#liveyourlifeinhim
Have you ever pictured Christ building us up in him? Recently while running, I noticed this tree being held up by a piling. I immediately pictured us as the tree, rooted in him and the piling as Christ, strengthening us in our faith. We read in Co 2:6-7 NIV; “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”
#way #turnnorth
We as God’s children have a renewed life under His blessings. For generations to come we continue to see His provisions. Today, this week, this month, or even this year you may feel like you cannot hear or see those blessings and provisions. Think of how the Israelites felt after wandering for 40 years.
#youareessential
I want you to think of yourself as this beautiful blossomed tree. You are strong. So strong that you can carry this birdhouse for the birds to feed. You are beautiful. So beautiful that you are admired by all those that see your beauty. Now I ask this question from 1 Cor 3:16 NIV; Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s spirit dwells in your midst? I am a firm believer in nurturing both our mental and physical health. Since we are a temple for God’s spirit, shouldn’t we take care of our bodies?
#For-goodness-sake
For-goodness-sake! We’ve all either heard this or said this before. It is an adverb used to express frustration. Deborah and I always share that we feel more attacked by Satan on our posting weeks than ever before. There have been a few days this week where For-goodness-sake may have been in my vocabulary. I really didn’t’ think I had anything good to share with you all today and then I went for a much needed 5 mile run on Thursday.
#encounteringjesus
-A new day can turn disappointment into reappointment for finding Joy-
We read about the Disciples encountering Jesus after his death and resurrection in John, chapter 21. When the Disciples went out to fish that first night on the sea of Galilee, they caught nothing. Early the next morning is when Jesus appeared and stood on the shore. We read in John 21: 5-6; He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t; you any fish?” “No,” they answered. He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, there were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.
#blessingsinthestorm
Together as a community we have been on what seems to be on a long journey with no end in sight. So many are working long hours and risking their lives to keep us educated, safe, fed, and healthy while others are unable to work and struggling to stay afloat. I encourage the weary to give your burdens to God. In Matt 11:28 – 30 we read; “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”.
#genuinedevotion
Maybe this time of Social Distancing is a time to find genuine devotion. In the 58th chapter of Isaiah, the New English Translation it is titled, “The Lord Desires Genuine Devotion”. He really doesn’t ask much in return for Jesus’s death on the cross for our sins. Fasting for lent is an opportunity to give God our genuine devotion.
