The Searching

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A few days ago one of our goats wondered off. We searched and searched with no success.

While I was searching I started thinking. Why does God have to search for us like we are searching for this lost goat? He knows where we are better than we do. He sees all things. Yet in His parables, He told of a Shepherd that searched for His lost sheep. Of a Father watching the horizon for His wayward son. Even all the way back in Genesis God was searching for His two fallen children.

Maybe because in all of these stories and parables God is showing us a bit of His heart. A facet of His love. He could storm into where we are and yank us back to where we should be. He would be within His rights.
But that's not how He's chosen to interact with us. He chooses to be the God who searches us out where we are. He comes to us in the middle of our lostness. When we have lost our identity. When we trampled on boundaries and made ourselves vulnerable. When we cast aside the rules and were left without a compass. The way we wondered left us cold. Yet we kept walking on. Surely there would be warmth and good things just around the next bend. Yet every path, every way, every new thing just led us farther away from God.

But God never gave up on us. He wound His way through the forests that we got lost in. He kept searching until He found us, deep in the darkness of sin. He didn't leave us there. On the cross He gave His life blood for the lost. In that moment He made a way for us to come home. 

Then comes the moment of truth. We have a choice. We can keep making endless painful circles or we can take His hand and go home. Yet we know we are not worthy to go home. We have wondered too far, done too much, ran for too long. But Christ offers us His nail scarred hands to guide us home. He has paid the price. He has covered for our sins. With gratitude we slowly extend our hand in consent. With a smile so big that it lights up the night He takes our hand and begins to walk. 

He forgives us and leads us back home. No condemnation. No guilt trip. Just a loving tender hand that guides us back home. Home where we are met with a celebration. Home where we can rest. Home where fellowship happens. Home where He is. 

Friends, this is our God. The One that pursues us when we are running from Him. The One who died to bring us home. The One who leads us home. 

This is nothing short of a wonder. That God Himself would pursue His rebellious creations. It feels my heart with joy and wonder.

I praise God! The God who pursues me when I am just like a sheep running from Him. He never gives up on me. I praise Him for His love and faithfulness. I praise Him for His tenderness and compassion. Now and forever. 

Christ Is Here!

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This Christmas God has been reminding me of how far His incredible love will go to redeem us. 

He chose the lowest of the low. He came to poor people who were busy just trying to make it through that day. He calmed their fears. He worked even through their trembling. He empowered them to play their part. He protected them and lead them.

This gives me great comfort for today. As I face fears, temptations, and struggles I am comforted that God will be with me too. He is alive! He conquered death itself. There is nothing He can't do. 

He can come into the middle of my day filled with business and a million things that threatened to pull me away from God. Just as He did for Mary, Joseph, and so many others He calms my fears. He gives me my mission. He empowers me every step of the way. 

This Christmas I encourage you to remember that God is alive. His love is so great that it has spanned before time began, went to a bloody cross, rose again, and today lives inside of all who believe in His name. This is a precious and costly gift. Let us always give thanks to the Giver. 

I'm Grateful For Christmas Lights

This Christmas has been a wonderful time for reflection and enjoying the good gifts that God has given. 

It's so easy for me to get focused on what I wish I had. Especially at this time of year when there's so many reminders of my single status. I can't tell you how many times I've done things and wished I had a guy to share it with. Or how many times I've seen a happy couple hand in hand strolling along and my heart aches. 

Last night I went to see some Christmas lights with my family. Usually this is the time I start wishing, but last night I didn't. I was grateful. Grateful for a Lover who always walks besides me. Grateful for the eternal hope and light He offers. Grateful for the family that I have to walk with. Grateful that I get to have this time with them. Grateful for fun Christmas light displays. Grateful for God's care.

I praise God that I came home with a light heart. I came home happy in Him. I praise God for the work He is doing in me.

I pray that this Christmas you can reflect on the many good and gracious gifts you have been given. I guarantee you it's a longer list than what you lack. 

A Prayer

God of all eternity, Lord of my heart, Lover of my soul,

I come to You now. 

I need You more than ever.

I want Your presence to come in and fill me. 

My heart is heavy God. 

It is durdened down with cares and disappointments. 

It has been battered by the struggle within and differed hope.

It is tired of hoping for dreams to come true. 

It is weary of continuing on. 

Lord, I come to You. 

I need You to remake this heart. 

I need You to break through the walls of unbelief. 

I need You to fight my doubt of You. 

I need You to remind me of who You are. 

I need You to renew my heart.

I need You to save me from temptation. 

Lord, I look to You. 

In You alone I find hope. 

In You alone I find deliverance. 

In You alone I can be redeemed. 

In You alone I find rest. 

In You alone I know who I was meant to be. 

Come, Lord Jesus.

Come into this fickle wondering heart. 

Come make it evermore Yours. 

Come change to be like Yours. 

Come be my King and Lover forever.

In the name of the One who loved me and gave Himself up for me, amen.