pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: time


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Daily Pursuit

One of my devotionals today spoke of a man who for almost forty years has made a 10″ by 20″ sketch of the sun’s surface each day.  Scientists use his sketches to predict solar flares.  The artist had this quote: “The value… is in the daily record.”

God began his recording with these word: “In the beginning…”  Genesis 1 tells the story of God’s creation of the earth and all that lives on the earth.  Ever since that day, God has been in the creation business.  There is a real constancy to God.  Our God was and is and always will be the same.

This idea may lead some to think you only need to read the Bible once or only need to pray or worship once in a while.  But one must also remember how big our God is.  There is so much to learn from Him and to know about Him that it must be a daily pursuit.

Many people say they love their spouse more than they did when they first got married, yet when they first fell in love they couldn’t imagine how they could ever be more in love.  As we spend time each day reading His Word, being in prayer, and worshipping our Lord, we too fall more and more in love with Him.  Like the sun sketcher, there is much value in the daily pursuit.

Scripture reference: Genesis 1: 1-5


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The Right Order

In this season it can be easy to get caught up in the volume of gifts or in spending a lot of time and energy trying to find just the right gift.  Yet for many the gift they most desire is one that is free and that is always available: time.

Our relationship with God can be similar.  We can get so busy doing things for God and we come to think that our works are what matter to God.  It’s easy to get caught up in what we do FOR God instead of focusing in on who we are TO God.  Maybe in Advent it is even easier to get caught up in this game because Christmas can be about giving.

Adding to the mix is the fact that when we do or accomplish things for God, it can make us feel important or special.  We must be careful here.  God cares about who we are much more than about what we do.  Our relationship to God is what matters most.  From this relationship, the ‘doing’ naturally flows.  When asked, Jesus listed loving God first.  He knew the right order.  If we first love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, then loving others naturally follows.

Scripture reference: 2 Samuel 7: 1-7


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He Wants Us to Know

Have you ever had a friend so close that you finished each other’s sentences?  God goes one better – He knows the words before our minds even form them.  Ever been so close to someone that you could sense something was wrong before they showed a physical sign anyone else would notice?  God sees it brewing before we even know its in the pot.

Most of the time I think we’re pretty unaware of God’s presence in our lives.  Sure, there are times when we feel His presence or direction, but it is usually involving something big – Sunday worship, a big decision in life, a friend with cancer.  Yes, in these times, we know God is near and we seek His presence.

Yet in the small, day to day moments we don’t always sense or seek God.  We need to.  He is there “before and behind”.  A life saturated with God is a life of peace, contentment, and love.  He already knows it all.  He wants us to know too!!

Scripture reference: Psalm 139: 1-12.


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Time Invested

What makes some friends closer than others?  I think it is partly time invested.  It is also partly a natural connection.  In our relationship with God we need both parts.

At times we are blessed to abide in the presence of God.  Sometimes it is in worship, maybe it is in a sunset, maybe it is in the gentle embrace of one you love.  At other times, God simply happens into our lives.

Yet doesn’t God deserve more?  He is free with mercy when we sin and always hears our prayers.  None compare to His ceaseless love and His provisions for our lives.

So how do we offer more?  I think it is how we offer more to a dear friend – time invested.  It is time spent – being often in prayer.  It is time given – loving those in need.  It is time meditating – seeking His will in our lives.  Becoming a good friend with God takes a commitment.  But oh how great a friend He is!!

Scripture reference: Psalm 86: 1-10 and 16-17


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Blessed in the Presence

Did you see God yesterday? Were you able to spend a bit of time with Him? Did He bless you because you chose to draw near to Him? What was your means to grace?

When I am privileged to see God’s hand at work in the world, I am awed and amazed. When we seek God and His rule in our life, sometimes we can ‘see’ or sense His presence with us. It is a blessing to see God in the morning sunrise and in the beauty of each snowflake. It is a blessing to see God in the kindness one extends to another or when justice is shared with one in need. It is a blessing to see God in the stories we read in the Bible. All of these things reveal His glory. And for these gifts we praise His holy name!

When we draw near to God, we choose to enter His presence. It may be in a time of prayer, in some moments spent in the Word, in the thoughts we turn toward Him as we walk in His creation. When we choose to spend time with our Lord, He is so happy. In these moments we can know Him more deeply, we can pour out our transgressions into the cup of forgiveness, we can be made anew in Him. As we move through our day Lord, bless us with eyes that are open wide for you and with ears that are attuned to your presence in our world.