January 9, 2008
I'm stuck. Again.
Over the Christmas holiday, as I read the Christmas story in Luke, I got stuck on Mary's response to the angel (I'll blog about that another time).
Now I'm stuck on the shepherds.
Of all the people on earth, why did God choose to reveal the good news about the Savior to shepherds? How is it that the shepherds did not question the angel, but instead ran to Bethlehem to see the Messiah?
Why didn't the angel appear to the religious leaders who were expecting the Messiah to come? Is it because they would not believe? After all, they were expecting a conquering king. But the birth (in a stable) of a baby (to a poor girl) did not fit their paradigm.
I wonder what I am missing because my expectations are not in sync with God's plan...
Is God doing something (or trying to do something) unexpected in and around me? Am I stuck in the rut of my own expectations?
Help God!
Pry me loose. Open my eyes. Give me faith.
Help me see your handiwork and praise you, just like the shepherds.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Thursday, January 3, 2008
January 3, 2008
What does it mean to be safe?
In Psalm 121:7, the Psalmist says, "The Lord will keep you from all harm - he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
Sounds great! Where do I sign up for an eternity of being "kept from all harm?" And how should I react when "harm" befalls me?
Among my family, friends, and co-workers (believers all), we are currently dealing with deadly diseases, debilitating injuries, defiant children, and disappearing jobs (to name just a few of the circumstances).
In the midst of these tempests, I am awed by my fellow believers, as I watch them respond with graceful dignity. Yes, there are tears and pleas for prayers. But the strength of character they display as they cling to God demonstrates a deep and abiding faith in the One who they know will carry them through to the other side.
When the storm comes, I need to follow their example and run into the arms of the One who will not let go, no matter what. He will not leave or forsake me. I can rest in him knowing he is powerful enough to cure or carry into eternity the loved one in his care.
Maybe there is a "harm" more serious than bodily illness and injury. Perhaps safety is to be found in a relationship rather than in a circumstance.
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1 NIV).
"The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous run to it and are safe" (Proverbs 18:10 NIV).
What does it mean to be safe?
In Psalm 121:7, the Psalmist says, "The Lord will keep you from all harm - he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
Sounds great! Where do I sign up for an eternity of being "kept from all harm?" And how should I react when "harm" befalls me?
Among my family, friends, and co-workers (believers all), we are currently dealing with deadly diseases, debilitating injuries, defiant children, and disappearing jobs (to name just a few of the circumstances).
In the midst of these tempests, I am awed by my fellow believers, as I watch them respond with graceful dignity. Yes, there are tears and pleas for prayers. But the strength of character they display as they cling to God demonstrates a deep and abiding faith in the One who they know will carry them through to the other side.
When the storm comes, I need to follow their example and run into the arms of the One who will not let go, no matter what. He will not leave or forsake me. I can rest in him knowing he is powerful enough to cure or carry into eternity the loved one in his care.
Maybe there is a "harm" more serious than bodily illness and injury. Perhaps safety is to be found in a relationship rather than in a circumstance.
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1 NIV).
"The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous run to it and are safe" (Proverbs 18:10 NIV).
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