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1 Chronicles 19–20; 1 Peter 1; Jonah 3; Luke 8

What are you thankful for? It is likely that someone will ask you that question today. I can recall several Thanksgiving’s where each person around the table was asked to recite their gratitude to the group. I can also remember times when I had to dig really deep to produce an answer. Think back on the last 24 hours. Next, look back a little farther to include the last week. What do you think about first?

As I complete the exercise, I have to admit that gratitude is not my first reaction. You see, I have encountered many problems in the last 24 hours. To be real, the last seven days have not gone exactly as I planned either. It’s troubles, not gratitude that shows up first in my mind. Apparently, I am not alone. Peter encountered Christ followers that were missing the pure joy of Christ. He left us some simple advice that will help us when we are feeling less than grateful.

To start, Peter reminds us to be careful, in our troubles, not to revert back to who we were before we met Jesus.  Yes, it would be easier to live like a pagan, only pursuing what feels good. But, Peter explains, since we know the truth of Christ, we must choose him again. He elaborates by showing us how choosing Christ means to “set our hope fully on the grace that will be brought to us at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:13). This makes sense to me. Practically speaking, when I set aside my quest for success and prominence, I begin to see Jesus clearly again. And, I find rest for my soul.

Peter also encourages us to be obedient. Reminding us that it is our obedience during tough times strengthens and purifies our faith. In order to do so, we must “prepare our minds for action, be sober minded and set our hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:13). Our obedience, therefore, strengthened by our tested faith produces “praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:8).

At this very moment, I am grateful for Thanksgiving. I hope that you too will have an opportunity to stop and remember why we choose to follow Jesus. Peter sums it up wonderfully for us in 1 Peter 1:3-4. He reminds us, that Jesus “has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”  Give Thanks!

Today’s Reading:  1 Chronicles 13–14; James 1; Amos 8; Luke 3

Earlier this month, B.J. and I spent a week on a boat in the British Virgin Islands with a couple of dear friends.  The weather was nice and, as expected, we had a simply marvelous week.  This area of the Caribbean Ocean is historically pretty calm, however, we did experience a storm one evening when we were anchored off the coast of Anegada.  While we weren’t trying to travel from one place to another, our 43′ boat that once felt big was suddenly really small as it was rocking back and forth.  It became quite comical watching us slam into the furniture, and each other, as we tried to move around the cabin that evening.

When I read James 1:5-8 this week, it took me back to the boat. I now have a better appreciation for what it feels like to be “a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind” – a totally out of control feeling.  The author of Hebrews used this phrase to describe someone who doubts God.  Someone whose direction is influenced by a variety of forces, rather than being anchored on the truths of God.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways (James 1:5-8).

Like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind, double-minded and unstable all mean the same thing in this passage – wavering, undecided, vacillating in thoughts and actions.  Verse seven lets us know that God does not bestow blessings on this type of a person.  Given these unfavorable consequences, what causes us to often act like this anyway?  Selfishness.  Double-mindedness is always a result of our unwillingness to completely submit to God’s plan for our lives.  His plan is an all or nothing proposition, but we disrupt it when we hold things back for ourselves.  “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other…” (Matthew 6:24).

Fortunately, the Bible is also pretty clear about the solution for double-mindedness.  Faith and submission to God’s plan.  This past Wednesday, Michael wrote about the “Hall of Faith” in Hebrews 11.  Sixteen different Old Testament people who were sold out to God’s plan, and embodied the truth of Hebrews 11 – Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1); and without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him (Hebrews 11:6).  Throughout the Old Testament, God poured out his blessings on these followers for their faithfulness to his calling for their lives.  Do you know anyone what has this kind of focus and unwavering faith today?

Earlier this year, my small group read a book called Crazy Love by Francis Chan. Chapter 8 of this book includes a story about Chan’s grandmother-in-law, a woman who portrayed complete faith in Jesus.  He tells about a time when he attended a play with Grandma Clara.  At intermission, he asked if she was enjoying the show.  To his surprise, she responded that she was not all that excited about being there – “I just don’t know if this is where I want to be when Christ returns.  I’d rather be helping someone or on my knees praying.  I don’t want him to return and find me sitting in a theater.”  Wow.  What an astounding example of a person who is single-minded, focused, and sold out to God’s plan for her life.

I am confident God is pouring out blessings on Grandma Clara.  In the same way, I pray that each one of us can demonstrate an unwavering desire and courage to submit to God’s plan for our lives.  He really knows what is best for us.

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine (Isaiah 55:8 – New Living Translation).

1 Chronicles 9–10; Hebrews 12; Amos 6; Luke 1:39–80

Why is it that vacation, Halloween, and Thanksgiving always roll around when I am trying to be “good” about what I eat? Seriously, I have maintained a really good diet for several months. It stopped quickly with my vacation. You know how it is, great dinners are part of the deal.  Right? For me, a great dinner includes dessert. But, I remind myself that it is ok. This is a short-term thing. A week of splurging won’t matter.  After all, I’m on vacation! The brief interruption of my diet has now been exacerbated by Halloween. It turns out that I am a sucker for Snickers and Milky Way’s and Almond Joy’s and Butterfingers, and pretty much anything that gets dumped out of that bag. (Actually, I am not a fan of Whoppers, but I eat them anyway). The best part of Halloween candy is that everything is bite-size. I mean, it’s not like I’m eating an entire candy bar. As I consume multiple pieces, I remind myself that there are only a handful of pieces left. Once they are gone, all will be well and I’ll get back to my normal diet. Except for the fact that next week is Thanksgiving. It’s not likely that I am going to take it easy on homemade rolls, or extra gravy. And, pecan pie is awesome (especially with ice cream) so I’m definitely looking forward to that and since the Thanksgiving tradition requires we eat pumpkin pie I’ll go ahead and try that too. My mother-in-law makes a mad coconut cream pie that occasionally makes its way to the table and really, its one of my favorites so I’ll try that too. Hey, don’t forget, it’s just one day. For dinner, I’m looking forward to lying low. My mom makes grandma’s angel food cake and I’d hate to dishonor her legacy by passing it up. Besides, angel food is pretty light.

Healthy lifestyles are not limited to food.  In fact, our relationship with God is the most important component.  Just like my diet, I often make choices that circumvent its full realization.  For example, consider this list of activities that hinder my progress.  In no particular order; wine, work, swearing, laziness, Xbox, YouTube, Television, internet, telephone, text messages, facebook, Pinterest, election coverage, books, bourbon, course language, impure thoughts, Amazon, movies, napping, 

If you are like me, you connected with at least one item.  I’m guessing that not only did you connect with it, but you justified it just as I have justified my poisonous diet.  Take a few minutes today to consider how you might, “lay aside this weight,” (Hebrews 12:1) and acknowledge the reality that it is preventing you from finishing the race successfully.