Wednesday's Wisdom

"For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him."

Psalm 103:11-13

 

This passage contains great news for sinners like you and me. When we obey God's word and are baptized, God removes our sins as far away from us as the east is from the west. He has compassion on us. He understands that we mess up, and He forgives us. His unfailing love for us is so huge that we can't even comprehend it.

 

I can think of no better news for a lost and dying world. Embrace this encouragement and share it with others today.

 

-J

Friday's Focus-God's Creation

Today, let's get outside and enjoy the beauty of God's creation. You can see His artistry in the painting of colors at sunset and sunrise. You can see His attention to detail in the spider's web and the veins of plants. You can see His power in the deepest canyon that was carved by the smallest river. You can see His gentleness in the tender care of a mother cow with her calf. All the things in nature tell us about our Creator and how much He cares for us.

Go see Him in the sunshine, in the rain, in the trees and in the flowers today. Praise Him for His wisdom, His power and His love.

Psalm 148 (NKJV)

 

"Praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord from the heavens;

Praise Him in the heights!

Praise Him, all His angels,

Praise Him, all His hosts!

Praise Him, sun and moon;

Praise Him, all you stars of light!

Praise Him, you heavens of heaven, and you waters above the heavens!

Let them praise the name of the Lord, For He commanded and they were created. He also established them forever and ever;

He made a decree which shall not pass away.

Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all the depths:

Fire and hail, snow and clouds: Stormy winds, fulfilling His word:

Mountains and all hills;

Fruitful trees and cedars;

Beasts and all cattle;

Creeping things and flying fowl;

Kings of the earth and all you people;

Princes and all judges of the earth;

Both young men and maidens;

old men and children.

Let them praise the name of the Lord,

For His name alone is exalted;

His glory is above the earth and heaven.

And He has exalted the horn of His people,

the praise of all His saints-of the children of Isreal,

a people near to Him,

Praise the Lord!"

 

Thursday's Thoughts

A lthough things are not perfect

B ecause of trial of pain

C ontinue in thanksgiving

D o not begin to blame

E ven when the times are hard

F ierce winds are bound to blow

G od is forever able

H old on to what you know

I magine life without His love

J oy would cease to be

K eep thanking Him for all the things

L ove imparts to thee

M ove out of “Camp Complaining”

N o weapon that is known

O n earth can yield the power

P raise can do alone

Q uit looking at the future

R edeem the time at hand

S tart everyday with worship

T o “thank” is a command

U ntil we see Him coming

V ictorious in the sky

W e’ll run the race with gratitude

X alting God most high

Y es, there will be good times and yes some will be bad, but

Z ion waits in glory…where none are ever sad.

-unknown

Wednesday's Wisdom

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

Neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.

For as the heavens are higher than the earth,

So are my ways higher than your ways

and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Isaiah 55:8-9

 

Sometimes—ok, MANY times—I don’t necessarily understand the plans God has for me.  We may wonder why things are the way they are, or why God designed certain things in certain ways.  It is important to take a step back and realize that we can’t comprehend the mind of God.  We have to trust in His words and in His timing.  He is faithful!  In a way, it’s a relief.  We don’t have to know everything, we don’t have to be in control, and we don’t have to have everything figured out.

 

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5

 

-J

Tuesday's Task-Be joyful.

Philippians 4:4 (NKJV)

 

"Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!"

 

 

No matter what's going on in our nation, in our congregations, in our personal lives, we are to be a joyful people because we are children of God. He is in control and that should lift all the burdens from our shoulders. Does this mean we won't be sad or hurt by things going on in our lives? No, of course not. But in the depths of our souls at all times, we should know who holds the future and rejoice in Him.

 

Let's rejoice in Him. Always.

 

 

-C

Monday's Musings

“Comparison is the thief of joy.”

-Theodore Roosevelt

 

This is one of my favorite quotes!  I think the sooner you can learn this, the better off you will be.  It is a waste of time and energy to compare yourself to others.  In our “social media” age, it is so easy and tempting to look at other people’s Facebook pages or Instagram photos and think, “Oh, their life must be so perfect.  I’ll never be as pretty/good/lucky/rich/happy as them.”  Not true!  Everyone has problems; everyone has struggles.  Everyone has good days and bad days.  Don’t let comparison discourage you, and don’t let it fill you will pride.  The only person you should compare yourself to is Jesus; see if you are following in His footsteps or not and adjust your path accordingly.

 

-J

 

Sunday's Scripture

"For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace."

James 3:16-18 (KJV)