March 1

Arrows of the Almighty

Ordinary Living

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” (Psalms 51:17)

Too many in our country look to the stars of movie and stage as those folk who have it all; yet, as a whole they are a most unhappy people.  You see, unregenerate human nature is never satisfied.  Possessions and fame soon lose their charm and we look for an even grander thrill or possession to satisfy.  

When we surrender our lives to the only One who can truly satisfy we discover the joy of a much simpler life where there is real pleasure in the smell of fresh bread, the sight of a sleeping baby, the sound of a fire in the hearth, conversations with a friend.  “In Christ” we discover the extraordinary quality of ordinary life.  

So, for the sake of our marriages, our relationships, and our spiritual lives, let us ignore the news about celebrities and learn to give our imaginations to God so that we can see clearly that no thing will give us happiness.  Instead, with grateful hearts, let us cultivate a sense of wonder and joy in the ordinary things of life for those things God made for you and you alone.

  In the light of Christ, my heart condemns me and I am contrite, crushed because I have not appreciated the blessings God has put in my life.  Paul wrote of being a 'living sacrifice' holy and acceptable to God.  Being a living sacrifice means we can walk off the altar.  To be a continual living sacrifice we need to renew our minds day to day!  Let your mind be renewed -- off with the things which are worldly and on to those things which are God’s gift.  When our minds are focused on those things above, on His holiness, His righteousness, His grace, and His mercy we realize that we can always be closer to Him than we are!  We understand what Isaiah meant when he said, "our righteousness is nothing but filthy rags before the Lord."

  When God provided for Himself the perfect sacrifice, His Son, 2000 years ago -- His heart burst!  His heart was cut through -- cut for you!  God desires you to be a living sacrifice and a necessary ingredient is a heart that has been cut through by God's sharp knife.  When you allow your heart to be continually cut through by God's Spirit, then your life will be a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable before Him!  No, the world and all its treasures will never satisfy your hungry soul.  Yet “in Chritst” our soul grows and becomes full of Him!  

  It is world changing what God can do with a broken heart, especially when we give Him all the pieces!  Amen.