BJ Armstrong

Smoke and Mirrors

Young Magician playing with Magic Powder

I am intrigued by Simon the Sorcerer. He is successful at his craft, which is evidenced by a good following. People, all kinds of people, paid attention to him. In fact, his acts were so impressive that people thought he was a god. Imagine his life. He was a more than a celebrity. He was called on to help out in all kinds of situations, that is, Until Phillip showed up. Phillip came to Samaria casting out unclean spirits and healing the paralyzed and the lame in the name of Jesus. When the people of Samaria heard him speak and saw him work, they quickly realized the falsehood of Simon, exchanging it for the real power of God. Simon’s work was nothing more than smoke and mirrors. Phillip, however, was teaching the real deal. This new understanding led them to believe and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.

Ironically, Simon did the same. Verse 13 explains that “even Simon believed.” This is a great story, right? Simon and all the people recognized that God has greater power. Their response was belief and baptism. It sounds easy. But, was it really surrender? As the story of Simon the sorcerer continues, we get a deep look into his heart. In fact, we get to see some things that even he himself was probably not aware of. Why not? Jeremiah 17:9 tells us today that “the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick.” Simon proves this in dramatic fashion. When he sees Peter empowering people with the Holy Spirit by laying hands on them, he wants the same power for himself. He asks Peter to give him the same ability. “How much do you want for it,” he asks. Now, Peter was a quick character study. I’m guessing that he had questioned Simon’s motives since the first time they met. With Simon’s request, Peter is able to see his heart clearly. What does he see? “The gall of bitterness and the bond of iniquity” (Acts 8:23). Obviously, this is not the condition of a surrendered and saved heart.

Simon’s response to Peter offers us another glimpse at his heart. He asks Peter to pray “that nothing of what you have said may come upon me” (Acts 8:24). This is request again reveals the iniquity in his heart. Contrast Simon’s response with one of true surrender. Surrender requires that we recognize our iniquity and trust God with it. When we do, God promises us renewal and transformation (Romans 12:2), assuring us that, “our hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ” (Colossians 2:2).

When I read about Simon, I get nervous. If Simon was not able to detect the deceitfulness of his own heart, how can we detect and identify sickness in our own hearts? Jeremiah has the answer. He reminds us that it is the Lord who searches our hearts and tests our minds (Jeremiah 17:10). The trick is getting out-of-the-way long enough to let him. Are you willing to submit to the Lord today?

The Holy Spirit

White Holy Dove flying in the sky panoramic view

Joshua 20–21; Acts 1; Jeremiah 10; Matthew 24

In Acts 1, the disciples are hanging around Jerusalem after Jesus’ death. While they wait, Jesus comes to them. He talks with them about the kingdom of God. Talking to the one who died on the cross, brought them hope. Hope that their dreams of a new life had not ended. In fact, their life with Jesus was very much alive. The disciples could feel the new world order upon them. This was the time that they had waited for. Jesus would now rule the world! Israel will finally be restored and all of God’s promises would now be fulfilled. The Bible explains these promises with words like freedom, liberty, fearlessness and peace, along with promises about healing our physical ailments and living prosperous lives. This was it. Israel will again be on top, the leader of all nations. Let’s go! But, Jesus wasn’t ready. He was holding them back. When they ask when it will happen, he responds, “You don’t get to know the time. Timing is the Father’s business” (Acts 1:7, Message). For now, he continues, “you will receive the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit that will enable you to be my witnesses.”

In that moment, upon hearing Jesus’ answer, do you think the disciples were disappointed? Seriously, the victory party they were anticipating seemingly vanished into thin air. No doubt, they did not fully understand. Yet, they remained silent. Consider that their silence is an indication of their acceptance and submission. They trust Jesus with whatever is coming. Or, perhaps their hope is kindled in Jesus’ promise of the Holy Spirit. With his presence, Jesus explains, the disciples will receive power. In Greek, it is called “dynamis.” If you hear our modern words “dynamite” and “dynamic” in there, you are getting the idea. The Holy Spirit brings power that is explosive. His power provides “energy, ability, efficacy, and meaning.” With the Holy Spirit, Jesus explains, the name of Jesus will be extended “to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

I readily admit that this scripture reveals my ignorance of the Holy Spirit. To be sure, this American Christian often misuses and misinterprets the work of the Holy Spirit in my life, selfishly claiming His good work for myself. Similar to the disciples, I want to use this power to reign over all. If I cannot reign over all, I’ll settle for health and good fortune. You see, when the Holy Spirit indwells us with the power of God, we can easily use His gifts to get ahead in this world. According to John Maxwell, this is a defensive posture resulting from focusing on my short life and not on servicing all of God’s creation, extending His rule for eternity.

Contrast that with true Holy Spirit indwelling. Jesus releases the Holy Spirit to us so that we can share God’s love and meaning with the world. Aligning with Him means that I will use my gifts in concert with His vision, not mine. This is what the disciples were able to grasp. They quickly dropped their own pursuits and limited vision in favor of His. As we move through the book of Acts over the next several days, we get to watch the Holy Spirit work through the lives of Jesus’ disciples. The Spirit gives power is both dynamic and explosive in the lives of everyone that the disciples meet. It is the beginning of Jesus’ great vision to take God’s message of love and hope to the ends of the earth. Today, we continue to carry out this vision. How are we doing with it?

In his book Forgotten God, Francis Chan offers several great questions that help us evaluate our relationship with the Holy Spirit. Take some time to consider them.

Can you say with confidence—from the depth of your being—that you know God and are known by Him?
Do I want to lead, or do I want to be led by the Spirit?
How would you be missed if you left this place? What would change? Basically, what difference does your presence here make? Or, as my youth pastor once asked me, what would your church (and the worldwide church) look like if everyone was as committed as you are? If everyone gave and served and prayed exactly like you, would the church be healthy and empowered? Or would it be weak and listless?

Productive Faith

5920447977_f84dff5a33_o_cropped_0 Joshua 9; Psalms 140–141; Jeremiah 3; Matthew 17

If only my faith were the size of a mustard seed. Then, I could move mountains. Nothing would be impossible. That is what Jesus tells us today in Matthew 17:20. This is difficult to believe, at best. My struggle with it has me questioning what faith is. Sure, I am familiar with the definition that is provided in Hebrews 11:1. It says that “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” While this is a good definition of faith, it doesn’t help me believe that I can move a mountain. In fact, I can barely move the dining room table! What gives?

Don’t you think that this is what the disciples were dealing with? They tried and tried to drive the demon from the boy but were unable. Why not? Jesus doesn’t give them a practical answer, he simply says, “Because of your little faith.” (Matthew 17:20). The secret, he tells them, is to “have more faith.” So how is it that we get more faith?

It is helpful to look at a couple of people who have exhibited true faith. One man appears in Matthew 9. Jesus restores his sight after the man confesses his faith. Jesus affirms his faith saying, “According to your faith be it done to you” (Matthew 9:29). Another story involves a woman begging for her daughter’s healing. She worshipped and pleaded with Jesus. Finally, he responds, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire” (Matthew 15:28). There is also the centurion. He understands authority and ascribes the same to Jesus. Jesus affirms him and says, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” (Luke 1:9). How is it that these people had such faith? What is the difference? The answer is found in the object of focus.

These examples reveal three traits of faith. First, the blind man confesses his belief, second, the woman worships and third, the centurion acknowledges Jesus’ authority. While these are separate and distinct traits, they have one commonality. Their focus is on Jesus. According to A.W. Tozer, “faith is occupied with the Object upon which it rests and pays no attention to itself at all.” This is clear in these three examples. When we worship, confess and concede authority to God, we cease to be important. God becomes all. Tozer continues, “Faith is a redirecting of our sight, a getting out of the focus of our own vision and getting God into focus.” The result? The work we are trying to do gets done. Not on our own behalf or for our own satisfaction, but for God’s.

What have you been diligently working on that just isn’t working? Do you have a persistent flaw that is keeping you from being the person you know God wants you to be? Tozer says to, “Stop tinkering with your soul and look away to the perfect One.”

All A.W. Tozer quotes are taken from his excellent work The Pursuit of God. Check out the FREE Kindle version!

Is God On Your Side?

Joshua 2; Psalms 123–125; Isaiah 62; Matthew 10

In the time of Rahab, Jericho’s news reports were filled with stories of the Israelites conquests. They started with wild tales about seas parting and the people walking across on dry land. As time passed, however, the number of stories raised greater suspicions. Before long, there were reports of the Israelites destroying people. Not just regular people, they were defeating giants. Amos describes them as mighty as oaks and as tall as cedars! How could it be? The Israelites were puny! Sihon had recently been sacked and the latest reports indicated that Og was utterly destroyed. How was it possible? “God is on their side,” was the only possible explanation. With Og gone, Jericho was the next likely target. Every resident feared the inevitable.

Rahab confirmed the danger as she answered the door. She knew instantly that trouble was imminent. The men standing outside were not locals, they were Israelites. Clearly, Jericho was next. But, she was trapped. There is no way out. Nobody would save her. As a prostitute, Rahab was despised and scorned. Not even God would help her. He was on their side, not hers.

When the men asked for safe harbor, she contemplated the great risk in protecting them. Treason is punishable by death. Even so, she knew that Jericho was doomed. When the Israelites come, they will quickly and easily devastate the city. Nothing can stop them. God is on their side. Surely, Rahab considered how great it would be to have God on her side.

What is your story of God? Do you see great things that he has done? Is he on your side, or are you still oppressed, like Rahab? Did you notice how she turned it around? Rahab realizes that a better life is possible. One that does not live in fear and oppression, but one that is purposeful and filled with opportunities. She saw this living hope clearly in lives of the Israelites. What she saw was God. She confesses to the men, “the Lord your God is the supreme God of the heavens above and the earth below. “ (Joshua 2:11). It’s that simple.

What happened to Rahab? Was her life changed? Was God on her side? Thankfully, the Bible provides the answer. Matthew 1:5 tells us that she gave birth to a boy named Boaz. Boaz son fathered Obed, who fathered Jesse, who sired King David. David, of course, is the predecessor to the King of King’s, Jesus. Obviously, God honored Rahab’s confession. He changed her from a slave to the world, facing certain death, and replaced oppression with life. Not just any life, but life worthy of a King’s lineage. Royalty. God was on her side!

There is no other force, no other power, no other name that can compare with the power of God. Is God on your side?

The Great Stone Face

stonefaces6 Deuteronomy 28:20–68; Psalm 119:25–48; Isaiah 55; Matthew 3

In 2011, I attended the Global Leadership Summit. On the second day, after hearing a half dozen amazing speakers and leaders, the host Bill Hybels, introduced a sweet, unassuming woman named Maggie Gobran. His summary of her life was brief and, as I recall, unremarkable. He explained how Maggie answered God’s calling on her life. She was to serve the poorest of the poor in Cairo. In obedience, she gave up her upper-middle class life as an academic to become a servant to the children in the slums of Cairo. She founded an organization called Stephen’s Children that had become world-class. Her efforts even earned her a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize. As Bill left the stage, all eyes were keenly focused on Maggie, eager to hear her story and to glean her leadership genius.

Words cannot describe the next several minutes. I remember standing, looking down on the stage and thinking about how small she was. Maybe 5’ tall and 80 pounds. I didn’t see an ear to ear grin, nor did I see a face of anger. I saw depth. As she stood there silently, applause erupted, bringing every person to their feet. Clearly, Maggie was someone special. Rather than dissipating like a normal standing ovation, this one continued to grow. The energy in the room had a presence. As the applause gave way to silence, she knelt and bowed her head. It was as if all the love in the world existed in that single auditorium. The best I can say is that it radiated from her, touching the core of every soul, overpowering even the hardest of hearts. Dry eyes were impossible.

I can’t help but wonder if John the Baptist was a bit like Maggie Gobran. Based on the description in today’s reading, he wore a garment of camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist, most people would never notice him, just like Maggie. Even crazier, “John’s food was locusts and wild honey” (Matthew 3:4 ESV). Despite John’s oddities and seemingly repellent characteristics, people flocked to him, just like Maggie. This is the important thing. What is it that was drawing the people and where did it come from?

You probably already know the answer to that question. Of course, you are going to answer Jesus, right? To be honest, I am not happy with that answer. Of course, I believe that it is the right one, but it’s too simple. The answer is trite. It does not solve the riddle of how I get it. How do I get a pure heart that goes irresistibly into the world? I found the answer to that question in a short story that was originally presented to me by Dr. JK Jones. In his book What the Monks Can Teach Us, he summarizes Nathaniel Hawthorn’s story of The Great Stone Face. The story was so impactful for me that I wanted to share it with you exactly as Dr. Jones has written it in his book.

Hawthorne describes a people living in a valley, shadowed and surrounded by a huge rock formation. The rocks are shaped together in such a manner that if viewed from a proper distance, a great face can be seen. The face appears divine. It seems to express both warmth and sweetness while embracing all people who look upon it. Hawthorne’s main character, Ernest, is a man who has gazed upon the Great Stone Face day after day and year after year. His mother first passed on to Ernest the ancient legend when he was a boy. According to the story there would one day come an incarnation of the great rock. Throughout the narrative rumors surface that a man has appeared who resembles the great stone face. First, Mr. Gathergold, a shrewd and active man whose name identifies his chief ambition in life, is thought to be fulfillment of the prophecy. Though the people of the valley want ot believe that Gathergold is the image of the great face, Ernest knows he is not. Later, a war hero, Old Blood-and-Thunder, is heralded to be the one in whom the likeness is seen. Again, Ernest recognizes what the crowd does not. The general is only a war-worn, weather-beaten hero. Years go by, the people have settled down and now are able to admit the previous two men were not the prophecy’s fulfillment. A third character appears in the story, Old Stony Phiz, a man in whom is found a magical oratory skill. His spoken words are like the sweetest music ever heard. As is expected, the people of the valley once again see in this man the Great Stone Face, and once again Ernest is disappointed. Time reveals that Ernest is correct and the people in error. Years pass by. Ernest is quite old. People come to him from all over seeking the understanding of this simple man that cannot be found in books. From college professors to statesmen they visit with this gentle, sincere soul. One last time Ernest hopes he will meet that special one who has been foretold. A poet does appear that Ernest admires greatly, but both the poet and Ernest realize he is not the one. The story closes with Ernest being asked by neighboring villagers to speak to them and while the golden sun is setting, both the poet and people recognize what Ernest has not and cannot. Ernest, himself, is the fulfillment of the Great Stone Face! In his humility, constant gaze, and unquenchable seeking he has become that which he sought.

As far as I can tell, Maggie Gobran, John the Baptist, even Hawthorn’s Ernest became irresistible in the same way. In fact, it’s true for all of us. We become what we seek and serve every day.

When you are ready to seek hard after God, check out this awesome program presented by Dr. JK Jones and the incredible faculty at Lincoln Christian University.

For God’s Glory

Tearing up another crumpled paper ball for the pile

Deuteronomy 21; Psalms 108–109; Isaiah 48; Revelation 18

I sat and sat trying to find the perfect story to explain Isaiah 48. I wanted to tell how we all take Gods promises and use them to glorify ourselves. Like the time that God honored my prayer for more business and I decided the growth was because of my superior product knowledge. I also wanted to tell about how we all have carved idols, we just name them other things. For example, I asked God for a car so that I can get to work more easily and he granted my request. I bought a Cadillac and quickly rose to the top of the parking lot. I am sure thankful for his great provision. Heck, I even tell anyone who asks that it was a gift from God.

If I were to write that story, I would also have to explain that these prayers are just like the Israelites. Isaiah lashes out at them in the very first verse. He illustrates that we are quick to invoke God’s name in all things, but our actions don’t reflect his commands. This is where it gets hard because people don’t want to hear about God’s commands. They only want to know about how loving and merciful he is. Besides, if he didn’t want us to sin, he wouldn’t have given us the desire to do so, right? That conversation would have taken us all the way back to the Garden of Eden. I would have to remind the reader that our bad choices demanded that God establish rules, even rules that are impossible to keep. Our failure to keep them illuminates the Truth. They can show us when we are stealing glory from him. The story would conclude with an explanation of why we are here. It would say God created us for his good pleasure and to give him glory. The answer is easy really. In fact, the answer to all of our problems lies right there. Give him the glory. When we do, he returns peace and righteousness. When we don’t, we get cut off and destroyed. In the end, I wonder why we didn’t pray for his glory and our righteousness in the first place.

If I were to write that story, I would feel really awful for having gotten it wrong all these years. I would wonder if there is still hope for me and if God could still love me. I would shed a river of tears feeling hopeless and guilty. And then I would remember Jesus.

Someday, I will write that story.

Two Diseases

Deuteronomy 13–14; Psalms 99–101; Isaiah 41; Revelation 11

According to John Calvin, “every man labors under two diseases. In prosperity, he exalts himself extravagantly, and shakes off the restraint; of humility and moderation; but, in adversity, he either rages, or lies in a lifeless condition, and scarcely has the smallest perception of the goodness of God.”[1] I was thinking about this as I read Psalm 100 today. Consider how each of these “diseases” cause us to interpret the Scripture differently.

Psalm 100 (ESV)	In Prosperity	In Adversity
1 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!	Declare your gratification and happiness for everyone to see.	Grumble to all the world, as loud as you can!
2 Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!	Be happy with what you have done. Sing away, life is good!	Do your work, even in agony. Come into God’s presence with despondency
3 Know that the Lord, is God!	Know that you have everything under control.	Where is God?
It is he who made us, and we are his;	We have evolved so wonderfully	If he didn’t want us to be this way, he shouldn’t have made us this way!
and the sheep of his pasture	We live in the land of plenty. Go get yours!	God doesn’t care!
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise!	Look what you have done for yourself. Others should come to you for help!	Go to God complaining and blaming him for all your problems.
Give thanks to him; bless his name!	You should be thanked for all that you have done!	Curse God for all of your troubles!
For the Lord is good;	Man, you am good;	The Lord is tired of us all!
His steadfast love endures forever	for all the days of your life	His wrath is upon us.
and his faithfulness to all generations	Your kids and your kid’s kids will be set for life!	we are on our own.

Father God, help us to see our attitudes as they really are and make us aware of the spiritual diseases in our hearts. Heal our hearts, Lord, with your Word and your Truth. Make them new.

[1]
Calvin, John (2011-11-15). Calvin’s Complete Bible Commentaries (With Active Table of Contents in Biblical Order) (Kindle Locations 173172-173175). . Kindle Edition.

Flowing With Milk and Honey

Side view of breakfast set with chocolate walnuts in wooden bowl jam honey in gift jar dry toast bread butter and milk. Everything on craft paper and vintage knife and spoon with patina.

Deuteronomy 6; Psalm 89; Isaiah 34; Revelation 4

If you live in the State of Illinois, you are familiar with its current conditions. Countless families and businesses are leaving the state in search of more favorable conditions. According to a recent editorial in the Chicago Tribune, Illinois’ decline is the result of “a state debt crisis largely driven by unfunded pension obligations, the country’s worst credit rating, weak job growth. Oh yes, and winter.” The same is said of our humble little town Bloomington/Normal. Daily complaints are issued about potholes, the arena and property taxes. All of them have us questioning if it is time to relocate.

As a business owner, this is a question that I wrestle with continuously. It appears that I can be far more successful – assured of success even – if I pack up and move to the sunshine, along with countless others. But, is it true? Are Arizona, Florida or Texas the Promised Land? Are they flowing with milk and honey? The mere thought of the Promised Land conjures up images of abundance and fertility. Lush landscapes and rich soil that promote health, growth and, yes, even wealth. Are you ready to move yet? Before you answer yes, consider one more thought.

We have been reading from Deuteronomy, watching patiently as the Israelites get ready to walk into the promised land. Before they go, Moses hits them with a whole bunch of rules. Chapter 5 reveals the Ten Commandments and now, in chapter 6, Moses expounds on them emphasizing their importance. Why? The answer is revealed in verse 3.

Hear therefore, O Israel, and be careful to do them, that it may go well with you, and that you may multiply greatly, as the Lord, the God of your fathers, has promised you, in a land flowing with milk and honey (Deuteronomy 6:3 ESV)

As I read it carefully, I see clearly that I have improperly assumed that “it will go well” with the Israelites because they are in the land that flows with milk and honey. How could it not? Verse 3, however, tells us otherwise. Moses is chiding them to listen and listen well, saying, “be careful to obey.” In this sentence, wellness clearly goes with obedience. It is, therefore, our obedience to God that promotes our health, growth, and wealth, not our location. In fact, the location is superfluous to the conversation.

Just like the Israelites, we are called to obedience right where we are. This is true whether we live in the Promised Land, or in the State of Illinois. In both places, God works. When we assume that our growth has come from, or is only possible when living in the Promised Land, we have stolen God’s glory. We honor God with our obedience and it is our obedience that God honors, no matter where we are.

City of Refuge

www-st-takla-org-the-city-of-refuge

Numbers 35; Psalm 79; Isaiah 27; 1 John 5

Numbers 35 can be an easy chapter to gloss over. Partly because it seems complicated and partly because it talks about murderers, so clearly it’s not applicable to us. Today, I want to challenge you to take a closer look. As the chapter starts, Moses is in the process of dividing the Promised Land. As he apportions it to specific tribes, he is also asking them to give some away. It will be given to the Levites, the high priests of Israel. The Levites, then, will dwell in the land. Once they have it, they are instructed to set up six cities of refuge.

Reading closely, we can establish that these six cities will serve specific purposes. First, they will provide a safe place for people who have accidentally killed someone. They will be refuge and protection from the victim’s friends or family members, that may be looking for revenge, an “eye for an eye,” right? This was permissible under Jewish law (Exodus 21:24).

The cities of refuge were also a welcome place for foreigners. Traveling through cities in these times was a dangerous prospect. Consider that the Israelites were required to diligently keep the law in order to remain pure. Since foreigners did not keep the law, they were viewed as unclean, making them unwelcome. In the city of refuge, however, all were welcome. An added benefit to the sojourner is their interaction with the high priests. These men, being in close proximity to God were able to share God’s hope and love.

These reasons give way to another purpose of the city, which requires closer examination. Redemption. How is it that either a foreigner or a murderer could ever be welcomed into the Jewish community as a useful citizen? For the Jewish people, repayment for the wrong must be made. For any sin, this was accomplished by the sacrifice of animals. Their death and shed blood became the atonement for sins. It makes sense that the cities of refuge were led by the high priests. The very people charged with making the sacrifices on behalf of everyone. Whoever showed up, whether foreigner or murderer, the high priest was able to provide the sacrifice. Even so, murderers were not yet free. Not only did they live in fear of retribution, but it is likely that they were perpetually tormented by their misdeed. True freedom was only accomplished through the death of the high priest. Until then, they were only safe in the city of refuge.

As I read through the text, I am horrified at the cost. Why is it necessary for the high priest to die? Remember, the high priest has a special relationship with God. His sins have been atoned for. He is clean in the eyes of God. Through his position, he has been the encourager for the convicted and the unclean. He has spent his entire life interceding for others through prayer and offering living sacrifices for these people. He does so not for his own gain, but so that all people can be counted among God’s chosen ones. He has walked closely with God. Surely, he does not deserve death! Alas, his efforts are not enough. The sacrifices are imperfect. It is his death that marks the end of the era. Ironically, all punishment and the condemnation die with him, ushering in a new era of life and freedom for the captives.

Does this have you thinking about Jesus and salvation? Romans 8:18 confirms Jesus as our high priest. “There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” You see, Jesus lived the life of a high priest, only better. How can that be? He was not human, like the Levite priests. He is God. Hebrews 4:15-16 explains that “we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Maybe I don’t identify as a stranger or a murderer. I do, however, identify as a sinner, falling short of who God created me to be. We are all called to “draw near” to the city of refuge. When we do, Jesus our high priest offers up a perfect sacrifice, assuring our freedom. Thank you, Jesus, for making it available to all of us, every day.

Don’t Forget

A string tied around an index finger

Numbers 28; Psalm 72; Isaiah 19–20; 2 Peter 1

Have you ever paid attention to the collection of things in our lives designed to be reminders? As I look around my room, I see all sorts of things. I have a clock that keeps me mindful of what time it is. I have a bulletin board that holds invitations, famous quotations, and certificates, reminding me of good things. I have pictures of my family and friends. They remind me of who they are, how much I love them and really great experiences that we have enjoyed. Unfortunately, these things have failed to become reminders. Instead, I pass by them every day, mesmerized and tranquilized by my busy life. As I flop on the couch at the end of a long day, they cannot compete with my television, as it blurts and blasts [seemingly] innocuous messages.

This random busyness separates us from our hearts causing them to stagnate and lie dormant. This is not at all what God planned for us. Sure, we have faith that we are saved and will live with God eternally, yet we fail to break through and experience him today. Why not? Peter explains that we have failed to grow in our knowledge. When we do, he says, we will gain self-control, with continuous dedication, resulting in brotherly affection and, finally, above all, love (2 Peter 1:5-7). Did you hear it? Love. It is the thing that we are chasing so endlessly, it is reconnection with our hearts. Sadly, like the song says, we are Looking For Love in All the Wrong Places. Or, perhaps you are not looking for it at all, being content to live the busy and distracted life I described earlier.

Is there any hope? According to 2 Peter, the answer is yes. It says, “those who fail to develop, shortsighted or blind. They forget that they have been cleansed from their old sins” (2 Peter 1:9 NLTse). You see, when we don’t engage God and grow with him, we quickly revert back to our old lives. Wasn’t it these old behaviors that led us to the Cross in the first place? We are, in fact, living our old lives. If you are like me, that is a disappointing and shocking realization. This does not, however, lead me to despair. Instead, it is a reminder.

Today, I am reminded of my failure to achieve the life he calls me to and also, of his abundant mercy. Thankfully, His mercy is new every morning and will never end (Lamentations 3:22-23). I am reminded that no matter how hard I try, I cannot change myself. Instead, I must put on the clothing of Christ, which is love (Colossians 3:14-17). All of this brings me to one last reminder, that the fullness I seek is made possible by a single, great sacrifice. Today, I am drawn, again, to the cross. This time, I come not so much for what it will do for me, but for what it can do through me.