On the fringe...

When I was in Jamaica a few weeks ago, we ate at a cool restaurant named "The Ruins." They had a sizable waterfall that was the centerpiece of this outdoor establishment. After we ate we walked up to the top of the waterfall and I saw this...

These are some sort of hard-shelled something that fell from trees surrounding the waterfall. The peculiar thing was that these shells were in an alcove and were being grouped together by the pressure of the passing water. They were stuck on the fringe. They all came from the same source but these few had been pulled into perpetuity.

If they could just break free from the torrent of the passing water - if the water would just stop running - if they could just work together and use their collective strength - if some big stick or other debris would show up and maybe dislodge them - if one shell would just move a little to the right - then they might be freed from their hopeless situation. But, there they remain - in perpetuity.

Do you ever feel like these shells? Ever feel like you are stuck in perpetuity of a hopeless situation - trapped by the pressure of the world rushing by? Pinned down by the regret and shame of decisions you have made in your life? Maybe being blocked by someone else who is keeping you from reaching your goals? If only the water would just stop - if only someone else would come and dislodge me - if only this group surrounding me would move a little to the right - then I can be free.

"...If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin...so if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." (John 8:31-36)

We all come from the same source but our decisions can separate us from the same destination. Thanks to Jesus we are not left in a perpetual condition of uncertainty. We may find ourselves trapped by the torrent of this world, but we do not have to stay trapped. There is not only hope but certainty.

Are you abiding in the Word? Are you on the fringe of making a change?

Living Beneath Your Privilege

A poor man making his first trip across the ocean took with him a supply of crackers and cheese, thinking it would be too expensive to eat in the ship's dining room. After several days, becoming very tired of the same plain food, he asked the steward how much it would cost to eat one meal at the dining table. Much to his surprise and sorrow he was informed that he had been entitled to eat in the ship's dining room every day without additional charge. He had been living beneath his privilege.

• God wants to be a father to his children. He desires that we use his power.

Ephesians 3:20-21

• He is exceedingly rich in grace, mercy, and love.

Ephesians 2:4-7

• He seeks to fill our hearts with peace

Philippians 4:7

But all of his blessings depend upon our willingness to receive them and use them.

God is actually seeking us day by day and hour by hour, trying to help us and to bring us peace. But we must be willing to let him do so.

Are we trying to solve all of our problems ourselves and living beneath our privileges as children of God?

"We pray to you and call you 'Father'. Help us to live as if we truly believed this. Let us not live beneath this great privilege. Give us proper attitudes and good hearts so we might receive the strength, help, and peace to which we are entitled, and for which Christ gave his life. Receive our prayer in His name...Amen."