Grains of Sand

Pixabay On the cusp of a new decade and a new year who isn't thinking about loving life and seeing good days. I wonder if the pilgrims that Peter was writing to thought much about the possibility, however remote, that life would get better for them, that soon being a follower of Jesus wouldn't be so dangerous, that they would be able to settle down and enjoy peace and prosperity once more without wondering when they might have to pack up and run again.  Sometimes I spend more time thinking about what might be coming than what  IS  at this moment. Dwelling too much on the uncertainties of the future can be paralyzing and counter-productive. Truth be told, I only have this moment—one that hopefully will stretch into a new year of other moments to be lived, but only God knows what tomorrow might bring. Peter has told his readers not to get caught up in the problems of today and lose sight of the promise of tomorrow. But at the same time, he knows that these beli...

Pixabay Somehow it seemed appropriate to end 2018 with this verse: “ He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away .” (Revelation 21:4) As we enter a new year we are reminded that we are just a little closer to the time when Revelation 21:4 will be the reality for those of us who know the Lord. Perhaps that reminder is a little more forceful for me today. Early in December, we got news of a cousin on my mother's side who had passed away. Just before Christmas, a FACEBOOK post announced the passing of a missionary colleague and friend. Last night came the news of the death of a cousin on my father's side. For friends and family far and wide 2018 has had its sorrows. But the promises of Scripture inevitably bring us the reassurance that, for the believer, the "end" is no end at all—it simply signals the beginning of the new order. No death. No mourning....

Pixabay “ In the beginning…. ” Today marks the beginning of a new year. What expectations are there for 2018? What hopes are there for this new year as it dawns? Fresh pages…but from the same old book? Or will a new story be written? If it were not because of the word that comes after “ In the beginning… ” we might despair. We know that resolutions made on this day will likely fade into distant memories within a few short days or weeks. We know ourselves…or prefer not to delve too deeply into that muddy pool of self-knowledge in case we should find something we do not like and do not know how to deal with. But then there is that word: “ In the beginning, God…. ” Just as in that first beginning He, the Master Creator, made everything new, so can He do the same in us as 2018 dawns. With Him, nothing needs to ever be the same as it was last night, last week, last month, last summer, last year. Just a few short verses after Genesis 1:1 comes this: “ So God created man in his own image,...

Google Images I woke up early yesterday morning—4:00 a.m. early. Rather than try to go back to sleep I went out into the living room to spend some time reading Scripture. I’m “between” reading projects so flipped open my Bible and read the first thing that appeared. It turned out to be Psalm 145. The approach of a new year always drives the mind toward thinking about the future. This coming year, 2014, will be a time of transition for me. How, when, and what, are the questions that arise when I think of what might be coming around the next corner. But even in my rather haphazard way of choosing what to read in Scripture, God sent His Word to me. Psalm 145:13b-16: “ The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing. ” Psalm 145:19:...

Reading: Revelation 15, 16 My touch causes sparks to fly. I touched my phone last night to answer a call and the spark was great enough to temporarily cut off the call and turn the display black. I would like to be able to say that I have some special power in my touch. But alas, the sparks only fly from my fingertips because it is so dry in the apartment now that winter has set in. But there is One whose touch carries with it the power of salvation, righteousness and judgment. Truth is, He only has to speak and the power of that Word is irresistible. “ Great and marvelous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are your ways, King of the ages. Who will not fear you, O Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed ” (Revelation 15:3, 4, NIV). This section of Revelation describes the judgments of God, a solemn reminder to not ignore the voice of the Lord when He s...