Tell Me It Isn't So

Okay, I will.

For too long I've heard too many people misinterpret 2 Chronicles 7:14.

This passage cannot be applied to us (the U.S.), as it is so often, for two reasons. First, if it were true, then replacement theology is true—and it's not. Second, we (the Church) have already humbled ourselves. We repented. That happened both as a cause and result of salvation.

God loves Israel. He's never abandoned her. He's always preserved a remnant. God did not divorce Israel and marry the U.S. or even the Church, despite the fact that we're called his bride. And then there's that whole olive tree thing about how we were grafted in, but we're not to think that we're better than the original tree. Replacement theology is not biblical.

Beside that, this passage is from a former covenant, not our current covenant of grace. We humbled ourselves individually. To say that we must do so collectively in order for God to heal our land means that what Jesus did is insufficient. That would mean that what God does is based on what we do. That's works, not grace. And it's not part of the covenant that God made with himself regarding us.

Of course there's also that pesky business of us continuing to sin after we've been pardoned (saved). We can't become sinless; it's hard enough to sin less. So the idea that if we humble ourselves and turn from our evil, wicked ways, God will then save our nation is, well, preposterous. God doesn't save nations; he saves sinners.

There's simply no way around this. There may be those who will feel obliged to correct me and quote Scriptures to support their case. Please, don't bother. This isn't rocket science. It's simple. That's why I stated it simply.

BTW, in brief all the promises of the former covenant apply to us, but the warnings and conditional provisions (if you do... then I will) do not apply. God doesn't dangle rewards for good behavior in front of his children, either to cause us to love him more or because when we obey God then he loves us more. We love him because he first loved us. Moreover, all—ALL—judgment has been postponed. That's part of what grace does.

Bad things happen because we live in a fallen world and we reap the consequences of both our choices and the choices of others. Sometimes the harvest is bad; other times it's good. But God never changes. Remember, in him there is no parallax.

Give Me Your Eyes

For as long as I can remember I’ve wanted to do something great for God. Even before I was saved, because I grew up in church, I wanted to be someone.

For a long time that meant that I would be anything that I thought someone wanted me to be. That’s one reason I did what was asked of me in ministry. I loved God, but I wanted the approval of people. I hoped God loved me, and I needed his acceptance.

Sometimes we do the right things for the wrong reasons. Other times we do nothing because we think we’re not qualified. Still other times we dream of doing great things and fail to see the opportunities around us.

Late one night I stumbled across this song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=fvwp&NR=1&v=P5AkNqLuVgY

I wouldn’t normally listen to this type of music, but I did. Then I listened again. And again. I watched the video, closer the second and third times. The more I listened the more I saw. The more I watched, the more I heard. I began to understand.

For years I’ve viewed discipleship as something that others did. I’ve considered it to be almost a program. I never thought of it as a way of life. I couldn’t imagine that I could do what Jesus did. But I can.

We can.

We don’t have to be pastors. We don’t have to go overseas. We just have to go next door.

All it takes is eyes to see, ears to listen, arms to embrace, hearts to love those who think no one cares, those who think no one loves them, who can’t imagine that God does.

All it takes is a moment, a smile, a touch.

But we can’t do what Jesus did unless we see what God sees and listen to the cries of those he hears. We can’t do what needs to be done unless we’re willing to take time out of our busy days and pay attention.

When we lift our heads and look he will help us see what we’ve been missing. The opportunities are all around us.

The End Is Near

Just because something doesn't happen doesn't mean it won't happen.

Yes, I'm referring to the end of the world, doomsday, Judgment Day, the Rapture or whatever else someone might call the apocalypse.

Yes, it's sad that so many people couldn't discern why Mr. Camping was wrong when for the second time he predicted the end of the world, this time on Saturday, May 21, 2011. It's even sadder that this wasn't the first time people have been fooled. And sadder still that more people will be fooled in the future.

It's also sad that people mocked God in spite of what will eventually happen. It's terrible that because of a small group of people, no matter how sincere, many others ridiculed God and the gospel. It's awful that people who already wanted little or nothing to do with God, judged him by comparison with a tiny sampling of people who say they are Christians.

Whether or not any of Camping's followers are actually believers is irrelevant. The fact that people who are not ready to meet God and will one day be left behind can't distinguish between the truth and fiction is perplexing.

But that's not a new problem.

People in Jesus' day weren't sure about who he was. Not all of his disciples were convinced of his divinity. People in his hometown recognized him only as "the carpenter's son." His cousin, John the Baptist, by proxy asked Jesus, "Are you the one?" At least some of his immediate family wondered if he was delusional. Pilate didn't recognize the truth when face to face with Jesus. And they were not alone.

It's no surprise then, or it shouldn't be, that today people don't recognize Jesus. After all, so many Jesuses have been on display over the course of history and these Jesuses many times bear little if any resemblance to the Son of God whose biography is recorded in the Bible.

But that should actually encourage us.

Jesus said that near the end more and more people would proclaim themselves to be the Messiah. He also noted that lots of folks would tell others, "He's over here!" or "He's over there!" As with the fact that Jesus cautioned that even he didn't know when he would return, these and other bits and pieces of information make it clear that the time has not yet come. But it's close. And people will only know it's too late when it's too late.

The good news is that it's not too late. There's still time. How much? I haven't got a clue. And neither does anyone else. But that means we have time to tell others that they have time. It also means they have time to make the most important decision of their lives. And that means that sometimes bad news is good news.

Someday something will happen. Someday people will suddenly disappear before others can blink their eyes. That means they will see them disappear. Someday (not the same day) God will judge every person. Verdicts will be rendered. There will be no appeals. Someday (before that day of judgment) Armageddon will become a reality and all the horror of all the wars that have ever been fought will pale in comparison. Someday (much later) this Earth will come to an end. When? I don't know. And neither does anyone else.

I do know, however, that for now we have time. I hope more people will use the time remaining wisely. I hope that many will realize that just because something didn't happen doesn't mean it won't happen. And that right now they still have time to prepare for the inevitable.

The end doesn't have to be bad. It could be good. In fact, it might be the best day of your life.

God Is Like Us

Does God need us? Some people might wonder how could a sovereign, omnipotent, omniscient God need us? He doesn’t need us the way we need him. And he doesn’t need us in the ways we might imagine.

God doesn’t need us because he is lonely. He’s not depressed or lonely. In fact he’s not alone. The angels are with him and worship him.

God doesn’t need us to worship him. The rocks will cry out if we’re silent. All creation sings his praises. God is not a needy narcissist who created us because he craves worship.

God doesn’t need us in order to spread the gospel. He can and has used other means, even if those haven’t always seemed effective.

To announce the birth of his son God used spectacular effects. The host of heaven was revealed. The angels sang. The archangel spoke. Steven Spielberg would have been jealous. But the only ones who paid attention were a few shepherds. Some magi showed up, later, long after the night of the big event.

Some people might conclude then that God does need us. However, that would mean that he’s not omnipotent. And we know that’s not true. God is also sovereign. God doesn’t need us to accomplish his will.

He doesn’t need us, but he does want us.

He desires a relationship with us. Each of us. Yes, he’s interested in our group activities. But he’s even more interested in intimacy, in communion, with every individual.

God is not lonely, but he doesn’t want to be alone. He can use miracles to proclaim truth, but he uses us to reach people. He desires our adoration, but he doesn’t need our worship.

He needs us, but he’s not needy. He does, however, purposefully desire us.

I’m not sure why. Like King David, we seem to wonder, who are we, God, that you take note of us?

Perhaps the answer is found in the fact that he created us in his image. Because he did so, we are like him. And he is like us.

God needs us because he wants a family. He wants children. I understand that.

I have a daughter. I need her. That doesn’t mean I couldn’t live without her. It means I choose not to. She is the center of my universe. I’d do anything for her. I can’t stand to be away from her. I don’t like the times she’s away from me.

And in that way, God is like us.

The Prodigal Father

We didn't know him. We had no idea where he was. We never dreamed he was watching and waiting.

For years, ever since we left him, we've thought of him. Sometimes more than others. Maybe at times we didn't think about him much. Caught up in the parties and a lifestyle of our making, perhaps we forgot about him, at least for a season. But he never forgot about us—ever. Not for even one minute.

He didn't because he can't. Because he promised he wouldn't. And he can't lie. He said he'd never do what we did. He promised he'd never fail us. Never forsake us. Never forget us. And he hasn't.

All the years we were gone, he waited and watched. But that's not all he did. He knew where we were. Even when, like Adam, we had no idea that we'd moved so far away from him. He knew what we were doing. Even when, like Abram, we lied to protect ourselves. He knew how we felt. Even when, like the disciples, we cried out, "Don't you care?"

He does. He always has. He always will. Because he's obsessed. He can't help himself. He loves us. Not just when we're good, but especially when we're bad. He loved us in Eden and in Gethsemane and on Calvary. And if he loved us then, he loves us now.

We're like the two sons in the famous Bible story known as The Prodigal Son. Neither of them understood their father's love. The younger son thought he had to earn his father's favor. The older brother thought he already had. The one thought he'd done more than enough. The other thought he needed to do the impossible. Both wanted to become worthy. Neither realized they already were. Both of them failed to grasp, as we do, that love is not about what we do; it's about what the father did.

The word prodigal means extravagantly wasteful. That's why we call the younger man the prodigal. But the word also means lavish.

The father who spared no expense, but instead divided all that he had and gave to them—both of them—demonstrated his lavish love. God demonstrated that same lavish love when we least deserved it. While we were his enemies. While we were in a far away country. While we lived and worked in his house.

Now, God wants us to celebrate with him. He wants us to enjoy the riches of his lavish love. The best robe, his righteousness. The ring, the seal of his authority. And shoes. Because sons, not servants, wore shoes. But most important , he wants us to persuade others to celebrate with him. He wants us to invite them to experience the lavish love of the Prodigal Father.

Let's Celebrate!

Sometimes we just can’t help but dance. Maybe we don’t have the courage to do so in public, in church, or in front of a mirror. But we can dance before the Lord.

This video is contagious, even infectious. The joy it spreads ought to be viral.

Resurrection Sunday Dance

The more I watch this video, the more I’m energized. The more I want to jump up and down and all around. The more I want to run and shout. The more I want to tell the world what Andrew Wommack calls “the almost-too-good-to-be-true news.”

The more I watch, the more I want to follow God’s lead and dance to his tempo.

Sometimes we don’t know which way to turn. Other times we lose track of where we are in the midst of everything going on around us. Still other times our routines rob us of the joyful life—the abundant, cup-overflowing-more-than-enough life—that God intends us to experience, regardless of circumstances.

God choreographs and orchestrates whatever is happening around us for our benefit. We choose how we interact with our environment and him. I want to be in harmony with all that he does.

Regardless of how we celebrate his resurrection or where or with whom, we should rejoice. Let’s celebrate! Not just one day but every day.

God Never Forgets

The disciples weren’t always The Twelve. At one time some were fishermen. One was a tax collector. Others also were of little note. They were ordinary people whom some supposed to be ignorant and unlearned.

They were not well educated, although they were intelligent. They were not special, although they were unique. They were not particularly talented or skilled, except perhaps in their fields of work, although they were gifted.

They were chosen. Hand picked by God. Selected from among thousands, they were the first commissioned to work with Jesus. But they were not the last.

During Jesus’ three years of ministry the disciples were not alone. Others were also chosen to serve. The 70 were commissioned to spread the good news to all who were willing to listen. After Jesus’ resurrection 120 waited for the Promise in the upper room. And they were not disappointed.

Sometimes, however, we are. We labor, often in obscurity. Little if any attention is paid to our service. We work, but seldom if ever hear any applause. Rarely do any Thank You notes arrive in our email. Yet, our labor of love is not forgotten.

God remembers everything you do on his behalf. Whether that’s giving your last two dollars while others drop hundreds of dollars in an offering plate or offering a preacher a bottle of cold water. Whether that’s giving someone a ride to church or helping a friend get to a doctor’s office. We believe that God knows everything we’ve ever done. But we tend to forget that he remembers every act of kindness that we perform.

For much of my life I’ve wanted to do something great for God. I didn’t realize I have.

Perhaps, like me, you’ve thought of yourself as insignificant. Maybe you’ve labeled yourself as unimportant. Perhaps you’ve felt your life has been unremarkable. To some people that may be true. But not to God.

One man loaned Jesus his donkey. Another gave him the use of a room for his last Passover. Another offered the use of his tomb. I doubt any of them at the moment thought their actions would be remembered. But God never forgets.

Second Chances

Little did I know what would happen within 30 days of my last post. After almost 16 years, in the midst of the worst economy since the Great Depression, I quit my job. And I couldn't have imagined all the benefits.

I'm self-employed. Am I rich? No. Will I be? Not likely. Am I happier? Yes. Am I healthier? Yes. Is life easier? Some days, in some ways, yes. But is life supposed to be easy?

Character is built through adversity. Without friction there's no traction. Sometimes we learn the most and learn best when life becomes difficult.

Several years ago, my then-employer made a mistake. He didn't view it that way and I doubt he will ever realize what he did. At the time I viewed his actions as negatives. Only last night did I realize that he did me a favor.

He cut my sales territory from about 600 accounts to 117. To survive I had to learn new skills, hone old ones, and discover my potential. I did more than survive. I flourished.

I became the #1 salesman. I learned what my customers bought that I wasn't selling. I learned where to buy products, who had the best deals, who would deliver on time. I learned everything I needed to know to be in business for myself.

Do I know everything? No. Is this adventure a bit scary? Sometimes. Is it fun? Most days. Do I regret my decision to quit? No.

There are times when I wonder what I've done and question my sanity. There are times the stress strains my marriage, because now we're also business partners. But, we're learning to trust one another better, communicate better, and we're enjoying our time together.

Before we had almost no time as a family. I worked 80-90 hours a week—minimum. Now, I take weekends off and most evenings I stop working long before midnight, sometimes when we have dinner together. Before, I ate prescription strength ibuprofen several times every day. And the headache never went away. Now, very rarely do I need to take anything for pain relief.

I'm grateful for a second chance, again. And I'm determined not to squander it. So watch this blog for more frequent posts. I'm not sure how often they'll appear. I'm no longer on a schedule.

A Fresh Start

We all need one from time to time. Because time passes and life changes us, but we don't always change with the passing of life.

Sometimes seasons come and go and months become years and we wonder what happened. The answer is simple. Life. And sometimes death.

It's been a long year, and ten months have passed since I last wrote for this blog. During that time I lost a good friend, a few high school classmates, and my mom. But I've gained some insights and hope they will help you as you read them here.

One truth I stumbled across is this: enjoy the time you have because you don't know how much that may be. Notice I said "how much", not "how little."

Too often we focus on the negative. What we don't have. What we've lost. What we will never gain. We remember our desires that have become smoldering passions. We think of the dreams of our youth that are now tattered, faded memories. We recall our gifts and wonder if we've squandered them.

Why do we frame the negatives of our lives when we should develop positive images of life? Because we're human.

And that's why every now and then we need a fresh start.

Rather than focusing on what we haven't done, let's imagine what we can do. Instead of concentrating on how little time may be left, let's think as if today were the beginning of something grand and wonderful. What could you accomplish if you had 30 years left? Or 20? Or 10? Or even 5?

I don't know how to type. But I can produce about 1200 words of usable material in two hours. Then with a bit more time I can proof and polish that work until it's salable. That means if I write 40 hours per week, I can write a book of 60,000 words in about one month.

I've always thought I didn't have enough time. As it turns out, I have plenty. And I intend to use it wisely and enjoy it immensely.

Unlimited Acces

A friend of mine is in the security business. “I can let you in your office from halfway around the world,” he said. “I can also keep you in.”

Ever since 9/11 we in the United States have been subjected to a form of increased security, especially at airports. But what we do is minimal compared to many areas of the world. And it’s probable that no one enjoys unlimited access anymore. Everyone comes under scrutiny. And surveillance is common.

Whether you’re entering a warehouse or the White House, someone is checking IDs and controlling access. But that’s not what God does.

We are free to come before him anytime, 24/7/365. In fact, we’re encouraged to “come boldly.” To barge right in. To interrupt whatever may be going on and demand God’s attention. But it’s where we go that may be the most important point.

We’re to come boldly before the throne of grace. You won’t find God on the judgment seat. He’s sitting on the Mercy Seat. And because he is, we have no need to be afraid. We can ask for whatever we need—wisdom, healing, financial aid, even a bailout—and he will give us what we need.

So what you ask for is not as important as where you ask. And if your prayer isn’t answered, check to see if you’re in the right location. If you’re timid about what you ask for, that may be because you think you don’t deserve a positive response and that led you to the wrong place. If you are where God isn’t, you won’t get the answer he longs to give.

Blueprints and Plans

Noah didn’t get a set of architectural drawings. He got rough external dimensions and a few general instructions.

"Make for yourself an ark of gopher wood; you shall make the ark with rooms, and shall cover it inside and out with pitch. This is how you shall make it: the length of the ark three hundred cubits, its breadth fifty cubits, and its height thirty cubits. You shall make a window for the ark, and finish it to a cubit from the top; and set the door of the ark in the side of it; you shall make it with lower, second, and third decks."

God didn’t tell Noah how many rooms to make or how big they should be or if they should all be the same size or how far the door should be from the bow or the stern or if it should be on the port or starboard side or if there was a bow or stern or if there were port and starboard sides. He didn’t tell Noah how many animals the ark would house. He didn’t tell him if the decks should be equidistant from each other or if the giraffes needed a little more headroom. He didn’t tell Noah how tall the window should be, only that it should be one cubit from the top.

There’s a lot God never tells you and me. Instead he gives us general instructions. “Love me. Love your neighbors—all of them. Love yourself. Do what’s right. Love mercy. Walk humbly with me.” He gives us commands, not suggestions. But he leaves it up to us to determine how to obey him. We decide how to express our love to him, how to demonstrate love to our neighbors, and how to be good to ourselves.

For much of my life I wanted God to show me his plans. He told me in Jeremiah 29:11 that he had some. He even said they are good. And that I’d like them. But he’s never told me specifically what they are.

Finally, I understand. I have the free will to decide and the intelligence to weigh the options and choose how I will live a life that pleasing to God—a life worth living.

Who's In Charge Here?

Is God sovereign or not? Do you have free will or not? These great questions have been debated down through the church age by people more scholarly than I am. But I have a few thoughts.

Think mathematical sets. Which would be larger? God’s sovereignty or our free will? Obviously, sovereignty by definition must be larger. Moreover, how would the two sets appear? Side by side or one inside the other? Again, the smaller must reside within the larger. If our free will is outside the boundaries of God’s sovereignty, then by nature he is not sovereign.

Sovereign is defined as “having supreme authority or power.” God is omnipotent. We cannot overrule him. And although he gave—he gave— us free will, he will at times overrule us.

Scripture tell us that God turns the heart of a ruler like a river, whichever way he wishes. We also know that our sins are like ropes and chains that tie and bind us. We are slaves to sin. Therefore, we are not completely free. And while we are told in the book of Joshua to choose who we will serve and to choose between good and evil, our free will still resides within the sphere of God’s sovereignty.

Free will is often thought of as “doing whatever we want.” But in fact our “free” will isn’t without limitations or boundaries. And that idea pertains to pruning.

Pruning is good. It’s for our benefit. It’s not a punishment. Grapevines are pruned to produce more fruit, better fruit. Healthier. Heartier. They yield more fruit and that fruit is of higher quality. Pruning is deliberate and by design. But we must consent to it. We must surrender. That is, we must exercise our free will.

What’s true in the physical realm is much more so spiritually. If we are not pruned, we will bear less fruit, perhaps only 30% of what someone else’s life might produce. Furthermore, our fruit might be only 60% as valuable as someone else’s if we are not pruned.

But when we present ourselves to God and permit him to trim away those things that draw down our energy and consume our time, we redeem the time and make the most of the talents we are given. When our resources are best used, we reach our maximum potential. And what better way to fulfill God's will?

What Are You Expecting?

Last year I focused on the topic of expectancy. This year my motif and theme are fruitfulness. And the two are linked.

We should expect to be fruitful because we are the branches and Jesus is the vine. In future posts I’ll look at the benefits of pruning. And I’ll try to address a few issues such as how we can inspect fruit and what happens when we do.

But for now, I want to stir your thinking about harvest.

I know, it’s not even spring. But when we plant we do so because we’re already thinking ahead to the harvest. And there’s an illustration that you might not typically associate with such planning.

“And kill the calf we have been fattening in the pen. We must celebrate with a feast.” (Luke 15:23, nlt)

When the younger son came home, the father ordered a particular calf be slaughtered for the party. But this was no spur of the moment decision. It wasn’t an emotional response. It was a deliberate action made on a specific choice that the father set in place long before his son’s arrival.

At some point after the younger son left, the father began to anticipate his return. And because he did, he made preparation for that day.

Anticipation leads to preparation. They are proof of hope. Which is evidence of faith. If you ever wondered about your faith, look at what you anticipate and prepare for.

Jesus told his disciples (and us), “I have to go. I have work to do. I must prepare for your arrival in heaven. I’m looking forward to the day we’ll be reunited. I’ll be back before you know it. And you know that all this is true because I never tell you anything but the truth.”

If that doesn’t excite us, I’m not sure what will. But when we realize that God anticipate our reunion and is preparing for us to be with him for all eternity that should stir hope in us. And we should anticipate and prepare for that day.

I don’t know what heaven will be like. But I know we’re going to celebrate and enjoy a feast, a banquet, a party unlike any we’ve ever been invited to attend.

Between a Rock and a Hard Place

Life offers us tough choices. No one in his right mind would turn down the opportunity to be with God in heaven. No pain. No sorrow. No needs. But to some degree many of us thrive on conflict, even chaos.

Some people however (and at times I'm one) wish for an end to their problems. In such moments, finding an exit from this world doesn't seem like a bad idea. Let's face reality. There are times when life overwhelms us. Problems pile up. Stress exceeds our limits. We're running as hard and fast as we can, way past redline, and our engine is about to blow up. We simply wouldn't mind if Jesus returned.

Then there are the times of suffering that can cause a human spirit to become weak. Whether the battle is with physical ailments, catastrophic illness, emotional distress, or some other malady, we can reach a point when we are ready to quit.

But maybe the most prevalent problem is the slow daily grind. Not one big disaster or even several medium-sized struggles, but the tiny nuisances that annoy us until we focus on nothing but the negatives in almost every area of life. In such times there seems to be no relief in sight. And we grow weary.

We don't know everything that may have been on the apostle Paul's mind when he wrote to the Philippians, but we can be certain, he faced some problems. And yet, he didn't look at the negative. In fact, he seemed to have some difficulty making up his mind.

“Hard choice! The desire to break camp here and be with Christ is powerful. Some days I can think of nothing better. But most days, because of what you are going through, I am sure that it's better for me to stick it out here.” (Philippians 1:23-24, The Message)

Now think about how that made the Philippians feel. At first glance, most people suppose he’s saying that because of them he had to stay. He couldn’t go to heaven. And surely no one would disagree that being in heaven would be preferable. But read that again.

“But most days, because of what you are going through, I am sure that it's better for me to stick it out here” (emphasis added).

Could Paul have been saying he’d be better off on Earth than in heaven? “I’d rather be in heaven, but you need me. I know that. And that’s why if it were my choice, it would be a tough call. I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place. I love Jesus, but I love you almost as much as I love him.”

To some that would be a stretch. I’m certain many theologians would pick apart my rendering. I have no doubt that others who love The Law and tend to enjoy little of the God’s grace would say I have no idea what I’m talking about. But they’d be missing the point. Entirely.

Sure, life is tough. Some days are worse than others. And there are seasons when many of us would check out of this world if we had the option. But overall, life is good. Almost as good as heaven. And Paul seems to suggest this. “Let’s see. Be with Jesus or be with you. Tough choice.” How would that make you feel? Hopefully encouraged, no matter what your circumstances.

If you’re tempted to believe otherwise, make a list and check it twice and see if God’s been naughty or nice to you.

I think taking an inventory of our blessings is a great way to end one year and begin another. It helps put our lives and circumstances in proper perspective. And it helps us focus on the positive, rather than the negative, for a fresh start.

Now, I’m not going to miss 2009. It wasn’t the best year of my life. But, I have a wife who still loves me in spite of my flaws. My soon-to-be teenaged daughter still thinks I’m okay, not her arch-nemesis. I have meaningful work. A house. A car. My bills are paid. I have more friends than I can count. I get to encourage other people. And those are just a few of my favorite things.

I'll have all eternity in heaven with God. I'm in hurry to get there. Besides, he’s here with me.

A Gift Worth Receiving

During the Christmas season we often hear messages that ask us to consider what gift God wants. Popular questions include, "If you were one of the magi, what would you give Jesus?" and "What does God want for Christmas?"

That's a worthwhile topic to consider. And the answers are rather standard. He wants your heart. "I'll give him what he wants most—me." Of course those responses reveal that he hasn't had you or your heart. Therefore giving him both would be both appropriate and good.

I'm not diminishing the need for us to surrender ourselves to God. It's certain he wants all of us, and all of each of us—heart, mind, soul, and strength. But I wonder if there's another question we should consider.

What does God want to give us?

He is after all a giver. John 3:16 tells us that because he loved so much more than we can fathom, he gave. We also know that he doesn't change. So if he gave then, he gives now. If he gave Christ that first Christmas, what will he give us this year? A few of my favorite things come to mind.

• Hope
• Peace
• Joy
• Love
• Mercy
• Grace

And perhaps he will give some of us the desire of our hearts. That is, he may place his desire in our hearts. And when he does we may find a contentment that we've never had. That would be a gift worth receiving.