Trusting The News? Or Trusting God?

"But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does."   ... James 1:25

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Oh, the earthquakes and shootings and razor blades being taped to children's playground equipment on the news this morning!

Yes, this is our world today. But not our whole world.

Jesus warned us that these things would happen! He's not shocked or frantic and depressed, nor sitting on a couch with a bowl of ice cream to help Him face it all ... and neither should we be.

What should we be, instead? Lights. Bright, non-flickering, gleaming lights:

"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden."   ... Matthew 5:14

And godly lights shine forth the Good. They glow with God and are examples of His protection, encouragement and provision. And they expect more good, more of God's promises to be kept, yes, even in 2014:

 "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

And God has not changed, even though our world has.

What am I expecting? More kept promises, more delight--not from this world--but from God, Himself. Surprises in unexpected places and times, rather like this Kohl's commercial from 6 years ago, one I've never forgotten.

Watch it and see what I mean, even though what I'm speaking of here, goes far deeper, of course. But still, the commercial is lovely -- a girl loses her scarf, faces a hot, annoying trek through the desert to retrieve it, but comes upon a gorgeous surprise which turns the whole affair into something memorable ... and then the ad ends with "expect great things."

And God being the God of the opposite world, still works very much like this--still touches and blesses and heals in the midst of hard times and imperfect circumstances. But only if we expect, have faith, that He still can.

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"When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."   ... Luke 21:28


"Your wisest moments are those when you say yes to God." ... Rick Warren

"Too many of us are not living our dreams because we are living our fears" .... Les Brown


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