The more I pondered the lousy trade I had made with worry, the more I realized the trade I am pre-approved for. My Father in heaven has financed a far better exchange: He’s set it up so I can swap out worry (which is worthless) for peace (which is priceless).
Category: Devotions
Mothering is certainly not limited to one day on the annual calendar. Mothering is a day-in and day-out endeavor. This feels obvious when our children are in diapers requiring bottles every three hours, but the responsibility does not lessen when they spread their wings and leave the nest.
Remarkably, these two on the road to Emmaus were willing to discuss difficult things: things that hurt and confused them. And in the midst of their spiritual vulnerability, Jesus showed up.
I think about Ruth’s roots in Moab and I remember that we, too, are sojourners. Each and every believer on earth is just passing through on our way to a far better place. We have a Home just over the horizon, a whole new life awaiting us in a land we haven’t yet set foot in.
Honestly, most of us are not going to have an affair with a wayward man or woman. But the probability of us engaging in idolatrous behavior? That is quite high. Idols seduce us. Idols drag us away from our covenant. Idols will ultimately lead us to death.
Peter instinctively understood what we all need to hear: confession draws us near to God where concealment pushes us further away. Peter’s heart posture of desperation set him up for restoration.
This Mother’s Day, I am picturing my happy momma walkingthrough meadows of wildflowers with the One whom her soul loves. I’m imagining her engaging in deep theological discussions where everything Jesus says makes perfect sense and ah-hah moments abound. I can see them, sitting around a table laden with olives and cheese and bread and honey, breaking out in belly laughs when the Father cracks a joke. Conversations linger over long dinners and her soul is strengthened by unbroken fellowship.
Recognize that fear is an enticing apple from the enemy. It seems safe and even reasonable, but partaking will poison our soul. Moreover, realize the Spirit freely offers us the fruit we actually require: power, love and self-discipline.