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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion February 7, 2007 Pictures |
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Frontline Devotion for Wednesday, February 7, 2007 by Penny Risen
Jeremiah 1: 4-5: "Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you. Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you: A prophet to the nations --- that's what I had in mind for you." The Message Bible
All our Christmas stuff finally is packed away for another year at my house. (Cut me some slack, it’s still Epiphany.) I’m having trouble, however, getting rid of the pile of 2006 cards collected in a basket on my hallway chest. Every time I pass by, I have to take a peek at the family photos folks sent with their greetings: What personality and insight they offer!
This snapshot gallery includes: Dogs, cats and horses in Santa getups and colorful bows; nieces and nephews garbed in their Sunday best or playing dress-up; happy groups perched atop mountains, posing on cruise ships, playing a sport, or toasting at faraway restaurant tables; festive wedding, graduation or reunion gatherings; and of course, tikes at Disney World posing with gigantic, fuzzy characters. A glimpse of the people I appreciate and love doing their favorite things makes my day.
The most meaningful are pictures of people who --- reaching adulthood or at midlife or in retirement --- are achieving their goals. Their plans for themselves are being lived out with joy, passion, hope, excitement or quiet contentment. They write on the back of the photos: “I made it” or “My dream come true” or simply “Look at me now.”
God’s goal for Jeremiah was as His prophet. The Old Testament tells us that this plan worked out fairly well, in spite of the fact that he like Moses saw his people through some very hard times. But God’s plan included a covenant that allowed Jeremiah’s people to have hope for the future.
God has plans for all of us too. Since before we were born, His pictures of us have shown what path we are to take. With some deviations for our freewill, or mistakes and poor decisions we might make along the way, God is in control. We are subject to His judgment, but seldom His wrath. Is this a pleasing and accurate snapshot of your relationship with God?
Take into account how God is faithful and that He keeps His promises. In each of our lives, no matter how perfect or imperfect a person we are, He takes our side, protects us and forgives us. He has made it His job from before the moment we were created to see us achieve our goals. We are granted His love and our chance to experience the goodness of His earth and creations, as well as have a relationship with Him as our Father. Considering this win-win arrangement: What kind of picture of you would God see today, the snapshot titled: “Look at me now” ?
Prayer for the Day: Dear Lord, I know You take responsibility for me 24/7. I don’t always feel that I deserve a second chance when I make a mess of things. But I thank and praise You for sticking to Your careful and loving plan for my life. Amen.
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All are welcome to join and share in our Devotional Ministry on the "Frontlines" of the world. Frontline Devotions are sent via email daily. Sign up by clicking on the box to the left. Pastor Dave welcomes feedback. Contact him at pastordave@goodshepherdonline.org. |
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