Three times in John 21, Jesus connected loving Him with caring for His sheep—particularly with feeding them. And God’s Word says what results when sheep aren’t properly fed. We become weak. Sick. Injured. Strayed. Lost. Scattered. Devoured. I don’t want that famine—I would much rather have the feast of following Jesus. Wouldn’t you?
1 Samuel 3:19 says that God let none of Samuel’s words fall to the ground. Wow! Most of us are careless with our words. We let accusations fly without thought. We put others down and call it humor. We’re often quick to say things we don’t mean. But that’s the difference between most of us and Samuel, dear one. His words weren’t careless. Samuel’s words echoed those flowing from the mouth of God Himself, and that brought about some amazing results.
Righteousness will go before Him and make His footsteps a way. Psalm 85:13 (ESV) It’s that time again. January rolls around each year with an invitation to take stock of our lives. And the same question raises a hopeful challenge: What can I do differently this year that will make my life better? We have […]
What’s your favorite part of the Christmas story, dear one? Is it Mary’s response to a visiting angel? Or perhaps the terrified shepherds tending their flock who found themselves engulfed in glory? I love the image of Magi from the east bowing to present costly gifts to a toddler King. If you let them, the details surrounding Jesus’ birth inspire awe and wonder.
I love Christmas. It’s always been my very favorite time of year. Don’t get me wrong. If we’re talking about weather, summer wins. No question. Warm breezes, cookouts, and sunshine beat the gray winter doldrums any day. But Christmas to me was never about the weather. It was about the feeling.
For many of us, routine has replaced much of the marvel of the holidays. And let’s be honest; the work often overshadows the wonder! Many have even lost the thrill of surprise on Christmas morning, having purchased and wrapped the gifts bearing their name beneath the tree with their own hands. And Jesus, the One whom we gather to celebrate, is almost forgotten, worked into our festivities with brief mentions and a visit to church on Christmas Eve. Perhaps we have been missing something. Let’s invite the wonder of Christmas to return! Gifts bearing your name await your attention under the tree.
He didn’t create us to be slaves or puppets to serve Him. He didn’t need us. He desired to create living beings into whom He could pour His love. He created us to enjoy Him, and so He could enjoy us. He made us to share life with Him, allowing us the privilege of drawing on all that He is. But it only works when we come close.
Life isn’t always kind, and when we find ourselves struggling over circumstances we wouldn’t choose, we don’t naturally feel grateful. In fact, we tend to get angry. Even bitter. Yet Scripture suggests that God desires for us to give thanks in all circumstances. Every one. That includes the good and the bad.
We like having our way. We think we know what’s best, and we’d like God to cooperate by fulfilling our desires. After all, scripture teaches that ours is a God of grace. So when He withholds something we think we want, we tend to get a little angry. It doesn’t seem fair. But what if God’s “no” actually flows from His mercy?
Are you the kind of person that likes immediate results? I am. I’ll admit I’m not a very patient person by nature. Waiting frustrates me. Beloved, just as God calls us to trust His plans, He also insists we trust His timing. So how do you and I keep from becoming weary while we wait? Perhaps we need to allow God to change our perspective. Let’s dive into God’s Word together and see how.
