Perspective for March 14, 2011

Is life really "sweeter than the day before"? It says that it is in the hymnal...but in reality, it is neither true nor biblical!

Some days our disposition is bitter even though we are saved! Some days we are so saddened by the circumstance that we are depressed and discouraged.


Every day with Jesus is NOT sweeter than the day before. We know it from experience and from scripture:
Ps 19:7 says, "The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul".

If every day with Jesus were sweeter than the day before; if life were a steady ascent with no dips in our affection for God we would never be discouraged or frustrated or depressed and consequently we would never need to be re-vived! When I read the 23rd Psalm and understand that David's soul was "restored" (vs2-3) I conclude that he needed restoration because he was down...not up!

Let's be honest! God does not promise us easy....but he promises us growth of character through adversity as we trust him in difficult days. 

So if today is not sweeter for you than yesterday, try to remind yourself that you are in good company: Stephen, martyred for his faith; Paul, beaten and left for dead; Moses, when hundreds of thousands murmured against him because they had no meat to eat.....oh yeah...the list is long....

But the Word of God revives the soul (Psalm19:7). Take some time today to read it and write a prayer to God. It is like good medicine for the soul!

This is my perspective. What's yours :-)?

Brent

Face to Face - Perspective for March 10, 2011

One of my favorite devotionals from the Daily Bread series, tells the story of Pastor Scotty Smith learning to personally experience the passionate love of God. When he was a young boy, Scotty lost his mother suddenly in a car accident. Because of this, he closed off his wounded heart to others, including God. Several years later he received Jesus as his Savior and began to learn the truths of Christianity. Yet his relationship with the Lord in those days was, as he described, “side by side rather than face to face. Important, but not intimate.”

Do you ever feel that way? You talk to the Lord a little bit, read His words in the Bible, but don’t sense a passionate connection with Him like that expressed by the psalmist David in Psalm 63. I have. . . and it’s not a comfortable place to be.

In his book, Objects of His Affection, Scotty suggests two ways to overcome the obstacles to intimacy. First,Live Honestly. Open up to the Lord about the pain of your losses and admit your failures. “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8)

Secondly, Ponder and Believe the Scriptures about God’s character and His longing for you. “Your loving kindness is better than life.” (Psalm 63:3)

Building a relationship with anyone – including Jesus, takes time and effort. Decide to be His friend. . . and don’t give up. I know He won’t. In the end, the reward will be immeasurable!!

This is my perspective. . . what is yours?

Pastor Tom