The Lord of Peace
How do we need to pray for others? As we look around us, people in every walk of life are worried and distraught. There is a peace that can only come from God; an inner assurance that He is there . As we think of friends and neighbors this season, perhaps we should ask the Lord of peace Himself to calm the hearts of those we know.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
The Woman at the Well
Am I ready to postpone my regular activity in order to talk to someone about their relationship with God? When the opportunity arises, I hope that I will recognize the importance of sharing with another all that He has done for me.
Monday, December 03, 2007
Through a Glass Darkly
There are many things I do not understand. I must have faith in God no matter what the circumstance, trusting that He knows what is best. For now, my vision is dim; one day all things will be revealed.
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Partiality With God
Perhaps this has happened to you. Having spent the afternoon working in the yard, rake and shovel in hand, you find that in order to continue your work, a certain item must be purchased. A very important part to repair a lawn mower, a bag of seed or fertilizer, or those stones that you've been meaning to place around your garden. With no time to shower, you rush to the store. Clerks treat you amiably, but there is a nagging feeling that your appearance is creating a less- than -desirable opinion. Months later, having attended a special luncheon, wearing your nicest clothes, you recall the need to purchase that last bit of screen for your bedroom windows. Stopping by the same shop as before, you begin to sense an air of respect coming from the associates assisting with your purchase. Pondering the situation, you consider the somewhat shallow qualifications for acceptance that is present in society. Who should we accept as candidates for the hearing of the Gospel? Does God show partiality or did the sacrifice of His Son apply to all men? Surely, it does! Our outer appearance shows very little of what is truly inside. God knows the condition of our hearts. Who we are is not defined by how we look. Below you will find one of my favorite photographs. Ice covered branches on a snowy day? No. These are the magnified images of the fibers of my dark gray car mats, glistening in the sun when viewed through a hand held microscope. Not what you expected? That was what I was hoping. Praise God, He sees in us what no one else could ever understand. Yet, loving us completely, He makes salvation available to all who will receive it, being partial to none.
Saturday, December 01, 2007
All Things New
Sometimes the past comes back to our minds. Regret or even guilt may flood our thoughts. We must remember God's promises. He forgives us and casts our sin away. I am thankful that today I am made new; the old is gone.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Under His Wings
Tough days. Stressful decisions. Emotional challenges. They will continue to surface through life, sometimes without warning. Today, I made the final preparations for the grave stone of someone I loved very much. Tough? Yes. Stressful? Yes. Emotional? Yes. Alone? No. God is always with us, strengthening us for the challenge at hand--giving peace where it is lacking, giving comfort in the deep places of our hearts where hopelessness would like to dwell. He is faithful to cover us with His love.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
A Fixed Gaze
How many times have I missed the opportunity? God had placed upon my heart something important. Yet, distractions came my way, causing me to focus on the immediate instead of the eternal. Each day I must learn again the lesson of the lost moment, and in finding His forgiveness, to look clearly ahead seeking what God would have me to do in the present.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Living Water
It was the autumn of the year. I remember it well. Finally having made it to college, I should have been joyous. But I wasn't. The weeks and months were empty, though they were filled to the brim with the busy-ness of academics. Through just the right circumstances and at just the right time, God brought me to the place where I knew I needed Him. I needed to ask for forgiveness. I needed to ask Him to become my Lord and Savior. Being disappointed with things as they had always been, I was thirsty. Thirsty for the living water. Thankfulness and praise will always be joined to the memory of that hour, when I came to trust Him completely with my life.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
By His Knowledge
When the dew falls on the plants while it is still dark, the earth is watered. Gently and quietly, a rejuvenation takes place. As the dawn approaches, the droplets twinkle with the first rays of light, proclaiming God's provision for yet another day.
Monday, November 26, 2007
The Well-Watered Garden
Barren. Dry. Parched. Even the words seem to cry out for their opposites---Fruitful. Moist. Succulent. As followers of Christ, we are rescued from the arid existance we once knew. We are placed in His life-giving presence to be nurtured moment by moment through every situation, being well-watered by His continual flow of love toward us.
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