Dry Land

We all go through times when everything becomes routine and we begin to look for something new and exciting. We think about buying a new car or getting a new job or moving to a new location. We believe that these changes will bring us out of the malaise.   Perhaps we need to look back at the good things to be refreshed, rather than trying to enliven ourselves through taking random new ways.

Psalm 143:5-6 says, “I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands. I stretch out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land.” At times, we may feel like we are alone and nothing good is happening. In these times, it is good to remind ourselves of all that God has done for us and thus refresh our souls.

Unashamed

Have you ever been exploring and suddenly find something that really intrigues you? You would probably look at it carefully and examine it from all sides to take it all of its features. Perhaps you would take it home and prominently display it so that others can see it and you can explain why it means so much to you.

Isaiah 28:16 says, “therefore thus says the Lord God, ‘Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: Whoever believes will not be in haste.'” A cornerstone is defined as something of great importance on which everything else depends. God told Isaiah that He has laid the cornerstone to faith and life, referring to Jesus Christ, the foundation of true faith and eternal life. God goes on to tell Isaiah that the person who believes in this cornerstone (Jesus) will never be ashamed or know the failure of trying to earn God’s favor through works. Jesus Christ is the cornerstone on which all things depend.

Light Source

The earth’s moon appears to light up the sky. However, the Moon does not generate light, it only reflects the light of the Sun. In fact, the Moon absorbs up to 93 percent of the sun’s light and only reflects as little as 7 percent of the sun’s light.

John 8:12 says, “Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'” When we follow Jesus, His light is in us and gives us life. Then, we can let His light shine through us and light up the darkness around us.

Washing

We have a separate room in our house for the washer and dryer. As with everybody, we bring our clothes into this room to wash. They generally come out clean and useful for another time. However, this washing never transforms these clothes into better and more useful clothes.

I Thessalonians 5:23 says, “Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may you whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” God is at work within the believer to transform us to be completely cleansed and to live righteously before Him. He reconciled us to Himself when we trusted in Jesus for salvation, and now He is at work within us to change us into His own image.

What Will We Stand For?

Have you ever fought for a cause that you believe in? Part of the fight is standing firm for truth with love against opposition. Everyone faces opposition at times, whether it be the minimal opposition of unexpected consequences or the significant opposition against firmly held values and beliefs.

I Timothy 6:12 says, “Fight the good fight of the faith.” By faith stand firm against evil. By the Holy Spirit focus concentration, personal discipline, and extreme effort on the truth and victory that is yours in Christ Jesus.