The Everything of Christ

During the last week of my Dad’s life I learned more from him than all the years before. That is not to say Dad’s teaching improved so much as that my listening increased. God’s love reflected in his concern for me getting meals while he only received his through a tube. He worried I was missing sleep while he spent the night in a busy ICU unit. But most of all Dad loved having me and his nurse reading the Bible to him. That week he often quoted his favorite verse

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Today when the cold winds of reality slap me in the face and little irritations that feel like hurricanes I remember his verse. Though I wish I could pick up the phone to ask Dad what he thinks I come back to this promise. Every day I am finding more and more that success is not determined by the many things I cannot do but by the everything He can!

Come and See

Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?” They said “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?”  “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.” John 1:38-39a

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Jesus had a way of dealing with new followers which was a lot different than ours. He didn’t say, “Come and do” or “Come and give.” In fact Jesus began the conversation with a question, “What do you want?” Whether at the door of the church or alone on a mountain trail, God asks us every morning, “What do you want?” Am I following just because someone told me to or do I really want to for myself? His test is not about our ability to serve Him but our desire to know Him.

When we go looking for Jesus we will find Him. He knows us but He waits for us to long to know Him. Then Jesus extends the invitation, “Come and see!” Jesus wants us to get to know Him because He isn’t afraid of what we will find. Every day is an opportunity for a new discovery of His character, His will and His heart. Maybe you have received an invitation that says: RSVP. That stands for the French “Répondez s’il vous plait” – “Respond if you please. “ We have received an invitation to come to know Jesus. Jesus waits to see if we will respond. Do we really want to know where He lives? He calls out, “Come and see!”

A Real Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is simply our recognition that He has been a faithful God in every season of our lives. From our rainy Spring days to our snow drifting winter nights He remains our Savior and the lover of our soul.

Happy Thanksgiving and God bless!

In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
I Thessalonians 5:18 NKJV