From the lavender, orange, and gold smudged long and low across the western horizon to the red and pink dappled skies of an early Ohio morning, I reveled in the breath-stealing artistry that marks our days. From the gentle lapping of ocean waves against a wooden Charleston pier to a boat bobbing on crisp cool waters of Lake Michigan, I glimpsed God’s authority and majesty. And from Colorado pine-covered mountains shrouded in fog to the raw desert beauty of cactus-coated foothills of West Texas, I witnessed God’s hand of creativity and variety.
“The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands,” Psalm 19:1 “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth,” Genesis 1:1
These days of global turmoil and national unrest it’s easy to over-inflate humanity’s place. We lose sight of the One Who Created and Controls All. Our hearts and minds stay trapped in an endless loop of terrible news and changes that seem in opposition to Christian beliefs. We wonder, “Is Christianity still relevant?”
Yes! Then how are we to live? Cut through the muck of destructive thought and rhetoric and return to God’s simplicity:
“For God so loved the world. . . ”
In the same way a mother and father feel compassion and possess the fierce instinct to protect their baby, the sovereign Lord of the Universe feels and acts toward you and me.
“. . . that He gave His only son. . . ”
His compassion doesn’t stop with a feeling, but God follows through with action by providing you and me with the gift of His very child.
“. . . that whoever believes in Him. . . ”
Yes, we are called to make a decision. Do you believe the God of All Time – Who Was, Is, and Is To Come (Revelation 4:8) – actually cares for you? Do you believe He really sent the Lord Jesus Christ to stamp out the harmful and lasting effects of your sins?
“. . . shall not perish. . . ”
What’s this? Through faith you will not be eternally separated from God, so you and I need not drown in despair of living day-to-day in an upside down and hostile world.
“. . . but have eternal life.”
Do you believe God loves you enough to provide for you forever? Because he does!
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life,” John 3:16
“Dear Holy Father, please snatch me from the world’s grip of sin and sorry and lift me up into the heavenly places. Thank you, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
Choosing God and Rejecting the Rest, PJ
copyright 2017 PJGover
Filed under: Practical Christianity Tagged: Discouragement, God's comfort, New Life in Christ, Trust God, Where do you find encouragement?
