Flood and Fire

Listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says,

"Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.”

Isaiah 43:1-2

God does not promise us that we will never go through hard times. What He does tell us, is that we will not have to go through those times alone. God told the prophet Isaiah that as our Creator, the One who formed and designed us, He knows and cares about each one of us, individually and uniquely. And He knows, and cares, that we will go through tough, difficult situations. But He tells us to not be afraid. This may seem like an impossible command, but far from being a directive, God wants these words to be a reassurance. “Do not be afraid, for…,” the scriptures say. For God is with us. Through deep waters of difficulty, God is with us. Through the fires of oppression, God is with us. When we go through those times with God, we will not be overcome or consumed! When we draw close to God, the hard times will not devastate us.

Today many people are returning to their homes and facing the devastation that the fires have left behind. Many others are facing other crisis -- other fires -- in their lives. Disease, failed relationships, unemployment, broken hearts, broken dreams… God knows, God cares, and God does provide help in times of trouble. Reach out for Him and then reach out to others.

Is there someone in our life facing difficulty today? WE are part of God's provision for that person. A word, and action, an unexpected smile or touch -- who can we reach out to today?

Hope for Tomorrow

Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:34

How “ironic” that this was the verse that I “just happened” to be teaching on this morning. When the world seems to be on fire, is it truly possible to not be anxious? Jesus says in Matthew 6 (vs. 30-33), “O you of little faith…do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?’ … your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.” Strong words – not of admonition, but of assurance! Your heavenly Father knows – and what more, He cares.

Jesus adds, if you “…seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness … all these things will be added to you.”

Looking for and pursuing the presence of the Kingdom of God, even in the midst of chaos and crisis? For those of us who have been victimized by circumstances, Jesus’ words are meant to be a powerful encouragement. For the rest of us, these words should be motivating empowerment. WE, the “salt and light” [See Matthew 5:13-14] have been called to be the presence of God's Kingdom in our midst. We are called to be the eyes, words, heart, healing touch, strong support, and practical help of Christ for those who are suffering. "Seek the kingdom," Christ says. Those of us who carry God's Spirit in us, represent HIS Presence, HIS Kingdom here on earth!

Don’t give in to anxiousness – you will miss the opportunity to see Christ, and to be His representative here and now! Look for His strength and be ready for opportunities to give that strength to others today. Be available to find hope, and to bring hope to others. May this be a time when the Body of Christ truly becomes what we have been called to be -- His Presence of Light and Life in times of darkness and despair.

May God's blessing, strength, and comfort be with everyone who has suffered from these terrible fires. May you truly find, “strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow."

And Behold! Following the Star

And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. Matthew 2:9-10

The journey that began with seeking progressed with following. The wise men had been searching for a sign, and at first sight of it, they began to follow it: "...they had seen when it rose" and it "went before them until it came to rest over the place..."

How often in my life do I search for an answer or a direction, but then when the answer comes, when the pathway is revealed, I either keep searching -- not recognizing the answer I've been given -- or I give up before the journey reaches its intended destination? The wise men's journey took them on at least one detour that we know of. Matthew 2:7 tells us that in the midst of their pilgrimage they were secretly summoned by Herod who intended to use them for his purposes, his own ulterior motives. But, when they left Herod and "went on their way" (Matthew 2:9) the star once again began to lead them to the destination God had intended for them.

Following the star -- and not being detoured or distracted by other agendas, motives, or enticements; not stopping until we arrive at our destination. Only then will we reach the fulfillment God has designed for us!

Stay tuned for more insights on this subject!

And Behold! Searching for God's signs

And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. Matthew 2:9-12 (ESV)

I was recently struck by several insights while studying the above passage. I've probably read, or heard, this story hundreds of times, yet there is always something new and exciting waiting to be discovered in this passage! This time, it is the progression of the wise men's journey that struck me.

Their story actually starts a few verses earlier in Matthew 2:1-3:
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him."

Do you notice it? They saw the star when it rose. That must mean that they were looking for it before it had even appeared! Their journey began with seeking something that hadn't even happened yet. Searching. Searching for something they had yet to experience, but were sure would happen. I wonder, had they been searching for days, months, years, maybe decades... or longer? I wonder if we still really know what it is like to truly search for God's signs in our lives?

Stay tuned for more insights on this passage!