Consulting the Father

Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. “Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man. Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment. “I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me.” (John 5:24-30 ESV). It won’t be long until we begin to evaluate 2014 and look forward to the promise of a new year. All of us have things we would like to do differently in the coming season. They may be as insignificant as changing a small habit to others as important as lifestyle changes affecting the rest of life. In either case, the most important commitments we might make deal with the direction God has for our lives. Stonewall Jackson received a note from his commanding officer, General Robert E. Lee. The note read, "Please see me at your earliest convenience." Jackson immediately began the 5-mile hike across treacherous and dangerous countryside. Shortly after he started it began to rain. It rained for the rest of his journey. By the time he reached his commanding officer's tent, he was exhausted and soaked. Almost too tired to walk, he stumbled inside and blurted out "I made it" to those inside. The General snapped back, "What are you doing? I said, see me at your earliest convenience." Stonewall Jackson stood somewhat confused and exclaimed, "Sir, your slightest wish is my supreme command." Humans don't like to admit that we serve anyone with that kind of dedication. The truth is that all of us serve something. Sometimes we serve our jobs, our possessions or very simply ourselves. Many slip into bondage and serve alcohol or drugs or even just food. There is One that we can serve that will never leave us with regrets because He is the one that never changes. Jesus said, "I am the same yesterday, today and forever." His steadfastness endures and ensures us that our service is not in vain. What “orders” have you received from the Lord for this year? Have you even consulted with Him to see what might be your next step in life? For the next few days spend extra time in prayer and seek His will for your life. It may mean very little change. It may involve a complete renovation of your daily patterns of life. Whatever the case may be, don’t delay in beginning to make those changes!