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- Written by: Don Goulding
So then, do not judge anything before the time. Wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the motives of hearts. Then each will receive recognition from God. (1 Corinthians 4:5)
I am not bound to win
But I am bound to be true.
I am not bound to succeed,
But I am bound to live up to what light I have. (Abraham Lincoln)
In 1888, Canadian born Dr. William Leslie began a career as a medical missionary in Africa’s Congo. After years of fruitless ministry among the cannibals, he had a fallout with a tribal chief, and was told to never return. Dr. Leslie retired in 1928 believing his ministry had failed.
Jesus of Nazareth was the most inspired speaker of his, or of any era. He demonstrated the power necessary to overcome his enemies, whether they be Roman or Jewish. But on a dark Friday, Jesus, the Son of God, was captured, beaten, and crucified. His followers defected, and the greatest potential ever known to mankind was squandered.
These two lives share something in common. By the world’s standards they both died abject failures. However, God views success differently.
In 2010, eighty-two years after Dr. Leslie left the Congo, another missionary expedition flew into the same jungle. They discovered the seeds the good doctor planted had taken root in the form of eight village churches spread over thirty miles.
We also know the outcome of the tragic death of Jesus—how he was celebrated by angels as the greatest victor in history.
Earthly failure is the soil that best grows heavenly success.
Prayer: Gracious Father, redeem my failures.
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- Written by: Don Goulding
You will hear a word spoken behind you, saying,
“This is the correct way, walk in it,”
whether you are heading to the right or the left. (Isaiah 30:21)
I’m directionally challenged. I’ve been lost in Spain, China, Panama City, the Fijian jungle, and the Canadian ocean. To travel with me is to spend blocks of time puzzling over our location.
Enter GPS mapping technology. Thank you, Jesus. Somewhere in the unseen space above, satellites beam location data to my smartphone. A pleasant voice says, “Turn right in five hundred feet.” On land or sea I know where where to go.
We also have a GPS for life—the Holy Spirit. Like my phone, I keep the Spirit with me here on earth. He stays in communion with my Father in heaven and, largely through the Bible, relays love and direction to my heart. I can navigate life with confidence.
I would have expected God’s GPS to give me directions like, “In one year there will be an obstacle of a job change, so get ready.” Instead, the stream I receive is, “I love you, I’m with you, peace, joy, you are mine, turn left now.”
My life plans are only revealed on a need to know basis—and mostly, I don’t need to know. My gracious Father is in charge of directions, not me.
God’s primary message repeated to my simple heart is, “I love you.” When I receive that, I find I know where I’m going, to whom I belong, and what to do in the next moment.
Prayer: Sweet Holy Spirit, help me receive your guiding love.
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- Written by: Don Goulding
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:2-3) (NIV)
In the Winnie the Pooh story by A. A. Milne, Rabbit suggests they cure Tigger of his bouncing by losing him in the woods overnight.
“Oh, we'll find him again next morning, and mark my words, he'll be a humble Tigger, a sad and small Tigger, an ‘Oh, Rabbit, am I glad to see you’ Tigger. And it'll take the bounces out of him, that's what!”
The plan backfires, and it’s Rabbit himself who gets lost. He comes out of the long night humbled from his pride.
When it comes to nonessential theological doctrines, I feel like Rabbit. I used to be confident of my beliefs and critical of those who differed. What came out of my mouth was intended to win debates rather than honor Jesus.
Students of theology are soon faced with the thorny disagreements that have plagued church history. Our limited human intellect leaves us thrashing in brambles far removed from God’s path.
From outside the thicket, I hear Jesus searching for me. I need only follow his voice, return to the simple gospel, and let him bring me into the fullness of grace.
I went into the forrest of nonessential doctrines with an attitude of “I have answers that will unbounce others.” I’m coming out of those same woods a broken Rabbit, an “Oh, Jesus, am I glad to see you” Rabbit.
Prayer: King Jesus, may humility close my mouth except to glorify you.