Tag: #quietmoments

Anointed with Joy

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

I love the imagery of God, the Father, anointing Jesus Christ as His Son with great Joy.  

The Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary defines anointing as rubbing a person or thing, usually with oil, to heal or set apart. It says we can anoint ourselves, anoint others, and be anointed. The Hebrew verb mashach, or messiah (noun), and the Greek verb chrio, or christos (noun), are translated as “to anoint.”

In the Old Testament, kings and priests were anointed to official capacity through a ceremony that symbolized God’s power upon them, an act that permeated an element of awe. The New Testament uses the word to describe daily grooming (Matt.6:17, ESV), healing (Luke 10:34), and preparation for burial (Mark 16:1).

God anointed Jesus Christ as King. The author of Hebrews quotes Psalm 45:7, expressing God’s verification of Jesus’ identity to all as His Son, with the oil of gladness (Heb. 1:9). Christ did not exalt Himself. He was appointed by God, the Father (Heb. 5:5).

 Oil was regarded as a luxury and a symbol of joy. Olive oil was commonly used in the Bible and was highly regarded as a symbol of honor (Judg. 9:9), blessing, and prosperity (Job 29:6).

Jesus Christ was already Creator and God’s Son (John 1:1)—God was exalting Him to reveal Christ as a divine, just, and superior high priest offering a better covenant (7:22, NLT), better promises (8:6), and better hope (7:19), leading to something better for those who believe in Christ (11:40).

Jesus is the Anointed One – the Messiah – and Savior (Acts 10:38). The OT used this symbolism to show God’s presence and power. Similarly, Christians are anointed by God (2 Cor. 1:21); I John 2:27) for the commissions of ministry (Brand, 2015, pg. 69).

Jesus’ earthly prayers were heartfelt, earnest, and tearful (Hebrews 5:7). His reverence formed the basis of His prayers, which were answered, to intercede for and help every Christian (Romans 8:34). His resurrection saved Him out of death – showing his submission to the Father as He waited on His answers.

People may not consider anointing for cleansing, purifying, protecting, or healing today. Still, it is powerful when accompanied by the Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ’s mighty name in prayer. The oil itself doesn’t have power, but the name of Jesus Christ holds the awe-struck power. We can set ourselves apart as holy – a vessel for God – useful to our Master and ready for every good work, cleansing ourselves from what is dishonorable (2 Timothy 2:21).

Spiritual weapons are robust against the doubts and fears the enemy tries to throw at us, especially when we are doing God’s work. With intercessory prayers, we can anoint others and our homes for protection.

Food for thought: Perhaps we can symbolically anoint ourselves with the oil of gladness and ask God to protect us so that we can avert the enemy’s tactics of keeping us from God’s good work.

Our joy isn’t dependent on our circumstances but comes from our relationship with God, regardless of our circumstances.

Purpose in the Pain

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

I look forward to spring flowers and sunny days kayaking in this season of cold and wintry conditions. Even though the first snow excites me, I miss running. There are reasons to appreciate all seasons. It is the same with life. I realize that if I had not been in the valley, at times, I might not have appreciated the mountaintop experiences as notably.

The valley also helps us learn to depend on God. It may seem the opposite of our nature, but thanking God during those seasons is beneficial. We can blossom even during the off-season if rooted in His Word, allowing it to cultivate the spiritual soil for ultimate growth.

Similarly, God designed the flower to reach its full potential through proper preparation. Its cycles are fascinating. Before we plant flowers, we must cultivate the soil and prepare it to receive the seed for ultimate growth. If the ground is too hard, the seed won’t take root.

The Avas Flowers site explains the cycles of a flower’s life:

Seed Stage: Every seed has a miniature plant that needs the proper nutrients to begin new growth. Some seeds can still grow after many years if they are correctly kept.

Germination: A seed in the earth will need warmth and water to grow. Some even need light at this stage. The seed will absorb water to split the outer shell, opening it up to a transformation as it begins to sprout a stem. The tiny root begins to push its way down as it grows. According to this article, seeds have different needs; some need to go through a fire to sprout, while others go through the stomachs of animals.

Growth: When the leaves begin to form, they convert energy from sunlight and water along with other nutrients to use as food. The root system uses the food to continue to develop, anchoring the plant into the ground, and uses root hairs to absorb water and nutrients. The stem is used to reach toward the light as it sends water and food to the roots and leaves. Then the buds begin to develop to later produce the beautiful blooms we so enjoy.

Reproduction: As the bud forms, it has a tiny but complete flower. Over time, the bud opens and blossoms into a mature flower.

Pollination: Flowers depend on insects, birds, animals, wind, and water to carry pollen from flower to flower. Without pollinators, they could not produce more seeds or new plant life. Even flowers that can’t make their pollen rely on and benefit from other plants during cross-pollination, resulting in more vigorous plants.

Spreading Seeds: This is the final stage in many ways. The wind can scatter the seeds, and the fur of animals, such as humans, water, etc., can carry the seeds to other locations. But a new plant life cycle begins once the seeds fall to the ground.

Consider the God-given design and the little details for a flower to grow, bloom, and thrive. Now, think about how we are designed. Cultivating the hard ground to prepare for the seed is like God cultivating our hearts – if it is still a hard and stony heart, the seed won’t take root. It must be rooted in fertile soil and be fed the right messages of His truth to grow to its full potential.

The roots send nutrients through the stem so it can stand firm to produce the bloom. We also need to be rooted deep in the Word to be fed and stand firm against the enemy to deliver the kind of fruit pleasing to the Creator.

The flower needs the sun’s light to flourish, just as we need the light of the Son in our lives. When we bloom where we are planted, God can use us no matter where we are if we stand tall and look to Him. He supplies the living water of the Spirit to nourish us and help us grow to our full potential into the beautiful bloom He created us to be.

We can grow better if we surround ourselves with suitable pollinators (Christian friends). At times in our lives when we cannot self-pollinate, we have others to lift us and help us through to the other side. It has been said that we are the average of the friends we hang out with the most. In that case, we need to find friends like what we want to become. Otherwise, we will be taken over by weeds, smothered, and eventually wilt.

There is a full- complete flower inside all of us waiting to bloom in the light of Christ’s love. Some of us go through the fire to get there; everyone goes through different experiences that lead us to Christ. But our life experiences help us relate, and we can share our story to assist others by spreading the seeds and message to direct others to Christ and, ultimately, the Kingdom.

Some of the most challenging seasons in our lives bless us and others the most, depending on how much we allow God to use them.

Food for thought:

What if the thing you are going through is preparing you for a bigger purpose?

Matthew 3:18-32

(Parable of the seeds)

Journaling for Spiritual Growth

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

Handwritten notes are becoming a lost art. There are many advantages to handwritten notes, besides being thoughtful and showing you care, according to a blog article by Stackoverflow, it is still the best tool for retaining information, improving reading comprehension, and memory.

Along those lines, journaling also has many beneficial traits that enhance spiritual growth. As new year resolutions are prominent, it is best to consider lifestyle changes for a healthier mind, body, and spirit, rather than short-term goals that never quite last.

When I became a Christ-follower, like handwritten notes, I found journaling, while reading my Bible, helped me retain information as I wrote things that stood out to me, along with daily prayers and scriptures. Something I still do daily. It is also nice to go back and read entries from my spiritual journey.

In the tapestry of our hectic lives, a hidden treasure awaits discovery — the transformative practice of Christian journaling. This article invites you to embark on a unique journey, exploring ten distinctive tips that not only enrich your faith but also unveil the extraordinary power of journaling in your spiritual growth.

1: Craft Sacred Moments in Time:

Carve out dedicated moments, crafting a sacred rendezvous with your journal.

Why: These appointed times serve as sanctuaries where divine connections and revelations unfold, reinforcing a steady rhythm of spiritual communion with the Holy Spirit.

Nurture Sanctuaries of Silence:

2: Seek out tranquil spaces that cradle your thoughts in silence.

Why: These sanctuaries foster an environment where whispers from the Holy Spirit are heard, allowing your reflections to flourish in the serene embrace of sacred quietude.

Harvest Gratitude Seeds:

3: Plant the seeds of gratitude at the start of each entry.

Why: By cultivating gratitude, you create fertile soil for spiritual blossoming, where every entry becomes a testament to the abundant grace surrounding your life. Gratitude adjusts your attitude.

Scripture-Woven Meditations:

4: Intertwine your reflections with the rich threads of Scripture.

Why: As you weave God’s Word into your narrative, the tapestry of your faith deepens, creating a luminous panorama of divine guidance and insight.

Courageous Emotional Dialogues:

5: Courageously pen down the symphony of your emotions, both highs and lows.

Why: Honest expression begets emotional release, and by sharing the depth of your heart, you embark on a journey toward healing and authentic spiritual connection.

Goals as Spiritual Compasses:

6: Chart your spiritual course by setting both short-term and long-term goals.

Why: Goals become compasses guiding you through uncharted territories, infusing your journey with purpose and direction. Ask God to help you set and keep them.

Inscribed Prayers:

7: Transform your journal into an intimate dialogue with the Holy Spirit.

Why: By allowing your prayers to dance on the pages, you embrace a sacred conversation, nurturing a profound connection with God that transcends the limits of spoken words.

Milestones as Testimonies:

8: Pause to celebrate and immortalize the milestones on your faith journey.

Why: In acknowledging these pivotal moments, you not only celebrate growth but also create a living testimony to God’s faithfulness in your unique narrative.

Challenges as Spiritual Forges:

9: Chronicle your challenges, seeking divine guidance and resilience.

Why: Within the crucible of challenges, your journal becomes a forge where faith is refined, and through prayerful reflection, you emerge stronger, anchored in the unwavering hope of God.

Conclude with a Surrendered Amen:

10: Conclude each entry with a prayer of surrender, placing your day in God’s hands.

Why: This concluding act of surrender is a sacred seal, affirming your trust in the Divine authorship of your life’s story and inviting the peace that surpasses understanding.

Benefits of Journaling:

In the artistry of journaling, you unearth a reservoir of benefits. Beyond the written words, the act of journaling becomes a sacred voyage that deepens self-awareness, fosters emotional well-being, and cultivates an intimate relationship with the God. Your journal becomes a mirror reflecting the tapestry of your faith journey, a map guiding you through unexplored realms, and a timeless testament to the extraordinary power of a pen dipped in grace.

I encourage you to pray for the best way to set an affective daily spiritual growth plan that you will stick to, for years to come, with God’s help and direction.

Happy New Year & happy journaling!

The Potter

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

The Potter

In the ancient world, a clay jar was likened to human weakness. Apostle Paul refers to the “knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Cor. 4:6, English Standard Version) as a treasure in jars of clay (v.7). Standing for the principle of Christ’s crucifixion – God triumphs during human weakness.

Similarly, Isaiah refers to God as our Father – the Potter. At the same time, we are again seen as the work of His hand – the clay (Is. 64:8). Other references are made throughout the Bible as a vessel of clay, a broken vessel, and God as the shaping agent or Potter. Nevertheless, I was drawn to the story of Jeremiah when the word of the Lord came to him and told him to go to the potter’s house.

To set the stage, the book of Jeremiah is set at a time of political turmoil, following the fall of the Assyrians and the rise of the Babylonians. He saw the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, with many Judeans deported to Babylon.

First, Jeremiah saw the potter working and shaping the clay on his wheel. The potter spoiled the clay and reworked it with his hands into another vessel that seemed promising. God then spoke to Jeremiah about the house of Israel. Likewise, God can reshape Israel (Jere. 18:4-5).

We are also a work of the Father’s hand. Since Christ came to redeem us from our sins, we can be reshaped into usable vessels to bring glory to God. God created and helped us in our weakness, like the clay jar. The Holy Spirit’s work within a believer has the power to transform our hearts for honorable use to further the Kingdom of God.

We cannot do this work on our own. Our most sincere desires to change old behaviors are limited if we don’t have the power of God’s Spirit within us. This requires surrendering to the Potter and allowing Him to do the work from the inside out. No matter how many times we change locations or jobs – without a heart transplant – our efforts to change are fruitless.

Isaiah supplies the secret to Judah’s strength. “In returning and rest, you shall be saved” (Isaiah 30:14). Returning means repentance. When we repent, there is a rest for our souls. He continues, “In quietness and trust shall be your strength” (v.15). This is the true path to victory and peace. In God alone, we find the strength to follow His path, but it requires repentance and trust. The Judeans refused and went their way. Many of us do the same and never experience the peace and joy of a life surrendered to Christ in obedience – and God’s will for us.

God knows best. His timing is always perfect. It is our impatience that doesn’t want to wait for His answers.

The Inner Circle

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

Do you have an inner circle of friends you completely trust and confide in? Perhaps you hold each other accountable. These are rare jewels in today’s world.

Jesus had an inner circle of friends whom he trusted. He included them in the centric workings of His ministry and invited them to understand who He was to prepare them for His death, burial, and resurrection.  

In reading about the transfiguration, in Matthew 17:1-3, Jesus’ physical image was changed to show His glory before becoming a man. It was also a preview of His future exaltation (2 Peter 1:16-18; Rev. 1:16, English Standard Version). Peter was an eyewitness and equates Jesus’ glory with the transfiguration.

The appearance of Moses, who stands for the law, and Elijah, who represents the prophets, are both prophetic forerunners to the Messiah (Mal. 4:5-6). The Messiah, Jesus Christ, fulfilled the law of Moses and the prophetic messages that foretold His coming.

God’s voice proclaimed Jesus as the Son of God – which echoes His baptism (Matt. 3:17). God spoke to the disciples and told them to listen to Jesus so they would understand the purpose of His coming and impending death. The transfiguration and God telling them to listen to Him stood out to me as something they (Peter, James, and John) needed to see and hear. This was done for their benefit to help them understand and prepare for Jesus’ death. It also instilled hope for His return.

His story wasn’t over then, and it’s not over now. We are assured of this in the Gospels. Each book is a witness to the fact that the story goes on. Jesus came to save the lost – because of God’s inexhaustible love for us and the unbridled joy He gets when one of His lost sheep is found. We see this in Jesus’ parables of the lost sheep, coin, and son (Luke 15:3-32).

The Holman Bible Dictionary confirms that Jesus’ story isn’t over. His mission will continue to be fulfilled wherever His name is confessed and His teachings obeyed, until He comes again.

Mark supplies a promise that Jesus will bring His scattered flock back together and lead them into Galilee (16:7). Matthew provides Jesus’ promise to always be with us (28:20). Through the book of Acts, Luke traces the spread of the Gospel message, the Kingdom of God, and the risen Jesus from Jerusalem to Rome. John gives a vibrant picture of the Holy Spirit given directly to the disciples by Jesus (20:21-22). Each makes the same point differently (Brand 2015, 894).

Jesus came to do for us what we could not do for ourselves. There is hope, and God’s love is still inexhaustible. I hope you find an inner circle to share life with, hold each other accountable, and do community as you seek more of Jesus daily.

The Blessing

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

On this day of Thanksgiving, I am reminded of two songs. We Gather Together is a 17th-century Dutch song I remember singing in elementary school, along with The Blessing, with the lyrics taken directly from the Bible. The words to the first song below seem to set up the intentions of the second perfectly.

We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing; He chastens and hastens his will to make known. The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing. Sing praises to his name; he forgets not his own.

With this in mind, take a moment to listen to The Blessing – let the words wash over you and sink into your heart.

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; (V 26) the Lord lift his countenance upon you and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26, English Standard Version, Emphasis mine)

Aaron’s priestly blessing shows God’s will to bless every Israelite. The ESV Study Bible denotes that this blessing engraved on a silver amulet is the earliest archaeological discovery, having the covenantal name of God (Yahweh), found in a Judean tomb dating back to the seventh or sixth century B.C.

Let us look at the meaning of each verse: The Lord blesses us by giving good harvests, peace, children, and his presence (Lev. 26:3-13). ‘Keep’ means to guard or protect. His face shines upon you in God’s presence, like sunshine (Ps. 19:1-11). A shining face is a smiling face, a pledge of God’s good favor (Ps. 80:3, 7, 19, ESV). The countenance is the expression on one’s face. The Study Bible says that for God to lift His face, He must treat people favorably. Peace or shalom means total well-being.

This led me to Daniel 9, which provides the same model of repentance and prayer along with this blessing. Daniel prayed a prayer of adoration, then a confession on behalf of himself and his people (9:4). Daniel asked God to show favor, make His face shine upon him, and bring exile to an end. Not because of his righteousness but because of God’s commitment to glorify His name (9:17). If we read further, Daniel received an answer from God through an angel named Gabriel. Still, I want us to pay attention to this: he confessed his sin and the sin of his people, presenting a plea to God and asking for His blessing.

As we gather to give thanks, I want you to know how thankful I am for each of you. I pray that you will receive God’s blessing and remember to thank Him every day for the blessing of Jesus Christ – the reason for the upcoming season – not only today but every day.

Be kind. Be safe. Be blessed.

Color and Light

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

The Holy Spirit sometimes prompts me to discover the characteristics and design of God’s creatures. I recently dug up some information when the sea urchin drifted into my quiet time. Oregon State University places it as one of the oldest animals on Earth. Also known as the porcupine of the sea, the red sea urchin can live to be a hundred. They range in various colors, from green, purple, red, brown, and more. Urchin means hedgehog; you can see a resemblance. Cape Clasp says that sea urchins use their entire body to respond to light without a bone in their body and no obvious eyes. Even their feet aid them. ThoughtCo.com explains that their mouths have multiple jaws and a chewing structure known as Aristotle’s lantern. Their body has a protective cover made from a shell-like system called a test.

            I find their God-given design fascinating, but what struck me the most was their response to light with their whole body. In the ocean’s depths, you may think it is complete darkness. Still, watching Welcome to Earth, hosted by Will Smith on the National Geographic channel, I discovered that the ocean floor is gleaming with light and color, especially at night. To understand the natural chemical process called bioluminescence, Good Living expounds that it illuminates the water like dazzling stars in multiple colors, allowing living things to produce light in their bodies.

            Color and light are related in many ways. We could say we are God’s prism. His light shines into our lives, illuminates us, and reflects into others’ lives, adding colorful blessings. Jesus is the light of the world (The Bible. English Standard Version. John 8:12). He adds color and light to our lives. The Hollman Illustrated Bible Dictionary says Christ’s light expresses grace and truth (1018).

            Turning to colors, white symbolizes purity and joy, red stands for sin or Christ’s blood, and black is usually linked with judgment or death. Purple was a prominent color used to dye garments, such as a robe that Christ and other priests wore in the Tabernacle. Colossae got its name from a Latin word meaning “purple wool” because the area produced and dyed wool (Brand 317).

            There are several similarities between light and color compared to Jesus and our lives. However, returning to the sea urchin, this exciting creature symbolizes our lives, with Christ at the center. Putting Him first, we will naturally gravitate toward His light. We do not have to see Him to feel His presence. He gives us Spiritual armor to wear for protection, with zeal as a cloak, so we can clothe ourselves with Christ (Is. 59:17). We can trust God to lead us through the dark when we feel like we are underwater. His light will guide us. There is a guaranteed inheritance for all who believe in Him. He seals us (protects and preserves) with the promise of the Holy Spirit until we gain possession of it (Eph. 1:13).

“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you” (Is. 60:1, emphasis added).

Tug of War

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

We struggle with a tug-of-war daily between the flesh and the spirit. It’s a continuous battle. I don’t know about you, but when someone gut-punches me with an unkind word, or I do not feel especially valued at work, my human side wants to pull me across the line into the muddy pit of self-pity or a pool of hurt pride or even anger, at times.

However, my behavior is more Christlike when zealously pursuing Christ and His truth and approval (2 Tim. 2:15, English Standard Version) than my own or what the enemy wants me to believe. I must remind myself to recalibrate my thinking to the mind of Christ to have the same attitude Jesus had (Phil. 2:5, New Living Translation). Then, I can pull the rope to the spirit side and find joy no matter my circumstances.

Emotions are fickle and cannot always be trusted. They make us do and say things we usually wouldn’t. Therefore, giving ourselves time to cool off and calm down before we act is wise.

The word Selah comes to mind. We see it mainly in the book of Psalms and once in Habakkuk 3. The Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary explains that the term has an unknown meaning. Of course, there are several theories on the subject, one being a signal to pause for silence (Brand 2015, 1426).

Mels Carbonell agrees. In How to Solve the People Puzzle, he recommends using the acronym ACT to change our behavior. A – acknowledge and accept: Acknowledge who you are and accept the way you are made (when we understand our strengths and weaknesses, we can alter our behaviors). C – commit and control: Committing yourself to control your feelings, thoughts, and actions instead of letting them control you. T – think: Think before you do things. Pause and consider their consequences (Carbonell 2008, 304).

He says, “There’s an ancient proverb that loudly cries, ‘Selah.’ It simply means, ‘pause and think!’ I’ve told many people over the years to ‘think past the present.’ In other words, think past the present moment and consider the consequences of your actions” (Carbonell 2008, 305).

Good advice. In a nutshell, we can change our behavior for better outcomes. It can be our goal to tug the rope in a more spiritual direction.

“You must be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry” (James 1:19, emphasis added).

Propel Forward

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

Kayaking on a serene lake has been a vision of mine for a few years. Not knowing how to kayak alone kept me from making it a reality until recently. While strolling through the Lexington Parks & Recreation website, I stumbled upon an introduction to kayaking class at Jacobson Park. I eagerly signed up. This was the perfect opportunity.

After being instructed on land, I embarked on my maiden voyage with a few other participants, each in a brightly colored teal or red vessel. Landing my bum in the seat was not a graceful act by any stretch of the imagination. However, I did manage it and began to focus on the technique our instructor gave us.

After several minutes of ensuring we were secure, she turned us loose on the lake to roam at leisure and try our new skills. I headed for the other end of the lake to a cove filled with many kinds of waterfowl.

To propel forward at the smoothest pace possible, focusing on the paddling technique, which did not come naturally, was critical. As I improved my new skills, my body began to sway from side to side with each stroke, creating a motion I still feel when I close my eyes and imagine I am on the lake. It is a tranquil place to be.

I realized afterward that everything else on my mind that morning had vanished as I peacefully made my way across the quiet waters, focusing on my technique so that I could do my best to master the new skills and enjoy the journey.

Isn’t that what we are called to do in life? Focus on improving ourselves and being our best for God instead of looking at the mistakes of others, pointing fingers, and complaining. When I am focused on my flaws, improving myself, and trying to please God daily in my words and deeds, I don’t have time to criticize others. This makes the journey more enjoyable in light of God’s grace and love as I try to master these new techniques and learn to love others well.

God is not done. He is always working. He has the final say. I am a work in progress, and so are you. I have more peace at the end of the day when I show others the grace that God has shown me and work to please God, not people. That is the best way to propel our relationship with Christ forwardand experience the peace that surpasses understanding.

The kayaking class was an outstanding experience that gave me the confidence to go again, hopefully in the not-so-distant future. God gives us strength in our weakness, courage to overcome fear, and the God-confidence we need to embrace who He created us to be.

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:7, ESV, emphasis added).

“My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9, NLT, emphasis added).

Love: Still the Most Important Thing

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

All sins separate us from God. One sin is not more important or worse than another. We tend to emphasize certain sins rather than see them all the same. We are all born sinners in a broken world because of Adam and Eve (The Bible. New Living Translation. Gen. 3: 1-24; Rom. 5:17). There is one sin, though, that we are encouraged to run from: sexual immortality (I Cor. 6:18) because it is against our bodies. Nevertheless, we are all traveling in the same boat in the same direction. Still, God’s grace is sufficient and redeems our sins when someone repents and accepts Jesus (Acts 3:19). This is because of His love for us.

Let us imagine for a minute that we are all on this proverbial boat I mentioned. We cannot navigate the treacherous waters alone. When we begin to sink, God’s love and grace, through His Son Jesus, throws us a life preserver. We can accept it, be saved, or reject it and continue to sail down the river of destruction in the boat of self-righteousness on a disaster course.

Once we repent of our sins and accept Christ, we are forgiven forever and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38), who guides us for the rest of our journey. We still have the temptation to sin, but with God’s help we can overcome them because we are victors in Christ (Col. 2:14). We are not to continue in our old life or return to the boat but be renewed every day to the likeness of Christ (Rom. 6:1-2).

We can also experience joy and a piece of His kingdom while we wait for our eternal home, but we are not meant to pursue happiness in this life as a destination. C.S. Lewis put it this way, “If you think of this world as a place intended simply for our happiness, you find it quite intolerable: think of it as a place of training and correction, and it’s not so bad” (Lewis 52). Happiness comes from our circumstances; joy comes from our relationship with Christ, regardless of our circumstances.

There are many different beliefs, and we do not all agree, but no matter what our neighbor believes, we are still called to love them (Lev. 19:18; Matt. 22:39; Rom. 13:8). In this way, we honor God. Above all else – we are to love God first. When our priorities are correctly aligned, it becomes easier to love others as we see them in God’s image (Gen. 1:27; 2 Cor. 3:18).

“We love each other because he loved us first” (I John 4:19, emphasis added).

Works Cited

Lewis, C.S., God in the Dock. Eerdmans, 1994.

The Bible. NLT Study Bible. New Living Translation Version. Tyndale, 2008.