Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. Jesus is not only equal to God, He is God. He not only reflects God, but He reveals God to us. He is supreme over all creation, which gives him authority over this world and beyond this world including the ability to judge the world.
This is powerful! Colossians 1:15 is one of the strongest and more direct statements in the Bible. I have goosebumps!
But what does it mean? Why does it matter? I means Jesus is who he says he is. It means all the promises Jesus gave us are true and will be fulfilled. It means Jesus came to die for our sins and we are saved. It means we can have a real, personal relationship with God. It matters because Jesus gives us hope -- a path to eternal life and faith that this life is better and fulfilled in Christ. It gives us hope that there is more to this world than the evil we are surrounded by.
Dear Lord,
Thank you for your son Jesus for saving me from my sins. Thank you for hope and thank you for life.
We all have burdens, I know I do, big ones and small ones. Jesus tells us to bring these to Him, not to keep them inside. It is a challenge to let go of our burdens, but the peace it brings is indescribable.
I have trouble with letting my worries go. Ironically, it’s usually over the small stuff, like getting things done in time, what to get a friend or whether I should have that third cup of coffee. The big things are sometimes easier to let go of like mine and my family’s health, or job possibilities, or the state of the world we live in. Of course these are all not easy to let go of either.
It is inevitable we will get weary. I feel it all the time. Having all of these thoughts and emotions bouncing around in my head wears me out, especially on top of an already busy day. But Jesus doesn’t want us fretting or worrying over big or little things because He has it all covered. Ultimately we are just wasting energy that we could be using bettering His kingdom.
Jesus wants to give us rest. I believe Jesus’ greatest challenge for us to to come -- come live in the present with Him. Right now is the only time we can affect. If we are too busy worrying over the future or fretting over the past, we miss right now, the only time that really matters, the only time the Lord can really touch us and give us rest.
Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Jesus is talking to you. He is talking to me. Take comfort in his assurance. Give him your worries and burdens and He will give you rest.
Dear Lord,
Help me to live in the present. I come to you looking for rest. I give you my weariness and my burdens and I take assurance in your presence. Thank you for loving me so much.
"Come All You Weary" by Thrice is one of my very favorite songs. It lifts me us when I am down and reminds me of exactly what I am sharing today. I hope this lifts you up as well. Have a blessed day.
Come All You Weary
by Thrice
Come all you weary with your heavy loads
Lay down your burdens find rest for your souls
Cause my yoke is easy and my burden is kind
I’ll take yours upon me and you can take mine
Come all you weary, move through the earth,
You've been spurned at fine restaurants and kicked out of church;
I’ve got a couple of loaves, so sit down at my feet,
lend me your ears and we'll break bread and eat
Come all you weary
Come gather round near me
Find rest for your souls
Come all you weary, crippled you lay
I’ll help you along you can lay down your canes
We’ve got a long way to go but we’ll travel as friends
I like to talk. I enjoy the company of others and often speak, especially to people I don’t really know, and say too much. It is times like these when I feel a fool.
As I grow as an individual and in Christ, I am learning the value of silence. There are several benefits to keeping quiet. It is by far the best policy if you have nothing worthwhile to say. I remember hearing my mother say, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.” It really is wise advice. I have a tendency to speak, especially in a group setting, just to continue the discussion, even when all points are covered. In short, I tend to ramble. It is not productive. After I finish I often feel it was a waste, I feel foolish for extending the matter unnecessarily. I often feel like I say too much or repeat myself. My challenge, and perhaps yours as well, is too realize when you’ve said enough and simply let it rest.
By staying silent in a matter you are unsure of, it give opportunity to listen and learn. It is hard to learn from others if you are doing all the talking. (The finger is pointing my way again!) These are all points that God is still working on me.
It took me a long time for my thoughts to become innately positive. Now it is time for me to focus on when to speak and when to be silent and to listen and learn. In addition, by pausing before you speak, you will ensure you have something important to say and then others will listen in return.
Dear Lord,
Please help me to control my mouth. Give me the discretion to know when to speak and when to be silent.
1 Samuel 16:7 -- “But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
We live in a society who thrives on prejudices -- sex, race, occupation, physical appearance, heritage, you name it and there is an opinion on it. Societal prejudices are a way to classify people. However, God has a completely different way to classify people that has nothing to do with these outward appearances.
The Lord looks beyond what we look like, what our gender or race happens to be, and He looks straight at our heart. Are you generous or selfish? Are you patient or quick to anger? Do you see the best or the worse in others? In yourself? Do you have a servant’s heart?
We can spend lots of effort on our outward appearance, but it will only please people. God wants us to put effort into our attitudes, character and in strengthening our faith. Everyone can see our face, our outward appearance, but only God can see our hearts. Only God can accurately judge people. What steps are you taking to improve your heart’s attitude?
Dear Lord,
Help me to focus on my heart’s attitude so when you look at me you are pleased with what you see.
I have always believed that every soul has a direct link to God, if we can only open our hearts to hear God’s replies. Habakkuk is an example of just that.
Habakkuk was a man who saw a dying world that broke his heart. He sought answers and turned to God with his questions and complaints.
“How long, O Lord, must I call for help? But you do not listen! “Violence is everywhere!” I cry, “But you do not come to save. Must I forever see these evil deeds” Why must I watch all this misery? Wherever I look, I see destruction and violence. I am surrounded by people who love to argue and fight.” Habakkuk 1:2-3
And the Lord answered him!
“The Lord replied, “Look around at the nations; look and be amazed! For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn't believe even if someone told you about it.” Habakkuk 1:5
It is important to remember, as Habakkuk reminds us, that God is in control and has a plan even if to us the world seems in utter despair and evil triumphs ever we look.
“I have heard all about you, Lord. I am filled with awe by your amazing works. In this time of our deep need, help us again as you did in years gone by. And in your anger, remember your mercy.” Habakkuk 3:2
When we get tired and angry, sin is often close at hand. It is not a sin to be angry, but we are accountable for what we do in our anger. The devil is waiting in the wings for any chance to further derail us from our relationship with God. In anger, the devil can point us to pride, envy or even more violent sins. We must be careful what we think because it becomes what we speak. Everything that we speak affects our situation, let only positive things come out of your mouth so you will only help build others up. God gave us the commandment to love one another. Do not let anger tear us apart, but rebuke the devil and do what is helpful for building others up.
Dear Lord,
Help me to read, understand and apply Your Word. Help me to be slow to anger and to life others up, speaking positively to bring great joy into this world.
Did you notice James said “when” not “if?” It isn't a question of whether trouble will come, trouble will always come. It may be small or life-altering, but there is always trouble on the horizon.
Does God gives us trouble as a form of discipline? Often it is. Our struggles are meant to shape us, to chip off rough edges. Even a diamond must be shaped and smoothed before it is considered valuable. God can use us just how we are, but He wants to see us at our best. He wants to chip away the rough edges so we sparkle like a diamond.
There will always be trouble, meant to shape and mold us to be more Christ-like. That is why our troubles should be counted as joy. It is during these struggles that we put what we know about God to the test. Do we really have faith? Can we really rely only on Him? Can we praise God even when the waters are rough?
When we can celebrate God’s goodness, even in trying times, we find joy. When we can trust God even in the most uncertain times, we find peace. When trouble comes your way, count it all joy.
Dear Lord,
Help me! I see the trials coming, I am in them right now! Help me to rely on You. Give me peace even when I can’t understand the why. Help me to know you are in control and to leave from the trouble that comes. Help me to take joy in every moment, the pleasant and the trying.
1 Peter 2:9 -- “But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.”
When God calls, I imagine His will as a beacon of light, like that of a lighthouse. No matter how far away or how covered in darkness I am, I can always see God’s light, His calling and know what direction to follow him.
Peter challenges us to be that beacon of light, a lighthouse, for those who are lost. God grants us the light to share with others -- God is the source, but we reflect the light into darkness that God cannot reach. God can not touch sin, we are freed by Christ’s sacrifice covering us, allowing us to reach God. He needs us to reflect His light into the houses of sin, the darkness, that He cannot touch.
We are His chosen people, not because we are worthy or without sin, but because our faith in Christ redeems us. Thanks to Christ’s victory on the cross, God has chosen us, all who believe, to be royal priests, a holy nation.
The priests are the ones who are closest to God. When the Israelites left Egypt and formed the holy nation, sin was so rampant that only one tribe was redeemable to have the honor to be priests -- the Levites. Now that Jesus has come, has died and has risen, we are all redeemable, we are all royal priests, we can all be closest to God.
God needs his priests to reach out and be a light to the world. We, you and I, can share God’s goodness, his unyielding mercy and his incredible love. We can show, be an example, of God’s goodness. We don’t have to be bounded by sin and live in darkness anymore. God has called you out of the darkness and into His wonderful light. We are royal priests to the Almighty God.
I could hear this verse ten times a day every single day and it wouldn’t be enough. Worry and fear, those are often my pitfalls. I begin looking at a situation or a choice and obsessing over it, trying to figure out what I can do about it and turn my eyes away from God. It is an easy slip that I didn’t notice for a long time.
Do you do that too? Do you get so focused on the circumstances that you forget that God has it all under control? You are not alone!
Matthew 6:34 is one of the verses God gave me to resist that particular temptation. I realized that much of my distraction was simply worry and I was worrying for absolutely no reason. Don’t worry about tomorrow because today’s trouble is enough for today -- that is without a doubt truth.
The thing I finally came to realize is this -- we can only affect the present, this moment, today. We can’t do anything about tomorrow or yesterday, but right now we can do something about. Once I had this revelation, I began to understand.
God is above and beyond time -- he can affect any part of it He wants. However, I am bounded and limited by time. Even if God changed the future, I would never know it until later because all I can see is right now and I would still be worried about the outcome. God is linked to us directly, but only in the present moment. Only in this minute span of time can God touch us and affect us. Instead of worrying about tomorrow, pray for peace today.
Don’t worry about tomorrow because there is enough going on right now that you can actually do something about. Every moment brings a choice, you can worry and doubt God’s ability or you can have faith that God has everything under control and concern yourself only with what you can affect right now, this moment, today.
Ecclesiastes 4:12 -- “A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.”
It is important to turn to God, but we cannot forget the friends and family who can support us as well. It is so easy to feel like we are alone in our struggles, but we aren't God did not intend for his children to stand alone -- he wants camaraderie and companionship for us, whom He loves.
From the beginning that was God’s hope for us -- “Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him” (Genesis 2:18). God does not intend for us to journey alone -- he gives us community and the commandment to love one another just as he loves us (John 13:34).
When we isolate ourselves we are vulnerable. While alone we can be attacked and defeated. Sin can come into our hearts in ways we don’t even realize. However, when we have a friend who has our back, someone who will stand with us and hold us accountable then together sin is conquered. When you commit to a group -- people who will support you, correct you, love on you without judgement -- it becomes a braided cord, which is not easily broken.
Living in this world is hard, no one knows that better than God for he created it, weeps for his lost children and sent his son to save it. However, He has given us the tools we need to succeed. By keeping our eyes on God and following His will and by keeping honest, trustworthy people at our side who also have their eyes on him. We stand together as a front to sin and the evils of this world. “If God is for us, who can ever be against us?” (Romans 8:31).
Dear Lord,
Help me to find and to keep trustworthy friends who will support, love on and not judge me and the same from me to them. Thank you for your community and for making us stronger together.
This verse speaks directly to me. Actually most verses that talk about anger are for me. I’m a lot better than I used to be, Praise God! But, he isn't done with me yet. I still slip up when it comes to anger issues and all I can do is label myself a fool and pray for the Power of God to intervene.
I believe anger is a hot topic -- no pun intended. Especially for those of us with kids. No one can test me like my daughter can. It is sometimes very easy to lose control of your temper, especially when you are tired or have a lot on your mind. Those two seem to be my greatest weakness when it comes to losing my temper.
I challenge you, and myself, to be preemptive about temper control. Instead of waiting until after the blow up to ask God forgiveness -- ask God to help you be slow to anger, especially if you are tired. If stress is more often the trigger, give it to God. Our bodies are not meant to hold the mental, and sometimes physical, strain that stress puts on us. However, God can. He can hold all my stress, your stress and much more without even a bead of sweat. If he can handle it and I can’t, I pray, give it to Him -- He is more than willing to take it. When we clear up some of the triggers, control seems a little more possible.
Don’t be afraid to ask God for help -- He will not rebuke you. It seems so easy, “control your temper” -- it’s not. I can’t do it, but God can. What are you waiting for? All you have to do is ask!
Dear Lord,
I need help. My temper is not always under control and I don’t want to be labeled a fool. I can’t control my temper on my own, but you can. Give me strength and wisdom to control my temper.
You remember Nineveh right? Jonah tried to avoid preaching there because when he did they turned from their evil and avoided sure destruction. Well, it didn't last. Several generations later, Nineveh was once again the city of evil, idolatry and pride.
Nineveh is the capital of Assyria. It is a powerful nation with a great military and self-sufficiency. They overtake lesser cities, plunder the land and slaughter the people. They worship idols and live in willful disobedience to God
This time around there was no second chance. Nahum predicted Nineveh would be destroyed because of their sins. This destruction occurred within 50 years.
“The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him. But he will sweep away his enemies in an overwhelming flood. He will pursue his foes into the darkness of night. Why are you scheming against the Lord? He will destroy you with one blow; he won’t need to strike twice!” Nahum 1:7-9
It is very easy to become complacent in our Christian walk. We go to work, go to weekly kid’s activities, go to church and then do the same thing the next week. It is hard to seek out more when just the normal routine will tire you out.
However, at the end of that tiring week of routine, do you feel satisfied? Jesus tells us that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be satisfied. Those are powerful verbs. Jesus describes the yearn as hunger and thirst -- the necessities of life. If we truly and eagerly seek out righteousness like it is our lifeline then we will be satisfied.
What is this righteousness that we are to so eagerly seek? Being righteous with God is more than simply being moral, it is giving God your genuine trust and having faith that he will take care of you. Jesus is challenging us to step out in faith, to yearn for absolute dependence on the Lord. When we can cast all of our worries on God and let him guide us through the troubled world we live in. When we constantly seek righteousness, genuine faith, in God we will be satisfied. When we shed the worries, expectations and terms of success the corrupted world throws at us and give it all to God in faith, only then will we be satisfied. Not only is God enough -- He is everything.
Dear Lord,
Help me shed the superfluousness of the world. I want to be satisfied. Help me have unyielding faith in you. I hunger and thirst for righteousness.
