Monday, April 28, 2014

The Image of God

 “Oh, he looks just like his daddy.”

I hear some form of this statement on a regular basis concerning my son, Meyer.  I arguably think that he looks a lot like his mother; he has her eyes and some of his facial expressions are distinctly hers. But, I do have to admit the strong father/son resemblance between myself and Meyer.  And, I must confess, it warms my heart!

Resemblance is such a funny thing.  Have you ever noticed how at times siblings look just alike and then at other times, it seems that their features couldn’t be more different. 

The Bible tells us that we have been made in God’s image.  In Genesis 1:27, it says, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” (ESV)

Have you ever stopped to think about that: you are made in the image of God.  What exactly does that mean, anyway?  Of course, I know that there are many theological explanations of what this verse is talking about. But, at the risk of over-simplifying the concept, it just means that we look like Him.  Whether that is physical, emotional, spiritual, intellectual, or something else altogether…, well, that’s not the point I’m trying to make. 

Suffice it to say, there’s a resemblance.  Sometimes, we can deny and resist that image, but it’s there, nonetheless. 

When I look at my son, I can see a little of myself in him.  And, it brings me great joy to see a part of me reflected in him.  What joy it must bring our Heavenly Father when He can see His own likeness being mirrored in us.  And, since we are made in His image, we bring Him the most glory when we reflect His character—when our image is that of goodness, love, and holiness.  But, sometimes, our ability to do this is hindered by sin. 

It is our original purpose to shine forth God’s image to creation, so let me encourage you to not deny or resist that image by choosing to do things that you know are not a reflection of Him.  Be who you were created to be—the very image of God. 

Sunday, April 27, 2014

Easter on Mother's Day


Easter had a special meaning for me this year. My mom went to be with the Lord in August. When you lose a family member, suddenly Easter takes on a fresh new meaning. It's not just a story or a pageant play - Jesus defeated death!

Which will make this year's Mother's Day special. I'm sure there will be some difficult moments, but because of the meaning of Easter, I know that I haven't celebrated my last Mother's Day with my mom. I can't call her this Mother's Day like I used to, but one day, we'll be together praising the Lord.

That will be a Mother's Day to remember!


John 11:25–26
25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; 26 and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Fair Weather

The calendar says Spring is here. I look out my window and see the tiniest of green leaves here and there. When Spring comes, isn't everything supposed to be blooming and bursting forth in beauty?

The skies are gray and the forecasters issue storm warnings. The next forecast issues the possibilities of frost. Wait! Where's the sunshine, gentle winds, and warm temperatures?

Sometimes we feel that way about the Christian life. We're supposed to have peace, love, and joy...God's supposed to defeat the enemies, supply all our needs and calm the storms!

A storm comes, but so does a beautiful rainbow. Days later, the same glance out the windows shows lots more green leaves and flowers peeking through,  I'm able to leave my coat at home. "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." Ecclesiastes 3:1. "But those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31. Sometimes I sure am a slow learner.....

The birds are chirping outside my window. It'll rain today, and tomorrow the green of Spring will show even more. But because I know THE Weatherman, I will have new mercies EVERY morning--and I can have sunshine in my SOUL no matter what storms of life may come, nor what season of life I'm in! What a great forecast!