Daily Grind or Divine Design?
Listen to the loving Father who wants to lead you in his ways, draw you closer, speak grace and truth about who you are and how to live the kingdom life today.
“When God created mankind, he made them in the likeness of God. He created them male and female and blessed them...Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.” Genesis 5:1-2, 24
You are made in the image of God. You are blessed by the creator. Do you realize your own value and what pleases God the most? Faithfulness and love. God cares more about what you do with Him than what you do for Him. Where have you been focused on obligation rather than opportunity for intimacy with Jesus?
“In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly...Lead me, Lord, in your righteousness...But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you...Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.” Psalms 5:3, 8, 11-12
Think of the inherent truths in these verses. We speak to God because we choose to believe He answers prayer. We are led because we choose to believe He knows the way. We turn to him because we believe He protects and provides. We call him Lord because we choose to believe He has authority. When we realize God is God and we are not we can experience the gratitude and freedom to be joyful. Where do you need to allow God to carry your burdens so you can be free to worship?
“For your ways are in full view of the Lord, and he examines all your paths. The evil deeds of the wicked ensnare them; the cords of their sins hold them fast. For lack of discipline they will die, led astray by their own great folly.” Proverbs 5:21-23
The root word for disciple and discipline are the same. The word implies learning. The core of following Jesus is learning his ways and putting them into practice. Jesus wants to multiply disciples by teaching them a new way of thinking. He wants to help create patterns that are rooted in the spiritual disciplines that produce spiritual intimacy with God. Is there anywhere in my life lacking discipline or a heart to learn?
“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.” Isaiah 5:20
Following Jesus is directional. We learn to identify the things in our work and in our lives that draw us closer to Jesus and the things the cause separation. He calls us to live in truth. God is spirit and truth.
"Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. He said: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
“You are the salt of the earth...You are the light of the world.. Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven...Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them."
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:3-14, 43
Jesus enlightens us to God's divine design. In a world that had become so used to doing things out of obligation and routine, Jesus flips the script. He shows us all a window into how to live life with a free heart that able to fulfill the most important law of fully loving God and others.
Consider the order in which He teaches. All learning starts with the humility. Jesus meets us where we are acknowledging we have pain and mourn. He knows that pride causes pain but pursuing righteousness gives purpose. He shares how living with mercy and compassion desiring peace for the whole community creates the connection and meaning that we need like air to breathe.
Which of these teachings is easiest for you? Which is hardest? Jesus is calling us to a higher place so that we can experience the best of heaven here and now. It is time to break free from the daily grind and embrace the ways of Jesus that will unlock your true divine design.