Wait for God's Best

Photo by Laurie Collett 2020

My husband and I were walking the beach on a beautiful morning, in the perfect setting for our prescribed 30-minute brisk daily walk. The sun-streaked, silver waves glimmered as they swirled along the shore in frothy, lacy curly-cues. Feathery clouds arched through the robin’s egg blue sky, where terns flew in a V-shaped formation and pelicans soared, periodically interrupting their flight to nose dive into the sea in search of breakfast.

“Only primo specimens,” Richard shouted over the drum roll of the surf. He must have seen me glancing furtively at the chipped, yet still colorful and intricate shells lining the beach, and the fragments of fossilized bone that were too small to be identified and given a home in his already vast collection. 

With a sigh, I knew he was right. Not only would such souvenirs add to the clutter at home, but they would weigh us down on our morning walk. On previous jaunts like this, poor Richard was laden down, beach bag stuffed and pockets bulging with what appeared to the casual observer to be just rocks! 

The main objective on this day was to get 30 minutes of moderately paced exercise, to strengthen our hearts, bodies and immune system. If we were to get bogged down stopping to examine, pick up, and rinse off a beach treasure, it would interrupt our continuous exercise and keep us from reaching our goal. 

Being too preoccupied with beachcombing could also distract us from taking time to appreciate God’s blessings of the balmy breeze, the crisp salt air, the warm sunshine, and each other to share the experience!

Later on, on our sunset stroll, there would be the luxury of pausing to admire each find and show it to each other, discussing whether a long, black object was a fossilized rib or femur to be kept, or just a rock to be discarded. But even then, if we collected merely average specimens, we would run out of room in our bag and pockets for finer gifts from the sea. 

As I wandered along the shore’s edge, often a shiny or dark, large object would catch my eye, and I would bend down to scoop out of the water before the waves could carry it away. But often, as I did that, finally clutching the prize in my hand, I would notice an even better specimen being drawn out to sea by the waves, now tantalizingly out of reach. 

Whether or not we fill our storage chests with better or worse specimens is of minimal importance in the vast scheme of things. But it reminded me that we can become weighted down (Hebrews 12:1), and even set off course, by the seemingly good things the world has to offer, while missing out on God’s best (James 4:4). 

As born-again Christians (John 3:3-8) saved by our faith (Ephesians 2:8-9) in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) as the only Way to Heaven (John 14:6), we know that He has a unique plan for each of our lives (Jeremiah 29:11). The safest and best place we could possibly be is to be in the center of that plan, for He loves us infinitely and wants what is best for us (Jeremiah 33:3). 

The extent of the rewards we are given at the judgment seat of Christ (1 Corinthians 3:10-15), and the sorrow we experience over missed opportunities to serve Him, will in large part depend on how attuned we are to hear the Holy Spirit’s guidance and to make wise choices (Romans 8:14; Matthew 6:24). To run the race of faith with perseverance and dedication, we must not become weighted down with distractions, or worse yet, let temptation lead to sin that keeps us from finishing the course (1 Corinthians 9:24, Hebrews 12:1). 

I remembered a story often repeated by Charles Stanley in his sermons, which I will attempt to paraphrase. As a young pastor struggling to make ends meet, he needed to replace his car. He prayed and searched for a good deal on a used economy car, and finally found one for sale that seemed to be a perfect fit for his budget. 

As he was about to sign the paper work, he heard the Holy Spirit asking him, “Son, do you want this, or do you want God’s best?” 

So he muttered an apology to the confused salesman, got up, and left the car dealership, reluctant to let the car go, yet trusting in God’s will and guidance. Three days later, he was stunned by a surprise visit from a member of his congregation. 

“Pastor, I know you need another vehicle, and one day over coffee a few weeks ago you shared with me all the features you would like in your dream car if money were no object,” the church member began..”So I took the liberty of purchasing your brand new dream car for you, and I am praying you will accept it as a gift from me and my family.” 

Needless to say, Pastor Stanley learned the lessons of listening for God’s still, small voice (1 Kings 19:12), and waiting on the Lord (Psalm 27:14), Who always desires to shower His children with the blessing of His very best gifts (Matthew 7:11). May we do the same until He comes again!

© 2020 Laurie Collett

What’s In A Name?

 

Romeo and Juliet by Dicksee

As Romeo asked Juliet in the famed Shakespeare tragedy about star-crossed lovers from families warring against each other, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”

But in reality, names do matter. They indicate the authority of the one giving the name, and often the characteristics of the one being named. Our parents had the right to name each of us, for they brought us into the world and had authority over us as they raised us.

The name given may reflect the parents’ hopes for spiritual attributes the child will one day demonstrate, such as “Faith,” “Grace,” or “Charity.” Children may be named after a relative, a popular celebrity, historical figure, or Bible hero, such as “Mary,” “John,” or even “Jesus.” Conversely, very few children are named “Adolph” or “Judas!”

God gave Adam the task of naming all the animals, indicating his dominion over the animal kingdom, as well as his intelligence and creativity in selecting appropriate names for each species (Genesis 1:26, 28; 2:19-20). Men and women of Scripture sometimes changed their name when their life circumstances shifted. After the death of her sons, Naomi renamed herself “Mara,” meaning “bitter,” as her joy gave way to sorrow (Ruth 1:20).

Speaking through angels, God Himself gave names to those playing pivotal roles in His master plan, including John the Baptist (Luke 1:13), and Jesus (Yeshua in Hebrew, meaning “Yahweh saves”), for He would save the people from their sins (Luke 1:31). God sometimes changed the name of people to indicate a dramatic shift in their mindset as they accepted the new destiny He had in mind for them since before the beginning of time (Jeremiah 29:11).

Abram became Abraham as he took the first step of faith toward the Promised Land to become the father of a great nation (Genesis 17:5). His wife Sarai became Sarah as she learned that she would give birth in her old age, making her a mother of nations and ancestor of the promised Messiah (Genesis 17:15).

Jesus renamed His apostle Simon to become Peter (Mark 3:16), yet He reverted to calling him Simon when he showed a false self-confidence instead of relying on faith in Christ (Luke 22:31). Saul, a legalistic Pharisee who thought he was doing God a favor by persecuting and killing Christians, became the apostle Paul (Acts 13:9), evangelist, church planter, and author of much of the New Testament.

Nicknames and titles that we use for one another often portray our relationship to that person. My husband may call me “Baby,” and my patients used to call me “Doctor,” but I would find it very strange if it were the other way! As an infant grows and a child matures, their parents or classmates may give them a nickname suitable for their attributes. A strawberry blonde may be called “Red,” or an academic overachiever “Braniac.”

When it comes to Jesus Himself, His many appellations each show us different facets of His character and attributes. He is our Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 11:17; 15:11), for we should willingly yield to His complete dominion over our lives; He is our Savior; and He is the Christ, the anointed One and promised Messiah. His is the only Name by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12), by trusting in His death, burial and resurrection as the only Way to Heaven.

He is Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father and Prince of Peace! (Isaiah 9:6). His beauty and heavenly fragrance make Him the Rose of Sharon and Lily of the Valleys (Song of Solomon 2:1). He is the Righteous Branch (Jeremiah 23:5) and True Vine from Whom we can bloom and bear fruit if we remain in Him (John 15:1-5).

As lost sheep prone to go astray, we must follow Him as the Good, Great, and Chief Shepherd (John 10:11-18; Hebrews 13:20; 1 Peter 5:4; Psalm 23). When we are in danger He is our solid Rock (Matthew 16:18), sure Foundation and Cornerstone (Isaiah 28:16), strong Tower (Proverbs 18:10), and Refuge (Psalm 62:8).

Jesus Christ is not only the Word Who created us and all things (John 1:1-3, but our Sustainer (Psalm 55:22) and Redeemer (Job 19:25). He gives us physical and spiritual nourishment as the Bread of Life (John 6:35) and Living Water (John 4:10). He is the Door (John 10:7) and the Way, Truth and Life (John 14:6) through which we enter Heaven to live forever, as He is also the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25). One day He will return as the Righteous Judge (2 Timothy 4:8), King of Kings and Lord of Lords! (Revelation 17:14).

But mere names are insufficient to encompass His glory that we will only fully appreciate when we see our Lord Jesus Christ face to face! Praise God that He will then give each of us a new name (Revelation 2:17), symbolizing our new mission He has given us to enjoy throughout all eternity!

Copyright Laurie Barclay 2026

Judgment and Deliverance by Water

 

Painting by Lidia Kosenitzky 2009 (wikimedia)

Water in the Bible may represent God’s blessings of physical and spiritual sustenance and healing. But the Lord gives and He takes away (Job 1:21), and He can use water as an instrument of His omnipotent wrath as well as His infinite love.

God used water to judge mankind for their sin when He destroyed the vast majority of men and living creatures in a global flood, sparing only faithful Noah and his family (Genesis 6:17). Thankfully, He promised that He would never again destroy the whole earth by water, and He gave us the rainbow as His sign of that promise (Genesis 9 :11-15).

Nonetheless, God continued to use the destructive force of water and localized flooding as an instrument of judgment, as in the ”overflowing flood ’’ that destroyed the city of the Philistines (Jeremiah 47:2). While sparing the Israelites and allowing their escape from captivity as He parted the Red Sea waters (Exodus 14::21-29; Nehemiah 9:11). He released the waves just in time for the pursuing Egyptians to drown (Psalm 106:11).

Other examples of water as a barricade preventing passage until God miraculously intervened include His drying up the Jordan waters so the Israelites could pass over (Joshua 4:23,) and Elijah and then Elisha parting the waters to cross the Jordan (2 Kings 2:8,14). Oceans and other great bodies of water tend to isolate peoples and nations, particularly before modern times of air travel. In the new heaven and new earth, there will be no more sea (Revelation 21:1), perhaps representing the unity of all the saints throughout eternity, and free passage to one another at the speed of thought!

God used the violent power of water to punish Jonah for his disobedience (Jonah 2:3-5), as his boat was tossed about in the storm, he was plunged beneath the waves, and he was swallowed by a great fish. But once he learned his lesson and prayed to God for mercy, the whale vomited so that the waves could cast Jonah safely onto dry land (Jonah 2:10). Similarly, the churning waves in a storm tested the faith of Jesus’ disciples while revealing His supernatural power to save them (Matthew 8:24-27).

Contamination of the water is a terrible judgment, as in the Egyptian plague of waters turning to blood (Exodus 7:17-24; Psalm 105:29). To punish the Israelites for their sin of idolatry, Moses ground up the golden calf and added the powder to their drinking water (Exodus 32:20); During the Tribulation, the waters will again be contaminated as the star Wormwood falls into the sea, polluting one third of the water (Revelation 8:10-11).

Elisha purified barren water with salt (2 Kings 2: 19-22), foreshadowing Christ’s commandment that believers be the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13), comforting and restoring those marred by the sinful world. Moses turned bitter water to sweet with a medicinal branch (Exodus 15:23-25), and Jesus Christ Who is the Righteous Branch (Jeremiah 23:5; 33:15) purifies our sinful souls.

When believers are born again by placing their faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) as the only Way to eternal life (John 14:6), the indwelling Holy Spirit makes each of us a source of living water to refresh the world (John 7:38) by sharing God’s Word and His love.

But sadly, our remaining sin nature sometimes pollutes our testimony. As James reminds us, the same fountain cannot give forth sweet and bitter water (James 3:11-12), and if we allow our sin nature to gain control, what we spout forth is poison not fit for others to consume (James 3:8). But if believers yield to the Spirit, He can use the living water, or Scripture spoken in love, flowing from us to help cleanse others from sin-sickness and to be a healing force for good and for salvation.

With every instance of God’s judgment through water He has provided deliverance for those who are faithful and obedient to Him. Noah and his family found refuge in the ark floating safely above the flood waters, which was echoed in baby Moses floating in his basket to escape infanticide as he was rescued by Pharaoh’s daughter (Exodus 2:10). In their angry pursuit of the escaping Israelites, the Egyptians perished in the Red Sea, but God made a way through the raging waters for His chosen people.

God chastised Jonah by enclosing him in a watery grave for three days and nights, foreshadowing God’s ultimate plan of salvation as Jesus Christ rose from the dead to conquer sin and death forever (John 3:16; Romans 5:12-21). The prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2) may control the waves, but even he must cease and desist when the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) rebukes the storm. Praise God that He is not only the Righteous Judge (Psalm 9:8; Revelation 19:11), but also our Savior, Deliverer and Redeemer! (Isaiah 47:4; 60:16)

© 2013 Laurie Collett

Reposted from the archives

Triplets of Womanhood: Three Marys

 

Just as God portrays His Triune nature in patterns of three throughout His Word, His nature, and His creation, it is not surprising that there are three women named Mary in close association to Christ in His earthly ministry. These are Mary, mother of Jesus (Luke 1-2), Mary Magdalene, Jesus’s disciple from the time He cast out seven demons from her (Mark 16:19), and His close friend Mary of Bethany, sister of Martha and Lazarus (Luke 10:38-42; John 11:2). These women were bound to Jesus by love as His family, follower, and friend.

There are also three additional women named Mary described in less detail in Scripture, but also worthy of mention. One of these is referred to as "the other Mary" (Matthew 27:61), also known as the mother of the disciples James and Joses (Matthew 27:55-61); and as the wife of Cleophas (John 19:25). The second is the mother of John Mark (Acts 12:12); and sister to Barnabas (Colossians 4:10), who opened her home to the disciples to meet for prayer (Acts 12:12). The third is Mary of Rome, whom Paul thanked for her "many labors" in support of his ministry to the Roman Christians (Romans 16:6).

These three women: the “other Mary,” the mother of John Mark, and Mary of Rome, are known for their association to Christianity by being relatives of the first missionaries and by their service to the early church. All six of these women have much to teach us about the Biblical ideal of womanhood.

“Mary” in the New Testament is the Greek equivalent of the Old Testament Hebrew names “Miriam,” given to the sister of Moses and Aaron (Exodus 15:20-21), and “Mara,” the name Naomi adopted to reflect her great sorrow in bereavement (Ruth 1:20). The name means bitterness, sorrow, or trouble, reflecting the pain, grief and tribulation each woman bore, though in differing circumstances. 

The root word of this name is the same as for the spice known as myrrh, a bitter, fragrant and costly herb. In symbolic terms, myrrh may represent the bitterness of childbirth, mandated by the curse of sin (Genesis 3:16); the joys of motherhood (Proverbs 23:22-25); and the priceless value of Biblical womanhood, exemplified by the Proverbs 31 woman.

Myrrh was one of the gifts presented to Jesus as a young child to symbolize that He came to die (Matthew 2:11); it was offered to Him on the cross (Mark 15:23); and it was used to anoint His body for burial (John 19:39-40). And yet it was also included in the holy anointing oil used in Old Testament worship (Exodus 30:23; Psalm 45:7-8); it purified women such as Queen Esther (Esther 2:12); and it perfumed the marriage bed. (Proverbs 7:17-18; Song of Solomon 1:13,3:6;4:14).

In keeping with Divine triplets in Scripture, there were three Marys present at the crucifixion of Jesus (John 19:25).  Mary, mother of Jesus, came to the cross by submission to God’s calling her to carry His Son (Luke 1:28-38).  Mary Magdalene came by Christ’s mercy as He freed her from demonic possession (Mark 16:19); and Mary of Cleophas came by her relationship with Christ’s followers, for she was the close relative of two disciples.

These three Marys present at the cross of Christ therefore represent the three-step process by which every born-again believer (John 3:3-8) comes to know Christ and places their faith in His death, burial and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) as the only Way to Heaven (John 14:6). First, we have some association with Christians who share the Gospel with us; then we ask Christ for His mercy to forgive us and spare us from eternal death that our sins deserve (Romans 3:23); and finally we submit to His perfect will for our life (James 4:7), all through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Praise God that He gave us victory (1 Corinthians 15:55-57) over sin, death and hell! Three Marys witnessed the evidence of His resurrection firsthand as they came to anoint His body at the tomb, only to find that He had risen! These three were Mary Magdalene (Matthew 28:1; Mark 16:1; Luke 24:10; John 20:1), Mary the mother of James (the “other Mary;” Matthew 28:1; Mark 16:1), and the mother of Jesus, as one of the women that were with Mary Magdalene at the cross (Luke 24:10).

Each of these women has a unique story, yet with common themes that illustrate how we can lead lives pleasing to Lord Jesus Christ. Like the three Marys, may we turn from the bitterness of sin to the joy of salvation and the blessings of serving Him!

© 2015 Laurie Collett

Reposted from the archives

Independence Day

                                                                                                        

Photo by Carol M. Highsmith 2008

On July 4, the United States of America celebrates its 250th birthday! Independence Day, commemorates signing of the Declaration of Independence. This document, drafted by Thomas Jefferson and approved by the Continental Congress on July 2, 1776, proclaimed independence of the thirteen American colonies from British rule.

As important as July 4 is in our US national history as a celebration of liberty from tyrannical oppression, an even more crucial date in the life of every Christian is their spiritual birthday. At the moment we were born again (John 3:3-8), we trusted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, Who died on the cross to pay our sin debt in full and rose again on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:1-4), so that all who believe in Him have eternal life (John 3:16).

On that date of our second birth – our spiritual Independence Day – we trusted the One Who came to proclaim liberty to the captives (Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:18), to free us from the tyrannical rule of the devil, to break the shackles of sin and death. Yet, our independence from Satan, sin and death is accompanied by our realization that we are totally dependent on the God Who knew us from before the beginning of time (Psalm 139:13-16) and has an amazing plan for each of us (Jeremiah 29:11; Ephesians 2:10).

We cannot live apart from Jesus Christ any more than a branch can grow grapes when cut off the grapevine (John 15:5). Without Him, we can do nothing, but with Him, all things are possible! (Matthew 19:26). It is only when we come to the end of ourselves, realizing our complete helplessness to free ourselves from sin (Ephesians 2:8-9), that we can let go and let God! Jesus Christ completed His work on our behalf on the cross (John 19:30) and rose again. All we need to do is to accept His freely given gift of salvation (Romans 6:23) and believe He is Who He says He is.

One of the most widely quoted excerpts from the Declaration of Independence is: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

The truth that there is a Creator God (Isaiah 40:28; 1 Peter 4:19) is indeed self-evident, as His infinite wisdom and power are implicit in the magnificent design of His creation (Psalm 19:1). Scripture teaches us that all who deny this are without excuse (Romans 1:18-20).

In an ideal government, all are treated equally, following the model of Christ’s rule over His Kingdom. We are one in Christ Jesus, regardless of race, gender, family heritage, worldly power, status, or education (1 Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:28). As God is love (1 John 4:8), Christ loves each of His children infinitely, meaning that He could not love any one of us any more than He already does, and hence, He loves each of us the same amount.

Not only did Jesus Christ create each of us, and everything else, but He gifted each of His children with rights that nothing and no one can take away from us. If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31). Nothing and no one – no person or power -- can separate us from the love of God, throughout all space and time (Romans 8:35-39). We are kept in the hand of Jesus Christ, which is kept in the hand of God the Father (John 10:28-29), which is sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13; 4:30).

What do our unalienable rights as born-again Christians include? God has transformed us from His enemies (Romans 5:10) and children of the devil (John 8:44) to His friends (John 15:13), ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20), children (1 John 3:10), betrothed, beloved (Ephesians 5:25), and joint-heirs (Romans 8:16-17) with His Son the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Declaration of Independence refers to the unalienable Rights of Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. Christ came to give us not only eternal life with Him in Heaven (John 3:16), but abundant life (John 10:10) here on earth, for He gives us richly all things to enjoy (1 Timothy 6:17).

Liberty in Christ means that we are freed from a legalistic adherence to the law that cannot save us (Romans 8:3) but can only show us how far we have gone astray (James 1:22-23). No man can keep the law perfectly, for all are sinners, and if we break even a part of the law, we would be found guilty of breaking the whole law (James 2:10-13).

Jesus held us to an even higher standard, saying that our very thoughts and words, and not only our deeds, could condemn us. If we look at someone with lust, it is as if we have committed adultery in our hearts, and if we lash out in anger against someone, it is as if we have murdered him (Matthew 5:21-30).

But Christ gave His followers liberty from sin and death. We are now freed from the power of sin, for the Holy Spirit within us provides the way to refrain from sin even when we are tempted (1 Corinthians 10:13). We are freed from the penalty of sin, which is death (Romans 6:23), and one day in Heaven we will even be free from the presence of sin, for our glorified bodies will be unable to commit sin (Jude 24-25; 1 John 3:2).

Yet liberty from sin is not license to sin – as the apostle Paul says, God forbid!  (Romans 6:1-2; 14-18). Although Christ has washed away our sins in His own blood (Revelation 1:5), paid our sin debt in full (Colossians 2:13-14), and clothed us in his perfect righteousness (Isaiah 61:10), we are to honor Him by following the law of Christ. This is to love God above all and to love one another, treating each other as we would like to be treated, for all the laws given to Moses are summarized in this one commandment (Luke 10:27).

Our Founding Fathers promised us the right to the pursuit of happiness, which depends largely on our external circumstances. Yet Jesus Christ promises us the joy of His salvation (Habakkuk 3:18), and the peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7), which are far better. No matter what trials we may face, we can have true joy in our Father’s love (1 Peter 1:8), the Holy Spirit within us (Galatians 4:6), and our best Friend (Proverbs 18:24) Who will never leave nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). We can rejoice in our living and blessed hope (1 Peter 1:3; Titus 2:13), meaning the anticipation of our wonderful and sure destiny. 

John Adams, one of the Founding Fathers, wrote to his wife Abigail that Independence Day “ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty.” As Americans celebrate with parades, fireworks, and barbecues, may we take time to worship and thank God not only for the freedom we enjoy as a nation, but for our spiritual freedom from sin and death through the sacrifice and resurrection of His Son!

© 2023 Laurie Collett

Reposted from the archives 

Directions

 

Photo by MacieKlew 2015

I had a dream that I was walking in the streets of New York City at dusk. I needed to go home and was looking for the train station. I had set out in a rush, assuming I was headed in the right direction, but I soon realized that I was lost and heading into a bad section of town. There were tracks along the street and then a dead end, with an open area where construction was going on, but only one man was working there.

I asked him for directions to the train station, but he looked puzzled. “You know you’re headed the wrong way, don’t you?”

“OK, so how do I get there?” I asked defensively.

“Some girls go this way,” he said, indicating with his right hand. “It takes longer – about 3 or 4 hours -- but it doesn’t aggravate their allergies.”

“I can’t be walking that long – I have to get home tonight.”

He shrugged his shoulders and pointed to his left. “That way will take you about 25 minutes.”

So I thanked him hurriedly and took off on the second path, trying not to breathe too deeply, as I am prone to allergies. About half an hour later I found myself on a busy street, but nothing looked familiar, and I still saw no signs of the train station.

I went into a hotel lobby to ask for directions. A party was going on, and some of the guests seemed to know me, but I didn’t recognize them. One of the women invited me to help myself to gourmet food from the lavish buffet, and another asked me to join her at karaoke.

I knew I had to get going if I had any hope of making it home before nightfall, but I reasoned that one of the women might offer me a lift home, as the party seemed to be wrapping up. But it dragged on and on, and I excused myself to go to the ladies’ room, hoping that I could slip out unnoticed.

Once in the ladies’ room, I realized to my horror that my purse was missing! I mentally retraced my steps, wondering if I had left it in the lobby, near the buffet, or in the room where they were singing karaoke, or even worse, if one of my long-lost “friends” had taken it! As I ran out to look for it, one of the women grabbed my arm and dragged me over to the microphone to sing a duet with her.

I didn’t want to make a scene, so I attempted to sing along, even though I had never heard the song before and there were no words on the screen. I attempted to read her lips and follow the notes she was singing, but soon realized I was embarrassing myself and her, and the others were laughing. Even worse, my hopes of finding my purse, reaching the train station, and getting home grew increasingly dim.

I awoke in a panic, realizing that if we don’t get the right directions, we’ll never get to the right destination. What seems to be a short cut not only wastes our time, but may prevent us from getting there at all. Time once lost can never be regained; opportunities wasted lead to loss of rewards; and wrong decisions can have disastrous consequences.

Following directions is key to success in any project, even in the earthly realm, but they must be the right directions. If we are trying to install a computer system, it will do us no good to follow directions written for assembling a bookcase, and the end result will leave us sorely disappointed.

Having the right direction is essential to our eternal destiny. All roads do not lead to Heaven, but only the path of faith in Jesus Christ, Son of God and God Himself, Who died to pay for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:1-4), that all who trust Him would have eternal life (John 3:16).

Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and no one comes to the Father but by Me” (John 14:6). He also emphasized that He alone is the narrow Gate leading to Heaven, which few find, because they go the way of the broad gate, which leads to death and destruction (Matthew 7:13-14).

The way of the world, which offers short cuts to success, extravagant lifestyle, popularity, and recognition, may seem to lead to these rewards for some people, at least for a time or even for a lifetime. But what good are these temporal rewards if a man loses his soul while seeking them? (Matthew 16:26; Mark 8:36)

Some who choose the way of the world are disappointed and broken early on, which may be a blessing in disguise if it leads to recognizing that man’s sin nature deserves nothing but eternal punishment in hell (Romans 3:23; 6:23); that he cannot do enough good deeds to outweigh his sin (Ephesians 2:8-9); and that he desperately needs the Savior Who paid for his sins in full to set him free (Romans 3:25; 1 John 2:2; 4:10).

Following the world’s signposts to success may seem easier and more fulfilling, as so many unsaved people believe, but that path leads only to ultimate destruction and death if it bypasses the Savior (Proverbs 14:12; 16:25; Ephesians 2:1-3). We cannot expect the world to give us the right directions, which may be why there was only one person in my dream giving directions at all, and he provided a warning about the short cut that was cryptic at best.

Satan is the great deceiver (John 8:44; 2 John 1:7), so he will gloss over the dangers of following the world and highlight the pleasures of sin, which Scripture tells us last only for a season (Hebrews 11:25). Lost souls may encourage believers to join in their pastimes, but they are seldom motivated for concern for our welfare. Once we sink to their level, they may even revel in our distress, as did the audience for the karaoke duet fiasco in my dream.

Pleasurable activities in the world now ruled by the devil may seem to be their own reward, but they are a poor and empty substitute for true fulfillment in walking with the Lord (Romans 8:1,4; Galatians 5:16,25). Only He can lead us to high places in Him (Habakkuk 3:19; Ephesians 1:3; 2:6).

Time wasted on these seemingly innocent pursuits (Hebrews 12:1) may result in losing God’s best opportunities He has planned for each of His children since before the beginning of time (Jeremiah 29:11; Romans 8:29-30; Ephesians 1:5,11). God gave us free will to accept salvation or reject it. Once we are born again (John 3:3-8), we still have free will to make the right choices that will lead us closer to Him (James 4:8), or the wrong choices that will lead us astray (Psalm 51:1-4).

Making the right choices requires trusting God, Who has all wisdom (Psalm 139:6), power (Jeremiah 32:27) and love (1 John 4:8), with all our heart, rather than our own limited understanding. If we consult Him before embarking on our daily journey, rather than turning to Him as a last resort once we get in trouble, He will direct our paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Once we are truly saved, we will never lose our salvation (John 10:28-29; Romans 8:39). But bad decisions have consequences that may lead to loss of fellowship with and joy in the Lord (Psalm 51:12), loss of God’s best blessings for our life on earth (James 4:3), loss of eternal rewards (1 Corinthians 3:11-15), and even loss of life, if our conscience becomes so seared that God will get more glory from our death than from our testimony (1 Corinthians 5:1-5).

Born-again Christians desiring to follow Christ must walk a fine line between being in the world, where we can witness and minister to the lost, and of the world, where there is no distinction between us and the lost in our lifestyle, character, and behavior (John 17:11-15; 2 Corinthians 6:14). We must have spiritual discernment that recognizes and protect us from the negative effects of sin (Matthew 7:15-23), perhaps symbolized in the dream by allergies.

If we have allergies, we still go about our daily lives, but we avoid locales that will aggravate our nasal passages and immune systems, even if it means taking a longer or less convenient route. And if our conscience is attuned to God’s still, small voice (1 Kings 19:12), we will stay away from temptation.

May God grant us wisdom to use His Word as a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path (Psalm 119:105), to lead us by His direction to our eternal home in Heaven! May we not get lost in the back alleys, but follow the narrow, straight path of salvation by His grace!

© 2017 Laurie Collett

Reposted from the archives

Our Father

 

Our Father

 

As we in the United States celebrate Father’s Day, we honor our earthly fathers who love us, provide for us, train us, and were our first authority figures and role models (Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:4). Sadly, not all fathers meet this ideal, and some children have never known their biological father or have even had a loving father figure involved in their upbringing.

Praise the Lord, the perfect Father is available to all who call on the Name of His Son (Acts 2:21; Romans 10:13). Once we are saved by trusting in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4), He gives us eternal life (John 3:16). At the moment of salvation, we are transformed from children of the devil to children of God, and we become part of God’s family and joint heirs with Christ (Romans 8:14-17).

There is a popular misconception that all human beings are God’s children. Although all are God’s creation (Genesis 1:26-27), only those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior can call God their Father. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees, the religious leaders of that time, because their hearts were far from Him (Matthew 15:1-9). Therefore He said that they were children of their father the devil and would do his bidding (John 8:41-44).

But for His followers and disciples who believe that Jesus is the Son of God and God Himself, Jesus taught us a beautiful prayer when asked how we should pray (Matthew 6:9-13; Luke 11:1-4). That model prayer is often referred to as the Lord’s Prayer, but that term is more appropriately applied to the prayer He prayed for all His followers in the Garden of Gethsemane on the night before His crucifixion (John 17).

The model prayer has become so familiar that there is a danger it will be repeated by rote, without meditation on the beauty and meaning of each word. Jesus warned against such “vain repetitions” (Matthew 6:7).  However, those who have memorized it or will memorize it can surely benefit from slowly savoring each word that Jesus taught us to pray to the Father, in His Name, through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 6:9 Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

“Our” reminds us of the awesome privilege born-again believers (John 3:3-8) have of being able to call God “Our Father.” This is a relationship we share not only with fellow Christians but with Jesus Christ Himself, for He is the only begotten Son of the Father (John 3:16), while we have been adopted into God’s family (Ephesians 1:5).

“Father” is a term that connotes the love and affection that we have for our Abba Father (Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:6), like the name “Daddy” used by a small child for the one who showers blessings upon her. She can come running into his arms when afraid or climb into his lap when lonely without fear of rebuke or rejection. Abba Father loves us infinitely (1 John 4:7-19), yet God is also the perfect, holy Father (Psalm 68:5) Whom we should fear and respect (Psalm 111:10), for He has perfect righteousness (John 17:25) and infinite power and wisdom (2 Chronicles 20:6; Psalm 62:11; 103:13; Job 36:5).

“Which art in heaven,” tells us that God is on His heavenly throne (Psalm 45:6; 47:8), a vantage point from which He sees all, knows all, and sustains all (Psalm 139:80; Isaiah 40:28).

“Hallowed be thy name” refers to praising God (Psalm 146:1-2) for His holiness, which is an essential component of any prayer (Psalm 72:15-19). We recognize the Name of God and of Lord Jesus Christ as the Name above all Names, and the only Name by which we may be saved (Acts 2:21, 4:12; Romans 10:13). All will one day honor His Name by confessing that He is Lord (Romans 14:11) – how much better to do it now, in loving prayer, than to defy Him until we are forced to face Him in terror of His judgment!

“Thy will be done in earth” should also be included in every prayer, for the purpose of prayer is not to change God’s mind, but to bring our desires in alignment with His perfect will (Proverbs 3:5-6; Luke 22:42). Because He possesses all knowledge of all things past, present and future (Psalm 139:1-12), and because of His complete, self-sacrificing love for us (John 15:13; Jeremiah 31:3), His will for our lives is always perfect, even when we don’t like it or can’t understand it (Isaiah 55:9).

“As it is in heaven” sets the absolute standard by which to gauge circumstances. In Heaven there is no pain, suffering, sorrow, aging, sickness, death, or sin (Revelation 7:17; 21:4). Our prayer should acknowledge that God’s will for us on earth is perfect, just as Scripture tells us that His will being done in Heaven results in the perfection found there.

“Give us this day our daily bread” reflects the perfect gifts our Father freely gives us (Matthew 7:11). We do not pay for these gifts, work for them, or barter for them, any more than we can earn God’s freely given gift of salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9). He will provide for us if we ask Him daily for what we need each day. Like the manna with which God fed the Israelites in the wilderness (Exodus 16), God’s blessings cannot be hoarded or stored, for His compassions are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23).

“And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” If we repent of our sins by asking God’s forgiveness, He is faithful to forgive us (1 John 1:9) and to separate us from our sins as far as the East is from the West (Psalm 103:12). But in light of His great mercy and forgiveness, which He extends to all of us even though it was our sins that crucified Him, He desires that we forgive others in return (Matthew 18:15-35). This is possible only through the indwelling Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), which is why we must pray for the power to forgive by yielding to Him (Ephesians 4:20-32).

“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:” Scripture promises that God cannot tempt us with evil (James 1:13), and that whenever we are tempted, He will always provide a way for us to escape the temptation so that we do not sin (1 Corinthians 10:13). Resisting evil (James 4:7) and fleeing from temptation are not innate characteristics because of our sin nature (Romans 5:12), but are desired and can be accomplished only by yielding to the Holy Spirit. Praying to Our Father, in Jesus’ Name, through the power of the Holy Spirit, gives us the victory in the spiritual battle we fight daily (Ephesians 6:10-18).

“For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever.” To God be the glory, for He reigns supreme, and will allow us to rule with Him in the Millennial Kingdom! (Revelation 20:4,6). He alone is the source of all power, so He alone deserves our praise and can answer our prayers.

Praise God that no matter what our earthly father is or was like, we are His child and He is our perfect Heavenly Father. May we honor Him daily with our praise and prayers!

© 2018 Laurie Collett

Reposted from the archives