To Whine or Not to Whine

Big-T, our pug, has plenty of dog toys. Although he has to share them with the other family dog, Sadie, a dachshund. Plenty.

The toys pictured are “Mom’s.” Displayed in my bedroom window seat. Gifts from my husband Mike or brother James. Big-T jumps and whines desperately trying to reach the off-limit toys. “Please, can I have just one?” They are enticing.

In the corner of the same room is a pile of dog toys. Reachable. Purchased just for our two dogs. With the purpose to chew on, play with, and enjoy.

We all desire things we cannot have.

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Why Purple?

Flowers  in my garden clothed in purple…

“And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head and arrayed him in a purple robe.” John 19:2

Purple-the symbol of royalty. “King of the Jews,” they labeled Jesus on the cross. Known as “King of Kings” and “Lord of Lords” by his followers. Royal blood was spilled out for me! And you!

Here’s the cool part—the story doesn’t end there. The tomb is empty. Christ rose from the dead three days after he was crucified and pronounced dead. Jesus is seated at the right hand of the heavenly father. Once again, Jesus is clothed in majesty. Clothed in the robe of royalty and righteousness. Worthy is the lamb!

© 2014 by Karen Friday

Under Full Warranty

For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. Romans 11:29

“Irrevocable” basically means irreversible.

Products come in reversible form- clothing, rugs, comforters for beds, and placemats just to name a few. Reversible products give us a consumer feeling of getting a great deal. Two options for the price of one. We like reversible things.

Irreversible is more troubling. Breaking the law is not able to be reversed. A failing final grade cannot be undone. The death of a loved one or family pet—irreversible.

As followers of Chist, God’s calling on our lives and the gifts he places within us are irreversible. We cannot undo them. No one can. The Message Translation of Romans 11:29 states, God’s gifts and God’s call are under full warranty—never canceled, never rescinded. God is in the full warranty business. Eternal life is under full warranty. Heaven is a full warranty contract. Being in Christ comes under full warranty. His gifts and calling in our lives—under full warranty. What has God called you to? Today? In this life? Remember you are under full warranty.

© 2014 by Karen Friday

Amazing Things

“Joshua told the people, Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.” Joshua 3:5

“First things first” is a common phrase among the Christian community. Joshua notes in this passage to do something—do it first—foremost, and today. In doing the first thing, it will prepare you for tomorrow. Not just any tomorrow. A tomorrow full of amazing things. Performed by the Lord himself, who will be among you.

The first thing is to consecrate yourselves to the Lord. Merriam-Webster Online describes the term-“Consecration is the solemn dedication to a special purpose or service. The word ‘consecration’ literally means ‘to associate with the sacred.’ Persons, places, or things can be consecrated. A synonym of ‘to consecrate’ is to sanctify; an antonym is to desecrate.”

We have the privilege to associate with the sacred every day. The Lord himself. A sole dedication to the holy one. If we want amazing things to take place in our lives—first things first. Associating with Jesus today, expecting amazing for tomorrow!

© 2014 by Karen Friday