Spring Flowers

Living Hope by the Resurrection

On the eve of the resurrection, my mind is drawn to Peter's words in 1 Peter 1:3 - Blessed be the God and Father our Lord Jesus Christ!  According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

My study of Peter's letter several years ago opened my eyes to some glorious truths my soul needed to feast upon during a season of trial upon trial.  Disappointed. Bruised. Nearing a state of spiritual desperation.  What brought consolation even with remaining unanswered questions and no prospect of a change in circumstances?  Dwelling upon the hope believers possess because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Just let that sink in a bit.

What is this hope?  It is a believer's heavenly inheritance, all that God the Father has given them through His Son, Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:4).  Peter highlights two beautiful aspects of this hope throughout his letter:

1. God Himself caused us to be born again to this living hope.  It is not something we earned or attained on our own.  It is a most wondrous and precious gift.
2. God Himself is preserving His people to receive what they have been given through Christ.  Not only is it sure, but it is also secure.  (See 1 Peter 1:4-6)

This is why we can rejoice in the midst of suffering - not because of our circumstances but because we are convinced that our lives on this earth though full of challenges and difficulties are preparing us for the inheritance we will receive in heaven.  If our perspective is fixed towards eternity and our hope truly rests in what Christ has accomplished for and given His people, our lives will reflect a joyful hope that is secure beyond the here and now.

This is all because our Savior is a living Savior.  

I'm grateful for this living hope.  It is secure in Christ, and my heavenly Father is sustaining me to persevere to the end.

Everything Counts

As I go through life day-by-day, sometimes I wonder if my time is filled with anything of significance.  I get up, drive to work, spend eight plus hours following the same routines and procedures, drive home, squeeze in as many evening activities or projects as possible before the late hour gets the best of me, and fall into bed only to do the same thing all over again the next day.

The mundane:  a vicious cycle.  It's endless.  In reality, it is what consumes most of our time and energy.

Does it matter at all?  Do I spin my wheels in vain?  What about the calls I make, the emails I type, the newsletter I put together every week, the dishes I wash, the bathroom I clean, the refreshments I serve, the hug I give a little one, the words I speak to encourage or exhort?  Does it amount to anything?

The answer lies in my perspective.

Consider this quote from Dr. Philip Ryken:  

At the final judgment, it will matter how we used our time, whether we wasted it on foolish pleasures or worked hard for the Lord. It will matter what we did with our money, whether we spent it on ourselves or invested it in the eternal kingdom. It will matter what we did with our bodies—what our eyes saw, our hands touched, our mouths spoke. Whether we obey our father and mother will matter; so will the look we gave them and the little comment as we were walking away. What we did for the two-year-old will matter—the way we made time for her and got down on her level. What we said about someone else's performance will matter—the sarcastic remark or the word of genuine praise. The proud boast and the  selfless sacrifice will matter. The household task and homework assignment will matter. The cup of water, the tear of compassion, the word of testimony—all of it matters. 

The final message of Ecclesiastes is not that nothing matters but that everything does.

This perspective gives purpose, joy, and fulfillment throughout all of life in whatever calling God has given us.  It does matter.  Everything matters.  Therefore, pursue what God gives - whatever it may be -  because it matters.

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, (Colossians 3:23)

 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9)

Family Visit

I'm grateful for time with family this past weekend, especially for the opportunity to bond with Bessie again.  

Sunday offered the opportunity for a group picture.  Hopefully one of these days we'll have the whole family together again!

#NieceTime

Enjoying a visit from Eric & Rachael and little Bessie.  I love my niece to pieces - so precious!  More pictures to come...

Ponder This

A Winter Hike

After the polar vortex that gripped so much of the nation last week, the warmer weather on Saturday was a welcomed reprieve!  It proved to be the perfect afternoon for a winter hike with a special friend.  The snow made it even more lovely and interesting.  It was good for both body and soul to take in the fresh air and marvel at God's creation.

Spring will be here before we know it!  More opportunity for hikes and outdoor recreation.