Archimedes, a Greek mathematician, engineer, and physicist, was trying to figure out how to measure the volume of an irregular solid object and thereby determine the purity of a gold object. When he finally arrived at the solution, he supposedly exclaimed, “Eureka!”—or, “I found it!” (in Greek, of course).

What do you do when you find something for which you have been looking? Two things can be measured by your response: the value of the object of your search, and the gratitude you feel upon its discovery. For instance, what happens if you find the paper clip you dropped in your office? You don’t shout, “Eureka!” and tell your co-workers. You clip the papers and move on. And if you can’t find it, you instantly replace it with another one. Conclusion? An individual paper clip has little value in the workplace. It is cheap to begin with, easily replaced, and not worth the cost of the search.

But some things in life are more valuable than paper clips; they have infinite, immeasurable value. A pagan man in the Old Testament named Naaman had lost something that had great value to him: his health. Naaman and his king agreed to spend a considerable sum on gifts (750 pounds of silver and 150 pounds of gold, among other things) for the person who could heal his leprosy. When he was healed by the prophet Elisha, Naaman concluded that the world’s only true God was the God of Israel. Based on his confession and what he was willing to pay to regain his health (though Elisha refused the gifts), it was obvious that Naaman had found something of great value. In truth, he found more than health—he found life in the God of Israel (2 Kings 5:17-18).

Perhaps like Naaman, you have found that the world’s only true God does exist—the God revealed in creation and Scripture. If you have, there is only one gift that can express the value of what you have found; and it is the only gift God will accept—the gift of a heart devoted to Him. That’s how you say “Eureka!” in the kingdom of God.

God’s Promise to You: “Your heart is the most precious gift you can give to me.”

Twitter: http://twitter.com/kennethboa
Facebook: http://facebook.com/kennethboa

San Juan Capistrano, a small city in southern California, is famous for the swallows that arrive and depart every year with predictable consistency. Around March 19 they can be expected to arrive, and around October 23 (the day that Saint John of Capistrano died in 1456), they can be expected to depart. “Like swallows returning to Capistrano” is a proverbial way to speak of that which is done by nature or by instinct.

Fortunately, we do not cycle between the northern and southern hemispheres on an annual basis! Indeed, we are distinguished from the animal kingdom by our ability to choose our destinations—where, when, and with whom we will go. The ability to choose reflects the image of our Creator God, and contributes significantly to an identity which sets apart from everything else that has life. However, there is one destination which all of the earth’s peoples seek instinctively—one yearning which makes us like the swallows of Capistrano—and that is our “instinctive” yearning for eternity.

Don Richardson, a modern missionary-anthropologist, has studied human cultures in the most remote parts of the world. His book, Eternity In Their Hearts, shows how people all over the world—from the Stone Age tribes in New Guinea to the sophisticated secularists of the West—demonstrate a yearning for God. They may not know the true God, but they know he exists. Why is this so? Because God has “set eternity in the hearts of men.” If there is no God, why do peoples of all cultures seek him? They seek him because he made them. As Capistrano is inscribed in the genetic material of a swallow, so eternity is written deeply in the souls of all people. A longing for God is the one part of a person’s identity which cannot be “turned off.” It can be denied, resisted, even cursed—but it cannot be removed.

If you long for heaven, it is because the God who made you is there. But he is also here, confirming that part of who we are is a seeker after him.

God’s Promise to You: “Your longing for eternity is evidence that I exist and that you are my unique creation.”

Twitter: http://twitter.com/kennethboa
Facebook: http://facebook.com/kennethboa

On your next visit to a large shopping mall, see if one of the busiest kiosks is not the one selling genealogical information: family histories, coats of arms, and the derivation of names. People are fascinated with discovering their “true” identities. “Were our ancestors really ‘bakers?’” the Baker family asks. “Are we descended from blacksmiths and metal workers?” the Smith children ask their parents. A name can tell a lot about who we are—or were.

God takes naming seriously as well. Not only did he name the parts of his original creation (Genesis 1:3-10), but he named the stars as well (Isaiah 40:26). And to Adam he gave the task of naming the animals (Genesis 2:20) and Adam’s children (Genesis 4:1,2,26). God’s own names were one of the most important indicators of his identity. Not only did God name himself at times (Exodus 3:14), he also received the names which his chosen people gave to him as they came to know him personally. One of those names was “Sovereign Lord.”

This compound name of God is beautiful in that it reveals the two attributes of God most cherished by Israel: God’s personal approachability and his mighty rule. Think of a father in a home who tenderly lavishes affection on his children yet firmly acts as the authority. Or think of a shepherd who binds the wounds of his sheep, yet uses his rod to drive away the ravenous wolves. Affection, yet authority. Tenderness, yet strength. Servant leadership, yet sovereign lordship.

“Sovereign” to the Israelite meant master or ruler; the one over whom no one else had power or authority. “Lord” (Yahweh) was the name God gave the Israelites to use in their personal relationship with him. “Sovereign Lord” is the name of the God who tenderly saved his infant nation from slavery, and totally destroyed her enemy in the Red Sea. Moses truly knew God as “Sovereign Lord.”

Do you know God like Moses did—as Sovereign Lord? One of the reasons God exists is to reveal himself to you—to show you his true identity—as the God who loves and protects his children.

God’s Promise to You: “I will always love you and protect you.”

Twitter: http://twitter.com/kennethboa
Facebook: http://facebook.com/kennethboa

Author and Ruler of all things, I confess that I am often impatient with the processes of life that force me to cease striving and know that You are God and I am not. My resources, wisdom and power are so bounded that I control very few of the things that happen in my life. I get frustrated and impatient with the challenges and unexpected troubles that crop up so often. But when I think more deeply, I realize that these setbacks and circumstances can accomplish more in my character formation than in having things go my way. It is through such things that patience and forbearance and steadfastness and fortitude are forged by Your wise and loving hands in my life. May I learn to wait on You, to hope in You, to trust in You, to delight myself in You and to unreservedly commit my ways to You.

• Wisdom reminds us that the Lord is God and we are not.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/kennethboa
Facebook: http://facebook.com/kennethboa

- This is part of a series on dependence on God. -

As leaders who want to reach our generation for Christ, we need to lead in a way that allows others to see our faith in God. One way we can do that is by depending on God in the face of our daily pressures. The next time you’re under pressure, pray for the grace you need to depend on God, who is perfectly and eternally worthy of your trust. Remember that those you lead will see how you respond to such pressures and will follow your actions.

Those who have not placed their faith in God often live only for the moment. Their peace of mind or anxiety is tied to their circumstances. But those whose faith is secure in the One who is secure are able to live above the worries of this world. As Dallas Willard points out:

People who are ignorant of God…live to eat and drink and dress. “For such things the ‘gentiles’ seek” – and their lives are filled with corresponding anxiety and anger and depression about how they will look and how they will fare.

By contrast, those who understand Jesus and his Father know that provision has been made for them. Their confidence has been confirmed by their experience. Though they work, they do not worry about things “on earth.” Instead, they are always “seeking first the kingdom.” That is, they “place top priority on identifying and involving themselves in what God is doing and in the kind of rightness…he has. All else needed is provided” (6:33). They soon enough have a track record to prove it.[1]

This is not to say that believers in Christ will be exempt from the usual troubles of this world. Worry-free does not mean trouble-free. Sometimes it may be our faith which actually brings on troubles as we navigate our way through a world that insists on flying upside-down. Still, in spite of our circumstances, those who depend on God will find out for themselves the truth the psalmist discovered long ago: “A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all” (Psalm 34:19).

Dear God, I know that the stories, prophecies and wisdom of the Hebrew Bible are critical for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. You have made it evident that we cannot understand Your great Story without the witness of inspired Scripture prior to the coming of the Lord Jesus. May I regularly expose myself to the full counsel of Your Word and drink deeply from the well of both Testaments. I give thanks for the profound wisdom and marvels of Your revelation through the people You inspired, and ask that I would make the time to read, meditate, pray and rest in Your Word so that I will walk in the path of righteousness, trust and obedience. May the life-giving seed of Your truth bear much fruit in and through me.

• We can have hope through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/kennethboa
Facebook: http://facebook.com/kennethboa

- This is part of a series on dependence on God. -

Fifth, we are God’s children. God will never treat us as orphans who need to fend for themselves. Failure to grasp this will lead inevitably to worry and failure in our moral lives. In fact, it is not an overstatement to say that the most important thing about us is what comes to mind when we think of God, as A.W. Tozer clarifies:

That our idea of God correspond as nearly as possible to the true being of God is of immense importance to us. Compared with our actual thoughts about Him, our [doctrinal] statements are of little consequence. Our real idea of God may lie buried under the rubbish of conventional religious notions and may require an intelligent and vigorous search before it is finally unearthed and exposed for what it is. Only after an ordeal of painful self-probing are we likely to discover what we actually believe about God. A right conception of God is basic not only to systematic theology but to practical Christian living as well. It is to worship what the foundation is to the temple; where it is inadequate or out of plumb the whole structure must sooner or later collapse. I believe there is scarcely an error in doctrine or a failure in applying Christian ethics that cannot be traced finally to imperfect and ignoble thoughts about God.[1]

If we view God as a cosmic killjoy, we will likely be plagued with guilt and shame over every sinful thought or angry moment. If God is seen as some kind of doting grandfather who turns a blind eye at our shortcomings, we will be likely to excuse our wrong actions. If we think God is looking for a good bargain, we will expect him to come through for us when we have done something good for him. Our quality of life will always rise and fall on our view of God and our expectations of him. Once we come to know God as the faithful Father he is, worry simply does not make sense.

Sixth, when we worry about tomorrow we miss out on today. Jesus recognizes that our days will be filled with trouble. We simply cannot afford the luxury of worrying, casting our eyes on future affliction. Each day will demand our best attention. Any problem we face can be handled, with God’s help, one day at a time.

- This is part of a series on dependence on God. -

Second, the God who cares for birds will care for his people. After all, humans are of much greater value than any bird. “Look at the birds” implies “Look and Learn.” We can learn much from these flighty little fellows. They are industrious yet carefree. Without the benefit of barns they manage to find food each day. That is God’s provision for them. For us, God’s provision is greater. We have been given the ability to manipulate our environment. To grow crops, raise animals and preserve food. Not only are we more capable than the birds to provide food for ourselves, but we are also more valuable in God’s eyes (Matt. 10:29-31). How much less, then, we should worry.

Third, worry expends energy pointlessly – it doesn’t change the reality of the situation a single bit. Worry is kind of like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do, but doesn’t get you anywhere.

Fourth, worry ignores God’s demonstrated faithfulness in our lives. The same God who so wonderfully clothes the flowers of the field is responsible to care for them. Every blossoming flower is a reminder of God’s faithfulness to us. A field of wild flowers sprinkled across a bed of fresh spring grass is a remarkable sight indeed. These little beauties do not labor or spin (probably a reference to both men’s and women’s work respectively). But even Solomon’s wardrobe paled in comparison. If God is so generous with something as transitory as kindling for the fire, what do you suppose he will do for us? No wonder Jesus rebukes us, “O, you of little faith,” when a mere glance out our bedroom window should teach us the futility of worry. As R.H. Mounce has said, “Worry is practical atheism and an affront to God.”[1]

THE LORD IS RISEN!

EASTER PAST
He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said.  (Matthew 28:6)

See My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself; touch Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.  (Luke 24:39)

God raised Jesus from the dead, freeing Him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for Him to be held by it. (Acts 2:24)

In the past God overlooked the times of ignorance, but now He commands all people everywhere to repent.  For He has set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the Man He has appointed.  He has given assurance of this to all men by raising Him from the dead.  (Acts 17:30-31)

God’s power toward us who believe is according to the working of His mighty strength, which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. (Ephesians 1:19-21)

EASTER PRESENT
Who will bring a charge against those whom God has chosen?  It is God who justifies.  Who is he who condemns?  It is Christ Jesus who died, who was furthermore raised to life, who is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for me.  (Romans 8:33-34)

If I confess with my mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in my heart that God raised Him from the dead, I will be saved. For it is with my heart that I believe unto righteousness, and it is with my mouth that I confess unto salvation.  As the Scripture says, “Whoever trusts in Him will not be put to shame.”  (Romans 10:9-11)

The love of Christ compels me, because I am convinced that One died for all, and therefore all died.  And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again. (2 Corinthians 5:14-15)

May the God of my Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, give me a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the full knowledge of Him, and may the eyes of my heart be enlightened, in order that I may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the incomparable greatness of His power toward us who believe.  (Ephesians 1:17-19)

I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.  (Philippians 3:10-11)

In Christ I was circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with Him in baptism and raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. (Colossians 2:11-12)

Since I have been raised with Christ, I should seek the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. May I set my mind on the things above, not on the things on the earth, for I died, and my life is now hidden with Christ in God.  When Christ who is my life appears, then I also will appear with Him in glory.  (Colossians 3:1-4)

Christ was chosen before the creation of the world but was revealed in these last times for our sake.  Through Him I believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and glorified Him, so that my faith and hope are in God.  (1 Peter 1:20-21)

EASTER FUTURE
Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness like the stars for ever and ever.  (Daniel 12:2-3)

An hour is coming when all who are in the graves will hear the voice of the Son of Man, and will come out—those who have done good to a resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to a resurrection of judgment.  (John 5:28-29)

You are the resurrection and the life. He who believes in You will live, even though he dies, and whoever lives and believes in You will never die. (John 11:25-26)

If I have been united with Christ in the likeness of His death, I will certainly also be united with Him in the likeness of His resurrection.  (Romans 6:5)

If I died with Christ, I believe that I will also live with Him, knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, cannot die again; death no longer has dominion over Him.  For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God.  In the same way, may I consider myself to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.  (Romans 6:8-11)

Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.  For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a Man.  For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.  But each in his own order: Christ, the firstfruits; afterward, those who are Christ’s at His coming.  Then the end will come, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power.  For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet.  The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.  (1 Corinthians 15:20-26)

In the resurrection of the dead, the body that is sown is perishable, but it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, but it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, but it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, but it is raised a spiritual body.  If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.  (1 Corinthians 15:42-44)

The first man is of the dust of the earth; the second Man is from heaven.  As was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth; and as is the Man from heaven, so also are those who are of heaven.  And just as we have borne the image of the earthly man, so shall we bear the likeness of the heavenly Man.  (1 Corinthians 15:47-49)

Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  Therefore let us be steadfast, immovable, abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain.  (1 Corinthians 15:57-58)

Christ has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of Himself.  And as it is appointed for man to die once and after that to face judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin but to bring salvation to those who eagerly wait for Him.  (Hebrews 9:26-28)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is incorruptible and undefiled and unfading, reserved in heaven for us.  (1 Peter 1:3-4)

The God of all grace, who called me to His eternal glory in Christ, after I have suffered a little while, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish me.  To him be the glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.  (1 Peter 5:10-11)

Since the day of the Lord will come like a thief, what kind of person should I be in holy conduct and godliness as I look for and hasten the coming of the day of God?  But according to His promise, I am looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.  Therefore, since I am looking for these things, may I be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless.  (2 Peter 3:10-14)

Lord God, in this life I can only see in a mirror dimly and I can only know in part. I cannot know fully just as I have been fully known by You, but the time is coming soon when I will see You face to face. In that glorious day when I stand before You by the grace and merit of Christ, my questions will be answered and I will be satisfied. I will fully proclaim that You have done all things well. It is good for me, Lord, to reflect on that future reality so that I can contextualize my circumstances in this present darkness. It is also good for me to review Your faithfulness to Your people in the past in spite of their disobedience, and to review Your many blessings and mercies in my own life’s journey. Then, as I look back on what You have done and look ahead to what You will do, I will grow in confidence in what You are doing today.

• We will fully know that He has done all things well.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/kennethboa
Facebook: http://facebook.com/kennethboa