Going Beyond The Ordinary

What does it take to “go beyond?” Education? Wealth? Family? Networking? Occupation? Power?

What about “going beyond” for the Christian? Is it any different?

The first Psalm almost explodes with a joyful exclamation of one who “goes beyond.” That one is called “blessed.” And it is not just anyone. It is “the one” – the one who is genuinely “glad” to be a follower of Christ.

To look at some who profess to be followers of the Lord does not provide an answer. They do not seem to be satisfied with life, have a sense of peace about them or look forward to life with expectancy and joy. They appear “ordinary.” They give the world the wrong impression of what God has to offer us through Christ.

The first Psalm provides the “do’s” and “do not’s” to “go beyond” the ordinary Christian and become an extraordinary Christian.

Negatively, the extraordinary Christian does not follow the advice of the wicked, spend time talking to them, listening to their advice and even avoids being in their presence whenever possible.

Positively, the extraordinary Christian takes pleasure in honoring God, following His teachings and being obedient to His Word.

The extraordinary Christian is always seeking ways to grow into the likeness of Christ, to follow His teachings and to worship Him daily.

Prayer: Help us, Heavenly Father, to willingly make every and any sacrifice that is necessary to become all that we can become in You and through You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 1:1-2 Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night.

The Happy Man

When I was a little fellow, I caught some “lightning bugs” and sealed them in a jar. It was fun watching their tiny bright lights glow in the dark by my bed.

I woke up early the next morning to see their lights but the glow was gone. The lightning bugs were all dead.

It is like that with most people. Some think that happiness and pleasure are synonymous. But they are not a commodity that can be bought. It is a condition.

Others think that happiness and plenty are synonymous. But happiness is not derived from possessions, nor destroyed by poverty. Remember the story of the king who asked for the shirt of the happiest man in his kingdom? They found the man – but he did not have a shirt.

Happiness is not what happens to us, but what happens in us. It is the by-product of a life that is adjusted to the will of God and regulated by the Word of God. Seek God through Christ and let Him have His way, and you will be happy.

Prayer: Jesus, help me to remember that while worldly possessions may bring a temporary type of pleasure, the only true and lasting happiness comes from You. Help me to search the Scriptures daily so that I can understand Your way of life: in Your name. Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 1:1-2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night.