Mark 14:1 Now after two days was the feast of the passover and the unleavened bread: and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him with subtlety, and kill him: 2 for they said, Not during the feast, lest haply there shall be a tumult of the people. 3 And while he was in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster cruse of ointment of pure nard very costly; and she brake the cruse, and poured it over his head. (ASV)

Quite often in story telling there is more than one scene going on at the same time. How these separate plots interweave, come together, and affect each other becomes the beauty of the overview. In the movies they often switch back and forth between locations and even periods of time to show how varied events affect each other and produce an interesting and engaging story.

As this passage from Mark starts off, there is the scene of the priests’ and scribes’ plotting to capture Jesus. They think they are being clever and strategic as they consider how it can be done without causing a big tumult among the people. It’s like their perspective is one-sided, that they are driven only by how their actions are going to rid them of a great hindrance to their way of life. They apparently considered their actions to be self-motivated and unknown to Jesus himself.

It’s interesting that immediately from that short clip is a switch to another scene- one that might otherwise be disconnected and moving in a different direction. In actuality, though, what was taking place in the first scene was directly affecting the second as the preparations of his enemies prompted reciprocal preparations in Jesus and his disciples. Jesus was being entertained and honored with an expensive offering of oil. Some considered this to be a waste of potential ministry resources, but it was actually being used in preparation of the greatest ministry resource in Jesus himself. The misperception of its preparation purpose, though, seemed to also have a direct influence on Judas’ departure to betray Jesus, as emotions prompted actions that would cause the two scenes to intersect in the garden and ultimately at the tomb.

From our life perspective it would often seem that there is just our circumstance, our story line and our direction. In actuality, though, enemies are plotting our demise, with a purpose of our destruction and disabled purpose. For every plan, though, and for every preparation in the camp of the enemy, there is a reciprocal preparation in the life of the anointed children of the kingdom. Every weapon being formed and every scheme devised is already being dealt with in our lives as we are given to worship of the King. Everything that the enemy is planning for evil is being made to be a direct part of God’s plan for victory and triumph. The priests and scribes thought they were inflicting damage, but their actions were actually being used by God for a purpose that would make the evil plotting seem foolish as it played into God’s purpose. The evil plots became a direct part of a righteous overview.

In our lives today is the playing of a part that is propelling us towards a triumph that is far greater than any little plot that might be painted as a failure or loss in this life. Even when there is an apparent waste and giving up of what might be seen as a life’s purpose, when placed in the hand of the Master it becomes preparation for a kingdom purpose that is significant in directing our steps to intersect with His higher plots in eternal and overwhelming triumph.

1 Peter 1:6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, ye have been put to grief in manifold trials, 7 that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold that perisheth though it is proved by fire, may be found unto praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ: 8 whom not having seen ye love; on whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice greatly with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 9 receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. (ASV)

The toughest quarter is the fourth, when you have grass poking out of your helmet, blood stains on your britches, bruises and frogs up and down your arms and legs, and sweat-soaked everything. You’re out of wind, there’s a pulled muscle in your leg, it’s hard to see out of one eye, cuz you got something in it, and your tailbone is causing you to walk real funny since you fell on it. It just plain hurts all over to even move, and yet there is still a play to be played and a goal to be scored and defended. As the coach yells out, “Who owns the 4^th quarter? We do!” you’re having a hard enough time just owning your next breath, let alone the next play.

So, what is it about the game of football that causes someone to actually look forward to this ordeal- to keep coming back for more? – Because there is a triumph waiting for those who can keep pressing on with energy and power through the final seconds. Even when the scoreboard says otherwise, there is triumph in the heart of the one who doesn’t give up, but keeps lining up and teeing off on the opposition. In fact, the greater the opposition and the greater the pain- the sweeter is the victory. It is in those moments that all the preparation is truly proven. Anyone can jump up and down and act like their big time at the beginning of the game, but it’s the ones who still believe it and act like it after some major contact that get to walk home with the ‘W’.

Hunter is playing on this ‘Extreme Flag Football’ team, where they’re starting this brand new approach to flag football. Instead of the normal flag rules where you’re barely allowed to make contact with the opposing team, they wear a helmet and shoulder pads and are allowed to make contact within certain guidelines. Their game this last Saturday was on a grass field that had been watered that morning after several days of rain, so water was standing all over the field, mosquitoes were buzzing and stinging, and players were getting soaked, bloodied and bruised. They played a team that hadn’t lost yet, talked a big talk, and generally went through all the motions of those who thought they were really something. As the game progressed, though, there was a gradual, but continual loss of the swagger. They never even were ahead; as Hunter’s smaller team never lost the energy, tenacity or the lead. How wonderfully sweet it was, especially in the fourth quarter against a dominant team, when it became apparent that victory was assured. Every owie just seemed to make it that much sweeter as it was just another part of proving that, for that day, they were the better team.

There is reason for great rejoicing, no matter the score, and no matter the swagger of the foe. In fact, the more banged up we may feel and the more obnoxious the opposition, the more raucous should be that rejoicing, because we’re in the fourth quarter and we know who wins. The greater the battle, the greater will be the proving of our preparation and our unstoppable pursuit of the prize. Before the very one who once laid claim on our life and even now wants nothing more than to stomp all over it, we can rise up as ‘more than conquerors’ (Romans 8:37).

Psalms 33: 14 From the place of his habitation he looketh forth Upon all the inhabitants of the earth, 15 He that fashioneth the hearts of them all, That considereth all their works. 16 There is no king saved by the multitude of a host: A mighty man is not delivered by great strength. 17 A horse is a vain thing for safety; Neither doth he deliver any by his great power. 18 Behold, the eye of Jehovah is upon them that fear him, Upon them that hope in his lovingkindness; 19 To deliver their soul from death, And to keep them alive in famine.

Security is felt and confidence is gained in the display of armaments and the masses of military personnel. Videos from the Second World War show the great parades of the German army, where row after row of high stepping troops were followed by row after row of armed vehicles. Without even firing a shot, a sense of superior might was felt and boldness was instilled to invade, occupy and dominate foreign entities that hadn’t even been enemies or a threat. That war, though, was a great display that no matter the dominance of military strength and ingenuity, where there is no fear of God, there can be no assurance of victory. All of the power on earth is insufficient to overwhelm the one who is truly in awe and reverence of the Holy One, and He will be aligned with those who haven’t found their confidence in their own might and strength.

The usage of the nuclear bombs in Japan has elevated the dominance of certain governments around the world who possess these weapons. Just the knowledge that a nation possesses this devastating instrument of war places them on a higher level of respect and consideration. While our nation has been the one with the largest stockpile and the display of a willingness to use it, the mere exhibition of this superior strength hasn’t been enough to preserve us through the years. Our appearance as a military giant hasn’t been the greatest preserving attribute that has characterized us throughout our history. It has been our humility before our Creator and our acknowledgement that we are but a nation under God. If, and when, this changes, and our reliance is placed on our own intelligence, moral superiority, and, again, military might, we will be just another example of a nation that has lost its fear of God. God is more into removing giants than becoming their adoring sponsor.

Though each of us is far from possessing the incredible power and wealth of a nation, we are yet susceptible to the same dangerous lures that would displace our dependence and trust. While it is part of being an excellent steward with what God has entrusted us to preserve and develop our physical bodies, it is not the strength of our arm or the beauty of our countenance that attracts the favor of the One who will promote and protect us. There can be no reliance upon the fully developed gifts and abilities that would cause us to be major players and movers and shakers. It isn’t the amassing of wealth and earthly holdings that will ultimately provide the security and confidence our soul longs for. There is one characteristic within us that will distinguish us as an ‘untouchable’, one who is surrounded by the grace, favor and preservation of Almighty God. Just as our nation has found its true greatness in its humility before God, so our individual lives will only find ultimate security as they are placed completely and totally ‘Under God’.

1 Cor 1:26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29 That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

Psalms 24:3-6 KJV  Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?  (4)  He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.  (5)  He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.  (6)  This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah.

God hasn’t changed, and the way to the holy life He requires has not changed in the least. He is completely uncompromising in His excellence and will not allow any who is unclean in their living to hang out with Him- even on the outskirts or on the doorsteps. It would seem, then, that striving for holiness should be the passion and the pursuit.

While the nature of man hasn’t changed either, there has been an ever-increasing amount of world-fashioned gods that are quite attractive in their lure. The perception of their true colors has also been skewed in a world where right and wrong have been placed in the hands of those who have no connection whatsoever to the only One who really knows what that means. Where certain things would at one time have been clearly considered to be evil and wrong, it has become acceptable to embrace murder, infidelity, perversion, and substance abuse in the name of ‘well look at everyone else- including ‘so-and-so’ who’s doing it’. Even in the name of helping the seekers in their journey to worshiping the Holy One, there is the presentation of the very gods who oppose Him as if they are acceptable and justifiable at some point along that journey. Cloaked in humor and romantic passion, the very scenarios and stories that capture the desire for entertainment and faithful devotion of emotion, money, and time are based on subjects driven by agendas far removed from any encouragement of a Christ- centered life of holiness. Adultery, homosexuality, brutality, violence, profanity, and characters committed to a spirit world of demonic and blood sucking bastardization of love have made a complete and total mockery of what should really be unacceptable to all. Murder has been embraced by a society that justifies anything in the name of personal choice and right. Yet, the way to the holy place has never changed and will never include any of these man-made gods as a means of getting there.

The difficulty with understanding this truth, however, comes when the determination of what is right is left in the realm of debate and reason. As long as something can be given a good enough reason- ‘you know, it’s really not all that bad’, ‘so and so did that, so this can’t be all that bad either’, ‘you have to be like them and talk their language in order to reach them’, ‘this is the realm of grace, and God understands my heart’, ‘I have a personal relationship with God, and no one is going to tell me what I can or cannot do’- then it is justified and given a stamp of acceptability. As long as the terms used to validate an action exclude any reference to passion for the Holy One Himself, there will ever be a justifiable path to the precipice of eternal damnation. Just like King Saul, who determined that he could justify doing things the way that seemed right to him, apart from any fear of the One from whom the directive came to destroy everything, his very soul was put in eternal peril because he kept the debate in the realm of reason and not relationship.

It is really a very simple matter, and the key to this simplicity is found in the last verse of the given passage. As long as being right is left to reason, there will be no possibility of standing in the presence of the Holy One. As long as there is more passion about validating one of His opposing gods than uncompromisingly pleasing Him, there is only the option of eternal separation from Him. The debate is brought to a conclusion every time the only way to His side is presented- seeking Him, and seeking His face alone. In the amazing glow of His glory, all other gods will become less than dispensable, while all passion they once demanded will be lost in the all-consuming desire for His realm and His place. Everything changes in the light of His glory where all energy and faithful pursuit are shifted from the temporal realm requiring reason based justification to the realm of righteousness that requires no validation. The path and the journey become unclear and unstable where any consideration other than Him is given credence.

He still requires clean hands and a pure heart, and it is still in single pursuit of His face that purity will be understood and embraced. It will become fruit in a life that is truly free from any law. The heart that is held in His hands can be possessed by no other.

Galatians 5:18-25 KJV  But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.  (19)  Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,  (20)  Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,  (21)  Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.  (22)  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,  (23)  Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.  (24)  And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.  (25)  If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Acts 16:13 ASV  And on the sabbath day we went forth without the gate by a river side, where we supposed there was a place of prayer; and we sat down, and spake unto the women that were come together.

Acts 16:16 ASV  And it came to pass, as we were going to the place of prayer, that a certain maid having a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much gain by soothsaying.

Acts 16:31-33 ASV  And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus, and thou shalt be saved, thou and thy house.  (32)  And they spake the word of the Lord unto him, with all that were in his house.  (33)  And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, immediately.

Moments of victory are glorious times of celebration and rejoicing, but they are also clear evidence of where the victors have been choosing to spend their time.

So many times as a child I remember going to the church my father had built and hearing him in the small room to the side of the platform, pouring his heart out to God for the people of Burlington. These were moments when he was not obligated to anyone else, but just personally chose to spend extended times in prayer and preparation for eternal celebrations. Early in the morning, also, no matter where he has been in the world, he has gravitated to the moments with his Father, reading from a Spanish Bible and expressing his heart in thanksgiving, praise, and prayer. Even on family vacations, wherever we found ourselves on a Sunday, he and mom would seek out a local ‘place of prayer’ so we could join with fellow believers in letting our God be magnified above all others. I believe there has been a direct result from both his and my mother’s consistent going to the place of prayer, as around the world, in gatherings both small and large, there have been times of deliverance, when those held in bondage have been set free and hearts have been drawn to a reception of eternal life in Christ. There is no greater victory, no greater reason for rejoicing and no greater evidence that preparation has been made in prayer than when a demonstration of God’s great power and mercy result in a new life in Christ.

For every life there will be a consistent cause and effect that will trace the places chosen to either potential victories or celebration opportunities lost. How many prisons have failed to shake and how many families have never been exposed to the saving grace of our Lord because those who were to have sung the praises never prepared for that time in prayer. Just like the runner who, instead of seeking the workouts in the sun, sought out a resting place in the shade, there can be no expectation of victory on the day of the race

There are so many meaningless places that get the focus, the expended energy and time. To seek them alone will create a trail that only leads to extended periods of imprisonment, while lost families continue to follow paths to destruction and separation from God’s love. There are, though, incredible moments of deliverance and victorious celebration awaiting those who have allowed their hearts to draw them to their knees in that place of prayer. Those other commitments of life’s fleeting breathes may have limited gratification, but there is no greater true and unending satisfaction than that found as a result of the sought out times of prayer.

May the Spirit’s call be heard and lives develop deeply worn paths leading to the place of prayer. Celebrations of eternal significance are sure to follow.

Prov 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

“Man lifts car to rescue child trapped beneath it.”

“Young woman injured while pushing old lady from the path of a bus.”

“Soldier throws himself over live grenade to preserve the lives of many surrounding comrades.”

“House wife shows the love of God to needy family and leads them to eternal life in Christ.”

For the person who has really come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior, there is an incredible awareness that He is who and what He said He is- the way, the truth, and the life, that no one can come to the Father but by Him, and there is salvation in no other. (John 14:6, Acts 4:12) To know this salvation personally, however, is to become increasingly aware that those without Him aren’t just missing out on a good option, they are without life at all and are destined for eternal damnation.

In this understanding there is an adjustment of life’s priorities, where actions that produce salvation are moved above selfish pursuits. Being made right in Him begins to produce His fruit in a life that is transformed from selfish motives to love ones, where personal concerns are lost in the passion for saving another. This fruit is evidenced in the amazing examples given where people gain incredible selfless strength and courage to save someone else who is in peril. Lost in this love is not only the concern about personal needs, but there is also complete disregard of how saving actions might offend the one being saved. The greater the peril, the greater is the focus fixed on securing life, no matter what minor injuries might be incurred.

At the moment of emergency, though, it isn’t just an awareness of another’s danger that makes a difference, but the action taken to rescue them. It’s not just enough to become well versed in the magnitude of the impending doom, but there must be an immediate action taken in order to deliver the endangered one. Understanding alone produces no life, and attempting tolerance with sensitivity to the ‘feelings’ of the imperiled produces no life whatsoever. It is only the action of selfless love that makes use of whatever means necessary and available to save.

The world around us in on a path to certain destruction. It is evidenced in wars, the economy, addictions, moral degradation and natural disasters. Many are consumed with attempting to ‘care’ for those in the path of this peril, but, while natural and physical needs are emphasized with a focus on personal choice, there is a great deal of reticence to directly deal with the greatest peril of all. Concern for personal reputation and not wanting to ‘offend’ the imperiled cause many to compromise the only means of true salvation- the gospel of Jesus Christ. The very action that is necessary to sweep them from the path of the speeding train, lift the crushing load, and cover the explosions of life is letting them know that there is salvation in none other than Jesus. No matter what their political, religious, philosophical, or personal beliefs, they will perish if they refuse to accept the offer of life in Him. While this message can certainly be given with love and understanding, if it is compromised in the least, they will perish. To really believe this message of salvation and to really live it is to know that it can’t be kept as a private, personal persuasion. There is no personal salvation, because as soon as it becomes personal, it becomes the means by which another can also know eternal life. It must be told and its fruit will produce the wisdom of life.

James 5:19 My brethren, if any among you err from the truth, and one convert him; 20 let him know, that he who converteth a sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall cover a multitude of sins.

41 And he sat down over against the treasury, and beheld how the multitude cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. 42 And there came a poor widow, and she cast in two mites, which make a farthing. 43 And he called unto him his disciples, and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, This poor widow cast in more than all they that are casting into the treasury: 44 for they all did cast in of their superfluity; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.

Mark 12:41-44 (ASV)

You might think, by the way Jesus interacted with those who were a part of the established religious community, that He wouldn’t be too keen on giving to such an organization of ‘vipers’. His teaching, rather than a lesson on how much, could have been on being careful to give only to ‘worthy’ entities, or how that giving to a less than perfect church wasn’t part of His new ‘way’, or maybe how we shouldn’t trust what we are giving to God to such shady organizations, but should rather give it directly to whoever we feel needs it the most. Jesus’ words, however, never gave the slightest impression that giving to the temple was out of order. The fact that the rich and the poor alike were giving to this particular organization of questionable leadership didn’t divert Him from attention on the heart of the giving above the actual calculable amount.  It would seem that bringing the tithes into the storehouse, or the place of worship, wasn’t just acceptable, but of such great importance that Jesus actually sat and watched to see how much was given and how the heart of the giver was being represented in the amount given.

You might think that there could have been correction given with regard to the widow’s giving, that she should have been giving out of her need directly to others in need, or to the poor. In knowing and serving God, it could have been pointed out how futile and how insignificant was the small pittance given in relation to the size of the temple. With Jesus’ observation, though, there is more emphasis given on the relationship of the heart to the directive of the actual God worshiped in the giving. Rather than being like Saul and deciding herself how the sacrifice should be made, the widow was being obedient to bring this portion directly to her God. For her it had nothing to do with those who might be running the place, but it was her heart being obedient, even when it meant giving out of her own need. In throwing her mite into the treasury, she was freeing her heart completely in its proximity to God. Totally liberated from what any observer might think, her heart was filled with confidence and assurance, knowing that nothing had been held back from what was rightfully God’s.

No matter how much has been accumulated or how much is coming in, the heart has a direct proportionate relationship to whatever that might be. In casting that portion that is the Lord’s, there is a commitment of the whole heart to Him, as nothing that is His is being held back, even at the point of greatest need. Rather than letting any diversion obstruct the liberation of the heart in its worship, rather than being turned off by the representation of the ministry, simple obedience to what God has directed removes any hindrance from the most important Observer of our worship, and makes for a bold and confidence advance to His throne of grace.

16 For where jealousy and faction are, there is confusion and every vile deed. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without variance, without hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for them that make peace.
James 3:16-18 (ASV)

AM radio, at least down here in Texas, is very different on Saturdays than it is during the week. Almost every station has a gardening show, where they are talking about where to plant this at just the right time and how to treat this particular symptom with just the correct chemical or nutrient. I’ll admit, I have yet to listen to more than a few minutes of any of these shows, but I’ll also have to admit that my reputation as a gardener hasn’t been something that has concerned me all that much. I mean, how hard can it be? Just dig a hole, put the seed or already grown plant in the hole, soak it with water, and shazaam!- you have a lovely garden, right? Well, apparently not. There is much that is built in to the potential of the seed. It is indeed waiting for the right environment and the right nutrients, but in order to actually produce healthy fruit, it is going to require just the right understanding and care- hence the hours of talk time devoted to this end on Saturdays. There may be a need for shade, protection from hungry animals and insects, and removal of the weeds that are competing for its resources. Especially when young, the plant will require just the right environment in order to grow to a producing maturity.

There is wisdom being presented on a continual basis that is quite often disregarded while other more interesting subjects are selected. I mean, how hard can it be after all, this way of life in Christ? Don’t tell me I have to take the time to discover just how much care is necessary if any fruit is to be expected. I’ll just do what I think is right, you know, dig a hole, put the seed in, pour some water and be done with it while I tend to more important matters like who said what to who and how that made me feel.

There is a great potential for righteous fruit production in the seed we’ve been given in Christ. There is something very unique and special about this seed, though, that might require a discussion about its required environment. It is a ‘peace’ seed that doesn’t survive in an atmosphere of jealousy and strife, but requires the water of the Spirit and the removal of all weeds of discourse that would deprive it of its nutrients. To press on towards any expectation of abundance apart from the care of this peace seed is to engage in a wisdom that cannot produce any fruit, but only sickly, empty branches. Rather than switching over to more ‘juicy’ subjects, it will be way more than worth the moments spent tuned in to the wisdom that comes from above, and allowing the words spoken there to transform our gardening life. In peace the fruit is sure to be sweet.

James 1:3 (WEY) Be assured that the testing of your faith leads to power of endurance.

Why bother? Why not just sit back, enjoy a Big Mac or Krispy Kreme donut and watch the Andy Griffith marathon? When those challenges come along that cause your heart to fail and your vision to blur, why not just head for the hills and put an end to the pain by giving up and covering it up?

I love watching those long distance races in the Olympics, runners who, on purpose, submit themselves to what looks to be a very painful and never-ending experience. It’s most incredible to observe the pace that they maintain, not for just a few minutes, but for hours. They speed up steep hills and endure heat and other obstacles that would, in just a small amount, cause most people to be gasping for breath and searching for a nice place to lie down. Even more than just the street marathons, the extreme races are beyond comprehension, where they run for even greater distances over mountain trails and impossible courses. These people, on purpose and by their own choosing, maintain a very practiced and disciplined action of moving their body in a certain manner that has promise of carrying them through the unbearable challenges of the race to the finish line. Since there is only one victor, there is also the understanding that all but the one are enduring all this for the sake of crossing the line, but not necessarily taking the trophy home. Especially those towards the end, it would seem to be an ever-increasing challenge, knowing that many would cross that line before them. Just completing the course must become the focus and the prize itself, no matter in what position. The motion is maintained, no matter the pain or position, and it faithfully carries them ever closer to their hoped for destination. As difficult and painful as pressing on may be, the only thing that will keep them from arriving there is quitting or stopping that disciplined movement that they’ve developed and practiced for so long.

Upon acceptance of Christ as Lord in our lives, we were accepting forgiveness, blessing, and newness of life in Him, but we were also putting on a numbered jersey and entering into a race, the course of which would not just last for a few moments here and there, but actually for a lifetime. There was an action and a disciplined faith movement we were shown in His Word that, if maintained, had great promise of taking us across the finish line with joy and celebration. As steep, long, painful, hot, and impossible the course’s obstacles, the only way failure is assured is when that faith action is given up for an escape to something that might require much less effort or endurance. Rather than despising and avoiding those challenges, they become the very means by which the reward will come and the reason for the presentation of the faith movement given to us by our Father. That action of running with faith’s confession and striding with its love and righteousness is something that must be maintained above anything else, and it is this very action that we will be most tempted to give up on. There will definitely be many other options our own reasoning and emotional response will use to get us off course and going down some dead-end trail. Steady and disciplined keeping to the way the Master has shown us, however, is the only way that prized destination will be reached and its line crossed, no matter the position.

Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

Heb 13:20-21 (WEY) 20 Now may God who gives peace, and brought Jesus, our Lord, up again from among the dead—even Him who, by virtue of the blood of the eternal Covenant, is the great Shepherd of the sheep— 21 fully equip you with every grace that you may need for the doing of His will, producing in us that which will truly please Him through Jesus Christ.

First of all, it would seem that truly pleasing God is the driving force, doing His will is how that is done, and this just isn’t going to be any old walk in the park that can be done blind-folded, with your hands behind your back. It’s going to take an equipping of every grace (the application of His empowering favor in every area of life) in order to accomplish this otherwise impossible feat. His will is widespread and far-reaching. Then, though, it is to be understood, that all of the ability to do this is provided by Someone with a more than adequate resume. It would seem there will just be no pleasing Him apart from humbly accessing His grace through the blood of Jesus, and allowing it to be Him who makes possible the righteous walk through the valley of the shadow of death, frustration and confusion. Pleasing Him would be completely overwhelming if it weren’t for the unfailing resource of His presence, whereby we are never without full ability to complete the deed according to His preferences and His desires.

Recently a gas explosion took place in the Gulf, releasing massive amounts of oil into the water, causing an enormous mess to clean up and widespread disruption of ocean life. This took place far below the surface of the ocean where a drill was penetrating the floor. I read somewhere that on the very day this took place the company was touting its safety measures and how it was equipped to deal with emergencies. Ironically, there seemed to be no preparation whatsoever for something that had to have been a considered a possibility all along. For day after day thousands upon thousands of gallons of oil have freely flown from the gaping hole with no prepared ability to do anything effectively, partly due to the troubled seas on the surface. The oil company and the government have been somewhat helpless to do anything but monitor the disaster. I did hear just recently, though, that there was a large box being lowered over the hole to cover and seal it. Something else mentioned was that the further actual efforts were made to remedy the situation, the more various feasible options were being presented to actually do so.

Every day is full of potential explosions that are capable of disrupting all of life around us. Rather than just considering that all the necessary resources and precautions are already in place, it is vital that a continual advance to the throne of grace be made, the only place where there are no unforeseen surprises. To maintain the life that has been provided in Christ, unspotted and unstained by the disrupting substance of life’s encounters, an intimate relationship with the only real Equipper will make available the ready solutions that are clearly held in His hand. In fearful and reverent pursuit of His favor, there will be a reception in arms that are open to receive each one who is ready to place their life in His trust. Pleasing Him will come by simply allowing Him to come in and cap the unstoppable flow of contamination and unrighteousness- something only He is capable of doing.

There is true pleasing of Him available for each one who will but take their place at His side.

Eph 3:20 (KJV) Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,