DISMANTLED FAKERY

Honesty seems to be a disappearing characteristic in modern culture. I find that the closer I am to God, the more easily truth prevails, but diminished respect for godliness releases anarchy, rebellion and falsehood. Imbibing Scripture and times spent in private prayer are great cleansers of the heart; dishonesty does not easily reside in a soul permeated with truth. True and Living God, You dismantle fakery and demand straight plumb lines. Cleanse me of all deception and make divinely imposed accuracy my only standard for life.

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BETRAYAL PROOF

Betrayal by people you care about hurts so deeply because you have to face the fact that they did not value you as much as you had expected. Humanly speaking, the way we love, and the way we wish others would love us is so selfish at its core that it is a constant setup for devastating disappointment. So how do we become betrayal proof? Let’s start with God’s promises, “I will NEVER leave or forsake you”, and “perfect love casts out fear”. So to be loved BY God and to love LIKE God is to become betrayal proof. The combination of having the right perspective and actions is our deliverance from disappointment; only perfect love can protect you. Loving Father, teach me Your ways. Purify both my receiving and giving of perfect love.

THIS PILGRIM'S PROGRESS

John Bunyan’s “The Pilgrim's Progress from This World, to That Which Is to Come” is an allegory written while he was imprisoned for his Christian beliefs. Until we reach the Golden Gates of Heaven we must progress in our walk of faith here on earth. Each time I think I understand God’s ways and means He turns the diamond and new facets of His splendor emerge. For the true believer there is no spiking the ball in the end zone on this side of Glory; there is no settling down where we are in this life. Not only am I tolerant of this constantly changing status, I am genuinely thankful for it. I am being pulled toward eternal purpose that I cannot fathom but I instinctively know awaits me. So I’ll keep my shoes on until it’s over. Lord, though I struggle in Your arms, You never let me go. Keep me moving toward Your perfect will. Help me never miss a turn or stop unnecessarily. Keep me progressing toward Your perfect will.

A HARDENED HEART

The hardening of the heart is generally a slow descent into prideful distrust of all others, God included. Obadiah warns: “The pride of your heart has deceived you”. It may begin as a particularly prized opinion or stubborn commitment to a specific course of action. Disappointments begin to pile up and the stiffening process commences. Hardening increases by rebellion against needed disciplines, bitterness over circumstances or by unbridled selfishness. As the hardening continues excuses are made, all contrary opinions are cast aside and no authority is trusted. In the end, callousness of the heart makes us resistance to truth itself. Father, grant me an open and pliable heart. May nothing I think or do be held so dear that truth may no longer penetrate.

COFFEE ON THE DOCK

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