GOD CHOSE US!
As in you, me and all of those around us. Why in the world would he do that? Why would he send his son to be born, to live on earth and then be subjected to a cruel, agonizing death on the cross? The short answer is: because he loves us that much. As John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”
I think that when God looks at us, he looks through “GOD” lenses instead of how we look at ourselves and how others sometimes view us. If we are honest, when we look in the mirror, what do we see: wrinkles, gray hair or no hair, anger, resentment, stubbornness, fat, and many other flaws. But when God looks at us, what does he see?, he sees his children, his creations.
So, I say to you that we need to look at others through “God” lenses as well. We need to focus on what is good inside about someone, there is always something good inside, and ignore our perception of what is “wrong” with them. Now, I can say this, and I have good intentions, but good intentions are not enough, we must follow through - that is the challenge, to actually practice doing this. I remember several years ago, I had to attend a paraprofessional training day at the middle school. Part of the day was spent putting ourselves in others’ places. In particular, I remember having to put on glasses that distorted images making it very hard to see anything clearly and then trying to navigate my way through a crowd. It was difficult, to say the least. I suppose that it made me more aware for a while, but as usual, it got pushed to the back of my brain, and I forgot to be that person who is forgiving.
Sometimes, probably more times that I want to admit, I am guilty of judging someone for their: outward appearance, what they say, how they say it instead of truly looking at them through “God” lenses. God knows us, he knew us when we were being formed in the womb, knows how many hairs are on our heads, and yet HE STILL LOVES US! My point is that even though we are flawed, God still loves us, still sent his Son to be our Savior, still wants us to love and to serve him.
I want to read a devotional that I found by Penny Zeller:
God is One who will never betray us, never walk away from us when times are tough. He will never spread gossip, leave us for someone else. This is good news indeed in today’s society where it seems like we are always just one step or word away from offending someone.
God’s unfailing love can be difficult to grasp. His love is boundless, steadfast and inexhaustible. It is eternal. Romans 8:38-39 says “Nothing can separate us from His love.” Nothing we can ever do, or ever will do, can stop him from loving us. He is forgiving, patient, and merciful. As his children, we are cherished, valued and precious. So precious that He paid a high price for us, the death of His Son, Jesus Christ for our sins. May we never take such a costly gift for granted.
Be blessed by the fact that God’s love is faithful and enduring.
There is also a song by Ryan Stevenson called “No Matter What” and the refrain goes like this: “No matter what you’ve done, you can’t erase His love, nothing can change it, or separate it. You’re still the daughter, you’re still the son, NO MATTER WHAT.
And, in closing, let us always try to remember to see others through “God” lenses and be encouraging, positive and never miss an opportunity to be kind.
Be the one. Amen
(Longwood Presbyterian Church Elders are filling the pulpit since our pastor has retired. Today's message was presented by Becky Barnes)
As in you, me and all of those around us. Why in the world would he do that? Why would he send his son to be born, to live on earth and then be subjected to a cruel, agonizing death on the cross? The short answer is: because he loves us that much. As John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”
I think that when God looks at us, he looks through “GOD” lenses instead of how we look at ourselves and how others sometimes view us. If we are honest, when we look in the mirror, what do we see: wrinkles, gray hair or no hair, anger, resentment, stubbornness, fat, and many other flaws. But when God looks at us, what does he see?, he sees his children, his creations.
So, I say to you that we need to look at others through “God” lenses as well. We need to focus on what is good inside about someone, there is always something good inside, and ignore our perception of what is “wrong” with them. Now, I can say this, and I have good intentions, but good intentions are not enough, we must follow through - that is the challenge, to actually practice doing this. I remember several years ago, I had to attend a paraprofessional training day at the middle school. Part of the day was spent putting ourselves in others’ places. In particular, I remember having to put on glasses that distorted images making it very hard to see anything clearly and then trying to navigate my way through a crowd. It was difficult, to say the least. I suppose that it made me more aware for a while, but as usual, it got pushed to the back of my brain, and I forgot to be that person who is forgiving.
Sometimes, probably more times that I want to admit, I am guilty of judging someone for their: outward appearance, what they say, how they say it instead of truly looking at them through “God” lenses. God knows us, he knew us when we were being formed in the womb, knows how many hairs are on our heads, and yet HE STILL LOVES US! My point is that even though we are flawed, God still loves us, still sent his Son to be our Savior, still wants us to love and to serve him.
I want to read a devotional that I found by Penny Zeller:
God is One who will never betray us, never walk away from us when times are tough. He will never spread gossip, leave us for someone else. This is good news indeed in today’s society where it seems like we are always just one step or word away from offending someone.
God’s unfailing love can be difficult to grasp. His love is boundless, steadfast and inexhaustible. It is eternal. Romans 8:38-39 says “Nothing can separate us from His love.” Nothing we can ever do, or ever will do, can stop him from loving us. He is forgiving, patient, and merciful. As his children, we are cherished, valued and precious. So precious that He paid a high price for us, the death of His Son, Jesus Christ for our sins. May we never take such a costly gift for granted.
Be blessed by the fact that God’s love is faithful and enduring.
There is also a song by Ryan Stevenson called “No Matter What” and the refrain goes like this: “No matter what you’ve done, you can’t erase His love, nothing can change it, or separate it. You’re still the daughter, you’re still the son, NO MATTER WHAT.
And, in closing, let us always try to remember to see others through “God” lenses and be encouraging, positive and never miss an opportunity to be kind.
Be the one. Amen
(Longwood Presbyterian Church Elders are filling the pulpit since our pastor has retired. Today's message was presented by Becky Barnes)