My goodness

Amos 5: 14-15 "Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the LORD God Almighty will be with you, just as you say He is. Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts. Perhaps the LORD God Almighty will have mercy on the remnant of Joseph"

Have you ever noticed that Biblegateway's daily verses usually come in some form of a theme? Like for a season the verses related to Christ's work on the cross. At another point the verses were specifically on God's love for us. Anyway, I've noticed that since the start of this year, the message is on getting ourselves right before God, putting away the former things, our old self, and choosing to let God's truth be the plumb line of our lives. Hence the title of this post. It's both an exclamation to the realisation that these verses are straight to the point, and a reminder to work on this area of my life. The verses are precise, concise and direct. The "no-nonsense, don't play a fool" kind. Not that the rest of God's Word can be trivialised because other parts may seem more gentle and lovey dovey. Every word needs to be considered carefully as it proceeds from the mouth of God. We don't want to get it wrong. To make it what it isn't. To take it out of context or interpret it to suit our own agenda and feelings.

I believe God wants us to make a good start with this new year. Work on the foundation now, set our hearts and minds and spirits right and we're more likely to go along the right path for the rest of the year, stopping only to rest, to reflect, to enjoy the scenery and celebrate the distance we have travelled with Him. I wonder what kind of a man Oswald Chambers was exactly, what he went through in life. His writings reflect depth of wisdom and character. It is obvious he took God very seriously. I'm sure they enjoyed each other's sense of humour and had fun together. But Oswald had great respect and awe of God and challenged others (and still does today though he did not live beyond 1917) to live right before God and not be afraid to draw close to Him. One line in Oswald's daily devotional book - My Utmost for His Highest - jumped off the page and grabbed me the other night. He was talking about the significance of intimacy with God and stated plainly, at the end, that it gives us a "strong calm sanity". Sometimes I think I am losing my mind, what with my wild imagination, negative self talk and all. And has it not been for God, I wouldn't be standing here today. No doubt I struggle greatly still and it even appears that I am fast losing the battle on some days, with my opposition growing fiercer, more relentless and more cunning. But that must mean I am on the right track if my enemy is more bent than ever on flinging me off course and destroying the promises God has given to me.

I've been reading Oswald Chamber's daily devotional every night this year. Though each entry is short, each packs a punch. It takes me a good 20 minutes to read and re read it and slowly consider the meaning of the verse included and the importance of the message shared, particularly with regards to how it applies to my own life. Already I have forgotten much of the past 8 entries so will need to look over them again and collect my thoughts and pen down the new lessons gained. Oswald's life is one to follow. He definitely gave himself to mirroring the attributes of Jesus. By that I do not imply he simply copied what Jesus did, but put to test every principle given in the Word and found each true. In that he too grew in stature. His character was built, his thinking enlightened through truth and revelation of that truth, his heart condition matured, and his spirit made more like that of Christ's.

We are formed in God's image but sin marred that image. We need to actively decide to not let ourselves be corrupted by sin and to stand firm on principles that go against many worldviews yet are ones that lead to life. I've started this year on the wrong footing. I've been angry and said terrible things in my head and heart. I've let myself spend precious hours in front of the television, soaking up pure rubbish. I've grumbled and complained and been lazy. Time really does escape us when we're not intentional and wise with the use of it. I sit on the couch for what seems minutes and hours have passed. I carry on with my standard daily routine of work, and goodness knows what else, with little thought and 4 Christmases have come and gone. It's scary yet sobering. I really have to do what I think of doing each year - put it to good use. It's not about filling my days with to-do lists and being able to say I accomplished every single one of them but prioritising and focusing on tasks that really matter. Making time for people as they matter. Working on my character and growing in God. God won't praise me for clean floorboards but a clean and soft heart full of compassion for others, and acts that reflect my faith and demonstrate love.