Like many of you, I have been trying to put my mind around the senseless killings at the grade school in Newtown, Connecticut a few days ago. We were at our Bible Study Friday night and were praying for all those affected by this tragedy, when I asked the Lord to show me where He was during those horrific moments in the classrooms. Suddenly I saw Jesus in those classrooms gently picking up tiny baby lambs one by one and gathering them all close to Him. I was struck by how calm and peaceful the picture was, the lambs weren’t scared, but rather were running up to Jesus waiting to be picked up. He gathered those little lambs in His arms and will now and forever carry them close to His heart.
Tag: God
Psalm 119: 105 ” Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”
I love nightlights! We have quite a few in the house spread out in various areas…hallways, bathrooms, bedrooms when the grandkids are visiting. You can get up in the middle of the night and not stub your toe or fall over something because of those little lights. God’s Word is like those nightlights…His Word brings illumination and enlightenment to our lives. With the Word lighting the way, we can boldly go forth without fear. The light of His Word brings instruction to confusing times in our lives. In the dark world around us, His Word is a nightlight showing us the way.
I John 4:9 ” This is how God showed His love among us; He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him.”
God could have sent someone else, but so important was the mission, He sent His Son. In ancient times, the more important the matter, the higher the level of the person that was sent as an ambassador. To send a son showed gravity in the situation…to send an only son showed immense seriousness of the undertaking. God commissioned His one and only Son to the greatest mandate known to man…to save the world and give eternal life through His Son Jesus.
Isaiah 42:1 ” Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on Him and He will bring justice to the nations.”
There are four “Servant Songs” within Isaiah…Chapter 42:1-9, Chapter 49:1-7, Chapter 50:4-11, and Chapter 52:13-53:12. All these songs are prophecies of Christ Jesus; His life, death, and resurrection. In speaking with His disciples, Jesus used these scriptures to show that He was the fulfillment of the words foretold by Isaiah. This Holiday Season I would urge you to take time to read all these passages and marvel at that tiny baby in the manger, and what He stood for.
Micah 5:2 ” But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from old, from ancient times.”
The Prophet Micah was given the privilege of revealing the birthplace of the Messiah, and 700 years later the chief priests quoted him to King Herod when he asked where Christ was to be born. Like Jesus, Micah also came from a very insignificant town, and though he was called one of the Minor Prophets, his prophecies carried tremendous importance for the world. Our Lord continues to do this today…He uses unimportant people who think they are worthless to do mighty things for Him. Never dismiss anything the Lord has laid upon your heart as insignificant or irrelevant…just be obedient.
Isaiah 46: 4 ” Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”
“Getting old is not for sissies!” I tell many an elderly patient. With advancing age can come chronic health problems, loneliness from loss of a spouse, and limited independence due to physical disabilities. But God doesn’t forget us when we’re old and gray…He’s still there supporting, and carrying our burdens. He’s there to refresh and lift us up as we go through each day looking towards Him.
Mark 5:34 ” He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.’ “
For 12 years this woman was considered unclean. She was shunned by others and barred from going into the Temple. Sadly, she had spent all her money on treatments that had not worked, and instead of getting better she was now so weak it took all she could do to fight the crowds to get close to Jesus. But in an act of sheer desperation, with total, absolute belief that she could be delivered from this disease, she reached out and touched His cloak. Simultaneously, Jesus felt power leave Him as she was healed. That same Dynamis power is still there today… dry your tears on the hem of His garment and be made whole.
Proverbs 14:30 ” A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”
Even when the world around us is chaotic, we can still be content and at peace within. But it’s when jealousy creeps in that suddenly we’re unhappy and discontented with everything and everyone. Envy can decay away the most stable of relationships, it can cause irreparable damage to people’s reputations and lives. Rotted bones can no longer support body weight…they are brittle, break easily, and can become a life threatening condition for the person…Envy not only affects others, but ourselves.
Acts 20:24 ” However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.”
If I said “Ministry”, you’d probably think of many well-known Christians with TV shows and Conferences you could attend. But God has a Ministry for you also…it’s to have compassion towards the needy, and to tell others the Good News of God’s loving kindness. Your Ministry is to touch the people around you with the love of Jesus…so go and fulfill YOUR Ministry.
Psalm 5:12 ” For surely, O Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.”
God goes before you today as a protector, safeguarding your every step. He encircles you with His grace and kindness, and gives you peace on all sides. So today, move out boldly into the world…you’re well protected…God has your back!
Safetypinlove 