Partial Perspective

 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

I Corinthians 13:8-13

We don’t always have the full picture.  We can only see part of it sometimes.  “When completeness comes”, we will know in full.  We will know God’s love!

What are you looking at today?  Do you see the full picture?  Or are you just seeing part of it?

Today, I’m hooking up with The Sunday Community.  Hop on over here to see what I’m talking about.

Good and Perfect Gifts

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

James 1:17

What good and perfect gift can you celebrate today?
Today, I’m hooking up with The Sunday Community.  Hop on over here to see what I’m talking about.

Bring Good News

Mountains Near Xenacoj (Photo by Adam Flora)

How beautiful on the mountains
    are the feet of those who bring good news,
who proclaim peace,
    who bring good tidings,
    who proclaim salvation,
who say to Zion,
    “Your God reigns!”

Isaiah 52:7

During my trip to Xenacoj, Guatemala, I saw these three mountain peaks from the time I woke up to the time I returned to our compound.  The three mountains were actually miles apart from each other, but from the Xenacoj area it appeared that they were right next to each other.  On a clear morning, you can actually see one of the volcano peaks smoking.

It didn’t dawn on me during our visit, but I see now that these mountains were a great reminder of the words in Isaiah 52:7.  May we proclaim the message that God reigns whether we’re in the mountains of Guatemala, the rolling hills of Pennsylvania, or wherever.

How are you sharing the good news?

Today, I’m hooking up with The Sunday Community.  Hop on over here to see what I’m talking about.

Consider The Flowers

“Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith!”  Luke 12:27-28

I took this picture while walking through the streets of Xenacoj, Guatemala.  As I walked, I passed homes built by cinder blocks and many homes built with cornstalks.  Interacting with the people of Xenacoj as I made this journey gave me the opportunity to see this verse fleshed out.  Most working people in the town make one or two dollars a day.  They spend hours working in the fields or sewing clothing for companies like Hollister.  They live on very little, and they have very little.  What they have – they use, and what they use – they need.

Being home for a month (as of tomorrow), I’m back into the swing of things.  I have my job to attend to and bills that need to be paid.  It’s easy to fall back into the rat race of working hard, trying to prioritize finances, and wanting more.  I need this verse today – just as much as the people of Xenacoj.  Oh me of little faith!

What are you worrying about today?  Have you stopped to realize that God cares for you?

Today, I’m hooking up with The Sunday Community.  Hop on over here to see what I’m talking about.

The Sunday Community – Let My Light Shine

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.  You are the light of the world.  A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”  Matthew 5:13-16

How’s my light shining today?  How’s your light shining today?