Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. I had my most important meeting of the day with the Chief Executive Officer of my Life and He called my Attention to my Instruction Manual to Highlight a few things I have been overlooking lately. Those Reminders are intended to keep me on Track. The Rules never change, but sometimes I’m inclined to if I don’t make sure to Refer to my Instruction Manual over everything in my life with a Heart willing to be Corrected. As His Ambassador for Jesus Christ, I can’t afford to do things that aren’t in Unison with Him, so I work each day to become ALL that He needs me to be, and when I’m off-track in even the slightest of ways, I do what I need to do to fix it…not out of fear…but out of Love and Respect for my CEO. Isn’t that the way you Live for the CEO of your life too?

It seems to be so easy for most people to attempt to “slide by” through this Journey called Life as if the CEO won’t notice if they do. One little “white lie” or one “minor offense” is no big deal in their eyes, and they never spend the Time to receive the correction they deserve. A few extra miles over the speed limit as long as nobody’s watching, or too much change in the check-out line is labeled as “harmless” by far too many. One little bad joke made at someone else’s expense or one insult intended to sting, and most people take the entitlement route when they defend what they said as “truth.” One refusal to help someone in need when they have the means to help or a little hatred spit out to “get a job”, and the arrogant believe they have the right to ignore the poor. One cold shoulder and a refusal to forgive, and the Forgiven will take the high road as if the god they serve agrees with their hardened heart. There’s no end to the “bending of the rules” over zillions of “little” things” – but none of those “minor offenses” are minor in the Eyes of God. He knows we won’t be perfect – that’s the reason He sent His Son to die – BUT He expects us to Strive to be the Best for Him…to follow the Rules…and to Care when we don’t instead of convincing ourselves that the “minor offenses” don’t matter to Him at all.

The Living God is Good for His Word and He never changes even if we do. He’s not a rule-bender and He’s not okay when His people pick and choose what they’re willing to Obey. When He says He’ll do something…He’ll do it. When He says He’ll show up on time…He will. When He says “I’ll never leave you nor forsake you”…He won’t. When He says He’ll forgive no matter what…He will. When He says “I’ll lead you”…He leads. When He says He’ll provide…He provides. When He says He can mend brokenness…He does. When He says He’ll be there…He always is. When He says He’ll dish out wisdom when we ask for it…He will. When He says He’ll provide a way when there seems to be no way…He does. When He says there is NO other CEO…He means it. When He says “I’m coming back”…He will. When He says there is room in Heaven for His children…there is. When He says we’ll never cry again…we won’t. When He says we’ll live forever with Him…we will. My CEO is the ONLY one to NEVER waiver on His Word and the Promises He makes to me can be “taken to the bank”. Why would I NOT be eager to please the One who Loves me like that by trying to be the Best I can be for Him?

I got taken to the Spiritual Woodshed this morning over a few things I’ve somehow overlooked lately – “minor offenses” that I could easily have justified. But when you go Face-to-face with the Living God with a Heart that is eager to Please – you have to be Ready for Correction! He’ll show you all the “little” things you overlook…and He’ll show you with Gentleness and Compassion…and a Heart ready to Forgive. What an Amazing God I serve! OF COURSE, I want to Please Him by correcting my “minor offenses” too!

How about you?