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"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.
Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34 NIV

Thursday, February 28, 2013

Looking Directly at the Son

I catch a glimpse of the sun before the clouds once again take over. It's presence is scarce when the snow flies for what seems like months on end and mixes with the slush already on the ground. I have been missing the warmth and smile as it kisses my cheek.

"Don't look directly at the sun," an adult cautions. The warning comes across the years of my memory.

But I want to look at the sun. It has been too long absent from my life. It's commanding presence beckons me to take a peek.

Don't look directly at the sun. Wise advice to follow, to some extent. In life though, what I think the world needs most is to look directly at the son, or more importantly, to not take our eyes off of the son.

When my eyes are on Jesus and his love for me, I am confident in who I am. I do not have to perform in order to prove my worth to those around me.

When I look at Jesus, I see he is beside me through the trials of my day. I can have peace when the chaos around me screams the loudest.

When my eyes remain on Jesus, I do not worry about tomorrow. I trust that he will give me what I need when I need it the most. He does not always give me answers but he always gives me himself - and that is enough.

So, look at the son. Study the son. Bask in the warmth of the son. Ask him what he thinks about you. And smile the next time the sky shines in radiance.

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (John 8:36 NIV)



Lord, I want to keep my eyes on you and not on the world around me or the circumstances that change. Thank you for being the same yesterday, today, and forever. Amen.



Tuesday, February 19, 2013

A Fresh Start to the Day

The commercial was brilliant. Relaxing at a kitchen table, a man drank juice while discussing what his day would hold with the individuals who would (hours from now) cause him stress. News of a flat tire, an encounter with an annoying neighbor, and a missed deadline later in the day was met with a strangely positive response. How would he be able to face it all with a smile? He started his day with the right drink. Cue the catchy jingle and fade to black.

All it takes is starting the day with a drink of juice, huh? Wouldn't that be nice.

But what if all it takes is starting the day with a drink? A drink of pure living water.

When I connect with the very source of life first thing in the morning, I handle stress differently. When I gaze for a few moments at the face of sacrificial love, I face unexpected challenges with more patience. When I ponder the immense power he holds in his hands, I worry about what the day holds less and am able to rest in peace.

With the opportunity to change the course of my day in this way, do I always begin in worship? I wish I could say yes. I am learning to seek him first because I see things more from his perspective and react in a way that is honoring to him when I do.

Plus, it's cheaper than stocking up on fancy juice.


But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. (Psalm 59:16 NIV)

Jesus answered her (the Samaritan woman), “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water...  Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:10, 13-14 NIV)

He who believes in Me [who cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me] as the Scripture has said, From his innermost being shall flow [continuously] springs and rivers of living water. (John 7:38 AMP)


Wonderful counselor, source of living water, thanks for the reminder of how important it is for me to start my day with you. I want to face the unexpected events of my day with a heart full of your love. Amen.