Moose Alert

Bible Reading: Hebrews 3:12-13

As darkness approached, our eyes strained to detect unusual movements by the side of the highway. This was Newfoundland – the location of a recent trip taken by Sandra and myself. The scenery, people and experiences were really enjoyable. However, along with great scenery came the constant warning to always stay alert for that huge wild animal known as the moose. They are very numerous in the province, hard to see, especially at night, and can easily result in destruction to car and occupants if hit on the road at high speed. Moose can dart into the middle of the road in a second without warning. Unlike other wildlife, they are not easily spooked by a vehicle.

We were traveling along the highway one evening with my cousin and his wife. Unlike me, my cousin Terry is used to these roads and has vast experience watching for and seeing moose as he drives. I strained to find a moose which might be lurking in the woods and bushes near the road. But, I failed to see even one. Each time on the trip that we did see a moose, it was cousin Terry who saw the moose and alerted us. One moose appeared within one meter of our vehicle! Terry has sharpened his peripheral vision to detect any sign of a moose along both sides of the road. His experience now protects him from danger and enables him to avoid accidents far better than most drivers.

This recent experience with a moose reminded me of how sin can act like a moose in my life. To paraphrase God’s words to Cain, sin is crouching at my door (Genesis 4:7). In its various forms, it can easily ambush me from the side “bushes” in my life. Wrong thoughts, attitudes, desires and influences can spring up into my vision without warning. Like the warning for moose, the warning from God about various forms of sin is designed to literally save our lives. One “sin alert” for us is found in Hebrews 3: 12-13:

“Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God. You must warn each other as long as it is called “today”, so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God.” (NLT)

The above words remind me of how little prepared I have been to “see” the sin of a wrong thought or attitude crouching at me from the sidelines. I intend to sharpen my alertness to sin so that I can keep making progress on the highway of life and warn others when I detect danger about to pounce on them. Sin alertness is far more necessary and much more useful for you and me than even the advice about moose. In this way, we benefit for now and eternity; help others in the process and accomplish God’s purpose for us in this world.

Mountain Mission

Read: Hebrews 10:19-25

The mountain looked enticing and yet challenging as I considered climbing it with my oldest son and daughter-in-law. On our recent short trip to western Montana, we took time to explore the state capital of Helena and area. One of the best experiences for me was the experience of climbing Mount Helena at an elevation of a little less than 6,000 feet above sea level. Several routes were possible, but I followed the others up the steepest path. At first, it felt good with not much effort required. But, the higher we climbed, the more my lungs gasped for more air. At several points in route, I wanted to end the climb and return.

However, I made it all the way to the mountain top due to three essential factors – factors that are just as essential in completing the mission that God gives to each serious disciple of Jesus. First, my mind was deeply focused on the incredible view that I would experience at the top. This beautiful little city set in its spectacular mountain valley was worth seeing in its entirety – I simply could not miss this opportunity! Second, when my determination wavered, my two family members were there to encourage and inspire me to continue – with words like: “We’re almost there!” The last few yards were the most difficult especially since it felt like we could fall over the edge and the sharp drop-off. Third, the reward we experienced included a most heavenly view, surprising wildlife and a local family of climbers who welcomed us, especially for taking the most difficult path and completing the task.

It reminded me of the mission of God in which each of us is called to be a passionate participant. In the context of the Bible verses mentioned above, a community of Hebrew Christian believers was showing signs of straying away from their commitment to Jesus and wanting to return to the more legalistic system of laws from which they had been delivered. Their spiritual journey of ‘climbing higher’ in Christ was proving to be more challenging as they progressed in their daily walk with God. Some wanted to turn back.

The author of Hebrews encouraged them to complete the spiritual climb for God – allowing God to complete His divine mission in them.

“….Since we have confidence to enter the most holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way…, let us draw near to God…” (Hebrews 10:19, 20a, 22a)

“Drawing near to God” is a life-long climb until we reach the top (our heavenly home) with God (Psalm 84:7) and experience fully the sheer joy being like Jesus (Romans 8:29). There will always be times in this life when you feel like giving up the climb to spiritual maturity but that is when our family in the local church needs to be there to encourage and inspire us forward – reminding us to keep climbing and reminding us that we are “almost there”. This is what the author of Hebrews meant when he said: “Let is consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit if doing, but let us ENCOURAGE one another…” (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Are we ready to climb? We can reach the top for God if we do it together!

Fragrance in the Garden

Read 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 and Philippians 4: 14-20

From a distance, the “wild” flower bed in our back yard looks beautiful. Now, looks can be deceiving – especially if you are looking for fragrant flowers! On closer inspection, I discovered that many of the flowers planted by Sandra had no significant smell. However, hidden in the maze of colorful flowers, there are bunches of brilliant orange flowers which projected a mild, sweet-smelling fragrance.

The contrast in the garden is also found in life. There are persons who live a colorful life and project a bright – perhaps dazzling – outward image. But, such an image may conceal unattractive qualities that repel rather than attract others. Then, there are persons who have made the conscious decision to choose a life of following Christ as Savior and director of their lives. Like the orange flowers in our garden, they reveal bright colors with a difference – a sweet fragrance that attracts. In this case, the attraction is the inward beauty and fragrant of Jesus. To first century Christians, the Apostle Paul wrote:

“…for we are to God the aroma [or fragrance] of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.” (2 Corinthians 2:15)

The word for fragrance a sweet smelling aroma is especially linked with an offering that is pleasing and acceptable to God. Philippians 4:18 is a reminder that those believers who honor God by giving generously to meet genuine needs are ultimately presenting a fragrant sweet smelling offering to God. It is acceptable to God. The result can then be the attraction of others to faith in Jesus because of the sweet fragrance of Christ in our lives and actions.

What are you offering to God? What are you communicating to others around you? Does your life emit a sweet smelling fragrance that draws others to consider the Savior that you profess?

Reflect: Are you just a bright flower or do you stand out with distinction as you give out the aroma of Jesus to those who genuinely need Him today? Start by imitating the One whose life is the supreme example of a fragrant offering.

“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:1-2)

Living like a Butterfly

Read: 2 Corinthians 5:17; Colossians 3:15-17

The butterfly is nature’s most visible illustration of rebirth.

Once drab and earthbound as a caterpillar, the butterfly

emerges from its cocoon in beautiful radiant colors, soaring

upward into the sky.

Charles Colson introduced his own spiritual rebirth with the above words. Think of it. If you looked intently on a caterpillar, you would never expect that this lowly crawler would soon be transformed to soar up to new heights and brighten our world with the amazing colors that emanate from the creative mind of God!

You may find yourself usually thinking about very ordinary earthbound things at this moment. But, the Bible says that God has a plan for you – not to struggle like a caterpillar in the striving for fulfillment in daily existence but to soar like the butterfly. God wants you to realize that when you place your complete trust in Jesus for salvation, life, and lasting peace, you receive the ability and the right to live as a citizen of Heaven (Philippians 3:20).

In this constantly changing world, you should dare to be different. Don’t let the perception of society and popular culture keep you grounded. Fix your eyes on God and live on a higher level like the butterfly. Draw upon the amazing grace of God and keep asking God to help you see His Divine perspective on everything. God is the God of new beginnings – a creator of beauty. Spread your wings and show colors of His radiant grace to the world.

…if anyone is in (Jesus) Christ, he (or she) is a new creation

the old has gone , the new has come. All this is from God…

(2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV)

Spread your wings and fly (live) above ordinary circumstances. Don’t focus on the economy. Enter into the intimate presence of God and rejoice in God regardless of what comes your way any day. This is exactly how a Hebrew prophet, Habakkuk responded to the economic, social and spiritual conditions of his time (Habakkuk 3:17-18). Imitate him and view your world from above, like a butterfly.