Jan

21

Like the eagle

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With places to go and things to do, busy people often find themselves on autopilot. Meanwhile…stuck in traffic or running late with a thousand chores on the list, it would be great to hitch a ride on the wings of an eagle and move ahead swiftly.

When facing an impasse in life, soring ahead of our problems would make life so much simpler. Whether it’s a mere road delay or a problem so insurmountable that we want to escape it altogether, flying high away from the situation on this awesome creature would be our first option.

Interestingly, when a storm is brewing, an eagle can sense the incoming danger. Rather than becoming spooked, the eagle patiently waits for the wind to come and then uses it to fly high and above the storm. When we’re born again into a new life with Christ and the Holy Spirit now dwells within us, we are new creatures. Metaphorically, as the eagle sheds its feathers as it ages, we, too, shed our old feathers and now bear new ones in Christ. If only we could rise above the storms of life as seamlessly as the eagle…but we can! Not in escapism but rather in our faith walk with Jesus.

As we wait upon the Lord, it’s a precarious balance of trust and expectation. Though by his word, we are assured that like the stately eagle, our strength will be renewed. We can, indeed, overcome our problems as we are “more than conquerors through Him who loved us” ~ Romans 8:37.

Jan

15

An everlasting light

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Did you ever consider that without God in the world, there would be no light? The world would be void. As God provides the light, it’s a different story—both physically and even more so, spiritually.

With God’s light, our paths remain clear to travel. While in the light and as we draw nearer to Him, we can clearly see the obstacles in our way. When we walk in darkness, do we not stumble?

Even as we are sanctified, every day trials can get us off track, despite the Holy Spirit dwelling inside us. Our minds often race to quell the storms, and our immediate reactions to life’s situations can be fleshly and prideful.

We may not see eye-to-eye on issues or life’s problems with each other, but a civil, peaceful plan of disagreement is far more profitable than a civil war. We may not always agree, but disagreeing peacefully goes a long way…as “the battle belongs to the Lord.”

“Man’s anger cannot accomplish the righteousness of God” ~ James 1:20.

 In an effort to deal with what comes our way, the only thing that will steer us in the right direction and bring us peace is leaning on the everlasting arms. So, as the new year is upon us, let’s take our first steps of the year being fully clothed in the light of Christ.

Jan

02

Our time is in His hands

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On the cusp of the New Year, people make vows to change themselves. It’s the proverbial New Year’s resolution. Anything can be on the to-do list, including losing weight, quitting smoking, and cutting out carbs. Yet how many times have these pledges melted by the first snowfall?

It is an admirable goal to achieve these sweeping changes, yet by true grit and own strength, it’s often not enough. Sinners, as we all are, need not turn over a new leaf—but a new heart. We can’t use the stuff of flesh to make better flesh; we need the Holy Spirit to accomplish the work. It’s not about you or I becoming a better person. It’s about becoming more like the savior of the world. We can do “all things through Christ” who strengthens us by His spirit.

May this New Year be your opportunity to yield to God not just some but all of your heart’s goals, hopes, and dreams, so he may mold you into the image of his son.

“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart” ~ Psalm 37:4

 That is…because they will be His desires, too, which are ultimately what is best for you.

Dec

28

A Child is Born

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The moment in time when Jesus arrived in Bethlehem as a baby, he was at the very beginning of a great mission. That he would leave heaven for earth boggles the mind, and to come in the humblest means possible to begin his life in a feeding trough in a lowly stable is unfathomable.

The baby Jesus grew to become prophet, priest, and King of Kings. His thirty-three years on earth created a mark in history that would be forever a turning point. For everything vile, despised, and eschewed by man, Jesus, our Emmanuel—God-with-us—gave his life. He became the sacrifice to bring all who believe in him into an everlasting fellowship with the Father. A gift to all men…and one that doesn’t stop giving.

We celebrate the savior’s birth this season and in our hearts all the year through. Like the angels sang in their celebration on that fateful, joyous day, we, too, rejoice. “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.”

Dec

17

A great light dawned

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Though we’re all familiar with the Christmas story, it still remains difficult to fully comprehend. An infinite God who came to earth for our sakes, yet was born of a virgin and lived a human though Godly life? It defies all logic.

Jesus was tempted, hungry, and scripture says that he identified with man’s sufferings. But that he humbled himself to endure such a lowly existence for the years he walked the earth is such a study in contrasts for the human mind to fathom. For how can the limited mind of man claim with any authority the process of an infinite God?

With our finite minds, it’s hard to conceptualize the awesomeness of the nature of Jesus. That he always was and always will be the great God of all creation is too magnificent to fathom. It’s not so much a matter to consume and comprehend through logic but more of a respectful apprehending through our faith.

We celebrate the Lord’s birth this season as well as every day in our hearts because it’s the least we can do for the Lord who made us, loved us, and died for us.