The Ram's Horn
You probably know the feeling---God has allowed you to be a part of something that brings honor and glory to His Name. Perhaps you were part of a Christian rescue team after the onslaught of a terrible storm. "We thank God for you. If it hadn't been for your skills in that boat, our daughter wouldn't have made it." Thank you, God, for training me all those years in the Coast Guard." You might have been the teacher that helped the discouraged 5th grader through a particularly difficult time in his life. "Without your encouragement to me back then, I doubt I wouldv'e ever become a doctor." Thank you, God, for giving me patience with that boy, day after day."
"Is there an electrician here that could help us with the lights?" "Lord, I think I can help them." We need someone to come to the nursery and help with the toddlers." Lord, would you like me to go?" God gives us our talent; we choose to give it back to Him in His service, in His timing.
Imagine a child born in the time of ancient Jericho, learning to purse his lips in just a certain way in order to create the characteristic blast of the ram's horn. One day---one very important day---he is called upon to use his ability in obedience to God. He will sound the horn at the very moment he is instructed to, heralding God's victory for the children of Israel. "Thank you, God, that you allowed me to be among those who blew the horns."
As we praise God by using the abilities God has given us for His glory, we experience a joy that is like no other. Knowing in our hearts that we have pleased God in our obedience as we watch Him take our offering of service and use it to touch others' lives is almost indescribable.
What talents and abilities has God granted to you? Will you choose to offer them gratefully back to Him?
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Changed
It was so delicate looking. There, resting on a leaf, was a small feather. Once it had been a part of daily flight, of sightseeing from heights above-- present at every nest building and quest for food. Now, it was only a gentle reminder of its former state. What bird did it come from? I will never know. Certainly, I can be sure of one thing---the bird is not here, yet the feather is a testament to its brief time near my home.
One day, we will leave behind all things needed on this earth and claim a heavenly existance prepared for us by God. Our bodies will be renewed, our hearts made to perfectly align with the will of the Father. We will abandon the former things in order to be transformed into the likeness of Christ.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Remember
Nehemiah 4:14 says, "When I saw their fear, I rose and spoke to the nobles, the officials, and the rest of the people: 'Do not be afraid of them; remember the Lord who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses.'"
Thankfully, most of us are not protecting our families from physical battles in our neighborhoods. Yet, we are part of a battle--a spiritual battle. Just this past weekend, I heard someone speaking about the contentions of the unseen world around us. So what's all the fighting about?
To be sure, Satan does not want our families to prosper. He does not want us to grow more firmly rooted in our relationship with God. With weapons of temptation, discouragement and doubt, he pummels us at every turn. Our defense? The armor of God. He is our covering. He goes before us, mighty and strong in battle.
As we face the wily schemes of the enemy, we must "remember the Lord who is great and awesome." He will be our shield.
May He grant us heavenly peace and calm in the midst of our daily struggle.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Anxious
Does anything ever upset you? As I was struggling with my own emotional response to something this evening, I remembered---God doesn't want me to worry about anything. I picked up a New Testament that was nearby. As I began reading, there it was! "Do not be anxious about anyhing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." (Philippians 4:6) I had not been looking for this passage, yet God led me there.
God's word is real and alive, because God is real and alive.
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