We need only ask ∙

We need only ask ∙

Show me the right path, O LORD; point out the road for me to follow. – Psalms 25:4

Psalms 143:4-11 

 4 I am losing all hope; I am paralyzed with fear.

 5 I remember the days of old. I ponder all your great works and think about what you have done.

 6 I lift my hands to you in prayer. I thirst for you as parched land thirsts for rain.

 7 Come quickly, LORD, and answer me, for my depression deepens. Don’t turn away from me, or I will die.

 8 Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.

 10 Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.

 11 For the glory of your name, O LORD, preserve my life. Because of your faithfulness, bring me out of this distress.

Who has not gotten lost sometimes? Being lost and feeling helpless is a scary experience, no matter how old you are. However, knowing what to do when you get lost can have a major effect on whether the incident is empowering or traumatic. The best advice, particularly for children, is to have a safety plan. Your safety plan defines what to do if and when you get lost.

Children are advised to take the following steps when separated from the adults in their life.

1. STOP!

2. Stand tall and strong if it is safe to stay where you are. Otherwise, go to the nearest place that is safe.

3. Look around for your adults. Most of the time, when children think they are lost from their adults, they are actually close by. Take a minute to stop and look; you may find them again.

4. If you cannot see the adults you came with, yell out the names you use to call them.

5. If that doesn’t work, ask a woman with children for help. Statistically, a woman with children is least likely to harm a lost child (kidpower.org).

Feeling lost looks different for everyone. When David felt lost spiritually and emotionally, his spirit was overwhelmed. He experienced a sense of emptiness, panic, and even desolation. He appeals to the Father for help. David was a man after God’s heart. He models an excellent safety plan for the rest of us when we encounter similar dilemmas.

REFLECT & PRAY

May my repeated prayer be, teach me to do your will, for you are my God (Psalms 143:10).

Father I often have felt lost and separated from You. I know that that can never be. But being human, I feel that way anyway. Thank You are always there. I need only to ask.

INSIGHT

David’s core priority is to please the Father, to discover His will, and do it. It is not about self-fulfillment but instead about completing the Father’s plan for his life. He needs more than direction. He needs to be shepherded. He entrusts himself totally to the Father. And he desires that the Father will do work within him.

Psalms 143:4-6

 4 I am losing all hope; I am paralyzed with fear.

 5 I remember the days of old. I ponder all your great works and think about what you have done.

 6 I lift my hands to you in prayer. I thirst for you as parched land thirsts for rain.

Amid these dire circumstances, David is paralyzed with fear and has lost all hope. But remarkably, his mind begins to drift towards thoughts of his heavenly Father. He recalls and ponders who the Father is and all He has done. He reminisces. Repeatedly the Father has saved the people of Israel from grave situations. David’s thinking is straightforward. His un-verbalized thoughts are, “Father if You have done it before, You can do it again.” In total dependence upon the Father’s character and essence, David boldly lifts his heart and soul to Him during his great distress. He is confident that the Father will intervene.

Psalms 143:7 Come quickly, LORD, and answer me, for my depression deepens. Don’t turn away from me, or I will die.

David emphasizes how serious the situation is. His despondency and despair are escalating. He is about to drop off the cliff. He beseeches the Father, fearing that he might spiral down to death itself.

Psalms 143:8 Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.

David totally entrusts himself to the Father. He places his life in His Father’s hands.

Psalms 143: 10-11

 10 Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.

 11 For the glory of your name, O LORD, preserve my life. Because of your faithfulness, bring me out of this distress.

David is very specific and earnestly seeks the Father’s guidance and deliverance.  However, his aspirations extend beyond mere deliverance. David yearns for wisdom and instruction in the Father’s ways. He asks that the Father graciously direct him to safety. More specifically, he asks that the good and gracious Spirit direct him on an uncomplicated path, free from obstacles and hardships. He asks the Father to save his life and bring him out of distress.

David’s appeals are not based upon his own inherent righteousness or goodness.  David identifies himself intimately with the Father, considering himself as the Father’s devoted servant. David recognizes that his mission is unfinished and seeks the Father’s guidance and assistance to fulfill it. Moreover, there is a profound identification between David and the Father, signifying their inseparable connection. The Father is also identified with David. The Father’s reputation is tied to the outcome.

David does not attempt to bargain with the Father. He has no leverage within himself. Instead, David approaches the Father with reverence. He appeals to the Father based on the Father’s character, nature, and personality. He declares in humble adoration, “You are my God.” 

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 3-27-1

© Dr. H 2023

Personal achievement ∙∙

Personal achievement ∙∙

In humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. – Philippians 2:3-4

James 4:1-10

 1 What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you?

 2 You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it.

 3 And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong– you want only what will give you pleasure.

 4 You adulterers! Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God.

According to Dr. Ruth Gotian in Forbes, recent studies indicate that high achievers in modern organizations exhibit remarkable productivity, surpassing average employees by an astounding 400%. These exceptional individuals consistently outperform established benchmarks.

However, despite their exceptional performance, high achievers often require additional mentorship and a well-defined path for career progression. Consequently, many organizations still need formal programs to acknowledge and nurture high achievers to become future leaders. The result? The high achievers get frustrated by the lack of advancement and innovation and leave the organization.

Research by Daniel Pink demonstrates that for high achievers, intrinsic motivation rather than extrinsic remuneration, such as bonuses or salary increases, is far more influential and satisfying (Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us).

High achievers who strive for excellence strongly desire to witness their company actively fostering creative innovation, curiosity, and passion. They seek assurance that the organization consistently sets higher standards to deliver value. Moreover, they value knowing that the company invests in their professional growth and offers opportunities for advancement within the organization.

In our fallen world, there is often a tendency to applaud and reward individuals who relentlessly pursue personal gain and success. Especially during our formative years, many of us prioritize our own accomplishments and progress for various reasons. Aspiring for excellence is commendable and worthwhile. However, it should not be done at the expense of sidetracking our relationship with the Father and neglecting the importance of valuing others.

Paul cautions us against being driven by selfishness or empty conceit. “‘Selfish ambition’ stands at the heart of human fallenness, where self-interest and self-aggrandizement at the expense of others primarily dictate values and behavior” (Fee).

The Greek term translated as selfish ambition is eritheia. Eritheiahas a sense of self-seeking pursuit or selfishness. It characterizes someone with a strong drive for personal success without moral restraints.

The Greek word translated conceit is kenodoxia. Kenodoxia is comprised of two Greek words kenos – vain, empty, and doxa – glory. It could be translated as vainglory, self-exultation, or empty pride. The primary idea behind this word is “empty opinion, error.” “Thus, it could depict a person who, though conceited, had no reason for it”(Ashy).

Paul exhorts us to raise the bar and do far better. He admonishes us to live with “humility of mind.” Humility is not a fawning self-depreciation. “The ‘submissive mind’ does not mean that the believer is at the beck and call of everybody else or that he is a “religious doormat’ for everybody to use” (Wiersbe)! Instead, humility entails recognizing and embracing one’s own limitations and abilities with a realistic perspective. Then we place ourselves at the disposal of the Father. We are to serve “at His pleasure.”

REFLECT & PRAY

Most of us are goal-driven. We have our own agendas and spend our time fulfilling them. If the truth be known, and it is in heaven, self-interest, self-aggrandizement, and empty opinion are the primary drivers that dictate our values and behavior.

Father God sadly, I recognize my propensity to advance my own schedule rather than discover Yours and seek to carry it out. Please help me to rearrange my priorities and focus.

INSIGHT

When driven by a competitive mindset, we frequently encounter the temptation to advance our own agendas. How can we rectify this situation? The solution is straightforward: we must prioritize the well-being of others above our own. The crucial aspect lies in extending the same level of care and commitment we have for ourselves toward the interests of others. This approach may seem radical and unusual. But it is a core value of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Philippians 2:5-8

 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

 6 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to.

 7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form,

 8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

“‘Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus’ (Philippians 2:5, NIV). After all, outlook determines outcome. If the outlook is selfish, the actions will be divisive and destructive” (Wiersbe).

James 4:1-10

 1 What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you?

 2 You want what you do not have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you do not have what you want because you do not ask God for it.

 3 And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong– you want only what will give you pleasure.

 4 You adulterers! Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God.

 6 But he gives us even more grace to stand against such evil desires. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but favors the humble.”

 7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

 8 Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty, is divided between God and the world.

 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 3-19-1

© Dr. H 2023

Controlling anger

Controlling anger

Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry. – Ephesians 4:26

Psalms 4:1-4

 1 Answer me when I call to you, O God who declares me innocent. Free me from my troubles. Have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

 2 How long will you people ruin my reputation? How long will you make groundless accusations? How long will you continue your lies? Interlude

 3 You can be sure that the LORD set apart the godly for himself. The LORD will answer when I call to him.

 4 Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent.

Anger problems can manifest differently, from occasional outbursts to chronic and intense anger issues. Situational stressors or triggers can influence the prevalence of anger problems.

Anger management refers to the techniques, strategies, and skills that individuals can learn and practice to effectively manage their anger and respond to anger-provoking circumstances constructively and healthily. It involves developing self-awareness, understanding the underlying causes and triggers of anger, and acquiring techniques to control and express anger appropriately. The goal is to create healthier ways of dealing with anger, improving relationships, and enhancing overall emotional well-being.

Anger management typically involves the following components:

  • Self-awareness: recognizing the signs and physical sensations associated with anger.
  • Relaxation techniques: relaxation exercises like deep breathing.
  • Cognitive restructuring: identifying and challenging negative thought patterns or distorted thinking that contribute to anger.
  • Effective communication skills: developing strategies to express anger assertively and clearly without resorting to aggression or hostility. This includes active listening, using “I” statements, and expressing emotions non-confrontationally.
  • Problem-solving: identify and address the underlying issues or conflicts that contribute to anger and focus on problem-solving rather than blame.
  • Stress management: employing stress reduction techniques, such as exercise, hobbies, time management, and self-care practices.
  • Empathy and perspective-taking: cultivating empathy towards others, trying to understand their viewpoints. Empathy is about standing in someone else’s shoes, feeling with his or her heart, and seeing with his or her eyes.

The Scriptures provide excellent strategies for anger management. The guidelines also warn about uncontrolled anger’s dire collateral damage.

All anger is not inappropriate. All anger is not sin. Ephesians 4:26 “Reminds us that not all anger is sinful. There is a holy anger against sin that ought to be in the heart of every believer (Mark 3:5), but we must be careful not to be guilty of unholy anger” (Wiersbe).

The children of the King are not to allow themselves to be consumed by anger.

Ephesians 4:26-27

 26 Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry,

 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.

All anger is not the same. Anger exists along a continuum from mild to extreme. It may manifest as frustration, irritation, or seething, explosive, murderous rage. Or, it may arise anywhere in between.

What does anger actually accomplish? Uncontrolled anger is an exercise in futility. Stop kidding yourself. Short tempers and thoughtless words only stir up strife.

Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.

The Father provided an object lesson. He gave us two ears but only one mouth. We are capable of controlling our reactions. Be sensible. Engage your intellect and develop strategies to overcome useless, futile responses to actual or perceived offenses.  

REFLECT & PRAY

James 1:19 You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.

Father thank You for providing methods for effectively dealing with and defusing anger. Enable me to look within myself, discover my challenges and learn to overcome them effectively.

INSIGHT

Anger is a natural response to life’s upheavals and disappointments. But as children of the King, we are admonished not to allow anger to control us. We are to pause and ponder the situation and choose to find peace amidst chaos and serenity in the face of adversity.

Overall, Psalms 4:4 urges individuals to approach God with reverent fear, to reflect on their actions, and to be silent and attentive to their inner selves. The goal is to align their hearts with the righteousness of a God-centered life. In Psalms 4, David’s enemies are in view. He is not speaking to godly or righteous people inclined to do the right thing. He cautions them against inappropriate and damaging behavior.

Psalms 4:4 Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent.

LXX Psalms 4:4 Be angry, and sin not; feel compunction upon your beds for what you say in your hearts.

The Hebrew word rendered as anger is ragaz. The primary meaning of ragaz is to quake, shake, or tremble. Over time the semantic domain expanded to include rage, quaking with fear, getting excited t excited or agitated, behaving violently, quivering, or experiencing great anger. It could be accurately translated as, do not sin by letting anger control you.

On the one hand, it is the idea of trembling, standing in awe of God, and getting a better perspective. “Tremble and do not sin” conveys a sense of wonder and reverence towards God.

On the other hand, is the idea of great anger. David admonishes people to consider their ways and cool off. To avoid sin, they must ponder, reflect, and remain silent rather than lashing out.

It is often easier to be critical of the sins committed by others while overlooking our own transgressions, as the Lord Jesus Christ taught in Matthew 7:1-5. Instead of tossing and turning in bed, consumed by the actions of others, take a moment to reflect and take inventory of your own heart. Are there sins that need to be addressed within you? Look inward and seek to rectify any shortcomings that you may find.”

The phrase “When you are on your beds” invites profound introspection. It implies taking the time to honestly evaluate your inner thoughts, desires, and intentions before the Father. Let the outside world disappear, and allow your inner voice to rise above the noise.  

The mention of “When you are on your beds” beckons one to engage in deep introspection. It is an opportunity to let go of the external distractions and let the world around fade away, creating space for your inner voice to resonate above the clamor. This verse implies the importance of dedicating time to honestly assess your inner thoughts, desires, and intentions in the presence of God, acknowledging Him as the ultimate authority over your heart and life.

David’s adversaries should allow their emotions to cool down. If they feel the need to be angry, it should be for a just cause. The statement “Be angry and do not sin” is quoted in Ephesians 4:26, but in that context, it is directed toward the children of the King. It serves as a reminder that it is acceptable to be angry on behalf of the Father’s righteousness, but never for personal reasons. However, in Psalms 4, these words are spoken to wicked individuals, warning them against letting their anger spill over into violent actions. During the stillness of the night, as they lie awake, they should examine their own hearts and consider the foolishness of fighting against the Father. Such thoughtful contemplation would silence their slanderous words and end their wicked schemes (BBC).

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

© Dr. H 2023

Hidden life ∙∙

Hidden life ∙∙

When the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law – Galatians 4:4

Isaiah 35:3-10

 3 With this news, strengthen those who have tired hands, and encourage those who have weak knees.

 4 Say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you.”

 5 And when he comes, he will open the eyes of the blind and unplug the ears of the deaf.

 6 The lame will leap like a deer, and those who cannot speak will sing for joy! Springs will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams will water the wasteland.

 7 The parched ground will become a pool, and springs of water will satisfy the thirsty land. Marsh grass and reeds, and rushes will flourish where desert jackals once lived.

 10 Those whom the LORD has ransomed will return. They will enter Jerusalem singing, crowned with everlasting joy.

Many of us have witnessed the recurring patterns of growth that occur during specific times of the year. During autumn, plants undergo a dormancy phase as they brace themselves for the upcoming chilly weather. On the other hand, spring’s arrival brings forth new life as the temperature and rainfall increase.

Sometimes “seasons” can be irregular and seasonal changes can deviate from their typical patterns. In the Mojave Desert, an incalculable number of wildflower seeds lie buried beneath the sand, waiting for the ideal conditions to flourish. Under the right conditions and at the right time, a profusion of vibrant, stunning wildflowers emerges and covers the earth with their vibrant, beautiful colors.

The dry desert must be soaked by abundant rain and warmed by the sun at just the right times. Otherwise, the desert is just a desert.

So it is with us. Our lives can sometimes resemble a desert, dry and barren, with no end in sight. During such trying times, doubts may arise within us about the involvement and love of our heavenly Father in our lives. These doubts can intensify when we feel backed up against a wall, leading us to question the truth of our faith.

But we forget that the Father created both the seasons and the unseen seeds of life. He also controls the timing of the events of our lives.

Time was created by the Father to enable humanity to experience sequence and change. To the Father, every moment exists in the present, and He sees the end from the beginning.

REFLECT & PRAY

Reflecting upon my life, I acknowledge experiencing arid seasons and periods of growth and beauty. I realize that I am not in charge of either.

Father I acknowledge that You are in control and sovereign. You have appointed time for everything under heaven. Encourage me to stand firm in times of drought and doubt.

INSIGHT

We encounter situations that we cannot comprehend. They make no sense to us. Nevertheless, the unseen hand of our loving, heavenly Father has always been at work. Suddenly, we find ourselves in the right place at the right time. What happens next is truly incredible.

The Father has given us His word to provide truth and encouragement during difficult times. The Father provides promises. There is a time coming when the Father will make all things right. Undoubtedly, the Old Testament prophesied the arrival of the Lord Jesus Christ at the appointed time chosen by God. Several specific miracles were prophesied.

Isaiah 35:4-6

 4 Say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you.”

 5 And when he comes, he will open the eyes of the blind and unplug the ears of the deaf.

 6 The lame will leap like a deer, and those who cannot speak will sing for joy! Springs will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams will water the wasteland.

During His time on earth, the Lord Jesus performed specific miracles that served as evidence of His identity. These miracles were signs meant to validate His divine nature. Even John the Baptist, the great forerunner of the Messiah, experienced grave doubts when he was incarcerated and facing imminent death. His entire world had been upended, leading him to question if the Lord Jesus Christ was the long-awaited Messiah. However, the response he received was prompt and unambiguous. The Father’s promises regarding Jesus were being fulfilled as predicted.

Matthew 11:2-5

 2 John the Baptist, who was in prison, heard about all the things the Messiah was doing. So he sent his disciples to ask Jesus,

 3 “Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?”

 4 Jesus told them, “Go back to John and tell him what you have heard and seen –

 5 the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.”

Matthew 16:15-17

 15 Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?”

 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

 17 Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being.

Even during seasons of drought and drenching storms, we can rely on the faithfulness of the Father. He will lead us through these difficult times.

Under the right conditions and at the right time, our parched souls will indeed bloom!

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 3-22-1

© Dr. H 2023

When the going gets tough ∙∙

When the going gets tough ∙∙

So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded. – 1 Thessalonians 5:6

Luke 22:39-40, 45-46

 39 Then, accompanied by the disciples, Jesus left the upstairs room and went as usual to the Mount of Olives.

 40 There he told them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.”

 41 He walked away, about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed,

 45 At last he stood up again and returned to the disciples, only to find them asleep, exhausted from grief.

 46 “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not give in to temptation.”

“We judge ourselves by our intentions and others by their actions” (Stephen Covey). “Your direction, not intention, determines your destination” (The Principle of the Path, Andy Stanley).

Walt Disney had more than good intentions, he had a clear direction and the will to succeed. Can you imagine a childhood without enjoying the creations of Walt Disney? That could have become a reality if Walt had merely relied on his good intentions. His former newspaper editor disparaged him, claiming he had “no good ideas” and “lacked imagination.” Undeterred, Walt refused to listen to such negativity.

Instead, he persevered and created the enduring cultural icon of Disney that profoundly impacted American society in the 20th century. As Thumper’s mother and father advised in Bambi, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.”

What was Walt Disney’s perspective on failure? Early failure lays the groundwork for future success. He once remarked, “I think it’s important to have a good hard failure when you’re young . . .. Because it makes you kind of aware of what can happen to you. Because of it, I’ve never had any fear in my whole life when we’ve been near collapse and all of that. I’ve never been afraid” (www.lifehack.org).

Even with the best intentions and highest aspirations, we often fail those we care about the most. Sometimes temptations overtake us when we are weak, worn out, and can least resist them. The Lord Jesus Christ knowing this warned His disciples to pray that they should not enter into temptation.

During the final night of Christ’s earthly life, what temptation arose in the garden? It was not a temptation to succumb to a grave moral transgression or sin. Instead, it was the temptation to fall asleep. Given the circumstances and the Lord Jesus Christ’s prediction of impending betrayal and death, one might expect the disciples to remain vigilant and on high alert. They should have been fueled by adrenaline. However, for them, it seemed to be just another uneventful night.

They had the best of intentions but needed follow-through. Things happened so quickly that they failed to react. They failed. They fell into temptation and succumbed to sleep. This temptation is “not from indifference, but rather from sorrowful exhaustion” (MacDonald).

What did the Lord Jesus Christ do? He gave them another chance. He woke them and repeated His warning not to enter into temptation. And what did the disciples do? They repeated the same mistake and surrendered to sleep. In doing so, they were prevented from “being there” for the Lord Jesus Christ on this most dreadful of nights. By succumbing to physical exhaustion, they could not be fully present for their Lord. Essentially, they fell asleep while on guard duty, even as their enemies approached.

As bad as it was, it got even worse. All of the disciples abandoned the Lord Jesus Christ and fled as He predicted they would (Matthew 26:56).

Such personal failures do not take the Father by surprise nor alter His plans. Although we are responsible for our decisions, our decisions are part of a larger plan, determined and written in advance.

REFLECT & PRAY

Wrestling with fear and doubt is not a sin; it is normal.

Father encourage me not to give up and keep watching and praying. I know my spirit is willing, but my physical body is weak.

INSIGHT

Temptation and failure are universal experiences for all children of the King. When confronted with challenging decisions, we often rely on our own plans rather than adhering to the Father’s will. The Lord Jesus Christ also wrestled with this dilemma. Blessing often comes through wrestling. However, when discussions run their course and the struggle has ceased, our actions afterward reveal our character and steadfastness. The Lord Jesus Christ is the ideal example of resisting temptation and choosing to follow the Father’s plan, even though it would ultimately result in horrific suffering, anguish, and death.

Luke 22:41-44

 41 He walked away, about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed,

 42 “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”

 43 Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him.

 44 He prayed more fervently, and he was in such agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood.

In His anguish, fervent prayers, and final choices, the Lord Jesus Christ modeled perfect submission. He established a pattern and model that we can emulate. He modeled perfect submission. He based His decisions on a simple yet crucial principle. For the Lord Jesus, it was a simple matter of priorities. Who gets the final say? Who has the last word? Without further hesitation, the Lord Jesus decided. His words ring out for all eternity, “Not My will, but Yours be done.” We can follow Him. We can successfully resist even the greatest temptations and struggles.

Hebrews 12:1-4

 1 Let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.

 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.

 3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.

 4 After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.

What was it that enabled the Lord Jesus Christ to endure the cross? During His time on earth, He did not exercise His divine powers for His personal interests or needs. It was His faith that enabled Him to endure. Rather than being dragged down in the now, He focused on “the joy that was set before Him.”

By submitting to the Father’s will, the Lord Jesus Christ reconciled the world to the Father. He successfully made atonement for sin through His death and resurrection. He made eternal salvation available for all that would accept it. One day He will have the great joy of ushering all believers into the eternal glory of the Father’s kingdom (Jude 24-25).

Mission accomplished! Job well done!

Instead of exerting control, Christ brings about transformation through the infusion of His inner peace.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 3-4-1

© Dr. H 2023