it is most interesting how simple life becomes when there is sufficient time to do the little things. the things that often build up and become burdens to accomplish are quickly taken care of in just a morning at home. they dont really consume all that much time and energy, its just the laundry list of them appear daunting when there is not time to get them done.
it is good to slow the mind down.
it is good to fast from the fast-pace run of life.
relationships and good food become much more important than they used to be. it is amazing how many people become priorities because there is actually time available to spend a few hours discussing faith and life and why life gets hard sometimes. i forget how many people roll in and out of this little town each christmas break. i forget how easy it is to forget when you dont see or hear them for a few months. and then in droves they show up, ready to pick back up where we left.
i forget how beautiful it is to remember.
as i enter this christmas season, i immediately and reminded that my family will be with me at different times and i will be with old friends and former students and random strangers walking down the grocery aisle. it seems like christmas means lots of time with lots of people. i was reading a short devotion this morning and couldnt help but think of all the people i have seen and will see over the next few weeks. so often we forget that our spiritual state and securities rest in God because of the work that Jesus did on the Cross so long ago. i know that it isnt easter, and that we are supposed to celebrate Jesus’ birthday by giving ourselves gifts, but i am thinking that easter applies a little bit better this year than christmas.
When you find yourself face to face with a person who is spiritually lost, remind yourself of Jesus Christ on the cross. If that person can get to God in any other way, then the Cross of Christ is unnecessary. If you think you are helping lost people with your sympathy and understanding, you are a traitor to Jesus Christ.
we will meet all kinds of people with all kinds of different spiritual beliefs these next two weeks. id rather not waste them on being sympathetic and politically correct by not communicating the truth of the brokenness in which we all [including you and me] are in apart from the messiness of the Cross of Jesus Christ. it isnt by good feelings or hopeful thoughts or even good tidings that we are saved from ourselves. not saved from the hectic-ness of this idol-filled holiday [minus the holy part] season. but saved from our depravity in which we live without Jesus. it is true. it is harsh. but it is good to be true so that we all may know Truth and be free from ourselves.
i am going to pray that i dont become a traitor to my King this week by simply helping lost people with my sympathy. i think God wants more for me than that.
i think God wants more for all of us.
