James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

It was totally unnerving. His error had not gone unnoticed. He would now have to face the accusers and deal with their substantiated claims. According to all that would be declared regarding his failure, there was only one rightful outcome- he would be condemned.

So it was strange that during the reading of his charges, just when his heart should be failing over his imminent demise, that a smile rested on his lips. In fact, during the reading of each claim against him, it could clearly be seen that the smile widened. This smile was not that of arrogance and disdain for the court, but rather the countenance of one who knew that, though there appeared to be insurmountable evidence stacked against him, another much more favorable outcome was actually getting ready to take place. He appeared to be completely free from any consternation regarding his fate. Rather than being the least bit anxious and stressed, he was extremely relaxed. It was almost as if he was patiently looking forward with peaceful anticipation to how each attempt at condemnation would be turned into another reason to rejoice.

In the face of circumstances and accusations that would otherwise cause us to give up and give in to worrying, fretting and letting go of God, it is possible for us to account for each charge by including it with the reasons to rejoice rather than the reasons to tremble and fear. Though the evidence stacked against us may otherwise appear to be overwhelming and defenseless, there is a simple understanding that will undermine and dislodge every condemning claim on our soul. With every temptation into which we may fall, with every opportunity for faith in our Father to fail, a further revelation by our star witness is forthcoming. He has gone before us in this position of the accused. He has taken every claim against us, paid the price for our redemption, and provided us with a clear and lawful right to His righteousness, With every rising voice of opposition and with every enticement of this world over the kingdom there is a declaration of loving grace that replaces the sentence of death with the unwavering assurance of life eternal.

There is a clear and definite opportunity for joy to reign in every circumstance of life, but as faith is put on trial there will need to be an assurance that every accusation has been dealt with by the blood of the Lamb. It will apply in a new and fresh way to every attack that arises, and it will most certainly cover every attempt at identity assassination and its oppressing and depressing impact. We are eternally identified with Christ by receiving of His established grace and mercy, and there is no encountered temptation that is not covered by the evidence of the blood. By gaining access through the blood to the presence of our Redeemer and by holding fast to our testimony of faith without wavering, we can turn every potentially overwhelming trial into a celebration of God-inspired joy. In this realm of gladness, confidence and assurance will usher in an ever-increasingly established patience that anticipates the next victorious application of blood evidence over any and every temptation. As nothing in this world can any longer lay claim upon our passions, we will be free to triumphantly live in His love to the very end.

Revelation 12:10-11 KJV  (10)  And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.  (11)  And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

Proverbs 10:6 Cynics look high and low for wisdom—and never find it;
the open-minded find it right on their doorstep!

:33 Lady Wisdom is at home in an understanding heart—
fools never even get to say hello.

It’s amazing how quickly the condition of a home can change with the arrival of a storm that no one predicted and for which no one could be completely prepared. We had one of those storms suddenly come through our area about a year and a half ago. We’ve had plenty of storms since that one, many carrying large amounts of water, but what set this storm apart when it arrived was the size of the hail that assaulted the ground and everything standing upon it in the wide path that it followed. It was like a big shot gun was shooting down on trees, cars, and rooftops with huge shot that left broken windows and dented metal wherever it pointed.

The days and months that followed that afternoon were a time when wisdom came knocking and was either openly received with a result of complete and improved restoration, or was cynically rejected with even further devastating results. While the majority of property owners readily utilized available resources to make viable repairs there were many who were skeptical of the whole restoration process and chose to cut corners and go with the cheapest contractors promising much for nothing. The result of this skepticism was many repairs and replacements that were inadequate, causing further complications and costs. Something else that I experienced once the flurry of repairs died down somewhat and I started knocking on a few doors myself, was the complete refusal of some to even be cordial to the offer of real help being offered. From the street it was obvious that the roof on a home was in dire need of restoration, but there was no reception whatsoever for the offer presented. Partly because there was a drought that followed the storm, there was no apparent need for dealing with the damage. If there was no severe leaking, then why deal with it needlessly? The inevitable time of downpour that eventually arrived, however, proved their cynicism to have left wisdom on the doorstep. While those who had let her in were sitting nice and dry in homes that had no further damage, those who had slammed the door in her face were dealing with much greater issues inside the home.

What was particularly interesting about many of the cold receptions was that there was an air of superiority and greater understanding that accompanied the refusal. This is something that seems to go along with many who go through other storms in life, refusing the Wisdom that is standing on their doorstep. Knowing better and skeptical of the offer of real help, they reject the very restoration that would prevent further damage and devastation. Wisdom never has a chance to even say hello in the heart that has already decided its superiority. Just being open to the possibility that the God of the Universe might have exactly what is needed to repair and repel subsequent storms will allow Him to come in with eternal improvements. He’s continually on the doorstep, knocking, but the hearts who not only invite Him in, but give Him a place at the table will be the ones that experience the kind of care He will provide for the home in which He is welcomed to abide.

13 Then He went up the hill; and those whom He Himself chose He called, and they came to Him.
Mark 3:13 (WEY)

19 Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father doing: for what things soever he doeth, these the Son also doeth in like manner. 20 For the Father loveth the Son, and showeth him all things that himself doeth: and greater works than these will he show him, that ye may marvel. 21 For as the Father raiseth the dead and giveth them life, even so the Son also giveth life to whom he will.
John 5:19-21 (ASV)

I really didn’t realize what was going on at the time, because often I failed to regard what Mom and Dad were doing as all that significant. Growing up, they were making Godly choices, though, with regard to every aspect of our lives- the way we dressed, talked, spent our money, ate, had fun and worshiped God. While there were certain overall choices that were not left up to us (where we would live, whether or not we would go to church, how we treated each other), there were many things, like toys to play with, books to read, and friends to hang out with, that they let us choose on our own, within reason. Though many areas of choice were left to us, there were always examples being lived out before us in the lives of our parents that greatly influenced our perspective and ultimate choices in all of these areas. Whenever any life choice is being made even to this day, there is an internal reference being made to what Mom or Dad would do in that situation. Though the choices are completely mine, there are very few areas that haven’t been touched in some way by what was and is being seen in my parents.

Something that has also been so precious with regard to my parents through the years is their complete support and encouragement of major choices I’ve made. Though I’m sure they’ve not been without some very strong feelings about where I’ve gone and what I’ve done, they’ve never dictated to me exactly what it was I should do. They just continued to live out an example before me. My successes and failures haven’t been due to their dictation, but theirs has always been a great example of the way to a righteous and Godly life.

In pursuit of a God who is wisdom and holds all of creation in His hand, it can seem like He should dictate to us our every move and every choice. I found it interesting, though, in these two passages about Jesus, that the choice of who he would hang out with and to whom He would give life was totally up to Him. I had always understood what Jesus said here to mean that He would somehow get His direction for every move by what He got directly from His Father for that moment. It clearly says, though, that Jesus confidently made choices according to His own will after observing how His Father made choices. I believe the Father was completely in support of every choice made by Jesus according to His own will, and in fact the final act of Jesus with regard to His death on the cross was even left up to Him. There was an overriding purpose, but the details were left up to Him, although He could do nothing without being influenced by the incredible example of His Father. Though choices were His alone, their success had everything to do with His exposure to what He saw so consistently in the One He passionately loved.

There are so many choices to be made. Every day is full of decisions that will determine our success or failure in life. Though there will be times when the overall purpose for our life in Christ may necessitate something that we wouldn’t necessarily like, most of the time there can be great confidence in knowing our choices are supported and encouraged by the One who knows our every move. Rather than dictating every move to us, He wants to be the example of wisdom that is ever before us to be observed and emulated. The sounds produced by the student musician’s movements and expression will always be his alone, but how much greater their opportunity for beauty when there has been intense instruction from and observation of the virtuoso. So our way can be in ‘like manner’ as His, bringing glory to and directly reflecting the One who has been our great and ever-present example.

Matthew 1:22-23 KJV  Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,  (23)  Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Do you ever wonder what might have happened if Joseph and Mary had chosen to just trash that note from the government referring to some kind of ‘people—counting’? You know, maybe getting half way with Mary in her condition and determining that they had just gone far enough?

The wise men, after their long and arduous journey would have been looking all night in a crowded city for a promised king that never showed up. The angel choir would have had to cancel their Christmas program for an accepting, though somewhat baffled, audience of shepherds. A donkey would have missed out on the resume entry of ’royalty transportation’.  A manger would have remained available for some other hapless traveler. There’s a possibility that God might have had to come up with a do-over– bring the whole plan to a screeching halt and somehow arrange another way for prophecies to be fulfilled and purposes met.

At the end of responsibility’s road is the possible success of some pretty well-laid-out  party plans. More than just a noble response to a another seemingly insignificant governmental or church request, simple compliance apart from personal feelings and convenience monitoring could enable the fulfillment of kingdom plans and nation forming. Rather than having to find someone else to complete His desired intent, the Father will have a heart filled with rejoicing over the impact made in another willing and obedient life. His plans are the best- they’re just in need of a heeded request.

To the call for worship may there be a journey taken and arrival completed at the place where Jesus’ presence promises peace, joy and a completed life’s purpose. In the middle of this season filled with so many other demands and commitments, the opportunity is great for complying with the Father’s smallest request. As His ‘to-do’ rises to the top of the priority list, there will be a corresponding rise in His ability to bless and provide. What great things are awaiting the completed journey and God’s desire fulfilled? He is looking right now for that open, receptive, and obedient heart that will enable the outpouring of His grace.

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.

Psalms 9:16-20 KJV
(16)  The LORD is known by the judgment which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion. Selah.
(17)  The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.
(18)  For the needy shall not alway be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever.
(19)  Arise, O LORD; let not man prevail: let the heathen be judged in thy sight.
(20)  Put them in fear, O LORD: that the nations may know themselves to be but men. Selah.

For some reason there is this strong tendency and desire in man to be independent and prove that it can be done alone. From Adam and Eve to the men of Babel to King Saul and to us today, there is a continual draw to pull away from God dependence and show that we are somehow able on our own to improve on what He provides. While there is a thing of perfection given in His Word and demonstrated where He’s allowed to influence, man yet thinks himself to be higher than God’s way of proven excellence. What has also been proven is that every time this path of God-forgetting is chosen with an attempt to take His place, there will inevitably be an impending crash or fall. The great potential of man can never be separated from his complete and total need for the wisdom and understanding that only comes from above. Righteousness and doing what is right does not evolve and the wisdom that comes from God alone will exist through all the phases of time and history. No matter how it impacts our emotions or personal sense of rightness, the humility of choosing God’s way over some man-conceived plan is the only way to longevity and stability. While there may be perception of failure along the way, the search should be for where God’s way had been altered rather than declaring God’s way a failure and throwing Him out with the bathwater. Departing from Him as a distant memory with a pursuit of a new and fresh way that leaves the ‘failed ways of the past’ will only lead to a failure that makes those old ones seem quite small.

In pressing towards a new and better way, there is only hope in the way that follows the light of God’s love and His wisdom. For our nation and for the path that will today be ours as individuals, there will be an opportunity to realize we are but men in need of a Savior, that every step will require the direction of a Father who only has our best interest and success in store. The more quickly this is realized, the more quickly will come the wave of peace and security that a foundation in God alone provides. On the other hand, h there will be an opportunity to discover the frailty of a God-forgetting man with the doom his way will arrive at. It really seems so obvious and easy- choose what is right in God and live in the blessings He provides, or in pride insist on the precarious stepping of one who thinks himself to be able apart from God. Until there is knowledge of and fear over the consequences of misdirected reliance the insistent pressing towards independence will prevail, with its ominous ends. May steps be ordered of Him today for our nation and for each of our lives and may our thoughts and ways be settle in the unshakable wisdom of the Rock of our salvation.

Psalms 143:8 KJV
(8)  Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.

Matthew 7:6  Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.

Tim Hawkins, this Christian comedian, does this bit about how mothers are a sometimes late with their ‘be careful’ warning. How often it seems to come just after a slip, a fall, squash or slam? For some reason this came to mind when I read this passage, because quite often it’s not enough to know of this wisdom when the giving or casting has already been done. The problem seems to be with recognizing the species of the creature to whom the holy thing is being given. As things are shared from a heart that is pursuing God it can all of a sudden seem that those very precious things that were shared with confidence and conviction are being used by the very ones to whom they were given to bring a sense of inadequacy or failure.

I recently began feeling some self-loathing about the condition of the back yard. It did appear to be that of someone who has little concern about the care of their domain, but while there may have been some indications of a need on my part, there was also another being that had been directly impacting the yard’s appearance.  One of our children had fallen in love with a puppy and greatly desired to make it part of the family, which meant an occupant of the back yard along with our already family member, Cocoa.  The dog was so cute, with unique markings and pleasant personality. The only problem with this prospective pet candidate was his ability to take what I had carefully placed in the back yard for its betterment, and completely destroy it with his slobbery munching. Power chords were severed, bags were torn and scattered, while the back porch became covered with paw administered dirt and grime. Everything that was legitimately there to enhance our abode was now making the case that we were uncaring and lazy. Though this was the obvious statement, the real truth being displayed was that a puppy dog had been at work in a place he never should have occupied and with things that should have never been placed within his reach or jowls as it were. Rather than defining who I was as an owner of my back yard, what was really being defined was the species of the animal that had been given access to it.

There will definitely be times in our life when it is too late and the dogs have already eaten the chords and trampled deeply in the mud that new wallet with your family pictures, credit cards, and driver’s license. This may be when you’ve related something precious from the Word that is transforming your life and somehow you’re now in a position of feeling less as a result of it. What really must be known in this is that the treatment of what you’ve shared will have much more to say about the one who is receiving/rejecting it than you. For every heart that is joined to the Father’s there will only be encouragement and exhortation for those that are giving. On the other hand, a slobbery degradation of another body member over the holy thing they’ve presented will bring species definition to the one severing the chords and dismantling the patio furniture. The only real solution to the situation will be the removal of the destructive creature from the back yard and complete separation from the proximity of any valuable thing.

Where precious things have been compromised, there is yet possibility of return to the excellence and rightness of a restored yard as the care for the loss is cast on the Father and a lesson in wisdom is learned and put to future practice. Since that wonderful fence-gnawing creature has been removed, so our peace, confidence and self-esteem has been given allowed to return. So will an unwavering assurance be known as the treasure of God imparted revelation is reserved for those who know how to receive and treat it with honor.

John 5:24 KJV
(24) Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

John 5:43 KJV
(43) I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.

I saw an episode of Andy Griffith last night, one of those later ones after they went to color and a rare one that I hadn’t yet seen. I actually didn’t get to see the whole thing, but came in on a scene where Aunt Bee and two of her friends were in the middle of a quarrel at a purse stand in Mexico. They were apparently on a trip there together and though lifetime friends, they were discovering how difficult traveling together can be. What made this particular quarrel interesting, though, was the price of this purse they all wanted. While they were bickering about who saw it first, who really wanted it first, and finally who wouldn’t even consider taking it after all this, the price of the purse was going from 70 pesos to 20 pesos. The desperate Mexican vendor was doing his best to make the purse a great deal for whichever lady would disengage from the quarrel and their pride long enough to believe in the bargain of the purse itself. Though they would reconcile their friendships sometime after returning home, the very thing that could have been a great deal for one or all of them turned into a stumbling block in their relationship. The scene ended with the vendor starting up again with another potential buyer and me wondering how anyone could be walking away from such a great deal. If only they could have heard the voice of the purse salesman long enough to believe in the purse value over the intensity of their own conflict.

Trading death for life really doesn’t have any comparable on the bargain table of life. To miss out on condemnation and get in on everlasting life is really the opportunity of a million lifetimes. How could anyone get caught up in disputing over the very bargain itself then and, out of pride and self-centeredness walk away from receiving and living in the fullness of its blessing? If only focus on conflicting circumstances could be averted long enough to hear the Master’s voice and believe in the goodness of His Father, the incredible value offered could be possessed, with price already paid, and direct delivery as part of the deal. Jesus is calling out today with a message of goodness and favor. For all of us, even those who’ve had a lifetime relationship with Him, there will be a choice today to turn away from the distractions of life that would awaken pride and self seeking, and listen intently to the voice of the One proclaiming the value of an eternity. How could anyone pass up a deal like this for the trivial and temporary? Why not believe in Him over any other voice, no matter how persuasive or demanding?

Proverbs 8:34-36 KJV
(34)  Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.
(35)  For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD.
(36)  But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.

So, according to this passage, just failing to pursue wisdom or actively seeking it out is the same as sinning against or hating it.

I had this friend who, when I first met him appeared to be somewhat of a classy guy- you know, someone who you might see in a shiny sports car with a fresh detail and a smooth sounding and well cared-for engine. It was a little bit revealing then when I finally came upon him together with the car he actually drove. It was an older Honda sedan minus hub caps and plus a layer of film and bird droppings. I immediately began to try and resolve this somehow with my first impression, considering that maybe the car first of all had to be parked under a heavily bird populated tree at his work place, or maybe he was just driving it as a borrowed car while his real possession was being worked on. The more I discovered about his relationship with his car, however, I came to feel that he just really didn’t care that much for it- maybe even hated it a bit. Surely anyone that cared the least for their vehicle would give it a scrub down once in a while and do something about that loose muffler and rumbly engine. Maybe with time and a few scratches here and there the passion had worn off to the point of neglect, but without question, the love just wasn’t there now whether or not it had ever been.

Now, this is quite different from the obvious affection expressed for the cars of my neighbor across the street. His cars aren’t the latest models or the fanciest, but he faithfully gives them a detailed bath at least once a week. It’s not just a squirt with the hose, either, but a real soap and water, towel down and tire dressing that gives you the impression his cars really mean something to him. What is also interesting about the love shown to his vehicles is that it directly reflects on his own well being and character. The consistency and faithfulness towards his cars is just a part what contributes to the quality of life and fulfillment that he seems to experience as a whole. His care in this one area is just a reflection of the love and appreciation he apparently has for life itself. From the time he first took possession, whether the car was brand new or second hand, it had never become an object of obvious neglect defining hate. His care of and pursuit of its maintenance had never diminished in the least, and it, as a result continues to provide him with a well running and beautiful means of transportation.

We’ve come into possession of a vehicle that will take us through the most difficult terrain of life to a prosperous and victorious destination. 1 Corinthians 1:30 says that in Christ we’ve been given what is also referred to here in Proverbs, wisdom. Like the car in the driveway, however, our feelings toward this wisdom will be directly reflected in how actively we pursue its care. How often does this treasure of such incredible potential get neglected and covered up with built up grime and road debris without just a little TLC from a caring hand? While it will produce blessing for the one who listens to its warnings and directives, there will only be trouble and breakdown for the soul that ignores its needs and leaves untended its requirements. Why not experience the fullness of life and development of character that is inevitable in the care and love of wisdom? Hate for it will require no effort at all, but will be declared by its obvious neglect, while love for it will equally be declared by the blessing and beauty it will bring to all of life in the favor of the Lord.

2 Chronicles 20:2-3 KJV

(2)  Then there came some that told Jehoshaphat, saying, There cometh a great multitude against thee from beyond the sea on this side Syria; and, behold, they be in Hazazontamar, which is Engedi.
(3)  And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.

I recently went with my son to a new sporting goods store in town to check out the guns. Of course they had quite a selection from small BB or pellet guns to big double barrel shotguns and high powered rifles. Hunter quickly became enthralled with one of the semi-automatic 22s and is on a quest to do whatever he can to acquire it. Upon inquiring about what it would take to purchase a gun and license, though, I discovered that Texas laws make it very easy to obtain a gun and then use it, especially in your own defense. I was told that anyone unlawfully entering a home and posing a threat is a legal target for a home owner in possession of a gun. The invader doesn’t even have to be armed. At this particular store they even sold a small shotgun that is meant specifically for that purpose. Even though this might seem a bit drastic, for the person having to face someone who has broken in and may cause loss or harm, this weapon would be the one chosen over the pellet gun or even the high powered rifle with a scope. When you’re threatened it is so essential to know what you have in your arsenal and reach for the right weapon that will be most effective against a terrorizing foe.

Jehoshaphat most certainly had a military with horses, swords and other weapons available during that time, but there was a point he came to when he realized that his greatest efforts with all his weaponry and men would never be sufficient against an overwhelming invader. Their mere size and strength would render all his defenses meaningless. It was time to reach for the only hope for the moment, the only weapon crafted specifically for defense against this enemy. He set himself to seek the Lord, and not just by himself, but this became a joint effort of the nation as a whole. (What a refreshing and inspiring concept, especially for our nation at this time.) And, this would not just be a haphazard phrase cast sideways to the ‘man upstairs’. This seeking of the Lord would replace the ingestion of food to accentuate the sincerity of the focus and the intensity of the prayer. This would be more than just grabbing for a gun; this would be making sure it was loaded. Not only was it important to know that this option was available, but taking advantage of it with confidence revealed a lifestyle of dependence on the only real secure and faithful alternative. This king knew the King of kings and the One who could dictate an outcome no matter the odds or the poll numbers. His reach was not to some obscure ‘higher power’, but this was a reach that had been practiced and developed to the point of familiarity. Because He already knew how, He could quickly and efficiently avail himself to the nuclear deterrent, the defense that knew no significant opposition or weapon. He could be more than assured that His seeking would be rewarded.

We need not just be sitting around with a rusty BB gun upon the break-in of a threatening enemy. Though this invasion may include a size and strength that would more than overwhelm our natural defenses, we, as those who have a relationship with the Greater One, the Almighty God have a weapon we can reach for that has itself never been and will never be defeated. It will just need to be sought after in such a manner that equips it with the necessary power to be the faithful, impenetrable standard that is our God. Rather than just a worried and fearful lament from a hopeless soul at wits end, ours can be a confident advance to the arsenal of faith with an intensity that removes all other life requirements as precedence over this essential acquisition and utilization. This can be an action that is familiar, but with added focus as the object of our life’s worship becomes the answer to life’s dangers.

It seems that there are so many in our nation and world today that are attempting to thwart the schemes and onslaught of a devastating moral, economic and societal foe by means of inadequate and inferior natural means. I’m so grateful that from this natural response that is taking place all around we can turn and set our hearts and actions towards the only real deterrent to this otherwise inevitable fall. By seeking our God with an intensity and focus that reveals and accentuates a faith based upon a developed relationship, there can be a salty savor administered to the bland meal we’re being served and our nation can indeed yet hope in the Lord. Ours can be a home where no invader will have sufficient weaponry to overwhelm our defenses. We have reached for the Greater One.