Divine Appointment?

From a journal entry dated Monday, February 18, 2008...

I Samuel 9:6, "…perhaps he can tell us about our journey on which we have set out."

Saul is about to encounter a “divine appointment”. As he and one of his family’s servants set out on the menial task of tracking down some lost donkeys, they travel through five different lands until at last they determine it is time to turn back. Just before they return home, without accomplishing their goal, Saul’s servant speaks of a “man of God” in the nearby city. They are intrigued by the opportunity to seek out the prophet of the region and understand their purpose.

Just a day prior to this, Samuel the prophet is told by the Lord that a man was coming that would be appointed as King over the Israelites. He was to be from the tribe of Benjamin…the least of all the tribes. This was God’s plan…to appoint a ‘donkey seeking’ boy from the lowliest family in all Israel to become King.

What divine appointments lay ahead in my life? What journey am I on that will be divinely interrupted by the Lord? As I reach the end of a long day, or the end of a task without finding deep fulfillment or completion, I will be looking for the Lord’s divine appointment. I will daily be seeking to discover the journey on which I have been called to set out upon.

Lord, guide my mind so that I don’t miss the divine opportunities you have in store for me daily. Even if I feel that my task is frivolous and the outcome uncertain, may I not overlook the part it plays in leading me closer to you and the calling you have in mind for me and my family.

Independence Day

Independence is not a separation from one thing, but rather a uniting to another. Our country seemed to be separating itself from a form of government and culture that hindered personal and religious rights. The reality is that values and moral standards were driving people to unite in a most profound way. To leave all they knew and venture into an unknown territory...with only the dream for something better...seems like the most scary journey one could undertake. Because of the dreams, because of the "never say never" attitudes that drove these individuals to strive for something great, we here in the "United" States are able to bask in the same freedoms and pursuits of happiness as did the forefathers of this great country.

My wife recently purchased one of those "hallmark" framed sayings, "Have an Attitude of Gratitude." Many choose to be "half-empty" personalities...hoping that nothing bad will happen and storing the contingency plan in the forefront of their minds. It's easy to fall into that mindset. I want to be a "glass is half-full" person. I want my attitude to be gratitude first. There is movement in our thoughts...leading us one way or another. In the same way our country moved towards independence--and ultimately unity for the common cause of freedom--I want to move towards positivity, hope, faith and growth in my life. I choose today to move towards:

- loving my family unconditionally and believing the best in them

- striving to do my best, knowing that my efforts and work will not return void

- believing that the Lord has great things in store daily

- wanting success in all areas of life (relationships, work, ministry, etc.)

- growing in spiritual knowledge and wisdom that will enable me to be more influential in this world

- knowing at the core of my soul that my Heavenly Father loves me

May your independence lead you today towards unity with Christ and others. My His love guide your thoughts, words and deeds to glorify Him in all you do. And my you know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that you have great significance...so do something about it!