You can’t build durable on flattery
You can’t go far by wishing: neither endures.
When pretense hails lies, the head is inflated
Steering hearts toward forbidden paths
Whose end is grave except saved by a crash.
When we assume too much; that today
Is same as yesterdays, that tomorrow
Will fit our plans, that we are more than
We truly are, fall lands that undeniable slap
That kicks madness, and awakens to save
Lest we be lost to the deceptions of presumptions.
No regrets: thank the fall whose slap awakens
Us to escape nightmare that threatens reality.
Fall can be the alarm that rouses, compelling
Out of the slumber that wrecks and ruins.
Fall can be the alarm that rouses, compelling
An awakening, a change, an escape.

Food For Thought: To us, it is all about what we are learning and gaining, growing better and going higher. Anything contrary is unacceptable. With God, it is not about heights or depths, standing and falling, gaining and losing. It is about purpose. God has a purpose for our lives and He is working through every event that comes our way, be they promotion or humiliation, to accomplish it. What does that say to us? We should quit rating life in terms of gains and losses because what we count as gain may be the opposite before God and the things we count as losses may be working the greatest Kingdom gains. Rather than focus on ourselves, we need to take the position that keeps our eyes on Jesus – that we may learn His ways and walk in them. He seemed to be praised one minute and booed the next but none shifted His eyes from His Father’s purpose. He didn’t need the lies and flattery of men to feel good and accomplished. He took each as it came and left them where they ought to be – behind, as He pressed into God’s will. He took no compliments, assumptions or presumptions  along. Any wonder he was neither discouraged nor motivated by what men thought or said or did? The Father was more than enough for Him and His life’s mission. The Father should be enough for us and for our life’s goals. Why is that so you may ask? Because it is not about you  or me or them: man’s praises cannot and will not earn God’s commendation. It’s about pleasing our God; about His will, His values, His ratings, His timing, His glory. When our eyes are shifted from “us,” then we cease to walk by how things make us feel so we can seek and stay in ways and with things that delight the heart of Him who made, who chose, who called, who keeps, and who is able to present us that day as heroes that accomplished His purpose on earth and earned more glory for Him.

Scripture: But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge. 2 Peter 1: 5.

Prayer: Dear Lord, I miss the mark even when I should know better: help me to own my errors, find forgiveness, and live awake, alert to the prodding of Your Spirit, amen.