NOVEMBER 28, 2019

“We will not be measured by the world’s standards anymore. We will be measured by the plumb line of God’s Word. We will be people who live out our Christianity by walking faithfully in obedience to God. We will love mercy and justice. We will love others the way God loves us— unconditionally, relentlessly, and with grace.”
― Teresa Schultz

EZEKIEL 40

1In the twenty-fifth year of our exile, at the beginning of the year, on the tenth of the month, in the fourteenth year after the fall of the city—on that very day the hand of the Lord was on me and he took me there. 2In visions of God he took me to the land of Israel and set me on a very high mountain, on whose south side were some buildings that looked like a city. 3He took me there, and I saw a man whose appearance was like bronze; he was standing in the gateway with a linen cord and a measuring rod in his hand. 4The man said to me, “Son of man, look carefully and listen closely and pay attention to everything I am going to show you, for that is why you have been brought here. Tell the people of Israel everything you see.”(40:1-4) 

1 PETER 5

1To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

JOURNAL 

Happy Thanksgiving! I love this holiday and even more so when I consider how fortunate I am to live where I live and all of the circumstances that make up my life. The video to the movie Paul the Apostle is so moving to me because it just affirms what really matters and it is just a reminder of the circumstances that the disciples faced in following Christ. 

Here in 1 Peter, Peter is writing to those who have been displaced and who are struggling. Here he writes as a witness to all that Christ suffered. Here he writes as one who devoted his life and spent it intimately with Christ. These final words of the letter are sobering and a reminder that we are here for a purpose and to do a job. We are here to serve, we are here to be examples and to encourage. We are here to be humble and submit. We are here to do, take action...he promises that no matter the outcome in this world God will restore us...we will get everything we ever deeply desired...which is union with God. 

The past few days I have been struck by the brevity of life and that any moment could be my last. I thought about all the times I have shrunk back from problems and challenges. I thought of all the times anxiety and insecurity got the best of me. What if that had been my last breath. What if that had been the message of my life. That thought terrifies me because it is so final. When my last breath occurs on this planet, I will not be able to have another one. It will be final and so what do I want it to be spent doing? 

So then what really gets me are the times of sloth and meaningless wastes of time. Mornings are typically good for me...I do my devotion, read, meditate and pray. It gets me started, moving in a good positive direction...then as the day wears on I begin to lose focus, perspective etc. I start getting caught up in the world and all that is going on in it...later at night tends to be the worst for me...especially if I get consumed in television or social media.  Before I know it several hours have gone by and it's 11:30. I'm now sitting on my judge seat demanding entertainment and casting judgment on the world. 

I know that this is exactly the opposite of what God calls me to do. If these were my last moments...what a waste they would be. This is precious time...I don't know why I'm not more conscious of it. However as I read scripture it's clear...   

8Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

Thank you Father for the promise that you will restore me, and give me strength. You will help to redeem these moments. Thank you for all the blessings of today and my life. They are far more than I could ever deserve.

17Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, 19and after taking some food, he regained his strength.

ACTS 9:17-19