An Ordinary Day Interrupted By An Extraordinary God?

Eva Ruth

Isaiah 40: 1-8

Today as I prepared to teach, I was reminded of a day last year. It was an ordinary day, a Friday, which was just like any other Friday until the word “snow” was mentioned in the small South Carolina town where I lived. Children everywhere were filled with anticipation as the day progressed. More than one adult mumbled at the sheer mention of the word. BUT when the first flakes began to fall, children from everywhere ran out and danced with JOY at the wondrous sight as the snow blanketed the town. Even the stoic adults hardened hearts melted as the town experienced the first measureable snow fall in over seven years. An ordinary day had been transformed into an extraordinary one. Doesn’t God call us to worship, to spend time with Him in a similar fashion? At the very mention of the word “worship”, we should be filled with anticipation of the coming event, a time to be with God. As God pours out His spirit to blanket us, our hearts overflow with joy as we experience His very presence. An ordinary Friday was transformed into an extraordinary one. You know, snow doesn’t last forever but God’s love and desire to be among us does. Hear what the Bible says:

“The grass withers, and the flower fades, but the word of our God, stands forever!”

Let us always be prepared in our hearts to worship God so that the ordinary may become the extraordinary.

Father God, thank you for the gift of your presence in our daily lives. May we be ever aware of you. May we be transformed day by day by your spirit. Amen.

No Place Like Home

 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. (John 14:2, NKJV)

Go back with me to a sceen in a well-known movie, The Wizard of Oz. In this movie, Dorothy is looking for that sacred place, home. She tries to take the shortcut to get there but quickly realizes it's a bad idea. She finally understands that if she stays the course, she'll eventually make it home. That's how it is in life. We try to take the shortcuts, but each time we come running back to God wondering why we're in such a mess. This verse lets us know that He has a place prepared for us...if we'll only follow Him and stop trying to take the shortcuts. I know the shortcut may seem easier because we seem to be living on easy street, but I garentee, it will catch up with us. Stay in His will and you'll make it home. As a dear friend of mine, Brenda Blankenship reminded me, "when you're in God's will, you're going to be in Satan's way."

Father, I lift up my readers. Give us all the strength to stay the course-the course you have planned for us. It's so much better than anything we could ever plan or any shortcuts we could take. In Jesus Name, amen.

Is Your Baggage too Heavy?

 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." (Mathew 11:28-30, NKJV)

Picture being in an airport trying to carry your bags along with your purse and other items. Now, picture getting to the point of being so exhausted that you just drop everything in your arms to the ground. That's how we feel spiritually at times. We try to carry the "bags" of our lives and get exhausted doing it. We get exhaused, because they weren't meant for us to carry alone. The verse tells us that His yoke is easy and His burden is light. Ladies, give up your bags. Lay them down at His feet.
Father, give us the strength to lay our baggage down at Your feet. Help us to not pick it back up again. In Jesus name, Amen.