The Key to Consistency

On my drive into work, I was thinking about Hebrews 13:8 which says, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Pentecostals/charismatics lean on this verse as a part of their emphasis on signs and wonders. I don't disagree with leaning on this verse in this way, but it's foundational for much more of our faith practice.

More often than not God's call on my life is suspended because of worry, fear, shame, selfishness, or apathy. The net result is inconsistency in my following of Christ (my call). I am like a teenager learning to drive standard... Jesus asks me to do something and I don't always follow smoothly. I often stutter. Wrestling with the clutch and gas; wrestling with tension between past, present, and future.

When I live my life solely in the future, I worry and fear about the "what if's". When I live solely in the present it renders me selfish and apathetic. When I live in the past, I stall due to pride and shame.

Consistency happens when I live my life solely in Jesus. He covers (forgives) and redeems (builds on) the past. He challenges (calls my attention to give to others) and encourages (strengthens) me in the present. He takes care of tomorrow (with Jesus, the best is always yet to come).

Furthermore, the reality of faith in Jesus' past, present, and future work also feed off each other... my future in Jesus informs my past and present; my present in Jesus is shaped by my past and future; and my past in Jesus renews my present and future.

I can live a consistent life, because Jesus is consistent. He is the same yesterday and today and forever.

I think life is a journey of trials and mercy designed to correct and affirm our focus.

Need Guidance?

February 6-12, 2011
Spiritual Disciplines (Week 9): Guidance

PRAY
Before you begin reading, reflecting, discussing, and applying, begin by opening your heart up to the Lord of Lords and King of Kings.  Praise Him and ask Him to incline your heart to His.

STUDY
Read Genesis 11:10 - 25:4 (lthe life of Abram/Abraham) and Hebrews 11 (New Testament reflection of Abraham).  When reading pay special attention to the moments when God appeared and/or spoke to Abraham and observe Abraham’s response.

DISCUSS
How does one hear God?  At what points in your life have you received guidance from God?   Are there times in your life where you wish you had sought God’s guidance or sought it and then chose to go another way?  What role should the body of Christ (the Church) play in receiving guidance from God? How often do you seek God’s guidance in your life?

LIVE
Take time to enter the presence of God... confess and repent of your sins and worship Him, then be silent and allow Him to speak to you.  When God speaks to you, step out in faith and obey.  Now matter how small or how large His call to you is, step out and follow Him.  His next step will open the door to many more steps on a path that leads to righteousness, holliness, delight, satisfaction, joy, and the life you were created to live.