Matthew 4:23-25

 23Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. 24News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them. 25Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him.

Just reflecting on how amazing Jesus must have been.  It wasn't like there was a Tweet that went out or some 24hr news reporting, Instagram pics yet somehow news of Jesus spread like wild fire.  He was different and people noticed it.

Spin it forward and even though our world is often a mess it is still amazing to me that the book written 2000 years ago is still relevant today and now from mega churches to my little church its message can and is shared globally in the blink of an eye.

Amazing.

knut

Matthew 6 25:34

  27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life[e]?...34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

I know I just did a verse on worry and though I'm better than I use to be it is still a weakness for me.  These verses are ones I have tried to lean on in the past. They are true.

So God please help me with this struggle.  Let me trust you to take care of my family and keep each of them safe and for my kids specifically help them find you/be close to you.  For my work why wouldn't I trust you?--you've been covering for me for over 20yrs

knut

Deuteronomy 7:19, 21

19 You saw with your own eyes the great trials, the signs and wonders, the mighty hand and outstretched arm, with which the Lord your God brought you out. The Lord your God will do the same to all the peoples you now fear.... 21 Do not be terrified by them, for the Lord your God, who is among you, is a great and awesome God. 

We read about the great miracles he did back in the day, but I'm not sure we (or at least I) believe he is or will do miracles today.  But he is the same God today, 2000 years is a snap of finger for him.  Why would he not be doing the same works in this moment that he did in that moment?   He can do what feels impossible in my life, he can protect my family from evil in society that tries to infect our hearts and minds.

i need to believe and to rely on him.  this is my prayer

knut

Genesis 3

 12 The man said, “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.”

Well that didn't take long to muck it up.  3 Chapters in and mankind is off an running wild.  Simple instructions and we can't follow them.  Also note, not taking responsibility for our own actions--its someone else fault I'm in the situation I'm in...good work Adam.

So not much has changed in 2000 years.  Generally speaking we struggle to follow God's direction for us and we often don't want to accept responsibility for our own actions.  Its not going to change for all of humanity.  On a micro level though I can work to do better myself in understanding God's directions and doing my best to live into them.  Fortunately we are working with a net--thank you Jesus.

knut

Genesis 1

 31 God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.

I just felt like reading Genesis 1 today, not sure why.  I'm not sure I have any really learning or take away.  Maybe it just gave me a little peace today.   There is a nice cadence to the book as God describes how he designed our world.  The nice clear and simple order feels good especially as life feels chaotic sometimes.  

I am thankful for the gifts and blessings he has given me and my family.  I pray for protection of my kids and yours as the struggle to live into the next adult phases of their lives.  Be with them always.

knut

1 John 4

 18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

I was mulling around all throughout the Johns this morning since they are all short.  Lots of talk of Love.  Love others. If you have Love at all its because of God because he is love.

In these uncertain times I need God's love.  Especially as I fear for the future of my kids, hoping they find there ways as then begin to leave our nest.  Its scary.  I don't know how things will work out for them and I just want them to be safe and happy.  I need God's love selfishly for me to drive out my fears.  I want my kids to feel and know God's love and protection.   So today I'm just praying for my entire family and yours to know and feel His Love.

knut