Your life should express the fragrance of His presence.

 “Thanks be to God, Who through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him.” 2 Corinthians 2:14 NIV.

My thoughts and comments today are about,

“The Fragrance of Joy.”

Life is not perfect for anyone, and every moment is not filled only with wonderful things. Life changes dramatically, and for the better, when you realize that your circumstances do not determine your experience of life; your attitude does.

I admire people who have faced more struggles and disappointments than most, but who have nevertheless found grace and grown an attitude that reflects who they are, instead of what happened to them. I have met others who have a fairly easy life with few challenges of any consequence, and yet they find little for which to be joyful or thankful. Occasionally, it is a good thing to ask yourself, “Does my life reflect to others what is going on around me, or what is really true inside me?” That significant and substantial difference is the product of the choices you make.

Since a child, I have loved the dramatic Bible stories in the Old Testament, like Samson finally triumphing over the Philistines and himself, or Daniel in the lions’ den whose quiet trust in God humbles an arrogant King, or the three Hebrews delivered from Babylon’s fiery furnace (modern day Iraq). I find a most intriguing comment, easily unnoticed, tucked into this story of the three believers tossed angrily into a furnace intended to destroy them. Read Daniel 3. When the fire could not destroy them nor even harm them, the amazed, befuddled king calls them out of the fire.

The Bible says, “They saw these men on whose bodies the fire had no power; the hair of their head was not singed nor were their garments affected – not even the smell of smoke was on them.” Daniel 3:27. There was no discernible residue of their frightening experience, no lingering emotional trauma, nor need for healing of memories. Only their new and stirring testimony of God’s greatness and faithfulness persevered.

If you are not careful, you will allow your past or present circumstances to determine your attitudes, dictate your feelings, and dominate your conversation. When your story could be a persuasive testimony that glorifies God, it will be only about you and your problems. Read Daniel 3:28-29. In Daniel’s story, a king’s heart is changed; God is glorified; a nation is impacted. The simple difference is that they were with Jesus, joyfully in His company and safely in His care. See Daniel 3:24-25. Attitude really is crucial, having the power to change everything and anyone, and that all begins with the choice you make.

Paul prayed for these Christians and for you, ”We pray that you will be strengthened with His glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father, Who has enabled you to share the inheritance that belongs to God’s holy people, who live in the light.” Colossians 1:11-12 NLT. Whose joy is to fill you? “Always be full of the joy of the Lord!” Like a thermometer, happiness merely measures the surrounding climate and adjusts accordingly. The joy of the Lord resembles a thermostat, regulating and governing the surrounding temperature.

The Apostle Paul wrote, “Thanks be to God, Who . . through us spreads everywhere the fragrance  of the knowledge of Him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved.” Read 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 NIV. Some years ago, I learned to pray, “Let my life express the fragrance of Your presence, not the smell of my problems.”

Today, I pray for your life to be a joyful testimony of God’s grace and sufficiency.

Christian Communications 2018-(807)

Website and archives: allenrandolph.com

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BE AN ORIGINAL.

 “As many as received Him, to them He gave the right

to become children of God.” John 1:12 NKJ.

My thoughts and comments today are, “be your best self.”

Have you ever imagined being someone else, or at least being more like someone you admire? I think a surprising number of people wistfully think about such a possibility. God has a better idea. Be an original. Just Be your best self. Why be content to be a copy instead of a divine original? The best of copies never duplicates an original creation. Don’t settle for less than the unique person God designed you to become.

Copying others is an inadequate path to achieving your personal potential. Envy of others whose popularity you lack, or whose talents you don’t possess is not a foundation for your own success. There will always be someone who seems to have less worries, better skills, more money, easier paths, or clearer plans.

Consider this. Be practical. If you could, what would you change about yourself? When asked, most people’s answer would likely identify some cosmetic aspect of appearance, or something outward, superficial, and ultimately inconsequential. Imagine if you and I would simply apply ourselves to be clear and more confident about who we are, and more diligent in achieving what we can be.

As a younger man and minister, I found it beneficial to memorize and recite this affirmation. ”I can’t do everything, but I can do something. And what I can do, I ought to do. And what I ought to do, by the grace of God I will do.” That is a way to  be your best self. The surrounding culture offers empty claims that you would be better off, happier, or more satisfied, if you would just be more like the images advertisers project for the products you must buy, cars you must drive, homes you must have, and celebrities you should mimic. What this world sells are hollow promises.

You will be confident and content when you learn to be who God created you to be. Your life is neither random nor accidental. You are an original creation of God’s genius and grace. Don’t choose to be a second-best copy of anyone. You are a bundle of potential and possibility yet to be realized. You are graced with gifts and abilities that are wonderfully your own, distinct from all others.

God was clear, “I know the plans I have for you, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 NLT. Isn’t that exactly what we are all looking for? God blesses what He creates and accomplishes what He intends. You are made in His image and likeness to be a unique expression of His nature. Paul describes us in this way, ”For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 NIV. Like our English word, “poem,” the Greek word, “poema,” describes, “a creative work of expressive thought.” That is what you and I are in God’s eyes.

Your life and mine are to express God’s creative work of grace as being available to one and all. The source of a successful and satisfying life is your becoming God’s creative work of expressive thought with all you have, in all you do, in all you say, and all you are.

Jesus was clear and consistent. “I do nothing on My own but speak just what the Father has taught Me. ²⁹ The One who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do what pleases Him.” John 8:28-29. He only did what He saw the Father doing and only spoke what He heard His Father saying.

My assigned course is the singular plan and path that God has thoughtfully chosen just for my life, uniquely different from any other. “For I know the plans that I have for you . . plans for good . . to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 NLT. A future without hope is discouraging. Hope without a future is wishful thinking.

My prayer for you today is to live for the praise and pleasure of your Creator.

EDL Communications 2019

Website and archives: allenrandolph.com

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Superficiality Produces Shallow Lives.

 “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom

and knowledge of God!” Romans 11:33 NIV.

My thoughts and comments today are about,

“EMPTY HEARTS AND STARVED SOULS.”

 Life should be rich in experience and satisfying of heart and will be if you will not content for less. Superficiality is quicker and simpler but never provides the depth of satisfaction and fulfillment you are meant to enjoy. Too often, people live small, boring lives lacking both depth and breadth.

Empty hearts and starved souls produce shallow lives. Those words aptly describe too many of us. I find it unfortunate when a person casually regards matters they should esteem greatly, yet highly value things they should regard casually. Some people could be described as, “a mile wide but only a foot deep.”

Your number of Facebook friends is not equivalent to meaningful friendships. Relationships necessitate mutual time and attention to appreciate and nurture. You can Google an endless volume of information and yet lack knowledge and wisdom. Those admirable qualities require a learner’s heart as well as life experience.

Traditional media offers quick sound bites about global complexities for people who would rather be told what they should think than to deliberate about how they should think. Deliberation requires reliable information and thoughtful reflection. In “Christian America,” there are many people who know a lot about God, but far fewer who personally know God in ways that govern their lives and shape their lifestyles.

Dabbling in spiritual matters never satisfies your soul. Shallow lives result in surface relationships with spouses, children, friends . . . and with God. The result is fragile marriages, struggling families, shallow friendships, starved souls, and empty hearts. Superficial lives usually result from lack of clarity and direction more than lack of effort.

People work hard for a productive life, a healthy family, and meaningful relationships. The problem is this. Effort alone does not equate with effectiveness. People really haven’t changed much since Jesus walked the dusty roads and shores of ancient Palestine. Read Luke 5:1-11.

When a crowd pressed to hear Jesus, He chose an empty boat from which to teach. Men who knew well this sea had fished all night, but had little but weariness for their efforts, just a wasted day leaving them to beach their boats, clean their nets, and try again another day. Life can be like that, large investments of time and energy with little return. Jesus not only has the answer to meaningful and profitable lives. Jesus Himself is the Answer! “I am the Way, the Truth, and the life.” John 14:6 NKJ. You will be lost without Him.

Jesus offers an invitation to people exactly like that – “weary and burdened.” See Matthew 11:28-30 NIV. Jesus’ advice to those tired fishermen remains the same for today’s dissatisfied lives, left at the end of the day or week with only a few dollars, tired bodies and empty hearts. Jesus’ encouragement to you and me holds great promise when embraced with faith and obeyed, “Now go out where it is deeper and let down your nets and you will catch many fish.” Luke 5:4 NLT.

When life is empty for you in the shallows, God offers you satisfaction and success, a little further out and a little deeper. Imagine their amazement. Those seasoned fishermen were, “awestruck by the size of their catch, as were the others with them.” Luke 5:9. God has bigger and better things for those who “hunger and thirst after righteousness.” Matthew 5:6 NIV. Casual seekers need not apply.

A large, fulfilling life is not found by the overly cautious, perennial doubters, or those wanting to live without some measure of personal investment, sacrifice, and risk. Paul best described our gracious, generous God, “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and His paths beyond tracing out!” Romans 11:33 NIV.

The deeper and richer things of God are reserved for the sincere, non-superficial inquirer. Read 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 NLT. God’s best is kept for people unwilling to live in the shallows. Read Ezekiel 47:1-10 NKJ.

My prayer for you today is to cultivate a sincere heart for God’s best.

EDL Communications 2019

Website and archives: allenrandolph.com

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Failure Is Not Final.

 ”From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another.”  John 1:16 NLT.

My thoughts and comments today are about,“grace is amazing.”

History is a story of both efforts and attempts, success and failure. If you have never made a mistake, you were not attempting much of consequence, or not trying very much, or not accomplishing anything very important. History bears evidence to that. Thomas Edison failed five hundred times to invent the light bulb but didn’t stop until he succeeded. Eventually, he was successful because he didn’t quit trying and believing his idea could be achieved. Babe Ruth, a legendary baseball hitter known for career home runs, is remembered for his successes not his strikeouts.

Success and failure are common to all. Your best intention may not be achievable. Your best effort may fall short of your intent. Your best judgment may be inadequate. Your impulsiveness will produce regret. Your words or actions will hurt someone you never meant to hurt. Those are not the same as failures of character or lack of integrity. They are simply results of our common humanity.

Failures are not comparable. They are not all equal, not from the same source, not with the same cause and consequence. Failure may be something you do or a mistake you make. The good news is this. Your history need not define your destiny. God specializes in redemption.

Failure is not final, unless you allow it to be. Read Hebrews 11. Many of the revered names in the Bible’s chapter of champions would have been a mere footnote in history if their stories had ended with their mistakes. Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Peter and Paul, and all the others. Instead, their stories are a tribute to God’s redemptive and amazing grace. They failed but they chose not remain failures. Their obedience and faith in God gave them strength to become more than they had been or would have become without the Lord.

Peter spoke before thinking. He reacted without considering. He failed often and on a grand scale. Jesus warned Peter about his natural tendency, but also assured him that even his failure could be redeemable and become useful to help others. “When you have returned to Me, strengthen your brothers.” Luke 22:32 NKJ. Peter returned to Jesus, learned from his failure, and spared others from theirs. There is much that failure will teach you, if you are willing to listen and learn.

Don’t give up on yourself. Jesus doesn’t. You can be wiser. You can do better. Turn away from failure; do not keep repeating it stubbornly. Bring your failures to Jesus, who alone can give you forgiveness and a fresh start. Seek and receive God’s wisdom, when yours has been inadequate. When asked, share your experiences to help others to avoid the same mistakes. Failure need not be the end of your story. A loving, forgiving God offers you a new place to begin anew.

You may be tempted to judge yourself by a failure of the moment, but Jesus looks upon you in grace and sees both your past and your potential. A Savior sees what you are becoming rather than what you have been. I love this beautiful Bible verse, “To as many as believed on His name.” John 1:12. NKJ. Grace is God’s gift and remedy for your failures and mistakes.

 In faith, I intend to hear Jesus say, “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joys of the Lord forever.” Matthew 25:21 NKJ. The last word over your life can be God’s commendation, not condemnation. As Paul wrote to the believers at Rome, “There is therefore no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus, who walk no longer after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Romans 8:1 NKJ. His grace is truly amazing.

My prayer for you today is to walk before God in forgiveness and freedom.

EDL Communications 2019

Website and archives: allenrandolph.com

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What You want to Have Is Rarely What You Ought To Have.

 ”My God shall supply all your need according to His riches.”

Philippians 4:19

My thoughts and comments today are about,

“wants versus needs.”

Needs and desires present a challenge to learn that they are distinct and different. Each of us is a unique combination of both. Be wise and discerning. Your insistent desires can pose themselves as legitimate needs. The challenge appears to be our lack of ability to distinguish between our ample wants and our authentic needs. Often, you and I become confused by their apparent similarities. What you want to have is rarely what you ought to have. I can think of times when I wasted valuable energy and expense to get what I wanted only to find that was not at all what I needed.

Your knowledge of God’s Word and your sensitivity and submission to the Holy Spirit are essential. The Bible is clear, ”And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. ¹⁴ If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” John 14:13-14 NKJV. That amazing offer has a qualifying intention. You must not lose sight of Heaven’s priority. And your priority should be the same, “That the Father may be glorified.”

Everything is not about you or me. Get over yourself. First and foremost, your life as well as mine are for His pleasure and purpose. Humility and deferred satisfaction are invaluable to the soul. Invoking the Lord’s name should be done appropriately. Those words are the solemn confession of covenant. Be cautious about misusing that incredible privilege of access to all that our Father has offers.

The problem lies in the fact that we are earth bound and shortsighted. The Apostle Paul provided practical counsel and solution for our dilemma, “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” Colossians 3:2 NKJV. Perspective clarifies priority. I love the simplicity and beauty of a worship chorus from earlier years. “Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.” So true. So reorienting. So restoring. Read 2 Corinthians 3:18 NKJV. The Holy Spirit sees and knows your heart.

Jesus has a single priority in all things, “that the Father may be glorified.” That never changes, no matter how determined you may be in your asking. The Bible is clear, “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” James 4:3 NIV. God will supply your needs but never promised  to always provide your wants. While in a Roman prison, the Apostle Paul’s testimony was this: “I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little.” Philippians 4:11 The Message. That is the simple secret to a contented life. Be careful that your requests are not delivered as requirements, to either God or man. Not yet does not mean never. Not yet may just mean not now. Trust in God’s impeccable timing and unfailing generosity.

My prayer for you today is to be thankful for what you have, and trust God for what you need. His love and character are forever, “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 NKJV.

EDL Communications 2019

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