Life too random? Maybe some framework is needed . . .

A policeman is supposed to uphold law. He would have a tough time doing that if he didn’t know or agree with the law that he is upholding. A surgeon is supposed to open and fix whatever has gone wrong in a human body. She would have a tough time doing that if she didn’t know anatomy or agree with the way it is supposed to work.

Even an artist has a set of ‘rules’ that ensure the music or paintings produced is pleasing to the eye or ear, and every mother knows she cannot use chopped cranberries to replace the chocolate when her children expect chocolate chip cookies.

Laws, rules, standards make a framework for nearly everything. I spent most of Saturday trying to fix a problem with my hubby’s laptop. Computers are not fussy; they merely operate according to a set of on/off switches and they all need to agree with each other. Otherwise, the machine does not behave in an expected and acceptable manner.

The physical world would be chaos without this framework. It is no surprise that the spiritual realm also has a framework, a set of principles that keep Christians on track with God. Because of these, I am guided into a walk with Jesus Christ that not only pleases Him but gives me great joy.

In general, a major principle is believing that God exists. Hebrews 11:6 says, “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Romans 1:19ff says that God makes this plain so we have no excuse for not believing it.

For those who accept that principle, two other principles come into play. One is that God loves us. This is most important, but also Satan’s target for an on-going lie. Deep in our hearts, we hear his suggestions every day. He points us to the trials of life, our messy culture, a trouble childhood or any number of negatives that seem to verify his lie. However, if we believe it and fail to abide by the reality of God’s love, we step outside that firm foundation and find ourselves unhappy and with all sorts of problems.

The second principle that believers in God need but struggle with is the one that says, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) We deny it, or pass the buck, or make excuses, but without agreeing with this one, we put ourselves outside the framework of spiritual stability. We cannot be godly people without admitting our need for His mercy, grace and forgiveness.

Rather than write a book on this topic, today’s devotional helps me jump to the one for me today. Jesus is talking to His disciples . . .

“Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?” Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me.” (John 14:21–24)

Knowing the commands of God is vital. Keeping them is more so. Living within this framework requires effort on my part. I must read and study the Word of God. I also need to pay attention to life’s lessons. Even more important, I must keep short accounts because knowing the will of God is for those who regularly confess their sin. Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8) Having a pure heart is about short accounts as well. I must stay in a place of continual cleansing, a cleansing that comes to those willing to see and acknowledge all sin and selfishness.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

The idea of God living in my heart is mind-boggling yet my astonishment soon gives way to the responsibility of it. Because He is here, always with me, always loving me, how can I not pay attention to what He says and what He wants of me? The liar would suggest that God is not here, not loving me and His principles are harmful, not for my good . . . which is another principle of God’s kingdom — He loves me and wants good for me, not evil.

Obviously, this framework is built and maintained in a battlefield, a place of spiritual warfare. If I am going to fight and win, I must stick to the Lord’s rules of engagement.

^^^^^^^^^

Lord Jesus, I’m so thankful today for the grace You give, grace that keeps me where You want me, grace that rebukes, corrects, teaches, and fits me for the place that I am in, the place that You are in with me. Thank You for making Your home in my heart and for being a wonderful homemaker who knows how to continually dust and clean. Most of all, thank You for Your Word that fills me with instruction but also with an increasing love for You.

God rewards those who seek in faith

When I pray, I’m aware that sometimes faith for the answers is there and sometimes it is not. I’m also aware that faith is a gift — given as I hear the Word of God . . .

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. (Romans 10:17)

In this verse, the Greek term translated ‘word’ is ‘rhema’ — a special term different from ‘logos’ which is usually translated ‘word.’ Logos is the revelation of God through Scripture and Jesus Christ. Rhema is the voice of the Lord speaking personally, that still small voice that addresses the need of the moment.

When Luther said, “We have everything we need, except the faith to believe it” he must have understood how important God’s personal revelation is in relation to faith. How can I believe in and trust a God if I know nothing about Him? Hearing Him speak is vital, particularly in prayer . . .

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)

Believing He exists is a challenge for many who have been taught otherwise, or who look for ‘proof’ in things that can be seen. Faith becomes possible by looking at and listening to Jesus. He said, “He who has seen me has seen the Father.” All my questions and doubts fade away when I keep my eyes and thoughts on Jesus Christ, the Living Word of God.

Hearing Him is important too. He said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4)

In this verse, ‘word’ is again ‘rhema’ which implies that reading the Bible is not necessarily going to produce faith. There are scholars who have memorized great portions of it yet still do not have faith. It is hearing the voice of God through the Holy Spirit speaking right into our minds, usually as we read the Bible. However the Spirit can do it through other people or circumstances. I was saved when reading a verse of Scripture in a book about reincarnation (not a biblical teaching)! This personal ‘rhema’ gives God’s life to those who receive it.

The other part of faith is believing that God rewards those who seek Him. The major reward is of course forgiveness and eternal life, yet my search began by looking for a better life. For some, seeking God starts with a deep desire for him to heal, or to help is a dire situation.

God knows the heart and how far those seekers will go in the journey of faith. Consider Jesus and the many people He encountered. Some sought healing and were healed but did not even thank Him. Others trusted Him so much that they knew all He had to do was say the word and healing would happen. Jesus praised these seekers for their deep faith.

When I pray and wonder if God hears me or will reward me for seeking Him, I need to remember and think about Jesus. He existed. Even the most disbelieving historians do not doubt that.

As for rewarding my seeking, I also need to remember that the only people Jesus said ‘no’ to were those who came in skepticism looking for signs to prove that He was who He claimed to be. Everyone else was given exactly what they asked for. Jesus gives definite proof that God rewards those who seek Him.