2 Peter 3: 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

“So, what is your perspective on punctuality?” – my question from an job interviewer.

My response- “I have always felt that there is never a problem with being very early, that if you plan on being early, there will be no problem if you’re a little late for your plan.”

“This is how we look at punctuality: Early = On Time, On Time = Late, Late = Fired.”

Anyone who plans on keeping their job, gaining an education, maintaining healthy relationships and fulfilling a purpose will usually have a grasp on the importance of being on time and not making someone wait. As soon as that appointment time passes without your presence, there is a statement being made about your character, the importance you place on the meeting and the value of that one with whom you scheduled that meeting. Great expectation and judgment is built into our culture regarding timing, with very little hope of success where there is disregard for this.

Where it gets a little challenging, though, is when clocks get off, time zones are different, and the basis upon which the schedule is planned differs between those attending. For the one who understood the timing to be based upon their own system, the relationship and ability to make further plans can be severely threatened when the other person is using a completely different base. They may be totally correct in the ETA, but if they are not perceived to be punctual because of this misunderstanding, judgments are made and confidence in that person is compromised.

A couple of references

I spent a few months in Africa, just a little ways of the equator where the sun is very consistent in its rising and its falling. There is no need for daylight savings time there because the sun always rises at 6:00 in the morning and sets at 6:00 in the evening with very little variance between summer and winter. Because of this, their reference to the hours of the day, instead of starting with the middle of the day, started in the morning with “hour one”. To make an appointment with someone there for lunch would require an understanding of this in order to not show up either 6 hours ahead of time or 6 hours late.

There is another discrepancy in base understanding that I encountered in math, where the standard 10 base system that is commonly used can be altered by changing the base number upon which counting is established. Instead of starting over at one after counting to ten, for example, you can start over with any other less than ten, like 4 for example. In this system our normal number 8 would equal 20 because the base is completely different- totally correct, just based on a different standard.

When hearing of the promises that are ours and particularly the promise referred to here in the passage of the coming day of the Lord, there is an opportunity to be challenged in our relationship with the One who made the promise, if we get out our calendars and decide, based upon our own learned systems, just when and how He should fulfill His promise. As soon as there is doubt regarding His punctuality, the whole perception of His character, faithfulness and righteousness is brought into question and it is challenging to believe in Him at all. There is an opportunity, however, whenever our penciled-in time for Him to show happens to pass, for trust in Him and an embrace of His holiness and loving nature to displace our self-declared position of judgment over the Creator of time. Rather than letting our Daytimer determine our confidence in the Maker of the day and our ability to progress in our relationship with Him, faith in His goodness and His mercy can be strengthened when all frustration is put aside for some sweet casting of care in His loving embrace. His timing has a different base. It will never be wrong and His character will never be compromised because of a man-made calendar. Opportunity for relationship with the most influential and powerful being need not be damaged or frustrated by His differing time base. It’s so much better to just get on His in the light of eternity.

1 Thessalonians 5:23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.

For those really critical things, where it needs to work and there is no room for error, you really need more than just someone who talks like he knows. The one you need is the one who designed and made it, and you don’t need just a chat line and a promise of access through some login.

Just gave a call yesterday to a service provider of something we need for a new facility we are getting ready to occupy. There were several things promised and offered on their web site, but I wanted someone to actually talk with so I could ask more specific questions. I was blessed to connect with a very friendly and knowledgeable individual who was very adept at defining the details of the service. I noticed something about the presentation of his information, though, from the start- that his intent was beyond just answering my questions and providing needed details. He was intent on securing my business and even getting me to agree to service that was beyond my original intent. To do this I noticed he referred to certain things as his, what he was going to do for me, and how he was going to take care of certain charges for me. I realized that there was nothing he was promising that was actually his personally. He didn’t really own any of it to give, and while he represented something of great usefulness and value, the real functionality would be coming to me from another source than him. As great as it was that he felt an ownership and was able to utilize this confidence to sell effectively, there will have to be an actual performance by something and someone other than him in order for my needs to be met.

In the pursuit of the eternal service that is necessary for our fulfillment both here on this earth and beyond, it will be necessary to acquire answers, to interact with those who have been there and have information that will help in this great quest. While there may be some great, wonderful, friendly and gifted presenters of this information, the source of the actual service will always be the Creator and Designer of life itself, the real provider of the critical requirements of life and salvation. The introduction may be done effectively and even from someone who has rightly become one with Christ, but that person himself will never be able to do anything more than just provide the connection. The real service provider, the One who will be doing it all is God alone and interaction with any other will never replace the conversation that will have to take place with Him and the relationship that will have to be developed with Him. In pursuit of the abundance that is our promise in Christ we will need an uninterrupted connection with the Source of life in Christ Himself that is uncorrupted by sin and cares of life. Though there may be claims from viable human sources that this and that will be covered and taken care of, when the service is critical, when the temptation comes and the pressure is on, there will only be One who will be able to keep from falling. He may use His call service for support, but He will be the doer, the sanctifier and the One who perfects and keeps functional those He have answered His call. He may touch through those who have been gifted to speak and operate in His will, but there will be only one true service provider that will never fail to provide. He is Christ alone and there no other will be able to perform what He alone can provide. Best get to know Him personally, get Him on the line with an uninterrupted line of communication. He will do it. He is the Faithful One.

James 1:17 KJV
(17)  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Psalm 107:13 Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, And He saved them out of their distresses.

,15 Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!

There is obviously no lack on the part of God to come through in the time of difficulty. The examples are endless of how a distraught heart let go of life’s gloominess long enough to cry out to the source of its help and find supernatural provision there in Him. Though each circumstance would seem to be uniquely overwhelming in itself, for each specific difficulty there was a common solution – “then”. Rather than letting the telling of the dire turmoil be the last sounds heard, there is a natural progression to another utterance for the one who has become aware of the amazing abilities of a Father who is willing and able to do far above what we could even ask or think. The greater the obstacle, the greater will be the magnitude of His glory revealed, with the question never rising as to who will win the day. In fact, it becomes ever more exciting to anticipate the inevitable victory with the expanded versions of trials.

So why, then, does the psalmist keep pining away about men being thankful? Couldn’t men just go right to the crying, rather than wasting precious time with all that gratitude. It would seem that, while there is no lack in God’s ability to meet a need, there is a dangerous lack of turning to Him for His faithful provision. Where, though, the heart has become developed in this recognition of the answer’s source, there will be a most natural, comfortable, and consequential response to any rising opposition – a simple expectant cry to the One who has already done great things and will surely be faithful once again. The turning to Him is the most critical action and it is from the heart of the grateful that this turning will more readily be made.

A great opportunity is waiting the sun’s rising and it is the prepared that enjoy the potential that lies there. To be an answer to the prayer for the thankful is to be ready with a prayer of faith in that time of need, and a documenter, once again, of the Father’s faithful deliverance. Now- thanks be unto God who always………..

Judges 6:1 KJV  And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD delivered them into the hand of Midian seven years.

Judges 6:6-7 KJV  And Israel was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites; and the children of Israel cried unto the LORD.  (7)  And it came to pass, when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD because of the Midianites,

… and thus went the story of Gideon and the incredible demonstration of God’s loving hand of protection and deliverance over His people.

I don’t even remember what it was she ‘did’ to me, but I clearly remember standing in the back yard of our house in Burlington, greatly tempted to proclaim what I thought one of my sisters to be at that moment. Though I knew better and I’m sure had a clue that there might be something to pay for it, I finally gave in and loudly declared my sister to be (a two word phrase that describes) someone of less that full mental capacity. While my revenge was sweet for the few moments it took to state my feelings, there was someone else who observed my failure. I was quickly ushered in to the ‘room of doom’ where it was made very clear to my soul through the place that I sit down that these kinds of things would never again be spoken. What was interesting about this experience for me was my perception of my Dad during my experience of what my own actions/words brought on me. It seemed that the one who had provided and cared for me, played ball with me and taken me hunting was now severely against me. I had fallen out of his favor and now I had only frustration and anger towards him. What I came to understand, though, was that in the middle of what I saw as a severed relationship, from my father’s side there was no loss of love or care whatsoever. He just needed me to have a heart change. Though there has since been this need over and over again in my life, the change Dad was after that day was largely achieved as I don’t recall having used those words towards anyone since. What I thought to be a separation and abandonment in my relationship was never that from Dad’s standpoint. He was ever ready to do whatever would be in my best interest, even if that meant allowing my actions to have consequences.

Like Gideon, hiding away from the threats of danger in the world around him, there may be a wondering of what has happened to the God who, according to the stories, brought deliverance and the promise of abundance and freedom to His people. What is reality and what is truth, however, is that His position has never changed. He is just in need of a heart change from us and a return to Him for the favor He continually desires to bring into our life. Though the punishment may apparently be great and the risen enemy ominous, God has never forsaken, but always considers ours enemies to be his, no matter how badly we’ve transgressed. Just on the other side of obedience is an overwhelming confirmation of this truth. Until the heart change is demonstrated by complete trust and compliance, though, the perceived separation may continue. Never will His purpose be other than our completeness and restoration,, and an embrace and incredible time of fellowship awaits the son or daughter who will only rise from their self-chosen pigsty to return with repentance to a Father who has never changed in His love and desire to bless. A great victory and demonstration of His love is waiting down the road of pursuing His will and His kingdom.

Psalms 30:5 KJV  For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

Deuteronomy 28:14 KJV  And thou shalt not go aside from any of the words which I command thee this day, to the right hand, or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them.

It’s a wonderful feeling to drive off the lot in a brand new vehicle with the fresh smells, everything working and untouched paint job and interior. There is often a sense of pride along with a temptation to notice your reflection in store windows as you pass by. Of course the true passion for this machine has much to do with whether or not it was the actual model, color and specs that you really wanted and not just something you had to get by with.

Now most if not all new vehicles come with an owner’s manual that includes something called a maintenance schedule. This schedule is basically a long list of things that should be checked and maintained at various intervals of time or miles. It clearly specifies that for the vehicle to perform at the level for which it was designed certain fluids must be changed and certain adjustments made at specific times. I recently took my Jeep into a local garage for an oil change where I got into a discussion with the owner about how important the maintenance schedule really is. He informed me that from his experience those vehicles that were maintained by their owners according to the schedule lasted much longer with much fewer complications. While his statements made an impression, they were also validated by a recent story about a lady that is over 90 years old herself and still driving a car she purchased in 1964. With over 557,000 miles her ‘chariot’ is still running well and she attributes it to detailed adherence to the maintenance schedule along with lifetime warranty replacement parts. She says that through the years her car and the way she has maintained it has been the key to her personal freedom as she has been able to remain independent, mobile and productive on her own. While there surely must have been an initial pride when she drove off the lot, this passion seems to only have grown through the years, this reflected in the care that has never been compromised.

We’ve been given the keys to a brand new life in Christ and in Him there is an immediate appreciation for the fresh new smells and perspectives. This life doesn’t have to get old or worn out in the least, though, if there will just be careful attention given to the maintenance schedule in the glove box. Words of direction and guidance have been spoken by our Designer and Creator that are guaranteed to keep us out of the shop if those words will just be embraced as part of a passion that disallows any compromise of care.

Genesis 6:7-9 KJV(7)  And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.(8)  But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.(9)  These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.

Genesis 6:22 KJV(22)  Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.

My biggest problem with finding those items that are always coming up missing is that I just give up. It seems like every day there is a portion of the day devoted to searching for those lost keys, the pair of socks that were laid down somewhere, or for me right now, this dumbbell that I know was in the game room not too many days ago. Hunter had been using it in there and then it somehow got placed either in storage or in a closet, but definitely somewhere that I have yet to discover. I know for sure it’s in the house, but to really find it I know I’ll have to maybe get up in the attic, go through storage tubs, or dismantle a closet. Not wanting to devote the time and really not wanting to go through the whole searching adventure, it’s much easier to just stop by Academy and pick up a new one. (which I did) You know, I could always use another one anyway. I’ve actually done the same thing with socks and, of course, pens.

While the need to search for misplaced or lost possessions can be such a frequent thing, and many things just remain lost because the search is not made, there are some things that are so essential to functioning, such a necessity for living that, no matter the difficulty, no matter what it takes, every rock will be upturned and every closet emptied until they are found. The best example of this is the good old keys to the car. Constantly left here and there, in pants on the counter, hanging on the refrigerator, etc, there will be no going anywhere, no working, no going to the mall or the movies until they are found. So, no matter what else is going on, when the keys come up missing, there can be no giving up on the search for them. For my Jeep especially there is only one set and to replace them would be a very expensive and involved process, much more than just riding the bike down to the auto parts store. For the keys then, there will be no stopping of the search. They are too important and necessary. They will be found no matter what it takes.

Something had become apparently lost for the people occupying the earth at the time of Noah. Their most valuable possession, the relationship with their Creator, had been lost with no apparent desire to search for it. It was so much easier to just stop by the store and pick up something else. Their lives had become full of alternatives and there was no desire or motivation to do anything about trying to discover what was missing. In actuality, what Noah found was something that was available all the time for every other person on the earth. The difference was that for Noah it wasn’t just a lost pair of socks or a dumbbell. This was the keys. For Noah, there was no going anywhere, no sleeping, no eating, no hanging out or chilling until this, his most essential and necessary possession was found. While others all around him thought themselves to be living it up and experiencing the pleasures of life, they didn’t realize that they were really about to lose their life. They had never taken the time or effort to search out the one thing that would really enable their life.

“But Noah found grace”. Noah was definitely set apart from the rest in his search, but amazingly he was successful. Right there all along and available for all, he, by his diligent search and faithful obedience found the very essence of life and the very thing that would save the human race. For him, all the other elements of earthly living were insignificant compared to finding the grace and favor of Almighty God.

The very grace that was available back then is available today. It isn’t, however, something that will jump out and tackle you. It’s the most wonderful and empowering thing that can ever be found and yet it must be sought for. Seeking the kingdom first is what allows all the other blessings to follow. There must be a willingness, though, to set every other activity aside and devote all efforts to the search. There will be no going anywhere, no healthy living, and no sorrowless pleasure without the grace keys. As the water was rising for those outside of the ark, so did their priority for the search for grace, but then it was too late. May this day be one of discovery where grace is secured far before the falling of the first raindrop, and may the fulfilling joy of faithful service be the continual pursuit that keeps us there in the realm of grace found.

Hebrews 13:8 KJV
(8)  Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

There is so much going on in the world around us today that exemplifies something we’re quite conditioned to in life– people are never quite what or who you think they are. Professional athletes that were regarded among the very best and political leaders, along with business chiefs are being shown to be something other than what they appeared to be. There is something about each one of these revelations, though, – that the one being found out probably wasn’t always that way, but he/she had changed somewhere along the line. Because of performance pressures or temptations of power, there had been a compromise of the person they once were to this individual that really doesn’t represent the legitimate person living on the inside.

While this is being demonstrated in stardom, though, it is really taking place with most relationships that are part of our personal experience. A valentine before marriage is found to be quite different once the ring is on the finger. Friends that were once quite near are shown to be less than interested in loyalty or commitment. Employers and businesses can be less than upfront or simply found to be something other than they initially were thought to be. There is a natural distrust in these relationships, that especially given certain actions on your part, they will change and become different in their treatment and honor of you.

To this world of changing faces, though, comes One that never has and never will change. He is the Rock that is forever sure and unchanging. Though He is given plenty of reasons to completely disown us, our worst transgression will have no impact whatsoever on His position or attitude towards us. His response will always be one of love, one that is completely unaffected by us in our ever changing ways. What is so great about this position and condition of His is that whenever we do experience  His love, we are transformed into His likeness, which includes this immoveable attitude of love, where you really get what you see and see what you get. In worship today, may this transformation occur and our way become, “Change?-Not!”.

Malachi 3:6 KJV
(6)  For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.

Joshua 14:10-15 KJV
(10)  And now, behold, the LORD hath kept me alive, as he said, these forty and five years, even since the LORD spake this word unto Moses, while the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness: and now, lo, I am this day fourscore and five years old.
(11)  As yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, both to go out, and to come in.
(12)  Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the LORD spake in that day; for thou heardest in that day how the Anakims were there, and that the cities were great and fenced: if so be the LORD will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the LORD said.
(13)  And Joshua blessed him, and gave unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh Hebron for an inheritance.
(14)  Hebron therefore became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite unto this day, because that he wholly followed the LORD God of Israel.

And it wasn’t like he was just sitting back in sweet repose this whole time. No, this was a man who, at forty, chose to go completely against popular opinion and actually believe the promise of God – that he would possess the land he went to spy out. Then, after outliving all the unbelievers in the in the ultimate survival of the wilderness, he was right in the middle of the battles for occupation. And finally, while many of the ‘athletes’ half his age were having knee problems and other ailments of activity and conflicts, he was no less functional or powerful at 85, and ready to take personal possession of his real estate inheritance.

A few things came to mind while reading about Caleb this morning: While first in line for the trusting game, he was dead last for the whining and complaining game; His ability to eventually qualify for the land was completely dependent upon what he did in the mean time, otherwise he would have died off or have been so stowed up he could never enjoyed it at all; Because he wholly followed the Lord it directly affected the discipline of his lifestyle and the maintenance of his health- it wasn’t just by the Spirit that he was still strong, but also by the exercise, diet and care applied to his God-given body; Though not in possession of any landscape for those forty five years, he was in continual possession of a promise that would sustain and preserve him more than any other- His relationship and nearness to His God; And finally, what would have happened even after all those years had he not reminded God of His promise, as it wasn’t until he placed his claim that he possessed it?

To come into a relationship with God is to come into a realm of promise that is not without its share of unpopularity, wilderness, opposition, and passage of time. Not one of us is without an assurance of not only a heavenly possession, but also victory, provision and possession here on this earth. So much of our ability to actually and eventually enjoy much of what is ours, though, has everything to do with what we’re doing with the promise of His presence right here and right now, and how it is affecting our life discipline and character. Where there is true belief and trust, there is an ability to act as if it is already done and the identity of the ‘owner’ is who we are long before the claim is made for the land. The body and existing possessions are treated with the honor and appreciation of a treasured gift just as significant as any other to come, while potential discouragements and setbacks are hardly even noticed compared to the largeness of the existing yet to be seen promise. For the one who hast chosen to cast the care of the wilderness and opposition upon the One who is their continual possession there will be the capacity to possess with joy and health the fullness of all that is rightfully theirs at the appointed time and when they so choose. Every moment to that point, though, will be filled with the contentment of one who has wholly followed in unwavering strength and confidence.

Psalms 27:8 KJV
(8) When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.

Psalms 27:14 KJV
(14) Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

The political season in which we find ourselves lends itself strongly to the floating of assurances, promises, and commitments by means of words. Based upon the way the wind is blowing there is a very well thought out presentation of just the right image to please the largest group of people, somehow capturing their hearts and their votes by means of mere words that don’t necessarily have any heart validation. A large amount of searching and digging takes place on the part of the opponent in order to somehow upend the cart of words that have been piled up and discourage anyone from being taken in by their concepts and ideals. Given time, there is also some choice, some acquaintance, or some turn of events that can undermine the credibility of a candidate that had been very popular at one point, leaving them with very low approval ratings and very little heart commitment. I remember the first president I voted for was Jimmy Carter. Not completely aware of his true agendas, I was taken in by his religious strengths, his smile and apparent knowledge and wisdom. He seemed to be ushering in a welcome change after the era of Watergate, and he initially enjoyed great popularity. As events and his decisions began to bring a toll upon the nation, however, hearts were transformed from affectionate favor to disgust and disdain. Hearts that had once been strong towards him were turned away with the passing of time.

Ok, how does this relate? Well, there is something very precious about these passages that has to do with first of all the words that have been spoken by our Father God, and then the words that form the heart’s response. Because this call to seek His face is coming from someone who has never violated a trust or been overwhelmed by circumstances the heart has found, over time, great security and confidence in the proclamations from His mouth. In turn, the words from the heart are not mere religious mumbo jumbo; they are the commitment of a life. As both phrases emerge they exist in a realm far removed from the posturing facades of emotional salesmen. They are not meant to impress, but to bind ever closer a relationship that can only grow nearer and stronger the longer it is pursued. Unlike the surety that a political icon will fail in some way given the time, the opposite is discovered in the heart that has chosen to wait on the Lord. While there is inevitable discouragement and despair with the failures of men over time, waiting only produces strength and encouragement when it takes place in the presence of the King. He will never fail, never run away, never quit, and never disappoint the one who responded with the heart-felt statement “Thy face, LORD, will I seek.”

Hebrews 13:5-6 KJV
(5) … he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
(6) So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Deuteronomy 31:8 KJV
(8) And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.

This was a completely new concept for her, the thought that someone would actually be there for her even after discovering something in her that was sure to be unacceptable. Not that this wasn’t something she had hoped for all her life, it’s just that time after time, after committing herself in relationships, she had found herself alone, abandoned once again for some undisclosed reason. It would have even been a little more bearable if they would have at least given a reason, something for her to work on in the future, but it was like she hadn’t earned even enough honor from them to get their perceptions of her needed improvements before their departure. She had just been left, time after time, alone and without explanation. How wonderful it would have been to have someone actually stay through her inconsistencies, finding something in her for which to stick around. To wonder then whether God Himself could put up with whatever had driven the others away was certainly natural and would require considerable adjustment. This promise would be her heart’s greatest comfort and her soul’s delight and inspired hope, if only she could learn to embrace it instead of the old dismay and discouragement. He would never take off and leave her even when she herself might feel unacceptable. Because of this she could have great confidence and boldness to press beyond the fear of rejection that had held her back for so long. Though anyone might leave her for whatever reason and at any time, the very God of creation would remain close by her side, ever lifting her up and supporting her through the rest of her life.

Though maybe not to this extreme, there will ever be a need for adjustment and growth in this awareness- that our God goes before us and will never forsake us even in our failures, from the greatest to the smallest. If there is ever a sense of abandonment, this is just a misperception based upon what we’ve experienced in other relationships. God is ever present to encourage and strengthen the one who will but acknowledge His presence. His promise to be near isn’t just a frivolous gesture with no intention of fulfillment. Though this may have been our experience with those we’ve contacted in this world, there is a completely new experience with God that will nurture the confidence and boldness to be victorious in every situation. He is an ever present help in time of trouble (Psalms 46:1) and this presence doesn’t require a completed list of endless contingencies. His love and mercy will cover a multitude of sins and He faithfully stands with open arms – an embrace that will lift and propel us beyond the greatest of difficulties. So what will it matter what anyone might ever say about us, or even fail to say at all on their one way trip out the door, God Himself is right here right now with friendship, counsel, wisdom, understanding, compassion, mercy, forgiveness and motivation that is always ours for the taking in His presence. All He’s needing is an open door Himself to a heart that’s continually saying, ‘yes’.