Chasing Holiness

The Pursuit of Holiness, by Jerry Bridges, is an incredible little book, convicting and encouraging at the same time. One point the book makes is the importance of obedience even in the little things. Some have questioned the point of the Law in the Old Testament. The book quotes Andrew Bonar, “It is not the importance of the thing, but the majesty of the Lawgiver, that is to be the standard of obedience…some indeed, might reckon such minute and arbitrary rules as these as trifling. But the principle involved in obedience or disobedience is none other than the same principle which was tried in Eden at the foot of the forbidden tree. It is really this: Is the Lord to be obeyed in all things whatsoever He commands? Is He a holy Lawgiver? Are His creatures bound to give implicit assent to His will?”
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This passage really made me think. Is the Lord actually to be obeyed in all things? What about parking in the no parking zone for a quick run into the store for a gallon of milk; or photocopying for personal use when the book says NO copying at all without written permission from the author? And then there are things referred to in the Word that we are not to even think of, let alone watch, read, or listen to. What about not letting the sun go down on your anger even though it was “all his fault and he deserves to sleep alone”? What about speaking harshly to your child? Surely the verse about letting your gentleness be known to all men is strictly speaking to all those who are not your kids. After all, it does say men – but it does not exactly mean your husband. He’s not really a man – he’s more like a guy… That could go on and on!
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My point is that we cannot excuse obeying only what we consider the “big” things while letting the “little” things slide. We talk ourselves out of being guilty because we are a “work in progress,” after all. Our goal seems to be victory over sin rather than not sinning because it grieves a Holy God. We need to step back and take a serious look at our lives. Are we cheating? Are we trying to pacify God and ourselves with less than what He desires, and even requires, from us? Excuses are easy to come by and we are masters at justifying most anything with a little rationalization. We are not to justify our sin. No matter how seemingly small or insignificant it is, sin is sin. My sin and your sin is what nailed the One we say is our Lord to the cross. Do we value His sacrifice so little that we are willing to coddle and excuse our pet sins and continue in them? Christ’s willingness to shed His blood for my redemption should be more than enough to create in me a longing to chase after holiness.
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Prayer:
Father God, please forgive me for justifying my sin. Show me daily that each sin is a grievous offence against a holy, righteous, and just God. I commit to examining my heart when your Holy Spirit convicts me of what I think is something of little consequence. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
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Challenge:
Do not ignore the nudging of the Holy Spirit as you go about your days this week. Examine your actions and thoughts and see if they line up with Scripture. Things to watch for: the radio dial in the car, the television program in the afternoon or evening, the magazine in the beauty shop, the thoughts you have towards your husband and children.
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Jen Gorton 2004

Following the Leader

Plans are exciting to make and even more fun to anticipate. The same excitement that comes from planning and anticipation can also bring much frustration when things are left hanging due to sick children, the weather, or finances. Unfortunately, I can think of more than one time when my plans were changed and I reacted in a way that was not at all godly. As if being grumpy with my kids and nasty to my husband somehow was justified because I did not get to go to a mom's night out.

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Have you ever wondered why people tack on "Lord willing" after saying they would see you at church or a meeting? Sometimes it might be habit; many times it shows they are aware of the hand of the Lord in every area of their lives and therefore they acknowledge it verbally. We can make all the plans we like, but the Lord is the One who ultimately decides our steps.

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A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9

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If Jesus is forever at the right hand of the Father making intercession for us and His prayers are always perfect, then what comes into our lives is always the perfect plan of God.* That is hard to argue with. What relief it brings to understand that when our plans fall through, it is because the Lord's plans are succeeding! Acknowledging His mighty hand in our lives brings freedom and joy because we are saying, "Lord, have Your way in me! Use me to further your good and perfect plan."

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Prayer:

Jesus, thank You that You are always lifting me up before the Father. Thank You, Father God, for always bringing what is needed into my life. Everything that comes my way was first filtered through You. Thank You, Holy Spirit, for guilding me through my changed plans and into the perfect plan of God. Help me each day to willingly walk in Your will.

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Challenge:

This week, begin each morning with a simple prayer. "Father, order my steps today and give me the grace to walk in them cheerfully." Then, as each change of your plans comes, choose to joyfully walk in the perfect plan of God. If you can, journal or blog about what the Lord directed you in this week that was different from your plans.

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Jen Gorton 2009
*Norm Wakefield

Arise and Eat...

1 Kings 19:5, 7 ... and the angel touched him and said "Arise, eat" ...

"Arise, eat, because the journey is too great for you."
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In the passage quoted above, the Prophet Elijah was running away because of the pressures. Do you ever feel like running away because of the pressures of raising your children and ministering to your husbands? Notice that God had sent an angel to feed him and Elijah was told to "arise and eat." God has also sent us help to feed us in the form of His Word.
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This year why not make it a priority to spend time daily in the Word so that you will have strength for the journey you are on? When my daughter was little the way I accomplished that was to put a Bible in every room and open it to the same chapter each day; when I had a few minutes to ponder, I would read the verse and think about it. It is amazing how much time you actually spend in the Word that way. I also used to keep a Bible in the bathroom. Yes, you read it right! That is the one place that you may possibly get a few minutes alone at some point during the day, or at least when your husband comes home. God honestly will not care if you are on the toilet or in the tub, He just wants to fellowship with you and give you His grace.

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I also used to read the Word while nursing Jen. Those middle of the night feedings are good times to read and meditate on what your Father wants to tell you. Why not give it a try and see what happens? I can promise you that He will meet with you and you will find the strength you need to continue on, one day at a time. It is a tremendous privilege to minister to our families and God has given us all the answers we need to do this in His word. Enjoy the journey in 2009.
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Prayer:

Father, I commit this year to spending time in Your Word ~ whenever and wherever I can. I will not allow the calling You have placed on my life as a mother and wife interfere with my relationship with You. Thank You for not caring where I read Your Word, but only that I do read it. Amen

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Challenge:

Place a small Bible in your bathroom(s) this week. You can receive Today in the Word or Our Daily Bread at no cost to place with it. Keep a Bible on your kitchen counter or living room table as well. Fight the urge to wait to read until you can have a "real" quiet time. Even one verse can strengthen and encourage you!

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Sherry Sanders 2009