Acceptable

We struggle to be accepted in many areas of life. We apply for jobs and are interviewed, while hoping that we are the acceptable candidate. With our friends, our desire is that our actions and ideas are acceptable to the group. We design business proposals to meet the clients needs and prove to be acceptable for those needs.

Romans 12:1 says, “I appeal to you therefore, my brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” In response to God’s mercies, we present our lives back to Him. He considers this sacrifice to be holy and acceptable, despite our failings and weaknesses. Our offering is made acceptable through His mercies, because we can not sufficiently improve our lives on our own accord.

What Am I Doing Here?

I sometimes find myself in places and wonder what I am doing there. I used to fly a lot on business and since someone else made the arrangements, I would wind up confused about certain details of the trip. In addition, I think that we all go through times when we wonder what our purpose is in doing what we are doing. We question whether there is some grand scheme to where we are and what we are doing.

Judges 13:3-5 says, “And the angel of the Lord appeared to the woman and said to her, ‘Behold, you are barren and have not borne children, but you shall conceive and bear a son. Therefore be careful and drink no wine or strong drink, and eat nothing unclean, for behold, you shall conceive and bear a son. No razor shall come upon his head, for the child shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb, and he shall begin to save Israel from the hand of the Philistines.'” When circumstances seem impossible to overcome, God begins to do His best work. From a barren woman, God formed Samson to lead His people. God has formed each of us to do great works in His name. We have the responsibility to hear and obey His call upon our lives.

Lead Me in Truth

I have attended seminars or training sessions and walked away confused and bewildered. Most often, it is because the information is new to me and I have not had experience in that area. So I walk away with some knowledge, but don’t have the experience to put the knowledge into action.

Psalm 25:4-5 says, “Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.” It is good to have knowledge and to know truth, but it is still better to follow God and walk in the steps where He leads.

Comfort Zone

We grow as individuals when we leave our comfort zone. Complacency leads to destruction, while facing new adventures, including struggles, leads to emotional, mental, and spiritual growth and maturity.

Proverbs 1:32-33 says, “For the simple are killed by their turning away, and the complacency of fools destroys them; but whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.” God is not a machine that dispenses blessings at the call of people. He expects more of us than simply acknowledging Him. Complacency with our natural lives, or worse yet, turning away from God, will ultimately result in our destruction. He wants our sincere devotion and surrender to His ways.

Peaceful Habitation

I spend a lot of time hiking in nature. I find peace and restoration in the forests, lakes, rivers, and waterfalls. Life comes alive in the vibrant colors and soothing sounds of nature.

Isaiah 32:17-18 says, “And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever. My people will abide in peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.” Walking in righteousness brings peace. Forsaking evil displaces internal conflict and keeps our paths secure.