Undeserved Blessings

I'm sitting at the pool this morning enjoying some warm sun and cool water before working this afternoon. The sun is toasty warm, and a refreshing morning breeze is blowing. This moment feels beautiful and peaceful. My summer has been filled with so many beautiful moments like this one. Outdoors in the beautiful weather. Fun times with loved ones. Surprises and misadventures abound. So many happy things and moments of joyful peace. Of course not everything has been happy. But I can't help but thank the Father for so many undeserved moments of joy. So many people in this world are suffering and going through great trials right now. Fighting for basic needs. Suffering loss, abuse, oppression, and tragedy. No refreshing mornings at the pool for them. I've had my own losses and bitter moments to teach me not to take what I have been given for granted. I don't deserve to be blessed and happy any more than they do.  Yet God has chosen to give me this time and these moments, for now. Moments to remember when the dark, bitter times come again. Make sure you pause and enjoy the all the kinds of riches and joy that God has placed in your life. And remember that everything He has blessed you with is meant to be shared to His glory.

I see God...
                     In blessings I don't deserve.

Running

2 Timothy 2:22 "Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart."


Pursue...

Righteousness

Faith

Love

Peace


What is it you sincerely want in your life today? What does God want?

And what do you need to flee from to get there?

I see God...
                          when I think about what I want to run toward.

God's Image in Us

Genesis 1:27 - "So God created man in His own image, in the image and likeness of God He created him; male and female He created them."

     We often use this verse to remind us of our self-worth - that God made us His, made us valuable, and made us the way we are for His perfect reasons. But that's not the only way to look at this verse.

Have you ever looked for God's image in others? If God has made us in His image then doesn't it follow that, as His direct creations, the best parts of our personalities and character traits are a reflection of His character. Has God put people in your life that reveal part of God's character to you?

My boyfriend is a happy, optimistic person. He's generous and caring and can make anyone laugh or smile. In him I see Christ's abundent joy when he gives us blessings and spends time with us.

One of my sisters is dogged and persistent and knows how to fight for what she wants. She reminds me of Christ's perseverance in His earthly life and God's intense pursuit of us and our redemption.

Another sister is an example to me of Christ's compassion and service in the way she is always thinking of others and their needs and feelings.

What about you? What part of God's image do other's see in you?

I see God...
                  In the people He has placed in my life to teach me more about who He is.