Catch us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines, for our vines have tender grapes.
—Song of Solomon 2:15
In the Song of Solomon, we read of little foxes that ruin the vineyards. What are “little foxes”? I see them as the small things that don’t seem important but can spoil “tender grapes” such as a relationship, a career, or a life dedicated to Christ. How many marriages have failed because spouses paid no attention to the little things? How many athletes have lost competitions because of tiny bobbles or missteps? Many of us can see the big pictures of our lives and of our relationships with God but we neglect the details necessary for bringing the larger picture into focus. God neglects neither the great nor the small, and neither should we.
Have you attended to the “little foxes” in your life, the “minor” behaviors that can either draw you to or push you from the Lord?
Michelangelo, that marvelous genius and magnificent sculptor, was sculpting a figure from a block of marble while a friend looked on. After an absence of several months, the friend returned and said, “I see that you have not been working on your statue.” Michelangelo answered, “Oh yes, I have been working on it each day.” The friend asked, “Oh, how can that be?” The great artist replied, “I have softened this line here—the hem of this garment. I have straightened the lip and brought out this muscle more clearly…polished this…sharpened that.” “Well,” said his friend, “those are just trifles.” To that Michelangelo responded, “Trifles they may be, but you will remember that trifles make perfection; that perfection is no trifle.”
We must attend to the “trifles” if we ever hope to succeed. Attention to detail will determine the ultimate outcome and success of our lives. And as we act faithfully in the little things, God will bless us with greater opportunities for service. We will develop the faithfulness and obedience needed to conquer the great issues in the battle of life.
What “little foxes” do you need to attend to today? Commit yourself to addressing these “minor” issues, and watch how your conscientiousness affects the grander scheme of your life.
Quote of the day:
Little things ultimately make a big difference in life.
Little Things
Song of Solomon 2:15
April 21, 2023
To See God
April 30, 2023
‘Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.’ —Matthew 5:8 Some have called the concept of seeing God “the brightest star in the Beatitudes’ constellation.” For ages, Christians have longed to see God. The mystics of the Middle Ages rejoiced in the concept of seeing God, calling it the “Beatific Vision.” This vision was the great quest of theology and even the quest of science as originally constructed—through the examination of the cosmos, humans hoped to more clearly see the Creator. But Scripture explicitly states that no human can see God directly and live. Yet many still seek to do so. Philip the Apostle said to Jesus, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.” Even pagan princes have sought to see God. In the ancient Roman Empire, Trajan said to a believer in the true God, “I understand that you believe your God is everywhere…I should very much like to see Him.” The believer responded, “I am afraid, sire, that no mortal eye can look upon His glory.” Nonetheless, the king commanded the believer to show him God. The believer suggested to the king that he first look at God’s ambassadors before he look God in the face. With that, the believer led the king outside on a bright, dazzling day and told the king to look at the sun. The king responded, “I cannot, for the light dazzles my eyes!” The believer then explained that if the king could not look at a mere ambassador that carries a message of God’s creation, how could he possibly look into the face of God Himself? We cannot see God with our limited human eyes. But we can see Him with our souls, experiencing His joy, His peace, and His serenity. I hope that you have the blessing of seeing God this way as you foster a pure heart. "Jesus, the very thought of Thee, with sweetness fills my breast, but even more Quote of the day: Thy face to see and in Thy presence rest." — ST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVEAUX
Sacrifice
April 29, 2023
‘Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.’ —Mark 8:34 Have you ever noticed how virtually all of the people we call heroes have made great sacrifices in one way or another? To achieve the ends they deemed worthwhile, these people sacrificed their time, their finances, their health, even their lives. And because they willingly relinquished any claims to these things (which we take for granted), we view these people as heroes, worthy of honor and emulation. Throughout the centuries, God has used sacrifice as the marble from which He carves greatness. Here are some people we call heroes for the sacrifices they made: •the apostles who gave their lives at stakes, on crosses, and in other torturous ways; •the early Christians in the Colosseum of Rome, who watched iron grates rise and famished lions charge; •Christians who were tied to stakes and watched as torches ignited kindling beneath them; •the Pilgrims who, in the dead of winter, sailed across tumultuous seas to the inhospitable coasts of New England; •George Washington and his brave soldiers at Valley Forge, who left bloody footprints in the snow as they departed; and •Jesus Christ, who made the ultimate sacrifice, His life, at Calvary. What sacrifice can you offer to God this day? What material will you give Him so that He can carve greatness from your life? Quote of the day: "There has never yet been a man in our history who led a life of ease whose name is worth remembering." — THEODORE ROOSEVELT
All Things For Our Good
April 28, 2023
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. —Romans 8:28 Have you ever looked back on a difficult time in your life and been amazed at how, in an entirely unforeseen way, it turned out positively? As we go through life, God operates behind the scenes, working everything for good on behalf of those who love Him. We may not recognize it in this lifetime, but when we get to heaven and God replays the pictures of our lives, we’ll discover the positive end to each trial we’ve endured. I hope you’ll claim this truth today. I hope you know God has everything under His control, even the chaotic times in your life. He has a plan for everything you undergo. You may face an avalanche of trial, trouble, and tribulation. Maybe you face it even today. Anyone in that situation would feel discouraged. I have often found myself in the deep, dark pit of despair and discouragement, wondering how I’d ever get out. But in those times God encourages me by reminding me of His promise: He works everything for good. We must view everything that comes our way, even the most difficult situations, through the filter of God’s love. I invite you to do that today, whatever trial you face. Remember that God has a perspective on your problems that you can’t see as a limited human being here on earth. Be encouraged that God can see the big picture and that He’ll put the pieces of your life together to an end far beyond your wildest dreams. Quote of the day: God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform. — WILLIAM COWPER