I Am Determined...

Webster says determine is "to fix conclusively or authoritatively; having reached a decision, firmly resolved; settling and ending controversy; a firm or fixed intent to achieve a desired end." Another source says it’s "resolute, staunch, decided, settled, resolved," and synonyms are; "inflexible, unfaltering, unwavering."

In the Bible, when the word, determined is used, the thing is set. When God determines a thing, it will be accomplished. Every Bible prophecy confirms this truth.

Because God gave man a free will, when man determines to do an evil thing, he will do it, unless God intervenes. For instance, Saul was determined to kill David, but the God-inspired intervention of Jonathan spared David’s life. In so doing, Jonathan became an example of self-sacrifice and true friendship.

Immediately after Amnon’s assault on his sister, (Tamar,) Absalom determined to kill him and waited years for the chance to carry out his plan. For Amnon there was no intervention – the law of sowing and reaping was in full force.

It is also possible and praiseworthy to be determined to do good.

• Solomon determined to build a house for the Lord. (II Chronicles 2:1)
• Jesus was determined to go to Calvary. (Luke 9:51; 22:22)
• The church in Antioch determined to send relief to Judea. (Acts 11:29)
• The Apostle Paul was "determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." (I Corinthians 2:2)

This kind of determination caused Jonathan to recognize the anointing on David’s life and to deal with his own will and desires by blessing and helping David. This kind of determination helped Jesus ("the Author and Finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame…") complete the course set before Him.

In the flesh, determination is dangerous. It can separate friends. Barnabas’ determination to take John Mark caused a long-term rift between himself and Paul. Unbridled determination easily crosses the line into self-will. Cain insisted his sacrifice was sufficient. His way led to stubbornness, rebellion, murder, insolence and banishment.

The Jews’ determination to see Jesus crucified was stronger than Pilate’s determination to let Him go. Their determination amounted to rebellion against God. Pilate’s determination was merely political. He knew their accusations were spawned from envy; yet, under their pressure and despite urgent warnings, Pilate traipsed out onto thin ice… It was only a matter of time before he caved in and was drying himself off, crying, "I am innocent of the blood of this just man."

By dropping an "e" and adding a "t", another word is formed... and determine becomes detriment, which is damage, harm or loss, or, something that causes damage, harm or loss. Without determination, one cannot achieve their goal. Thus, a lack of determination is a detriment and leads to defeat and failure.

When it comes to spiritual things, strong determination can make one bold and hold him steady. It can also thrust detrimental things out of the way. Daniel and the three Hebrew children purposed in their hearts (determined) not to defile themselves by eating the king’s food. Because of their determination, they proposed a ten-day trial. At the end of the ten days, when they were in better shape than those who were eating from the king’s table, all opposition evaporated.

We need the kind of determination that makes us stand fast, holding to the profession of our faith. It’s time to re-evaluate and re-commit ourselves. It is high time to say with Jonathan, Daniel, the three Hebrew children, the Apostle Paul, and the songwriter, "I am determined, I’ve made up my mind – I’ll serve the Lord!"

Audacious Hope

The week of January 20, 2009 - what an amazing week it was! Observing the inaugural events, one couldn’t help but note the overwhelming numbers and the cross-section of cultures, races and creeds that crowded into our nation’s capital. One photo showed a woman gazing adoringly toward the podium, hands clasped as though in earnest prayer. Many a face was streaked with tears as old and young alike stood in awe. The sheer power of a unified mass of people was evident and electric as throngs around the world pinned their hopes on a promise of change. In interviews, one man said it was “more like a coronation than an inauguration.” A woman described the festivities as “Mardi Gras, without the nudity.” Over and over, there were comments on the patience of the crowds with the cold, the long lines and the waiting. Goodwill hung in the air like an aura, infecting even the dour. The New York Times featured stories like; “Obama Takes Oath and Nation in Crisis Embraces the Moment” and, “A Portrait of Change: In First Family, a Nation’s Many Faces.”

Lean and earnest, clad in the traditional presidential black cashmere overcoat, a man of eloquence delivered a carefully crafted inaugural address that acknowledged the challenges and the need to face the future with a shared sense of responsibility. Everywhere you looked, the crowds seemed ready to buy into his hopefulness and promise of change to come.

Mankind longs to be the master of his own destiny, so he seeks for strong leadership that promises to move in the direction of his own leanings. Add to that the realization of long sought victory and the fulfillment of hopes long denied, and a potion more powerful than the most potent drug results. For hope is an emotional thing, enduring in the face of formidable odds.

Paul said, “For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?” (Romans 8:24) The wise man said, “Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.” (Proverbs 13:12) Realized hope is a generating force – with the power to foster both great good and unimaginable evil.

But we are living in a day when the hopes of a vast cross-section of diverse opinions and ideologies have married the good and valid with the evil and unthinkable, making its weakness visible. (See Daniel 2:41-43.) As iron and clay cannot be mixed or mingled, so two cannot “walk together, except they be agreed.” (Amos 3:3) The problem is one side has to give in to the other. Elementary science says when you mix cold and hot water; cold water does not become warmer, hot water cools down. (Note God’s opinion of lukewarmness – Revelation 3:15-16.) Because such combinations make a weak foundation, King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream is alive in today’s headlines.

“…Yea, let God be true, but every man a liar…” (Romans 3:4) and, “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34) The world is tottering because it’s founded on flawed hope, which cannot succeed. Man’s broad way panders to the unthinkable for political advantage.

God’s way is straight and narrow. The solid foundation, built on the Rock declares, “The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in Him. The Lord is good unto them that wait for Him, to the soul that seeketh Him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.” (Lamentations 3:24-26)

The old hymn declares, “On Christ, the solid Rock I stand – all other ground is sinking sand.” The hope of the believer is founded on His Word and His promise. God’s Word cannot fail. It is the nail fastened in a sure place! This hope is the anchor for the soul of man. It’s sure and steadfast. It’s a good hope... a blessed hope... a lively hope... a glorious hope... an audacious hope... a hope that maketh not ashamed. “And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure.” (I John 3:3) Blessed is every man, woman, boy and girl who puts all their hope in the Lord!

~ mjkinnee

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The Prodigal's Mother

Of the prodigal’s tale, we all are aware,
Stubborn, he wanted to manage his share;
So he took it and headed off into the sun,
Determined to have his share of fun.

We hear how he partied away all he had,
Rumors were flowing and all were bad;
The father kept watch as the months wore on,
Only love could rescue his wayward son.

We hear of his downfall, the ruins of sin,
We hear of the pigpen he found himself in;
We hear of the change that began in his heart,
How he thought of home and the servant’s part.

We hear of his journey and father’s delight
We hear sounds of joy as they ring in the night;
Brother’s envy and spite make our spirits groan,
But through it all – we’re glad he’s home.

But what of his mother? We never do hear,
Yet surely her presence was always near;
Her baby was lost – her precious son,
She must have wept and prayed, undone.

In dark, night hours, while others slept,
A tear-stained vigil his mother kept;
She groaned and travailed more deep than at birth,
For the wayward one’s soul had yet greater worth.

She waited and hoped in the promise of God,
Reminding, abiding, her faith walked dry-shod;
Through oceans of tears, through doubts and fear,
Come what may - though it took many a year.

And then, when the promise finally did arrive,
Imagine the sparkle of joy in her eye;
Hustling, bustling in a glorious dither,
The servants all rushing hither and thither.

Mama, in high gear, was doing her best,
Preparing a fabulous celebration fest;
All her boy’s favorite cookies and cake,
Were piled high and waiting for more to bake.

But right in the midst of the joyful preparation,
Mama steals off for a quiet conversation –
With the One who had shared her burden and grief,
“He’s home now, Lord, Oh, what blessed relief!”

By Marjorie Kinnee

Note: I took the liberty of adding a possibility to this age-old story in honor of Mothers Day and in tribute to mothers of wayward children. They carry a special burden, full of sorrow, travail and pleading intercession. But they partner with the One whose heart is touched and is able to work, even in the darkest of situations. What He's done for others - He'll do for you! "Now unto Him who is able to do exceeding, abundantly above all we can ask or think...", be all the glory and honor and power and dominion. In Jesus' Name!

Sometimes...

Sometimes life is hectic,

Sometimes slow and sweet,

Sometimes joy surprises us -

Hidden 'round our feet.

But this we know assuredly,

In Jesus all is well;

He measures every day with love,

Secure in Him we dwell.

mjk - 4/20/09

God's in Control

God's in control - sure as sunrise this morning,
His mercies were fresh and new;
My heart hopes in Him - my Spirit is renewed,
His Word and promises are true.

Dark clouds may rise - trouble's winds may blow,
But my soul finds rest and sings;
For I'm safe in His Arms - I fear no alarm,
While I'm sheltering under His wings.

By mjk - 3/29/09