1 Peter 1:21 / New Living Translation: "Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory"
Balancing at the edge of the cliff, a climber clutches the ropes. Far below, waves crash against the rocks, the spray reaching up toward her toes. She looks up at the guide, firmly gripping the rope, and then beyond his firm stance to the anchor hammered into the cliff side. With a firm push, her legs propel her beyond the ledge and out into space dropping toward the sea.
Of course she trusts the guide. His strong grip, years of experience, skill, and familiarity with the landscape go a long way in convincing her that she will belay safely to the bottom of the cliff. But it's the rock, pierced by the anchor, which gains her deepest faith. The rock will not fail, will not crumble, and will never falter under her weight.
As we leap, sometimes stumbling, along the cliffs of life, who can we trust? God our Father offers us an anchor in Christ Jesus, who overcame death and is the only hope we have. We can jump with ease from any height, knowing that his strong arms of love will surround us and that our destiny is sure. Our faith grows stronger in this truth; we share in the glory of Jesus through his death and resurrection.
Thursday, March 31, 2016
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
He Gives Me A Future
Revelation 21:4 / English Standard Version: "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall their be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away"
The sin and sadness of life can make it seem like an endless night, where we are continually waiting for the dawn of Christ's return. In the darkest of nights, it doesn't always help to know that he will return someday, because this particular day may be a day full of despair.
To you, his beloved son or daughter, he gives comfort. Don't lose heart. He is coming for you! It can be hard, because he seems to be taking a long time, but he is preparing a place for you. You are not forgotten in this long night; your pain is familiar to him. Keep your eyes fixed on him! Soon you will hear his voice! He is also longing for that moment.
We live for the promise of his return. This promise overcomes our pain, our longing, our desperation, and our limits. All things become bearable and light under the assurance of seeing Jesus, embracing him, and gazing on his beauty! We will be made into a pure and spotless bride. There is nothing more for us but to marvel at him. Glorify him. Believe him. Love him. Thank him.
The sin and sadness of life can make it seem like an endless night, where we are continually waiting for the dawn of Christ's return. In the darkest of nights, it doesn't always help to know that he will return someday, because this particular day may be a day full of despair.
To you, his beloved son or daughter, he gives comfort. Don't lose heart. He is coming for you! It can be hard, because he seems to be taking a long time, but he is preparing a place for you. You are not forgotten in this long night; your pain is familiar to him. Keep your eyes fixed on him! Soon you will hear his voice! He is also longing for that moment.
We live for the promise of his return. This promise overcomes our pain, our longing, our desperation, and our limits. All things become bearable and light under the assurance of seeing Jesus, embracing him, and gazing on his beauty! We will be made into a pure and spotless bride. There is nothing more for us but to marvel at him. Glorify him. Believe him. Love him. Thank him.
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
He Makes All Things Beautiful
Ecclesiastes 3:11 / New International Version: "He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end"
We have probably all heard an older gentleman declare that his wife is more beautiful now than the day they married. And we likely thought, He needs glasses. What we fail to recognize in our outward focused, airbrushed society, is that time really does make things beautiful. More accurately, time gives us better perspective on the true definition of beauty. Spending time with those we love affords us a glimpse into the depth of beauty that lies within. so while the external beauty may be fading, there is a wealth of beauty inside - that's what that older gentleman is referring to.
God's Word says that he makes all things beautiful in his time. All things. Whatever situation you are facing right now, it has the potential to create beauty in you. Perseverance, humility, grace, obedience - there are beautiful. But there's more. The beauty God creates in us cannot be fully described in human terms! There is eternal beauty to be found.
We have probably all heard an older gentleman declare that his wife is more beautiful now than the day they married. And we likely thought, He needs glasses. What we fail to recognize in our outward focused, airbrushed society, is that time really does make things beautiful. More accurately, time gives us better perspective on the true definition of beauty. Spending time with those we love affords us a glimpse into the depth of beauty that lies within. so while the external beauty may be fading, there is a wealth of beauty inside - that's what that older gentleman is referring to.
God's Word says that he makes all things beautiful in his time. All things. Whatever situation you are facing right now, it has the potential to create beauty in you. Perseverance, humility, grace, obedience - there are beautiful. But there's more. The beauty God creates in us cannot be fully described in human terms! There is eternal beauty to be found.
Monday, March 28, 2016
He Encourages Me
Psalm 69:32 / New Living Translation:
"The humble will see their God at work and be glad. Let all who seek God's help be encouraged"
"Come on!" "You can do it!" "You are almost there!" Strings of praise and faces filled with expectant wonder look on. If you were standing outside the door, you would think someone was about to accomplish something extremely difficult. You might rush into the room to examine for yourself what momentous occasion was taking place. And you would perhaps be perplexed at the scene in front of you. The adults in the room are crouched down on the floor looking intently at ... an infant rocking back and forth on hands and knees. It's an amusing picture, but one we can learn from:
Obstacles in life come our way, and sometimes we feel like we have to figure them out all on our own. We rock forward in faith and then back as doubt creeps in. Forward again as emotions propel us, and back once more as they overwhelm. What we fail to recognize is that our Father delights in seeing us make that first move forward. He looks on in excitement as we lift an arm and then a leg. Ever encouraging, our God beckons us: Come to me. You can make it. You are almost there.
"The humble will see their God at work and be glad. Let all who seek God's help be encouraged"
"Come on!" "You can do it!" "You are almost there!" Strings of praise and faces filled with expectant wonder look on. If you were standing outside the door, you would think someone was about to accomplish something extremely difficult. You might rush into the room to examine for yourself what momentous occasion was taking place. And you would perhaps be perplexed at the scene in front of you. The adults in the room are crouched down on the floor looking intently at ... an infant rocking back and forth on hands and knees. It's an amusing picture, but one we can learn from:
Obstacles in life come our way, and sometimes we feel like we have to figure them out all on our own. We rock forward in faith and then back as doubt creeps in. Forward again as emotions propel us, and back once more as they overwhelm. What we fail to recognize is that our Father delights in seeing us make that first move forward. He looks on in excitement as we lift an arm and then a leg. Ever encouraging, our God beckons us: Come to me. You can make it. You are almost there.
Sunday, March 27, 2016
He Is Devoted To Me
Psalm 89:1-2 / New International Version
"I will sing of the LORD's great love forever;
with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known
through all generations.
I will declare that your love stands firm forever,
that you have established your faithfulness in heaven itself.
God is his great power and faithfulness never fails us, never gives up on us, and will never leave us alone, out on a limb, to fend for ourselves. His love for us remains - regardless of our circumstances or our weaknesses - strong and immovable. His devotion to his children exceeds that of all parents, whose love for their children seems unmatched, but is only human. Not only does God match our love, he surpasses it. He is without limits, and nothing can ever change God's devotion.
The truth is overwhelmingly satisfying; when such devotion has been proven, what else could attract our gaze? Where else could our eyes find such beauty and purity as they do upon the face of Jesus? In awe, we recognize that his gaze is fixed right back at us, seeing us as a lovely and worthy prize. We can neither deserve this gaze nor escape. We are flawed, but he is unwavering in his love for us.
"I will sing of the LORD's great love forever;
with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known
through all generations.
I will declare that your love stands firm forever,
that you have established your faithfulness in heaven itself.
God is his great power and faithfulness never fails us, never gives up on us, and will never leave us alone, out on a limb, to fend for ourselves. His love for us remains - regardless of our circumstances or our weaknesses - strong and immovable. His devotion to his children exceeds that of all parents, whose love for their children seems unmatched, but is only human. Not only does God match our love, he surpasses it. He is without limits, and nothing can ever change God's devotion.
The truth is overwhelmingly satisfying; when such devotion has been proven, what else could attract our gaze? Where else could our eyes find such beauty and purity as they do upon the face of Jesus? In awe, we recognize that his gaze is fixed right back at us, seeing us as a lovely and worthy prize. We can neither deserve this gaze nor escape. We are flawed, but he is unwavering in his love for us.
Saturday, March 26, 2016
He Is My Deliverer
Psalm 40:1-3 - New International Version
"I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud, and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in him"
God loves us with a sacrificial love that escapes our human understanding, overwhelms our human selfishness, and humbles our human pride. Through the sacrifice of his only Son, Jesus Christ, mankind is delivered from the fate of eternal separation from God.
When we are separated, bowed low and desperate, he hears our cry. When we are forgotten and despairing, he comforts our loneliness. And when, because of our own sin, we are wicked and depraved, he cleanses us of our offensiveness and makes us suitable for glory.
God has done the impossible task of making us into something worthy of his name; he takes us from instability to security, gives us a song of praise, and makes our conversion a testimony for all creation to see. Our deliverance is an opportunity for many more to hear of his love and trust him to deliver them as well.
"I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud, and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in him"
God loves us with a sacrificial love that escapes our human understanding, overwhelms our human selfishness, and humbles our human pride. Through the sacrifice of his only Son, Jesus Christ, mankind is delivered from the fate of eternal separation from God.
When we are separated, bowed low and desperate, he hears our cry. When we are forgotten and despairing, he comforts our loneliness. And when, because of our own sin, we are wicked and depraved, he cleanses us of our offensiveness and makes us suitable for glory.
God has done the impossible task of making us into something worthy of his name; he takes us from instability to security, gives us a song of praise, and makes our conversion a testimony for all creation to see. Our deliverance is an opportunity for many more to hear of his love and trust him to deliver them as well.
Friday, March 25, 2016
He Is Compassionate
Psalm 103:8 / New American Standard Bible - "The LORD is compassionate and gracious. Slow to anger and abounding in loving kindness"
Consider the Israelites wandering in the desert: God had rescued them out of bondage and goes before them in a pillar of fire, providing for their every need and protecting them. What do they offer to him? Complaints.
Listen to the psalms of David - the man after God's own heart - as he lays his burdens at the feet of God, praising his majesty and might. But what does David do when he wants what he cannot have? Steals, murders and lies.
Paul, who gave his life to preach the gospel he loved to people near and far, shares the astounding gift of God's grace to Jews and Gentiles alike. But who was he before his conversion? A hateful, persecuting murderer of Christians.
God loves his children regardless of their sin, their past and their failings. This love is poured out on us with consideration and patience. We aren't dealt as we deserve, rather, according to his great love for us. Can we say the same about how we treat those around us? Are we compassionate, slow to anger, and full of love? Or are we offended, impatient and aggravated?
Consider the Israelites wandering in the desert: God had rescued them out of bondage and goes before them in a pillar of fire, providing for their every need and protecting them. What do they offer to him? Complaints.
Listen to the psalms of David - the man after God's own heart - as he lays his burdens at the feet of God, praising his majesty and might. But what does David do when he wants what he cannot have? Steals, murders and lies.
Paul, who gave his life to preach the gospel he loved to people near and far, shares the astounding gift of God's grace to Jews and Gentiles alike. But who was he before his conversion? A hateful, persecuting murderer of Christians.
God loves his children regardless of their sin, their past and their failings. This love is poured out on us with consideration and patience. We aren't dealt as we deserve, rather, according to his great love for us. Can we say the same about how we treat those around us? Are we compassionate, slow to anger, and full of love? Or are we offended, impatient and aggravated?
Thursday, March 24, 2016
He Is My Comfort
Isaiah 61:3 / The Living Bible - "To all who mourn ... he will give: beauty for ashes; joy instead of mourning; praise instead of heaviness. For God has planted them like strong and graceful oaks for his own glory"
How many thoughts does the human brain conceive in an hour? In a day? In a lifetime? How many of those thoughts are about God: who he is and what he has done for his children? Imagine your own thoughts about life - grocery lists, dentist appointments, song lyrics, school, children's daycare, lost keys - and your thoughts about God - his majesty, holiness, comfort, creativity - weighed against each other on a scale. Likely, it would tip in favor of the many details of human existence.
These temporary details overshadow the one comfort and promise we can rely on: the gospel of Jesus' birth, death, resurrection, and ascension for our eternal salvation. Wipe every utter thought away and we are left with this truth. For those burdened by their sin it is of great comfort! Jesus came to give us new life!
You are not a weak sapling, limited by inadequate light and meager nourishment. You are a strong and graceful oak, soaring and resilient for the glory of God. Ashes and mourning and heavy burdens are relieved. The scales tip to this one weighty thought: you are his.
How many thoughts does the human brain conceive in an hour? In a day? In a lifetime? How many of those thoughts are about God: who he is and what he has done for his children? Imagine your own thoughts about life - grocery lists, dentist appointments, song lyrics, school, children's daycare, lost keys - and your thoughts about God - his majesty, holiness, comfort, creativity - weighed against each other on a scale. Likely, it would tip in favor of the many details of human existence.
These temporary details overshadow the one comfort and promise we can rely on: the gospel of Jesus' birth, death, resurrection, and ascension for our eternal salvation. Wipe every utter thought away and we are left with this truth. For those burdened by their sin it is of great comfort! Jesus came to give us new life!
You are not a weak sapling, limited by inadequate light and meager nourishment. You are a strong and graceful oak, soaring and resilient for the glory of God. Ashes and mourning and heavy burdens are relieved. The scales tip to this one weighty thought: you are his.
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
He Gives Me Boldness
Hebrews 4:16 - New Living Translation - "So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most"
Imagine walking into Buckingham Palace, unnoticed and unrestricted, without knocking or announcing yourself, and pulling up a chair alongside Her Majesty, the Queen of England. "I've had such a long day. Nothing has gone right, and now my car is making the strangest noise. Could you help me out?"
Such an image is almost absurd! There is a protocol to seeing royalty - many rules to follow, not to mention the armed guards protecting every side. But there is a royal throne we can approach without fear or proper etiquette. It is without guards, payments, locks, and restrictions. Its occupant is the God of all creation, and he is eager to hear about your day's ups and downs.
Imagine walking into Buckingham Palace, unnoticed and unrestricted, without knocking or announcing yourself, and pulling up a chair alongside Her Majesty, the Queen of England. "I've had such a long day. Nothing has gone right, and now my car is making the strangest noise. Could you help me out?"
Such an image is almost absurd! There is a protocol to seeing royalty - many rules to follow, not to mention the armed guards protecting every side. But there is a royal throne we can approach without fear or proper etiquette. It is without guards, payments, locks, and restrictions. Its occupant is the God of all creation, and he is eager to hear about your day's ups and downs.
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
He Is My Assurance
Job 19:25-27 / New International Version - "I know my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. 26-And after my skin has been destroyed; yet in my flesh I will see God; 27-I myself will see him with my own eyes - I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me"!
In a matter of days, everything was destroyed. First his 11,000 livestock and servants were stolen, burned or killed. Then his ten children were all killed at once. To make matters worse, this unfortunate man's skin was plagued with painful sores, which he scraped off with a piece of broken pottery.
How could anyone endure such tragedy? To be fair, Job mourns, and laments, and weeps. He is confused, hopeless, and weak. On top of feeling cursed and desperate, he is taunted by his friends and wife: Give up on God; he has given up on you! Stop waiting on God to redeem you; he has obviously forgotten you! But Job refuses to curse God, as God knew he would, and despite the tragedies he endured. Job is assured that God will not fail when it matters most.
Job's faith has been weakened by the test, but he clutches desperately to the one promise that can sustain him: no matter what happens to Job in his earth-bound life, nothing can take away the joy he will share with God in his eternal life.
In a matter of days, everything was destroyed. First his 11,000 livestock and servants were stolen, burned or killed. Then his ten children were all killed at once. To make matters worse, this unfortunate man's skin was plagued with painful sores, which he scraped off with a piece of broken pottery.
How could anyone endure such tragedy? To be fair, Job mourns, and laments, and weeps. He is confused, hopeless, and weak. On top of feeling cursed and desperate, he is taunted by his friends and wife: Give up on God; he has given up on you! Stop waiting on God to redeem you; he has obviously forgotten you! But Job refuses to curse God, as God knew he would, and despite the tragedies he endured. Job is assured that God will not fail when it matters most.
Job's faith has been weakened by the test, but he clutches desperately to the one promise that can sustain him: no matter what happens to Job in his earth-bound life, nothing can take away the joy he will share with God in his eternal life.
Monday, March 21, 2016
He Is My Father
Galatians 4:4-5 / New International Version today - "There is one body and one Spirit - just as you were called to one hope when you were called one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all"
Once upon a time, a courtyard in a faraway land overflowed with lost children. They were all very dirty, dressed in thread-bare garments, and deeply hungry. Some children had gaping wounds, others bruised or limping. A man walked among them, gently tending to their needs.
Once upon a time, a courtyard in a faraway land overflowed with lost children. They were all very dirty, dressed in thread-bare garments, and deeply hungry. Some children had gaping wounds, others bruised or limping. A man walked among them, gently tending to their needs.
Next to the courtyard was a majestic castle with bright flags and high winding turrets. The doors of the castle were wide open, and inside was a banquet with delicious food, warm fires, and robes of velvet. A king sat inside, surrounded by his children who were clean, fed and smiling. He looked out over the courtyard with longing.
Two children approached the doorway, smelling the food and feeling the warmth from the castle. The man in the courtyard took their hands and asked if they would like to join the king and his children. One leaped for joy, and, not waiting another second, ran into the castle. The other held back, looked down at her filthy rags, and shook her head. She wandered back amongst the other children.
Are you wandering in the courtyard? Why do you believe that your sins make you unworthy of God's banquet? You have been bought at a high price and are adopted into the family of God. He is your Father, and he offers the only cleansing redemption you need!
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