For By Him
If you look at the picture below, you might think it was a photo of a very soft, finely knitted, hand-made blanket. At a nearby mall, I love to visit a certain store that sells ultra soft baby blankets. Their texture has such a delicate feel. It almost defies description.
All the many things we have learned to fashion through the ages cannot compare to God's original designs. Everything that we "create" is simply a reiteration of what God has already done. We plant gardens with His soil and with His seed. We build tall buildings with metal and stone that we manufacture from the earth. He gives us the pencils and then, we draw. All that we aspire to begins with God.
So who made the southwestern looking blanket? God did--only it's not a blanket at all. Two identical moths were visiting our home a couple of nights ago. With wings as colorful and soft as a baby's blanket, they perused the outer walls of our garage. As though a visual gift from God to me, they posed for a late night portrait. Such beauty and uniformity. By Him, all things were created.
Friday, June 06, 2008
The Way
I had the opportunity to speak to someone today about my faith. They had been very concerned about where they were destined to go once they died. I shared with them the fact that there are many views in the world concerning this very thing. That being said, I clarified the convictions that I hold: there is only one way to spend eternity with God in Heaven. That way is through Jesus Christ. God sent His only Son, Jesus, to live a sinless life on the Earth and die on the cross in our place in payment for our transgressions. If we repent of our sin and ask for His forgiveness, He will.
Are you concerned about what will happen someday when you die?
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Tree of Life
Yearning. Longing. Wishing. Hoping. There are so many words that describe that earnest feeling of the heart. Sometimes it is accompanied by "If only" or perhaps "when." When I'm out of school, if only I could get that promotion...
Another word comes to mind, also. Jubilant. Jubilant? Yes. As the yearning is replaced with the knowledge of the dream come true and hope is confirmed in brilliant reality, jubilation is the natural result. Jubilant people, filled with gratitude, are awash with wellness at that moment. Have you ever seen a gold medalist look anything less than radiant when they are presented with their award? What about the look of joy on a father's face as he spots his only son in the airport returning home from military service?
Many times our hoping and yearning are matters of prayer. We petition God with our requests; we speak to Him often about our longing in a matter. In trusting Him, we wait for an answer to our concerns. God, in His wisdom, grants us blessings as He sees fit. As we realize how He is moving in our lives and in the lives of others, we are encouraged. We experience life-giving jubilation as we see the hand of God at work.
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
A Generous Man
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Perfect Love
I heard a story today about a young boy who had a very bad dream. Even though he had awakened, he still believed his bed was surrounded by tigers. His Dad came to his young son's room and listened to him tell about the wild animals. With compassionate understanding, the father comforted the frightened child. He could have dismissed his fear and made him to feel hurt and misunderstood. Instead, he seized the opportunity to show true, genuine love for his son.
Not many of us feel that we are surrounded by tigers---or do we? The tiger of finances, the tiger of illness; perhaps the tiger of lonliness. When we recognize fear in another's life, we can dismiss their feelings or we can take the initiative to show sincere love and understanding. Perfect love casts out fear.
Monday, June 02, 2008
For These Commands
Once again, I was driving and praying this morning. As I lifted my petition up to God, I had an instant of discouragement. The thought of another's seeming lack of human ability in a situation had presented itself for verification. Immediately, the verse in the Bible about God being stronger in our weakness came to mind. I found the reference this evening. In II Corinthians, chapter 12, verse 9, it says, "... My power is made perfect in weakness." This reminder of God's power brought comfort and hope to me.
God's word is a guide to us. A light for the present day, it illuminates even the past as we reflect on what has come to be.
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