Something to think about as you start a new week

Monday Meditations are quick posts designed to get you thinking about God. They provide a fresh perspective as you jump into your routine.

Perplexed, But Not in Despair

By Paula Wiseman

"[W]e are perplexed, but not in despair." 2 Corinthians 4:8 (NKJV)

Perplexed. Not like with algebra homework or programming your television.

The Greek points to being confused, frustrated, unable to find a way out, filled with uncertainty or indecisiveness.

Been there? I have.

But there's hope. Not despair. Hope.

Despair gives up. It folds.

Hope waits to see what happens next.

Hope may not know what or how or when,

But it knows God.

The Gift of a Sound Mind

By Paula Wiseman

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV

A sound mind –

Good judgment
Self-control
Properly prioritized

It means focusing on the sovereign nature and perfect purposes of our eternal God.

It yields confidence and peace.

Disorder, confusion and fear don't come from God.

His gifts are power, love and a sound mind.

Victory

By Paula Wiseman

Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ… 2 Corinthians 2:14 ( NKJV )

Always. Always in triumph.

I don't ALWAYS feel like I'm triumphing.

Some days feel more like a train wreck.

But I don't have to worry about results. I don't have to fear failure.

If I am following God's leading (Granted, that's big 'if')

I am assured of victory, regardless of how things appear.

Have You Seen Jesus?

By Paula Wiseman

Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. (Luke 2:17)

Shepherds.

Regular guys.

Telling everybody they ran into about Jesus.

Have you seen Jesus?

Never Get Over It

By Paula Wiseman

Saturday evening, my five-year-old sat on the edge of my bed and prayed that Jesus' death on the cross would count for her. Simple. Profound. Beautiful.

Sunday, I asked her if she was still saved. She said yes, then she said, "You have to make sure it stays in your brain so you don't get over it."

So I don't settle into an attitude of comfortable entitlement.

So I don't get so clouded by the mundane you lose sight of the eternal.

So my joy isn't bled dry by daily frustrations.

So I don't forget how deeply, intensely, passionately loved I am.

Have we, have you, have I gotten over our salvation?

Maybe we haven't made sure it stayed in our brain.

A Friend of God

By Paula Wiseman

"So the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend." Exodus 33:11

Not as a man speaks to his servants.

Or to his son.

But to his friend.

Jesus reiterated this in John 15:15 "No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you."

Not enemies. Friends.

This includes me. This includes you.