the hope of glory

Chuck and I began our trip to Texas at a church we love in Austin, TX.  Since we got married, we have traveled to four different churches, and I have been in more of the supporting from the front row mode.  

Between applying for Chuck’s green card, work, and getting the hang of home ownership, and bills I didn’t know existed, I didn’t have much energy left to teach.

Alas, the green card’s in the mail, I’ve fallen in love with online bill pay, I know I’m sure I’m a little behind the times, my head is back above water!  Before we went to Austin, I was praying about the church we would be visiting.  I felt that we were to emphasize on the glory, the presence of the Lord.  I scribbled a couple things into my journal and went about my day.

When we got to Austin, Chuck said he was feeling two scriptures that we should preach.  Wouldn’t you know that they were the same scriptures I had written in my journal a few days before?  God is fun. 🙂

We had fun co-preaching, and the Holy Spirit faithfully moved, awaking hearts, and penetrating truth into reality.

But I can’t seem to get over it.  I am stuck on this man Jesus.

I’ve been reading scriptures on this man, and they are coming to life in a new way.  I’ve known Him since I was a four year old girl, or perhaps before then, but his word is alive and active.

“For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
will accomplish this.”

Isaiah 9:6-7

What a good reminder that the government is upon his shoulders!

Who doesn’t need a wonderful counselor?

He is mighty, stronger than any force of creation.

He is an everlasting Father, there is no end to the heart of our heavenly Father.

And the Prince of Peace, oh how I need Him, every hour, every moment of my day.

In light of the present day tradegies and disappoints I challenge us to look upon this man of Jesus.  In Him we can find what we need.  

My heart aches with the news reports of innocent lives taken, and I cried yesterday during a st. jude commercial.  It’s not being immune to these things.  They hurt.  Not only our little hearts, but also the heart of our everlasting Father.

And we must find refuge for this pain.  Refuge in the presence of this man Jesus.

“The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.  For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.  He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.  For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him,  and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.“

Colossians 1:15-20

“To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

Colossians 1:27

Here’s the really beautiful part, if you are a believer this beautiful man dwells within you.  

We have unlimited access to His presence.  That’s what the resurrection did.  He overcame death so that we could be restored to the everlasting Father.

I pray that every moment on this Christmas season is filled with the awareness of Christ’s presence.