Through the Years

I am amazed at the rememberance of people of events that happened in high school. Hang around a reunion long enough and the memories just keep coming back. As I look back over my years as a believer, I wonder at times what the Lord has been doing with my life...or...if I've been listening to the Lord about what he wanted me to do. Just as the Scriptures kept reminding God's people to look back and see what the Lord had done for them in order that they may remain true to Him in their present circumstances, I likewise need to look back and remember what God has done in my life. The mercy, grace and forgiveness that He has shown me. The places of despair and darkness that He lifted me out of. The great moments and times of joy and pure happiness. Ah, it is good, at times, to remember...the Lord is good. Thank you Jesus!

The Hands of Jesus

The hands of Jesus must have been a sight to behold. Before the crucifixion they had to be calloused and rugged. Born to weild a hammer or pickaxe. And yet, these hands grabbed the children and swung them around and around. These hands grasped a poor ladies withered hand and healed it completely. These hands, held above the waves, commanded the attention of nature as though it was simply an unruly child to be quieted. What hands.
Even more powerful were the hands of Christ after the crucifixion...just as rugged, but now scarred. Scarred with sin and pain. Scarred with unfailing love and ever-present mercy.
You and I are called to be the hands of Christ on earth. Take a look at your hands...too clean? Too soft? Never touched or touching? Clear with no defects? Mine too.....

Through Their Eyes

Empathy is a difficult tight wire to walk. We want so much to associate with what another is going through, what they are feeling, struggling with, etc. And yet, not make it about self. A friend who is hating work when you are loving yours. A loved one who has been diagnosed with a disease and you feel the best you have ever felt in your live. How does one see life through their eyes and be able to be that loved one, that friend that the other really needs at this time?
Jesus, you saw the world through your Father's eyes...because God so love the world...please help us see through your eyes those around us that need ministered to.
Let us have bigger ears than we do mouths!

Travel Trails

Time to ponder comes often in a nine hours trip...creation...family dynamics...future goals...sin...the timing of hesitant windshield wipers! How do we use these times of contemplation? How much time, I wondered, do I waste listening to nothingness on the radio when I could be talking to the Living God about life? I challenge you to a quiet car ride the next time you have a trip [maybe not the whole nine hours:)]...just testing the blog spot too! Pastor Matt