Romans 9:20-21 “But who indeed are you, a human being, to argue with God?  Will what is molded say to the one who molds it, ‘Why have you made me like this?’  Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one object for special use and another for ordinary use?”

How many times have I come to the foot of the throne with this very question in my soul?  I understand that God uses all kinds of people and circumstances to bring His glory to light in this world but there are times I still struggle with this question.  Why have I been made like this?

I look back on my life and see that the experiences I have been through have made me who I am.  If I had not gone on the path I had would I have learned compassion some other way or would I be someone without compassion?  If I had not stumbled so many times would I still be willing to bend and help someone else who has stumbled?

I look at my children and wonder where their paths will lead them?  What will their struggles teach them and how with they be blessed by them? 

God molds us perfectly for His purpose, not perfectly for what we think our purpose is.  It is paramount that we begin to embrace what God has made us for so that we can begin to see more clearly why we are made like this.  When we look through His love and light, we truly can see more clearly.

Let us each seek to find the purpose we have been made for and then learn to embrace it as a gift from God.

Lord,

When I question let it not be in disdain but to learn and understand. Help me embrace all you have created in me and expel what you have not created in me so that I am truly what you designed me to be.  Remind us that we are not broken in your eyes, even if the eyes of the world see us that way.  You have made us whole; use us completely for the purpose of your kingdom.  Amen.

Any feedback on this new format would be appreciated!

Matthew 13:45-46 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.”

What is your most prized possession?

I have a doll that was my grandmother’s when she was a small child.  I have a doll collection with over one hundred dolls in it.  What is yours?  We have nice homes, nice cars, the newest technologies, the most awesome memento from our most recent vacation... or is it something less tangible?

I do not possess or own my family but I treasure them most in my life.  I cannot imagine my life without them.  There are many stories of families splitting over ideologies and beliefs, I hope mine never does.  There is something else, something more...my secrets.  My deepest thoughts and struggles, maybe I treasure those most since I share them with no one but God.   Would I give these up for the kingdom?

Here is something else to ponder:  Is Jesus saying we need to be willing to give up all for the kingdom or is He saying God already gave up all to bring the pearl of great value into the kingdom?  He found one pearl of great value, sold all that he had and bought it.  Jesus bought us with his life, death and resurrection.  Are we the pearls of great value?  I believe we are.  You and I are the pearls of great value!  God gave everything to have us in his kingdom, what a beautiful thought to hold in our hearts today.  As you experience this day, see yourself and each person in this new light.  We are all treasured pearls of great value to our God – amazing!

Lord,

Help me release the grip I hold on my things; my treasures so that I can take hold of your kingdom more fully.  There is nothing I want more in the depths of my heart than to be with you.  Open my eyes to see myself and others as the pearls of great value in your kingdom.  You gave everything for even just one of us, for just one, for just me.  I thank you God.  Amen.

Matthew 2:9-10 “When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was.  When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy.”

It always feels good to get where you are going, do you agree?  When I set out on a journey it is exciting and fun but the destination is what I long for.  These wise men headed on a journey when they saw a new star rise in the sky.  They knew from studying scripture that this star announced the birth of a new king for the Jews.  We do not know how long their journey was or where they came from.  We do not know how long they traveled and how old Jesus was when they arrived.  I know this; when God takes people on a journey it is not usually just an overnight-er.  I imagine it was arduous travel through desert.  They had long, hot days and cold dark nights.  I can almost see the look of disappointment on their faces in Jerusalem when no one even knows what they are talking about.  When the star stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy.  The reason for the journey was within grasp!  They came to see the new King and they had reached their destination.  Our journeys are not over yet but I hope and pray that each of us finds the King at the end of our journeys and that we are also overwhelmed with joy.  I know I will be.

Lord,

Journeys help us grow in ways we might not otherwise.  The wise men journeyed to see your Son, guide our journeys to find Him too.  Give us what we need for the journey and let us hold the hope that we will arrive to behold the King of Kings.  We come offering what we have, our hearts and our lives.  Amen.

Acts 3:9-10 “All the people saw him walking and praising God, and they recognized him as the one who used to sit and ask for alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.”

It is hard to imagine this story unfolding in my mind.  The closest I can come to goes like this: The homeless man that sat on the corner of Main Street and Central Avenue has been there every day for years.  I pass by him on my way to work and drop my extra change in his cup and try not to breathe too deeply because he hasn't bathed in quite a while.  I feel sorry for him but what can I really do besides give him these tokens I have?  A few days later I notice a new worker in the office.  All the ladies are talking about him.  He is handsome and clean cut, well dressed and has an air of kindness and compassion about him.  As I am standing at the coffee machine getting my daily dose he comes in and greets me.  I look closely at him and slowly it dawns on me that I recognize him, but how can that be?  How can this man be the same man that just days ago was homeless and a beggar?  I am astonished beyond words.  I ask him if he knows that man and he confirms that he was that man but now he has been given a new lease on life.  Could this really happen?  Hasn't it already?  I look in my heart and I am amazed at the changes God has made in me.  I have a new lease on life and I shout in joy that you can too.  Have you received this amazing healing as well?

Lord,

We are all broken and lame when we come to you.  Thank you for holding our hands, touching our hearts and bringing your healing love into our lives.  We stand in awe and wonder and the things you have done and will do.  Amen.

Psalm 37:3 “Trust in the Lord, and do good; so you will live in the land, and enjoy security.”

Have you ever been to the Grand Canyon?  When you go there you drive through some pretty dry and desert-like land until you come upon this breath-taking beautiful canyon.   I cannot imagine living there hundreds of years ago, i wonder how often animal or person fell over the edge before they realized it was even there.  Now it is a national park so there are guard rails and paths to keep us safe and secure.  What kept people of long ago safe so they could live in the land and enjoy security?  They must have learned their surroundings; known the paths to follow and trusted them.  They would not have wandered from the known and trusted paths because it would not be good.  Maybe God is like the guard rail that we see at the Grand Canyon today.  He is something we can trust and hold onto.  He is always there to remind us to “do good” so we can live and be secure in Him.  Maybe He is like the well-known path natives followed and trusted.  Step into today in joy because we can trust in the Lord, stay on His path and do good; we will live in His land and enjoy His security.

Lord,

Thank you for your promise to always be there with us.  We know we can grab onto you when we need you, help us remember we always need you.  Guide our steps on your path so we live as you ask us to.  Through Jesus I pray, Amen.

Psalm 23:4 "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff-they comfort me."

This is a previous one but I needed to read it again, so maybe it bears repeating...

There are road hazards all along life's highway.  In my life, the "highway" has often seemed a barely visible path in the middle of a forest.  Following a forest path can be relaxing, the shade of the trees, the damp coolness, and a stream running near the path with soothing sounds of water.  The path in the forest can be arduous.  Tree roots and hidden rocks in the path trip me and cause me to fall.  There is a steep embankment and I surely do not want to fall for fear of life and limb.  God is with me on this journey, whether it is a stroll or a trial of a hike; he is with me and he has brought along his crook. The shepherds crook has a curved handle to fit around the neck of a sheep, allowing a herder to catch any stray and reroute them in a new direction. This is the rod and staff that comfort me.  He will keep me safe pulling me back from the edge of danger, guiding me, and nudging me to correct my way.  

Lord,

Your rod and staff bring me comfort.  You never leave my side; you guide my steps and keep me safe.  I need to pay attention to your nudges and your voice calling me back in, drawing me close to your side once more.   Lord Jesus, thank you for being our shepherd.  Bring obedience to my heart and soul that I always hear your voice and leap to be close to you, knowing you are the good Shepherd.  Amen.

Hebrews 31:1-2 “Let mutual love continue.  Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.”

Some things are timeless.  As we put away 2013 and bring in 2014 we start a new year.  Last night my daughter, 8 years old, asked me what the big deal is for New Year’s Eve and day.  Her thought was that nothing really changes; it is just a new day like any other day.  On many levels she is right.  December ends but that is only our measurement of time.  January begins again just as it has cycled through so many times before this.  Whether you revel in the New Year or not we are reminded in Hebrews to let mutual love continue.  God loves us timelessly; there is no end to His love.  We continue to love Him back as we are taught to.  We continue to love our neighbor as ourselves.  We continue to love and are loved by our family and friends.  This is what I see as mutual love.  As we move into the New Year I encourage all of us to consider the words calling us to serve others.  Show hospitality to strangers.  This is a big stretch for me but I know I need to stretch so I look for opportunities and hope to be blessed by the experiences that happen.  Happy New Year!  Remember you are loved by God and by me, share the love!

Lord,

Only you know what lies ahead.  Take our hand and guide us forward into the new day.  Give us the courage and love to move in your Spirit, serving You by serving others.  Amen.