His Righteousness

I spent some time today reflecting on some of the things that He has done in the last few years... things I couldn't have even started to imagine. He has been so faithful and so abundantly gracious and merciful. Right now is a tough time financially for many including us. It can be stressful to an unhealthy level, so just taking the time to think about all the blessings He has poured out on me and how He has continually taken care of me has been such a blessing and encouragement today. I had a song stuck in my head all day today. It's a song called, "Perfect Peace" written by one of my favorite modern-day song writers--Laura Story. I'd encourage you to look up her music if you have a chance... great Biblical perspectives on life. Anyway, here are the lyrics...

Stay close by My side
Keep your eyes on Me
Though this life is hard
I will give you perfect peace

In this time of trial
Pain that no one sees
Trust Me when I say
I will give you perfect peace

And you'll never walk alone
And you'll never be in need
Though I may not calm the storms around you
You can hide in Me

Burdens that you bear
Offer no relief
Let Me bear your load
'Cause I will give you perfect peace

Stay close by My side
And you'll never walk alone
Keep your eyes on Me
And you'll never be in need
Though this life is hard
Know that I will always give you perfect peace
I will give you perfect peace

What a blessing it is to have people that have gone before us who have taken the time to think Biblical thoughts about the trials of life. Those words, "Stay close by My side, keep your eyes on Me" are so simple and yet so essential. As soon as I lose sight of Him and start to look to things on this earth, that is when I start seeing all my needs... the needs that He promises to meet.

I was reading through Romans 9 and 10 today and verses 1-3 of chapter 10 stuck out to me.

Brethren, my heart's desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation. For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge. For not knowing about God's righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God.

This passage was very much convicting. Within me, there is a great temptation to try to live righteously without subjecting myself to His perfect righteousness. The reality is that we can have as much zeal for righteous living as we can muster and that will not be enough. It is when we truly see that our righteousness is as filthy rags... and humble ourselves before Him that we can truly live righteous, God-glorifying lives.

We are not of the flesh!

I can't believe how fast time is flying right now. It seems like I never have enough time to do what I want to do. I guess that is probably a good thing though. Church has continually been a great blessing. We did our first choir song at church a week ago. We sang, "How Deep the Father's Love for Us". One of the challenges of being part of a worship team or choir is to really let the words sink in to my heart. Words like, "that He should give His only son, to make a wretch His treasure"... how humbling! I don't see any good reason for Him to treasure me... and yet He does. Realizing that my righteousness is as filthy rags to Him... that is some deep love that He has for me! I was reading Romans 8 today and verses 6-10 really stood out to me.

For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God. However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you, but if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness.

I know that my thoughts and actions reflect the flesh far more than it ought to. What a blessing it is when He doesn't grant us peace! If He were to give us peace when we live by the flesh, we would continue to do so. The reality is that the flesh is completely opposing Him. Obvious statement I know, but how often to I (we) allow thoughts to go unchallenged? How often to do we not take everything captive to the obedience of Christ? The truth is that for those of us that are saved, we are no longer in bondage to the flesh... we have the Spirit inside of us to live through us. This passage is a great reminder of our position in Christ. In these times where it is so easy to not trust Him with everything, it is essential that we completely trust Him and live as He wills.

Being Content

Life has been super busy lately, but God has been good. There has been one pretty major change in my life... I decided to quit working on the IT side of the company I currently work for. I still work for the programming side of the company, but this will probably end in a cut in hours. This may not sound like a good thing, but I believe it is His best at this time. I am very thankful for His guidance and the godly counsel of my parents as well.

I was notified somewhat recently that I am part of a pool of 26 guys for USA Team Handball that will be chosen to travel around this next year for tournaments. I am still seeking His will in this, but it seems like He is opening the doors. I have a wonderful Friday and Saturday... us Osborne guys went camping with the Hearn guys up in the mountains. We kind of roughed it... played some frisbee... fished a lot... I took a spill out of the canoe with cell phone, wallet, etc. It really was a great trip.

During devotions this morning, we studied Philippians 4. Verses 11 and 12 is what really stuck out to me.

Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.

This was a great reminder for me as I think about my work situation and how it really isn't where I see myself long-term... and yet it is where He has me right now. I need a good dose of contentment that comes only through Him. He is good and His ways are perfect!