Lament for Migrants

January 22, 2024 in Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Mexico highway 190 passes in front of FFHM’s home for needy children in Oaxaca, Mexico. For the last six months or so, hundreds of migrants from Central America and South America have walked down that highway making their way to the United States. Many are motivated to make the long trek by fear of dying in their homeland, oppression, economic downturns or simply a hope of a better life. I see mostly men, but also a lot of women and children, almost everyday, walking, walking, walking north, down Mexico highway 190. Here is a lament for them.

Oh, Sovereign God, we lift our voices in lament, For those who flee, in anguish, their homelands rent. In lands of strife, where war’s cruel embrace, Forces hearts to abandon, seeking a safer space.

In shadows of oppression, where fear takes its toll, Families shattered, dreams crushed, a heavy toll. They embark on a journey, through the unknown, Desperate souls, seeking a place to call their own.

Through perilous seas and treacherous lands they roam, Hoping for refuge, a glimpse of a welcoming home. Children, wide-eyed, their innocence scarred, By the harshness of a world deeply marred.

Oh, God of mercy, hear our solemn cry, For those who suffer, beneath the unforgiving sky. May your compassion guide them through the night, A beacon of hope, a source of eternal light.

Grant strength to the weary, solace to the pained, A haven of peace, where love is regained. In the midst of chaos, let justice prevail, And may the winds of freedom fill each sail.

May nations unite with hearts compassionate, To ease the burdens of those in a dire state. In this lament, we seek your divine grace, For a world where all can find a dwelling place.

Oh, Comforter Divine, embrace those in despair, Bring healing to wounds, and answer every prayer. In the symphony of sorrow, let hope resound, Until every refugee’s feet find solid ground.

“I was a stranger, and you took me in.” Matthew 25:35

*****************************************************

Lord God, help us to remember those who tonight will go to sleep unfed and unwelcome,
strangers in foreign lands, people who have fled for their lives and are far from their homes.
We lift up to you those who are escaping persecution and conflict, having fled death, torture or ruthless exploitation.
So many carry wounds, mental and physical. So many have suffered greatly.
Lord Jesus, give us more of your compassion for their plight, soften our hearts to their situation,
and help us follow your lead in seeking justice and mercy on their behalf.
We pray for an end to the wars, poverty and human rights abuses that drive desperate people to become refugees in the first place.

We give thanks for people working in troubled countries and ask for more of
your blessing so we can bring life, dignity and hope to those that remain.
We thank you that you are Lord of all the earth and all its people are loved by you.
We pray these things in the name of your Son who loves us and gave his life for us. For all of us.

Lament for Fatherless Children

January 15, 2024 in Uncategorized | Tags: , , , | Leave a comment

I have lived and worked at a home for needy children for almost 19 years. For most of the kids, one of their greatest needs is for a father who loves them. For the last two years only one biological father has come to visit his children here on a regular basis. Every year we have a big party for young ladies who are celebrating their 15th birthday. Last year I noticed one birthday girl who didn’t seem to be enjoying herself so much. I asked her what was wrong. She told me she was sad because her father didn’t come. This lament is for all the children in the world whose fathers don’t show up.

In the sacred space of lament, my heart echoes the cries of fatherless children, In a world where innocence collides with the harshness of affliction. Orphaned souls wandering through the shadows, Their pain a silent symphony, a tale of unspoken sorrows.

Oh Lord, Creator of families, hear our plea, For the fatherless children, longing for love on bended knee. In the absence of earthly protection and care, Wrap them in Your arms, their burdens to bear.

Their journey marked by an ache, a void so deep, In the silence of the night, they often weep. Aching for a father’s guidance, a tender embrace, Yearning for love’s warmth, a comforting grace.

In this lament, we lift up the broken stories, Of children orphaned, their lives filled with worries. Facing a world that seems cold and unkind, In their struggles and pain, Your mercy, may they find.

May the Church rise with open arms wide, To embrace the fatherless, be a family by their side. A reflection of Your love, pure and divine, In the midst of brokenness, let Your light brightly shine.

As we ponder the depth of their despair, Let our hearts be moved to love and care. For in the arms of compassion, a healing balm, Fatherless children find solace, sweet and calm.

Psalm 68:5-6 (NIV):

“A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing.”

God in your mercy, hear our cry for children throughout the world who have no father, due to war, death from sickness, or abandonment. You are a compassionate heavenly Father who longs to embrace every child who lives day by day without tender, loving care from an earthly father. Thank you for ministries like Foundation For His Ministry who come alongside the fatherless to love them, meet their physical needs, and most importantly, show them Your love and invite them to trust You to heal their broken hearts and help them flourish by walking through life with You. Amen.

Lament for the Oppressed

January 8, 2024 in Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Oh Lord, my soul cries out for the injustice that scars our world, A mournful song echoing the cries of those whose stories often go untold. In the corners of society where oppression takes its hold, We lift our voices in anguish, longing for a justice manifold.

Lord, in the face of systemic wrongs and blatant disregard, We grieve for those whose lives are marred. The oppressed, the marginalized, their voices suppressed, In the labyrinth of injustice, may Your light manifest.

As tears fall like rain for those denied their rights, For the ones overlooked, trapped in societal fights. In the courtrooms of indifference, where fairness is denied, Grant us the courage to stand, to speak, to abide.

In this lament, we confront the harsh reality, Of a world where prejudice distorts morality. Racial divides, economic disparities stark, In the lament’s cadence, we embark.

Proverbs 31:8-9 (NIV)

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

May our actions reflect Your call to defend, The rights of the oppressed until injustice meets its end. In this lament, may we find the strength to pursue, A world transformed by Your justice, bright and true.

New Year Lament

January 1, 2024 in Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

My first blog post was January 1, 2013. I call my blog To Enjoy God, and for 10 years I have been writing about how God loves us and wants us to be happy. That idea moves me, stimulates me and keeps me going from day to day. That idea is on almost every page of the Bible, if you look hard enough. But there is another concept found throughout scripture that most of us would rather ignore for the most part, including me, and that is LAMENT. Many times a season of lament is the dark tunnel that people have to go through before they come out into the sunlight of God’s peace and joy.

This year I want to write about lament, ponder lament, read laments in the Bible and elsewhere and share laments in this blog. 52 laments is my goal, one for every week. Laments that take a broad look at a dark, sinful, painful world, and laments that consider the heart of one lonely child. Laments that speak to the issues of war and violence, and laments that lean into anxiety and fear.

Lamenting is not a popular thing to do. Many don’t know exactly what a lament is. I like this definition of lament:

In a Christian context, lament refers to a passionate expression of grief, sorrow, or mourning. It is a form of prayer or song that acknowledges pain, suffering, or injustice, while also turning to God with a sense of trust and hope. Lamentations in the Bible, especially in the Psalms, exemplify this expression of deep emotion and a plea for God’s mercy and intervention in difficult circumstances. Lament is seen as a way for believers to honestly bring their struggles before God while maintaining faith in His goodness and sovereignty.

Here is my first lament offering for 2024.

In the quiet chambers of my heart, I lament, O Lord, For the brokenness that stains a world deeply scarred. A fractured landscape of pain and strife, A symphony of suffering, echoing through life.

In the quiet corners where shadows dwell, Broken dreams and stories too painful to tell. Nations at war, hearts torn apart, A reflection of a world far from Your heart.

The cries of the oppressed, the marginalized unheard, In the brokenness of systems, justice deferred. Poverty’s grip, a relentless hold, A tale of inequality, stark and bold.

Nature groans, creation in despair, Exploited and wounded, it bears and forbears. Environmental echoes of our reckless ways, In the brokenness of ecosystems, we see our strays.

In this lament, Lord, I lift my gaze, To Your mercy and love that never decays. For in the brokenness, there’s a glimmer of grace, A divine plan unfolding, a redemptive embrace.

May our hands be instruments of healing and peace, In the brokenness, may compassion increase. Restore what’s been shattered, make all things new, For in Your love, redemption breaks through.

In this lament, I send up my plea, For a world made whole, where all are free. May Your kingdom come, Your will be done, In the midst of brokenness, let Your victory be won.

Psalm 34:18 (NIV):

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

In the midst of shattered dreams and harsh realities, we turn to the assurance that God is near. His presence is a balm for the brokenhearted, and in His closeness, we find hope and reconciliation. As we lament the brokenness, may we trust in the promise that the Lord is intimately connected to those who bear the weight of a wounded world.

In Prison

December 17, 2023 in Christian, Christianity, Theology, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , | Leave a comment

We went to prison yesterday. A bunch of us from the children’s home in Oaxaca, Mexico. Pablo is in charge of our prison and rehab center ministry and he set the whole thing up. His wife, Niche went. She has been a part of the children’s home since it started, over 20 years ago.

My wife, Anita, went. She teaches preschool here at the mission, but used to be the kitchen supervisor and makes a mean pot of spaghetti, which she did as part of a special meal that we gave to the prisoners.

David played his guitar, sang and preached. I think of him as the kid who went from worst to first. He spent many years at FFHM’s home for needy children, and was considered by all the staff as the worst kid here. Always misbehaving and getting into trouble. That was until the Lord got a hold of him and changed him completely. He has a gift for music and for sharing the Gospel, and was the first kid from here to go to a Bible college in the United States. He is now pastor of a church in Oaxaca and preached to the incarcerated men about the greatest gift to the world, Jesus.

Victor and his wife joined the group. Victor’s mom was a staff member for a few years, and him and his sister spent their formative years growing up here. He is involved with a church and led a few games which the prisoners enjoyed immensely.

The prisoners all have mental challenges and live in the psychiatric ward at the prison. Their families have abandoned them and they have no one who really cares about them except Pablo, who faithfully meets with them and ministers to them once a week. He also organizes outreaches like the one we all went to yesterday, which opens our minds and hearts to the tragic situation that these men, made in God’s image, find themselves in. Our team tried to help meet some of their physical, mental and spiritual needs by singing with them, feeding them a nice meal, playing games on the basketball court with them, giving them a gift bag with candy, socks and toiletries, and presenting them with the good news that God gave his only son for them. To love them, save them, bring the light to them and adopt them as his own.

When David was preaching, he mentioned the fact that there are a lot of people in the world who do not live behind bars, but yet are in prison. Prisons of addictions, greed, worry, stress, depression and anxiety. God loves everybody; those behind iron bars in a prison, and those living in emotional, psychological, and dependency prisons. He loves them and gave himself for them.

This Advent season, I think all Believers should visit someone in prison. It would be a real eye opener if all Christians could go and make a difference to an incarcerated man or women living behind concrete walls topped with razor wire. But most Jesus followers don’t really feel like they have the time or inclination or spiritual gift to do that. But all Jesus followers know someone living in a self imposed prison and wouldn’t it be nice to share the Good News with them that Jesus came to set the captives free (Luke 4:18). We all can be God’s hands and feet and mouth, and by reaching out to those in “prison”, we will be doing it to Jesus.

********************************************************

A prison cell, in which one waits, hopes…and is completely dependent on the fact that the door of freedom has to be opened from the outside, is not a bad picture of Advent. Dietrich Bonhoeffer

The Transforming Power of Truth

November 8, 2023 in Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , , , | 1 comment

In a world filled with shifting sands and uncertainty, truth stands as an unwavering rock upon which we can build our lives. It is the foundation of our faith, the guiding light in our journey, and the source of our joy and happiness. I have been reading Psalms, Isaiah and John lately and one word has been jumping out at me. The word TRUTH. I would like to explore with you the wonderful and transformative impact of truth as revealed in Scripture through Psalm 119:160, Isaiah 45, John 14:6, and John 8:32.

The Assurance of Truth (Psalm 119:160) “Your word is true from the beginning: and every one of your righteous judgments endures forever.” – Psalm 119:160

The psalmist’s words remind us that God’s truth is eternal and unchanging. When we anchor our lives in the truth of His word, we find a deep sense of assurance and peace. In a world marred by deception and uncertainty, the truth of God’s promises and His righteous judgments provide a solid foundation on which we can stand. This assurance brings us joy and happiness, knowing that we are firmly held in the hands of a faithful and unchanging God.

God’s Sovereignty and Truth (Isaiah 45) Isaiah 45 is a powerful declaration of God’s sovereignty and His role as the source of all truth. It is a reminder that He is the one who creates, sustains, and reveals the truth to us. God’s truth is the ultimate reality, and it is reflected in His creation, His Word, and His plan for our lives. Knowing that God is in control and that His truth prevails should fill our hearts with gladness and happiness.

The Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6) “Jesus said unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father but through me.” – John 14:6

In the words of Jesus, we find the ultimate revelation of truth. He is the embodiment of truth, and through Him, we find the way to eternal life with the Father. The knowledge of this truth brings immeasurable joy, for in Christ, we discover the purpose and fulfillment of our lives. The truth of Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection assures us of forgiveness, reconciliation, and the hope of eternal happiness.

Freedom in Truth (John 8:32) “And you will know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” – John 8:32

The truth liberates us from the chains of deception and falsehood. When we embrace the truth of Christ and His teachings, we experience a deep freedom—a freedom from guilt, fear, and the burdens of sin. Lies, distortions, and falsehoods can weigh us down, leading to sadness, anxiety, and depression. In contrast, the truth brings light, peace, and joy, setting our hearts free to rejoice in the Lord.

Truth is not just a concept or a set of facts; it is a transformative force that impacts our lives in the most profound ways. When we embrace the truth of God’s Word, His sovereignty, the person of Jesus Christ, and the freedom it brings, we find ourselves filled with joy and happiness. Lies and falsehoods may lead to sadness, anxiety, and depression, but truth brings us into the presence of God, where we can experience true and lasting gladness. As we seek and embrace the truth, let us remember the words of Psalm 119:105, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path,” and may we walk in the light of God’s truth, rejoicing in His everlasting love.

In the office of Foundation for His Ministry’s home for needy children in Oaxaca, Mexico, there are eight plaques each containing a picture and word of gratitude from eight young ladies who spent most of their lives growing up here at the mission. The Word of God and truth of the gospel that they received transformed their spiritual lives forever. But the work of FFHM doesn’t stop with transforming hearts with the truth, but also expanding minds and preparing kids for successful, flourishing lives outside the protective walls of this children’s home. These eight ladies went to various universities in Mexico to learn the truth of different professions. All truth is God’s truth as St. Augustine once wrote. Ruby and Maggie studied the truth of medicine and now Ruby is a doctor and Maggie is a nurse. Zenaida studied early education and Estela studied languages and after graduating they both returned to minister to needy children with FFHM for many years. Leticia went to a culinary institute and is now happily working in the food industry. Our other Leticia and Erika graduated from Universities, and then found a higher calling being wives and mothers. Raquel learned about the tourism business and enjoys working with visitors who come from all over the world to visit Oaxaca, Mexico.

Many more young adults who grew up at the children’s home went on to earn degrees from various institutions of higher learning than these eight ladies, but these ladies on our “wall of miracles” recognized what a wonderful gift higher education is that has enabled them to thrive in this state of Oaxaca, which has one of the highest poverty rates in Mexico. Each one of them expressed their heartfelt thanks by giving FFHM a plaque engraved with a note of gratitude.

So let’s all celebrate TRUTH! Spiritual truth that sets us free from fear, guilt and shame; that brings us out of the darkness and into the light. Celebrate scientific truth, mental health truth, business truth and horticultural truth. Let’s celebrate all truth because all truth is God’s truth which he freely gives us so that we can be happy and know that he truly loves us.

Your Love Is Better Than Life

September 10, 2023 in Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , | Leave a comment

In the vast and often barren deserts of our lives, where we may encounter trials, loneliness, and despair, Psalm 63:3 reminds us of a profound truth: God’s love surpasses all else. Just as a weary traveler in the desert longs for water to quench their thirst, our souls long for the love of our Heavenly Father.

Life can be demanding, filled with moments of uncertainty and tribulation. Yet, in the midst of it all, the psalmist proclaims that God’s love is better than life itself. This declaration invites us to reflect on our priorities and what we hold most dear. Is it the fleeting pleasures and pursuits of this world, or is it the enduring and unconditional love of our Creator?

When we realize that God’s love is better than life, it transforms our perspective. It encourages us to seek Him earnestly, not just in times of trouble but in every season of our lives. We are called to glorify Him with our lips, to give voice to our praise and gratitude for His boundless love.

As we journey through the desert of our existence, let us remember that God’s love is our oasis. It is the source of refreshment in times of drought, the anchor in the storms of life, and the guiding light in the darkest of nights. When we prioritize God’s love above all else, we find purpose, fulfillment, and true joy.

In moments of doubt or despair, turn to Psalm 63:3 as a reminder that God’s love is the ultimate treasure, the wellspring of hope, and the reason for our devotion. May our lips resound with praise, for His love is better than life itself, and in Him, we find our true purpose and eternal satisfaction.

Gladness and Joy on the Road to Redemption

August 31, 2023 in Christian, Christianity, Theology, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

In the book of Isaiah, we find a beautiful promise of gladness and joy. Isaiah 35 paints a vivid picture of a redeemed and restored people. It’s a passage that reminds us of the incredible hope we have in the Lord, even in the midst of life’s trials and tribulations.

The Journey of Redemption

Isaiah 35 speaks of a journey, a journey of redemption. In life, we all experience moments when our path seems rugged and our hearts heavy. We encounter deserts of despair, where hope appears distant, and joy feels elusive. But the beauty of this passage is that it reminds us that the journey doesn’t end in the desert.

Here at the home for needy children in Oaxaca, Mexico, I see children everyday whose lives were nothing but deserts of despair and hope and joy were only a distant dream. But God’s hand was on their lives and their journey brought them here, an oasis in their wilderness. Here they encounter the love of God and begin to enjoy happiness and hope. They encounter redemption.

The Destination of Joy

Isaiah prophesies that the redeemed will return to Zion with singing. Imagine the joyous procession, voices raised in praise, hearts overflowing with gratitude. This is a picture of our ultimate destination as believers. No matter how challenging the road may be, it leads to a place of eternal joy in the presence of the Lord.

Everlasting Joy

One of the most comforting aspects of this passage is the promise of everlasting joy. In a world where happiness can be fleeting and temporary, God offers us a joy that knows no end. It’s not based on circumstances but on our relationship with Him. This joy is a wellspring deep within us, sourced from the love and grace of our heavenly Father.

Gladness and Joy Overtake Sorrow

Isaiah also tells us that gladness and joy will overtake us, while sorrow and sighing will flee away. This is a powerful image of the transformative power of God’s love. No matter how heavy our burdens, no matter how deep our sorrows, God’s joy has the power to overwhelm them.

The kids here at Casa Hogar have come out of a multitude of desert experiences and have taken God’s promises to heart and are experiencing new lives filled with joy and peace. Today, let us all take these promises to heart. In our own desert experiences, let us remember that our journey doesn’t end there. We are on a path of redemption, and it leads to a place of everlasting joy. Even in the midst of challenges, we can experience God’s gladness and joy overtaking our sorrows.

As we meditate on Isaiah 35:10, let us hold fast to our faith. Let us trust in the Lord’s promises, knowing that He is faithful to bring us through the desert into a place of abundant joy. May this joy be our strength and our song, and may it shine brightly in our lives, drawing others to the hope we have in Christ.

Achieving Glory

August 2, 2023 in Christian, Christianity, Theology, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , | Leave a comment

In 2 Corinthians 4:17, Paul writes that our “light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory” and this emphasis on achieving a greater purpose becomes a pivotal message for believers. Through the struggles we endure, God is achieving something profound in our lives.

At the home for needy children where I live here in Oaxaca, Mexico, some of the staff members have dogs. Most of the dogs are relatively quiet, but one of the dogs really barks a lot, and it drives me crazy! I’m the gardener here, and anytime I am working in the vicinity of this animal, it goes off barking at me. This is a light and momentary trouble for me. It bothers me and sometimes makes me angry. But lately I have had a change of attitude. After meditating on 2 Corinthians 4:17 I have come to realize that the noisy dog is achieving for me an eternal glory. I have come to see that a lot of things that get on my nerves are really light and momentary troubles that are achieving for me a future glory.

People who work out like to say “no pain, no gain.” It seems Paul is saying “no troubles, no glory.” I have a feeling that what Paul means by light and momentary troubles, and what I mean are two different things. I think Paul was probably considering his troubles which he spoke of in verses 8 and 9: hard pressed, perplexed, persecuted and struck down. These are a little more serious issues than a barking dog, but both work towards achieving an eternal weight of glory that far outweighs the problems.

As we face challenges and difficulties, it is easy to become disheartened and lose sight of the bigger picture. However, Paul’s inspired words call us to see beyond our immediate circumstances. God is not simply allowing us to endure hardships for the sake of it; rather, He is achieving a divine purpose through every trial we face.

By using the word “achieving,” Paul assures us that our struggles are not in vain. In the midst of our pain, God is at work, refining our character, deepening our faith, and molding us into vessels that reflect His glory. Through every trial, God is accomplishing His sovereign plan for our lives, guiding us towards eternal perfection in Christ.

Therefore, as believers, we can find hope and encouragement in the knowledge that God’s hand is on our lives, carefully orchestrating each circumstance for our ultimate good and His glory. With this perspective, we can persevere with unwavering faith, trusting that what the “achieving” God has in store for us surpasses any earthly trouble we might face.

Let us, then, fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, and embrace the light and momentary troubles that come our way, whether it be noisy dogs or hard nosed persecutors, knowing that God’s divine purpose is being fulfilled through them. As we press on, confident in His power at work within us, we can rejoice in the promise of eternal glory that awaits all who endure with faith and hope in the midst of life’s trials.

Happiness is Embracing Our Identity as God’s Treasured Possession

July 20, 2023 in Christian, Christianity, Theology, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , | Leave a comment

Most mornings I like to drink coffee, read the Bible and pray the Lord’s Prayer. I have been reading through Exodus and recently read chapter 19. Finishing the chapter, I began praying the Lord’s prayer. Then it hit me. They have a lot in common! Let’s take a look.

In the Lord’s Prayer and Exodus 19:5-6, we find remarkable similarities that reveal essential aspects of our relationship with God. Both passages emphasize holiness, the establishment of God’s kingdom, obedience to His will, and the profound truth that we are treasured possessions in His eyes. Through a closer examination of these shared themes, we can gain a deeper understanding of our identity and purpose as God’s chosen people.

Holiness: Reflecting God’s Nature

The Lord’s Prayer begins with the acknowledgment of God’s holiness with the phrase, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.” By starting our prayers with reverence for God’s holiness, we acknowledge His pure and perfect nature. In Exodus 19:5, God calls the people of Israel to be a “holy nation,” set apart for Him. Both passages underscore the importance of reflecting God’s character in our lives and striving for holiness in all aspects.

As believers, we are called to pursue a life of holiness, marked by love, righteousness, and obedience to God’s commandments. By living out this distinctiveness, we become a living testimony to God’s glory and grace, drawing others closer to Him.

Kingdom: God’s Sovereign Rule

The Lord’s Prayer contains the petition, “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” This plea expresses our longing for God’s kingdom to be established on Earth, signifying His reign over every aspect of our lives. Similarly, in Exodus 19:6, God designates the people of Israel as a “kingdom of priests,” intended to represent Him and His rule to the nations.

As members of God’s family, we have the privilege of participating in His kingdom. Our daily choices, actions, and attitudes should align with His will, reflecting His lordship in our lives. By actively seeking His kingdom and its righteousness, we become ambassadors of His love, peace, and justice, bringing hope and transformation to a broken world.

Obedience to God’s Will: Embracing Our Covenant

The Lord’s Prayer includes the plea, “Your will be done,” which expresses our surrender to God’s divine plan. In Exodus 19:5, God’s promise of making the Israelites His treasured possession is contingent upon their obedience to His voice and keeping His covenant.

Obedience to God’s will is not a mere obligation but a pathway to experiencing His blessings and favor. By following His guidance, we align ourselves with His purpose for our lives and open ourselves to His transformative power. God’s desire is not for blind obedience, but for a loving, intimate relationship with Him, where we willingly submit to His will, trusting in His goodness and wisdom.

Treasured Possession: Chosen and Cherished

In both passages, the concept of being God’s treasured possession stands out prominently. The Lord’s Prayer reminds us that we address God as “Our Father,” signifying our adoption into His family, making us His cherished children. Similarly, in Exodus 19:5, God calls the people of Israel His treasured possession among all the nations.

Knowing that we are treasured by God should fill our hearts with gratitude and humility. This understanding reinforces our identity and purpose, motivating us to live lives that honor and glorify Him. Recognizing our worth in His eyes empowers us to walk boldly in our faith, sharing His love and grace with others.

In the Lord’s Prayer and Exodus 19:5-6, we find helpful insights into our relationship with God. Through the themes of holiness, God’s kingdom, obedience to His will, and being His treasured possession, we discover our identity as beloved children of the Almighty. As we embrace these shared elements, let us walk in holiness, submit to His will, and spread the light of His kingdom to the dark world around us. Embracing our identity as God’s treasured possession empowers us to live happy lives with purpose and significance, impacting others with His love and grace.

Archives

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.