A wondrous glimpse through the doorway to heaven.
The Spirit of God whets our appetite by giving us a taste of what’s ahead. He puts a little of heaven in our hearts so that we’ll never settle for less.
2 Corinthians 5:5 The Message
Beautiful snow, a metaphor for life touched by God’s grace
“Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD.
“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; Isaiah 1:18
Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Psalm 51:7
Glorious View
Hope gives us life today because it assures us of God’s goodness for our tomorrows.
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, Hebrew 6:19
Our hope is this: Jesus Christ in us the hope of glory (Col. 1:27).
What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Romans 8:31-32
In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Ephesians 4:26-27
Anger robs me of enjoying the day.
It prevents me from loving those around me.
It leads to bitterness of spirit.
It keeps me in turmoil.
It puts me on edge ready to lash out.
It makes me ugly.
It shortens my life.
The bondage of anger is to strong I cannot walk away.
Forgiveness breaks the chains
Forgiveness leads to restoration
Forgiveness leads to peace.
Forgiveness allows me to love instead of hate
Forgiveness is what I need
Forgiveness makes me someone who can be loved
I need God’s forgiveness, so that I might forgive,
And live.
A heavenly dream
We all dream,
Life is full of dreams.
Our dreams are sometimes good, and sometimes nightmares.
Sometimes dreams come true…sometimes not.
But all our dreams will fade and get old with us.
I wonder if God dreams?
I bet his dreams are good.
Good beyond our wildest dreams,
And His dream will never end.
For in Jesus we are not the dreamer, but the dream.
Where earth and sky meet
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”
Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:1-6
And we can touch Heaven.
Autumn along the Wenatchee River
This scene was beautiful but short-lived, the next year a second fire burned through this area. Life is like this landscape: beautiful for a time, but things happen. That is why I love John 14:6
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” – Jesus
His compassion is new every morning.
He forgives me and helps me forgive.
He gives me a new heart.
He opens my eyes to see, and my ears to hear.
He is my strength and my self control.
He is the good shepherd watching over me and my family.
He is my shield.
He is my hope that conquers fear.
He is my peace and security––my Rock.
He loves me with an enduring love.
He promised to come back and take me home with Him.
No matter what happens He will never leave me nor forsake me.
He is just what I need for life.
Life is not life without Jesus.
Cold and alone, but the sun is coming
This time of year (Christmas) many feel terrible loneliness. This season brings that about because we are reminded of past holidays when departed loved ones were present. Also we look around and see others enjoying the company of family and we grieve at our loss. At such times it is good to let your heart and mind dwell upon God’s message to us at Christmas.
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10-11
Christmas is about Jesus, coming to die for us, so we might live in Him and with Him never to be alone again.
And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:20
Unfortunately in the holiday hubbub the message of Christmas becomes cliché and thus tossed aside when we need it most — when we feel lost and alone.
Stephen L Hufman 