Moses

There is much good in every day! Every day is full of good stuff because we live in the knowledge of GOOD NEWS. The good news of Jesus, the good news that His love changes everything. That perspective and those new eyes make every day, every moment, special.

I've begun the practice of a gratitude journal. It's not so much a journal - it's a massive desk calendar. In previous months, I used it for scheduling and blocking off time and meetings. But as most practices do, it fell to the wayside as I got more and more stressed out (ironic, huh?). Lately, I've been using it to make notes, jot down reminders, of how good my day was. What happened, what was funny, encouraging, uplifting.

Wednesday was a really productive work day.

Thursday saw new faces at life group. Games, the jar of questions, ADDI MAKES THE BEST DESSERTS.

Friday was day long conversation with a long distance best friend.

Saturday was Bible exhibit!! The preservation of the Word of God, my passionate Old Testament professor's tearful plug for the fruits of children's ministry, bonfires, Wendy's with Sydney.

Sunday was coffee with Mary, hearing friends preach, laughing around tables at Would You Rather.

And it's funny, because the more I dwell and remember the good, the less I wallow or dwell in the stressful, the hard. I literally cannot remember what made Wednesday hard. Or Friday - was really every moment awesome?? By God's grace, days are redeemed. And the choice to draw near to Him, to be renewed, is made.

So what becomes of the hard parts of the day?

The story of Moses is one of maturation and transformation. His lips have gone from muttering "Please, Lord, send someone else!" to interceding and leading the nation of God. He has led the people (the slow and faithless) from slavery and been the one to meet with God on the mountain. Moses has been a faithful leader, as God has been so faithful to him.

Then, a short little sentence in Numbers 20:12 ("And the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, because you did not believe in me, to uphold me as holy in the eyes of the people of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them"), Moses cannot enter the promised land. His journey will stop short and he will not be able to lead his people in. That's hard to swallow. That would devastate me.

But then, in Deuteronomy 4, in one of Moses' speeches to the Israelites preparing them to enter the land under new leadership, he says - isn't our God AWESOME? Have you ever heard of a God coming down among his people? Have you ever heard of such a great thing happening in all the earth? PRAISE GOD. THERE IS NO ONE LIKE HIM.

That's what becomes of the hard parts.

The praise and worship of our God.

So it remains as a reminder to me. Keep writing down, dwelling in, remembering the blessings. There is gift and beauty and light in every moment. And specifically, when the dark days come, the days when I feel small and the fight seems gone and the wilderness is big - remember, dwell in, and receive the blessing. Remember James 1:12 and the crown of life the Lord has promised to those who persevere under trial. Take the focus off myself and my circumstances (as Moses has done) and cast them on a God who has done great, great things.

And most importantly,

PRAISE GOD. from whom all blessings flow. Have you ever heard of a greater love than this? In all the earth, have you heard of anything like this?? This love that sent Jesus to die for sin. This love that said IT IS FINISHED. There is no one like him. Praise God!