A Fervent and Sincere Love

Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart, for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God. For,
"ALL FLESH IS LIKE GRASS,
AND ALL ITS GLORY LIKE THE FLOWER OF GRASS.
THE GRASS WITHERS,
AND THE FLOWER FALLS OFF,
BUT THE WORD OF THE LORD ENDURES FOREVER "
And this is the word which was preached to you.
(1 Peter 1:22-25, NASB)

I love how Peter describes our eternal salvation. We are born again imperishably “through the living and enduring word of God.” The apostle John described our Savior Jesus Christ as the living Word, and we are saved through His death and resurrection.

Because of that gift, we can be assured of eternity with God.

But these verses command us to do something while we remain on earth. We are to have a “sincere love of the brethren.” We are to “fervently love one another from the heart.”

I don’t know about you, but this pierces my heart a bit. I rejoice in the thought of being imperishably born again. I long for the day when I’ll discard this weak, fleshly body—especially on days like today when all four of my chronic health issues are flaring—and spend eternity praising and worshiping my Lord.

But do I sincerely and fervently love my brothers and sisters? Do I, as the apostle Paul wrote, think more highly of them than I do of myself? (Phil. 2:3, my paraphrase) I know I want to. I pray I do.

Hope in God-Father, Son, and Spirit

For He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has appeared in these last times for the sake of you who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.
(1 Peter 1:20-21, NASB)

One of the hardest concepts for nonbelievers to grasp is that of what we Christ-followers call the Trinity: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Many accuse us of worshiping three gods. Or they argue that it’s impossible for there to be a three-in-one being.

It is difficult to grasp and continues to be one of those mysteries we probably won’t fully understand this side of heaven. However, it’s clear throughout the Bible that our Sovereign God manifests Himself as God the Father—Creator, Sustainer, Provider—God the Son—Redeemer, Savior—and God the Spirit—Helper, Encourager, Convicter.

Today’s verses tell us that Jesus was foreknown before the foundation of the world. And in Genesis, we read that God created man in “Our" image. In the gospels, when Jesus—God the Son—was baptized, God the Father spoke and God the Holy Spirit descended like a dove.

In God’s perfect plan, humankind would need a Redeemer, a perfect sacrifice to pay the penalty for our sin. God the Son appeared on earth “for the sake of you who through Him are believers in God.” Through the death and resurrection of Jesus, we have hope and faith in God the Father.

Are you feeling hopeful? Or hopeless? Remember that the only real hope we have is in Christ. When all else fails, our triune God—Father, Son, and Spirit—will never fail. Never.

Unworthy ... But of Worth

If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth; knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.
(1 Peter 1:17-19, NASB)

Have you ever felt unworthy? And I don’t mean that put-yourself-down “I’m pond scum” kind of unworthy. I mean, have you ever pondered on what Jesus did for you? And then recognized how very unworthy you are?

I’ve been in a season of change the last few weeks. God has blessed me so abundantly by giving me an opportunity to pursue my passion full time. And every single day for the last two and one half weeks, I’ve been shaking my head, wondering how He could possibly love this flawed, weak woman as much as He does.

I am unworthy of His blessings. Oh, but He—in His unimaginable grace—sees worth in me. So much so, He trusts me to help fulfill His mission. Amazing grace, indeed.

Then I read verses like this, and I’m humbled again. And convicted.

Humbled because I am redeemed by the “precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.” God the Father saw enough worth in me, He sent His beloved Son to pay the price for my sin. (John 3:16) I resonate with the words of the psalmist: “Why do you bother with us? Why take a second look our way?” (8:4, The Message)

Convicted because I have to ask myself, do I really “conduct [myself] with fear [with reverent awe] during the time of [my] stay on earth”? I pray I do. I know I want to. It’s my heart’s desire to somehow, in some small way, give back to God even a fraction of what He’s given me.

To somehow let Him know how grateful I am He sees worth in this cracked, unworthy vessel.

Amazing grace. Indeed.

Be Holy?

Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, "YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY."
(1 Peter 1:13-16, NASB)

As I’ve heard many pastors say, when you see a “therefore” in the Bible, you need ask yourself what it’s “there for.”

Yesterday’s passage spoke of prophets serving us and preaching the “gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven.” Today’s verses now put the focus on us. If indeed the prophets spoke truth about the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus, what are we to do to continue to proclaim the gospel—the good news?

We have a pretty concise “to do” list here:
• Prepare our minds for action
• Keep sober in spirit
• Fix our hope completely (did you get that? completely) on grace
• Do not be conformed to former lusts

And finally:
• Be holy

Wow. I don’t know about you, but this list is pretty daunting. In fact the “easiest” of these tasks (for me, at least) is fixing my hope on grace. I am so very, very grateful that, forty years ago, God adopted me as His beloved daughter. I’m equally grateful that, almost seventeen years ago, He brought this prodigal back to Himself. I understand grace.

I can even handle being prepared for action, keeping sober in spirit, and not being conformed to former lust—that’s where grace comes in.

But that last? Be holy? Me? With all my flaws and weaknesses and brokenness? Are you kidding me?

I’m far from holy. You may be thinking the same about yourself.

Ah, but it’s not about us. It’s not about me. I’m holy because the One to whom I belong is holy. When I gave my life completely and irrevocably to God, I was washed clean. I was made righteous in His eyes.

And in gratitude, I strive to live as closely to how Christ lived as I can. I desire my Lord’s will. I want to follow His plan.

And I, with His grace, am becoming more and more like my Savior.

Thank You, Abba, for seeing the worth in me. Thank Your for looking past my rebellion, my deliberate sin. Thank You for making me holy in your eyes. Amen.

An Amazing Gift

As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful searches and inquiries, seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things into which angels long to look.
(1 Peter 1:10-12, NASB)

One thing I love about the Bible—among many—is the fact of already fulfilled prophecies. Old Testament prophecies about the birth and death of Christ. New Testament prophecies about the destruction of the temple.

I feel so blessed to know that because some prophecies have already been fulfilled, others will one day be also.

In these verses, Peter reminds his readers—that’s us, by the way—that the prophets of old predicted Christ’s suffering and His glory to come. Jesus did suffer, and one day, those who know Him will bask in His glory.

But there’s more in these verses. In fact, in a very real way, these verses define the reason God inspired men to write His words: to serve us. Have you thought of that? God didn’t have to leave a written account of His work. He could have just left it to general revelation through creation. Or He could have let us figure it out on our own (like that would happen!).

No. He loves us so much He left the gift of written word. Words inspired by Him, flowing through chosen men. Men who dedicated their lives to accurately scribe God’s inspiration.

Have you thought of what an amazing gift your Bible is? Have you praised God for speaking to you through its words? Don’t take it for granted, my friend. Read it. Meditate on it.

And thank God for it.

More Precious Than Gold

In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.
(1 Peter 1:6-9, NASB)

I find it very interesting that some followers of Christ are surprised when trials come. Somehow they think that becoming a Christian means rainbows, cotton candy, and puppy dogs.

They haven’t read their Bible apparently.

I’ve written before about being refined as gold, and I love today’s scripture. Not the being “distressed by various trials” part. Frankly, I’d rather avoid trials. Suffering isn’t on my top ten favorite things to do. If God chose to grow me and mature my faith in any other way, I’d say, “Bring it on.”

But that’s not how God works. He knows we’re fickle and frail and fleshly. He knows we (or maybe it’s just me) tend to be self-sufficient when the skies are clear and the waves calm. It’s when the storms hit—when we face the fiery furnace—that we reach our hands up and plead for His presence.

So no, I’d rather not have the trials, but since I know I’m who I am today because of the difficult times and how they’ve shaped me, I can rejoice as Peter exhorted.

I can praise and glorify and honor my Lord. I can love Him through the trials.

I can find hope, knowing that my trials are for “a little while.” And I can be confident God will use those trials to make me precious like gold.

A Living Hope!

… according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
(1 Peter 1:2-5, NASB)

I just finished an inductive study of 1 Peter, and there are so many rich truths—I can’t resist sharing some of them with you. So for the next few weeks, join me as I remind myself of God’s voice through the apostle Peter.

And may I pray, as Peter prayed: May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure!

The last few days, I focused on a psalm that often felt bleak, but ended with hope. Today, I start our review of 1 Peter with hope—a living hope. We who follow Christ, who have personal relationships with Him, have been offered a great mercy from our Lord God.

We are promised an inheritance—imperishable and undefiled—in heaven.

We are promised protection—by the power of God through faith—here on earth.

When I read verses like this, I get homesick. I completely resonate with Paul’s words to the Philippians: “For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.” (Phil. 1:23, NKJV)

It gives me a hope I can live with on earth to know one day the cares and sufferings I experience now won’t even be a memory. I’ll be in the presence of the triune God!

Now, that’s a hope I can live with!

The King Reigns!

The LORD is King forever and ever;
The nations have perished out of His land.
LORD, You have heard the desire of the humble;
You will prepare their heart;
You will cause Your ear to hear,
To do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed,
That the man of the earth may oppress no more.
(Psalm 10:16-18, NKJV)

Yes. It seems the bad guys are winning battle after battle. Corruption. Perversion. Immorality. It can make even the most faithful hang her head in despair.

Ah. But we know Who wins the war.

Read the first line of today’s scripture again. The Lord, our Lord, is King forever and ever. He has heard—and will hear—the desire of the humble. He has heard—and will hear—our cries.

And He will one day do justice. One day, we will all stand before His throne, and those of us who follow Him will receive rewards according to how we’ve served Him.

One day, those who chose not to follow Him will receive judgment. Those who have oppressed, those who have lived thumbing their noses at God, those who have flagrantly lived in ungodliness will be judged.

Now read the last line of this psalm. I’m no theologian, and again, this psalm seems to be more about man than Satan, but wouldn’t you agree that the enemy could be described as “the man of the earth”? And if so, one day, he will oppress no more.

Find hope in these words today, my friend. Be encouraged, knowing that one day, all the pain and suffering you’re facing today will be over. We will be face-to-face with our King—forever and ever.

Amen.

A Cry to God

Arise, O LORD!
O God, lift up Your hand!
Do not forget the humble.
Why do the wicked renounce God?
He has said in his heart,
“You will not require an account.”

But You have seen, for You observe trouble and grief,
To repay it by Your hand.
The helpless commits himself to You;
You are the helper of the fatherless.
Break the arm of the wicked and the evil man;
Seek out his wickedness until You find none.
(Psalm 10:12-15, NKJV)

Have you ever felt forgotten? Have you ever suffered through a season and felt alone? The last few days have focused on the wicked’s pride and arrogance, and how they seem to be winning. They say God has forgotten.

Today is where hope begins. I said yesterday our God never forgets us, and I believe that with all my heart. Even when I “forgot” Him, He never forgot me. He never forgets you.

All we have to do is cry out to Him.

I’ve always found real comfort reading the psalms. So often the writers cry out to God for intervention, for protection, for salvation. And they did so with the assurance that God listened. Always.

We too can cry out to God. We can plea that He not forget the humble. We can ask for His help, knowing He will help us.

He really will. In His time. According to His plan.

Always.

Has God Forgotten Me?

He sits in the lurking places of the villages;
In the secret places he murders the innocent;
His eyes are secretly fixed on the helpless.
He lies in wait secretly, as a lion in his den;
He lies in wait to catch the poor;
He catches the poor when he draws him into his net.
So he crouches, he lies low,
That the helpless may fall by his strength.
He has said in his heart,
“God has forgotten;
He hides His face;
He will never see.”
(Psalm 10:8-11, NKJV)

Yesterday I wrote that sometimes it seems like the enemy is winning. Psalm 10 continues that thought. According to the New American Standard Bible, this is a psalm praying for the overthrow of the wicked, and I agree. But I also see it as how the enemy of our souls behaves. The enemy—prideful, arrogant, a liar, a murderer—seems to be described quite well in today’s verses.

Lurking. Murders the innocent. Lies in wait secretly.

God has forgotten …

And sometimes it seems like God really has forgotten us. When the pain is unrelenting. When the checking account is empty and rent is due. When the doctor says, “I’m so sorry.” When that prodigal is far from home.

God—at times—seems so far away. Prayers—at times—go no further than the ceiling. What do we do then?

I often speak of the gift of hindsight. I’ve experienced a lot in my four and a half decades on this earth. Abuse. Infertility. Chronic pain. And many, many times, God seemed to have forgotten me. But with that gift of hindsight, I can see He never, ever did. Even through twenty years of rebellion, He never, ever did.

And everything that’s happened—even those things my enemies did for evil—God used for good. Everything.

Be strong through whatever season you’re going through, my friend. And know one thing: God never forgets you. Never.

When My Enemy Seems to be Winning

Why do You stand afar off, O LORD?
Why do You hide in times of trouble?
The wicked in his pride persecutes the poor;
Let them be caught in the plots which they have devised.
For the wicked boasts of his heart’s desire;
He blesses the greedy and renounces the LORD.
The wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God;
God is in none of his thoughts.
His ways are always prospering;
Your judgments are far above, out of his sight;
As for all his enemies, he sneers at them.
He has said in his heart, “I shall not be moved;
I shall never be in adversity.”
His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and oppression;
Under his tongue is trouble and iniquity.
(Psalm 10:1-7, NKJV)

Sometimes, I watch the news or read the headlines (online, of course), and it seems like the bad guys are winning … a lot.

The writer of this psalm described our world really, really well. It’s full of people who are prospering and prideful. Even more, countless deny the existence of the one true God.

Deceit. Cursing. Renouncing the Lord. Sound familiar?

It’s almost painful when it seems like those of us who follow Jesus are losing—jobs, health, relationships—when the “wicked” are thriving. And we cry the words of the psalmist,

“Why do You stand afar off, O LORD?”

I’ve asked the same question. Days when I have to drag myself from bed because the pain is so intense. Days when politicians are caught in lies—but “spin” their way out. Days when people die in catastrophic earthquakes while celebrities talk of their triple-digit car purchase.

“Why do You hide in times of trouble?”

Yes, sometimes it seems like God is far away, hiding in times of trouble. Sometimes it feels like the enemy is indeed winning. And it’s really hard.

During these times, my hope comes from a favorite verse. I pray as you face your own enemy, these words will give you hope too.

"These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."
(John 16:33, NASB)

Our enemies may be winning a battle or two, but our Lord Jesus Christ has already won the war.

The Lord, My Salvation

I lay down and slept;
I awoke, for the LORD sustained me.
I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people
Who have set themselves against me all around.
Arise, O LORD;
Save me, O my God!
…
Salvation belongs to the LORD.
Your blessing is upon Your people.
(Psalm 3:5-8, NKJV)


Not only is the Lord our shield, as we learned yesterday, He’s our salvation from enemies and circumstances—and sleepless nights.

I like the beginning of verse 5. I don’t know about you, but sometimes when I face uncertainty, one of the first things that goes is sleep. Tossing and turning. Worrying and fretting. In times like these, I’ve learned if I talk to God just before I go to sleep and then again when I wake, He will sustain me. He will give me the strength I need to get through each moment, each day.

These verses also remind me I don’t have to fear. I really, really don’t. He’s in control, and He’ll save me. I may—no, let’s be honest here—I will face trials. I will face temptations. I may even face an enemy full-on. But He’ll carry me through.

God’s word promises salvation from our enemies. But let’s not forget, it also promises eternal salvation. So even if today seems rough, even if there’s not even a glimmer of light at the end of that proverbial tunnel, we who know Jesus Christ can be assured that this temporary life will one day be not even a memory. We’ll be face-to-face with our Lord and Savior.

Forever.

The Lord, My Shield

LORD, how they have increased who trouble me!
Many are they who rise up against me.
Many are they who say of me,
“There is no help for him in God.”
But You, O LORD, are a shield for me,
My glory and the One who lifts up my head.
I cried to the LORD with my voice,
And He heard me from His holy hill.
(Psalm 3:1-4, NKJV)

I think I’ll stay in the Psalms for a while.

This one spoke to my soul this morning as my heart continues to hurt for many of my friends who are facing job hunts in this uncertain economy. It has to be a little scary, even for those who have a strong faith in our loving, Sovereign God.

They’re facing troubles, and there are some who may very well say, “You have no help.” Moments may come when even those who trust the Lord may wonder when help will come.

The writer of this Psalm certainly understood trouble from those “who rise up against” him. But he knew the One who held him. He knew he could cry out to his Lord, and he would be heard.

We can do the same. No matter our trouble, no matter our pain, no matter our distress, we can cry out to our Lord. We can have confidence that He is our shield. He is the one who lifts our heads.

Life isn’t easy. And we’ve never been promised it would be. But we do have a protector, a shield against the troubles this world—and its “prince”—may bring.

Cry out to Him. If you’re feeling troubled, unsure, weary, worried … Cry out to Him. He will listen. He will shield you.

Trust Him.

Giving Thanks

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
For the LORD is good;
His mercy is everlasting,
And His truth endures to all generations.
(Psalm 100:4-5, NKJV)

Yesterday, I wrote about finding joy simply because I’m God’s daughter (or as I like to say when I speak, I’m a much-loved daughter of the King!). Today’s verses complete that thought.

Because I’m God’s, because He loves me, I can be joyful. Even more, I can be grateful for everything. Everything. Good and bad.

I can be grateful for the daily pain that requires a reliance on Him. I can be grateful for times of trial that strengthen me. I can be grateful for difficult relationships that cause me to be compassionate.

Mostly, I can be grateful that the God who loves me is good. He’s merciful.

I know it sounds trite, but it’s true. God will use all things for His ultimate good (Romans 8:28). It may not seem that way today, but as I wrote in my book, The Best Laid Plans:

• God loves you.
• God is beside you every moment, in every circumstance.
• God will use the pain you’re experiencing today to strengthen you.
• And, one day, you will see how your yesterday will bless your today and give you hope for tomorrow.

I’m not white-washing pain, my friends. Believe me. I understand pain more than some, not as much as others. But I do know that if I can be genuinely thankful, blessing and praising God, I see His goodness.

I pray you’ll see that same goodness, no matter what you’re going through. And that you, too, will give thanks.

Finding Joy

Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands!
Serve the LORD with gladness;
Come before His presence with singing.
Know that the LORD, He is God;
It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
(Psalm 100:1-3, NKJV)

Some of my dearest friends are finding it hard to be joyful these days. It’s been a tough week for some. For others, it’s been a tough year or more.

Fractured relationships. Fragile finances. Failing health.

Many seem to be surrounded by very dark clouds. Where’s the rainbow? Or the silver lining? Will the sun ever shine through?

It’s hard sometimes to see any light through the shadows, but when I read these verses, I remember something very, very important. My joy doesn’t come from circumstances. It doesn’t come from sunny skies. It doesn’t come from my stuff. It doesn’t come from a paycheck. It doesn’t even come from my relationships.

My joy comes from one place, and one place only. The assurance that I am God’s. I am His daughter. And He loves me.

And while I may not know exactly what’s around the corner, I can joyfully shout. I can serve Him with gladness. I can praise Him with singing.

Because I know that He is God.

A Change is in the Air

If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you know it’s been more of random thoughts, prayers, and devotions—whatever came to mind—on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.

Starting tomorrow, however, as I begin a new journey of pursuing full-time ministry, my blogs are going to change a bit.

First, they’ll be daily.

Second, they’ll focus on verses, chapters, and books of the Bible. I may stay in a particular book for weeks!

Third, they’ll offer encouragement, edification, and/or equipping—the three “E’s” of my ministry: Triple-E Ministries (www.saunirinehart.com).

I encourage (!) you to join me in my journey and “follow” my blog in the coming months. And let me know what you think.

I do hope you join me. I’m excited to see what God will do!

A Much-needed Refuge

Some of my favorite verses come from Psalm 46.

"God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in time of trouble.
Therefore, we shall not fear.
Even though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Though its waters roar and be troubled,
Though the mountains shake with its swelling."

Through storms, through earthquakes, through devastation, through pain, through trials. God is always there. Always.

But sometimes it feels like He's far away. Sometimes it seems like help isn't coming.

I've written a lot about trust. Do we really trust that God is who He says He is? Do we really believe He'll carry us through even the most painful times?

I know for some of my friends it's hard right now. You can't see the light at the end of the proverbial tunnel.

All I can offer you today is my prayers. And the final verses of Psalm 46.

"Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!
The LORD of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our refuge."

If ... Then ...

If ... then ... scenarios permeate our lives, don't they?

As children, we hear:

If you clean your room, then you'll get ice cream.

Then it's:

If you get good grades, then you'll get into a good college.

As we grow older, we're told:

If you work hard, then you'll earn enough to retire.

Or how about:

If you promise to love me 'til death us do part, then I'll promise the same.

And finally:

If you take care of your health, then you'll live to an old age.

Conditions. Requirements. You scratch my back; I'll scratch yours. You give something, and you'll get something.

Even God has "if ... then ..." scenarios.

Throughout the Old Testament, God said time and time again to His chosen people, "If you obey me, then I'll ..."

He'd provide. He'd protect. He'd be gracious. He'd conquer their enemies. He'd be merciful. He'd bless.

He makes the same promises today. All He asks is that we obey Him. All He asks is that we read and follow His commandments He gave us through His word. All He asks is that we trust Him.

And since He's the Creator of all things, He has every right to ask.

If we obey Him, then He'll do all those things He promised to the people of Israel.

I don't know about you, but I really like knowing that if I obey Him and His commands, He'll protect me. He'll provide for me. He'll bless me. In and through every situation.

If you want to have that same assurance, then obey Him. Follow Him.

Trust Him.

Foolish Things

As I was spending time with the Lord this morning, I decided to read some of Psalm 119 and was brought to a screeching halt by verse 37.

I first read the NASB, which says, "Turn away my eyes from looking at vanities, And revive me in Your ways."

I had to check out other versions. The NIV translates "vanities" as "worthless things," and The Message, "toys and trinkets."

Then I came across CEV's rendition:

Take away my foolish desires,
and let me find life
by walking with you.

Join me in my screeching halt and read these words again. And then again.

We just came out of a season where the world is focusing on things, and perhaps many of us who know better got caught right up with it. It's easy, I know, to get tunnel vision. My house. My clothes. My car.

Then the bottom falls out of the economy.

Or even worse, an earthquake destroys a nation.

What then? What do our "foolish desires" really get us? Where does our focus on "toys and trinkets" leave us?

Nothing or nowhere I really want to be. I'd much rather find life in walking with Jesus. I'd rather take my eyes off of my often foolish desires and focus on the plan of my loving Father.

How about you?

As I close this week's blog, please pray for Haiti and its people. Pray for those who are traveling as I write to offer a helping hand. Pray for those who are using this as a political forum.

And remember, even when it's so very hard to see, our loving Father is in control of this too.

Another New Year

2010.

Seriously . . . 2010? For those of us "of an age," wasn't 2010 supposed to be full of space odysseys and travels to far off galaxies, going from here to there with a mere push of a button, cars that levitate?

Instead, it's just another year.

Now, I have to admit, 30 years ago, I couldn't have imagined carrying (and absolutely loving) two small devices, one that holds every song I love and the other, a growing library of books, and a phone, slipped in my pocket, that allows me to call anyone at any time. Those seemed like science fiction dreams.

But really, is there anything new under the sun to look forward to in 2010? I'm not sure. I mean, what else could we possibly want?

It's just another year. For some of us, it'll be business as usual (or trying to find business as usual). Same ol' stuff. For others, 2010 will open new and exciting doors--weddings, births, unexpected opportunities. Well . . . Just like years past. Nothing new under the sun.

Now before you think I'm being a drag, I'm looking forward to this new year. Really. There's a lot of work to be done and plans to be made. There'll be chances to see God work in ways I can't imagine today. There'll be new people to meet and new dreams to see fulfilled.

It's going to be a good year no matter what because God's in it.

So, although I won't be flying off to Saturn any time soon (and I really was hoping for the ability "travel at the push of a button"), I pray for a happy, healthy 2010--for all of us.