Feb 24 Feeling Forgotten

Psalm 22:1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning?

***********************************

"God, why are you so mean to me?" A couple times I've asked God this audacious question. He who knows all appreciates honesty. I love King David's Psalms for fresh, raw candor. Psalm 22 is the most quoted Psalm in the New Testament. A lot in it applies directly to Jesus' crucifixion.

Jesus quoted this verse on the cross. It fit. That's how He felt too.

He understands hard times. He understands when it feels like God has abandoned you. Or even when you just feel alone.

This photo was taken Feb 17th at the Pantheon in Paris. The height of the ceiling and columns made me feel small.

Feb 23 Planned Since Creation

Genesis 3: 14-15 So the LORD God said to the serpent, "Because you have done this, "Cursed are you above all the livestock and all the wild animals! ...I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel."
********************************************************************************

Long, long ago in a land far, far away... the first couple ate forbidden fruit. God carefully explained the string of consequences for this first sin that hurled mankind into a bent towards disobedience.

To the snake Satan used, God hinted at the cross. This is mindboggling. Thousands of years before Jesus Christ's birth (yes, an offspring of Eve), this titanic showdown is alluded to.

During Jesus' lifetime, Satan repetedly tempts him, teases him and eventually crucifies He who is equally Son of God and Son of Man. Satan strikes His heel. He wounds him. He thinks Jesus is snuffed out forever.

Then from the grave, He conquers death. He lives forever. He saves mankind from their sins. Take that, oh you wiley snake, you! Stomp. Crush.

The photograph was taken in the woods behind our house in Germany a week ago. We've only had 2 days of snow this year.

Feb 22 In a Single Day

Zechariah 3:9b " 'I will engrave an inscription on it,' says the LORD Almighty, 'and I will remove the sin of this land in a single day."
**************************

Isn't it amazing that the Old Testament clearly looks forward to the Salvation work that God has planned toward Jesus' death on the cross? This verse quotes the direct voice of God. The LORD Almighty.

Who will see that sin is removed? The Almighty.

How long will it take? A single day.

At the cross He hung for a day
A single day
To remove sin
For me
For you

The photograph was taken in October at the Himmerod Abbey in the Eiffel Region in Germany.

Feb 21 Gentleness and Encouragement

Isaiah 42:1ff "See my Servant whom I uphold; my Chosen One in whom I delight. I have put my Spirit on him... He will be gentle... He will encourage the fainthearted..." (Living Bible)
********************************************************************************

Jesus was chosen and sent by God. One reason was to be an encourager. He is gentle. He encourages the fainthearted. How we need His encouragement for our lives. I love His gentleness speaking to my soul. I need this in my life that can get overwhelming and chaotic.

I long to pour out that gentleness and encouragment on others, too. Be my model, Lord.

"He won't be satisfied... until even distant lands beyond the seas have put their trust in Him." (verse 4).

Give us a heart beyond ourselves, Lord.

The photograph was taken in December at a fishing village off the east coast of Mallorca, Spain.