Thursday, December 12, 2024

Selected readings from the daily lectionary: Is 41:13-20, Ps 145:1-4, 8-13, Th 2:1-12, Mt 11:7-15


Each of these readings says something relative to God’s great power and glory. Each one speaks of His forgiveness, hope, and grace. Sometimes I make bad decisions, I waste my time, I am caught up in the drama of everyday life, and I come home feeling empty, wasted. When I have doubts about God, I think about how a person's blood vessels laid end-to-end can wrap twice around the earth. The fact that humans have only had 200,000 years on this earth, (a short time in the universe), and we have developed such unique systems is almost a giveaway that God is here. 

God is that light that will brighten you. 

Reading these, writing this, I realize that even when I have cut myself off from God, if I’ve gone against Him, He is still open, reaching for me and calling my name. Sometimes I have moments when I feel like I have unlocked the gates, like everything will be OK. At times like this, I am filled with this crazy joy, and it feels empowering. It makes me feel like I could run a marathon. Like I could do anything.

The stories talk about God’s coming when evil has conquered what is left of the world. There is so much hate and fear, more than we can handle, but God can handle anything. He brought life into the world. The first cell, He created. The Lord will protect us, and will bring us to the safest place imaginable. I feel this sometimes at night, lying safe in bed, thinking of God.

In his letter to the Thessalonians, Paul urges us to be patient and wait for Jesus. To not be fooled by people who claim to be God. It explains that “the man of lawlessness” will take rule over the earth, but those yet still believing in their Lord will, eventually, be saved. God fulfills His covenants.

Sometimes it is easy to lose sight of God. It can be challenging to keep your faith in Him. But He forgives me, he forgives all of us. If you ask Him, He will forgive every sin or rude thought you have committed. It's about being sorry and trying again, giving it another shot. God brings joy. He will help you with any burden you carry. 

by Elizabeth Ostrop

 

 
"Another in the Fire" by Hillsong United

 

 

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