The Light and Hope

In these crazy times it helps to remember this: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:5 ESV

I read this scripture this morning as I was praying for this world and lamenting over all of the pain in it. I had been thinking, “Wow, if I see the little that I do and feel it this much, how must God feel?” He sees all the sin committed in the whole world! He sees all the pain it causes and hears all those who cry out because of it. But then the thought came, he also sees all of the good done in the world. He sees the ones who love others in word and deed. He sees the  husband and wife who adopt the orphan. He sees the man who makes it his life’s mission to rescue victims of human trafficking. He sees the person who smiles at everyone they meet just to bring a little joy to another’s day. Yes, he sees the evil and he will judge it. But, he also sees the good and will reward it. 

So, as these chaotic times tempt us to despair he sends us a reminder to not give up in doing good. He reminds us that he sees all and will restore everything to order in time. Lets’s continue to seek the good of the cities and communities we live in, continue to pray, and continue to be people of peace.

Yours in hope,

Angela

The Elder Brother and Grace

There is grace for the elder brother too if he repents. I’m being reminded of this because I so often live like the elder brother in the story of the prodigal son. Not because I’m angry or self righteous toward the child that has strayed and is coming home, I learned that lesson a long time ago. I was the younger brother too and I remember it well. But my default mode is still religion. I still fall into times of earning and controlling. So, when an area I’ve been striving to clean up in my life isn’t improving the way I want I get irritated. I get angry at myself for my weakness and angry at others who I feel may be hindering me (or at least not helping me) get to my goals. It is amazing how sneakily the enemy gets us to point the finger at one another and ourselves.

Our Pastor said that the devil does enough accusing of us before God, let’s not add our voices to his. At the time I was nodding in full whole hearted agreement. Yet, how soon until I was committing this very sin. Thankfully the Holy Spirit opened my eyes to it. He showed me another unclean area of my heart and offered to cleanse it. I responded, “Yes.” I am so grateful that he brings conviction in clarity, not confusion. He helped me write out all my anger and frustration in order to get to the bottom of it. He cuts past the goo to the bottom of the wound so it can be healed properly. And then, he’s so awesome, he brings glory to himself out of it.

So, here I am once again, on my face in the dirt. It’s almost funny how often I fall. But he picks me up, dusts me off, and sets me on my feet again. Like a kid learning to ride a bike, here I go again. A little more humble and grateful for the mercy and grace he has for the elder brother and the prodigal.

Your friend in hope,

Angela