Gems worth reading
January 3
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16)
Mystery indeed!
- The Eternal came into time;
- The Son of the Father became the Son of the virgin;
- The Son of God became the Son of Mary;
- The Omnipotent became dependent;
- The Creator became a carpenter;
- The God of glory became a Man of Sorrows.
We are not asked to understand or to explain or expound, but only to trust. We bow in wonder and when we cannot comprehend, we worship nevertheless! (Jim Flanigan - Choice Gleanings)
N.J. Hiebert # 3575
January 4
"He is the Rock, His work is perfect: for all His ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is He." (Deuteronomy 32:4)
When I was coaching high school freshman girls basketball in the fall of 2005, I was surprised at how many times I heard, "That's not fair!" The girls' motivation seemed to depend on whether or not they thought what I asked then to do was fair. If I asked some girls to do a defensive drill while others shot free throws, I heard, "Not fair!" If I allowed one group to play offense longer than another group, I heard, "Not fair."
So many situations in life shout, "Not fair!" I observe Christian couples who struggle to have babies while others are blessed with children and then abuse them. I look at families whose children are all alive and well, while I go through life without one of mine. I see friends who long to serve God but can't because of health issues.
It's then that I must go back to a basic truth. We are not the arbiters of fairness. God is, and He knows far more than we do about His plans and purposes. The question isn't about fairness. In the end, it's about trust in a faithful God who knows what He is doing. "He is the Rock, His work is perfect; for all His ways are justice" (Deuteronomy 32:4).
Life will never look fair. But when we trust God, we always know that He is faithful. (Dave Brandon)
If you feel that blessings pass you by,
And for you life seems a bit unfair,
Just remember, Christ was born to die,
And in His great salvation you can share.
(Hess)
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Life is not always fair, but God is always faithful.
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Our Daily Bread, RBC Ministries, Copyright (2006), Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted permission.
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N.J. Hiebert # 3576
