Ultimate Sherpa

When we lived in Nepal, we became aware of the Sherpa people. They generally live in high mountain areas and are extremely strong. It is the Sherpas that carry most of the supplies and loads for mountain climbers. They also prepare the way for climbers.

Psalm 55:22 says, “Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.” The Lord promises to carry our burdens and troubles. He knows that we will face struggles and be tempted to move away from Him, but if we give these troubles to Him, He will not let them come to the point of despair or helplessness. He is able to carry our burdens and desires to do so.

Intercessor

It seems that we are constantly calling doctors, insurance companies, service companies, physician offices, and others in order to get what they have promised to provide. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could hire someone to do that for you? They would have to be sincerely working for your good outcomes and insist on constant and open communication with you and those they need to deal with. Every candidate, however, would have one major flaw. They wouldn’t be able to do this for you forever. Death, retirement, and other inevitable occurrences would keep them from forever working for you.

Hebrews 7:23-25 says, “The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.” Jesus is the perfect high priest for us, as His sacrifice was perfect and complete, offering salvation for all people and forever. He alone is able to draw us near to God, always living and bringing us before the Father and advocating for us. His intercession and advocating on our behalf continues forever.

Understanding Beyond Measure

I recently had another hearing test and discovered that my hearing comprehension has severely declined. I have known for some time that I have difficulty understanding what people are saying, but now I know it is at least partially due to my inability to distinguish different sounds. The other day, my wife told me the six digit code sent to her. Unfortunately, I incorrectly heard four out of the six numbers she told me. We all know that understanding is important, but do we agree that we are misunderstanding so many things in life and that these misunderstandings limit how well we live.

Psalm 147:3-5 says, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names. Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure.” God has given light to all the stars and named each one. His power is infinite, as is His understanding of all things. He can be trusted to heal our wounds and give new life to our souls.

Glimpse of Glory

As I hike through God’s creation, I am often overwhelmed by glimpses into His glory. By His breath, He has created artistic canyons, beautify sunrises, majestic mountains and cliffs, gorgeous waterfalls, and unlimited beauty. When I ponder His glory, I think about His unlimited power, authority over all rulers, His majestic throne, truth and wisdom, and knowledge of all things. Then my thoughts turn inward and I reflect on His glory demonstrated by delivering my soul from hell and despair, His rich mercy, His steadfast love, His redemption of my soul from death to life, His tender care and protection, and His daily lovingkindnesses.

Psalm 86:12-13 says, “I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever. For great is your steadfast love toward me; you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.” To glorify God means to give Him the weighty importance and shining majesty He deserves. Why? Because He has delivered our souls from the bottomless pit of despair and we have done nothing to earn His steadfast love that He abundantly gives us.

Enough Is Enough

Why do we always want more? We want more material things. We want more time. We want more respect. We want more love. We want more power. We are constantly busy pursuing more. And yet, more rarely provides us with satisfaction. That is because we want more of the wrong things or for the wrong reasons.

II Corinthians 12:9-10 says, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” God’s grace is enough for us. For it is by His grace that we receive forgiveness of our sins, salvation, freedom, hope, life, joy, peace and abundant love. These things are what we truly need and our hearts truly yearn to receive.