This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham: And so begins the the first verses of the first book of the New Testament. I will admit that all too often I just skip over this and the many other genealogies in the scriptures. Two of my favorite authors, Timothy Keller and Calvin Miller, point out in several places in their writings and speaking why these verses are so important. These verses tell us that Jesus lived in a real time and place, he isn’t a fairy tale or a good story or a place for good advice, for each person mentioned in the list demonstrates that God works in our world. Each person was like a stepping stone across a stream. Some names are well-known and some names most people don't know, but each person mattered and played a role in God's plan. That gives us both a hope and a challenge. The hope is that we are loved and matter to a God who stepped into our world, giving up his place above and coming down to show us the exact imprint of God. The challenge is to be a stepping stone for those around us and for those who come after us.
Prayer God Our Father, Thank you for all the stepping stones in my life, the people who have led me to you. Remind us that we are to be stepping stones to those around us so that we can live our lives leading others to you. Amen
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Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Sometimes all we can do is to make a noise - the joyful part just won’t come. I find that I can make my way out of those times when I think about serving the Lord by serving others. At this season of thanksgiving there are many opportunities to serve others. Take one of those even if at first it is without gladness. Slowly the door to joy will open again and you can walk into his presence with singing.
Prayer Loving Lord, Open our eyes to those around us who are having a hard time making a joyful noise. Show us the best way to serve them so we can shine your light of love in their lives. Amen Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. In addition to their beauty the fall leaves signal that it is time for seasons to change. Winter is coming when all the leaves will be gone and there will be more dark hours than daylight. But I have come to see the beauty in winter when the branches of the trees become intricate sculptures against a foggy sky. I am grateful for a God who gives us seasons - not only seasons in the physical world but seasons in the times of our lives.
This is the 284th post that I have made on this blog that I began a year ago. At that time I had no idea how long it would last and what form it would take, and I still don’t know those things. I have been so surprised with the words that God has given me in this new season of my life. He has truly revealed deep and hidden things. As I have chased the light with my camera I hope that I have captured glimpses of the radiant and perfect light of God’s love in my images. I pray that these images and words of scripture have given you wisdom and light in whatever season of life you find yourself. I walk forward not knowing what will come next with my photography and writing but I know that I will always find light in him. Prayer God of All Seasons, We praise the God who controls all times and seasons, who gives wisdom and understanding and whose light illuminates the way through dark times. Amen Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. The Henry Whitehead Cabin in Cades Cove is one of the most unusual cabins remaining in the park. It is considered a transitional cabin because it has elements of both traditional log homes of the past and sawn wood homes that predated the modern frame homes like the Caldwell house in Catalooche. It seems Mr. Whitehead was a very creative man using new technologies and even making bricks for a chimney instead of using stone. Like Mr. Whitehead, building homes is apart of the creative work that we each do when we build our homes, places where we live and grow. Our home building work is a part of God’s creative work.
Photography has become a new way of home building that I would have never thought that I would create. I am new to this art and have a lot to learn. I want my photography to build a home where I can grow and help others to grow. I am not the best landscape photographer which is evident to me when I see some of the beautiful landscapes of some of my favorite photographers like Thomas Heaton and a former student of mine, Jason Eldridge. But God never asked that we be the best he only asks that we give our best (Colossians 3:23). Today as you go about your work think of it as continuing the creative home building work of the Lord. Build a house that he will use and I know that even when you see you work as not very creative or unimportant know that if you are using the gifts God gave you, you are letting God build a house that he will use for his purposes. Prayer Great Builder of Our Homes Give us strength and courage to build our homes. Shine your creative light into our lives and help us to remember the value that you see in each of the gifts and talents you gave us. Keep us focused on you as we build our homes so our labor won’t be in vain. Amen While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. For many people fishing is their hobby, something they find relaxing, something that brings them joy. They are driven to get up early or stay out late to get the best catch. It is their passion. For the disciples, fishing was more than a hobby, it defined who they were. They were known as fishermen, part of the family business. So when Jesus asked Peter and Andrew and later James and John to give up fishing, he was asking them to do more than just give up a hobby. He was asking them to redefine themselves, to find in him a new mission. They had no idea what that new mission would entail, they just knew that they wanted to follow him. Jesus also calls us to follow him and he will redefine us, gives us a passion to share him with the world. And I believe he will use the creative gifts he has given us to to accomplish his mission.
Prayer Jesus Open our hearts to your call. Show us the mission and purpose you have for us. Use the gifts you have given us to share you with our world. Amen |
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Soli Deo Gloria,
1 Corinthians 10:31
© 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 Karen Milligan
1 Corinthians 10:31
© 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 Karen Milligan