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 Posted: Sat Nov 17, 2007 5:31 am
Saturday November 17th
Something New
He who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Revelation 21:5
Have you ever made a New Year’s resolution hoping to change your appearance, attitude, or some situation that affects your life? Most people have. It’s like getting a new start or making something new.
God has been making things new since the beginning of time. At creation, God made everything brand new. But the newness of creation faded when man fell into sin. After the great flood’s destruction, God gave man and earth a new beginning. But the regenerated world swiftly degenerated.
Since sin came into the world, God has been bestowing new life on His people. The Holy Spirit gives new birth through Baptism. Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, offers us the new covenant in His body and blood. Renewing us in the image of Christ, God puts our old self away from us, puts our new self upon us, and enables us to live new lives in service to God and neighbor.
Christ also promises us renewed and glorified bodies and life with Him in our new and eternal home. He promises to make all things new again on the Last Day: a new heaven, a new earth, and a new life forever. That truly is something new.
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your flawless life, innocent death, and triumphant resurrection, that, through Holy Baptism, we may have newness of life. Amen.
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Posted: Sun Nov 18, 2007 4:53 am
Sunday November 18th
Instantly Forgiven
Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord,. . . “If I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house. . . . For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:8–10
An old yearbook says that my husband was small in stature but large in character. Zacchaeus was small both in stature and in character.
As a Jew, Zacchaeus knew the Old Testament laws and the Gospel promises of the Messiah. But as a tax collector, he cheated and stole from his fellowman to fatten his pockets. He was hated and rejected by his people, but not by Jesus. Jesus sought him out. Zacchaeus did not ask Jesus to come. Jesus invited Himself and brought His Word of salvation.
Convicted of his sin, Zacchaeus confessed his wrongdoing. That very day, Jesus brought faith, repentance, and salvation to Zacchaeus and his household. No waiting, no rituals, no becoming good first. Zacchaeus was instantly forgiven.
Like Zacchaeus, we are covered with sin and repent with rueful hearts. As with Zacchaeus, Christ removes our sins and gives us immediate mercy. Like Zacchaeus’s, our renewed hearts rejoice in Christ’s gift of grace. Christ hears our repentant souls and instantly forgives.
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your complete, holy, and saving work. We confess our sins and ask for pardon. Amen.
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Posted: Sun Nov 18, 2007 4:52 pm
Trust the Master With Your Key
Years ago, an elderly church organist sat on his bench and played for the last time. He was a good organist and had served his church faithfully and well over the past several years. But a new organist had moved to town, and the elderly man wanted to step aside with dignity. Though he knew he'd miss playing each Sunday, he was excited to be blessed by the new young man and the gift of music he would give the congregation.
The elderly man struck the last chord, closed the organ, locked it and carried the key to the back of the church. And in the foyer, the new young organist was anxiously waiting for him. He asked for the key, and then he literally ran through the aisles in the sanctuary to get to the organ. He excitedly unlocked and opened the great instrument and began to play.
Though the old organist had played each note with precision, this new musician played with more intensity, more depth and more passion. His music brought tears to the elderly man's eyes as he stood in the back of the sanctuary watching the young man's hands glide gracefully over the keys.
Within just a few months, the reputation of the new organist spread for miles around, and people began coming to church just to hear him play. The new organist was definitely a master of his craft. It was obvious he had more skill than anyone in that area had ever heard. The young man's name was Johann Sebastian Bach. As the elderly man left the sanctuary, he thought to himself, My! What a shame if I had never given him the key!
Your Master-Jesus Christ-wants the key to your life. He has special gifts, talents and skills He wants to bless you with. His desire is that you'll use those gifts to glorify the Giver. But He needs the key. When you place control of your gifts in the hand of the Master, He can do extraordinary things through you!
Know It!
You have no idea how God wants to use your gifts and abilities, but know this: He dreams BIG dreams for you! Your gifts in the hand of the Master are worth so much more than if you maintain control of them yourself. Have you given the Master the key to your life?
Read It!
Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:12-26; Ephesians 3:20; Ephesians 4:4-13.
Pray It!
Commit your gifts, your talents, your self to the Master's control. Let Him use you in ways you've never imagined.
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Posted: Mon Nov 19, 2007 4:25 am
Monday November 19th
History Repeats Itself
The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives, . . . waiting for . . . Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession. Titus 2:11–14
We live in progressive times. In seconds, man communicates around the world. In hours, he circles the earth. In days, he reaches the moon. A century ago, none of these things could happen. Change is constant.
With constant change, why does history repeat itself? Man’s environment changes, but not man himself. Man is still the fallen creature we read about in Genesis. He is still morally corrupt and spiritually blind. He is still born a sinner who needs a Savior. Man makes history while set in his sinful ways. So history repeats itself.
So are we doomed to repeat a depraved and immoral life? No! Our sinless Savior removes our sinfulness. Christ’s innocent death gives new spiritual life. Christ’s goodness works in us. The changeless Christ puts an end to our constant sinfulness. Only Christ stops history from repeating its evil actions and brings it to rest and peace in Him.
Lord Jesus, convict us of our sins, forgive us our transgressions, and enable us to live to Your glory. Amen.
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Posted: Mon Nov 19, 2007 4:23 pm
Between You and God
Reverend Lucas Abernathy pastored a small congregation in southern Texas. One Sunday morning he preached vibrantly on God's final judgment. Many folks in the church didn't like what they heart. Several of them got together the next day and appointed one man to approach Rev. Abernathy and discuss the matter with him.
Russell Browning made an appointment with the pastor and began the conversation saying, “I believe there's a small dispute between you and me, and I thought we should try to settle it.”
“I see,” Rev. Abernathy said. “What is it?”
“Well,” Russell began, “you say that the punishment of unrepentant sinners will be eternal, and I don't think it will.”
“Oh, I see,” Rev. Abernathy said. “It that's all this is about, then you can rest assured there's no dispute between the two of us.”
“I don't understand,” Russell responded.
“If you'll turn to Matthew 25:46, you'll find that the dispute is between you and the Lord Jesus Christ. I encourage you to go immediately and settle it with Him.”
It's easy to become angry with the messenger when we hear something that convicts us. It's hard to be confronted with Truth, isn't it? God's absolute Truth shines bright like a heavenly spotlight and points out the things that are inconsistent in our lives. Instead of becoming angry, we should be grateful that God cares about us enough to show us what's wrong in our lives so we can ask Him to help, guide and forgive.
Many Christians leave their church when the pastor starts preaching messages that make them uncomfortable. It's much easier to hear a “feel-good” message than to allow the Holy Spirit to nudge our conscience, help us feel guilty about what's wrong in our lives and then go to God in repentance. But if you're interested in becoming all God wants you to be, you'll find a pastor, a youth leader and other adults who will speak Truth into your life instead of simply what you want to hear.
Know It!
The next time you hear something that challenges you, makes you think, or causes you to change an attitude, stop and thank God for the messenger.
Read It!
Hebrews 4:12-13; Hebrews 5:12-14; Hebrews 6:1; Hebrews 6:12.
Pray It!
Pray for the godly leaders in your life-pastor, youth minister, Sunday school teachers-to be filled with the boldness needed to speak Truth to you and those in your congregation.
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Posted: Tue Nov 20, 2007 3:19 am
Tuesday Novemeber 20th
A Faithful Friend
When Naomi saw that [Ruth] was determined to go with her, she said no more. So the two of them went on until they came to Bethlehem. Ruth 1:18–19
True friends are hard to come by. Ruth proved to be such a friend to Naomi, her mother-in-law.
During a famine, Naomi and her family left their Bethlehem home and traveled to Moab in search of food. There, her husband died, and then their two sons. Her stay in Moab brought sorrow and loneliness. Her return home looked equally bleak, as her words testify: “Do not call me Naomi [pleasant]; call me Mara [bitter]” (Ruth 1:20).
We, too, may become sad, fearful, and bitter when we lack shelter or food, when calamity destroys all that we own, when death claims our loved ones, when friends forsake us, when we fail at school or work. We need a true friend like Ruth. But where shall we find such a friend?
We expect a true friend to be faithful. Yet the friendship of Jesus goes beyond all expectations. In Jesus, God became man to live under the Law for us, to suffer the agony of the curse of sin for us, and to rise to life from the dead. He endured all for us, so that we might have an abundant eternal life. In both times of plenty and times of need, Jesus remains our faithful friend indeed. Amen.
Lord Jesus, thank You for befriending us in our need. Amen.
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Posted: Tue Nov 20, 2007 4:57 pm
Complaints
The following are actual complaints from letters sent to landlords.
• This is to let you know that there's a smell coming from the man next door.
• The toilet is blocked, and we can't bathe the children until it's cleared.
• I request your permission to remove my drawers in the kitchen.
• Our lavatory seat is broken in half and is now in three pieces.
• The toilet seat is cracked. Where do I stand?
• I am writing on behalf of my sink, which is running away from the wall.
• Will you please send someone to mend our cracked sidewalk? Yesterday my wife tripped on it and is now pregnant.
Though we laugh at the above, it's probably hard to be a landlord-or someone in a similar position-who has to deal with complaints throughout the day. As a Christian, the world is closely listening to your words, your attitudes . . . and unfortunately, your complaints. What kind of impression are you making on those around you? Knowing that you may be the only “Bible” many non-Christians read, strive to fill your language with encouragement and affirmation instead of negative remarks.
Think of that one person in your life whom everyone loves being with. He or she is probably great with encouragement. Affirming others may come naturally, or it may be something your friend has to work at, but chances are he/she has made a good habit of making others feel good about themselves. The complaints are most likely kept to a minimum.
People like that are magnets. Others are drawn to them. Everyone loves to be around someone who doesn't complain. Jesus was a natural at drawing out the good in those around Him. He built others up, He loved genuinely and people followed Him. They wanted what He had.
If you needing to break the habit of complaining, try this:
Practice praise. It may feel awkward at first, but consciously decide to praise those around you for specific things.
Curb the complaints. When you do start to complain, counter it with something positive. At the end of the day, ask God to help you review your language for that day. Did you complain more or less today?
Count your blessings. When you're tempted to complain, STOP! Before the negative talk even comes out of your mouth, silently thank God for three blessings in your life.
Ask for accountability. Confide in a close Christian friend that you're trying to break out of the complaining habit. Allow your friend to hold you to your resolution.
Know It!
You can make or break someone's day simply by the language you use with him. Strive to lace your words with positive remarks and encouragement. Barnabas was known as “the encourager.” Ask God to make you a Barnabas.
Read It!
Acts 4:36; Acts 13:15; 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17; Hebrews 3:13; Philippians 2:14-15.
Pray It!
Ask God to help you curb your complaints and to multiply your encouragement to others.
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Posted: Wed Nov 21, 2007 5:19 am
Wednesday Noveber 21st
Crown of Righteousness
Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and . . . also to all who have loved His appearing. 2 Timothy 4:8
Every day we see death in the news, movies, videos, and songs. Many people witness death on the streets, in homes, hospitals, and wars. Our society has become complacent about death. But death remains sobering, and it carries a fearful uncertainty of the unknown. All people are certain that death will come. But they are not certain what death will bring.
Death holds no terror for those who belong to Christ. For us, death brings life. Christ’s righteousness and His death and resurrection won eternal life for us. He is sinless in His every thought, word, and deed. Jesus loved, honored, and served God and man perfectly. Yet He humbled Himself, took on our sin, and wore our crown of thorns for us. He promises that we will wear the crown of His righteousness.
Our Savior’s obedience, love, and mercy deserve honor, praise, and thanks. The Son of Man, the Judge, will not condemn His people. He will raise us up and declare us victorious. He took a crown of thorns and gives us a crown of righteousness, that we may have abundant life in Him.
Lord Jesus, forgive our many sins, and grant us the crown You have won for us. Amen.
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Posted: Wed Nov 21, 2007 6:40 pm
Special Brownies
Sometimes it's tough to explain to friends why specific movies, magazines or music harms you more than it helps you. And sometimes it's even hard to understand why your parents feel a particular movie would be a bad influence on you. Check out a dad who came up with a creative way of helping his teen daughter understand this dilemma.
Brooke asked permission to attend a PG-13 movie with some of her friends from school. It starred her favorite actor, and people from her church had even seen it and said it was great. Her dad listened to all her reasons for going.
“Everyone else is seeing it.”
“Why do you think it has the 13 rating on it?” he asked.
“Well,” Brooke admitted, “there is a scene where a building and several people are blown up, but the violence is just the normal stuff. It's not too bad. And there are a few other minor things, but the special effects are incredible and the plot is definitely action- packed! I really want to see it.”
Brooke's dad wouldn't give in. In fact, he didn't even give her a satisfactory explanation. He simply said, “No.”
A little later that same evening, he asked Brooke if she'd like some warm brownies he'd baked and just pulled out of the oven. He explained that he'd used the family's favorite recipe and added a little something new.
“What is it?” Brooke asked.
Her dad calmly replied that he'd added dog poop. “But it was only a little bit,” he quickly added. “All the other ingredients are gourmet quality, and I've taken great care to bake the brownies at the precise temperature for the exact time. I'm sure they'll be fantastic!”
“You're kidding, right?” Brooke asked in shock.
“No. Go ahead and try one. They're really close to perfect quality.”
Brooke wouldn't go near the brownies. Her dad acted surprised. After all, it was only one small part that was causing her to be so stubborn. “You'll hardly notice that one ingredient, Brooke,” he said. But his daughter held firm and wouldn't give in.
Her dad then explained the meaning behind his charade. “The movie you want to see is just like these brownies. Your mind is telling you that just a little bit of evil won't matter. But, the truth is even a little bit of poop makes the difference between a great treat and something disgusting and totally unacceptable.”
Brooke was silent. Her dad continued his explanation. “Brooke, even though the movie industry wants you to believe that most of today's movies are acceptable for adults and teens, the truth is they're not.”
From that point on, whenever Brooke asked to see a questionable movie, her dad returned the question: “Want some of my special dog brownies?” That always closed the subject.
Know It!
Satan will work through movies, TV, music and even your church friends to try and convince you that something questionable is really okay. Don't fall for his lies. He's the father of deceit. Keep your spiritual guard up and let the Holy Spirit guide your decisions.
Read It!
2 Corinthians 12:9; Philippians 2:13; Philippians 4:8; 1 Timothy 4:16.
Pray It!
Ask God to help you feel very uncomfortable around things that aren't pleasing to Him.
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Posted: Thu Nov 22, 2007 8:18 am
Thursday November 22nd - Happy Thanksgiving! biggrin
Deliverance, Restoration, Promise
Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 107:1
Turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie are Thanksgiving traditions. It’s a time of gratitude for material goods, relationships, and security. It’s a time for sharing with the less fortunate. Comic strips, cartoons, and editorials write glibly about thankfulness. Prayers and praises are offered to many gods from different cultures, languages, and religions. But Scripture invites us to thank and sing praises to the one and only true God, because He is good.
In His goodness, God furnishes all our needs for body and soul: food, shelter, clothing, family, country, and church. The psalmist led God’s people in thanksgiving for delivering them from captivity, for restoring God’s people, and for the promise of the Messiah, Christ Jesus. Through Him, God has delivered us from the bondage of sin. Each day He also restores us as His holy people. Lord Jesus, we thank You!
Now we wait for the deliverance from all trials and tribulations, for the restoration of body and soul, and for our Savior to come again. Thanks be to our Redeemer God for suffering, dying, and rising so that we may inherit life eternal.
Heavenly Father, we thank and praise You for providing our bodily needs, for our Savior, and for the eternal hope of heaven. Amen.
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Posted: Thu Nov 22, 2007 4:47 pm
How To Write a Term Paper
Having a little trouble getting those assignments completed before the approaching Christmas holidays? Here are a few suggestions.
1. Sit in a straight, comfortable chair in a well-lighted place with lots of sharpened pencils.
2. Read over your notes about the assignment very carefully, just to make sure you really understand it.
3. Walk into the kitchen and pour yourself a Coke or a cup of coffee to help you concentrate.
4. Make a quick phone call to your best friend. If she hasn't started her paper yet, you can both grab a hamburger first to discuss ideas.
5. When you return home, sit in a straight, comfortable chair in a well-lighted place with lots of sharpened pencils.
6. Read over your notes about the assignment again, just to make sure you truly understand the concept.
7. Wow! It sure has been a long time since you've written your cousin. Go ahead and shoot him a quick e- mail right now so you can get it out of the way and concentrate on your term paper.
8. Go check your nose in the bathroom mirror. You think you feel a zit starting to grow. Better put something on it now while it's still in the beginning stages.
9. Listen to your favorite CD-just to relax your mind-so you can jump right into starting your term paper.
10. Alphabetize your CD collection.
11. Sit in a straight, comfortable chair in a well-lighted place with lots of sharpened pencils.
12. Read over the assignment again. Roll the words across your tongue. Savor the special flavor of this particular assignment.
13. Check the TV guide to make sure you're not really missing anything truly important. Catch the last part of a Mary Tyler Moore rerun.
14. Phone your best friend to see if she's watching. Discuss the plot.
15. Brush your teeth. They can never be too clean, you know.
16. Open the fridge just to make sure there isn't any spoiled food inside.
17. Sit in a straight, comfortable chair in a clean, well- lighted place with lots of sharpened pencils.
18. Read over the notes for your assignment one more time, just to make sure you really, truly, definitely understand it.
19. Call your best friend to make sure she truly understands the assignment as well. Offer to answer any questions she may have.
20. Scoot your chair close to the window and watch the sun set. Scream!
It's funny how we often make excuses and procrastinate important projects, isn't it? When you're not really “into” something, it's easy to put it off. If you've never really disciplined yourself to spending daily time in prayer and Bible reading with your heavenly Father, it can be tempting to make excuses and fill your time with other things.
But the truth is, your spiritual strength will come from reading the Bible and prayer. Without those two ingredients, your spiritual life will suffer. Other things are important as well, such as fellowship with other Christians, ministry involvement and sharing your faith. But without making time for a daily infusion from the Lord Jesus Christ, you'll never feel very close to Him.
Know It!
An intimate, growing relationship with Christ requires spending time with Him. Pledge to set aside time on a daily basis to make this happen.
Read It!
Colossians 1:10; Colossians 2:19; 2 Thessalonians 1:3; 2 Peter 3:18.
Pray It!
Ask God to give you a hunger for His Word. Tell Him you want to get to know Him in an intimate way.
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Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2007 6:12 am
Friday November 23rd
Book of Life
The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. Revelation 3:5
Secularism pervades our world. By accepting all kinds of philosophies, people can no longer decipher right from wrong, nor can they bridle their desires. They coddle and support false gods, but hate and ridicule the Christian Church. They don’t reject religion, but they reject the one true God.
This is nothing new. In a spiritual stupor, the Church in Sardis closed its eyes to the flourishing secularism in its community (Revelation 3:1–6). They had no opposition or troubles. Satan quietly watched over their deadly slumber.
But even in Sardis, some were alive in Christ. They resisted indifference and were ever on guard against the evil of the world. Christ, the one who conquers, promised to dress them in white garments and to keep their names written in His Book of Life. His robes of purity cover the faithful. His righteous blood etches the names of the forgiven in His Book of Life.
Through His Law, God calls us to repent. Through His Gospel and Sacraments, He raises us from the deadness of our sin to life in Christ Jesus. By His grace alone, we wear Christ’s holiness and ever remain in His Book of Life.
Lord Jesus, bless Your Church with sound doctrine and true faithfulness. Amen.
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Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2007 4:39 pm
Reverence
The place that Beethoven lived is called the House at Bonn, and the piano he used is still preserved inside. This is the piano the master used to create his great musical compositions. Many visitors enjoy touring the shrine and discovering more about one of the world's greatest musicians.
Years ago, an American girl visited the House at Bonn. She skipped airily to the piano, sat on the bench and began playing a careless tune. She then turned to the custodian and struck up a conversation. “I guess you get quite a few visitors here, huh?”
“Yes, we do. Every year,” the janitor said without emotion.
“Any famous people ever visit?” she asked.
“Yes, Paderewski was recently here.”
“And he probably played this very piano,” she said as her fingers carelessly thumped the keys.
“Oh, no,” said the custodian. “He didn't consider himself worthy.”
It's easy to adapt a flippant attitude when we enter a hallowed place such as church. If you're plugged into a growing church with a youth group, it's probably a fun place you love and enjoy. Church may be home to some of your best pizza parties, hide and seek games and close relationships. And because of that, it's easy to forget that when we enter the church for worship, we're entering a sacred and holy environment.
Jesus Christ wants to be your best Friend, the One you share your secrets with and your church Pal. But He also wants-and deserves-so much more. He also needs to be your holy Savior, your reverenced Father and your almighty God. When we overlook that aspect of Him, we're like a flippant teen approaching a great instrument and carelessly plunking the keys.
How can you learn to reverence and worship God? Try the following strategy:
• Pray before entering. Before you walk inside your church building, spend some time in prayer. Ask God to remind you that you're already in His holy presence. And while He wants you to enjoy worship and have fun in church, He also wants you to remember that He's much more than a buddy.
• Be still. It's natural to want to talk with our friends when we're in church, but if you'll make a point to stop chattering and learn to quiet your heart before God, it will help place your mind into a proper frame of worship.
• Carry your Bible. Many churches provide Bibles in the pews, and it's not really necessary to actually bring your own Bible to church. But if you'll make a point to carry your own Bible with you and arrive a few minutes early, you can spend some time meditating on favorite Scripture passages. Having your own Bible serves as a reminder that your relationship with Christ is extremely personal. This, too, will move you into a reverent frame of worship.
Know It!
As your relationship with Christ deepens, you'll not only feel closer to Him as your ultimate Friend, but you'll also grow in your reverence for His holiness.
Read It!
Nehemiah 5:15; Hosea 10:3; Malachi 4:2; Revelation 11:18.
Pray It!
Tell God you want to see Him not only as your best Friend but also as your holy and sacred heavenly Father.
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Posted: Sat Nov 24, 2007 6:02 am
Saturday November 24th
Faithful Master—Faithful Servants
Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master. Matthew 25:21
The advertisement read: “Faithful housekeeper needed.” Before the applicant’s arrival, coins were hidden throughout the house. The applicant cleaned every corner, found every coin, and placed each one in a glass for the owner to reclaim. The applicant was found faithful.
God is exceedingly faithful. He faithfully sent His Son to redeem us. His Son was faithful unto death and bought us with His holy precious blood. He sought us, found us, redeemed us, and protects us from the evil one. Jesus restored us to Himself and made us His house, His Church (Hebrews 3:6).
By grace, He makes us His disciples and gives us wisdom, love, patience, faith, and faithfulness. Equipped with Christ’s good gifts, we serve and worship Him, endure trials and temptations, and testify of Him to our friends, families, and enemies. Joyfully we anticipate Christ’s return to gather His own and take us to heaven. Eagerly we wait to hear our Master’s say, “Well done, good and faithful servant. . . . Enter into the joy of your master.”
Heavenly Father, keep us faithful until Christ’s return. Grant us His complete forgiveness so we may live forever in our promised home in heaven. Amen.
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Posted: Sat Nov 24, 2007 11:42 am
Your Spring is Coming
By: Brittney Stokes
There is a time for everything, and a season
for every activity under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1
I went to the school today to pick my little cousin up early. As I rode in front of the school, a familiar scene stood before me and really made me think. When I was in high school at East Clarendon, I took some sort of class that Mrs. Sherrilyn taught for all three years. The reason was I loved that class. It seemed to always make my day better, even though I hated math. I always had her class in the middle of the day. For the first couple of classes, I would look forward to going there because it relieved the stress from the beginning of the day and helped me face the last class of the day. Each year I sat in the same spot, which was by the window. When I first moved to Turbeville at the end of my tenth grade year, I picked that seat in her class. The first day I was there, I was beginning to wonder why God had put us there. It was such an unfamiliar place and I was surrounded by unfamiliar people who had known each other their entire lives. I looked out of the window and across the street there were three trees with lots of white flowers covering them. In the midst of all that unfamiliar territory I found something I knew, God's hand at work. For the next couple of years around the same time, I'd look out that window and see those trees and think about how far I had come since the first time I saw them. I have faced many trials since I first noticed them, but God had seen me through, and there I sat - not defeated - gazing upon the beauty of Him.
So why did this familiar scene touch me so much today when I saw it? When I saw those trees today, God layed something on my heart to share with everybody. I know some of you and some I don't, but I want to instill in you a little bit of the hope I have. You may be facing a trial today. Maybe it's the same situation I was in, where you're somewhere new and surrounded by all unfamiliar things. Maybe everything in your life seems to be going wrong. People might be bringing you down by their words or actions and you just feel like what's the point in even trying? Child of God, you aren't defeated. Jesus won the victory for us, we just have to claim it! See, those trees had to go through a fall and a winter, when they lost all they knew and used to be. Yet in the spring, they bloomed beautiful white flowers again that seemed to get bigger and prettier each year. If you take the time and look around you, you'll find God's hand at work in even the small things. You can look back and past times and see how He's brought you through. He will do it again, He is our hope. Even though the trial you're facing may seem to be your fall or winter, press on, your spring is coming.
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