Whether Ordinary or Extraordinary, Choose God - Part 3

Making wise choices is not always a simple matter. Decisions require good information. Yet it's possible to have good information and still allow personal character to override healthy choices. Balaam believed in God but refused to let God redeem his character, which is an issue for many in our society who say they believe in God.

There was something about Balaam's character that permitted him to hear God's voice and instructions, and then proceed to act contrary to God’s voice. In Numbers 22:32 the angel of the Lord told Balaam, "I have come to oppose you because your way is perverse before God." A perverse person such as Balaam is reckless and obstinate.

As you prepare to begin a new year, the opportunity to make important changes has come. Are you willing to cooperate with the Holy Spirit’s counsel and be a recipient of God’s favor and abundant blessings? Today you are privileged to pledge your faith in God’s leadership and purpose for your life. God bless you as you begin this journey.

Whether Ordinary or Extraordinary, Choose God - Part 2

In the little Texas town where I grew up, life was basically ordinary and predictable. The pastor of our small Baptist church was also the town's plumber and electrician. As busy as he was, he was available, night or day, when anyone in this little community of six hundred needed him, regardless of church affiliation.

A thirty-something professional business woman lamented how dull, boring, and ordinary her life had become. She was at the point of becoming bitter because the limitations of her life were so confining and disappointing. Perhaps in subtle and not-so-subtle ways she came to expect not only instant gratification, but constant gratification.

Jesus observed in Matthew 19:24 that it’s “easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven." Jesus may have said this because it takes simple, ordinary faith to find meaning and purpose in the ordinary life God provides. Yet there is constant gratification in knowing you're secure in simple, ordinary faith.  

Whether Ordinary or Extraordinary, Choose God - Part 1

Most people seem destined to lead ordinary lives while others search for the unusual. Russian novelist Dostoevsky, who wrote Crime and Punishment, remarked that "all people appear divided into ordinary and extraordinary categories. Ordinary people usually follow the rule of law while extraordinary people may transgress the law if compelled to do so."

David, writing in the Psalms, complained about evil people bringing pain to himself and others but appearing to escape suffering for their evil deeds. David saw himself as an ordinary person chosen by God to lead an extraordinary life. However, David suffered immensely for deviating from God's boundaries.

Balaam, an unusual Old Testament prophet, searched for the extraordinary life that pushed him beyond what was acceptable to God. Yet God went after him to pull him back to the straight way. God sent Jesus to save both the ordinary and the extraordinary person because safe in the love of Jesus, we are all one.