One Thing

"I'm asking God for one thing, only one thing: To live with him in his house my whole life long. I'll contemplate his beauty; I'll study at his feet." Psalm 27:4, The Message

There are rival voices in the mind of a Christian that compete for the ear of God. It may a voice of concern over a wayward son or daughter. Another voice cries out for healing of a diseased body. A sincere voice asks to know God’s will and direction for living. All of these voices vie for the Lord’s attention and are close to His heart. But there is one request that collates all of these needs—to enter into the presence of Jesus in prayer.

We need the personalized presence of Christ like a hiker reaching a mountain summit needs oxygen. It is in this place of praise that we see the beauty of His holiness and we study at His feet. The doors to His house of worship are always open to our hungry heart and inquisitive mind. We enter into His courts because He is the One Thing we need. As we live with our Lord we emulate His ways. His warm hospitality is like heaven on earth.

“He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” John 9:25

What is the one thing that drives your life? If nothing else gets accomplished in a day, what captures your affection and attention? These answers define your priorities. What you focus on is what you become. For example, if it’s money, then status and stuff become your goal. However, if heaven’s agenda is your daily “to do” list, then you will say no to those things unnecessary to God’s goals, and yes to furthering His plan.

Consider a monthly audit of your calendar and checkbook with a trusted friend or two. Ask them to hold you accountable in how you spend your time and money. Look for alignment around Almighty God’s agenda for your life. Does your giving support your church and ministries that serve people in Jesus name? Is your time a trusted resource for relationships that need your counsel? Ask the Lord for one thing: to live close with Him.

“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14

How do I need to rearrange my schedule, so that I can slow down and enjoy Christ’s company?

Related Readings: Psalm 62:11; Mark 10:21; Galatians 3:2; 1 Peter 3:8

Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey

An email from a dear friend!

Martin,

Blessings on this soggy morning. I went to D&W this morning on the off chance you might be there (I knew you probably weren’t going to be able to make it there). I don’t bring that up to make you feel bad but to let you know that I spent some time praying for both of us. I prayed for our wives and children and for our relationships with them. I prayed that we honor God with our thoughts, words and actions as men of God and leaders in our families, church and community.

God loves you Martin! May he bless you and your family today!

Peace

Thank you Paul!

The Warrior Heart

I have in my files a copy of a letter written by Major Sullivan Ballou, a Union officer in the 2nd Rhode Island. He writes to his wife on the eve of the Battle of Bull Run, a battle he senses will be his last. He speaks tenderly to her of his undying love, of "the memories of blissful moments I have spent with you." Ballou mourns the thought that he must give up "the hope of future years, when, God willing, we might still have lived and loved together, and seen our sons grown up to honorable manhood around us." Yet in spite of his love the battle calls and he cannot turn from it. "I have no misgivings about, or lack of confidence in the cause in which I am engaged, and my courage does not halt or falter . . . how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and sufferings of the Revolution . . . Sarah, my love for you is deathless, it seems to bind me with mighty cables that nothing but Omnipotence could break" and yet a greater cause "comes over me like a strong wind and bears me unresistably on with all these chains to the battle field."

A man must have a battle to fight, a great mission to his life that involves and yet transcends even home and family. He must have a cause to which he is devoted even unto death, for this is written into the fabric of his being. Listen carefully now: You do. That is why God created you-to be his intimate ally, to join him in the Great Battle. You have a specific place in the line, a mission God made you for.

Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey