Winding the watch strapped around my wrist is a thing of the past. A battery now keeps it ticking for several years with no need for my involvement. Touching it is only necessary twice a year when we enter or exit Daylight Savings Time.
Deism is a theological position that was held by many of America’s early leaders. Though referred to as atheists by more traditional Christians, deists rejected atheism. But they did have a different view of God. Deists imagined him as the universe’s master clock-winder. He cranked up the universe in the beginning and is now sitting idly by watching it peter down.
Seems like a pessimistic position…and it’s certainly not biblical. Now go and call together all the elders of Israel. Tell them…I have been watching closely, and I see how the Egyptians are treating you (Exodus 3:16 NLT).
Though God engineered the Israelites initial voyage into Egypt, he certainly wasn’t oblivious to the taxing slavery they were presently enduring. He saw…and he intervened. Just as my spring wound watches wouldn’t run without daily involvement, so this world won’t either without God’s touch. He established the laws of nature that keep it functioning, but it takes his daily finger caressing the stem.
But God’s involvement extends beyond the big things to the little pieces of my insignificant life. Confidence of this is what gives me strength to face each day and all it might generate. Knowing God gives me power to face daily tests keeps me putting one foot in front of the other. Realizing his hand is in all the details of my life-large and small, encourages me to keep keeping on in spite of difficulties and daily challenges.
Let the reality that you are watched by God give you a different perspective on life.
Prayer: Thank You Father for noticing every detail of our lives and for giving us power to overcome whatever wobbles down our path.
Thanks for stopping by. Why not try one of our
delicious recipes along with this daily dose of
encouragement?
One at a time, they filed nervously up to the speaker’s podium. With shaky voices, they began their list of thank yous…to parents, grandparents, friends, the headmaster, teachers, custodian. Wait a minute…the custodian? Not that being a custodian isn’t an extremely crucial and honorable profession. I’ve just never heard one thanked in a public ceremony before.
I teach at a small Christian school, and Senior Chapel Day is an annual observance that draws a crowd of friends and family members. I thought it odd on this particular occasion that so many of the soon-to-be-graduated seniors would acknowledge our custodian. From their descriptions of him, he appeared more along the lines of a counselor than a person who sweeps and mops our floors, empties our trash, and cleans up our messes.
Jesus challenged his followers to imitate the actions of this modest servant of God. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father (Matthew 5:16 NLT).
I admit-I’ve not always enjoyed shining where God has placed me. But I’ve learned that where God puts me is not the most important matter in my life’s puzzle…it’s what I make of where he puts me. Making good use of every life situation-or predicament, entails shining for him. And when I shine others will notice the One who enables me to shine whether I’m in dire straits or pleasant places. Whether I’m pushing a broom, emptying trash cans, teaching students, or sitting behind a leather desk on the 50th floor of an office building making life changing decisions won’t matter.
So go ahead…shine where God puts you rather than complain about it not being what you’d rather do. You never know…you might be influencing an entire school.
Prayer: Lord of grace and mercy, help us be content where You situate us and shine brightly where You plant us.
If you
are struggling monetarily,Grace & Grits & God: Manna from Heaven Served Up Southern Style offers personal and
practical insights for how God can take our
financial challenges,loses and setbacks and
bring beauty from the ashes. Pre-order your copy
today!!!!
There are some things I enjoy sharing, but presently this wasn’t one of them. As an elementary age student, getting glasses was a horrible experience.
Glasses may be stylish now, but they weren’t when I procured them. Manufacturers constructed atrocious frames, and-unless they were old, people who wore glasses were called “four eyes” and made fun of. My experience was similar. Receiving the news that I needed them wasn’t exciting.
Jesus told a story about a servant who wasn’t excited about his news either. But the third servant brought back only the original amount of money and said, ‘Master, I hid your money and kept it safe (Luke 19:20 NLT). His boss had left on a trip and entrusted him and others with investment responsibilities. Each one performed well except him. He neglected his duty because he didn’t share his master’s vision and was selfish. The end result: he lost his opportunity.
When there’s no vision, businesses flounder, community organizations deteriorate, and investments dwindle. When spiritual vision is lacking, similar things happen. I flounder around with no divine aims and goals, and the quality of my walk with Christ deteriorates.
God has a general vision for everyone, but realizing his specific plan for me requires asking him to share it. That’s followed by allowing his Spirit to guide me to goals that will help me reach it. Simply knowing God has a vision for me accomplishes nothing.
Living out God’s vision for your life is rewarding and exciting and leads to a sense of fulfillment not discovered anywhere else. As a Christian, his vision for you will somehow relate to his vision for all believers: spread his love worldwide and teach others to obey his commands. Have you discovered God’s plan for you? Are you living it?
Prayer: Thank You Father for choosing to use us in Your worldwide plan of making Your love known to others. Guide us to the specific spot where You want us to work.
If you are
struggling monetarily,Grace & Grits & God: Manna from Heaven Served Up Southern Style offers personal and
practical insights for how God can take our
financial challenges,loses and setbacks and
bring beauty from the ashes. Pre-order your copy
today!!!!
If I didn’t know my wife, I might very well pass her by without speaking.
In the South, speaking and waving to others-even people we don’t know, is considered a courteous act of kindness. It’s part of Southern charm and a way of life that’s been culturally ingrained for many years. But in other parts of the United States…and world, such friendliness is uncharacteristic. I’ve visited large cities and passed hundreds of people without receiving a nod, smile, wave, or “Hey, how are you doing?” If my wife was one of those nameless strangers, I’d no doubt pass her by like the others.
But since my wife is well-known to me, my actions toward her are different. I speak to her, kiss her, hold her hand, take her out to eat, buy her cards and presents for special occasions, periodically cook for her, help her clean the house, etc. And because she knows me, she reciprocates with similar actions.
According to Jesus, the same should materialize when we know him. If you love Me, you will keep My commandments (John 14:15 NASB).
Obedience proves belonging-at least in my relationship with Christ. Just as children generally want to please their parents through obedience, so believers want to please their heavenly Father through the same process.
My obedience should also be genuine, not just rote motions. Jesus has the unique ability to see through superficiality. He told Nicodemus he needed to be born again even though Nicodemus didn’t come asking that question. He told the rich young man to sell all his possessions if he wanted eternal life even though doing so isn’t a requirement of everyone.
Authentic love is demonstrated through unadulterated obedience, not by hypocritical mimicking. Enjoy life to the fullest by obeying God’s commands.
Prayer: Dear God, remind us Your commands are given for our good, and that obeying them proves our love for You and is the only way to abundant life.
Thanks for stopping by. Why not try one of our
delicious recipes along with this daily dose of
encouragement?
