M.C. Kelly's Blog
December 23, 2024
Expectations
Are you disappointed this Christmas? When everyone around you seems to be excited and joyful? Are you discouraged? Have hard times and dark days darkened your door a little too often this year?
Several weeks ago, I discovered a one legged bird at our feeders. I named her Dee Dee since she was a chickadee. She could dangle while feeding from the bottom of the suet cage. She would flap her wings to balance at the seed feeder. And she could bathe and drink from the saucers just like any other bird. I expected to see her all winter, but it's been a while since my last sighting. We've had several nights in the twenties. Unusual for these parts. Of course we have predator birds like owls and hawks. It makes me sad to think what might have happened to her. Sometimes what you expect is not what you get. And life is just like that.
So I challenge you to look on Christ, who does not disappoint. He was expected, foretold, prophesied, and promised. Jesus was born, lived, died, and rose again - just as it was foretold in Scripture. And He will return just as it has been promised.
I still look for Dee Dee at the feeders. In fact, I am while I'm writing this! I might expect to be disappointed. But I can look for Christ's return with joy and sing Wesley's hymn from the other side of advent - Come thou long expected Jesus!!
May you find your peace, contentment and hope in the Lord Jesus today and may your Christmas be filled with wonder that He came to seek and save the lost like you and me.
Several weeks ago, I discovered a one legged bird at our feeders. I named her Dee Dee since she was a chickadee. She could dangle while feeding from the bottom of the suet cage. She would flap her wings to balance at the seed feeder. And she could bathe and drink from the saucers just like any other bird. I expected to see her all winter, but it's been a while since my last sighting. We've had several nights in the twenties. Unusual for these parts. Of course we have predator birds like owls and hawks. It makes me sad to think what might have happened to her. Sometimes what you expect is not what you get. And life is just like that.
So I challenge you to look on Christ, who does not disappoint. He was expected, foretold, prophesied, and promised. Jesus was born, lived, died, and rose again - just as it was foretold in Scripture. And He will return just as it has been promised.
I still look for Dee Dee at the feeders. In fact, I am while I'm writing this! I might expect to be disappointed. But I can look for Christ's return with joy and sing Wesley's hymn from the other side of advent - Come thou long expected Jesus!!
May you find your peace, contentment and hope in the Lord Jesus today and may your Christmas be filled with wonder that He came to seek and save the lost like you and me.
Expectations
Are you disappointed this Christmas? When everyone around you seems to be excited and joyful? Are you discouraged? Have hard times and dark days darkened your door a little too often this year?
Several weeks ago, I discovered a one legged bird at our feeders. I named her Dee Dee since she was a chickadee. She could dangle while feeding from the bottom of the suet cage. She would flap her wings to balance at the seed feeder. And she could bathe and drink from the saucers just like any other bird. I expected to see her all winter, but it's been a while since my last sighting. We've had several nights in the twenties. Unusual for these parts. Of course we have predator birds like owls and hawks. It makes me sad to think what might have happened to her. Sometimes what you expect is not what you get. And life is just like that.
So I challenge you to look on Christ, who does not disappoint. He was expected, foretold, prophesied, and promised. Jesus was born, lived, died, and rose again - just as it was foretold in Scripture. And He will return just as it has been promised.
I still look for Dee Dee at the feeders. In fact, I am while I'm writing this! I might expect to be disappointed. But I can look for Christ's return with joy and sing Wesley's hymn from the other side of advent - Come thou long expected Jesus!!
May you find your peace, contentment and hope in the Lord Jesus today and may your Christmas be filled with wonder that He came to seek and save the lost like you and me.
Several weeks ago, I discovered a one legged bird at our feeders. I named her Dee Dee since she was a chickadee. She could dangle while feeding from the bottom of the suet cage. She would flap her wings to balance at the seed feeder. And she could bathe and drink from the saucers just like any other bird. I expected to see her all winter, but it's been a while since my last sighting. We've had several nights in the twenties. Unusual for these parts. Of course we have predator birds like owls and hawks. It makes me sad to think what might have happened to her. Sometimes what you expect is not what you get. And life is just like that.
So I challenge you to look on Christ, who does not disappoint. He was expected, foretold, prophesied, and promised. Jesus was born, lived, died, and rose again - just as it was foretold in Scripture. And He will return just as it has been promised.
I still look for Dee Dee at the feeders. In fact, I am while I'm writing this! I might expect to be disappointed. But I can look for Christ's return with joy and sing Wesley's hymn from the other side of advent - Come thou long expected Jesus!!
May you find your peace, contentment and hope in the Lord Jesus today and may your Christmas be filled with wonder that He came to seek and save the lost like you and me.
Expectations
Are you disappointed this Christmas? When everyone around you seems to be excited and joyful? Are you discouraged? Have hard times and dark days darkened your door a little too often this year?
Several weeks ago, I discovered a one legged bird at our feeders. I named her Dee Dee since she was a chickadee. She could dangle while feeding from the bottom of the suet cage. She would flap her wings to balance at the seed feeder. And she could bathe and drink from the saucers just like any other bird. I expected to see her all winter, but it's been a while since my last sighting. We've had several nights in the twenties. Unusual for these parts. Of course we have predator birds like owls and hawks. It makes me sad to think what might have happened to her. Sometimes what you expect is not what you get. And life is just like that.
So I challenge you to look on Christ, who does not disappoint. He was expected, foretold, prophesied, and promised. Jesus was born, lived, died, and rose again - just as it was foretold in Scripture. And He will return just as it has been promised.
I still look for Dee Dee at the feeders. In fact, I am while I'm writing this! I might expect to be disappointed. But I can look for Christ's return with joy and sing Wesley's hymn from the other side of advent - Come thou long expected Jesus!!
May you find your peace, contentment and hope in the Lord Jesus today and may your Christmas be filled with wonder that He came to seek and save the lost like you and me.
Several weeks ago, I discovered a one legged bird at our feeders. I named her Dee Dee since she was a chickadee. She could dangle while feeding from the bottom of the suet cage. She would flap her wings to balance at the seed feeder. And she could bathe and drink from the saucers just like any other bird. I expected to see her all winter, but it's been a while since my last sighting. We've had several nights in the twenties. Unusual for these parts. Of course we have predator birds like owls and hawks. It makes me sad to think what might have happened to her. Sometimes what you expect is not what you get. And life is just like that.
So I challenge you to look on Christ, who does not disappoint. He was expected, foretold, prophesied, and promised. Jesus was born, lived, died, and rose again - just as it was foretold in Scripture. And He will return just as it has been promised.
I still look for Dee Dee at the feeders. In fact, I am while I'm writing this! I might expect to be disappointed. But I can look for Christ's return with joy and sing Wesley's hymn from the other side of advent - Come thou long expected Jesus!!
May you find your peace, contentment and hope in the Lord Jesus today and may your Christmas be filled with wonder that He came to seek and save the lost like you and me.
July 27, 2024
Scars
After an encounter the other week with the corner of a concrete planter while chasing a squirrel away from the bird feeder, I am going to have two definite scars. Yes two. I ran into the same planter two days in a row. But that's okay, scars tell stories.
I have a scar on the top bone in my right foot. Back in the day, Daddy and I were in the fridge at the same time and a bottle of French dressing fell out and cracked open on my foot. Split the skin and you could see tendon. Mom said I needed stitches and I'm sure she was right. But Daddy just pulled the gap closed with a band aid. I had a ballet recital in a week or so. En Pointe even! But it healed and I danced. Have never looked at a bottle of French dressing the same way since.
There's a scar on my knee from when I was 16 or so. I was running to answer the phone, and I tripped on the concrete around the pool. All for a call in to work. Definitely not worthy of the scar.
Then there's the scar on my forearm from fishing at my Papa's and getting snagged by my cousin Tina's reel. Daddy just looked at it, yanked it out and went on about his business. And I did too, no tears, no mercurochrome or anything. I lived.
Jesus had scars and He showed those crucifixion marks to the disciples, especially to Thomas who had his doubts. The scars were real and they were proof the plan of God from the foundation of the world had taken place. Thomas’ doubts disappeared and he declared Jesus his Lord and God!
Paul told His readers in Galatians 6 “I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.” In other words, he lived what he believed. And there were consequences. My study notes tell me the Greek word for marks “denotes the brands used to mark a slave as the property of a certain master…Paul uses the word to refer to the scars he received during his missionary activity. These scars branded him as a slave of Christ.” Are we really living out our faith? Enough to be different and stand apart? And even receive the marks of ridicule for our stance? Our shunned because of our faith? Or laughed at for our hope?
Believers, let's make sure we're careful to read, study and understand God's instructions in His holy Word as to how we live our lives. We don't add Jesus to our lives, our lives are submitted to His Lordship and they belong to Him. Paul Washer said, “If following Jesus Christ doesn't cost you anything, it's because you've bought into American Christianity.” We were slaves to sin, but bought by the Lord to be His slaves. Let's live our beliefs, even if there's a price. Nothing we could ever lose in this world is worth more than the precious Blood of our Savior!
I have a scar on the top bone in my right foot. Back in the day, Daddy and I were in the fridge at the same time and a bottle of French dressing fell out and cracked open on my foot. Split the skin and you could see tendon. Mom said I needed stitches and I'm sure she was right. But Daddy just pulled the gap closed with a band aid. I had a ballet recital in a week or so. En Pointe even! But it healed and I danced. Have never looked at a bottle of French dressing the same way since.
There's a scar on my knee from when I was 16 or so. I was running to answer the phone, and I tripped on the concrete around the pool. All for a call in to work. Definitely not worthy of the scar.
Then there's the scar on my forearm from fishing at my Papa's and getting snagged by my cousin Tina's reel. Daddy just looked at it, yanked it out and went on about his business. And I did too, no tears, no mercurochrome or anything. I lived.
Jesus had scars and He showed those crucifixion marks to the disciples, especially to Thomas who had his doubts. The scars were real and they were proof the plan of God from the foundation of the world had taken place. Thomas’ doubts disappeared and he declared Jesus his Lord and God!
Paul told His readers in Galatians 6 “I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.” In other words, he lived what he believed. And there were consequences. My study notes tell me the Greek word for marks “denotes the brands used to mark a slave as the property of a certain master…Paul uses the word to refer to the scars he received during his missionary activity. These scars branded him as a slave of Christ.” Are we really living out our faith? Enough to be different and stand apart? And even receive the marks of ridicule for our stance? Our shunned because of our faith? Or laughed at for our hope?
Believers, let's make sure we're careful to read, study and understand God's instructions in His holy Word as to how we live our lives. We don't add Jesus to our lives, our lives are submitted to His Lordship and they belong to Him. Paul Washer said, “If following Jesus Christ doesn't cost you anything, it's because you've bought into American Christianity.” We were slaves to sin, but bought by the Lord to be His slaves. Let's live our beliefs, even if there's a price. Nothing we could ever lose in this world is worth more than the precious Blood of our Savior!
July 1, 2024
Blue Angels
The Blue Angels documentary is a great watch. They are amazing to see in person, but the aerial photography in this video is phenomenal. I highly recommend this video! And on a side note, this elite group has quite a few teaching points for the body of Christ, but I'll try to narrow them down to just a few!
Discipline and Commitment: These hand selected pilots are combat ready. Are you? Can you give a credible defense for your faith? 1 Peter 3:15 “...but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you…” You were chosen and hand selected as well, but not based on merit or talent or worth. Romans 5:8 “...but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Self-examination: Part of Blue Angel training is watching films of their own flying sequences. They see where they were out of sync, and where improvement is needed. 2 Corinthians 13:5 “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith…” Debrief, dissect, and review.
Preparedness: Passing out during the G force test is a wake up call to work that is not easy! The entire body is needed to withstand the G force. Be prepared! We all face trying times, even just living in this ungodly world is difficult. We are wise to consider this warning: 1 Peter 5:8 “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
Focus: Don't get distracted by looking around. Stay focused. Our audience is not just on the ground, but also in heaven. Hebrews 12:1 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us..”
Unity: We are called to fly together as one - this is unity. Psalm 131:1 “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” But this feat is not just accomplished by those in the jets! Each position on the team has a specific role. Not all fly. Not all lead. But they are one team. Some positions are more comfortable than others. All positions are family. All positions are important. Being on the team is a great equalizer and to fly as one requires trust and respect for your teammates. John 13:34-35 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Gratitude: Are we thankful to be on the Team? Do we have the gratitude to say, “I'm happy to be here?” in whatever role we have in the body? Whatever circumstance? Or capacity? Gratitude is a reset and thankfulness is foundational. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 “...give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Perfection: Vince Lombardi said, “Gentlemen, we will chase perfection, and we will chase it relentlessly, knowing all the while we can never attain it. But along the way, we shall catch excellence.” Matthew 5:48 “You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Perfection is a glimpse of our eternal home. Not a week of perfection, or even a day. But a moment here and there. A tireless pursuit of perfection, not satisfied with mediocre service. The closer you get to the pinnacle of perfection, the farther away from it you realize you are. There is always room for growth in our Christian walk. Good jet. Roll it.
Blue Angels are often sad to depart the team. This has been their tightly woven and most trusted family for at least two years. But once a Blue Angel, always a Blue Angel. Our Brothers and Sisters may depart the earth, but the reunion is coming! One day in Heaven, the whole crew will be reunited to be together forever with Christ. And we get to be a part of that here on earth. So suit up, strap in and let's get out there and rip it!
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” 2 Peter 3:18
Discipline and Commitment: These hand selected pilots are combat ready. Are you? Can you give a credible defense for your faith? 1 Peter 3:15 “...but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you…” You were chosen and hand selected as well, but not based on merit or talent or worth. Romans 5:8 “...but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Self-examination: Part of Blue Angel training is watching films of their own flying sequences. They see where they were out of sync, and where improvement is needed. 2 Corinthians 13:5 “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith…” Debrief, dissect, and review.
Preparedness: Passing out during the G force test is a wake up call to work that is not easy! The entire body is needed to withstand the G force. Be prepared! We all face trying times, even just living in this ungodly world is difficult. We are wise to consider this warning: 1 Peter 5:8 “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
Focus: Don't get distracted by looking around. Stay focused. Our audience is not just on the ground, but also in heaven. Hebrews 12:1 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us..”
Unity: We are called to fly together as one - this is unity. Psalm 131:1 “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” But this feat is not just accomplished by those in the jets! Each position on the team has a specific role. Not all fly. Not all lead. But they are one team. Some positions are more comfortable than others. All positions are family. All positions are important. Being on the team is a great equalizer and to fly as one requires trust and respect for your teammates. John 13:34-35 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Gratitude: Are we thankful to be on the Team? Do we have the gratitude to say, “I'm happy to be here?” in whatever role we have in the body? Whatever circumstance? Or capacity? Gratitude is a reset and thankfulness is foundational. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 “...give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Perfection: Vince Lombardi said, “Gentlemen, we will chase perfection, and we will chase it relentlessly, knowing all the while we can never attain it. But along the way, we shall catch excellence.” Matthew 5:48 “You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Perfection is a glimpse of our eternal home. Not a week of perfection, or even a day. But a moment here and there. A tireless pursuit of perfection, not satisfied with mediocre service. The closer you get to the pinnacle of perfection, the farther away from it you realize you are. There is always room for growth in our Christian walk. Good jet. Roll it.
Blue Angels are often sad to depart the team. This has been their tightly woven and most trusted family for at least two years. But once a Blue Angel, always a Blue Angel. Our Brothers and Sisters may depart the earth, but the reunion is coming! One day in Heaven, the whole crew will be reunited to be together forever with Christ. And we get to be a part of that here on earth. So suit up, strap in and let's get out there and rip it!
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” 2 Peter 3:18
March 6, 2024
Count It All Joy
“Trials must and will befall: But with humble faith to see Love inscribed upon them all, This is happiness to me.” William Cowper
This is the quote I shared last Monday. Later that night I'd be in the ER and admitted to the hospital. I remembered something a former coworker used to say when things were going her way. She'd say, “I must be living right.” But Scripture is replete with examples and forewarnings of suffering and trying times. Character building opportunities.
Believer, when you have a stretch of sunshiny days, be thankful. It's a break we don't deserve. And when you have a stretch of dark days, be thankful. Our God is sovereign and He uses these times to make us more like Christ.
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
James 1:2-4
This is the quote I shared last Monday. Later that night I'd be in the ER and admitted to the hospital. I remembered something a former coworker used to say when things were going her way. She'd say, “I must be living right.” But Scripture is replete with examples and forewarnings of suffering and trying times. Character building opportunities.
Believer, when you have a stretch of sunshiny days, be thankful. It's a break we don't deserve. And when you have a stretch of dark days, be thankful. Our God is sovereign and He uses these times to make us more like Christ.
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
James 1:2-4
December 13, 2023
Growth
I have a Monstera plant that is growing sideways so I bought a plant stake. I carefully lifted it up from its awkward position and tied it gently to the mossy post. Right now it looks like a crippled person trying to stand straight. It's not pretty right now, but with the proper training and help, it will be.
Believer, do you feel like you're in an awkward position? Something in your life is weighing you down, twisting you, your mind, your feelings until you feel like a hamstrung mess? There's so much in this old world that seeks to enslave us and make us grotesque. We are often wilfully disobedient. The world tempts and deceives.
Just as suffering will be in the life of all humanity, suffering will be in the life of every true believer. Problems will arise, crises will come, trouble will show up. Not to be a downer, but sometimes it's best to know the truth up front. The Christian's life is not a bed of roses. And at times we will become overwhelmed and perplexed.
Revelation 3:20: “Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.”
None of us are perfect, none of us serve God perfectly. And God, in His wisdom and love, bends us to His grace and perfect standard. Painful things in our lives are needful. They are meant to help us grow, and to make us more like Christ. Believer, lean on your God and Father, and trust Him when it gets too tough to stand. Humble yourself under His hand and allow Him to bend and shape you. Rejoicing sounds difficult during duress and disappointment, but we can see it differently with the proper perspective.
Philippians 1:6: “And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” It is Christ at work for us and in us to make of us what God desires. The Day is coming when we'll stand straight. And tall. And perfect. Until then, be encouraged and soldier on.
Believer, do you feel like you're in an awkward position? Something in your life is weighing you down, twisting you, your mind, your feelings until you feel like a hamstrung mess? There's so much in this old world that seeks to enslave us and make us grotesque. We are often wilfully disobedient. The world tempts and deceives.
Just as suffering will be in the life of all humanity, suffering will be in the life of every true believer. Problems will arise, crises will come, trouble will show up. Not to be a downer, but sometimes it's best to know the truth up front. The Christian's life is not a bed of roses. And at times we will become overwhelmed and perplexed.
Revelation 3:20: “Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.”
None of us are perfect, none of us serve God perfectly. And God, in His wisdom and love, bends us to His grace and perfect standard. Painful things in our lives are needful. They are meant to help us grow, and to make us more like Christ. Believer, lean on your God and Father, and trust Him when it gets too tough to stand. Humble yourself under His hand and allow Him to bend and shape you. Rejoicing sounds difficult during duress and disappointment, but we can see it differently with the proper perspective.
Philippians 1:6: “And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” It is Christ at work for us and in us to make of us what God desires. The Day is coming when we'll stand straight. And tall. And perfect. Until then, be encouraged and soldier on.
November 20, 2023
A Tale of Two Obituaries
I've been to a few funerals in the past few months. They reminded me that some time ago I had told my husband I was going to write my own obituary. To which he replied, "that's fine. There will be the one you write, and there will be the one I write." Not sure what to think about that. But - there really are two obituaries that our lives write.
Everyday we live, we are writing a book. Things we say, things we do, how we make others feel. How we live our lives in the public arena. People see how we respond in various situations and circumstances. We'll call it "words and ways." They hear our words or see what we do. And they form somewhat of an opinion about our lives and how we've lived them. When we pass, someone that loves us will write a few words about us for the paper or the funeral program. Just the good stuff goes here, not our flops or failures. One might say, "She was a cheerful giver."
But there's another book that's being written. By God Himself. 2 Corinthians 5:10 says, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil." Now for the Believer, these are not our sins. Thank God they were put away at the Cross! But how we live and walk and talk and work and serve in this life, is all recorded in heaven. God is not only well acquainted with our "words and ways," but knows our hearts and our thoughts. Our motives. The ones writing your obituary for the paper won't know these intimate details. So whereas others might see you as a cheerful giver (face - smiling) God knows you were complaining in your heart the whole time (face - frowning).
My favorite pbs Masterpiece series is Endeavor. It's a British detective drama set in Oxford in the 60s. Their terminology is so different from ours, closed captioning doesn't even help! But one phrase they use often is "mind how you go." In our words: Take care. Be careful. Watch your step. So as we enter into this busy holiday season and the coming new year, let's be careful to mind how we go. Let's remember we live Coram Deo. Hebrews 4:13 explains this well - "And no creature is hidden from His sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account." Let's remember to let our words and ways and our hearts and thoughts - how we live, walk, talk, work and serve - bring glory to Him.
Everyday we live, we are writing a book. Things we say, things we do, how we make others feel. How we live our lives in the public arena. People see how we respond in various situations and circumstances. We'll call it "words and ways." They hear our words or see what we do. And they form somewhat of an opinion about our lives and how we've lived them. When we pass, someone that loves us will write a few words about us for the paper or the funeral program. Just the good stuff goes here, not our flops or failures. One might say, "She was a cheerful giver."
But there's another book that's being written. By God Himself. 2 Corinthians 5:10 says, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil." Now for the Believer, these are not our sins. Thank God they were put away at the Cross! But how we live and walk and talk and work and serve in this life, is all recorded in heaven. God is not only well acquainted with our "words and ways," but knows our hearts and our thoughts. Our motives. The ones writing your obituary for the paper won't know these intimate details. So whereas others might see you as a cheerful giver (face - smiling) God knows you were complaining in your heart the whole time (face - frowning).
My favorite pbs Masterpiece series is Endeavor. It's a British detective drama set in Oxford in the 60s. Their terminology is so different from ours, closed captioning doesn't even help! But one phrase they use often is "mind how you go." In our words: Take care. Be careful. Watch your step. So as we enter into this busy holiday season and the coming new year, let's be careful to mind how we go. Let's remember we live Coram Deo. Hebrews 4:13 explains this well - "And no creature is hidden from His sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account." Let's remember to let our words and ways and our hearts and thoughts - how we live, walk, talk, work and serve - bring glory to Him.
August 24, 2023
Mary T. Berry
We've had a turtle in our back yard for about two months now. How do I know it's the same turtle? Mary has three legs. Yes, she's missing her right front appendage. How do I know she's a she? Well that's another seven questions, so let's just say I'm guessing based on the color of her eyes and the shape of her shell. And that she seems to respond when I call her name, Mary.
Mary likes strawberries. It's how she got her last name. She gets one every morning. Sometimes she buries half (yes, I cut them in half for her, so it doesn’t roll. She only has one front leg to hold it with, after all) and eats it later in the day. Sometimes she hides under the gardenia. Sometimes in the Canna lilies. Sometimes she strolls through the weeds and grass to the base of the bird bath. Sometimes she disappears completely and I've never been able to find where she went. So I know she travels a bit. Despite her handicap, set back, or disability, she is still a turtle. She still operates, lives, moves and "turtles."
Believer, are you facing a difficulty in your life? Things not working out like you thought they would? Are you experiencing a financial setback, a health issue, or a relationship crisis? You can smile in the face of it knowing God's plan for your life is better than you could ever draw it up to be. You can relax in His grace. You can rest on His promises.
Does that assurance make things easier? Maybe not. Mary still struggles, but she is still what God created her to be. She is still a turtle God created for His purpose and His glory. Romans 8:18-25 says, "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience."
Jesus Christ will return one Day and set all things right. I imagine Mary groans to be made whole. I groan to be made whole! He's coming back to judge the earth, and everyone in it, the dead and the living. Are you ready?
Mary likes strawberries. It's how she got her last name. She gets one every morning. Sometimes she buries half (yes, I cut them in half for her, so it doesn’t roll. She only has one front leg to hold it with, after all) and eats it later in the day. Sometimes she hides under the gardenia. Sometimes in the Canna lilies. Sometimes she strolls through the weeds and grass to the base of the bird bath. Sometimes she disappears completely and I've never been able to find where she went. So I know she travels a bit. Despite her handicap, set back, or disability, she is still a turtle. She still operates, lives, moves and "turtles."
Believer, are you facing a difficulty in your life? Things not working out like you thought they would? Are you experiencing a financial setback, a health issue, or a relationship crisis? You can smile in the face of it knowing God's plan for your life is better than you could ever draw it up to be. You can relax in His grace. You can rest on His promises.
Does that assurance make things easier? Maybe not. Mary still struggles, but she is still what God created her to be. She is still a turtle God created for His purpose and His glory. Romans 8:18-25 says, "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience."
Jesus Christ will return one Day and set all things right. I imagine Mary groans to be made whole. I groan to be made whole! He's coming back to judge the earth, and everyone in it, the dead and the living. Are you ready?
June 23, 2023
Caterpillar
This morning I found a black furry caterpillar on my porch. And while I’m not afraid of them, I did want to make sure it had a better chance to thrive. So I carefully collected it in a cup and took it outside. I found a broad leaf and slid him out of the cup. He stayed curled up, I suppose in a defense position for a bit, so I stepped away for a few minutes. When I returned he had again opened up and seemed to be checking out his new surroundings. I know you might think I’m crazy, but I said a little prayer asking God to help it find the food it needs. I sure would love to see it again once it becomes a moth. And it got me thinking. All of God’s creation glorifies Him. Except man. We, who were made in His image, don’t seek God, and break His commandments every day. We don’t honor Him, we don’t thank Him. Clearly some people live life as if He doesn’t exist (see Romans). This caterpillar, God willing, will grow into a beautiful leopard moth, just as God intended it to do.
Believer, take time to consider your life, your heart, your motives and actions. Are you becoming transformed into His image? Are you becoming more like Christ? Nestle yourselves in the broad leaves of His Word, which is foundational for growth. Subject yourself to the hearing of His Word as it’s taught in your local Bible honoring church. Assemble with your Family in Christ, and be encouraged and strengthened by like-minded believers. The growth process may not be easy, but God will provide all you need to become who He has purposed you to be.
“Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.”
Hebrews 13:20-21
Believer, take time to consider your life, your heart, your motives and actions. Are you becoming transformed into His image? Are you becoming more like Christ? Nestle yourselves in the broad leaves of His Word, which is foundational for growth. Subject yourself to the hearing of His Word as it’s taught in your local Bible honoring church. Assemble with your Family in Christ, and be encouraged and strengthened by like-minded believers. The growth process may not be easy, but God will provide all you need to become who He has purposed you to be.
“Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.”
Hebrews 13:20-21
