“Because God has made us for Himself, our hearts are restless until they rest in Him.” ~Augustine of Hippo

As Valentine’s Day approaches I thought it would be appropriate to write a little something on the topic of love, but I found myself struggling to find the right words. While the day is filled with sentiments of endearment for some, I recognize that it may be a day of longing for others.

Whether tomorrow is a day you look forward to celebrating or one you’ll work hard to move past, I want you to know that God loves you! Scripture describes Him as The Perfect Valentine:

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends (John 15:13).”

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).”

“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins (1 John 4:10).”

“The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness (Jeremiah 31:3).”

“Never will I leave you; Never will I forsake you (Hebrews 13:5, Joshua 1:5).”

Thank you, Lord, for your unfailing love (Psalm 36:7, Psalm 48:9, Psalm 52:8)! It reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies (Psalm 36:5).  Help us to look to you as the standard, our Perfect Valentine. In Jesus name, Amen!

“Just when the caterpillar thought her life was over, she became a butterfly.”

When I was a kid there was this song that we sang in Sunday School class that stuck with me for decades…  I was reminded of this song as I was reading through scripture today. The song was entitled, “Bullfrogs and Butterflies“ and the lyrics for it go like this:

CHORUS: “Bullfrogs & butterflies We’ve both been born again!” (x 4).

“Old tadpole in a fishing hole, He couldn’t croak or jump to save his soul. But then one day, here’s the funniest thing Why he started growing, turning green! He jumped up on a Lilly-pad And he’s croaking out a song, Gave it all he had! He’s singing…” CHORUS

“A little caterpillar on a blade of grass. She noticing the days are going by so fast. She a lovely little lady, She’s looking for a room, She’s weaving and spinning out a fine cocoon, Why it didn’t take long ’til she saw the sky Spread your wings you butterfly!” CHORUS

The theme of the song is one of major transformation, similar to what we undergo in  salvation:

“Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again (John 3:3).”

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here (2 Corinthians 5:17!)”

“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life (Romans 6:4).”

“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26).”

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland (Isaiah 43:19).”

It’s been a long journey and I know it’s far from over (Philippians 1:6, Philippians 3:12), but I’m glad for the “new thing” God has been doing in my life!

What about you? In what ways has your life been “made new?”

Lord, I want to thank you today for the work you have been doing in my heart. While at times it has been painful, the transformation is being worked out for my good and your glory. Thank you for making me a new creation in Christ Jesus. In Jesus name, Amen!

*original photo credit: Rhonda Rossi
(edited & shared w/ permission)

“‘Their hearts are always going astray, and they have not known my ways.’ So I declared on oath in my anger, ‘They shall never enter my rest.’ (Psalm 95:11; Hebrews 3:10-11).”

Wintertime is here in full force. Over the week, New York has seen over two feet of snow. As I sit tucked away in the quiet shelter of our home, I find myself staring out the window and trying to find the positive in it all.  The phrase that repeatedly comes to mind is “God’s winter rest.”

The idea of some never finding rest is repeated several times in Hebrews, and it got me to thinking… what does it mean to rest? And, what can we learn from it in relation to Christ crucified?

In context, the scripture quoted above seems to imply that God set aside our disbelieving ancestors and ultimately shut them out.

Do you remember the story of the Israelites?

Do you recall how many times God’s chosen grumbled and disobeyed even after all the miracles they witnessed?

How much are we like them with our disobedience and hardened hearts?

God commands us to rest!
God’s winter rest.

He made it possible for us to enter His rest through Jesus’ perfect work on the cross, but we need to do our part and accept His free gift.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son (John 3:16-18).”

“Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it (Hebrews 4:1).”

“…everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved (Joel 2:32; Acts 2:21; Romans 10:13).”

Repent.
Believe.
Rest.

There is nothing we can do to earn a right standing with God. If that were the case, Jesus wouldn’t have needed to come and take our place on the cross. This recent tweet from Casting Crowns says it best:

Our pride can make us feel that we need to earn God’s forgiveness. It requires humility to admit that we have nothing to offer God.

— Casting Crowns (@castingcrowns) February 10, 2015

Lord, I pray that you hide my words and speak your Truth through me. I trust that I don’t need to be a great theological teacher, or expert in everything scripture for you to reach those who are lost. Soften hearts and open eyes like only you can do. Let those who are seeking find rest in you today. In Jesus name, Amen!

“Now we who have believed enter that rest… (Hebrews 4:3)”

 

*original photo credit: Rhonda Rossi
(photo edited & shared with permission)

Feeling tired or weary?

Life throwing punches at you and it’s getting harder to roll with them?

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28).”

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak (Isaiah 40:29).”

I don’t know about you, but it’s been one of those weeks for me… The enemy has been tossing lemons, and I’ve never been a fan of lemonade (*sheepish grin*).

If I’m going to be completely honest, with myself and with you, I know the error of my ways. I started my week off trying to extinguish “fiery darts” on my own (Ephesians 6:16). I suffer from bouts of insomnia and this week was a doozy. In an attempt to catch up on sleep, I started skipping my quiet time in the morning with the Lord.

It’s amazing how different your attitude can change in just a few days separated from the vine (John 15:5). Praising the Lord for this reminder and His forgiveness and grace!

Where have you been looking for rest and strength?

“When I was brought low, He saved me (Psalm 116:6).”

“Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him (Psalm 62:1).”

My encouragement for you today is to find hope and stability in The Lord. Set time to be with him alone, and make sure it’s always your first priority! If you fall out of the habit, or your find your heart growing cold, confess these things to Him. Our Father is gracious and will be waiting with welcoming arms.

Lord, I thank you for being a constant in my life. Forgive me for the times I disconnect from you and attempt to navigate this broken world on my own. Help me to stay connected to The Word and always look to You as my source of rest and strength. In Jesus name, Amen!

*original photo credit: Rhonda Rossi
(photo edited & shared w/ permission)

“A voice says, “Cry out.” And I said, “What shall I cry?” “All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field (Isaiah 40:6).”

“The grass withers and the flower fades, but the word of The Lord stands forever (Isaiah 40:8).”

“Heaven & earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” ~Jesus

“They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment, like a robe you will roll them up, like a garment they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will have no end (Psalm 102:26-27).”

“The word of the Lord remains forever. And this word is the good news [gospel] that was preached to you (I Peter 1:25).”

“The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope.” ~Timothy Keller, The Meaning of Marriage

Thank you, Lord, for the reminder today that while the things of this world may disappoint or fails us, Your Word stands forever! Thank you for loving and accepting me as I am, a sinner. Forgive me for the times I place my hope and trust in anything less than You. In Jesus name, Amen!

Reflect with me:

• Have you ever counted on something lasting forever that didn’t?
• How did that person/place/thing fail you?
• How did you react?
• Find a quiet time to pray:
  • Thank the Lord for His Faithfulness and His Word which provides comfort and hope
  • Confess the ways you have placed your hope and trust in something less

   

   

  *photo credit: Rhonda Rossi (edited with permission)