Joy wins

Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. John 16:22

 

Joy wins. Sorrow may reign in the short-term, but long-term joy is victorious. Sin may have delayed a blessing, but eventually joy wins with a shout of gratitude. Death brings grief, only to be swallowed into an everlasting environment where joy never ceases to win. The path of joy is not without pain, but the intensity of the hurt only increases the feelings of joy once the pain has passed. Joy wins for all who follow Jesus. Yes, Jesus brings joy to a life loved by Him!

Like our salvation in Christ, once joy lodges in the heart of a believer no one can steal it away. Satan tries to talk us into forgetting God’s faithfulness. Other people stuck in a joyless cycle may not receive joy’s glow from our face, joy’s encouragement from our lips or joy’s grace from our heart. Indeed in Christ, we have an infinite supply of joy to share, but in our flesh we can quickly lose our joy. So, be joyful in Jesus. When another’s misery invites  your accompaniment, don’t RSVP!

“Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy in his dwelling place.” (1 Chronicles 16:27).

What tempts you to lose your joy? Who threatens to take away your joy? If external conditions (people, places and things) are necessary to bring us joy, when they are removed our joy goes with them. However, if our joy comes from the internal rest of our soul in our Savior Jesus then our joy is secure, not at any real risk. Indeed, we romance our relationship with God only to realize a greater joy we never knew existed. A heart captured by Christ enjoys deep abiding joy!

Moreover, we find abiding joy by becoming who our heavenly Father made us to be. We lose our joy when we try to become who someone else wants us to be. But we are supernaturally joyful when we exercise our unique giftedness, energized by the Holy Spirit. Joy wins when our life aligns around Almighty God’s game plan. Trust the Lord and make time to think and be creative. Enjoy how the Lord has made you and  joy will never cease. Be a joyful winner in Him!

“We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the LORD grant all your requests” (Psalm 20:5).

Succession planning

Elijah said to Elisha, “‘Tell me what I can do for you before I am taken from you?’ ‘Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,’” Elisha replied. 2 Kings 2:9

 

Succession planning is an opportunity to steward well a founder’s lifetime of work, developing an organization’s ongoing effectiveness. Like death, steps of succession do not solicit ongoing conversation, unless a process is in place to implement a prayerful plan. Important questions are, “How can the founder show good faith that they hold the enterprise with an open hand?” “Should the founder be compensated after they transition out of their executive role?” “How will the board stay engaged in the succession planning process?” Yes, succession matters.

Founders who hold an open hand trust the Lord as the owner of the organization. Hence, he or she is not necessary to carry on a Christ-centered culture. Lord willing, He will sustain the work in His way. Mature leaders also place their security and identity in Jesus, not in their jobs. They understand their ultimate value is not measured by what they do, but by who they are. Leaders who are secure in the Lord, see globally how God brings in those best for the organization’s health.

“To Titus, my true son in our common faith” (Titus 1:4).

Who are you raising up to take the team to the next level? Are you intentional in your prayers for the profile of the person to take your place? We are not objective enough in our discernment to pick the most effective successor without the input of other wise advisors. Thus, we submit to the wisdom and accountability of the board to bring about the best outcome. Succession done well can gel the team and infuse excitement in anticipation of God’s choice. It is a journey of faith.

Therefore, all in charge wisely look to Christ for His choice. Perhaps the requirement is to compare and contrast three excellent candidates. We learn a lot when we compare the strengths and weaknesses of very competent people. Moreover, it may be a worthy strategy to watch potential successors over the course of a year of work within the organization. Assign them to various departments and then assess their skills and abilities to work with the team. Also, take a prospective successor and their spouse to dinner. Observe how they treat their sweetheart and the server. Their attitude in an informal environment is an indicator of their real self. Most of all, look to the Spirit to confirm His person. His peace is preeminent in pronouncing the next leader!

“There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord” (Proverbs 21:30)

Companion of Christ

Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me. John 12:26

 

Following Jesus is much more than just an obedient servant following his master. It is also a rewarding companionship that with time, grows into intimate friendship. The infinite relational scope of our Lord is able to both lead us and walk with us. He doesn’t just tell us what to do. He shows us what to do. Yes, we are needy children of our heavenly Father, but like mature adult children relate to their parents as friends, so as we grow, we become companions of Christ.

Not unlike strong marriages, Christ’s companionship adds an everyday level of enjoyment and commitment. We want to be around those whose company we enjoy. So our journey with Jesus may vary from day to day, week to week, month to month or year to year. In one season He may serve as a seasoned guide who uses His ice pick up our precipitous glacier of pain, providing us one steady step at a time. Other times He walks with us as a confidant, as He helps us process our questions, doubts and fears. Divinely, He can both lead and walk with us at once.

“Walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:2).

How does our companionship with Christ influence our friendships? Indeed, the overflow of our friendship with Jesus becomes a conduit for close friendships. When two people who work together both endeavor to seek eternal business outcomes, their bond becomes stronger. They may agree to initiate service projects within the community so team members have a convenient opportunity to radically love people. Or perhaps, work groups are given paid time off, so they can travel overseas to build homes for the poor and share the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Moreover, how does companionship with Christ invite honor from our heavenly Father? Much like a nation’s commander-in-chief who bestows medals of honor for a serviceman’s bravery, so our Commander-in-Chief, Jesus Christ, honors heroic soldiers of grace. Our companionship with Christ rewards us in this life and in the life to come. He may give us favor with those who hold Christians in contempt. Or, we may enjoy the blessings of good health and a supportive family. Since God honors those who honor His son, we are wise to be comrades of Christ.

“Whoever tends the fig tree shall eat its fruit; so he who patiently and faithfully guards and heeds his master shall be honored” (Proverbs 27:18). 

Self-Sacrifice

Listen carefully: Unless a grain of wheat is buried in the ground, dead to the world, it is never any more than a grain of wheat. But if it is buried, it sprouts and reproduces itself many times over. In the same way, anyone who holds on to life just as it is destroys that life. But if you let it go, reckless in your love, you’ll have it forever, real and eternal. John 12:24-25, The Message 

 

Jesus, fresh from raising Lazarus from the dead, decided to make His public appearance on a lowly beast (a donkey). Those enamored by His power wondered why He didn’t make a grand entrance as a powerful warrior riding a sleek thoroughbred of a stallion. Even His disciples did not grasp this moment until after they experienced His glory. Jesus explains, as prophesied in Zechariah 9:9, that He was not coming as a conquering king or political figure, but as a humble servant who would die for our sins. Self-sacrifice is the language of our Lord. He gave away His life: in His life and in His death as an offering and ransom for many.

As followers of Jesus, we are called to come and die. Though our flesh is drawn to flashy opportunities that promote power and prestige, our soul seeks quiet humble service on behalf of Christ for His glory. Our aim is not to jockey for fame on earth, but to point to the Celebrity that is Christ in heaven. The Lord’s fame is above every name. He alone is worthy of the glory ascribed to His displays of mercy and compassion through His children. Our self-sacrifice is an excuse to glorify God.

“Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name” (John 12:27-28)!

We need to take some self inventory by asking ourselves, “What in my life do I need to let go of and give to God?” “What attitudes or actions need to die, so Christ’s character can come alive in my life?” It may be a child who gives us grief. By faith we die to our need to be admired as a parent. In truth, regardless of our children’s spiritual maturity, our parenting is all grace. We must also learn to die to our right to be right, if we truly desire the work of the Holy Spirit to change our heart and another’s heart. Self-sacrifice is not a badge of honor, but a simple two word job description for Jesus followers.

As we experience great works of God it is necessary to double down on our desire to die to ourselves. Answered prayer, physical healing, application of truth, respect from peers, maturity of our gifts, relational wholeness, promotion at work and financial blessings are all reasons to remember the originator of our blessings God. The Lord’s blessings are all individual altars for us to bow before and die to taking credit for accomplishments that come from Christ. Instead, we revel in our relationship with God and His goodness. We die to self, so we can live with Him and He through us.
 
“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace” (Acts 20:24).

Our refuge

 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

 

My soul can easily go to places of refuge that lack real peace, protection and refreshment. Worry can easily be one of the suitors of our soul especially when we feel financial, relational, and pressure at work or home. Worry will have us ask questions like: What if I lose my job? What if my friend doesn’t understand? What if my health doesn’t allow me to work long enough to care for my family? Like a confused animal, worry causes us to chase our tail in circles only leading to dizziness, confusion and us looking silly to others as the outcome. Worry is a weak refuge, but trust in God trumps worry’s waste of time. He is our strong tower that towers over our fears.

Self-reliance is another refuge that bids our attention when times get or are hard. Our soul seeks to hide behind our hard work and determination, instead of dependance on our heavenly Father. Our frantic pace forgets to go to God for His rest, wisdom and resources. Unless we fight for an unhurried rhythm of work, we run right past our ever-present help in the time of trouble our Heavenly Father. Our energy alone leaves us exhausted, frustrated, and lonely, but the Lord’s refuge replenishes, strengthens and reminds us of His support and hand on our lives. The refuge of self-reliance lacks the Lord’s loving help and creativity.

"The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still" (Exodus 14:14).

Self-pity is a refuge that feels good in the moment but becomes an incubator for anger. We get mad and say to ourselves, “If only other people would see things my way, the world would be a much better place to live.” We feel sorry for ourselves because we feel like no one really understands us. We are wise to remember it's not about us but God. Our refuge is in Him. Self-pity gives way to death of self and life in Christ. We look outwardly to help others, when inwardly we’ve been helped by the Lord. He is accessible and available to strengthen our souls.

How is your soul?  Does it feel similar to a Waffle House hash brown: scattered, smothered and covered? Scattered, because so many people are pulling on you? Smothered by your own unrealistic expectations or covered by Christ? Fortunately in each moment of the day, no matter how loud and chaotic, we can by faith create a sanctuary and refuge for our soul. We may close our office or bathroom door so we can close our eyes and look to the Lord in prayer. Perhaps we take a walk, so we can walk with our Savior and be empowered by His presence. God’s refuge is always near.

“I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust” (Psalm 91:2).

Our provider

Give us today our daily bread. Matthew 6:11

 

Our Heavenly Father is our provider. He gives us each day what we need. It is in the moment that He gives, so we can be content with His provision. Daily bread may not be as exciting as His future provision toward a big idea, big payday, big house, or big dream. However, each day He supplies one link in His caring chain that binds our hearts to His. If we take for granted His day by day care, we grow discontent or worse, demanding. 

Daily bread is a daily reminder of Who provides the most basic necessities in our lives. The air we breathe, the rain that moistens the soil and the sun that warms our faces are all life-giving blessings from the Lord. We ask for daily bread, because we need the reminder of the source of our provision, the Bread of Life, Jesus. He who created a beautiful world from chaos brings beauty to our chaotic lives. Our daily bread from heaven feeds our body and satisfies our soul.

"Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread” (Proverbs 30:8).

Since pride struggles to ask for anything and busyness forgets to ask, how can we remember to ask our heavenly Father for His daily provision? A grateful prayer before a meal is a good beginning. Perhaps we pray with bowed heads, “Heavenly Father, I am extremely grateful for this meal You have provided for the nourishment of my body and soul. You are my generous and loving provider. Thank You in Jesus' name, amen.” Daily bread deserves daily gratitude to God.

Our Heavenly Father’s provisional daily bread may be the slightly soiled ‘hand me down’ clothes from a friend’s older child. It could be a neighbor’s used piece of furniture left on the curbside to be taken away. Or, He may provide a shiny new car or piece of jewelry. However our Father in heaven provides for our needs, even wants--we praise Him for His faithfulness. When we ask for daily bread we learn to trust Him with a little, so we are prepared to trust Him with a lot.

“Then the Lord God provided a leafy plant and made it grow up over Jonah to give shade for his head to ease his discomfort, and Jonah was very happy about the plant” (Jonah 4:6).

God of purpose

Bring about Your kingdom. Manifest Your will here on earth, as it is manifest in heaven. Matthew 6:10, The Voice

 

God is intentional in building His kingdom on earth. Unseen by the naked eye of  natural man, the Lord is at work behind the scenes facilitating spiritual outcomes that create what we call purpose. Earthly kings build their kingdoms, but ultimately it is the kingdom of heaven that reigns. So, to be on the right side of history (His Story), we align with what God is doing by prayer. We submit to His reign in our hearts, so His Kingdom comes within us before it manifests itself out to the world.

What are the purposes of our heavenly Father? How can our lives line up with what the Lord wants? We know our heavenly Father’s major purpose is growing our love relationship and intimacy with Him. He is our King who loves us, so we can grow to love and accept His gracious governance/lordship of our lives. Our king Jesus died for us, so by His resurrection power, we die for Him. Yes, we pray for His love to rule our hearts and motivate our words and deeds.

“Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him” (James 2:5)?

The love of the Lord is an attractive advertisement to a lost and confused world. They see love and they wonder, 'Why?'. Why do we take the time to listen to a person’s story and enter into their life? Why do we give expertise and cash to help alleviate suffering and help create opportunities? Love is God’s greatest command and weapon of kingdom advancement, so we model for others our joyful privilege to love and be loved by the Lord. Yes, the kingdom of God is built on the love of God. God’s will is manifest on earth every time we love in Jesus' name. His kingdom of love defeats the kingdom of hate, and Satan.

Therefore, the more complete we become in Christ, the more the Kingdom of Heaven manifests itself in our lives. We usher in His dominion every time we pray for His will to be done down here, like it is up there. For example, oneness of heart with the Lord means we refrain from having to have the last word. Unity of soul with God means we are content to grow in our character above needing the praise of our peers. Alignment with the Almighty’s agenda supports the advancement of His Kingdom and the retreat of our own. We either pray our kingdom come or His Kingdom come, amen.

“Giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:12-14).

Teach us to pray Lord

One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” He said to them, “When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come.” Luke 11:1-2

 

The prayer of Jesus, otherwise known as the Lord’s prayer, is actually the model for prayer for us to follow. Jesus, in customary fashion, created consistent time to be with His heavenly Father. One day, upon conclusion of His private prayers, a perceptive disciple asked Jesus for prayer instruction for himself and the other disciples. Yes, this prayer of Jesus’ was birthed out of intimacy with His heavenly Father. He instructed on prayer with authority, because He prayed with authority.

The prayer model of Jesus is as much about the spirit of the prayer as it is the words of the prayer. Indeed, the Lord spoke about prayer having just prayed. Only minutes before He bowed in humble worship seeking the face of His heavenly Father. He gloried in the glory of the One from heaven who sent Him to earth to save the world. Oh, what a privilege to pray in the presence of our all-wise God. Our spirits are expunged of all selfish pride and replenished with selfless humility. The reverent and submissive spirit of our Lord’s prayer is the navigator for our prayers.

“The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41).

Our flesh seeks to dismiss the power of prayer by questioning its effectiveness, “Does it really matter if I pray or not?” “Are things truly any different after I pray than before I pray?” In His prayer Jesus desires all men and women everywhere to pray with hands lifted high in praise and hearts bowed low in protracted submission. He’s heavenly minded with earthly aspirations. He prays for God’s Kingdom to be ushered onto earth with the splendor of heaven’s resources. Our globe governed by God, for God and with God. The prayer of Jesus pronounces God king.

Furthermore, the prayer of Jesus is our model of how and what to pray. Begin and end with Him.  Satan shrinks back at the supplicants set forth by our Savior. Thus, we take to heart the heart of our Lord in His instructions to pray. The words are not a magical chant, rather a divine mandate to: seek the love of our heavenly Father, fear His holiness, align with His will, ask His provision, receive His forgiveness, trust His power and announce His glory. Pray His prayer as your prayer.

“I will certainly pray to the Lord your God as you have requested” (Jeremiah 42:4).

Imagine

But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. 2 Peter 3:13-14

Imagine a place you have never been before. No sin, sorrow or death, but full of righteousness, joy and everlasting life. No deranged shooters of school children, but many children sitting on the lap of Jesus. No demons, but armies of angels. The Hallelujah chorus being sung by a heavenly choir that no human ear has heard. Yes, praise and worship that brings pure joy to the worshipper and to the one being worshipped, Jesus Christ. Imagine God’s glory fully exposed.

Imagine this new world created by God for God and His children. A world without end, cleansed by the Holy Spirit. A church without blemish presented to its glorious groom, Jesus. No more church splits, child abuse scandals or leadership failures. Gone are church politics, abuses of power and misuse of money. The church and Christ are one. Oneness with the One who gave His life for His bride, rose from the dead to give her life and ascended to heaven to receive her. Imagine the unimpeded and uninhibited intimacy of Christ and His bride--love perfected. 

“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess” (Hebrews 4:14).

Imagine a home prepared by Jesus just for His followers. The light of His glory illuminates each room, with no need for electricity. Never a power failure, natural disaster or divorce. Think about God’s blessings on a new earth: peace, forgiveness, joy and love. He is the Blessed One who will give us all we need wrapped up in the abundance of His presence and provision. Worshipfully, we will reign and work for Him. Imagine serving the King of Kings--Jesus, for all eternity.

Therefore, while we wait in this life we train in righteousness, preparing to reign with Him in righteousness. We avoid vain imaginings that distract us in the temporal, instead focusing on the eternal beauty of what awaits us on the other side. Yes, we look forward to being with the Lord forever. We can only imagine with our finite understanding what our infinite God has for those who love Him. We have tasted but a morsel, maybe an appetizer, from our salvation in Christ Jesus. Glory, hallelujah we have a full course meal in heaven that is an ongoing celebration of the Lamb of God, Jesus. Heaven is for real, so by His Spirit conceive what’s to come and prepare for His coming. Imagine!

“But as it is written: ‘Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him’” (1 Corinthians 2:9, KJV).