Epiphany

Just then there appeared before them

Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. Mt17:3

Sometimes, believers have moments when they read something in God’s Word that answers a question they have or opens up a new way of thinking about Him.

We can call these times spiritual breakthroughs. Some call them sanctifying moments.

God speaks to us through the beauty of nature, through other people, and His Word. As we pray for revival, we should expect to have these spiritual epiphanies. But, even if they surprise us, we should give thanks for them. if they don’t they are just as special.

Some of these special mountaintop experiences can change how we view our relationship between our heavenly Father and us. Others may call us to action or cause us to work or spend our time differently.

As we are still in the beginning of a new year, may I suggest we all keep our mind’s eye focused on God’s Word and be open to what message or messages He gives us? When I had an epiphany moment in midDecember, it energized me. I pray one will do something similar for you.

Waiting For Jesus’ Return

“ Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming.

. . . be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s

coming is near. James 5:7,8 NIV

We go through our days, living as we believe God wants. We know the scriptures tell us that Jesus Christ will come again. We sing the chorus, 'Coming Again'. We honor God’s Word. We aim for peaceful relationships with our neighbors and fellow worshipers.

But every once in a while, we hear of someone who makes a ‘prediction’ of when Jesus will appear in the skies. Scripture tells us that Jesus himself doesn’t knowonly God knows.

James tells us to be patient, and to stand firm. He reminds us of the farmer who waits for his crops to be ready for harvest and how he also had to wait for the seasonal rains that nourish the crops and the soil.

We don’t know why God seems to be taking His time to fulfill this promise. Scripture says He doesn’t want anyone to perish and that God is patient. At one time I felt all the signs were there for Christ’s re-entrance into our world. Then I heard a pastor say, our job wasn’t to worry but to work for the enlargement of the Kingdom.

The enemy know his time is short. We see the results of his actions every day. What we need to remember is that God has already won.

When We Are Afraid

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed,

for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you;

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” Isaiah 41:10

Sometimes in our lives we have an event happen that causes us to be afraid. Our spouses become ill or injured. Our children are physically hurt or sick. We see our parents or our in-laws go through processes that aging brings.

Jesus tells us not to fear (John14). The Angel of God told the shepherds to not be afraid. (Luke 2) Isaiah records God’s words (Isa, 41:10) so well that I hope to us it as my verse for 2010.

In this verse God tells me that He is with puny little ole me. He’s not some distant being that looks in when He feels like it. My Creator then tells me He is my God. Then He tells me I will receive strength and help, as I need it, from Him. And He will support me with righteousness in his right hand.

In looking back over the past years, God has done these things many times over. All I can do is give Him praise for being my God, my companion, my protector, and my friend.