Wisdom

Looking in a Mirror

Dan

It has been my observation while skittering through the book of Isaiah looking for a reference on Jesus, there is a beautiful description of God in the throne room in chapter 6. I became extremely aware of my own shortcomings as I reviewed Isaiah’s verbal brush strokes concerning the holiness of God.

Isaiah says — woe to me for I am undone because I am a man of unclean lips and I dwell in the midst of people with unclean lips and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of Hosts (Isaiah 6:5).

Isaiah expresses the feeling of every person who encounters the holiness of God magnified in the purity and blazing presence of God. We can see Isaiah in awe with his glimpse of God in the throne room.

Using God’s holiness as a mirror, we see ourselves as God sees us. As I read Isaiah 6:5, I was humbled by the contrast between Isaiah and the brilliance of God. We walk with God, but we are comfortable in the surroundings that we live today. We look upon the lack of holiness in humans as a normal part of life. We are not surprised when we do not find politicians truthful. We are not totally dismayed by faithless leaders; we have come to expect less than honest activities from people we do business with. Life goes on, yet –the mirror of Isaiah 6:5 hangs there, quietly, unassumingly, revealing ourselves as God sees us.

Hebrews says – For the Law, being only a reflection of the blessings to come and not their substance, can never make perfect those who come near by the same sacrifices repeatedly offered year after year. Otherwise, would they not have stopped offering them, because the worshipers, cleansed once for all, would no longer be aware of any sins? Instead, through those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins year after year, for it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sin (Hebrews 10:1-4).

I am unable to properly define the holiness of God. Try I am, but it is impossible. Why? God is incomparable, incomprehensible, and his level of holiness is undefinable with the language of mere humans. Holy is the way God is. He is not conforming to a higher standard of holiness; He is the standard. His incomprehensible purity pushes out any thoughts that suggest he is other than what he says. To keep us safe we only see his glory in part; yet His majesty and power envelops us; we who walk with him are given tools and grace to resist irreparable moral collapse (Hebrews 1:3-4 paraphrased). Every time we can detect his judgment in history, his action has been an act of holy preservation.

David said — On the glorious splendor … of Your wonderful works, I will meditate. (Psalms 145:5)

So, what do we do? We must, like Moses, cover ourselves with faith and humility before we take an ever so brief look at the God who no man can see and live. Once again, I think of Isaiah’s observation at the top of this essay (Isaiah 6:5). God is a perfect mirror to help us see our imperfections.

God says – I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. But you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live. There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock. When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen (Exodus 33:19-23 paraphrased).

God’s holiness is like a mirror, the mirror hangs there, gently, unostentatiously revealing our nature through God’s eyes. We see ourselves, we shudder, and then we head north in humility to walk with him. It is that simple. In our walk, we respect the things of God. His mirror keeps us in a safe harbor.

I choose Jesus.

Looking In A Mirror

Dan

It has been my observation while skittering through the book of Isaiah looking for a reference on Jesus, there is a beautiful description of God in the throne room in chapter 6. I became extremely aware of my own shortcomings as I reviewed Isaiah’s verbal brush strokes concerning the holiness of God.

Isaiah says — woe to me for I am undone because I am a man of unclean lips and I dwell in the midst of people with unclean lips and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of Hosts (Isaiah 6:5).

Isaiah expresses the feeling of every person who encounters the holiness of God magnified in the purity and blazing presence of God. We can see Isaiah in awe with his glimpse of God in the throne room.

Using God’s holiness as a mirror, we see ourselves as God sees us. As I read Isaiah 6:5, I was humbled by the contrast between Isaiah and the brilliance of God. We walk with God, but we are comfortable in the surroundings that we live today. We look upon the lack of holiness in humans as a normal part of life. We are not surprised when we do not find politicians truthful. We are not totally dismayed by faithless leaders; we have come to expect less than honest activities from people we do business with. Life goes on, yet –the mirror of Isaiah 6:5 hangs there, quietly, unassumingly, revealing ourselves as God sees us.

Hebrews says – For the Law, being only a reflection of the blessings to come and not their substance, can never make perfect those who come near by the same sacrifices repeatedly offered year after year. Otherwise, would they not have stopped offering them, because the worshipers, cleansed once for all, would no longer be aware of any sins? Instead, through those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins year after year, for it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sin (Hebrews 10:1-4).

I am unable to properly define the holiness of God. Try I am, but it is impossible. Why? God is incomparable, incomprehensible, and his level of holiness is undefinable with the language of mere humans. Holy is the way God is. He is not conforming to a higher standard of holiness; He is the standard. His incomprehensible purity pushes out any thoughts that suggest he is other than what he says. To keep us safe we only see his glory in part; yet His majesty and power envelops us; we who walk with him are given tools and grace to resist irreparable moral collapse (Hebrews 1:3-4 paraphrased). Every time we can detect his judgment in history, his action has been an act of holy preservation.

David said — On the glorious splendor … of Your wonderful works, I will meditate. (Psalms 145:5)

So, what do we do? We must, like Moses, cover ourselves with faith and humility before we take an ever so brief look at the God who no man can see and live. Once again, I think of Isaiah’s observation at the top of this essay (Isaiah 6:5). God is a perfect mirror to help us see our imperfections.

God says – I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. But you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live. There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock. When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen (Exodus 33:19-23 paraphrased).

God’s holiness is like a mirror, the mirror hangs there, gently, unostentatiously revealing our nature through God’s eyes. We see ourselves, we shudder, and then we head north in humility to walk with him. It is that simple. In our walk, we respect the things of God. His mirror keeps us in a safe harbor.

I choose Jesus.

Infusing Your Heart

Dan

It has been my observation; without a plan we will soon fade and perish. Furthermore, there is wisdom available when we take in the council of many wise men schooled in the things of God. Cities are not built in a single day, they take time, planning, resources, effort, a solid process, and commitment to the end goal. This is the second part of an essay series on the art of educating yourself on scripture. In the first essay we explored two topics – (1) decide to learn and (2) focus on your learning objectives.

Let us review – decide to learn – choosing to dive in, choosing to open the scriptures and open your heart to the wisdom of God. That is the first step. Then comes the focus on learning objectives– select where and in what you are interested. If you do not know where to begin, I suggest that you open the bible to the Gospel of John. Start there. Get to know Jesus, not as a casual acquaintance, but as a trusted friend. Look for my essays on prayer and meditation. Dive in. Pray, focus, and learn.

With that in mind, let us move on to more parts of the learning process that might be helpful. At this juncture; you may be feeling a little unsure of yourself. We read in Luke — The things which are impossible with men are possible with God (Luke 18:27). Push into this. You will not be disappointed. God will provide.

Learning Preparation. In other essays I talked about a Toolkit and a Wall of Truth. I want to revisit these items. They are part of learning preparation and data retention. Proverbs says — Put your outdoor work in order and get your fields ready; after that, build your house (Proverbs 24:27).

Zechariah says — Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin (Zechariah 4:10).

Before you dive into the acquisition of books and material, I suggest you ponder for a bit on how you learn. If you are a reader, then your choice of books is important. If video is part of your learning formula, then the bible app may be a useful resource. Please remember, adapt your wall of truth to the format of your data. I suggest you do not depend upon a single mode of learning. Data coming at you in different formats may enhance the learning process. Be patient, anything worth doing usually takes a bit of discipline and effort. Keep focused.

Let us keep in mind what Paul tells us about reasons for learning — All Scripture is breathed out by God and (1) profitable for teaching, (2) for reproof, (3) for correction, and for (4) training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). 

Do not lose sight of the prize. I have found while mining scripture – Easy is not always better. Use good judgement on your toolkit choices (study aids). We read in Joshua — Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful (Joshua 1:8). Keep the word close by. Get the phone app, there will be times when you have some ‘dead space in your schedule.’  Use that phone bible app as needed– access the bible – ‘cause, ya know’, your bible is sitting in your house not in your hands.

Some people may prefer to use bible study guides to assist in their learning. If you have had experience with authors such as Max Lucado or David Jeremiah, you may find their guides helpful to get started. Select your reference bible, concordance, systematic theology book, bible dictionary, and your Greek and Hebrew dictionary after careful research. Include a visit with trusted friends who have experience with these tools. Perhaps they will show you their toolkit. I suspect that used bookstores and used online book services may become your friend. Reference bibles are handy. The Thompson Chain bible is handy.

Get your tools together, look the tools over, do some preliminary research using the tools to gain experience with the tools. If you have overcome the learning curve for the tools you are more likely to use them when you are formally engaged in learning. Establish a place on your phone or your laptop for the wall of truth. Organize the sub directories using your target list as a guide.

Start – work on the target list. Pace yourself. Read some, study some, document some, manage your energy outlay, do not hammer it, and then get burned out. Proverbs says — My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart (Proverbs 3:1).

Commit to the list, use the toolkit, retain what you learn on your wall of truth. Get moving.

Document your findings on your wall of truth carefully. Proverbs say — For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding. He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones (Proverbs 2:6-8).

I suggest that you set a weekly goal — keep your goals modest. Victory is always better than a frustrated failure. Measured progress is helpful.

Failure does not mean — stop. Failure does not mean — I cannot, so I won’t. Failure is simply a speed bump. Pick yourself up, give yourself grace, and start again. It is more important to start again than anything else that you can do during Bible study. This is the mark of a successful person; a person who can recover from failure. Depart failure and move to success as many times as is needed. Never stop trying. God’s mercy is amazing, it is renewed every sunrise. Every Sunrise. Take a few moments and review Lamentations 3:22-24; you will not be disappointed.

Daniel says — Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring into the king’s service some of the Israelites from the royal family and the nobility— young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace. He was to teach them the language and literature of the Babylonians (Daniel 1:3-4).

Paul says — For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope (Romans 15:4). Get ‘er’ done.

I choose Jesus.

How Long Did Job Suffer?

Dan

It has been my observation that when the Bible speaks on a topic, the Bible speaks absolute truth. Furthermore, I find no path available (within the confines of absolute truth) to yield on this point and remain faithful to scripture (God’s message). But sometimes, we observe that scripture leaves gaps in the information presented.

What do we do? What should we do? The focus of this essay is one of those gaps. Let us explore the duration (timeline) for the troubles of Job. Scripture does not comment on the complete timeline, but I have attempted to form a reasonable estimate of the timeline drawing from available scripture and a close reading of a map. I chose this subject because it does not present the same struggles that other gaps in scripture do.

Let us start at the beginning. Job was a real person who experienced the real events described in the book of Job. I start with that truth. I believe his friends (Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar) were earnest but misguided – they were scolded by God at the end of the account (see Job 42:7-9). I believe that Elihu was on point – he was not scolded by God at the end of the account. But it remains, how much time did the story traverse?

The following dialogue is ‘one man’s opinion’ — a safe way to demonstrate how to deal with an unknown. I am not recommending that you build life theology on my findings, rather I traveled this path to try to wrap my mind around the message of Job and to form an understanding for the duration of his woes. 30 years, 3 years, 3 weeks, 3 days, 3 minutes – these various spans of time all affect the intensity of the account.

We know that Job’s suffering began with the death of his servants and the loss of his livestock. Then his troubles became progressively worse with the deaths of his 10 children and his physical afflictions. We are told that four messengers came, one after the other while the previous one “was yet speaking…” (Job 1:13-19). Scripture says this encounter with the four messengers happened in a single day (Job 1:13).

I think Lucifer would strive to create the maximum amount of chaos in Job’s life (within the limits place upon Lucifer by God) to create the maximum impact on Job. This seems intense but we know God does not permit trouble we cannot endure as long as we lean on God (implied in Psalms 37:24, 1 Corinthians 10:13).

In Job chapter 1:13-19 we read — One day when Job’s sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, and the Sabeans attacked and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The fire of God fell from the heavens and burned up the sheep and the servants, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”  While he was still speaking, yet another messenger came and said, “Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” (NIV)

What a mess. Then a conversation happens between God and Lucifer. This happens while Job is recovering from the troubles. His wife comments on the troubles. (see Job 2). Again, these conversations take about a day. We are prudent to allow time between each key day.

Next, we are told that three of Job’s friends (Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar) decided to visit him when they heard of his suffering (implied in Job 2:11). We know the name of the places they come from; but we are unsure where the places are located on a map. What do we know about this situation? Numbers 1:2 suggests it takes about 11 days to travel from Egypt to the promised land. I choose to assume Job’s friends lived closer than Egypt. Friends tend to live near each other. I suspect they arrive at Job’s place within 10 days of the initial event (three days to get the notification, four days to prepare, and three days to travel). This assumption suggests a maximum of about 2 weeks from notification to arrival (why? Because they lived close to him).

We know Job’s three friends sat with Job in silence for 7 days. Then his friends conducted a debate with Job containing 9 discourses (see Job 3-27). After Job’s three friends ceased debating, Job speaks on a deeper level (Job 28-31). Finally, Elihu, a young man, arrived and spoke up (see Job 32-37). When Elihu ceased speaking, then God spoke. God first asked questions of Job (Job 38-41), and then He rebuked Job’s three friends. Overall, I estimate about 3-4 weeks for the debate (1 week of silence, 2-3 weeks of debate).

Given the first few days of notifications from the four messengers, the conversation with his wife, the notification and travel time for Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, and the debate, we find ourselves with about 6-8 weeks of time.

Let us pause to notice how Job responded to the Lord (Job 42:2-6) “I know that You can do everything, … You asked, ‘Who … hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore, I have uttered what I did not understand, Things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. … I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You. Therefore, I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes. “

After the three friends left (implied in Job 42:9), God restored Job (implied in Job 42:10). Based on this analysis I suggest the timeline for the troubles of Job and the assorted conversations traversed a couple of months. I prefer to think the restoration (see Job 42) happened over a few years. The Bible simply does not say. But it helps me to understand the flow of events if I place the occurrences for most of the Book of Job into a window of a few months. You may hold a different opinion — I’m good with that. I do not think it would be fruitful to debate this topic much. I formed this opinion as a tool, a framework, to help me visualize the events unfolding as described in the book of Job.

The deeper truth from Job — When God allows us to suffer in any way, or for any length of time, we must remember that He has a purpose (implied in Romans 5:3-5). The absence of a timeline in the Book of Job helps us to avoid comparing the duration of our suffering to Job’s suffering. We are promised God will work all things for our ultimate good and His glory (implied in 1 Corinthians 10:13). Therefore, what matters most is not the length of suffering, or even the severity of our suffering, it is how we choose to embrace the suffering (implied in Ecclesiastes 5:1-7). Where do we turn for comfort and hope? When we turn to God in faith, our hearts change, and troubles eventually evaporate (implied in James 1:2-4). Then the desired effect of the unknown timeline may produce the outcome God intended (see Psalms 46:10).

I choose Jesus.

Hollywood And The Tree Frogs

Dan

When the moon passes by the front window and moon shadows grow long almost laying on the floor, then the birds start to sing, and the sky transforms from twinkly black to a beautiful blue. The clouds began their morning dance as the wind picks up a bit and pushes down the road to the next ranch. Here at the Bent Knee Ranch, Hollywood is first rousing, looking for a sip of coffee and breakfast.

Hollywood says — Ahh…  breakfast; the warm smell of porridge, apples, and raisins in a bowl. Ahhhh… So yummy.

Miss Tillie knows what Hollywood likes and sets out to create a grand morning breakfast. The creative work she does in the kitchen is her offering of service to the one true living God. She says, it is my privilege to be of service to God, to help Hollywood begin his day on the Ranch, and to make this home a small glimpse of heaven. Every task in the house is done to bring glory to God, it is a privilege to serve God in this way. God made us to be creative and to do all things to his Glory – even a thing like cooking and homemaking becomes artwork and ministry as the home she builds is used to serve the community.

Then she asks Hollywood — when do you think the Tree frogs will start singing this year?

Hollywood replies – Soon. Very Soon. The weather is just right. Perhaps before the week is completed. I will let you know what I see when I get out onto the land.

So, Hollywood leaves the house and starts working on his ranch duties. He mends a few fences, checks on the cattle, repairs the barn door, and then rides the range looking for calves that are wandering alone and unprotected. His day is long and he sings to pass the time. He was taught by his grandfather that his work on the land is a ministry to Miss Tillie and the others that come to visit and ask questions about life. But, today he is thinking about Tree Frogs for his Miss Tillie.  He sings a song in his head that his mother taught him many years ago —

Do not look at me with big eyes,

Your glowing look, your sunny sky,

happy days I have come to know,

That tree frog I loved so long ago.

Do not smile for what you do,

It seems my dreams have come true.

We are happy as could be in the blue,

That tree frog smiled so long ago.

He remembers the early days with Miss Tillie. Ranch life was much more uncertain in those days. The thunderstorms often started fires, the wolves were always looking for a free lunch from the herd and the local town was not a nice place to visit.

But times have changed, people grew up and grew wise. Hollywood was part of that change. He did not like to bring attention to himself but he could see the differences in people as he brought peace to the valley of the Bent Knee. He continued singing:

When you speak, I think of trees,

A tree right here in the room with me.

Your voice that calls me so low,

That tree frog lost so long ago.

It is strange how God brings you near,

So many days, so many years.

Now it seems I am moving so slow,

Chasing a tree frog so long ago.

Hollywood smiled. He remembered the songs of his earlier days. Now, his whiskers were a bit gray; he moved a bit slower; he kept a bit closer to the fire in the evening. But his mind was still strong. He loved God, Miss Tillie, the Bent Knee Ranch, the local town, and his cattle. They have lived a grand life. Often people come by in the afternoon to visit and ask questions about their struggles. They know that Hollywood and Miss Tillie have become wise in their old age and they look for his counsel.

But now, it was time for supper, Hollywood found some good things to eat. He chopped and shaped and gently placed his vegetables in the pan to cook them tender through and through. He found a thick steak and placed it on the coals to sear and sizzle until it was a bright pink inside. His coffee cup was empty and he poured Miss Tillie a cup of coffee to have with her meal.

Then Hollywood gave thanks for the meal and quietly watched the sun set on the hills. In the distance he could hear the call of a tree frog, first one, then a second, then a whole choir of singers filling the night with the gentle praise for God’s goodness and mercy as the day ended. Miss Tillie smiled.

Psalm 23:6 — Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Please note: In 1956 a cowboy poet, Jim Jennings, published a short book about his experience working at ‘dude’ ranches in the west. My Great grandmother, Goldie Livingston, obtained a first edition copy of Jim’s self-published book in the fall of 1956. The poetry in this story is adapted from Jim’s book.

Heart Focus

Dan

It has been my observation, when we pray, it should not be routinely structured to get something from God. Rather, prayer is a way to connect with Him and realign our hearts with His heart, His will on all things that matter. Prayer is an especially important tool during our walk with God. Prayer should not be taken lightly. Like any relationship, if you do not spend time with that person the relationship will eventually suffer. Prayer is a way for us to spend quality time with God. It is a way to deeply connect with Him and purge our mind of earthly things. When we pray, we open our hearts to Him — He works in us and through us. Prayer also helps us to build our relationship with God – focused on Him.

James 4:8 tells us — Draw near to God and He will draw near to you (NIV). I can recall multiple times in my own life moments in prayer where I pressed in and felt His peace override all understanding. Prayer helps us see life through a heavenly lens.

Philippians 4:6-7 says — Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds (NIV).

Prayer is important because it positions us to receive God’s peace during life’s hardest moments, prayer helps me stay focused on what is close to God’s heart! He is the One who can help you focus, find peace, comfort, healing, strength, purpose and so much more. God’s wisdom compels us to pray on regular basis about everything in our life (implied in James 1:5). Please understand, prayer for me is more than a formal, head bowed experience, it is daily chatter, all through the day. Talk with him like we talk with our close friends. Success, failure, opportunities, mistakes, heartache, little pleasures – these are the substance of a rich relationship.

Prayer is a gift; Paul tells us — pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” (Ephesians 6:18).

Waiting for a better time or better location to pray is counterproductive. We are told to Pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17). We offer praise for the good stuff and we ask for help when needed. James asks — Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray (James 5:13).

Our happenings are all good reasons to pray. Paul says — Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer (Romans 12:12). Dig deep into the heart of Wisdom, get quiet. Get humble. Focus. Get it done.

When Jesus prayed for his disciples in John 17, he prayed for those who would believe in him, “that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you” (John 17:21). Prayer helps us become one with the Father and have the kind of relationship Jesus had with him. When we come into the presence of God, all our interpretation and pretense are gone—there is nothing to hide because he sees everything and knows everything about us.

We are humbled by the realization God’s power, goodness, and how much we need him. And yet, God accepts us as we are—not because he wants us to stay that way, but because he knows that the relationship comes first. As we grow to love him, we choose to become more like him. When we find forgiveness through prayer, God softens our heart and allows us to forgive others. When we experience God’s compassion and mercy, we become much more comfortable sharing the experience with others. When we understand that God’s grace is freely given, we learn to accept God’s love; it transforms our hearts and our actions.

The best thing about prayer is the two-way conversation. This conversation we call prayer has all the components of communication; we talk to God, he listens, he talks to us, we listen. Communication is not communication unless information moves both ways between the two people involved in the event. Please do not deliver a briefing to God, engage in a conversation. Communicate. James 1:5 says – If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.

I choose Jesus.

Running the Race to Completion

Dan

It has been my observation while reading the book of Hebrews, standing firm on a commitment to God is not easy (Hebrews 12:1). Why? We are mere humans who cringe at pain, loss, and try to avoid heartache. We are not comfortable with the unknown. We are unable to see into the future. Building and maintaining a steadfast heart (strong character) is not simple, but it is possible if we connect ourselves to God and strengthen our walk with God (Micah 6:8).

Creating a steadfast heart starts and ends with trust. We deepen our trust of God through experience. This is not a ‘thinking exercise’ it is a ‘doing exercise’.  We engage in life’s struggles to strengthen our relationship with God. We learn to trust others by doing things with friends and learning how they solve issues. We build trust by discovering how they think, what they do to meet life’s challenges. If we feel safe, we become willing to reveal our hearts and troubles to them (Ephesians 5:21). Sometimes, we discover that we cannot. Other times we discover that we can.

David Wilkerson tells us – “There are powerful forces at work today against every believer who would hold fast to his confident faith.…in the midst of all this anxiety and fear, we who trust in the Lord hear His Word telling us, ‘Be steadfast and confident to the end.’  The fact is, whenever there is mounting fear, God calls for greater steadfastness. Whenever there is great terror and falling away, He calls for greater confidence. Whenever there is gloom and despair, He calls us to increase our gladness and rejoicing. That is the nature of our heavenly Father. He has made provision for His people to hold fast and retain their joy in the severest of troubled times.” 

With God, we deploy prayer, worship, and attentiveness to his wisdom to build steadfastness. We enter into a long-term conversation with God to learn from him and recognize his presence all around us. This takes time. Yielding our life and heart toward God is a learned skill facilitated by the Holy Spirit. It takes attentiveness on our part as we investigate our past, locate those issues that are impeding progress, and then give those things to him. The more willing we are to trust, the deeper our relationship with God becomes, the more our hearts are steadfast in the storms (Ephesians 4:15). This takes time.

Paul continues in Ephesians 4:17-24 (paraphrased) — So I tell you this, and I insist on it in the Lord, that you must walk away from living as the Gentiles do, standing with your fist in the air, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance they are proclaiming and the gradual hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity to the things of God, they have given themselves over to sensuality, they indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed. That, however, is not the way of life you learned. You know how to walk with God. You were taught these things when you first heard about Christ. Clearly, you were taught about the things of God in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to allow the Holy Spirit to rebuild the attitude of your minds; and to ‘walk the walk’ in the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. (NIV)

Paul tells us that ‘walking the walk’ strengthens the heart muscle, grows our reliance on faith, and nurtures our trust in God. Micah presented this notion eons ago. What did he say? What does the Lord desire of us? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humblywith your God (see Micah 6:8).

This approach of stepping away from our norms, pulls us out of the feral lifestyle and brings us close to God. As we are being transformed, we take risks – perhaps we allocate more of our financial resources to God only to notice we still have plenty left. Perhaps we find time for the service of others only to notice we still have time for ourselves and our family. Perhaps we pray for somebody who has hurt us causing our recoil from them only to discover we have been changed and reach out to them with forgiveness. Trusting God. Steadfast Hearts.

I have witnessed this first-hand in many of your lives. I have watched you face impossible choices and find a way to stay true for Jesus. I have seen you make choices that would cause others to give up. I have seen your steadfast heart clinging to God and discovering his peace. We encourage each other.

I choose Jesus.