A feeling of newness filled the neighborhood in the early morning hours. I opened the curtains to discover baby green leaves on the maple trees. On the other side of town, trees covered in purple greeted those who passed by. Yesterday’s warm temperatures, along with the overnight showers, awakened dormant branches to release their hidden life -- giving us a sign of hope that comes from the joy of seeing new growth.
All this refreshing that comes with spring blossoms and tiny leaves, reminded me that God’s mercies are new every morning -- that we are new creations in Christ Jesus who flourish in the warmth of HIS mighty love and come alive in the shower of HIS blessings. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for the miracle of spring. This season has been long in coming this year. But now that it’s here, it is glorious!
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Gray clouds impatiently rush across the sky, rumbling and grumbling as they pass overhead. The trees clap their leaves as the wind hurries through them. Then the rustling leaves quiets down, giving way to the noise of commuting traffic buzzing along the highway. Most of the residential community is still asleep. Cars rest, undisturbed, in driveways. Doors and windows are shut tight and locked. The carefully mowed lawns glow with a beautiful shade of healthy green, satisfied from the overnight rain. And God continues to paint the ever-changing sky, while watching over the sleepy earth below. Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, who is and who is to come. He is our All-in-All. He watches over the world and draws people closer to His Heart to give them hope and a future.
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In the dim light of the morning,
When the specks of light appear,
I will look beyond the shadows,
‘Cause I know you’re always here,
Breaking through the darkness,
Bringing forth your light,
Awakening me with gladness,
After watching through the night.
Thank you for the blessings
You send to me each day,
O precious Lord and Savior,
Jesus Christ – You are the way.
May the joy of Jesus, the blessings of His Kingdom, and the glory of His name bring peace to your hear.
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The wooden fence stands in pensive silence on a windless, winter day. The snow has melted, the temperature has risen above freezing, and even the sun has decided to show its face. Yet, signs of life seems far away in this photograph that reflects light and shadows in shades of brown and gray.
Sometimes the bleakness of winter makes us feel like this wooden fence — gray, knotty, and unproductive. Yet inside, there is life, color and vibrancy waiting to burst into our lives and break through the passive bubble of dark seclusion that blocks out the light of God. We were meant to live a life of joy, excitement and wholeness in Jesus Christ. And through the cracks in our lives, His light is breaking through.
But there is more — much, much more. The brightness that keeps us going in our winter moments is increasing. And the joy of Jesus is making us stronger. The Lord is calling us to draw closer to His Heart and see what He is doing. The old is gone; the new has already started. Look not at the grayness of winter or the grayness of the economy. Look at Jesus Christ, and you will find hope and a future and be able to shine.
May you be blessed by this blog. If you haven't yet found a good, uplifting devotional book to read during Lent, check out Awaken Me! 40 Day Challenge. To see and hear a 2-minute reading from this book, click here.
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