it meets me in unexpected places

The gospel meets me in the toy-strewn playroom. The grabbing and fussing flares between my young ones and it meets me, in the midst of a competitive Hi Ho Cherry-o game.

On good days, when I am sensitive to His Spirit, I remember that they are flesh. I see them as he sees them, a little soul in need of a Savior. I use the moment as a picture, illustrating again their ultimate longing. Freedom from self. Freedom to love.

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On not-so-good days I react in my own flesh, reminded again of my desperation. Thankful for his persistent grace.

The gospel. A holy God bending down and redeeming mankind out of his extravagant love. Innocent blood shed for my rebellious soul. And for theirs. Undeserved. Beyond comprehension.

Seeing others through the gospel changes me. It softens me. It frees me to love.

Bringing it home...

How does looking at others through the lens of the gospel change you?

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we are in our "now" on purpose

My sister said it the other day and it spoke to me--deep down. And if it's true then nearly every thought is affected.

"He has us exactly where he wants us."

On purpose. With precision. According to his sovereign plan.

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"Not (even one sparrow) falls to the ground apart from your Father's will. But the very hairs of your head are numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows."

Matthew 10:29-31

In this now of ours he is working. In this season he is refining and building our faith. Whatever today looks like--with all its seeming complications and hindrances--he is moving about, orchestrating and reigning, transforming and mending.

If it's not so then he is not the God revealed in scripture. The revealed God means things; he doesn't just use things. He loves to the point of death and restores the broken.

He has us where he wants us. On purpose. With precision. According to his sovereign plan. Believing it so changes...everything.

Bringing it home...

Do you believe that he has you where he wants you?

What does believing him sovereign over the daily happenings do to our hope and faith?

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the main thing

"The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing." My daddy used to say that.

I've addressed it before, but it bears repeating. We live in a loud world. So much calls our name begging we look and then sit for a while. The enemy has an agenda. Distraction!

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Last week I was lured. I felt it heavy on my spirit. Outwardly I did all the same things, but my mind wandered. Even my time alone with the Lord felt distracted. Then only as a faithful Father can do, I heard the words of Jesus whispered in my ear, "You are distracted by many things. But only one thing is needed." (Luke 10:38-42)

Don't you love the chastening of the Lord. {wink} Truly, he loves those he disciplines. So I thank him.

The world will holler for you and for me. Things entice. Stuff draws us in. But only one thing is needed. The main thing.

Bringing it home...

How do you keep the main thing the main thing in such a loud world?

Is there something you need to lay down in order to focus on the one needed thing? No better time than now.

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