Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, Hebrews 12:1
Each tree a witness
of creation’s story.
The clouds rolling in
to heighten God’s glory.
Pity the eyes that do not see,
this miraculous witness of the tree.
In a world full of turmoil, take a moment and rest in God’s grace.
My heart has heard You say, “Come and talk with Me.”
And my heart responds, “LORD, I am coming.” Psalm 27:8 NLT
O Lord, life is hard and I stumble at every turn.
Come and talk with Me.
I’ve made so many mistakes, I’ve ruined everything.
Come and talk with Me.
I have hurt those close to me.
Come and talk with Me.
I deserve to suffer for what I’ve done.
Come and talk with Me.
My life is beyond recovery.
Come and talk with Me.
How can I come when I can’t forgive myself?
Come and talk with Me.
Lord my heart wants to come but I’m scared.
Come and talk with Me.
Lord, I am coming…
Please, help me come.
When death comes to make its claim,
to judge what I’ve become.
I’ll point to Him who took my shame.
Oh the mystery—
no longer two but one.
Christ in me the hope of glory. Colossians 1:27
Have you ever thanked God for prayer? Think about it, the Creator of all, who is the Alpha and Omega, the King of kings and Lord of lords, invites us to commune with Him in prayer. It is beyond my ability to comprehend… yet this privilege is given to me. Sometimes I fail to show up… yet this privilege is not taken away. At times I pray with a wrong attitude… yet this privilege is God working in me, not to kick me to the side, but to bring me closer to His side. Thank you Lord for the gift of prayer.
The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad; Psalm 97:1
Why should the earth be glad? Because:
… righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne. Psalm 97:2
And nothing will ever change that.
Lupin playing in the forest
Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 1 John 3:1
As a father and grandfather I have a small inkling of greatness of God’s love for us. I have a special place in my heart for each of my children and grandchildren. To say it is intense is an gross understatement. In fact, I would prefer to be harmed than see any harm come to them. Each one is special, and no one else can take their place.
With God the Father it is similar, but on a far greater level of love.
In love for me Jesus came and died for me. Trusting in Him for my complete forgiveness, I am lifted to a special place—I sit at God’s table. It is there I enjoy all the blessings of being His child. I know He hears my prayers because I am the apple of His eye. How great is the love the Father has lavished on me!
I call on you, O God, for you will answer me;
give ear to me and hear my prayer.
Show the wonder of your great love,
you who save by your right hand
those who take refuge in you from their foes.
Keep me as the apple of your eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 17:6-8
I hope you have found your place at His table.
Burning away the mist.
“I, the Lord, made you,
and I will not forget you.
I have swept away your sins like a cloud.
I have scattered your offenses like the morning mist.
Oh, return to me,
for I have paid the price to set you free.” Isaiah 44:21-22 NLT
As I struggle with the ups and downs of life it is good to remember: God made me and paid the price of my sins that I might be with Him forever. With that in mind I keep facing the Son to let Him burn away all the mist.
“Because of God’s tender mercy,
the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us,
to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
and to guide us to the path of peace.” Luke 1:78-79 NLT
Thank You Jesus.
Merry Christmas
Breathe Deep
For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. Romans 5:5
The love of God is the air of heaven, and the joy of earth. You breathe it in, then breathe it out.
Breathe in––Jesus loves me, and lives in my heart.
Breathe out––Jesus love you, and waits to be invited in.
Arrowleaf Balsamroot soaking in the sunshine
Worry is a sticky thought––once touched it is hard to brush it away.
The flowers of the field remind us there is a way to take care of worry:
“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these…seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:28-34
To get rid of worry for tomorrow requires actively pursuing the Kingdom of Jesus today (letting Him forgive past wrongs and rule in every area). Then humbly walk with God allowing the Holy Spirit’s help you make right choices. If you mess up, or another worry pops up start again with step one. Worry itself is not a sin, but it is the temptation to take your eyes off of Jesus.
Stephen L Hufman 