Who is wise and discerning?  They will understand that God's path is the right path and they will walk in it.

The book of Hosea ends with this truth - 'But those who rebel stumble.'  Hosea 14:9.

How do the rebellious stumble?  They spend many hours on things with little or no ultimate value.  They spend a lot of money on things that provide little or no satisfaction.  They search the earth looking for something that will complete them and give them a purpose when the Provider of these does not live on this planet.

Meanwhile, God opens the eyes of the wise as they walk with him.  There are still small stumbles but they know how to get back on the right path.

How do we walk right with God?  By loving God with our whole heart, mind and soul and loving others.  Simple....yet profound.  When we do this, we are transformed.

When we walk with God, he completes us and gives us a purpose.

He also gives us joy.

Is there something that you were particularly frightened of as a child? How about as an adult? Fear tends to be a regular part of our life. We can be troubled as we focus on challenges or bad situations. In Colossians we read this truth and encouragement:

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” – Colossians 3:1–4 (NIV)

In our fast-paced, digitally saturated lives, this command can sound nearly impossible: “Set your hearts and minds on things above.” How do we do that when we’re flooded with news updates, job pressures, social media, and endless to-do lists? Setting your heart and mind on things above is a good and honorable thing, but what about the daily chores of life: laundry, work, paying bills? Or more serious: illness, death, conflict?

This short passage in Colossians gives us both the reason and the roadmap for a mindset rooted in eternity. The author, Paul, starts by reminding believers that they have been "raised with Christ." This is not poetic language – it’s a profound truth about identity. If we truly believe we have been spiritually raised with Christ, then our priorities, decisions, and ambitions should reflect that new life. But that’s a daily battle. Our culture says identity is something we choose or create. Scripture says it's something we receive in Christ.

Today’s challenge is not only to embrace that truth but to live it out in environments that constantly pull us away from it. Whether it's the drive for success, the need for approval, or the comfort of consumerism, we’re surrounded by “earthly things” vying for our focus.

Paul gives a twofold instruction: “Set your hearts…” and “Set your minds…” on things above. This isn’t about ignoring earthly responsibilities, but about interpreting them through the lens of eternity. Work, family, finances – these are real and important. But they must be informed by a higher perspective. We set our hearts on the truth of God’s promises, and that leads to setting our minds on His will. For example, setting your mind on things above at work might mean valuing integrity over advancement. It might mean seeing your coworkers not just as colleagues but as people loved by, and in need of, Christ. In your relationships, it could mean choosing forgiveness over bitterness, even when it's hard.

Paul continues with the mysterious phrase, “your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” In a world obsessed with visibility, likes, and personal branding, the Christian life is often lived in obscurity. The fruit of the Spirit—love, patience, kindness—isn’t always flashy. But God sees, and one day, as Paul reminds us, “you also will appear with Him in glory.”
That future promise gives us strength today. When faith feels unnoticed or costly, when obedience means sacrifice, we remember that our reward is secure in Christ. We live with hope, not hype.

Colossians 3:1-4 invites us to recalibrate our hearts daily. In a distracted, anxious world, living with a heavenly mindset is both a challenge and a calling. But in doing so, we discover a deeper peace, a clearer purpose, and a life that points others to the glory of Christ.

4832 Ponderings:

• What things influence your thinking?
• How can you control those influences, or fail to control them?
• How might the assurance of living eternally in relationship to God, through Christ, influence your long-term and short-term goals?
• How is the importance of our current life circumstances impacted by our faith and our eternity goals?

Closing Prayer: Dear Father in heaven, Your creation is so magnificent and beautiful! We thank you that we get to live in and experience it. Sometimes our lives seem to get overwhelmed by the mundane, unpleasant, or hurtful. When this happens, remind us of this truth: we have an eternal relationship with You that nothing in our current circumstances can prevent. Help us to set our eyes, hearts and minds on You and the relationship we enjoy with You now, tomorrow and into eternity. May this truth impact how we interact with others as we reflect Your love and the light of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

As you prepare for sleep at night, do you:

• Have a nightlight on?
•  Wear a sleep mask?
•  Play soothing music to fall asleep by?
•  Review your list of worries?

One of the interesting aspects of the Bible is the different kinds of writing styles it includes. One of the most common artistic styles is poetry and it is used in the book of Psalms in creative ways. Consider these excerpts from Psalm 9:

1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
3 Surely he will save you
from the fowler’s snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday. (vv1-6)

Consider the images of God and the way He protects us in this Psalm. Which stand out for you? 

Where might be a place of refuge for you?
What might be a current-day example of a fowler’s snare (v3)? It may be related to your living circumstances, your job, your family, or challenges you fearfully face (even like addictions, people, or finances).

Verse 5 mentions “the terror of the night.” What kinds of things come to mind as you think about that? 

What is effective for you when you face fears at night that may prevent rejuvenating sleep? Consider:

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8

And finally, consider this portion of Psalm 25 that you can use as a prayer message to God when you are feeling alone, or anxious:

1 In you, Lord my God,
I put my trust.
2 I trust in you;
do not let me be put to shame,
nor let my enemies triumph over me.
3 No one who hopes in you
will ever be put to shame,
but shame will come on those
who are treacherous without cause.
4 Show me your ways, Lord,
teach me your paths.
5 Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
6 Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love,
for they are from of old.

Doing the right things. Making the right decisions. Saying the right things.

God uses an old fashioned term - righteousness - to describe these actions.  It's 'living right".

How do I know what is right?  The answer to that question is God's Word is right.  It's the truth. There are large sections of the book of Proverbs where God spells out what living right means.  Here are a few -
 
"The desire of the righteous ends only in good, but the hope of the wicked only in wrath." Proverbs 11:23.

"The plans of the righteous are just, but the advice of the wicked is deceitful." Proverbs 12:5"

"The righteous detest the dishonest; the wicked detest the upright." Proverbs 29:27.

God  speaks to me through the words, explaining them and helping me apply them to my life.  The Holy Spirit convicts me when my thinking gets off and my actions don't reflect what I believe.

I'm so glad I have the role-model of Jesus.  I don't have to try to look around me and try to find someone I want to imitate in order to 'live right'.  I have Jesus.  This truth has often helped me move past major disappointments with people - especially people in the church.  I used to expect people who went to church to be a lot more 'righteous' than others until I realized that we're all just people, struggling with our weaknesses.  If we are believers, God is gradually redeeming our lives but it's often very clear that he still has a lot of work left to do.

So watching people - especially people who say they are Christians - confused me and I often became disillusioned.  Then I looked to Jesus.  Focused on him.  And the issues about imperfect Christians went away.

When Jesus was on earth, he gave imperfect people grace and love and spoke truth at the right time into their lives.  This makes me glad because I am imperfect - I need grace, love and truth.  And I need to give other imperfect people grace, love and speak truth when God prompts me.

Jesus is my role-model. If he did it, it's the right thing to do.

If you could learn another language, which would you pick?

Now imagine you are in a public gathering, along with your closest friends and being uncertain what will happen next. Suddenly, the atmosphere shifts. You feel something powerful, unexplainable—like fire and wind—but not in a destructive way. You're filled with energy, boldness, and begin speaking in a language you haven’t previously known, and your friends are doing the same thing in various other languages.

The Bible records just such an occasion in Acts 2:1-13. It happened during an Old Testament celebration called Pentecost and most Christians recognize it as the beginning of the Christian church. It also has an important message for us today.

The disciples were waiting for something they didn’t fully understand. Earlier, Jesus told them they would be receiving the Holy Spirit (John 20:21,22). Jesus had told them to wait for the “gift” the Father promised. They obeyed, not knowing when or how it would come. Sound familiar? Many of us are in seasons of waiting—waiting for direction, purpose, healing, or breakthrough. Pentecost reminds us that God's timing is perfect and His Spirit arrives not just with answers but with power.

When the Holy Spirit came, the disciples began to speak in languages they didn’t know, and people from various nations understood them. It was more than a miracle of speech—it was a miracle of connection. In today’s world, where divisions based on race, language, and culture often dominate headlines, the Holy Spirit still works to bridge those divides.

Consider how technology gives us unprecedented global reach. A church in Brazil can livestream a service to believers in New York, Atlanta or Norway! Technology allows us to hear something in a language we do not understand while reading subtitles automatically translated into our primary language in real time. What you are reading right now can be accessed anywhere in the world! When empowered by the Spirit, today’s technology allows for modern versions of Pentecost—vehicles to communicate the gospel across borders and barriers.

But let’s get even more personal. Have you ever felt prompted to speak encouragement into someone’s life, even when it felt awkward or risky? That may be the Spirit calling you to action. Maybe it’s praying for a coworker, calling out injustice, or simply offering a listening ear when someone is hurting. The Spirit gives us boldness to speak God’s truth in love—even when we feel inadequate.

The crowd who witnessed this Pentecost event asked, “What does this mean?” That question is still relevant. When the Holy Spirit shows up, things may get messy, unconventional, or hard to explain. But that doesn’t mean it’s not real. Like the crowd, some will respond with awe, while others may scoff or criticize (v. 13). That’s okay. We’re not responsible for people’s reactions—we are only called to love them and to share the Good News of Jesus with them.

So, what does this mean for us today? It means we don’t have to live powerless, disconnected, or afraid. The same Spirit that empowered Peter to preach to thousands is available to you—to bring clarity, courage, and compassion in your everyday life.

As you go through your week, don’t underestimate what the Holy Spirit can do through you. Wherever you may find yourself, the Holy Spirit is there to guide, protect and empower you to live as a Jesus follower, and to be willing to engage with others as His representative here and now.

You will enjoy reading this Bible account in Acts 2:1-13. Pentecost isn’t just a past event—it’s a present reality.

4832 Ponderings:

• What do you find most interesting about the ability to speak different languages to such a diverse crowd (Acts 2:4-8)?
• Is it possible to be speaking the same language as someone but not really “speaking their language?”
• When has God enabled you to do something that you didn’t think you could do?
• If you were to ask the Holy Spirit to accomplish His purpose in your life, what might He do?

Closing Prayer: Come, Holy Spirit, and fill us with your love. Open our eyes to see the presence of God all around us, in the stillness of sacred space, in the busyness and noise of our cities, and in the joys and celebrations of our lives. Come, Holy Spirit, and comfort those who grieve. Grant them the peace that only you can bring. Come, Holy Spirit, and bring wholeness to the sick. Come, Holy Spirit, and ignite a fire in our bones, a passion for all people that the world may be transformed and renewed. Come, Holy Spirit and work through me! Amen!

When you travel, do you acquire souvenirs for yourself or to share as gifts when you get home? Anything usual or unusual to share? There is an account in the Old Testament book of Numbers (yes, that’s the name of a book), about 12 men who were sent on a fact-finding trip.  They brought back evidence, and had two distinctly different suggestions regarding next steps.

The Israelites are on the verge of realizing a dream and promise from God! They were at the border of the promised land! What thoughts and feelings might they be experiencing? They weren’t just walking for pleasure. They were on a mission!

Numbers 13:17-31 speaks volumes about human nature, leadership, and the power of perspective. In this passage, Moses sends twelve spies—one from each tribe of Israel—to scout out the Promised Land of Canaan. What they find is both promising and intimidating: a land flowing with milk and honey, but also one inhabited by giants and fortified cities. Both reports were accurate. What’s the difference? The reports they bring back divides the people. Ten spies instill fear with their pessimism, while only two—Joshua and Caleb—speak with faith and courage.

This chapter offers a timeless lesson on how our outlook can shape our destiny. The Israelites had seen miracles -- plagues in Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, manna from heaven, and yet when faced with a new challenge, fear overtook their faith. Their refusal to believe in God’s promise led to 40 years of wandering, and delayed blessing caused by disbelief.

We can easily apply this story to daily life. How often do we stand at the edge of opportunity and retreat because of fear? Like the Israelites, we may see the potential but feel overwhelmed by the obstacles. This could be starting a business, pursuing a new career, confronting a toxic relationship, or stepping out in faith. The giants we see might not be literal, but they are just as daunting -- debt, rejection, failure, or self-doubt.

Imagine two friends considering launching a nonprofit. One focuses on the red tape, lack of funding, and risk of failure. The other sees the need, the potential to help others, and trusts that each step forward will bring solutions. Like Joshua and Caleb, that second friend, although acknowledging risk, is driven by faith. Which perspective is more likely to inspire action?

This chapter also challenges us to be voices of courage, not fear. Moses listened to all twelve spies, but it was Caleb who stood up and said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it” (Numbers 13:30). Leaders today—whether in churches, communities, or businesses—must be willing to speak truth and encourage forward momentum, even when others shrink back.

Think of a teacher who sees potential in a struggling student. While others might give up, that teacher advocates, supports, and inspires belief. Or consider a manager who encourages innovation despite the risks. These are modern-day Calebs—people who recognize difficulty but refuse to let it define the outcome.

Numbers 13 reminds us that faith is not the absence of fear, but the choice to trust despite it. We are all scouts in life, constantly encountering unknown territories. The question is, will we see the promise or only the problems? Read the entire account and let it serve as a call to courage—to trust that if God has brought you to the edge of something great, He will lead you through it.

“The will of God will never take you where the grace of God will not protect you.”

4832 Pondering:

• What’s one “giant” in your life you’ve been avoiding?
• As you face this “giant,” ask yourself: am I reacting like the ten spies or responding like Joshua and Caleb?

Closing Prayer:  Dear Lord, Your blessings are new and rich every day! Give us eyes to see, and hearts to appreciate Your great work among us. Let us not be afraid of the challenges of this life that we encounter each day. Give us boldness to step into the lives of others who are in need, or in need of a relationship with You. Give us the courage to share our lives and Your truth with them in love. In Jesus’ name. Amen

Do you have any decisions you need to make? Are you surrounded by options that all look good? Which one do you choose?

Are you struggling with a relationship in your life?  You don't know what to do?   Where to turn?

Do you ever feel overwhelmed? Sometimes I do. Everything is moving and changing so quickly...and its all just going to get faster. If you've been on this planet as many revolutions as I have, it's extremely tough to keep up. I'll admit it - I can use all the help I can get.

I'm sure King Solomon felt this way as he was talking to God in 1 Kings 3: 9, "So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong."
 
God honored that request by making Solomon the wisest man who has ever lived.

Whenever I think about all the wisdom I need to navigate this world, I am reminded that God tells me at the beginning of the book of James that he wants to give me a generous amount of wisdom. I just need to ask for it.  "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without fault, and it will be given to you.  But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind." James 1: 5 & 6.

Did you catch that last part?  God has promised so, when I ask for wisdom, I must believe that I am receiving it.  I have to pray expecting an answer.  After I pray, I need to focus on what God is saying to me in his word and keep my eyes open for confirmations of how he is guiding me.  There are no such things as coincidences - they are God-incidences.   God is answering as we watch things happen in our lives and associate them with our prayers.  God is moving, he is orchestrating his plan.  We can miss it and become a 'wave of the sea' if we're not carefully attentive to what's happening around us.

One of my regular prayers is asking for wisdom. Whenever I feel the twists of concern in my stomach or find myself in the middle of conflict or a difficult situation, I know where I can get wisdom for this situation. God has promised he will give me plenty.

And he has. God is always faithful. But it's not a magic button and 'poof' I have the answer or my issue is resolved. God speaks to me daily through his Word and gives me direction. I have to listen to him and do what he says. Then I see how he is guiding me in the right direction and giving me wisdom - step by step.  He never tells me the whole plan.  I have to trust him as I take each step.

Do you have choices you need to make?  Plans? Relationship issues that need to be addressed?

God has generous amounts of wisdom he is waiting to give you. Ask for it as you open your eyes and heart to him and his Word.
 
You'll find it.

Who is a person from your past that made a positive impression on you? What did you learn from this person?

People often gathered around Jesus to hear what He had to say. News had spread that he was able to do miracles, and many needed a miracle. They also brought their questions: Who are you? What are your credentials to teach? Who is your family? Jesus answered many of their questions.

One of those who had gathered to listen was a teacher of the law. He heard the discussion which also included debate. He also noticed that Jesus had given good answers to others so he asked Jesus, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”

Jesus responded, “The most important one is this: Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” Jesus went on to add, “The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:28-32

The teacher of the law was impressed and even commended Jesus for his wise and correct answer. If only he had known who he was really talking to! The teacher even quoted a scripture verse, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice (Hosea 6:6).” It is interesting that Jesus quoted this same verse several times during his earthly ministry (Matthew 9:13; Matthew 12:7; and as recorded in Hebrews 10:5,8).

Jesus encouraged the teacher to go and live out those two great commandments. The message was true for the others gathered, and for you and I as well.

4832 Ponderings:

• The Greatest Commandments address three love relationships: God, neighbor, and self. How do we grow in each of these areas?
• What is the main point or takeaway from this section of scripture for you?
• How can you be influential in the lives of the people around you?

Closing Prayer: Dear Father in heaven, remind us of Your promise that You do not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. Rather, for as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is Your love for those who follow You. You have forgiven our sins and have removed our transgressions as far as the east is from the west. Through the power of Your Holy Spirit, empower us to live forgiven lives, full of love for all. In Jesus name, Amen.
adapted from Psalm 103:10-13

I used to feel an emptiness deep inside of my soul. There was a space in my heart and mind that a college degree, marriage to a great guy, two awesome kids, a big house, 2 nice cars and my dream career could not fill. I was looking for something to complete me and I couldn't find it.

Have you ever been there?  It's a weird place filled with all the 'stuff' I ever wanted but haunted by an emptiness that was difficult to explain.  I had reached my goals, climbing the ladder of what I considered to be success only to find that my ladder was against the wrong wall.  By the time I got to the top of the ladder, I had way too much on my plate and none of it was filling the hole deep down inside of me.

I pause when I read about King Solomon dedicating the magnificent temple he built for the Lord in 1 Kings 8:11, and "The glory of the Lord filled the temple. "

I know what it feels like to have the glory of the Lord fill the temple.  God tells me in the New Testament that the redeeming grace of Jesus changed my relationship with God and now my body is the temple of God.  When I put my trust in Jesus, his Spirit came into my life and changed it forever.  

God's love for me filled to overflowing the empty spot in my soul.

God has filled my life with his passion - just like he filled Solomon's temple.
God has filled me with his glory - so that his love and light can shine out of me.
God has filled me with his power and joy.  God gives me peace in spite of my circumstances.  He opens my eyes and heart to his truth.

Are you looking for any of these things for your life?  God's arms are wide open for everyone who will accept his gift of grace and salvation.  We can't earn it.  God gives it for free because it's been paid for by Jesus' sacrifice on the cross.

A close relationship with God is the only thing that can fill the empty spot in our soul.

Do you consider yourself a morning person, or a night owl? To help, maybe fill in these blanks:
In the morning I feel like ____.
At night I feel like ____.
In the morning I am more likely to ____.
At night I am more likely to _____.

Read through this part of Psalm 65 and note all of the actions God is taking:
You answer us with awesome and righteous deeds,
God our Savior,
the hope of all the ends of the earth
and of the farthest seas,
who formed the mountains by your power,
having armed yourself with strength,
who stilled the roaring of the seas,
the roaring of their waves,
and the turmoil of the nations.
The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders;
where morning dawns, where evening fades
you call forth songs of joy.    Psalm 65:5–8

Closing Prayer:
Reread the passage once more and make it your personal prayer to God. Acknowledge His power, strength, provision and guidance.

I love the picture I get in my mind when I read 1 Chronicles 29: 10-20.  King David is standing in the middle of more than 300 tons of gold and 638 tons of silver along with 675 tons of bronze with his arms stretched out, praising God saying "It's all yours".

I think about this passage whenever I find myself focusing on my money and my stuff. Do you see that 'my' word crop up?  The truth is - it's not mine.  Everything I have has been given to me by my Father God.  He owns everything.  I am just taking care of what he has given me while I'm here on earth.  And I give some back to him because I'm grateful for all that he has given me.

So I join with King David in praise of my Father today with my version of these verses in 1 Chronicles -

It's all yours, dear Father.  Yours is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory and the majesty.  Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours.

Wealth and honor come from you alone for you rule over everything.

Power and might are in your hand and you decide who is made great and given strength.

Our days on earth are like a passing shadow, gone soon without a trace.  But you, dear God, give us significance.  You call us your sons and daughters and you delight in us.

We love you, Abba Father!

When someone asks, “Where’s home for you?” do you answer where you were born, where you grew up, or where you live now?

When Jesus invited us into relationship with him, he invited us into a mission, a lifestyle, and a home to belong to. In the New Testament book of Titus, the author beautifully describes what this homecoming looks like. Read this short passage and look for these three topics:

• What all has God done for us?
• How are we different because of God’s action toward us?
• What is the connection between our relationship with God and the impact it has on our lives and our actions toward others?

Titus 3:4-8
When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love,  he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.  He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.
            This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone.

How does/should this passage promote humility? Gratitude? A life of service?

Closing Prayer: Dear Father, we kneel in honor and worship of You and Your Son, our Savior, Christ, and Lord. May this great demonstration of Your love you have shown to us through Christ change us, shape us, and make us more like You. May we reflect Your love to those around us, wherever You lead. In Jesus’ precious name we pray. Amen.

Gratitude, a video by Brandon Lake, is a tremendous, worshipful response to God’s gifts to us:

We all have them -

things we battle against.

Sometimes its family members. Sometimes its our boss. Sometimes its our friends or situations in our lives.  Many times its how to handle our finances.

A lot of the time, we find ourselves fighting against attitudes and desires that grow within us...

lies that have rooted themselves in our brains...

unwillingness to change....

rebellion against giving God first place in our lives.

What are your giants?

As we read historical account of David and Goliath, I noticed that the giant Philistine came out every day for forty days to take his stand against the Israelites.  Our giants also make themselves evident very regularly.  They are persistent.  We can't ignore them.....even when we try.

And, just like David, we need to put our trust in God and let him fight our battles.  We often forget what David knew and counted on - " the battle is the Lord's" (1 Sam 17:47).

David's bold confidence in fighting his giant came from his absolute trust in God's faithfulness.  As a young boy, he stepped up to fight Goliath while an army of grown men around him cowered in fear.  David knew that God had been faithful before, he would be faithful again.  

I have also experienced God's faithfulness over and over in my life.  He hasn't always done what I wanted him to do, but everything he has done has worked out for my good.  Many things have worked out better than I could have ever imagined.

When I started to believe in the very depths of my soul that God wanted only what was best for me, my giants - one by one -  were taken captive by God's power and love.

There is only one way to successfully fight our giants - and that is with God leading the way.

The battle is yours, Abba Father.

Can you recall a time in your life that started out well but then became very scary?
In the Gospel of Matthew, we read about Jesus teaching a large crowd who had gathered. As Jesus was concluding, he instructed his disciples to get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. When the crowds had gone, Jesus went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone. Meanwhile, the disciples in the boat were far from land and being battered by waves as they fought the strong wind. Near daylight Jesus came walking toward them on the sea!
Let’s stop here for just a minute. A large crowd was learning from Jesus. That’s a great start and very beneficial to all. The gathering ended and Jesus sent the disciples off on a boat while he went up the mountain to pray. Jesus provides a good example of spending time with God as we think about and process our days. Another positive learning point!

What started as a good day changed for the disciples. They were in a boat as a violent storm rolled in. It’s bad enough to encounter this during the day but by this time it was dark. They had a long night ahead of them. But just before daylight, Jesus came walking to them on the water. Jesus could do anything he wanted. Why do you suppose he chose to arrive in this way? Was it to create a teachable moment for his disciples (and for us too!)? At first it wasn’t so positive: “But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.’”

Jesus and the disciples had had an exhausting day! Look back through the account and list some of the events and activities that take place. What observations can you make about what Jesus does, what His disciples do, what the crowds of people do?

An important point for us to remember is that Jesus is right along with us throughout our journey: the positive times and the challenging times. We are never alone! Because of his presence in our lives, we can step out in faith and confidence that God will direct our paths. 

Closing Prayer – from St. Francis of Assisi:
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.

O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.

Little Samuel's story in the Bible is one my favorites.

He heard a voice calling to him in the night and he thought is was the Prophet Eli since he was living with Eli.  So Samuel got out of bed and ran to Eli saying, "Here I am".

But Eli said, "I did not call, go back and lie down."

This happened again and then the third time, Eli realized that it was God who was calling the boy.  This time Eli told Samuel, when he heard the voice, to say, "Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening." 1 Samuel 3:9.

When God spoke again, Samuel told him he was listening and God went on to tell Samuel what was soon going to happen.

I've got a challenge for you.  The next time you think you might be hearing something from God, say those same words, "Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening."  And then listen. Listen to what is going through your brain.  Think about what you have been reading in God's Word and how it applies to your life.  Think about coincidences that have been happening in your life and how they relate to what you've been reading.  Remember things that Godly people in your life have said to you recently.

I believe God is regularly trying to break through the cacophony of our culture - especially the electronic bubble where we spend a lot of our time.  He is trying to talk to you and me - guiding us, encouraging us, and teaching us.

Have you had the experience where you are reading God's Word and suddenly a sentence seems to stick out of the page? It almost looks like it's in bold print?  You reread a phrase a couple of times?  You start to wonder what this means in your life?  Has that phrase always been there?  I don't remember ever reading that or even hearing anyone talk about that before?  That is God stopping us.  That is God drawing our attention to something specific in his Word so he can speak to us.

That's what God did today with me.  He stopped me as I was reading to remind me how much I like young Samuel's story.  Because I know God, I know he is encouraging me to continue to learn how to hear him more and more clearly as I read his Truth.  My knowledge of God is growing and the more I know him, the better I hear him.

How can I be confident that it's God that's talking to me and not just my own thinking? What God says to me will always be consistent with what he says in the Bible.  He will not contradict himself.

I am also 100% sure it's God talking when he says something I've never thought of before and it's consistent with what I have read in the Bible.  God confirms his guidance to me through my circumstances as well.  When it's God talking to me, things happening around me will line up with what God is saying.  Sometimes it will be something my husband, my pastor or a friend says.  As I pray about what God is telling me, God will often open up my eyes to how he is moving around me and I'm be able to connect the dots.

When I take time to consider all of these things, God's directions to me become really clear.
When I work at staying aware of the fact that God is trying to talk to me, it's not hard to hear him.

I hear you, Abba Father

One of the most prolific writers in the New Testament is also a very interesting character with a story to tell. His story is important for you and I today. First, a little background. Paul was a Greek-speaking Jewish person from Tarsus in the region of what is now in modern-day Turkey. He became a member of the strict Pharisaic sect of Judaism.

 He was zealous for his faith tradition and promoted it in an extreme way. That is, until he encountered Jesus. Paul gives a short synopsis of the confidence of his faith in Christ in a letter he wrote to Christ-followers in the city of Philippi:
“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” Philippians 3:20–21

Paul was anxious to tell others about Jesus, and he chose his approach carefully. Once, when he was speaking to the crowd who had gathered, he began with:
“Athenians, I see how extremely religious you are in every way. For as I went through the city and looked carefully at the objects of your worship, I found among them an altar with the inscription, ‘To an unknown god.’”

Paul engages people at their point of interest. He notes they are religious, and so much so that they even have an altar to a religious figure they don’t even know. He starts at that point saying, “What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it, he who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by human hands, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mortals life and breath and all things.” He goes on to introduce them to the person of Jesus. You can read the entire account at Acts 17:22-28a.

As we seek to apply Paul’s message to our lives today, what are some of the known and unknown “gods” that are worshipped today? What are the things that challenge us, or distract us? What are the temptations that our culture and environment offer as meaningful?
Paul always comes back to his main message. Look what he says about God and what he has done for us through Jesus. As you embrace his message, what are the implications for us in our lives today?

Closing Prayer:
Dear Father in heaven, sometimes our actions betray the words we speak. Sometimes our inaction hides the love we have for You and others. Remind us that we are Your redeemed, forgiven, freed and empowered children! Let us not forget this, rather, help us to step into it and let this truth guide our everyday actions and encounters with others. Like Your precious and powerful Word, may we be a light shining on people’s path as we point the way to You, O Lord! In Jesus’ name, Amen!

There are certain things in life that impact our walk and direction. For instance, inclement weather (snow, thunderstorms, tornado watch). How do you respond to that kind of weather?

Can you think of a time in your life when you made a decision that ended up being life-changing? In Psalm 25 we hear from David as he pleads to God to provide direction for his life. He wants to know the right path to take.

Psalm 25:1-10
Of David.
1 In you, Lord my God,
I put my trust.
2 I trust in you;
do not let me be put to shame,
nor let my enemies triumph over me.
3 No one who hopes in you
will ever be put to shame,
but shame will come on those
who are treacherous without cause.
4 Show me your ways, Lord,
teach me your paths.
5 Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
6 Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love,
for they are from of old.
7 Do not remember the sins of my youth
and my rebellious ways;
according to your love remember me,
for you, Lord, are good.
8 Good and upright is the Lord;
therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.
9 He guides the humble in what is right
and teaches them his way.
10 All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful
toward those who keep the demands of his covenant.

First, David declares his confidence in God rather than himself (vv1,2). Elsewhere in the Bible we hear of this confidence when it declares that God is “the author and perfector of our faith (Hebrews 12:2)”. It’s what He has done for us, not what we do for Him.

Interestingly, David uses the word shame 3 times in verses 2 and 3. We feel shame when we have done something wrong. David acknowledges that he has done wrong but steps forward in God’s forgiveness. He wants to live as forgiven, not condemned and that is exactly what God has done for us through Christ.

David asks for guidance on his path (v4,5). David knows he is called to serve God; he wants to understand how to serve. Can you relate to that? Most of us can! We have the will or desire to step in to God’s calling. We can trust that He will lead us, even as we pursue that search.
David reflects on the past (vv6,7) and acknowledges his present (v1). More importantly, he asks God for His future (vv4,5,9,10). We can too!

Closing Prayer: Dear Lord, we put our trust in You alone. Because of You, we embrace hope now, in the future, and for eternity. Show us Your ways and teach us Your paths. Guide us in Your truth. As You have erased the sins of our youth, help us not dwell on the past, but move forward along the path of hope in confidence. Guide us and teach us, we pray. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Adapted from Psalm 25:1-10

What would you say is your problem-solving style:

• Decide and act!
• Seek more information.
• Pause for reflection.
• I’d like to phone-a-friend.

Can you recall a time when you felt very alone? How did that eventually change?

There is an interesting account in the Bible about problem-solving and addressing feelings of being alone. The story begins with a man who, because of a famine in his area, along with his wife and two sons, moved to another country. Shortly after, the man died. The two sons married women from their new locale, but later, the two sons also died. The initial women, Noami, is now a widow, and so are the two local brides, Orpah and Ruth.

Noami decided to return to her home country because she had relatives there and the famine had ended. She encouraged her daughters-in-law to return to their hometowns where God might bless them with new husbands. Both said they would not leave Noami but eventually Orpah did. Ruth, however, was adamant that she would relocate with Noami saying, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.”

When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her. Without spoiling the end of the story, let’s just day God worked it all out in a wonderful way. You can read the whole story in the Bible book of Ruth. It’s a great read!

What do you think were some of the challenges Orpah, Ruth and Naomi faced? It would probably be easier for Ruth and Orpah to return to their homes than it would be for Naomi. That was nice of Noami to tell her daughter’s-in-law to return to their families of origin, but how would you feel if you were Naomi, all alone in a foreign land?

Think about how these three women responded to their dilemma by using the options for problem-solving listed at the top of this post. Instead of focusing on the negatives of the situation, what are some of the strengths and opportunities each woman might have available? What is better because Naomi and Ruth stayed together?

Switching gears now a bit, how about you? Are there groups of people in which you feel like a stranger? In what ways do you have the capacity to make positive change? How would working with others be helpful in your relationships?

4832 Ponderings:

• How does the concept and promise of God’s faithfulness impact challenging times for you?
• Hawaiians have a wonderful word in their vocabulary, Ohana, which means “family”. But the word means so much more than our traditional understanding of family. It includes extended relationship with neighbors, friends, and co-workers, bound together to cooperate and honor each other. Who is your Ohana? Who are the people you encounter that you could greet and treat like family?

Closing Prayer: 
Dear heavenly Father, Jesus prayed to You and asked that we may be one as You are with Him. That is our prayer, too; that we may live as one, protected and inter-connected through the power of Your Holy Spirit. Lord, we are blessed to live in this world and the community you have created. At the same time, we look forward to a future time when we are eternally and perfectly connected to You and to one another. May we be a ray of light into the lives of all we meet as we live in the truth of Your Word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.    
Adapted from John 17:11-18

What traits do you share with other family members (looks, preferences, personality, hair color, etc.)? Do you look fondly on those similarities, or do you prefer to stand more independent? Do you tire of people saying, “You look just like…!”

We may look fondly on family resemblances but may also want to establish some independence as well. That may come from a desire to prove ourselves, or have freedom of making our own choices. Sometimes, we may think a little more highly of ourselves than we ought!

There is a passage in the Bible that speaks to this topic. Paul encourages us to “not think more highly of ourselves than we ought (Romans 12:3).” He is not criticizing healthy self-esteem; he is just pointing out that we are part of groups whether we admit it or choose to participate in them. Think of people groups you find yourself in. Perhaps they are: Co-workers, neighbors, family, church, self-help, or hobby groups.

Paul describes our faith family as a body with many members. Think about the positives and challenges of being part of a faith family. How are these pros and cons any different than those that come with a nuclear family unit?

He concludes his admonition with “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves (Romans 12:9,10).”

It is good to know and remember that it is God who brings us together and empowers us to live in community, with its challenges and joys. He does this because He wants to live in community with us which He has established through Jesus’ death and resurrection.

4831 Ponderings:

• What are things you can do to support these groups to which you belong to make them healthier?
• In particular, what are some of the ways you can be an encouraging, supportive part of the Christian faith family?

Every morning, looking....

What's in store for me today?  Do I move?  Do I stay?

I'm imagining what it was like for the Israelites as they began their journey through the desert.  When the Cloud of Guidance covered the tabernacle, they stayed.  When the cloud lifted above the tent, the estimated 2.4 million Israelites packed up and moved on.

There were times they stayed in the same place for months and other times when they were moving again the next morning.  Every time they stopped, they set up the tabernacle right away because God wanted his presence known first and foremost.

Every morning, they would look to the tabernacle to determine their direction for that day.  Everybody could see it - not just the priests and the leaders.  God made this visible to everybody - he wanted all of them to be able to see that he was the one leading them.

What would your life be like if you had that clear guidance from God for each day?  What would it feel like to know for sure you were on the path God had designed for you, confident of God's presence beside you each step of the way?

Great news!  This is all available to you and to me.  God's guidance through his Word is available for us each day.  It's much easier to feel his presence when we're reading his Word, letting it soak into our hearts and minds.

 "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light to my path." Psalm 119:105.

He wants me to look to him before I stay or go....

he wants you to check with him on a decision you are making to ensure that's its going to be the best for you...

he wants me to look to him for help when I'm trying to choose what words to say in a conversation about a difficult subject....

and he wants to be our leader on this journey towards the truth.

I know I need to keep moving forward, growing in my faith and trust in God.  And I'm confident that I'll stay on the right path when my eyes are focused on him.

What’s a topic you enjoy and could talk about…a lot!? Do you have enough opportunities to talk about your favorite topic, or are you constantly looking for new opportunities to share?
Most church services are opportunities for people to talk about God. It’s a time to express thankfulness to and love for God. In the Bible, the book of Psalms gives many examples of this. Consider the first few verses of Psalm 95:

O come, let us sing to the Lord;
    let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!
 Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;
    let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!
 For the Lord is a great God,
    and a great King above all gods.
 In his hand are the depths of the earth;
    the heights of the mountains are his also.
The sea is his, for he made it,
    and the dry land, which his hands have formed.
 O come, let us worship and bow down,
    let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!
For he is our God,
    and we are the people of his pasture,
    and the sheep of his hand.
O that today you would listen to his voice!
 
We often think of daily Bible devotions as a private "Quiet Time". This is a good approach, but it doesn’t always have to be like that. Have you ever been so joyful (or so sad) that you just wanted to shout it out loud and tell God how you feel? You might really benefit from doing that!

Read these verses again and notice identify those actions assigned to us. Look for words like: sing, joyful noise, come into His presence, etc. Sounds pretty active and not so quiet!
Now look through the passage again and identify the attributes of God. Look for things like: great, King, controller of the universe, etc. How does that make you feel? Reflect on personal experiences that provides you with surety that the Lord is great. Has He been there for you during tough times? Have you, at other times, felt thankful and blessed by how God is at work in your life?

In verse 6, we read, “O come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! These are literal physical actions: bowing and kneeling. Have those actions been a part of your worship in your private time or in a worship service with others? If not, you might try it!
In addition to literal bowing, there may be ways that are less physical. It may be humbly acknowledging the goodness of God, gratefully thanking Him for His many blessings, etc.

Read through this Bible passage from Psalm 95 once again but do it out loud! If you can, very loud! Try using motions or body movements to support the enthusiasm you feel. Then close with this prayer.

Closing Prayer:
Dear Father in heaven, we praise You in Your sanctuary. Your sanctuary includes the mighty heavens, our reverent houses of worship, and our homes You provide for us.
We praise You for Your acts of power! Your greatness surpasses all!
We thank You for and praise You with the gift of music: the sounding of the trumpet, the strings of the harp, violin, and other stringed instruments, rhythm instruments, drums, cymbals and tambourines that make us want to dance, and the pipes of the flute, clarinet and organ.
And we lift our voices because we are Your people, made to praise You. With every breath we have, we praise You Lord!      adapted from Psalm 150

I came across the Christmas Story told
By Jessica Jecker  - Simply Jecker

This week, I lingered in the final breath of Malachi’s words and I felt the unbearable weight of what followed.
When the prophet finished speaking, heaven did not answer.
The echo of his voice faded…and then… nothing.
Four hundred years of silence.
No open vision.
No burning word.
No prophet rising with fire in his bones.
No “Thus says the Lord” breaking the darkness.
Four hundred years of waiting.
Of longing.
Of groaning.
Of hearts lifted toward heaven that seemed sealed shut.
Generation after generation was born into the quiet.
They lived.
They died.
And still—no voice.
Until one night.
On a dirt floor in a forgotten place…
in a stable that did not look holy…
in the shadows of obscurity and insignificance…
a sound was released.
After four hundred years, heaven spoke again—
not with thunder, not with fire, not from a mountain- but from the lungs of a newborn.
A cry pierced the silence.
A cry that split history in two.
A cry that carried eternity within it.
In that moment, the King of Glory stepped down into the dust of His own creation.
The Eternal wrapped Himself in skin.
The Word became flesh—and cried.
The Son laid aside His throne and chose a manger.
Heaven’s highest treasure placed in a feeding trough.
He came low.
He came meek.
He came breakable.
Wrapped in swaddling cloths, laid where animals ate, born beneath the looming shadow of a cross.
A Lamb born to be slain.
The Hope of a hopeless world breathed His first breath in the dark.
A weary world rejoiced as a young virgin labored and delivered its redemption.
In that manger, the Great I AM made Himself vulnerable.
Touchable.
Killable.
And with one holy cry, the silence was shattered.
The separation was broken.
The way was opened.
Then, suddenly, heaven could not remain quiet.
The skies erupted with angelic voices declaring,
“Glory to God in the highest!”
Wonderful.
Counselor.
Mighty God.
Everlasting Father.
Prince of Peace.
With the cry of an infant, heaven invaded earth.
Behold—our Redeemer.
Behold—our King.
Behold—the fulfillment of every promise.
Behold—the sound that broke four hundred years of silence.
Not the roar of an army.
Not the shout of a king claiming His crown.
But the fragile cry of God-with-us.
He did not arrive with a sword in His hand, but with nails already written into His future.
He did not enter wrapped in royalty, but in cloths that foretold a burial.
The silence was not just broken, it was answered.
Every unanswered prayer.
Every tear cried into the dark.
Every generation that waited without seeing.
Every promise that seemed delayed but not denied.
All of it converged in that single cry.
That night, heaven did not just speak- heaven gave.
God did not send another prophet.
He did not send another sign.
He sent Himself.
And in that stable, eternity took its first shallow breath.
Omnipotence learned weakness.
Glory learned humility.
Love made itself small.
The cry that shattered the silence would one day be echoed again- not from a manger, but from a cross.
The first cry said, “He has come.”
The final cry would say, “It is finished.”
From swaddling cloths to grave clothes, from a feeding trough to a borrowed tomb, He came to be broken so we could be made whole.
And even now, that sound still reverberates.
It calls the weary.
It awakens the forgotten.
It reaches into the places where heaven has felt silent again.
If God could speak through the cry of a baby,
He can still break silence in our darkest night.
So behold Him.
Not distant.
Not untouchable.
Not unmoved.
But Emmanuel.
God with us.

What kinds of thoughts and feelings does the phrase “time is short” generate? We tend to want to see and enjoy the future, but sometimes that can be fleeting or evasive. Yet, we read in the Bible many times where people have persevered through rough times and come out rejoicing.

In the scheme of things, we find that life seems very short. What do we do with that limited time? We can learn from the example of David in the Bible. His life had ups and downs, highs and lows. He had a passion for God and God had made him king of the country. David wanted to do something great for God. David wanted to build God a house, a temple, where God and people could meet. Good intentions, yes, God’s plan? Not quite.

First, God gives David the big picture. God did/does not need a physical temple in which to dwell. He is much greater than that. God tells David, “You are not the one to build me a house to dwell in. I have not dwelt in a house from the day I brought Israel up out of Egypt to this day. I have moved from one tent site to another, from one dwelling place to another. Wherever I have moved with all the Israelites, did I ever say to any of their leaders whom I commanded to shepherd my people, ‘Why have you not built me a house of cedar?’” 1 Chronicles 17:4-17
Look back at what God is telling David. God has been with His people the whole time they were traveling through, and living in the desert, anticipating their arrival into the promised land. Our great God was with them always. God even reminds them that a tent was a focal point during those years for God to make His presence known to them. God was not hindered by current circumstances.

That time in the desert must have seemed long (40 years!). You may sometimes feel like time moves slowly, while at other times it feels like it moves too fast. The certainty is that it moves, and our circumstances can change with it. God’s presence with His people in the desert is a great example of God being active and effective through change. He saw the situation as fluid. He did not wait 40 years to start His plan, it was unfolding right there in the desert.
We sometimes use the word sojourner to describe someone in the midst of change. A "sojourner" is a person who temporarily resides in a place, essentially meaning someone who stays for a limited time in a location that isn't their permanent home, often with the idea of moving on eventually; like a traveler passing through.

That describes each of us. Things as we know them are temporary. God will lead us everyday of our lives and we can see, experience, and accomplish wonderful, important, meaningful things as He directs. But this is not our home, and time is short. This is only temporary, a temporary stop. Yes, we enjoy our relationship with God through Christ right now and will throughout eternity. God, through Jesus, is changing history, redeeming and welcoming all people into relationship with Him! We look forward to spending eternity with Him.

David understands and accepts the direction that God is giving him, and he responds with this prayer:
“Praise be to you, Lord,
the God of our father Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting.
11 Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power
and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
for everything in heaven and earth is yours.
Yours, Lord, is the kingdom;
you are exalted as head over all.    I Chronicles 29:10-11
May that be our guiding prayer as well!

When you receive a phone call from a number you don’t recognize, do you tend to answer it, or ignore? What criteria do you base that decision on? If life were a rollercoaster, do you prefer the slow steady climb to the top of the hill or the rush as you come shooting down the hill?

There is a great passage in Psalm 30 where David describes some of these rollercoaster experiences the author was feeling:
 
1 I will exalt you, Lord,
for you lifted me out of the depths
and did not let my enemies gloat over me.

2 Lord my God, I called to you for help,
and you healed me.
3 You, Lord, brought me up from the realm of the dead;
you spared me from going down to the pit.
4 Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people;
praise his holy name.
5 For his anger lasts only a moment,
but his favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping may stay for the night,
but rejoicing comes in the morning.    Psalm 30:1-5

Look back over this passage and notice what God has done for David (and us).
Look one more time and see how David responds to God.
Verse three can be interpreted as “the brink of death”. Have you ever literally been, or thought that you were on the brink of death? What are some of the thoughts that might be associated with that?

Did you notice in verse five the reference to God’s anger? When the Old Testament references God’s anger, it is connected to His righteousness. With that in mind, notice the differences of how one experiences His anger and His favor. It’s vital to know that our righteousness is now based on what Jesus has done for us on the cross restoring our relationship with God.

4832 Ponderings:

• How do you respond when reality doesn’t meet your expectations?
• When was a time you have moved from a time of weeping to a “morning of joy!”?
• How might you use verse 5 of our Psalm to help express comfort, help and joy to others?

Closing Prayer:
Dear Father in heaven, sometimes out of the depths of despair we cry out to you. Lord, we ask that you hear our humble voices, and may You be attentive to our cries for mercy. Lord, if you kept a record of sins, how could we ever stand in Your presence? We thank You that with You there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you. O Lord, we wait for You, everything in our whole being waits for You and we put our hope in You. We wait for You, O Lord, like a watchman waits for the morning, even more than a watchman that waits for the morning.     Adapted from Psalm 130:1-6

What kinds of questions do you ask to get to know someone you’ve just met? What do you really want to know about them? Suppose someone wants to get to know you better. They ask you to share a book or movie from the past that you enjoyed or had meaning for you. What do you want to share?

Hosea was a prophet in Old Testament times, and there is a book in the Bible named for him. In a poignant message of God’s enduring love, Hosea writes a simple yet profound truth:

Oh, that we might know the Lord!
Let us press on to know him.
He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn
or the coming of rains in early spring.  Hosea 6:3

As sure as the coming of rains in early spring. That’s something we can be pretty sure about, isn’t it? This verse encapsulates the essence of a vibrant, life-giving relationship with God: knowing Him intimately and pursuing Him relentlessly.

Think about the relationship between a parent and child. They know each other in many ways: voice, touch, eye contact, and love. Each, to one degree or another, even anticipates each other’s reactions. The relationship is one of joy! This is the relationship God desires with us and that we want to be a part of. This is an active, intentional pursuit. It's not passive or occasional. It's a daily, intentional effort to seek Him in prayer, study His Word, and obey His commands. It's like a hiker on a challenging trail – they may stumble, they may tire, but they keep their eyes on the goal, pressing forward with determination.

Hosea beautifully illustrates the rewards of this pursuit: "He will come to us like the rain." Just as rain nourishes the thirsty earth, God's presence refreshes our souls. We experience His peace, joy, and strength. "Like the spring rain watering the earth." Spring rain brings life, vitality and refreshment, transforming barren landscapes into fields of vibrant green. Similarly, God's presence transforms our lives, bringing spiritual fruitfulness and meaning to life.

Imagine a weary traveler in a desert. They long for water, for refreshment. They search diligently for an oasis, following any sign of water. When they finally reach a spring, they drink deeply, quenching their thirst and restoring their strength. Our souls also thirst for God. We diligently seek Him, yearning for His presence and the refreshment He alone can provide.
Knowing God and pursuing Him is not a one-time event, but a lifelong journey. It requires consistent effort, unwavering commitment, and deep desire to know and grow in your relationship with Him. As we diligently seek Him, we will find that He is faithful to meet us, to refresh us, and to guide us on the path of life, and to eternity in His presence.

4832 Ponderings:

• What seem to be effective ways for you in your pursuit of God?
• Is there a missing part to that pursuit, like Bible study, prayer, worship, interaction with other believers? Ask God to provide opportunities and the confidence and faith to step into them.

Closing Prayer: 
Father in heaven, I want to know you more. Guide me into the study and influence of Your Word. Light my path in the way I should go and the ways I should be investing myself for Your purpose and glory. Help us to remember that Jesus has said, “I am the Way the Truth and the Life.”