Sometimes we need reminding why we're really here. Sometimes we need a new vision of Jesus. Sometimes our feet get stuck in the mud of this world and we need to be pulled out by the hands of God.
David writes in Psalm 69:14, "Deliver me from the mire (mud), and do not let me sink; May I be delivered from my foes, and from the deep waters,"
Oh, that we would see Jesus today. That we would see His shining face! That we would remember our purpose here on this earth -- to share His love, to share His light, to reconcile people to their Maker, our loving Father.
"we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God." 2 Corinthians 5:20b
I took up painting again. It is beginning to bring me joy. I can lose myself when my brush loaded with paint touches the canvas. I have no visions of grandeur of my abilities. They are what they are. I think of it as painting feelings. I want my paintings to cause others to feel something. When we can touch the emotional heart of a person, that person will be open to change. That's why Jesus told stories. He wanted people to get into the story, to feel the right and wrong of it; to empathize and think and question. Some of His parables don't have conclusions, but they make you think.
Maybe that is what our lives are to do for others. Our lives are parables in Jesus's hands. They might not be explainable but God's light is there and that light, when it shines on dark hearts, illuminates truth, illuminates hidden hurts and needs.
We can't force others to come to Jesus but we can offer Him. We can give them invitations to church so they can hear the word of God. We can tell others what Jesus is doing in our lives. We can be His light in this world of darkness.
That doesn't mean we are always happy. It doesn't mean we always have it together. But it does mean we have hope. We have hope that God will work things out for our good. We have hope that He can take the most horrendous things this world throws at us and somehow use them for His purposes; bring redemption out of pain.
His ways aren't instantaneous but they're lasting.
"faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1
Know that if Jesus lives within you, you are a light wherever you go. He is using you even if it doesn't feel like He is. He is drawing people to Himself with your life. Believe.
David writes in Psalm 69:14, "Deliver me from the mire (mud), and do not let me sink; May I be delivered from my foes, and from the deep waters,"
Oh, that we would see Jesus today. That we would see His shining face! That we would remember our purpose here on this earth -- to share His love, to share His light, to reconcile people to their Maker, our loving Father.
"we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God." 2 Corinthians 5:20b
I took up painting again. It is beginning to bring me joy. I can lose myself when my brush loaded with paint touches the canvas. I have no visions of grandeur of my abilities. They are what they are. I think of it as painting feelings. I want my paintings to cause others to feel something. When we can touch the emotional heart of a person, that person will be open to change. That's why Jesus told stories. He wanted people to get into the story, to feel the right and wrong of it; to empathize and think and question. Some of His parables don't have conclusions, but they make you think.
Maybe that is what our lives are to do for others. Our lives are parables in Jesus's hands. They might not be explainable but God's light is there and that light, when it shines on dark hearts, illuminates truth, illuminates hidden hurts and needs.
We can't force others to come to Jesus but we can offer Him. We can give them invitations to church so they can hear the word of God. We can tell others what Jesus is doing in our lives. We can be His light in this world of darkness.
That doesn't mean we are always happy. It doesn't mean we always have it together. But it does mean we have hope. We have hope that God will work things out for our good. We have hope that He can take the most horrendous things this world throws at us and somehow use them for His purposes; bring redemption out of pain.
His ways aren't instantaneous but they're lasting.
"faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1
Know that if Jesus lives within you, you are a light wherever you go. He is using you even if it doesn't feel like He is. He is drawing people to Himself with your life. Believe.
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