As I look at my generation, I see a lot of dissatisfaction. People longing for the next thing. The next job will be better. The right person will make life better. If my week stinks, at least Friday night will be a good time.

I see this in my own heart as well. Too often I feel like a wanderer, becoming the victim of my present circumstance. Now, there is an ebb and flow to life. True, life can be hard, boring, exhilarating, fun, and stupid. However, as Christians, we need to have constancy.

What is it about you that stays the same no matter what circumstance you find yourself? What daily disciplines do you practice in order maintain constancy? I don’t know how long I could live if I just let circumstances carry me. I long for my relationship with Jesus to be constant. I long for my diet of God’s Word to be constant. I long for a positive outlook and attitude to be constant. I want my love for people and my heart for the lost to be constant.

Why?

Because Jesus alive. He is real. I am His. My joy and meaning is anchored in His reality and His love for me. Constancy is not based on feeling, but on truth.

How about you?

Yesterday morning the snowfall was heavy. Yesterday morning the roads were horrible. Yesterday morning I swerved off the road, hitting a guardrail in my fairly new, 2004, black Honda Civic.

I like stuff. I like to take care of my stuff. When this incident occurred, my heart sank. Then I read this in my Bible reading this morning:

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasure on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-20).

I’m simply reminded today that loving material possessions too much is stupid.

I’m reminded that when something difficult happens in my life, it’s another opportunity to thank God for what is eternal – for what cannot ever be taken away.

He:

• was a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit (Acts 6:5).
• was full of grace and power (Acts 6:8).
• did great wonders and signs among the people (Acts 6:8).
• was so utterly committed to his cause that he received dispute for what he did (Acts 6:9).
• could not be withstood because of the wisdom and Spirit with which he spoke (Acts 6:10).
• shone with the brightness of God’s glory (Acts 6:15).
• was a wise, convicting preacher (Acts 7).
• saw the glory of God & Jesus Christ (Acts 7:55).
• forgave his murderers (Acts 7:60).
• was a martyr for Jesus Christ (Acts 7:60).