Let’s Make a Deal

The television show, “Let’s Make a Deal”, offered great prizes for those who were selected and willing to risk a lot. At the end of each show, a lucky contestant had the choice of unseen prizes behind three doors. If they chose wisely, they received a great prize. But, if they chose unwisely, they received a worthless prize.

Romans 5:1-2 says, “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Through faith in Jesus Christ we receive forgiveness for our sins and thereby know peace with God. Also, through Jesus we receive grace and rejoice in the hope of God’s glory. We have a choice to make. If we choose wisely, we will choose faith in Jesus Christ, receiving faith, love, and hope.

Dark Clouds

It is quite a sight to see dark clouds on the horizon, knowing that they are bringing unpleasant weather your way. The dark clouds of struggles and circumstances can also bring a sense of forboding into our hearts. We can become so caught up on these dark clouds that our mindset and emotions also become dark. It is tough to find light amidst these dark clouds.

Habakkuk 3:17-18 says, “Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the field and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.” The prophet, Habakkuk, is imagining every thing that could go wrong for his people who depend upon farming. And Habakkuk says that in the middle of this disaster He will still rejoice in the Lord and take joy in His salvation. In the midst of our troubles, we also can find joy in the Lord and in His salvation. Knowing He is with us and is faithful to all His promises can give us the joy that we seek.

Activity and Restlessness

With the arrival of Thanksgiving and Black Friday, we official enter the holiday season. While the word “holiday” conjures up thoughts of rest and relaxation, the holiday season does anything but provide rest. Shopping provides the opportunity to endure elbow shots to our ribs, along with angry stares and words from frustrated fellow shoppers. Parties are chaotic as people seek the attention of so many other people, all at the same time and in competion with others. Most of this is not what Jesus was seeking to give to His people, when He came into the world.

Psalm 32:18 says, “My people will abide in peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.” We don’t have to struggle to win acceptance from God. Instead, He makes us secure in His love and presence. Though everyone around us may be working hard to find love, we can rest in the knowledge of God’s love for us.

Surpassing Knowledge

When we learn something new, most of the time, that new knowledge gives us benefits beyond the information that is learned. Opportunities will come our way that before were unknown to us. We will be able to use this new information in ways that benefit ourselves and others.

Paul gave this prayer for the Ephesian church; “and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fulness of God.”(Ephesians 3:19) It is true that to know the love of Christ surpasses all other knowledge. Knowing Christ’s love is of infinite value and leads us in the fulness of God.