Thin Places
There’s a beautiful image from the Celtic tradition called Thin Places. A “thin place” is a place where the boundary between heaven and earth is especially thin. It’s a place where it’s possible to touch and be touched by God; a place where He seems more readily present. This begs the question: Do you have enough Thin Places in your life? If not, you’re not alone. Artist Georgia O’Keefe once said: “Nobody sees a flower, really; it’s so small. We haven’t time, and to see- takes time.” We live frenzied lives, and desperately need Thin Places where we experience God’s presence. So do your best to find a Thin Place today!
God and Veggies
A sliced carrot looks exactly like the human eye; particularly the pupil, iris, and radiating lines. And science shows that carrots greatly enhance both the blood flow to the eyes and their function. A tomato has four chambers and is red, just like the heart. Plus, tomatoes are loaded with lycopine, which strengthens the heart. Is this mere coincidence? I don’t think so! You see, God as our Creator made and provided what we would need even before we were born. Scripture tells us that this same God knows what we need even before we ask. Find comfort in that today and when you eat your veggies, thank Him!
You Are a Work of Art
The human body is amazing! It contains sixty trillion cells that have all been carefully organized to perform life’s various functions harmoniously. The nose can recognize up to 10,000 different aromas. The tongue has about 6,000 taste buds. The body has so many blood vessels that their combined length could circle the planet two-and-a-half times. Did you realize that you are such a masterpiece? Psalm 139: 13 and 14, says, “You are the One who put me together inside my mother’s body, and I praise you because of the wonderful way you created me.” Be aware today that you are truly a grand work of art!
One Degree
Pilots say that when flying, for every degree you fly off course you’ll miss your target landing spot by 92 feet for every mile flown. That amounts to being about one mile off target for every 60 feet you fly. The longer you travel off course, the further you’ll be from the intended target. Being only one degree off can make a critical difference in where you will land! But just as it’s hard to recognize being one degree off while flying at 30,000 feet, it’s also hard to realize “one degree failures” in our lives. We need a crystal clear flight plan. And with God as your pilot, your safe arrival at the final destination is guaranteed!
Champions
In most sports, there’s some sort of play-off or tournament to determine the overall champion. Even if you’re not a sports fan, it’s hard to ignore the hard work and dedication that it takes to become the champions. Winning in life takes a lot of hard work and dedication as well. An encouragement found in the Bible tells us to “forget what is behind and press on toward the goal that’s ahead”. When we keep our eyes on the prize, the Holy Spirit will direct our steps. If you’re currently feeling defeated- but you’re hearing this message right now, the race is far from over. Trust God and move forward.
What Really Matters
This past Sunday I saw a little girl raising her hands while we were singing in church. While she was raising her hands, she was looking around to make sure that everyone else was still raising theirs. She was imitating her grandparents- and looking for reassurance that she was doing it right. I wonder how many times you and I were so concerned with what everyone else was doing that we missed out on the opportunity to really worship God. Today, let’s choose to be more responsive to God’s leading in our lives than to the fear of being judged by someone else. What God thinks of us is what really matters.
Thankful
Researchers asked a group of people to make a list, once a week for ten weeks, of five things they were thankful for. Other groups in the study wrote different kinds of weekly lists, such as five key events. The “thankful” group felt more happiness, excitement, and joy than the other groups. They even reported better physical health – fewer headaches and coughs. Paul tells the Colossians in chapter 2 that they should continue to live in Christ, strengthened in their faith and overflowing with thankfulness. So, try this out! Make a list today of things God has given you to be thankful for. You’ll probably feel better!
Wake Up!
Still sleepy, you roll over to check the time. You look at your phone only to realize you never set the alarm! And now it’s 5 minutes before you’re supposed to be at work! Do you know that feeling of defeat as you hurry to make yourself presentable for your already delayed day? In much the same way, people everywhere are missing their “spiritual alarms.” God is at work all around them, yet they remain oblivious to God’s leading and guidance. If this is you, WAKE UP! Don’t miss the opportunity to see God in action!
Imposters
Counterfeiting is a serious problem in our country. It‘s been estimated that American businesses lose more than 250 billion dollars annually because of it. In 2021 the U.S. Customs and Border Protection made more than 13,000 seizures of counterfeit goods. And believe it or not, footwear comprised 40% of those fake items. Thousands of people are walking around in counterfeit shoes! The Bible says that if we claim to have fellowship with God and yet walk in darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. It might be easy to fool people with fake shoes, but it is impossible to fool God with a counterfeit faith.
The Yoke of Rest
In ancient Jerusalem, a Rabbi’s teachings were called his “yoke.” His people sat under his teaching while quote- “clothing” themselves in his words. In the Bible, in Matthew 11:29 Jesus tells His disciples, “Come unto me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls.” How good does that sound? Isn’t that what so many of us want? Not just sleep, but rest for our souls – a place to put our burdens. Today, “clothe yourself” with Christ’s teachings, begin to take on His character, and learn to trust Him with your burdens.