As we walked the dessert paths in Arizona, we commented on the diversity of God's creations. Over the last few years we have traveled the globe and have been at 15000 ft above sea level in La Paz, Bolivia to below sea level at the Dead Sea. We have encountered dessert sands and mountain tops; the rolling plains of Iowa and the wooded Pinelands of South Jersey.
Aren't you glad for God's diversity?
As we contemplated the diversity of creation we were once again reminded of the diversity of God's creation in regards to US. We talked about the stoicness of the Germans and the flamboyancy of the Italian's. Yet, all were created by God for His glory.
So, since God delighted in diversity, lets embrace it as well. The next time you encounter someone who doesn't fit into your mold either by personal appearance or personality, remember our creator and thank God for his creativeness.
Our choices are seldom simple or straightforward; right or wrong; yes or no. They are more often complex and conflictive and intertwined with the decisions made by others. (Quote from the book: If I Had It To Do It Over, I Would Pick More Daisies)
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Who is your "Luke?"
In the narrative of Day 4 we come across Luke. Although not one of the original disciples, Luke carefully investigated the accuracy of all he had read about The Christ and was compelled to write it down. One thing that struck me was what the author commented on asking "Who was your Luke?"; who firsts told you about Jesus. Who was instrumental not only in your salvation, but in your spiritual growth?
I am so privileged to have parents who taught me the holy scriptures from my youth, just like Timothy. But lately I've bumped into many who didn't hear or really understand about The Christ until later in life. One told me that when someone finally took the time to explain salvation to her, she was a little miffed at her friend who had been so hesitant to confront her. Her thought was "if you had cancer and I had a cure wouldn't you be upset if I didn't tell you about it for fear you might be upset?"
That got me to thinking. How many times have I missed an opportunity to share Christ message of salvation because I was afraid?
This year I plan not only to pick more daisies, but to take every opportunity the Lord puts in my path to tell of his saving grace.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Imitate Me!!
As we go about our regular routine of life, it is hard to comprehend the influence we have on others. What we do seems so normal so what's the big deal?
Last week as I was working at my desk I overheard Sara Jo's kids playing. They were playing "Pastor." As I looked into the hall, there were notes taped to the door like "Sunday School ages 5 - 8" and "Bible Study Ages 16 - 18." There were some that looked like AWANA (owma) and Hebrews/Revelation? (Hop/Rev).
Hebrews 13:7 - says To remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. In another passage Paul says to imitate him because he imitated Christ.
Day Two: God Among Us
No one had seen God, but the one and only Son who is close to the Fathers heart -- He has shown us what God is like! Let's imitate Him
Watching the kids play was a good reminder to make sure our life is worth imitating; to make sure we are imitating Christ so that others can imitate us.
Last week as I was working at my desk I overheard Sara Jo's kids playing. They were playing "Pastor." As I looked into the hall, there were notes taped to the door like "Sunday School ages 5 - 8" and "Bible Study Ages 16 - 18." There were some that looked like AWANA (owma) and Hebrews/Revelation? (Hop/Rev).
Hebrews 13:7 - says To remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. In another passage Paul says to imitate him because he imitated Christ.
Day Two: God Among Us
No one had seen God, but the one and only Son who is close to the Fathers heart -- He has shown us what God is like! Let's imitate Him
Watching the kids play was a good reminder to make sure our life is worth imitating; to make sure we are imitating Christ so that others can imitate us.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
New Year!!!
THIS YEAR I PLAN TO PICK MORE DAISIES!
Yes, I'm done climbing mountains and trying to control my own destiny. I'm done trying to figure it all out, I'm done wondering why, and I'm done dwelling on the what if's of last year.
Today I start re-reading 365 Jesus and sitting at His feet. With fresh eyes I want to see the wonder of His birth, life, death, resurrection and return to heaven.
Day One starts with: "The beginning of the glad news of Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God."
Yes, this is glad news. Jesus! The Word! who was with God in the beginning; in fact, He created all things and in Him was life - life that was the light of mankind; yes, this one, the True Light became flesh and dwelt among us. And John had the privilege to witness it and testify so that everyone could believe and receive God's free gift of salvation.
Today I am praising the Lord that he left the splendor of heaven to dwell among us; to show us His glory so that those of us who believe on Him can have eternal life.