Was looking through a school website the other day looking for specific information and came across a teacher handbook. It had a link where it could be downloaded, and although I didn’t care to look at it, I thought of what all it might have in it, all the detailed requirements of what could be expected of a teacher in that school system. Of all the employers for whom I’ve worked, there has always been a list of requirements, even though they didn’t all come with a handbook. Sometimes there were several things that were assumed you would do, but whenever the employer had many employees that had to be managed on a professional level, the specified written requirements were a necessity.

Of all the places I’ve worked, though, there is one thing not on the list that was somehow desired more than anything that was. There was a reason for all of those described behaviors. They desired for every employee of theirs to represent their standards of excellence by doing certain things in a certain manner, but in order for any of those things to really get done in the desired manner it would require more than just actions. What they really wanted was to be loved, to have a company man or woman, someone who would wear the shirt with pride and affection. If they could get a person’s heart, there would be no problem with performance. This was what they were ultimately looking for, but of course, this could not be spelled out on a list. Whenever it did take place in an employee, though, they could not only perform the best, but they could also expect the best from the company’s benefits.

When God was presenting His handbook to Moses, He made it clear that those items on the list were very critical. There were consequences for doing or not doing them. However, He, unlike any other lord I have known, went ahead and proclaimed what He was truly after- a company man. He desired people that acted a certain way out of love for Him. For the people, though, there was a difficulty in getting past the actions part of His requirements to the loving part. It seemed they too easily tripped over a legal requirement and never got to the loving part. Jesus came with a way for this to be achieved. Instead of placing the requirements before the relationship, He put the relationship before any expectations. Not only did He list it, but it became the list – Love. To be captured by the heart of God is to be transformed into a performer of His heart and its excellence.

Where there is an issue with a stipulation, then, where the world and human nature would trip and never get to the embrace, Jesus proposes lunch, a time of fellowship and an opportunity for His excellence to overwhelm with an identity change. It’s never a performance problem. The heart, when His will guide the way to holiness that rightly represents His nature. With this shining will also come great expectation of company benefits.

He had been sufficiently warned of the harm that would befall him if he continued to follow the path he was on. You would really think someone as spiritually discerning as Paul would be able to adequately heed the warning of this impending danger. After all, wouldn’t the purpose of revealing this bit of information also include the directive that he should avoid it? Paul’s response, though, would indicate that awareness of coming danger has nothing to do with altering a directive already in place. Until there was a change of destination from the Spirit, forecasts, no matter how ominous, could not be accepted as a legitimate redirection. He was ready to follow His Master’s example of obedience, even if it meant going all the way to death. He had come to clearly understand that Jesus’ greatest achievement was the obedience that took Him to the cross. He had known what was coming, but didn’t allow this knowledge to alter His course and its ultimate impact on His fulfilled purpose in us.

We are understandably created to be ‘avoiders of danger’. This is quite often essential to our survival as we thankfully avoid any perceived threat and seek the path of the least peril. From our first breath there is great care given to making sure air is breathed, food is eaten, and pain is averted. At first this is the task of the parent, but increasing with maturity is this survival instinct that determines the path of life based upon a powerful drive to survive. You just don’t cross the street in front of an oncoming truck, step off tall buildings, get too close to fires, or antagonize the local monster- you know, things that will obviously bring certain damage and pain.

As entrance is made into the kingdom as new creatures in Christ, there is a wonderful revelation of an abundant and secure life that is provided for us in Him. Gifts have been given to us that will bring direction, encouragement and warning for our betterment and protection. As this knowledge is coupled together with our ever-present survival obsession, it would seem that any time revelation is provided, especially through a gift of the Spirit, that its purpose is to provide direction. While a revelation of impending persecution or difficulty could come with additional instructions, until those additions are in place, prior instructions will not be adjusted. Rather than just avoiding conflict and perilous battles there is an option we have to experience the victory and significance that only comes when the battle is engaged as an obedient soldier. Instead of instilling fear and the onset of the Jonah run-away syndrome, a quiet confidence will rise with each step made towards the giant rather than away from him. It may hurt a bit and it may not seem fair or just to human perception, but the wisdom and understanding of the Father will always yield the triumph that is only discovered in conflict. God is ready to accomplish so much through our obedience to step into the fray rather than run away.

It’s when something has been a core value preached, declared and depended upon that any thought to the contrary is understandably withstood with passion. And yet, when you’re wrong, especially when it comes to the will and determination of God, what has been established as foundational from man’s perspective, even through the ages, will not really matter in the least. For those in the early church, the thought of Gentiles legitimately worshiping their God was directly opposed to what they had embraced as truth. To consider that these uncircumcised people could receive the same promise Jesus had given them was not something that could have come to them apart from direct, demonstrated communication from God Himself. As long as the conflict remained in the realm of mental reasoning, there would be no giving in. With the onset of this dramatic revelation, though, there was need of an expression of heart transformation on the part of those being shown- “what was I, that I could withstand God?” There is an opportunity presented with God’s demonstrated truth to either continue grasping to what seems to be “right” or humbly recognize that no matter how established, ancient, and high the fortress of opposing thought, it is rendered futile, ineffective, and meaningless against the force of an Almighty purpose. To take a position of attempting to preserve those former structures may preserve some form of religious expression, but it cannot be a part of kingdom progress if it becomes a stronghold standing against the will of God.

He takes the foolish things to confound the wise. He saves the world in a man-made structure never before seen or considered. He delivers a nation through a stuttering man with a staff. When a giant needs to be brought down, He uses a boy with none of the ‘legitimate’ weapons. To redeem the world and destroy the power of sin and death, He sends a baby in a manger who never wields a sword or establishes a ‘legitimate’ government. To impact the world with the powerful message of the Gospel and communicate the revelation of the cross, He uses a language that cannot be explained or even understood. Whenever God determines to move in the hearts and lives of men, He doesn’t confine Himself to what has ‘seemed’ right to them. For those who have been a part of His movement, there has also been a need to give up on withstanding His moving, no matter how many religious shrines are brought down in the process. 

There is a very good chance that what and through whom God chooses to impart His will and purpose will in some way directly oppose established human reasoning. As demonstrations confirm the legitimacy of His will, those who are most bonded to tradition and pride will have the greatest difficulty letting go of practices and rituals that have represented their faith. Where embrace of the Father in worship is given precedence over religious institutions, though, there will be a place on the ark, a promised land, a seat in heavenly places, and an effective purpose in God’s kingdom adventure of the last days.

Schedules, pressing needs, high priorities, tiring tasks and pressures seem to so effectively prohibit the pursuit of God or commitment to service in His kingdom. How often is the reason given for a missed opportunity for service or participation a problem with fitting it in with other more important job and family related events? There is, however, a certain type of person the Father is looking to use for a great purpose, and this person is not the one who has completely cleared their schedule of any other encumbering conflicts. It’s not the one who finally has all the kids out of the house and is free from the need to work or volunteer in the community. God seems to be very interested in utilizing someone who already has enough going on in their life, but has somehow chosen to raise the priority of their God, not just on the Sabbath, but on every day of the week.

Here was a man involved in the military, who had several friends and family members, and who surely was already seemingly overextended in his Daytimer activities throughout the day. For him, though, God had risen in his passion and priority above everything else to not just be someone who was barely fit into his busy schedule, but rather the One around whom everything else was scheduled. Possibly his involvement in the military gave him an advantage in this, but implementing a lifestyle of prayer and giving was seemingly driven by an intense reverence and love for God that was more than just obligation. This was the heart and this was the person already busy, already occupied, but precisely through whom there would be a great demonstration of God’s love and compassion to those outside of the Jewish culture. He would receive the Holy Spirit and be an example through the ages of a purpose in Christ that had not been known before. He had come to be the Savior of the world and everyone in it, not just the Chosen of Israel.

With a coming year bringing focus to schedules and the planning of goals and pursuits, there is an opportunity for the One who truly is our life to be the One around whom all other events are planned. The Father is continually looking for those through whom He will show HImself strong and they will be those ones already occupied with significance, yet convinced enough of God’s significance to plan times of prayer and service first. There is a world in need of change and there are so many carrying that change in their hearts who will surely be given the opportunity and direction for involvement in this change. It will require, though, a track record and verification of His lordship in a life that proves this continually and consistently, even when other things are pressing.

Commitments are made, promises proclaimed, and vows are sworn to those in service to the kingdom of God. Somehow, though, the details of those statements aren’t given any level of importance because they are apparently made to mere mortals who render statements made to them invalid by their humanity. What is made clear in this passage, however, is how the Father has chosen to be represented. There will never be a human capable of adequately representing the only perfect and holy One, and yet He has chosen those still in earthly vessels to not only be the ones through whom He speaks, but also to hear through their ears. Though the form of the man may be perceived as undeserving of honor for any reason, the Father’s perspective is not subject to that same human interpretation, and He considers the statements made to His servants to be the same as if they were made to Him. Though there aren’t people routinely dropping dead left and right as a result of disregarded commitments or discarded vows made to mortals, how much death is brought to progress in the kingdom of purpose and growth when a separation is thought to exist between the servants and their Lord? Somehow it is thought that a relationship with the Father can be maintained completely separate from those He has chosen to serve and the church In which He has placed them. This was and will remain a dangerous deception and lie that can only result in the termination of life that was once so full of heavenly potential.

There is a way that seems right to a man, but that way always ends in death. (Prov. 16:25) How much better and blessed it is to keep a vow even when it might require effort, sacrifice, or adjustment of priorities, and even though it would “seem” it were only made to mortals? He hears, sees, and moves through them and as they are honored, so will He be honored and so will He reward as He has promised.

The voice of transformation will override the voice of legalism, and the resulting action may violate perceptions of what is acceptable.

My sister had recently completed a course to become an EMT for our local volunteer fire department. She had studied about all the correct procedures for administering emergency aid to those who had any physical adversity. Now, whenever the siren would go off during her scheduled time, she was supposed to drop anything else she might be doing and go immediately and apply her newfound skills to the needy. I had also just recently completed a course, but my qualifications had to do with operating a motor vehicle on public streets. I had studied about all the rules and regulations that were established so I could drive without bringing damage to myself, other drivers, or the vehicles we might be driving. I had passed the driver’s test with a perfect score indicating that I knew full well the restrictions associated with our local streets.

While all those speed and maneuvering laws were there for my preservation and were reasonably effective, they also were very restrictive on the young male need for speed. The leisurely pace required by the posted limit on our main thoroughfare did nothing to gratify or satisfy this need. A beautiful remedy for this that came to me, though, in the new requirement that my sister had of getting as quickly as possible to the emergency location. I had seen fire trucks and police cars racing down the streets at wonderful speeds and had come to understand the overriding power of those who had certain qualifications in the case of an emergency.  So, at the first opportunity, with the sounding of the siren, I responded to that higher calling and thoroughly enjoyed the exhilaration of violating those laws that had held me back in the name of what I saw to be an overriding law. Fortunately there was no harm done with my excessive application of my liberation, and even though I later realize I hadn’t been loosed from any and all consideration of safety, I did for those few fleeting moments experience the privilege of actions that previously been prohibited. I had been transformed from a normal everyday driver by the position and request of my sister. I now had authority to disregard rules that would restrict the operation of this greater need.

Perceptions of road signs and convictions of correct procedures are very much a part of becoming passionate about a holy and righteous Father God. Once a course is taken and an understanding gained with regard to the things of God, there is an accompanying compulsion to construct restrictions upon others with regard to whether or not their procedures are acceptable. Jesus came into a religious culture that was full of these road signs that seemed to be posted on every little passageway of life. He fully knew all the details of these laws, and yet He also realized that there was an overriding qualification brought on by the sounding of the emergency siren. The need for transformation in a life brought a transformation to His own position causing Him to know legitimate freedom from the constraints of man’s interpretations of law.

There are those in the world around us who have crashed and are in danger of eternal damnation. For their salvation and for the application of the gospel in their life, there is a need for someone willing to cast off the restraints of man’s constructed barriers and proceed with a pace that is more concerned about meeting their needs than whether or not all the laws are followed on the way to the accident scene. Rather than imprisoning and segregating those who’ve been called to carry the message when there is less than perceived perfection in their methods, a greater overriding transformation in the love of God will instead enable an embrace and a bonding of hearts. Though they were indeed right according to a single directive from the law, those who challenged Jesus on the Sabbath appear to have been incredibly wrong in the overall purpose of the Father. If it were true then, it could very well be true today. Rather than proudly embracing a spiritual discovery at the expense of relationship and spiritual unity, it might be that a higher voice of love transformation is needing to override the letter of the law. There are those desiring to rise and (unlawfully) take up their bed who are in need of our speed.

Though the structure is now one that is not made with hands and though there is no geographical specifications, there is yet a need for going there, for seeking out, and being led by the light of truth to an awareness of God’s holy presence. We’ve been seated in heavenly places, true, but this truth is one that has to be followed in relationship. David is calling out to God Himself, not just to a concept and an understanding. Though there is a place secured for us at the side of the Father, darkness can inhibit the view and the ability to experience the joy that is assured there.

It’s amazing how easy it is to be overwhelmed by even a single issue of life, to let its existence somehow cause all of life to loom above the reality of another presence. Jesus has promised to never leave us or forsake us, but the reality of a circumstance, if looked at consistently enough, can appear to be more significant than the Rock of our salvation, that foundation upon which a complete life of fulfillment and peace can be constructed. For some reason, even in the middle of a song of praise, it is easy to shift the gaze from the amazing face of Jesus to the façade of a life encounter that seems too difficult or challenging. Though the very source of eternal life is standing right there knocking, a person who has actually invited Him in before to reside can totally disregard the promise of His presence and sit down, instead, with dark thoughts of depression. Where the Prince of Peace would like to commune and surround with a spirit of hope and gladness, there is a movement made towards the darkness and depression.

The way out of this chasm and this abyss begins with desire for escape that lifts the eye from the trial enough to look for some light and some relief. Every movement made to the Giver of life brings reward of confidence and assurance of His presence. His light is continually shining even in our hearts, but until there is a prayer raised along with a willingness to follow that path to relief, the shroud of discouragement can veil the shining of the greatest light. Oftentimes it is not until there is a discussion and an executive meeting with self that there can be any hope of gladness. When it no longer becomes optional to remain in the dishonorable place of depression, then reality can set in and perspective be raised to clarify the insignificance of the circumstance compared to the great magnitude of God’s abundant grace and provision. We are forever in possession of eternal life, but the path to its blessing will have to be chosen, followed after, and thoroughly enjoyed and savored by our simple pursuit of its light.

Evidence of the enemy’s movements does not have to dominate the awareness of the one who has chosen the place and the altar of God’s love and mercy. The cloud of depression and despair can be left for the choir room of praise where His glory is beheld and transformation displaces darkened misperceptions. Then, at the time when rejoicing is taking place in the congregation, a contribution of light-emitting joy can exist on a face that has had a Holy Ghost makeover, exchanging the ugly sorrow, for the brightness of His glory. There need not ever be other than a beaming smile on the face of the one who is beholding their obtained and secured treasure in Him. Lead by the light to the place of provision in Him, there will be no need to languish in the lie of lack. Only rejoicing and gladness will rise

Psalm 43:5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.

If you want to touch a very sensitive spot, just make mention of someone’s choice of clothing. For some reason there is this relationship with what is worn that gives reason for great defense whenever it is questioned in any way. And yet, when a piece of apparel is the right size, fitting without constraining or disfiguring, it will enhance the one it adorns. Rather than a disguise or deception of true identity, there is a presentation of the best of who they really are.

I was privileged to grow up in a period of time when “cool” was first used to mean something other than the temperature. Much of how it was utilized had to do with the apparel of the time- polyester, tie-die, bell bottomed, flared, wide collars, etc. I surely wasn’t the coolest of the cool, but I do remember caring very deeply about whether or not what I wore out into public fit me, but also the criteria of the times. It’s interesting how those requirements have changed through the passing of time. From my perspective, the right size and the right fit have become the un-cool for some groups. Baggy pants and those that would appear to function quite well as a tourniquet have transformed perfectly presentable folks into those who have a hard time walking or sitting down.

Something is being communicated regarding the nature of the one underneath all that cloth, and whether or not it accurately presents the potential and the possibilities of the one who has chosen it is up to the beholder to somehow determine. For all, though, there is a rightness to the fit, and when there is a strong enough desire to make the best impression, the covering will conform to something that might not have been considered “cool” up to that point. When the best you are and have to give is to be seen and appreciated, there is an apparel that is fitting and is right.

Our standing before the Father has been secured. We’ve been given a gift of righteousness and perfection in Christ that is now who we really are. Whether or not the beholder gets to experience that reality and glorify our Father has everything to do, though, with our willingness to wear the garments that are fitting for the moment, the era, the time. To say anything against that covering of depression, shyness, passivity, and restraint that is commonly worn is to touch a sore spot. There is an opportunity for all, though, when there is a strong enough desire for the real “you” to be seen, to put on the garment that no longer disguises or diverts from right standing with Christ. To wear anything other than praise, especially when songs of deliverance and freedom in Christ are going up, is just not fitting. A life that has been transformed into a new reality in Christ is best adorned in praise. Rather than wearing something else that honestly appears to make it difficult to get around or even sit comfortably, is to misrepresent the reality of that divine nature that has been amazingly deposited inside. Praise is the garment that draws out and promotes the best of what’s inside. It just fits and is just fitting.

It had been so very long since anything positive had been spoken. How else was this to be taken? And, it might not have been all that big of a deal if there hadn’t been a time when expressed appreciation, admiration, encouragement- love was unending and heart felt. There had been a wave of affirmation that had washed over, in and around, with each affectionate word spoken. What had made it particularly uplifting was when something was obviously objectionable, like morning breath or a bad hair day, and yet it seemed as if those things weren’t even noticed as something favorable was pointed out in its stead. There had been a bonding and commitment of heart to a relationship in which such a wonderful experience of affirmation was flowing.

What had caused its cessation, then? For what reason were those expressions that had made it easy to go beyond just acquaintance to best friend for life so apparently brought to an end? Though there was nothing derogatory spoken, the emptiness where those positive expressions had once filled the space, was as if blows of verbal devastation were being wielded. Obviously there was now something more objectionable than those things that had once been overlooked; there was something about the very identity and character, once so clearly admirable that was no longer worthy of note or communicated praise. It would have been much better if exactly whatever it was would have just been spoken and dealt with, but the void of expression gave rise to imaginations of what could be the cause. Though nothing of a negative nature may have actually existed and though the heart of that one may have not lost its affection, the termination of associated sounds of love not only caused it to be hidden, but to be dangerous in its silence.

The relationship of marriage may be the most obvious one where this reality can be seen, but there is in every relationship where more than just a greeting exists, the necessity for expressed love. Though maybe not openly spoken in an “I love you”, there is a way for that heart that is full of love to, out of its abundance, overflow with an expression of encouragement. This is something that is an integral part of the family interaction that is the church. Often there is a flurry of encouragement and expressions of interest and affection during the time of initial exposure when the relationships are starting. Though certain characteristics of person or personality may have an objectionable side, those things are covered by expressions of affirmation.

Somehow, though, there can be this transformation to the mere “hello”, where nothing more than a greeting and small talk prevail. The place and the atmosphere that Jesus prayed would bond us together can become the very place where the greatest emotional blows are endured by the mere removal of positive expression, maybe not intentionally- just out of neglect. To withhold expressions of love, affection and even praise gives rise to the questions that can be more impacting than a direct rebuke could ever be.

In our relationship with the Father, there is need for a praise to ever be on our lips. Why is this? A relationship cannot exist without love, and love unexpressed is the removal of love itself and the death of relationship, both for the giver and the recipient. His praise for us never ceases as confirmation of His heart’s position towards us, so our heart’s proximity to Him will be directly impacted by our mouth’s expression. Silence is actually a direct assault on our relationship that is worse than direct opposition might be. So easily spoken/expressed/exposed is love; so valuable is its fruit.

So it is with each other.

First of all, have you ever been out to eat with someone who can’t find anything on the menu that they like? Though they may have never eaten at this particular establishment, the listings are already associated with some objectionable experience of the past and therefore are relegated to the unacceptable. Then, once something is deemed worthy of ordering, upon its arrival there is something about its preparation or its appearance that sends it back to the kitchen for adjustments.

There is that person’s opposite, though, who doesn’t really care that much about the menu, other than to check the prices maybe. Anything on there will be more than satisfactory, and they just can’t wait to dive into whatever arrives. More important than what they’re eating is the fact that they are eating and get to experience the joy of a meal. There is a guy on TV like this who goes around to all places in the world to experience preparations of different cultures and types. There are often things that would appear to be unsavory in respect to their source and their appearance, but this guy just straps on the bib and goes to eating with an appetite. For him, the whole world represents an opportunity for a feast.

We are privileged to know a pastor from a nearby city where the worst fire in Texas history is burning. A couple days ago we took a few things to contribute to the victims of the tragedy, saw the cloud of smoke from the fire, and observed those who had been affected by its destruction. The church had opened its doors to the evacuees. Several rooms had cots on the floor and one of the ministry rooms became a dining room. Several families from the church itself had lost their homes in the fire, and, while I’m sure there was more than enough reason for them to feel wretched and despairing for life, there was something quite opposite that we observed coming from those we spoke with. They didn’t appear to be anxious in the least or despising what was set before them. Rather, they seemed to be savoring the opportunity to trust God and care for others who were going through the same difficulty. There was a calm peacefulness and a joy that emanated from them that clearly represented someone who was finding something very tasty to partake of even in this circumstance that looked to be quite otherwise.

Though we had just met these inspiring cheerful folks who had lost their homes, it would seem that their state of cheerfulness must have been something that was existent long before this fire impacted their lives. Surely the onset of this traumatic event didn’t somehow release them from a cloud of oppression to experience joy and happiness. A heart of gladness was already established in them and its cheer would not be affected by this circumstance of life, because for them all of life would always be seen as a feast. They’re not looking to send anything back to the kitchen, but in every course put before them, they anticipate a feast, where God is right in the middle of it with the spice and the ingredients that will make it most savory.

There may be times of obvious blessing and there may be times of rebuilding that are set before us in life, but the best preparation for them all is a cheerful heart. This cheerful heart is not one that can just be acquired upon a whim or decision, though. This cheerfulness comes from a continual encounter with the One whose presence brings joy and makes to be glad. He is the lifter of heads and knows the way to turn any circumstance into an incredible rewarding feast.