“Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah” (Psalm 62:8, NKJV). Life is unpredictable. Today may be sunny and bright, but tomorrow storm clouds of trouble may roll in and overwhelm us. It sometimes seems that one problem is scarcely resolved before we are blindsided with another. Financial setbacks, illness, grief, disappointments—all can cause us to despair and cry out, “God, do you see what’s happening to me?” Trouble is universal. Saint or sinner, no one is exempt. Job 14:1 tells us, “Man who is born of woman is of few days…
In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” (I John 4:10-11, NKJV) Although the ministry of Jesus drew large crowds, He often interrupted what He was doing to minister to just one person. He wasn’t afraid to touch the ones society often overlooked or marginalized—the poor, the infirm, the untouchables, the tormented, and those burdened by guilt and shame. Some of our best-known Bible stories tell of Jesus interacting with those society would consider unimportant or without worth. Yet, He showed compassion and mercy regardless of a person’s station in life. He made time for them. Let’s look at just a few of those He ministered to one-on-one. A Determined Woman A woman with a bleeding disorder (Mark 5) had suffered for twelve years with this infirmity. She was exhausted—emotionally, physically, and financially. Although ceremonially unclean due to her condition, desperation caused her to press through the crowd to find Jesus. She resolutely reached out to touch the edge of His garment. He could have rebuked her or ignored her, but He…
“Stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God” (Job 37:14). Does it feel like you are in a perpetual rush, never finding time to “stop and smell the roses”? Our society expects everything instantly. We have microwaves, instant coffee, fast food, and fast lanes. We become impatient when things don’t move quickly. Yet the faster we pace ourselves, the less time we seem to have. As has been humorously stated, “The hurrier I go, the behinder I get.” All of us have observed this phenomenon and, if we are honest, are probably just as guilty as the next person. Where I live, drivers are well known for their disregard of stoplights. It is common for one, two, or even three cars to scoot through as yellow turns to red. Drivers are much too rushed to stop for a little something like a stoplight. quality time — or not Is it possible that our impatience and haste have carried into our spiritual lives as well? Have we become too rushed to spend quality time with God and listen to His voice? I was once startled to hear someone giving tips on how to speed read the Bible. That is not…
“Lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled” (Hebrews 12:15). I may be one of those rare people who actually enjoys grocery shopping. You will find me wandering the aisles, reading labels, and looking for new items. I also enjoy the array of fresh fruits and vegetables on display, but I pause before buying high-priced, out-of-season fruit. It does not compare with the aromatic sweetness of locally grown summer fruit. growing sweet fruit Our lives also produce fruit. When we allow our lives to be controlled by the Spirit, that fruit may be sweet,…
“The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9, ESV) One summer a few years ago, I was forced to change my route to work. The city planned to replace a small bridge over a creek. I was not happy; that street was the most direct way to my office. Although it probably only added five minutes to my drivetime, I did not look forward to the change in my morning routine. Detours are inconvenient as we find ourselves traveling in unfamiliar areas. I spent several days trying first one street and then another in my search for the quickest route with the fewest stop signs. I gradually adjusted to the change and soon learned to enjoy my new route. Each day, I checked the progress of an old house being rehabbed and tried to see what had been done since the previous morning. Around another corner, I observed the beautiful landscaping of several yards. On another street I viewed tidy homes with neatly trimmed yards. Soon, instead of impatience, I felt relaxed as I drove my new route. life’s detours Life will sometimes take us on detours as well. All will be going smoothly…
Isaiah 40:31 NIV “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” I’ve always loved the idea of being a runner. I often wondered what it must be like to wake before the rest of the world and step out into a cool, foggy morning with the sole purpose of running. I’ve never experienced what that cool air must feel like as it floods into your lungs. How your muscles must grow weak, yet you push on. I’m more of a walking type of girl. As I was reading the above verse, what stood out to me was the progression from soaring, running, and then walking. I spent a few moments reflecting on my walk with God, and how it has been filled with many highs and many lows. One important lesson I have learned along the way is that seasons change, and with that, my relationship with God may look a little different in each season. To explain further, there are times when I feel as though I can soar to the mountaintop. I feel victorious,…