Life Journal

Scripture

Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, but happy is he who keeps the law. Proverbs 29:18

Observation

The Book of Proverbs is written in stereo ... couplets that either reinforce one another or a set of antonyms that oppose each other. The purpose in either case is to increase the reader's comprehension by giving context and understanding through comparison.

Vision is something everyone needs to keep hope alive. Without it, we go in several directions at once and we lose traction. But where does vision come from?

In the local church, we hear that often. "What is your vision?" a newcomer from another church might say. Or on their way out, "You don't have enough vision."

I have witnessed that where there is no vision, the people tend to just make one up.

But here, we find an interesting twist. This balancing couplet steers us to the very genesis of vision... "but happy is he who keeps the law."

The bottom line is if we are people who keep His laws with all our hearts, vision will be a by-product, not the primary driver. Vision will emerge as the Holy Spirit leads those whose hearts are obedient and sold out to His ways and His Word.

I have seen often how the Lord reveals His will along the way when we are ready to absorb His next assignment. He knows when we are ready to not only have the zeal to say "yes," but the fullness of character and enough of His likeness to fulfill that "yes."

Application

I must not be swayed to perform as much as obey. Surely God has much in store for us and assignments to fulfill, but I will give my emphasis to a culture of obedience and devotion to Christ. In the midst of that heart, I will open my ears to assignments, projects, direction and expansions as God assigns... and He definitely does!

For this season, he is asking us to upgrade our hearts, our ministry, and our quality. 1 Thessalonians 4:1 reminds us of this charge:

Finally then, brethren, we request and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us instruction as to how you ought to walk and please God (just as you actually do walk), that you excel still more.

But the bottom line? Our happiness and our joy will not come from a "mission accomplished" as much as it will be from keep the Law, hearing His heart and obeying His voice with gladness of heart. There will be the pull to perform, but may the pull to be near His side be the strongest attraction of all.

Prayer

Dear Jesus, being a people with a keen relationship with you is of great importance to me. In the end, that is what we will need to lean on ... not accomplishments or projects. Yes, they will be wonderful memories and they will hold the faith-record of Your faithfulness, but that which will bring the greatest joy is that we have walked ever so closely by Your side.

Do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven. Luke 10:20

© 2007 Wayne Cordeiro at New Hope Christian Fellowship O'ahu

Original found here.

Scripture

I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and to do good in one's lifetime; moreover, that every man who eats and drinks sees good in all his labor - it is the gift of God. Ecclesiastes 3:12

Observation

Solomon was a bit cynical in his writings, but a singular theme surfaces over and over ... Here it is: rejoice in each day. Every breath and each activity is worthy of our notice!

Of course, if what you do is totally absent of eternal purpose, then indeed, vanity of vanity, all is vanity. But that is not my usual problem. I am often too single minded and ultra-focused.

While accomplishing tasks, we miss life. While growing ministry, we miss the growing kids. While hurrying to keep schedules, we exchange meetings for meaning.

Application

So today, I will take time to enjoy it, not just complete it. Instead of typing out this devotional in order to feel a sense of accomplishment, I will instead, enjoy the flow of thought; the adjectives that bring the words to life, and the rhythm of sentences that orchestrate truth. Even my coffee tastes better when I decide to let my taste buds experience the roast! My usual goal is to consume caffeine as a necessity to "life in the fast lane."

Hey, wait a minute. The sky is blue! I didn't even notice that till now. Cotton clouds drift slowly by, hoping I will notice them, and the playful trees draw attention to themselves by rustling their leaves in the wind. Life is actually splendid when I take a moment ... to enjoy the moment.

Well, better go now. I have a video shoot that I am late for. (Just kidding).

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I want to be a man of purpose but also a man of peace; a peace that starts on the inside. I remember the old rabbinic saying which says: "One day God will hold us accountable for all the things He created for us to enjoy, but we refused to do so." I don't want to be guilty of that. I must ruthless remove all hurry from my life, and in doing so, I will be able to hear your voice more clearly and sense your heart more poignantly.

© 2007 Wayne Cordeiro at New Hope Christian Fellowship O'ahu

Original found here.

Scripture

Frustration is better than laughter, because a sad face is good for the heart. Ecclesiastes 7:3

Observation

When I read those words today I had a 'monback moment" - you know, when the Bible snags your soul like a rosebush and says "come on back here now and study this bloom." Most translations say "sorrow is better than laughter." But this translation uses another word that sends me hunting to find the true definition of the word "sorrow" or "frustration".

My dictionary tells me that the word in Hebrew means both "sorrow" and "anger" at the same time. It seems that the word "frustration" is a good compromise between the two. Grief is accepting that something lost is lost. We can feel sorrow and anger about that loss at the same time. That frustrating sadness is a good thing.

Learning to live without something we once depended upon is good heart exercise. It obviously brings us to our knees but it also brings to the surface what laughter will only disguise. Not getting our way is the best way forward.

Application

This scripture leads to a radical new direction in prayer. Instead of praying, Lord change my condition! It calls me to pray, Lord change me!

Prayer

Today, Father, I thank you for the loss of things I’ve depended on. Let the limp I walk with cause me to depend upon you more. Amen.

© 2007 Phil McCallum at New Hope Christian Fellowship O'ahu

Original found here.