Why Cry Wolf?

The other day I heard a maintenance man say the he had disarmed a smoke detector. For some reason the detector was in a constant state of alarm. When it should have been triggered by external circumstances due to faulty internals it was alarming based on the brokenness inside. There may have been a short in the circuit that allows power to flow through the device. The story of the shepherd boy speaks to being in a constant state of alarm.

The little shepherd boy kept his flock at the foot of a mountain near a dark forest. The boy was lonely and devised a plan to get attention by crying wolf. The first time he sounded the alarm the villagers came out to assist him. The second time he cried out the villagers again came out to his aid. He cried out a third time when there was an actual emergency and the people didn't respond. This is all due to his being in a constant state of alarm, thus manipulating the people to satisfy his own desires.

I have noticed through my own set of circumstances that sometimes our spirits can be in a state of alarm. The constant feeling of need causes discontentment with circumstances and will not allow us to see the presence of God and trust in His ability to keep and protect. The feeling of loneliness is only perceived. Patience has to have its place in our lives. There are three areas of our walk that can bring things into perspective. The willingness to wait, the ability to trust and a desire to put away our own thoughts.

We are told in Isaiah 40:31, "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Sometimes waiting for the promises of God can cause us to get tired. This verse assures us that these things happen. The book of Deuteronomy 20:3 states, "And shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye approach this day unto battle against your enemies: let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them;" When we approach the time of trouble and have to do battle with the things that hinder us sometimes we can look at past failures and concede defeat. The Lord urges us to not allow our past failures to paint a picture of loss but to trust in Him and see His salvation as we approach the battle of redemption. The book of Proverbs 3:5 by the grace of God and Solomon's wisdom tells us to, "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding." The way we think has everything to do with the way we come out of a trial. The story of the Hebrew boys in the book of Daniel chapter 3 shows us just how God desires to move in our lives. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego were faced with the challenge of bowing down to an idol god or to be cast into the burning fiery furnace. They responded to the opposition, King Nebuchadnezzar with the confidence of faith. "The God we serve is able to deliver us." As a result they were cast into the fire and were brought out unharmed. We are told in the scriptures that their clothes did not smell of smoke and their hair was not singed. In other words they did not look like what they went through.

We have to gain the confidence to know that we are called to go through for the glory of God and that He will not allow us to suffer beyond our ability to stand. If we take a closer look at the scriptures mentioned Isaiah 40:31 lets us know that we are actually being delivered while we are in the midst of the trial. The scripture tells those that wait, they will renew their strength. This is a confidence builder that gives us a promise that we will be renewed while in the state of waiting. There is no need for our hearts to troubled because He has already overcome. As a result we are victorious. When our thoughts change our attitudes concede victory and we glorify the Father which is in heaven through the power the moves within us. No longer does the brokenness of the past hinder the flow of Christ's love and forgiveness. Our spirits are comforted by His grace and mercy. Goodness and Mercy shall follow the believer all the days of his life. God bless and keep you. Thank you for listening.

On Broken Pieces

The requirement to have some credential that validates our ability to speak on a topic has made speaking out a declaration of war. I am reminded of a Bible story in the book of Acts Chapter 27. The story speaks of men traveling in a ship. They started on their journey while the threat of bad weather was looming in the atmosphere. Instead of heeding the visible warnings of the sky they were determine to reach their destination. While out on the sea a storm arose and it seemed as if they were not going to make it. Some became frantic and wanted to leave the ship in an attempt to find safety on land. While the situation became more and more desperate there was one who had an insight that was not shared with his shipmates. The Apostle Paul was told by and angel of God that he had been given all of the people in the ship and that no lives would be lost. He told the captain that in order for them to be saved they must remain on the ship. All stayed in the ship.

Finally the storm subsided and the sun returned. They were able to visualize a landing place that would provide safety from the rough seas. They allowed the ship to run aground and employed all of the men to depart the ship and move towards the shore. During the exchange they understood the difference of abilities among the men. They told those who were able to swim to do so. Others were carried in the small boats. The rest were told to use the broken pieces of the ship.

Good and bad choices are made in life. Sometimes we make commitments to destinations that may not be right for the times. Truthfully we all get stuck in these situations. We even allow ourselves to get so far removed from safety that it really makes less since to go back. Having a destination and a desire to reach it does not warrant placing ourselves or other people in danger. We should always count the cost. But if ever stuck and resources are few we must assess our abilities and press forward. When I consider the men that had to resort to the use of the fragments of the ship, I am reminded of the Rudyard Kipling poem "IF" that states, "If you can watch the things you've given your life to broken and stoop and build them up again with worn out tools." http://www.poetryloverspage.com/poets/kipling/kipling_ind.html Sometimes not being privy to the best of things places one in a precarious situation. There is always an alternative we just have to use what is left. God bless you and thank you for listening.

The Hour Now Is

Acts 1:10-11

And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

The message of Christ is still being preached in the earth and hearts are being turned towards Him. There is much work to be done and He is still on His way back. Let us be mindful of His return and be found working when we see Him face to face.