Friday, January 30, 2015

Treasures Of The Heart

     What do you treasure most in life? What occupies your thoughts and dreams, your time and energy? Is God an unopened treasure? Maybe you want a relationship with Him, but haven’t figured out where to start. The relationship begins with the heart.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.  Matthew 6:21

     Studying God’s Word is life-changing. You will find knowledge and truth and wisdom for life. Dig into the Word and discover the hidden treasures of God. Those treasures will fill your heart. Solomon was considered the wisest man who ever lived. Listen to these words of instruction for his son.

My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding-indeed if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, than you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.  Proverbs 1-5

     Look into the Word of god as one searching for silver and gold. It is worth more than the riches of earth. Your heart will be filled with the treasures of heaven.

Jesus,
Thank You for Your Words that give us understanding, wisdom and love. Out of our hearts flow the treasures of life. Please let our greatest treasure be You.
Amen


Thursday, January 29, 2015

Seek The Kingdom

     Yesterday we fixed our eyes on things above. Did you notice when we fix our eyes and hearts on the things of the Spirit we take the focus off of ourselves? It’s not easy. We worry about what we will eat, what we will wear, the deadline, the doctor, the bills, our age. The list goes on-going and never-ending. Jesus asks us to focus our attention on the things of the kingdom

So do not worry saying “what shall we eat?” or “what shall we drink?” or “what shall we wear?” For the pagans run after all these things and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.  Matthew 6: 31-33

     Seeking God’s kingdom and His righteousness, placed first in our lives, will bring purpose and peace. Try it. Seek it. Focus on Jesus. Let your life point to Him. He brought peace and joy and hope to the lonely, to the sick, to the prisoners, to the adulterer, to the tax collector, to you and to me. He loves and transforms and turns us continually back to gaze at Him. Give Him the worries of today and tomorrow lived in the flesh and move in the Spirit. Relax in Him. He’s got this. He’s got you.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”  Matthew 11:28-30

Jesus,
We come to You with our burdens, our worries, our self focused minds. You take the burdens and the worry and carry them for us. We seek Your righteousness and honor You today.
Amen


Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Life and Death

     Life in the flesh is death and life in the spirit is life. Our senses tell us just the opposite. If we only live by what we see, we might believe this life is it. But God placed eternity in our hearts. (Ecclesiastes 11). The spiritual realm is as real as our flesh. Our temporary shells will waste away, but our spirits will live forever and our heavenly bodies will not decay.

Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires, but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.  Romans 8:5-6

     The New Testament reminds us over and over again to set our minds on things above. Thinking about the things of the Spirit brings life and peace. I desire that, don’t you? I know I have shared the following verses. Put your minds on the things of God today. Give your spirit the attention it deserves, for these are the things that last.

Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary and what is unseen is eternal.  2 Corinthians 4:16-18

     Are your eyes fixed on the temporary or the eternal? Set your hearts and minds on things above; the eternal glory that will last. Fix your heart on Jesus.

Dear Lord,
Remind us that what we see is temporary. Your love lasts forever. Renew our minds on Your Word and our hearts on loving You. The temporary is death and the Spirit is life. We set our minds on You.

Amen   

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Sons and Daughters

     There is always hope as we look forward to eternity. We need not dread getting older! Each day brings us closer to our heavenly hope. We will only shine brighter as our Spirit draws closer to home. In the meantime you are children of the Most High God.

For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship (daughtership!) And by Him we cry, “Abba Father.” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Romans 8:14-16

     These Words of love are from your Father. The word, “Abba” is most closely interpreted as “daddy.” Such an intimate relationship with God. We are daughters and sons, adopted and chosen, loved without measure. I pray as the Words above state, that your spirit testifies with the Holy Spirit today that you are a child of God.

     And we cry, “Abba!” throughout the day, when we need a kind Word, or a soft shoulder, or a place to weep, a joy to share, an anxiety to quiet, some needed advice, the warmth of the Son. He is available anytime, anywhere, every second of every day. Go to your heavenly daddy and seek Him right now.

Jesus,
You want an intimate relationship with each one of us. The word “daddy” is a precious one to us. We come to You as Your children, adopted and wanted, We are precious in Your sight. Jesus loves the children of the world.

Amen

Monday, January 26, 2015

One Day

     The magnitude and magnificence of God is displayed in His creation. Our minds find it impossible to wrap around the enormity of the universe and the millions of stars that dot the sky for us at night. The sun, in its warmth and brightness, is strung at just the right distance from the earth. A bit closer and we would combust, a bit farther away and we would freeze. We can’t deny perfect design in action.

     The earth and all that is in it was created for us and when we fell, the creation fell with us. Just as we wait and yearn for so much more, creation is groaning along with us.

We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to this present time. Romans 8:22

    One day, because of Christ, we will live forever in perfect harmony with creation in a new heaven and a new earth.

That the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.  Romans 8:21

     Isaiah saw this perfected earth through the Spirit of God. We can only imagine:

The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat; the calf and the lion and the yearling together, and a little child will lead them. The cow will feed with the bear; their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. The infant will play near the cobra’s den and the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest.  Isaiah 11:6-8

     One day. No more violence. No more predators even in the animal kingdom. We will live forever, with perfect harmony, filled with joy and peace and glory. The glory of the Son will surround us. Wait expectantly, patiently, purposefully, lovingly. Come Lord Jesus.

Father,
We appreciate all of creation today and wait for the day when all will live in harmony, with no more decay or despair or fear and trepidation. We thank you for Your Word that fills us with hope.
In Jesus name

Amen

Friday, January 23, 2015

Perfect Love

     Christians can be perceived as judgmental, the moral authority, asking for good behavior while pointing out the bad. If that is true, we have it backwards. Our job is to point to Jesus. Our lives should be different because of His love for us. Jesus meets us right where we are and tells us He has loved us with an everlasting love.

But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.  Romans 5:8

     When we accept the Gospel and ask Him into our lives, the change begins. Miraculously, we have a hunger and a thirst for the things of God. The Scripture is opened up to us in a new way and the Holy Spirit begins to lead us and change us and teach us in ways we could not imagine on our own.

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:26

     Relax into the Spirit. Receive His love and listen for His voice. It is not a demanding voice or a condemning voice. It is filled with loving kindness, slow to anger and covered with an abiding and everlasting love. We don’t deserve it. None of us, but He gave it to us willingly, sacrificially, asking for nothing in return. Except to believe.

     The human language finds it hard to decipher and translate unconditional love. We want to get back what we give. Even-steven. But not God. He gave us the kingdom. It belongs to us for the asking. And the power of heaven and earth will be given to us through Him. It’s Jesus.

Hallelujah and Amen! 

Thursday, January 22, 2015

The Good News

     Did you know that before we can accept Jesus we have to hear the Word? If you believe, you have heard the Gospel.

Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message and the message is heard through the Word about Christ.  Romans 10:17

     I want to share two important segments of Scripture today. If you love Jesus, and have never shared the Gospel, these verses will give you guidance when the time is right! Spread the good news. When someone asks, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?”

Confess with your mouth and believe in your heart that Jesus is Lord and you will be saved.  Romans 10:10

By this Gospel you are saved if you hold firmly to the Word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day, according to the Scriptures. ! Corinthians 15:2-4

     The good news? Jesus, the Word come to life to dwell with us (John 1) born of a virgin, died for our sins and rose again. Believe this Word, confess with your mouth and believe in your heart, “Jesus is Lord!” and you will be saved. I’ll say that’s good news. Let’s make it contagious with our joy and love.

Dear Lord,
How can we keep from sharing this incredible news? The lost world needs You now more than ever. Give us boldness to be the messengers of the Good News
It is Jesus.

Amen

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Today Is The Day!

     Today is the day. This is it. The moment you believe in God’s unconditional love for you. Believe! Jesus died for you! Believe in Him as Savior and ask His forgiveness. And guilt? Let it go, as far as the East is from the West.

As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.  Psalm 103:12

     You are no longer condemned. You are free!

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:2

     God’s grace overcame the law. There is no work you can do to pave the way to heaven. Jesus is the way.

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.  John 14:6

     It’s time. Take it in. He died for you. He rose again. The work is done. You are His forever and ever. Just believe.

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Father,
Let Your Words pour into our hearts today. Forgiven. No longer condemned. You are the way, the truth and the life. All because You love us so. We believe! Today is the day and we are Yours forever, because You gave Your one and only Son.
And in His name we pray.

Amen

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Living Water

     When Jesus comes to us it is never with condemnation, but with grace. His harshest Words were for the religious leaders of His day, the rule-followers and judgment-callers, the ones pointing out faults and puffing themselves up with their fancy prayers and knowledge of God.

     Jesus went to the least of the people. His encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well is a beautiful example of His love. She comes to the well at the heat of day, long after the other women have come and gone. Hearing her story (see John 4) we realize she was probably ostracized because of her five marriages and the fact that she now lives with another man.

     Jesus offers words of encouragement even before she understands the truth of who He is. He tells her she speaks truth and then He explains His offer.

 Jesus answered her. “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked Him and He would have given you living water.” “Sir,” the women said, “You have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can You get this living water?” “Whoever believes in Me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” John 4:10-12


     Maybe the secret to filling continually with that living water is truth and humility. Our need for Jesus will never go away. Everything else we fill ourselves with will not satisfy. No amount of fun, or food or fellowship compares to our time with our Savior. Let’s humble ourselves before Him and allow Him to flow through us with the living water that will never run dry.

Jesus,
We come thirsty and all you ask from us is to believe. Fill us with the unending stream of the living water of life. That abundant life will follow us into eternity. Turn our lives away from the sin that entangles into the Spirit-filled life that gives us purpose and love.

Amen

Monday, January 19, 2015

The Holy Spirit and Me

Comparing our lives to others comes naturally. The Jones family has a bigger house. The girl next door drives a more expensive car. We wish we were skinnier, funnier, taller. The list goes on. I pray this week we will begin to believe that we are one-of-a-kind, made just the way God intended.

     Even in the church we tend to compare. If you have the gift of music, you may wish you could sing rather than play the piano. If you teach, you may wish you had a larger audience, not your small group. You get the idea. God does not look at numbers or audiences or as if one gift were better than another. He doesn’t look at credentials or academics or the size of our house.

     God looks at the heart. You may be making a difference in your family, or one-on-one in a quiet ministry. You may be just beginning to know Jesus, excited and nervous about what it all means. Today, just accept His love. The Holy Spirit will teach you what is next. He will move you as He sees fit. The measure of faith, and what He wants us to do? It’s all up to Him.

All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and He distributes them to each one, just as He determines.  1 Corinthians 12:11

Jesus,
Take away our divisions and competitive natures. Let us see each other as beloved children of God, brothers and sisters meant to work together in unity. We can only do that when we accept and believe we are loved, just the way we are and allow You to show us what is next.

Amen

Friday, January 16, 2015

When We Are Content

     What brings you contentment? What needs have to be met to be content? Does money help? Do the people around you need to live up to your expectations? How about interruptions? Do they cause a disturbance in your mood? Do you react to the actions of everyone and everything around you as if they need to accommodate you?

     Can we use the Holy Spirit’s help to stay content throughout the day? It’s not easy is it? A stressful day gets us out of sorts. A disagreement over the simplest of things hits us right in the stomach.   A sleepless night or two leaves us grouchy and sensitive. Peace and contentment are promised by God. Turn to Him in thought and prayer when you feel the seeds of discontentment about to plant themselves within your heart.

But godliness with contentment is great gain.  1 Timothy 6:6

     The Apostle Paul was shipwrecked, beaten, put in jail and arrested. His words in jail? “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again. Rejoice!” Philippians 4:4. Is it any wonder the jailer accepted Christ? When we stay joy-filled and peaceful (with the help of God) it becomes contagious. Rely on Jesus. He can help. We’ll never get it just right, but He can transform us, day by day. And, like Paul, we can allow Jesus to meet our needs.

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  Philippians 4:11

Dear Father,
Contentment is hard to find in these crazy days we live in, but with You all things are possible. Give us peace and contentment within our hearts and souls, no matter the circumstances. And we can rejoice in You always.
In Jesus name,
Amen


Thursday, January 15, 2015

When We Are Filled With Joy

     We do face seasons of sadness. We face the unknown and, thankfully, we experience seasons of great joy; holding a new-born baby, facing the love of our lives on our wedding day, finding a cure, or experiencing a miracle, or something as simple as a walk in the park. I pray your life will have many joy-filled seasons.

For His anger lasts only a moment, but His favor lasts a lifetime. Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5

     As believers, we are to live with each other through it all, just as Jesus lives through it all with us.

Rejoice with those who rejoice. Mourn with those who mourn.  Romans 12:15

     I pray that each of you will have times of great joy this year. And when you do I rejoice with you. May joy come to you in the morning and cause you to dance!

You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy.  Psalm 30:11

Jesus,
Thank you for the moments of joy that fill our hearts. Bless us with those moments this year and remind us to stop, cherish and hold them close when they come to us.
Amen


Wednesday, January 14, 2015

When We Are Sad

     King David wears his heart on his sleeve. We see him falling in love and committing great sin because of it. He cries out for forgiveness. Another time, with his enemies surrounding him, we understand his great fear. And, like us, there were days he did not understand his deep anguish and sadness.

Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so distraught within me? Psalm 42:5a

    Through it all, his faith in God remains. In fact the Bible calls him, “a man after God’s own heart.” We can learn from this man after God's own heart. He is not shy about pouring his heart out to God. Throughout the Psalms he moves through his life seeking God, praising God and loving God. In the second half of the verse above, even with his downcast soul, he continues:

Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 42:5b

    If great sadness surrounds you today, cry out to God. And yearn for his presence. Read these beautiful words that begin this Psalm.

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? Psalm 42:1-2

Jesus,
We yearn for the living water of Your grace. Even through the times our souls are downcast within us, You will be there. Hear our cries for help today. Hear our voices filled with sadness. You hear us and we praise You, our Lord.

Amen 

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

When We Are Scared

     Joshua took the place of Moses as the Israelites finally made their way into the promised land after 40 years in the wilderness. Those wilderness experiences in our own lives can leave us feeling lost, confused and filled with fear.

     Taking a step into the unknown future can be frightening. There are obstacles in the way and we can’t see our way around, over or through them. And we stop and ask, “Why me Lord?” or “Why them Lord?” or “How can we get through this Lord?”  The key word in all of those questions is, “Lord.” Keep Him involved in your questioning. Allow Him into your deepest fears. Ask Him to help.

    And somehow we find the courage to take another small step into the future. The path may change. The people we counted on may vanish. The outcome may still be unknown. But we choose to move. And Jesus? There He is within us with comfort, surrounding us with protection, above us with heavenly power. And our Father in heaven speaks to us just as He did to Joshua all of those years ago.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

Lord our God,
You are with us wherever we go. Take away our fear and discouragement as we make the difficult decisions in life. Guide our thoughts to dwell and focus on You through it all.
In Jesus name,
Amen


Monday, January 12, 2015

When We Don't Understand

     The disciples of Jesus were Jewish men awaiting their Messiah. Their expectations for Jesus were for Him to rule and reign on earth. Jesus told them on more than one occasion what was to occur. Here is an example. This conversation takes place as they are journeying to Jerusalem for Passover, shortly before the death of Jesus. The disciples had been with him for nearly three years.

Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, “We are going to Jerusalem and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. He will be delivered over to the Gentiles. They will mock Him, insult Him and spit on Him. They will flog Him and kill Him. On the third day He will rise again.”  Luke 31-33

   Pretty clear, right? From this side of the cross it all makes sense. Did they listen and ask what it all meant? Here is their response.

The disciples did not understand any of this. Its meaning was hidden from them and they did not know what He was talking about.  Luke 18:45

     Not only did they not understand. Did you catch it? The meaning was hidden from them. Wow! Even the disciples would not understand God’s plan until after the resurrection. In fact all of the disciples scattered as Jesus was brought to the cross. All but one. John.

     Sometimes we want to run away when we don’t understand. We tune out. We try to escape from what is before us. God seems so far away. Has He deserted us? We thought He was the One. Isn’t He the One to watch over us and take care of us?

     God does watch over us. He understands and He offers hope. Can we listen and trust when we don’t understand? Will we run from His presence rather than wait patiently under His protective wings?

     Let’s bring it all to the foot of the cross where He took on all of what you are going through right now, right this minute. He rose again. And so will you.

Dear Jesus,
The stories in Your Word give us hope. Even those You were closest to on the earth ran from You. Don’t let us go when things get tough and we don’t have all of the answers. You do and we trust You.

Amen

Friday, January 9, 2015

Endings and Beginnings

     When we come to the end of ourselves and admit our need for a Savior, we may not see fireworks or feel a rush of emotion. But in that very moment, something so monumental happens that it is impossible to put into words. At that very born-again moment, when you ask Jesus to be your Savior, you are sealed and marked forever. Not only will heaven be ours one day; we have access to all of the gifts of the kingdom of God right now!

     Even though you don’t feel like a new person, that is exactly what you are! Read this verse with me:

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is come! 2 Corinthians 5:17

     The Spirit of Christ resides within you! If you have known Jesus for years, take a step back in time and think about the ways you have changed. Is there a softening in your attitude? Are you more compassionate? A bit more patient? Do you feel the pain of others in a new way? Are you convicted after saying a harsh word a bit more quickly? Do you seek and offer forgiveness?

     Jesus is working, even when we don’t notice. He never gives up. What is His goal? To change us more and more into His image. I can go for that! Don’t let your human nature fool you. Believe these words and trust in His work.

And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.  2 Corinthians 3:18

Jesus,
Keep transforming our lives into the new creation You see for us. Your glory will increase as our days move ever-closer to seeing you face-to-face.
Amen


Thursday, January 8, 2015

Endings and Beginnings

     The end of Jesus’ earthly life marked the beginning of our resurrected lives. Jesus, the only perfect human ever to walk the earth became the sacred, perfect lamb. His humility, torture and pain took the world’s sin, all of it, and brought an end to it. Jesus spoke this truth before He gave up His Spirit.

When He had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, He bowed His head and gave up His Spirit.  John 19:30

     Those three words, “It is finished,” represent our redeemed lives. Our sins are forgiven, once and for all, past, present and future, the minute we accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Remember that when you are discouraged, when you lose your confidence, when the world spins out of control. You are the redeemed child of the most high, sons and daughters of the King, loved and treasured, marked for heaven.

     The finished work of the cross brings us resurrected lives. Jesus rose again and so will we. His second coming will not be filled with His humiliation and destruction. It will reveal His full glory and majesty.

Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father, Philippians 2:9-11

Dear Father,
One day the whole earth will view the glory of Your Son. We pray for those that do not yet know Him, to acknowledge He is Lord of all. One day every eye will see and every knee will bow. And at our death, life will begin.

In Jesus name,
Amen

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Endings and Beginnings

     The newness of hope is calling your name. Do you feel it? The tingle of finding what matters in life. Yes, a new beginning filled with hope. Is there purpose for us? Is there a legacy? The image of God is within us. We were all made in His image, but our brokenness in sin separates us. It leads us to look in all the wrong places, to fill ourselves with all of the wrong things.

     I grew up with the baby-boomers in the heart of the city of Minneapolis. My high school class graduated over 600 people. Many from our class have died; several of them from the repercussions of alcoholism. What is it about removing ourselves from reality that makes us feel better? We look for relief and release and escape with the things that destroy.

So I say, walk by the Spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. Galatians 5:16

     What would this year of new beginnings look like if we read the Word of God a few more minutes a day? What if we looked away from our phones more often and appreciated the wonder of creation and worshiped more? If we spend more time on our knees in prayer and listened to God? When Jesus touches our lives, He turns us and transforms us into His people on the earth. Be filled with the Spirit this year!

For the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.  Galatians 5:22

Jesus,
Keep us mindful of the Holy Spirit within us as we worship You, give glory to You with our lives and look for ways to be Your hands, feet, eyes and ears to those around us. May the Holy Spirit become stronger in us each day.
Amen


Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Endings and Beginnings

Both endings and beginnings enter our lives throughout the years, sometimes almost simultaneously. Last week we said our earthly goodbyes to my Uncle Hal. He was 91 and lived a good and healthy life. Both of our daughters recently bought their first homes. Their young lives will be filled with new beginnings this year.

     When we follow our emotions, life becomes a dizzy roller-coaster ride. In any given day, we can be brought to tears of laughter and fall on the floor in deep grief. We need an anchor, a steadfast foundation that cannot be shaken no matter what life brings, from the beginning to the end.

This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil.  Hebrews 6:19

     We have access to the throne of God through Jesus. He anchors our souls and gives us a steady place to land no matter where our emotions take us. Give your feelings to Him today. He will steady your wandering heart with His love and never-ending presence.

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.  Hebrews 4:16

Father,
Because of Jesus, we come with confidence to Your throne. We have an anchor through the uncertainties of life. Keep us steadfast with our anchor of hope. His name is Jesus. And in His name we pray.
Amen


Monday, January 5, 2015

Endings and Beginnings

     Another year has come to an end. Endings bring both a sense of closure and the hope of a new beginning. The end of a good book finds us clamoring for another. The end of cancer treatment gives us the anticipation of a renewed life. The end of one year gives us time to reflect on the one past and move with determination into the one ahead.

     What will this year bring for you? Are you peeking at it with one eye closed in dread? Are both eyes wide open with dream-filled hope? Are you impatient to get it over with or dragging your feet at what you have to accomplish? Are their shattered dreams lying in pieces around you? Is there a sense of satisfaction at a dream realized? Wherever you are right now, this very minute, I pray you will ask Jesus to set you on the path He determined for you long ago.

For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of the Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. Romans 8:29

     Allow Jesus to guide your steps this year. Relaxing into the freedom the Holy Spirit brings, gives us renewed strength. He can rebuild dreams, bring hope where there appears to be none, take an ending and give it a new beginning. He will do it.

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.  Isaiah 43:19

Father,
Take our hand and refresh us when we are thirsty. Guide our footsteps with determined strength when we are lost in the wilderness. And bring us closer to Your Son as He changes our hearts and minds to follow and reflect Him.
In Jesus name,

Amen