Breathing

Little comes more naturally than the simple (and yet, complex) act of inhaling and exhaling. Breathing is generally considered an involuntary action. We don't think about it. The oxygen and other life-sustaining gases are drawn into the lungs and out comes the carbon dioxide and other unnecessary gases. (Obviously I did very well in Anatomy and Physiology in high school with this technical description of breathing. [heavy sarcasm])

Jokes have been told of people who must be reminded to breathe by a recording. Some people need to be reminded to breathe in times of great stress or anxiety. (In my case I have to remind myself to breathe while lifting weights - a time of both great stress and anxiety.) But breathing is so natural to me I don't usually give it a second thought.

Does this mean I should never think about it? Does this mean breathing is not important? Or does my lack of thought on the matter make zero difference to the importance of breathing? Perhaps it has always been vitally important and especially in times of my greatest need of oxygen the thought of breathing held overwhelming position in my consciousness.

(You're probably thinking, "Get to the point, Aaron!")

Here's the point: if I fail to think of breathing it does not diminish the importance of breathing. Breathing is still central to my existence; whether I am conscious of it or not. Breathing does not care if I think about it. It will continue to be.

Jesus is the Sustainer of my breath. He has always been. He will always be. Whether I believe in Him or not does not diminish His importance or determine His existence. And just like breathing I often take for granted the depth and width of His presence in my life. Without Christ I would be dead - physically and spiritually.

Do not let Jesus be an involuntary reflex. Have Jesus be central to your thoughts all day, every day. Give Jesus the second, third and fourth thoughts He deserves and desperately desires.

An Insatiable Yearning

"The yearning to know what cannot be known, to comprehend the incomprehensible, to touch and taste the unapproachable, arises from the image of God in the nature of man. Deep calleth unto deep, and though polluted and landlocked by the mighty disaster theologians call the Fall, the soul senses its origin and longs to return to its source." -A.W. Tozer

Some call it a God-shaped hole. Others feel the dull ache of loneliness in a crowded room. Many try to hide the emptiness with brazen attitudes, laughter, substance, stories of conquests or loud talk. Few allow the depths of their heart to answer the calling of the depth of God.

You are made in the image of God. The gnawing, aching, tearing apart inside is your very being begging to answer the call of God for you. (Romans 8:23) And the groaning will not go unanswered. God placed the beacon of hope in your heart so you would keep searching. And you will find Him because He loves you.

"You will seek Me and find Me, when you seek Me with all your heart." -Jeremiah 29:13

Work Out Your Own Salvation

You've probably heard the phrase, "Fake it 'til you make it." I'll bet a Christian came up with that one. We are great at faking a Christian attitude most of the time. The real problem comes when we think faking it will lead to making it (to be better/real Christians, to changing ourselves, to the kingdom). I've tried "faking it." It takes more work than actually surrendering myself to God and Him "making it."

Philippians 2:5 says, "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,..." We shouldn't keep trying to fake the presence of Christ in our hearts. He actually should be there. But the best news comes in verses 12 and 13.

"Therefore, my beloved, ... work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure."

Paul and Timothy tell us to individually seek out salvation. Most of the time we read this verse and think God's telling us to work harder. But He's actually telling us to seek Him on our own. Don't rely on your friend's/parent's/grandma's/sibling's/pastor's relationship with Christ to sustain you. Work out your own salvation.

Secondly, you're not the one who does the work (or earning part). Ever. It is GOD who works in you. Just consider that part for a second. GOD is working. GOD is working in YOU. Wow. He cares enough to get His hands "dirty" in your messy life.

Finally, God does two things: 1. He grants the will, and 2. He gives the power. 

You get up some days and you despise Christianity. The church bores you, frustrates you, annoys you, embarrasses you. You're tired. You're disinterested. You just want a day off. Philippians says God can restore your will to seek salvation. God gives us the desire, the want-to, the motivation, the passion. He gave it to us the first time and He will work in you again to restore it.

He also gives you the power to have the mind of Christ (and his heart and actions, too). God gives you the power to do. Everything God ever asks of us is by His power and strength. You need to apologize to your wife or girlfriend...He'll give you the power. You need to conquer an addiction or sinful attitude...He'll grant you the power. You can't stand that co-worker who is unbearably nasty...God will change your heart and give you the power to love them.

It's so simple it seems wrong. Let the mind of Christ dwell in You. Pray this prayer:

God, use my brain to think Your thoughts. Use my mouth to speak Your words. Use my eyes to see Your people as You see them. Use my heart to love with Your love. Let Your will be my will. Give me the power I need to do what You ask me to do. Amen

New Devotion

Devotion: profound dedication; consecration; earnest attachment to a cause, person, etc.
Synonyms: zeal, ardor, love
(www.dictionary.com)


The North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists Ministerial Department sent me a devotional book for the new year. It's The Chosen written by Pastor Dwight Nelson. My normal thoughts regarding "devotional" books is not one of excitement or anticipation. In fact, though I often struggle with direction in my personal study time, devotional books rarely provide an effective personal worship experience or even worthwhile springboard into further study. I have only found one daily devotional I have truly liked.


Still, I knew I needed a jumpstart in 2012 to my personal worship time. The first three days of The Chosen have been fantastic reminders of who we are in the eyes of God. More importantly for me, who I am in the eyes of God. Regardless of my life experiences (mistakes, choices, victories, social status, etc, etc) I am a child of God who He chose. I am alive because God wanted, and still wants, me to be alive.


God wants my devotion. He wants my profound dedication and consecration to Him. He has demonstrated the dedication and consecration to me He hopes for me to return. And, He is willing and able to help me achieve the desired result. Call it zeal, ardor, love. Call it what you will. But God is earnestly attaching Himself to us. Maybe it's time we returned the favor.