Action or Words?

It was Jean-Paul Sartre who reminded us, "Commitment is an act, not a word." God reminds us, "Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you. He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun." (Psalm 37:4-6) While we all want to say we are 'committed' to following Jesus with all our heart, we might just find ourselves with an occasional 'action' that reveals something totally different. 

Commit everything you do to the Lord. Does that mean that today's laundry and yardwork should be committed to him? It does indeed. God's desire is to be part of your everyday life, not just your Sunday morning life. He wants to be there, whispering little tidbits of truth in your ear while you fold the clothes, weed the garden, or wash the car. When we 'limit' God to Sunday mornings, our actions are sure to be somewhere 'below' the plan God has for our days.

Trust him and he will help you. There is much wisdom in trusting someone else with the stuff we cannot handle on our own. I take my car to the mechanic because anything other than minor maintenance of fluid levels is way out of my wheelhouse now that everything is so computerized. I bring an air conditioning maintenance man over to tune up the AC. I use an arborist to do a good trimming of my trees. Why? They have the expertise. When we allow God to handle the things in our lives that are out of our wheelhouse, we are going to see better outcomes!

Commitment involves trust - one cannot commit to someone or something they have no faith in, can they? We travel the highway because we know someone has laid out the path for us, allowing us to get from one destination to another. We purchase the roast at the meat counter, knowing the butcher knew exactly how to cut that roast from the entire cow. We have 'faith' in some of the simplest of things, but we struggle to allow God to take control of our daily, everyday lives. Maybe it is time to 'act out' our faith a bit and see just how trusting God to have control can make a difference beyond our imagining. Just sayin!

Are you getting the most out of it?

I suspect you would never intend this, but this is what happens. When you attempt to live by your own religious plans and projects, you are cut off from Christ, you fall out of grace. Meanwhile we expectantly wait for a satisfying relationship with the Spirit. For in Christ, neither our most conscientious religion nor disregard of religion amounts to anything. What matters is something far more interior: faith expressed in love. (Galatians 5:4-6)

I bet no one will be surprised to know that I spent a great deal of time trying to be holy by completing various religious 'plans' and 'projects'. I'd fast for a day, not really knowing why I was doing it, but someone told me it would 'make me closer to God'. I'd read a certain number of chapters in the Bible every day, not really getting much out of it, all because someone told me I needed to make a 'plan' for reading through the Bible every year. I'd go to church every Sunday morning, Sunday evening, and Wednesday night - not because I always felt like it, but because it was 'expected'. How many of us have been in the same boat - going about 'doing the plan', but not really getting much out of it?

Truth be told, as I have grown a bit wiser, I find myself happy to simply 'ingest' a few verses every day, thinking upon them, seeing what God wants to tell me about how to make wise decisions, find peace, or get my life in order somehow. I attend church, listen online, or just celebrate God out in nature while out of town, not out of obligation, but because I enjoy being taught as much as I enjoy teaching others. What made the difference? I guess it was listening to God's 'small voice' deep inside asking why I did these things - what purpose were they serving in my life. When I really stopped to consider the 'exercises' in faith, I realized they were simply 'religious exercises' that weren't really accomplishing the intended purpose!

Once I asked God to help me be less 'religious' and 'pious', do you know what happened? I fell in love with him! I enjoyed my time that I regularly set aside for the two of us. I found he spoke to me very clearly and that I actually listened to what he told me. It wasn't a magic formula that brought me closer to God - it was a yielded and obedient heart. Did the change happen overnight? Nope, but it happened! Did it change the way I acted? Yes, now the actions are genuine and without second thought. They are purposeful and life-giving. Do I still find myself in kind of 'mulligrub' spiritual moments where it doesn't seem like I am getting much from the time I am spending with him? Yup, but they are usually because I need a little attitude adjustment, not that I need to engage in anymore 'spiritual rituals'. 

How about you? Have you been going through the motions, but not really connecting with him? Have you settled into a place of 'activity', but not really 'pursuit'? Is your heart in it? If not, maybe it is time to ask yourself the 'w' questions. Why am I doing this? Who am I doing this for? What is the purpose behind this action? When I 'perform' this activity, what is the outcome? Answering those tough questions honestly could just give each of us a little bit of insight into how committed our heart is to getting the most from our relationship with him. Just sayin!

Racers, start your engines!

Search for the Lord and for his strength; continually seek him. (I Chronicles 16:11)

"Desire is the key to motivation, but it is determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal - a commitment to excellence - that will enable you to attain the success you seek." (Mario Andretti) Imagine a race car driver assuming the position behind the wheel of a highly powered auto, revving the engine several times, buckled in, watching intently for the flag to drop signifying the start of the race. What sense would it make for the driver to rev and rev, then putt-putt away from the starting line, lagging behind all those who are out lapping him? He has all the power he needs - he just doesn't tap into it! He knows the goal is the finish line, but he doesn't seem to be committed to the goal, just the ride. God needs individuals who are more than along for the ride - he needs those who will tap into the power he provides - using it fully to see they cross the finish line. 

Seek him - but when you find him, what will you do with him? What will you allow him to do for you? That racer has sponsors - those who will invest in him time and time again. We have one 'sponsor' - God himself - investing in us time and time again. Never tiring of making that investment - all he asks of us is the commitment to see the race through with all the power he provides. We have strength beyond our means, but will we use it? Whatever you are facing today that seems a bit like it might overwhelm you is kind of like what that race car driver faces when being 'out lapped' by a few cars. He doesn't just allow them to 'out lap' him - he pushes the pedal to the metal and taps into the power of that engine!

Continual seeking means we engage the 'engine' - we do more than 'rev' it a bit. We tap into the power God provides in our seeking and we take the laps with gusto. We may not gain much in one lap, but when we continue to face each lap by tapping into the 'super-powered engine' within us, we soon 'out lap' the doubts, fears, and disappointments of life. We don't know the potential within us, but when we do more than 'play with religion' and actually take on this relationship with gusto, we see that potential released full force! Just sayin!

Committed to one focus

Lord, who shall dwell [temporarily] in Your tabernacle? Who shall dwell [permanently] on Your holy hill? He who walks and lives uprightly and blamelessly, who works rightness and justice and speaks and thinks the truth in his heart... (Psalm 15:1-2)

Men and women of understanding know there is a time and place for everything. The events of today prepare us for those of tomorrow. We may not always see clearly today what tomorrow holds, but we do know if we conduct our affairs to the best of our ability today, listening intently to the voice of God as we do, we will be in a better position for what tomorrow brings. Most of us think of living 'uprightly' as being in line with what is right, but it also means being directed vertically. In a spiritual sense, we are to conduct our "business" of today - directed vertically, upward in our focus. The opening statement of this psalm causes us to consider two aspects of our walk - the here and now, and the future state of our existence. The here and now is temporary - the future is permanent. The question - who gets to commune with the Holy God? The answer - those who walk blamelessly (upright). 

There is evidence in the life of the one who actually walks in an upright manner - things like being just, speaking and thinking truth in his/her heart. Walk above the defilement of this present day. This may seem difficult to some, but I believe it is possible when we keep our focus "vertical". If we stop viewing things from the "horizontal" perspective, we begin to see them differently. When we are "horizontal" in our focus, we see others, often comparing our actions to theirs. We get wrapped up in the "littleness" of today's demands and forget to maintain the perspective of one who is on mission for Jesus. "Vertical" focus provides a framework for living in this world without being overcome by its pulls.

Stand up where you are right now. Look around the room or place you are standing while maintaining a focus which is at eye level (don't raise or lower your head). What do you see? I am in my den, so I see computer, computer desk, bookshelf, a small table, and the window looking outside. Now, look up. What do you see now? How much of what you saw when you were just focusing on a "horizontal" level do you still have in your view? Some of it, right? Yet, it is less than you had before. On a "horizontal" level, we tend to look as far as our eye can see from the ground up to about a foot over our eye level. Turn your eyes upward and the possibilities of focus are vastly different. If you are able, climb up on a step stool for a moment in your same room. Now, look horizontally again - what changed? Your perspective is affected by where you are standing, is it not? The same is true in a spiritual sense. Where we are "standing" at the moment creates a vantage point for a variety of different perspectives.

From the step stool vantage point, you might see some spots you haven't dusted in a while, or perhaps a little cobweb gathering in the corner of the ceiling. Maybe you look down and see just how cluttered your "space" really is. Vantage point is important, isn't it? This is why God doesn't want his kids just living continually on the horizontal level. He knows we see a whole lot of obstacles and impossibilities on that level! When we take our eyes off the obstacles and begin to anchor them vertically on him, the obstacles are no longer in our view. The "clutter" doesn't get us all muddled up and unable to see beyond the mess we are in. Instead, we can sort out some things and see them in an entirely new perspective.  Perspective helps us "right size" our life's challenges. Maintaining an upright focus is key to getting right perspective. Uprightness is merely determining where our focus will be and maintaining it regardless of the pull to do otherwise. Just sayin!

Start, stop, begin again

Have you ever started watching a movie and not finished it? How about a book? We make all kinds of attempts to get into the show, but find ourselves just not enthralled by the story line. We aren't 'hooked' by it - making it easier to turn it off than something that absolutely catches our attention and holds us enthralled till the end. Beginnings all have one thing in common - it is a start. Endings also have one thing in common - there has been endurance to push past even the hardest places that threatened to keep us from moving on.

Endings are better than beginnings. Sticking to it is better than standing out. (Ecclesiastes 7:8)

Our year has flown by at record speed and as many of us sit looking at our "resolutions" made at some point within the year, we find ourselves conducting an inventory of our progress toward goals we had set for ourselves. Some of us will find ourselves having made a good start, but then petering out somewhere along the way! Isn't that always the case with our "resolutions" - they are good while they last, but they tend not to last! I have mentioned before that we might do well to focus on making a "revolution" in our life - not a "resolution". To some, those are just words, but if you know me by now - you know how much I enjoy looking at the words!

A resolution is simply an intention - formalized by some sort of plan. It is a determination of heart or mind, but it often lacks the quality of perseverance that is required to see it all the way through to completion. A revolution is the process whereby one set of actions is diminished (stopped, forsaken, or redirected) and replaced thoroughly by another. There is a clear difference when we look at them this way - one is well-intended, the other is well-planned, well-executed, and in the end, well-performed.

Revolution is similar to the process of metamorphosis - the process whereby the caterpillar emerges as a beautiful butterfly or delightfully colored moth. At one season, it appears one way, and at a different season it has been transformed into something that no longer resembles the former appearance! Now, translate that into everyday life with Jesus. We need revolution, not just resolution. Yes, we need to be resolute in our commitment to what he asks of us, but we need the revolutionary transformation of our lives that only he can bring.

Solomon reminds us that endings are better than beginnings. We often do much to celebrate the beginning of something. Yet, the ending is the most important part! Sticking to it is better than standing out. That's the key to "revolution" in our lives. If we want Jesus to transform us (create a metamorphic change in us), then we need the "stick-to-it" kind of commitment - even when something doesn't always have the greatest of appeal or seems a little harder than we imagined when we set out in that direction. There is a place for resolution, but the outcome we all desire is revolution.

As we look back over the year - evaluating the "resolution" we once exhibited toward the goals we might have set, we need to remember that  God is the MOST concerned with the revolution of our mind, emotions, and spirit - not with the loftiness of the resolution or the magnificence of the plan. Maybe it is time that we examine our "resolutions" in the spirit of making them "revolutions" in our life! It isn't that we begin - it is that we finish well. Just sayin!

Open invitation

God, who gets invited to dinner at your place? How do we get on your guest list?  "Walk straight, act right, tell the truth. "Don't hurt your friend, don't blame your neighbor; despise the despicable. "Keep your word even when it costs you, make an honest living, never take a bribe. "You'll never get blacklisted if you live like this." (Psalm 15)

David stands as a great example of how it is we are to communicate with God. He certainly doesn't seem to have a lot of preconceived pretense in his "discussions" with God. It isn't rehearsed or all that formal. He is conversant with God in a casual, relaxed manner - allowing God to reveal things to him as he just opened up his heart to God and then listened. David asks a question that I suppose many have asked over the years: How does someone get welcomed into God's presence? If anyone is ever curious about that truth, God isn't going to turn away, but he is going to respond to that curiosity. God gives him a list of fourteen characteristics that "stand out" in a man's character that makes that man "stand out" in God's eyes - things that are 'built in' the more we spend time with Jesus in thoughtful and prayerful discussion. Let's briefly look at each:

Walk straight - suggests that you are not stagnant in your walk. The walk is characterized by straightness - it has directed purpose, an aim in mind - the movement is not just movement for movement's sake. That movement or aim is God's best being achieved in one's life - single-minded focus that makes all movement purpose-driven and heading toward the target.

Act right - when our walk is directed purposefully toward the things God desires of each of us, it becomes easier to have our action be affected by the very goal we are directed toward. Action is always affected by the aim of our heart and mind - if it is rightly focused on God, we tend to act more consistently in accordance with his love and grace.

Tell the truth - look at the progression here: First, your aim in life needs to be Christ-centered. Then, your choice of action is affected by the fact that Christ is at the center and self is no longer the main object of your satisfaction. In turn, you begin to see your speech (words) be affected. The words we speak take on meaning and become life-giving when our aim is right. That is what truth is and what it produces - it is a well-spring of life to those that hear it.

Don't hurt your friends - did you know that one of the easiest ways we hurt each other is in the carelessness of our words? Our actions and our words can both hurt, but most people will be quick to tell you that words cut deeply. Actions may be more easily forgiven, while words are not quickly forgotten. Guard well your words. 

Don't blame your neighbor - we may not like it, but we are to own up to our behavior and don't shift blame to others. It is easy to blame-shift, but it takes a strength of character to say, "It was me; I had a part in that outcome." It is this admittance of blame that often begins the road to healing after an offense has been felt.

Despise the despicable - the mean, vile things are to be despised - akin to 'hated'. It is easier to despise a "scumbag", but a little more challenging to despise the sin that motivates the man to act as he does. It is never God's intent that we throw the sinner out with the sin - we are to embrace the sinner, and despise the sin. Oftentimes we get that backwards - but when we keep the right focus on this one, we find the sinner draws closer because they are intrigued by our openness to embrace even the unlovely.

Keep your word even when it costs you - and it WILL cost you to be true to your word! We use our words sometimes a little too freely and promise what we really did not intend to provide. God asks us to only promise what we can provide - words often commit us beyond our capacity or capability. Words like, "I will NEVER...." are rarely achievable, nor truthful. We need to learn to be realistic in our commitments - both to God and to others. In so doing, it becomes easier to keep our words.

Make an honest living - we all have a contribution that is to be made to society, family, and local community. Whatever that is, we need to engage in it with a focus on contributing what we are capable of contributing. The thing we might contribute that is most valuable is our time.

Don't take a bribe - this really goes hand in hand with making an honest living. Honesty and upright conduct should be the hallmarks of all we engage in.

If our conduct is reflective of his actions within our life, we are truly blessed individuals. Don't get me wrong - you don't need to be perfect - just moving in that direction! God welcomes those with a right focus - the rest is an outcome of focus. So, come right on into God's presence - he welcomes those who welcome his presence into their lives! Just sayin!

Stupid or Wise?

The late Walt Disney reminds us the "way to get started is to stop talking and begin doing." It is quite easy to talk - another thing to actually put actions to those words! There are times when my words get the best of me, though - especially when I commit to do something before I really count the cost, or determine if I even have any enthusiasm toward the task at hand. In so doing, I commit myself to something I neither wanted to do, nor will I enjoy doing in the long run. Maybe you have done similarly, finding yourself smack-dab in the middle of something you absolutely dread will never end. When you are there, what you do next may actually determine just how long you stay in that state of misery! Most of us wouldn't dream of admitting we were wrong in making the commitment to do something, but those of us who actually realize it was worse to make the commitment than to admit it was wrong to make it might just realize a release from the commitment once we do! Others may actually see this as a strength in us - while we may think they will see it as a weakness.

8 You praise people for their intelligence, but no one respects those who are stupid. 

(Proverbs 12:8 ERV)

I am a "doer", which means I don't find much satisfaction in just "standing by" or "lolly-gagging around" when there is a task needing to be accomplished. Oftentimes, this works to my disadvantage, because I bite off more than I can chew! If you really want to evaluate whether you are taking on more than you should, just look at your "to do" list. If it is longer than your day, it is probably too much! When I first went into management, I had to learn the hard task of delegating some of the work that needed to be done. I had to engage others in the decisions being made and I had to paint a bigger picture for them so they would know where we were headed. Needless to say, those lessons were learned by trial and error. I made a whole lot of errors by enduring a whole lot of trials! 

It is honestly "stupid" to commit one's self to something just because you felt pressured, thought you could do it better, or maybe you were just too proud to admit you couldn't do it. Either way, you will be miserable. Wisdom exercised in choosing your commitments is never wasted. As our scripture states - no one can expect praise when they are over-extended, over-committed, and over-the-edge. We find praise comes when we are "doers", but peace comes when we are doers of the right stuff! Just sayin!

Row on

Commitment is an act, not a word.  (Jean-Paul Sartre)  It was Sartre who also said that the only one who has time to rock the boat is the one who is not rowing it! The facts are quite plain - get in, grab an oar, and start rowing! Actions are needed - not just words - when it comes to this walk with Jesus! The Christian group Selah has a song entitled "Hold On". In it you will find the words:  "You gotta hold to His hand, God's unchanging hand. You gotta hold to His hand, God's unchanging hand. You gotta build your hopes on things eternal. My God will never let you down." As much as we think we are doing all the "rowing" in this life, the reality is that God is the one who has our hand in his, moving not just the "boat" of our life, but the waters upon which it rests!

He is the Lord our God. His justice is seen throughout the land. He always stands by his covenant—the commitment he made to a thousand generations. (Psalm 105:7-8 NLT)

Sartre indicated this thing called commitment is an action - perhaps starting with words, but backed by all manner of action until the evidence of the fact becomes a reality one can trust in with all of one's heart. This commitment begins first with our heavenly Father. The one who stands by his covenant is the one who holds our hand! There is no other who will match his faithfulness, nor is there any way we can humanly be "perfect" in our commitment, but we can take steps in obedience as he calls us to. This is perhaps the single-most important way we reveal our love - in taking action toward obedience. I believe love is the ultimate act of commitment - it is the ultimate culmination of actions taken, not for ourselves, but because we trust in and rely upon another.

By the very act of committing one's self to a matter, we are indicating we are about to change. Think about it - when we agree to save money, don't we take the first step to open a saving's account and arrange for a sum to be deposited? We change how it is we handle our money because we make that commitment. When we agree to go somewhere on a certain day at a certain time, we prepare to be there as planned, requiring a "change" from our present location to the other. All of commitment requires change - therefore, the greatest actions of love lead us toward change - first his actions pull us toward change, then our actions respond to actually enter into that change. 

Too many times I think we approach commitment as though it was just a matter of the mind or heart. In reality, giving thought to, or emotionally responding is good, but it lacks the "feet" that are required to realize the evidence of true and lasting change in our lives. Change requires movement - therefore, it can be assumed that commitment requires movement (action), as well! God might part waters, move mountains, and answer our every need even before we utter the words that we have need - actions based on his commitment to us. Parted waters, moved mountains, and answered prayers are not just a display of his love, they are "avenues" for our change! Avenues are only of value when they are traveled - no road is ever created just to look at it! Just sayin!

A legacy awaits - what are you waiting for?

Legacy is really what some would refer to as having something to show for their life - their time, talent, and treasure revealing something which others will be able to remember them by after they are no longer walking this earth. If we were to truly examine the legacy we are creating, I wonder what we'd observe - we might just be a little surprised to see our legacy through the eyes of another, not just how we see ourselves!  If you have ever known someone with Alzheimer's Disease, or some other "memory-altering" affliction, you probably have sat contemplating how the person "used to be" - because that is the legacy you want to remember - not the wasting away of their lives after the disease begins to take them from you.  You want to remember them in their "previous state" because the present just doesn't account for their capabilities or their past experiences.  To the Alzheimer's patient, their world is the past - definitely not the present.  They cannot quite associate with any longer making a legacy, for they see themselves (and you) as somewhere in the past.  Those moments of breakthrough when there might just be a glimmer of "in the moment" recognition are few and far between.  Where their brain chooses to live is not always where their bodies presently dwell.  In a spiritual sense, where our minds choose to dwell may also not always be the place our bodies presently dwell.  Any disconnect between mind/body and spirit will often lead to a whole lot of unnecessary conflict in our lives.

“Seek me and live. Don’t fool around at those shrines of Bethel, don’t waste time taking trips to Gilgal, and don’t bother going down to Beer-sheba.  Gilgal is here today and gone tomorrow and Bethel is all show, no substance.  ”So seek God and live! You don’t want to end up with nothing to show for your life but a pile of ashes, a house burned to the ground. For God will send just such a fire, and the firefighters will show up too late.  (Amos 5:4-6 MSG)

To really get the picture of why God focuses so much on seeking him first and foremost - each and every day - we must see this connection between mind/body and spirit.  Seeking is both an action of the mind and the spirit. If the mind and spirit are engaged in seeking, it is reasonable to assume the body will follow.  What we seek to dwell upon becomes the gateway to our present, and possibly our future actions.  Seek God and live - this is pointed out a couple of times - action which produces something of value and gives us a lasting legacy.  To understand what or who we seek is to open the door to recognizing the "legacy path" we are on.  

For Israel, they were on a path of which allowed for quite a bit of "drift" in their focus and in the legacy they were choosing to leave for a generation to come.  What had started out well, through a series of compromising actions, became a pathway which would leave them with a life as insignificant as a pile of ashes.  None of us wants to be left with ashes - in fact, we are hoping desperately that God will take our ashes and turn them into creations of glory! Gilgal was a place which started out as a place of worship - the first place Israel camped after crossing over the Jordan River into their quest to take the Promised Land.  Twelve large stones were placed in a circle - a memorial of how God had promised to lead them into this land.  Yet, it was also a place of memorial because of what occurred there - they dedicated themselves afresh to their Lord.

At Gilgal, those who had wandered in the desert wilderness for forty years, mumbling and grumbling about how God had brought them out of Egypt, but how difficult it would be to ever "come into" the Land of Promise simply because there were "giants in the land" had a mindset change - and with the change of their mindset came a change of heart - affecting their actions in every respect.  At Gilgal, the men were circumcised - indicating their separation with the old and their dedication to living as "set apart" for God. There the Feast of Passover was celebrated - indicating their reliance upon God as their protector and salvation in all things.  Also noteworthy is the cessation of the daily provision of manna from heaven - even this symbolized the separation from the old and the entry into the new.  Old had been put in its place, new lay ahead - God's work at Gilgal in the hearts of those who chose to dedicate to his purposes was begun.

Over the years, Gilgal became a place of "distant memory".  Yes, it still held the connotation of being a "holy place" for Israel, but it faded in significance as they became more "settled" and self-reliant in their new homes.  Gilgal went from being a place of "dedication" and "commitment" to being a place of idolatrous worship - allowing for the invading of compromising beliefs and practices to take the place of God at the central part of their lives.  No wonder God reminds them (and us) of the foolishness and extreme waste of time "visiting Gilgal"!  What once held the potential of an excellent legacy had become a place of compromise. 

Bethel was first mentioned in the Book of Genesis, when Jacob flees Esau, coming to a place of sheer exhaustion - having used all his energies to escape his past manipulative deeds.  In his utter exhaustion and loneliness, he falls into a deep sleep and sees a vision of a ladder leading straight into the presence of God.  The significance of this place cannot be overlooked, for it began as a place where God would transform a life - a place of new beginnings.  There Jacob received his new name (Israel), and he began to form a new legacy.  Who knew this place would ultimately end up as a place of cultic worship many years later.  Surely the place of "new beginnings" - the place where the exchange of heart meant the end of one's energies and manipulative ways - would never become a place of cultic worship!  Yep!  In the "drift" of the years, the distant memory of the life-transforming place faded - leaving it a place of cultural diversity and compromising worship practices.

Both suggest a good beginning - both have the potential for a disappointing end.  Life's legacy is indeed a matter of focus - for where the mind settles, the heart follows - where the mind and heart choose to dwell most often becomes the place practice is formed.  Ashes piled high, or lives on fire for Jesus - you choose.  Your legacy awaits!

Let's re-examine our love

I once had a pastor who used to say, "Love isn't for whimps".  I think he hit the nail on the head with that one!  Love is tough business - even under the "best" of circumstances.  In fact, I think it is one of the toughest things for us to receive and even harder for us to give away - when we do it well!  Many times, we "love", but it is definitely not "well".  We have strings attached, kind of doing our own thing, but never really investing in another as we should.  In the roughest spots, it is put to the test and we sometimes don't come out smelling so pretty, do we?  So, in order to love as God tells us to love, we have to remember a few things.

Love never gives up.  Love cares more for others than for self.  Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.  Love doesn’t strut, doesn’t have a swelled head, doesn’t force itself on others, isn’t always “me first,” doesn’t fly off the handle, doesn’t keep score of the sins of others, doesn’t revel when others grovel, takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, puts up with anything, trusts God always, always looks for the best, never looks back, but keeps going to the end.  (I Corinthians 13:3-7 MSG)

Does it surprise you the list begins with "never giving up"?  Well, this is where it begins - with commitment.  In fact, anything worth having and keeping in life is based on the commitment we make to it.  So, what better place to begin than with our commitment?  The other stuff which comes after this is really the evidence of our commitment!  Love doesn't hide behind some false facade.  It is real, genuine to the core. If we want to understand what love is, we have to get real with ourselves, others, and especially God.

Ever use guilt as a "tactic" to get someone to do something?  Yep, I think we have all done it at one time or another.  Whenever we "use" guilt as a means of "getting what we want", we are really saying to the other person, "I matter more than you do", or maybe we are saying, "I want to control everything".  Either way, WE are at the center of the universe!  Guess what?  God is the only one who deserves that honor!  Commitment begins by being real, getting heart/mind/body in right order, and coming under the authority of Christ in our lives.  When that occurs - there is no room for us to be in control or to manipulate to get our own way.  

We have all heard it said, "Love is patient".  Now, try acting that out in real life!  It isn't always easy to be patient when another is being over-demanding, acting ridiculous, or just plain mean, is it?  Nope, in fact if we were truthful, we want to beat them silly at times!  Guess what?  Patience is our problem - not theirs!  We get "impatient" whenever we expect another to perform the way we expect.  God brings the other person to the place they should be - not me!  It has been a tough thing to learn, but once I finally got this straight in my mind, I actually stopped being so impatient with others.  

We can add two other traits of love to this laundry list - kindness and a lack of competition.  At first, it may seem odd that I paired these two together, but in fact, when we are in competition with another, we seldom operate in the realm of kindness!  Thinking back to the last time you were operating in anything less than true kindness, what would you say was at the root of your "unkindness"?  In most cases, it is because we didn't "win".  All of life is sort of based on some sort of "win" or "lose" competition, isn't it?  I giggle at drivers who edge up to my bumper, narrowly squeezing between my car and the one beside me, then zoom to cut in front of me, only to find themselves sitting directly in front of me at the stoplight!  All they have to show for their "competition" is being first to stop!  Fear and the losing of control leads to a whole lot of competition.  Whenever we want to win so badly, we usually move into a position of not caring about another's well-being.  

To this list we add traits like not being selfish, arrogant, or rejoicing in the failure of another.  This comes as no surprise when we see the development of this "list" of traits, does it?  If we get our commitment right - recognizing God is in control of the other person, not us - and then begin to focus on the other person as we should, we find ourselves being a whole lot less "self-attentive".  All of these characteristics are really the result of being overly "self-attentive" or "self-focused".  Add to this the trait of not being easily angered and you have a full "package deal" of getting your eyes off self and onto another.  Anger gets its start in some "right" of ours being "violated".  So, if we lay down our "rights" at the feet of Jesus, we find we demand a whole lot less of others and rely upon what it is he will bring into the relationship.

As we close today, let me remind you of two other traits of love - it doesn't quit and it operates in maturity.  Isn't not quitting the same as commitment? Not really.  Commitment is the starting point - the "sticking" point is when we determine to not be swayed by our emotions, learning to rely upon the maturity Christ gives us through time in his Word and at his feet.  Issues will come up anytime there is a relationship between two people - learning to stop focusing on the issues and keeping your focus on Christ is really evidence of the determination to not quit!  Just sayin!

What's your trademark?

Have you ever stopped to consider what a trademark is?  It distinguishes something from all the other "somethings" which are in our midst, right?  You think of the red soda can with the white little swirl and what immediately comes to mind?  Coca-Cola, right?  If I were to have you picture a red sign with a huge yellow "M" on it, you'd immediately recognize it as McDonald's restaurant.  We distinguish something by its trademark - it sets it apart from the rest.  What happens when someone changes their packaging of their product?  People go nuts trying to find it!  They don't recognize it even though it is right on the shelf in front of them because the "remembered" symbol is no longer there!  This is why most manufacturers don't mess with a good thing!  Have you ever stopped to consider what God's trademarks are?  What is it which sets him out from the rest of the "gods" we could serve in life?  What is it which makes him "distinguishable" in our lives?

“Don’t let the wise brag of their wisdom.  Don’t let heroes brag of their exploits.  Don’t let the rich brag of their riches.  If you brag, brag of this and this only:  That you understand and know me.  I’m God, and I act in loyal love.   I do what’s right and set things right and fair, and delight in those who do the same things.  These are my trademarks.”  (Jeremiah 9:23-24 MSG)

According to what God told Jeremiah, loyal love, doing what's right and fair, setting things right - these are his trademarks.  Now, it may not seem like much, but if you want to really get to "recognize" God from all the rest of the voices you hear in your head, you might just want to get to know his trademarks!  The little voice which tells you to respond with unkind words is not his - it is yours!  That little voice which tells you to pick a fight is not his, its yours!  The little voice which encourages you to compromise just a little is not his, it is yours!  What God says will always be consistent with his character (his trademarks).  

We "brag" on a lot of things, don't we?  We get a new car and for about the first month or so not one piece of bird poop can be found on it, the inside is immaculate, and the wheels shine with the high gloss of new rubber.  We take everyone out to the garage to show it off - pointing out all the bells and whistles.  We "brag" on it a little.  When our child brings home a 4.0 grade average, perfect attendance, and exemplary comments about his/her behavior toward others, something happens inside us, does it not.  Those mom and dad chests just push out a little further and we get all kinds of giddy over having such a wonderful child.  We even proudly display the bumper sticker on our new cars which lets he world know we have a "champ" of a kid!

I wonder how many of us actually brag about knowing God and what it is he has done in our lives?  We brag (boast) about the stuff which has no real permanence in our lives, but often neglect to even speak of the things which will never leave us wanting.  Look again at the list of what makes God "boast-worthy".  First, he has this tremendously loyal love.  If you have ever loved someone, you know it has some ups and downs, right?  Most of the time when the things are going "good" in the relationship, we'd say we'd never change things in a million years.  Let some rough times and difficulty come in the relationship and our love is put to the test.  Sometimes it doesn't fair too well.  Why?  Because we haven't learned the loyalty of love - it goes beyond the usual and normal into the realm of the consistency of commitment.  Commitment has a sticking power.  God's love is committed love - it goes through the rough places with us, knowing full-well the good places will come again.

Second, he has this way of setting things right.  Not just right, but fair.  Do you think that is an unusual combination of words to describe how God deals with his kids?  I don't because God knows what we see as "right" we may not always see as "fair".  We are always making judgments about what is "right" and when we see something as "right" we usually say it is fair.  Truth be told, sometimes what is right may seem a little "unfair" to us!  But...God is all about both - fairness and setting things right.  When we don't get what we deserve (grace and mercy), he is setting things right, and he is being "fair".  In other words, he won't let an injustice be done when it comes to his kids.  We are placed in the position of being made right, and in turn, he also puts us in a position of favor.  That is what fairness has to do with God's grace - it puts us back into a place of favor.

It may not seem like much, but getting to know the trademarks of our God's love is pretty important.  It helps us filter out the voices which are not really pointing us toward loyalty in our love, fairness in our dealings, or excellence in our standing.  Wouldn't it be nice to reflect his trademarks in our lives?  Just sayin!

You looking for love?

Much earlier in this psalm, we find the words, "For God’s Word is solid to the core; everything he makes is sound inside and out."  Those words may not seem like much at first, but when you re-read them a few times, maybe they will begin to sink in.  God's Word is solid!  Nothing can rock its truth.  Most importantly, when his Word is embraced - spoken, heard and acted upon - it has an effect beyond our imagining.  Not to be missed - EVERYTHING God makes is SOUND - inside and out!  Now, if that doesn't rock your world - I don't know what will.  Most of the struggle we face in life is the struggle between knowing right and doing it - we get defeated with the "disconnect" between knowing and doing.  Look at the passage - EVERYTHING (and that also means EVERYONE) is sound - because God's Word brings order, peace and hope! 

Watch this: God’s eye is on those who respect him, the ones who are looking for his love.  He’s ready to come to their rescue in bad times; in lean times he keeps body and soul together.  We’re depending on God; he’s everything we need.  What’s more, our hearts brim with joy since we’ve taken for our own his holy name.  Love us, God, with all you’ve got—that’s what we’re depending on.  (Psalm 33:18-22 MSG)

When something is "sound", it is declared to have a solid foundation.  Nothing gives quite the same foundation to our lives than the Word of God.  It is by the Word that all things are held together - making us "solid" to the core.  Now, if we tried to build upon a foundation which was lacking in structure or soundness, what would be the final result?  A not very sturdy structure, right? What lends to the strength of the structure?  Isn't it that which it is anchored upon?  Even a tree-house needs some kind of anchor!  If the limbs upon which it is suspended are not sound, the thing will not support the weight of the structure for very long!  

As we examine our passage in this light, we must keep in mind what has been presupposed earlier in this chapter - God's Word provides a foundation for our lives - it makes us sound inside and out.  Not just some of us, but all of us!  As a result, we can stand assured of God's watchfulness over our lives.  I don't know about you, but knowing someone much more powerful than I am has my back really does give me a sense of peace!  

Now, let's take apart our passage, shall we?  God's eye is on those who respect him - revere him, worship him, hold him in honor in their lives.  When we focus our eyes on him, his eyes are on us.  There is something exchanged in the face-to-face encounter with God - something which gives permanence or foundation to our lives.  It has been said the eyes are windows to the soul - they allow us to see deeply into the thinking of a man, the emotional make-up he has, and the determination of spirit which drives him.  In turning our eyes to God - to behold his face - we also see something quite similar.  We see the determination of his spirit to put things right within us - making us sound inside and out.  We see the intensity of his love toward us - moving upon the hardness of our heart to make it pliable in his hand.  We see the truth he reveals in the Word he speaks - setting the things in motion which we could not do ourselves.

There is something powerful in looking for another's love - it has a driving force, doesn't it?  Whenever we seek to be loved, the entire make-up of our being is behind that endeavor.  What our psalmist reveals is the "position" of standing in the need of love.  We ALL stand in this position - no one is exempt from needing love.  Now, if we'd pursue HIS love with even a tenth of the determination his love has pursued us, imagine how much we'd find ourselves transformed by that love!  Those who are looking for his love find it.  It is not an elusive thing - it is right in the midst of us - we often just need to reach out and embrace it.

I cannot help but imagine the scene at the altar - bride and groom standing face-to-face - expectancy written deeply on each other's face.  In those brief moments of intense connection, the very longing of the heart is revealed in two tiny words:  "I DO".  What do these words imply?  Don't they imply intent?  The minister may be giving a long list of "will you" questions - the answer from the bride and groom reveals the "intent" of their heart to DO exactly as they are committing to at that very moment - not just today, but into the "tomorrows" which will come.  

Throughout scripture, we see a parallel between the church and Jesus - the church being the bride and he being the bridegroom.  At the point of our "conversion" into Christianity, we are saying "I DO".  We look into the bridegroom's face, expectancy evident in our longing for his love, and utter these tiny words which reveal so much about "commitment" and "intent".  "I DO" - nothing speaks louder to God's heart than these two words!  In "looking" for his love, we are sure to find it - his heart is moved by the need of ours!  There is something of "foundation" built in the exchange of "vows" between a man and a woman - a commitment to be there for each other.  We have somehow lost that in today's world, but remember this about God - his commitments are impossible for him to break!  When he commits to love us, he will.  When he commits to making us sound inside and out, he will not stop short of this promise.

I don't know about you, but what I lack in "commitment", God is faithful to provide in his love.  All he asks of me is to LOOK to him.  Plain and simple - get our focus right and nothing will be able to deter us from seeing the evidence of his strong foundation in our lives!  Remember this - focus determines outcome - keeping the focus right assures the right outcomes.  Make your "I DO" count!  Keep your focus right!  Just sayin!

Is it really "put up or shut up"?

To "commit" one has to pledge oneself to the task at hand - placing oneself under an obligation to "put up or shut up", so to speak.  At least this is what we primarily think of as "committing" to do something or perform a certain way.  I like the other definition of "commit" which we don't use as often, but which I think captures the meaning as it is laid out in our passage today - to entrust for safekeeping so that one is preserved.  David positions himself into the safekeeping of his Lord and Savior - he doesn't just "promise" to follow God's path as laid out in the word, but he puts himself exactly where he needs to be in order to see the fulfillment of the commitment he has made.

By your words I can see where I’m going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path.  I’ve committed myself and I’ll never turn back from living by your righteous order.  (Psalm 119:105-106 MSG)

Several key concepts are found in this passage and the stanza in which these words are penned.  Let's explore:

*  The Word of God gives not only direction, but it "illuminates" where it is we are heading.  I have a "smart phone" with an app called "flashlight".  What a handy little addition to have!  I am never without a light as long as I have my cell with me.  I can use it to explore some dark recess in the cabinet, or navigate a path to my car in the darkness of the garage when a light bulb is burned out in the overhead light.  It comes in quite handy.  My cell also has another app for GPS - getting me from point A to B with the greatest of ease. One gives me the direction - the other illuminates my path as I head in down that course.  The Word of God is like that - giving us not only the "direction" by which we live, but illuminating the path we are on, outlining the hazards along the way.

*  The place of commitment is really determined by how well we are able to "place ourselves" into his hands - allowing him to guide us down the path.  I have been both a leader and a follower.  In some circumstances, I would rather follow!  Especially when it is uncharted territory!  Most of the issues I deal with in my spiritual and emotional life are really uncharted territory - at least I haven't charted them yet!  So, I want someone to guide me into these territories who has already walked them!  Jesus came into this world as a man, laying aside his divinity for a season, not just so we could have Christmas and Easter!  He identified with us - with our "human" side - experiencing the very things we experience today.  He has charted a path - knowing full-well what each temptation "feels like" - because he took on the form of taking on human flesh.  So, when we really want to commit to rising above our emotions, there is no better one to guide us through than Jesus - we "place ourselves" into his hands and he does the rest.

*  This passage is placed in between a couple of verses which outline some of the struggles David is going through.  He is faced with enemies - those out to do him in.  Today, we don't have so many "kings and armies" trying to chase us down and do us in, but we do face "kings and armies" in the spiritual, emotional, and relationship "battles" we face.  David reminds us of the importance of "facing" battles of ALL kinds square-on, not in our own power or by our own wisdom.  In fact, he reminds us that it is God's Word which outlines the best "battle plans" for those times when enemies seem to mount their attacks.

The last verses of this stanza are probably most important for us to consider as we wrap up this study today.  You see, David gives us just a little further revelation into what it means to "commit" - so we cannot exclude these verses:

I inherited your book on living; it’s mine forever—what a gift! And how happy it makes me!  I concentrate on doing exactly what you say—I always have and always will.  (vs. 111-112 MSG)

How we treat the Word of God in our lives is often an indicator of our "success" in the battle.  Our level of "happiness" is also gauged by where it is we seek to find it!  As long as I look for the "smoothness" of circumstances (like the calmness of the seas) upon which to "sail" through life, I miss the opportunity of "testing" the soundness of the vessel (my life) by the roughness of the "wild seas" which put it to the test.  Our chance to reveal our commitment - our ability to place ourselves squarely into the hands of Jesus for his safekeeping - is not so much determined in the calmness of charted territory, but in the uncertainty of the uncharted - complete with its ups and downs.  I can be "happy" in smooth waters - the path I take most often.  I begin to realize that happiness is more than an attitude when I am faced with the roughness of the "high seas"!  What I choose to hold onto in the midst of the storm determines how well I will fair!  Just sayin!

Running with all ya got!

Did you ever stop to think about what it means to be "spirit-begotten"?  I have taken a couple of opportunities to focus on this idea of being "begotten" and just what "family line" has to do with the type of person we are declared to be.  Notice I said "declared to be".  If we are to be the type of people we are declared to be, we have to stop walking in the old patterns and start walking in the new.  For example, if a prisoner is to be set free from a jail cell after 20 years in confinement, he must learn what it like to have freedoms of his own.  He doesn't have the same degree of restrictions his bondage kept him in.  He has new freedoms which he may pursue - not just think about.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross,scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³ Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.  (Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV)

In examining this passage today, I see a call to live a different "type" of life than we did without Christ.  In fact, there is a call to live:

- Energetically - "let's run the race".  In a physical race, we need energy to keep running, don't we?  Energetic is suggestive of possessing vigor, the ability to make an effect.  It carries the idea of being active and able to be exerted to the fullest point.  Vigor is what gives the runner the intensity, or inner strength to run.  When force is exerted against the runner, such as fatigue, the runner possesses a certain ability to press beyond the exertion - putting themselves out there just a little bit more.

- Ordered - "the race that is laid out in front of us".  Seldom do you see a runner get up in the morning, don his running shoes, and then just set off in some random direction.  In fact, he has an awareness of the course he will take - probably scoping it out in advance and measuring distance, terrain, etc.  We run an ordered race - one set out for us in various ways.  First, it is set out in the Word of God.  The Word defines the course, describes the terrain, and gives us awareness of the obstacles in our path.  Second, we have an example of another "runner" to keep us focused on the track ahead - Christ.  If his example and his Word are not enough, we have the Holy Spirit as our "coach" to keep us running in an ordered, and consistent manner.  It is not a course we define on our own - it is defined by God.

- With perseverance - "run with perseverance".  The race requires the willingness to persist.  This type of willingness does not come from the mind - it comes from the inner man.  Despite the "state" we encounter, there is a stability and determination on the inside which will not be affected by what we see on the outside.  There is always opposition in a race, isn't there?  There is always some kind of obstacle in the path.  No matter the opposition or the obstacle, there is an inner determination which spurs us on.  Some call this commitment.  I'd like us to consider this to be a choice - to be actively obedient to the calling we possess.

- Focused - "fixing our eyes on Jesus".  In a race, energy waxes and wanes.  The tugs of the physical man sometimes want to outdo the commitment of the inner spiritual man.  Our bodies tire, but our spirit is committed.  Why?  Simply because of the focus we maintain.  The focus of our eye always determines the course of our life.  

- Motivated - "the pioneer and perfecter of faith".  When we see value in something, there is a motivation to pursue it, isn't there?  For example, if you go to the doctor and hear you must lose weight and control your diet because your cholesterol is at an unhealthy level, you are experiencing high blood pressures, and your blood sugars are elevated, you might be more determined than when you simply had to buy a bigger size of slacks.  If you couple this with the knowledge of both parents dying at younger ages, you might see by the example and interpret by the warning signs, you need to change!  There is a motivation created by the value we place on the example and the signs.  We are told to place Christ in front as our example.  We are told to explore scripture to interpret the signs.  Motivation comes as we keep these two in focus.

- Unencumbered - "let us throw off everything that hinders".  There are a lot of things in this life which "weigh us down" in the race, aren't there?  We have thoughts which we just cannot seem to break free of.  There are choices we make which load guilt and shame upon us.  The apathy of the years in which we remained inactive have also slowed us down.  The writer tells us to "throw these off" - they hinder, therefore, they are weights.  The hardest part of running is in knowing what to leave behind!  

The good news is the family into which we have been "begotten".  We are "begotten" into a family of "runners".  The example before us is Christ.  The runners in the race are just like us - complete with the baggage they must lay aside, struggling with getting the "values" right, and learning to commit with their entire being.  We don't run alone!  We are in a "family" of runners!  Isn't that good to know?  So, let us run with perseverance the race set out before us, not encumbered by the weights of this world, but focused on the glory set out before us.  Run with all ya got!  I hope to see you at the finish line right alongside me!  Just sayin!

Do you use turn signals?

The other day, a friend asked me if she could ask me a question.  From the tone of her voice, I thought maybe we were going to have a "tough" conversation - like the kind where two people begin to reveal a little of their heart.  Finding the parking lot of a local retail place a little odd to begin a "deep conversation", I still said, "Okay".  One question was all she asked, and I have been thinking on it for days!  Plain and simple, here's what she asked:  "Why don't you use turn signals?"    I immediately said, "I do!"  She informed me I indeed did NOT.  Okay, now if this is not an earth-shattering question to you, don't get your undies all in a knot here - it was to me!  What I realized was the "value" of what she was asking me - this innocent question opened my eyes to the importance of the "signals" we give!

Look well at my handpicked servant; I love him so much, take such delight in him.  I've placed my Spirit on him; he'll decree justice to the nations.  But he won't yell, won't raise his voice; there'll be no commotion in the streets.  He won't walk over anyone's feelings, won't push you into a corner.  Before you know it, his justice will triumph; the mere sound of his name will signal hope, even among far-off unbelievers.  (Matthew 12:16-21 The Message)

Let me just say she realized I did not signal because she was following me in her car!  So, I have to ask you - how many people do you have "following" your signals in life?  Probably more than you realize!  There are some important things I would like to share with you about the purpose of the signals we might just not realize ourselves:

- Signals reveal our intentions.  When we use our turn signals in our vehicle, don't they indicate to those following us which way we intend to turn?  One way or another, what we "signal" gets interpreted as to the intentions behind our actions.  Raise an eyebrow at someone's suggestion, and you are either showing the reaction of surprise, or are a little intrigued by it.  My youngest grandson told me I was not coming to his birthday party this weekend.  Since this was not my "intent", I began to "mock" pouting and crying.  In short order, he corrected himself and said I could come!  Immediate "signs" of joy over being invited began to flood my face.  My grandson never intended to hurt me - he just misunderstood the importance of me being part of his big day!  

- Signals commit us to a particular action.  When we signal we are turning left at a busy intersection, the last thing the others around us expect is for us to turn right!  We are "committed" to turn left because we are signaling as to our "planned action".  Now, if we had no turn signal on, then swung into this lane or that based on our "feelings" about which way to go, others following us and those in head on course with us might just be a little caught off-guard!  Going through life with no "commitment" as to the "planned actions" we might take is a little dangerous.  It gives all those around us no clue as to our intent, much less our commitment!  Intent and commitment go hand-in-hand.  What we fail to recognize is just being in the right place does not signal commitment.  Haven't you seen someone in the left hand turn lane merge back out into traffic and take off in a straight course instead?  This may seem a little elementary to you, but it is not!  When we commit, we are putting "skin in the game".  We are investing something which reveals the heart behind the intention - actions speaking much louder than the words we speak.

- Signals warn others of danger.  We also have those little "hazard" lights on our vehicles - the ones which flash both sides of our turn signals at once.  When we are having car trouble, come upon an accident, or just need to pull off the road for a little bit, we might activate these little signals to warn others to slow down, avoiding collision with us and others in front of us!  We also have some "relationship" warning lights which we need to pay close attention to.  For example, when we see our friend showing "signs" of stress such as an inability to focus on the task at hand, constant fretting over small things, etc., these are signals we should not ignore.  Left unnoticed, the tendency is for our friend to go into "overload" and begin to "melt-down".  Then we see other relationship signals, such as snapping at others, finding fault with every action of another, or even just withdrawing into one's self.  The danger comes in ignoring these "warning" lights.  What these signal is the need for someone to come alongside and render the help needed.  It may be a few words of encouragement, or maybe taking something off their list of "have-to's" to do yourself.  Whatever the need, we need to meet it!

- Signals must be used to be of value.  My friend was telling me more in one simple question than she may have ever realized.  I was in the far right lane, and I knew I was turning right.  She knew our destination, so "signaling" my intent, or commitment to turn right at the next drive did not seem important to me.  Yet, to those who follow our lead, signals are quite important.  We may never know just how many are following our lead - so being clear about our intentions and showing our definite commitment is imperative.  I responded to my friend's question with a definitive, "I use my turn signals".  Yet, she was telling me otherwise.  What I came to recognize was I was only using them when "I" interpreted their was "value" - such as when I was merging into heavy traffic on the highway, or when I desperately needed to merge into another lane in order to make a turn which would allow me to reach my destination.  The "value" is not subject to my own interpretation!  Others see my signals all the time (or the lack of them)!  When I only see value in giving "signals" at some times and not others, I will leave others constantly confused!  I don't think this is good for either of us!

So, just a few lessons my friend was teaching me in one simple question about using my turn signals.  One day, Jesus quotes from the Prophet Isaiah - in response to the religious leaders and those following him.  He says clearly what God had given to the Prophet so many years earlier:  "...the mere sound of his name will SIGNAL hope, even among far-off unbelievers!"  Jesus is the name which gives such hope.  No other name "signals" in quite the same manner - for his name signals hope, grace, and peace.  His name is above all others.  His intent is clear, his commitment sure.  The value of his "signals" are well-defined in scripture - and I believe they are evident in the lives of those who have chosen to follow him!  Remember, signals are of the greatest value to those who follow!

I hope to do a better job with the "signals" in my life - simply because I never really know who is following me at this very moment!  Just sayin....