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Posted on 12/31/2018 8:06:30 PM PST by JustAmy
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Bible in a Year: Judges 1–3; Luke 4:1–30
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord. Colossians 3:23
When I remember my dad, I picture him best outdoors hammering or gardening or downstairs working in his cluttered workroom, stuffed with fascinating tools and gadgets. His hands were always busy at a task or project—sometimes building (a garage or a deck or a birdhouse), sometimes locksmithing, and sometimes designing jewelry and stained-glass art.
Remembering my dad prompts me to think of my heavenly Father and Creator, who has always been busy at work. In the beginning, “[God] laid the earth’s foundations . . . [and] marked off its dimensions . . . while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy” (Job 38:4–7). Everything He created was a work of art, a masterpiece. He designed a breathtakingly beautiful world and pronounced it “very good” (Genesis 1:31).
That includes you and me. God designed us in intimate and intricate detail (Psalm 139:13–16); and He entrusted us with and instilled in us (His image bearers) the goal and desire to work, which includes ruling and caring for the Earth and its creatures (Genesis 1:26–28; 2:15). No matter the work we do—in our job or in our leisure—God empowers and gives us what we need to work wholeheartedly for Him.
In everything we do, may we do it to please Him.
What has God worked out in your life recently? How does it change your view of even mundane tasks to see them as opportunities to serve and honor Him?
Cute little bunnies!
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Kitties, like potato chips, you can’t just have one.
: )
Sooooo true! I really didn’t want this nany but stuff happens with pregnant strays. LOL! Then I had to get them all fixed. One thing leads to another. :)
There are 2 strays here, neither friendly to humans. I am glad to have these good hunters around to catch field mice.
Bible in a Year: Judges 4–6; Luke 4:31–44
As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people both now and for evermore. Psalm 125:2
In a busy airport, a young mother struggled alone. Her toddler was in full tantrum mode—screaming, kicking, and refusing to board their plane. Overwhelmed and heavily pregnant, the burdened young mother finally gave up, sinking to the floor in frustration, covering her face, and starting to sob.
Suddenly six or seven women travelers, all strangers, formed a circle around the young mother and her child—sharing snacks, water, gentle hugs, and even a nursery song. Their loving circle calmed the mother and child, who then boarded their plane. The other women returned to their seats, not needing to discuss what they had done, but knowing their support had strengthened a young mother exactly when she needed it.
This illustrates a beautiful truth from Psalm 125. “As the mountains surround Jerusalem,” says verse 2, “so the Lord surrounds his people.” The image reminds us how the bustling city of Jerusalem is, indeed, flanked by surrounding hills—among them the Mount of Olives, Mount Zion, and Mount Moriah.
In this same way, God surrounds His people—supporting and standing guard over our souls “both now and for evermore.” Thus, on tough days, look up, “unto the hills,” as the psalmist puts it (Psalm 121:1 kjv). God awaits with strong help, steady hope, and everlasting love.
How have you sensed the Lord surrounding you with His love? Who can you share His love with today?
Thanks for the touching inspirational.
Nice to see you!
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It’s good to see you, are you feeling better?
Better everyday. I am trying to take it as easy as I can, I tire easily and am still very weak.
Will pray for continued progress.
Thank you!
Bible in a Year: Judges 7–8; Luke 5:1–16
You are the light of the world. Matthew 5:14
In the summer of 2015, a group from our church was sobered by what we saw in Mathare, one of the slums in Nairobi, Kenya. We visited a school with dirt floors, rusting metal walls, and wooden benches. But against the backdrop of extremely humble surroundings, one person stood out.
Her name was Brilliant, and the name couldn’t have fit her better. She was an elementary school teacher who possessed joy and determination that matched her mission. Colorfully dressed, her appearance and the joy with which she instructed and encouraged the children were stunning.
The bright light Brilliant brought to her surroundings resembles the way Christians in Philippi were to be positioned in their world when Paul wrote to them in the first century. Against the background of a spiritually needy world, believers in the Lord Jesus were to shine “like stars in the sky” (Philippians 2:15). Our assignment hasn’t changed. Bright lights are needed everywhere! How encouraging it is to know that through the One “who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (v. 13) believers in Jesus can sparkle in ways that fit Jesus’s description of those who follow Him. To us He still says, “You are the light of the world. . . . Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14–16).
How can you reveal the light of Christ to others? What can you do to bring His joy to those who desperately need it?
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Beautiful! I need some red tulips to go with my yellow ones!
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