Precious Promises

There is no better known symbol of precious stones than the diamond. But of even greater value are God’s promises in the middle of the real struggles in our lives. Peter writes these words as he faces the end of his own life at the hands of executioners. He looks back for a moment remembering how at the Lord’s invitation he had walked on water. In his mind he still sees the fish and loaves multiplied for 5,000 and a blind man by the roadside receiving sight. He could still recall his own tears when Jesus had looked at him while words of denial echoed in his mouth. Then only a few days later Jesus met with him to renew His promise that Peter was still loved and had been specially chosen to care for people just like us. How amazing and precious are these promises that Peter now passes on to us!

God’s Classroom

Not too long ago I broke a toe while stumbling through the house with my morning coffee. That tiny fracture made big changes in my routine for months. Oh how I complained especially over the loss of my morning walks. From a day with our family to just going to church.nothing was untouched. The small steady pain was a constant reminder to carefully weigh the necessity of every step.

In our walk with Christ most of us have broken a few toes as we stumble here and there. One second we are strong and assured while the next we are wondering if it is worth taking the next step. God has more often than not incorporated pain into His lesson plan to get my attention. It is a method guaranteed to make me think over what is truly good and necessary versus what is just a passing fancy. When each step is painful it is vital to decide which ones are vital in my path.

I am still learning that when I pray for God to show me His ways then not to complain about His classroom methods. Each day is another in a chain of miracles called life. God’s desire is that even in its tiniest details – both the mundane and the unexpected that I am being given the chance to learn more of His love for me.

True Revival

True revival is not about emotions or even miracles but about a real place on earth where the Father’s will is done. That being said I would ask for prayer for myself and our ministry team this Wednesday. We will be sharing the hope of the gospel in five different nursing home meetings tomorrow. There is no where more needing of transformation encouragement and restoring revival than in these places. People face discrimination, neglect, physical suffering and depression. Only Jesus can and will untie the knots, draw close and bring real spiritual healing. Pray that we will display clearly the amazing love of Jesus Christ and be His hands and feet in these places.