I read just recently about a young mother who was having a bad day. Her phone rang and a kindly voice on the other end said: “Hi sweetheart; what kind of day are you having?” “Oh, mother,” said the woman, “”I’m having such a bad day. The baby will not eat, the washing machine broke down, and the house is in a mess.
I haven’t had a chance to go Christmas shopping and we are having two couples over for dinner tonight.”
The mother was over whelmed with sympathy. “Oh, honey,” she said, “Sit down, relax, and close your eyes. I’ll be over in 30 minutes – you can go shopping, I’ll clean the house and cook your dinner for you. I’ll feed the baby, and I’ll call a repairman to fix the washing machine. Now stop crying, Ill do everything. In fact, I’ll call John at the office and ask him to come home and help out.”
“John,” said the housewife, “Who is John?” “Why John! Your husband! Isn’t this 555-1234?” “No, it’s 555-4321.” “Oh,” said the kindly person, “I must have the wrong number.” There was a pause, then the helpless woman said: “Does this mean you’re not coming over?”
How can we keep from being disappointed? How can we ensure that this coming year 2005 will live up to our great expectation? Put your expectations in the Lord – seek to deepen your relationship with Christ and He will meet your expectations. There is a longing for life to be better or different. Do you have a longing in your heart that you would love to have resolved? Well, the good news is there is:
“JOY IN THE JOURNEY”
The scriptures are full of the images of God’s light. In Isaiah we read, “The people who walked in darkness saw a great light.” The wise men observed His star. It’s a wonderful image; but for many it is just a nice idea – But an actual light? An actual casting out of darkness? Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.” Wow, this is great.
Here’s the point: “His penetrating light is His personal touch.” This took place in a story found in John 9. Jesus is walking and He sees a man who has been blind from birth –His disciples get caught up in a long abstract conversation about what caused his blindness – who was at fault. Jesus ends the conversation by saying those great words: “I am the light of the world.” Now notice what Jesus does in V.6 – “He spat on the ground – made mud and anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay.” Please note; the man does what Jesus told him to do, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam,” and the man came back able to see. He had let Jesus touch him.
We can have light in our lives if we let Him touch us. Without His touch there will be no “Joy in The Journey.” The shortest day of the year is already behind us. No, we can’t see the difference as yet, but the days are a minute or two longer. No, we can’t see Jesus; yet, He is able to be, and years to be, our light. Why? Because He loves you/me.
I want to close this “Our Comfort Zone” with prayer: “Father, I pray for those who read this devotion, that they will go in peace, love and care for one another in the name of Christ, and may the hope, the joy, and the love of God dwell richly with each one; may each one have the humble spirit and a compassionate heart, and may your grace guide and support us all in the year of our Lord, 2005.
“Father, I pray for the massive number of people who are suffering as the results of the tsunami in Asia – for those who are grieving the loss of friends and loved one – for all the leaders of countries effected; for all who name the name of Jesus, to express love in action.” Amen. In the power of the Holy Spirit let us go forth into the world, to fulfill our calling.
><)))> In "HIS" Service Bro. Roy