Essential Living

One of my morning devotionals had a scripture that spoke to me and I want to share it with you. It seems so relevant.

"Since everything here today might well be gone tomorrow, do you see how essential it is to live a holy life? Daily expect the Day of God, eager for its arrival. The galaxies will burn up and the elements melt down that day--but we'll hardly notice. We'll be looking the other way, ready for the promised new heavens and the promised new earth, all landscaped with righteousness," (2 Peter 3:11-13 MSG).

I love it when a scripture jumps off the page and into my reality. It reminds me that God is always beside us, loving us, protecting us, encouraging us, believing in us - the 'us' God created us to be. Sometimes The Message interprets scripture in a way that really connects.

I can't help but keep praying for those who are dealing with the aftermath of last Thursday's tornados in Iowa, or the flooding in the East or the fires burning in the West. So many people are struggling with daily tasks they don't want to do. Some are getting so tired from working day after day cleaning up a mess they didn't create. Maybe it is you.

It doesn't have to be flood cleanup or sweeping through ashes or even chopping up downed trees. Perhaps what you are facing is emotional tragedy: the loss of someone you love, a diagnosis of cancer, or the loss of a job and financial stability. Life holds many trials that test our faith and
challenge our courage and physical strength. Through it all we must cling to God. He alone can lift us from the pits of discouragement and show us the hope He has for us tomorrow.

Last night John pointed out the beautiful moon. It was nearly full and it seemed so close, that we could nearly reach out and touch it. There was a bank of clouds to the north threatening to hide the brilliance behind them, yet the moon shone brightly into the night.

Keep looking for God's promises - that will be 'landscaped with righteousness'. It may be around the next corner or eons away.

Thank you, God, for giving us hope in the darkest of days. For revealing the sun, new every morning. Help us to keep our eyes peeled for the new heavens and the new earth that is coming.