if you’re willing to let Him.