Do Not Boast

 Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. — Proverbs 27:1

Today we host Kirk's teacher friends for dinner.

Our fridge is stocked with good food.

And Kirk has prepped the house so it sparkles and shines.

We're looking forward to a fun evening with these couples.

They taught together for many years.

Some of them are now retired.

Others are still working.

God has blessed us with good friends and fun times together.

Good News of Great Joy

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people." — Luke 2:10 

Mary was fearful and startled to see an angel appear before her.

But the angel Gabriel brought her good news.

He announced the coming of Jesus!

News that would cause great joy for all people.

Not the worldly temporal joy that we often celebrate this time of year.

But the deep-seated, everlasting joy of God coming to earth as a man.

And saving us from our sins.

How great our joy!

Do Not Boast

Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. — Proverbs 27:1 

It's easy to make future plans.

And to boast about how wonderful they sound.

But God reminds us never to boast.

We don't know what lies ahead or what the new day will bring.

But we know God prepares a plan for us.

He has a purpose for each life.

And His plan is great.

My purpose is to praise and glorify Him.

My Eyes Will Watch Over Them

My eyes will watch over them for their good, and I will bring them back to this land. I will build them up and not tear them down; I will plant them and not uproot them. — Jeremiah 24:6

God's eyes watch over us for our own good.

He brought His people back to their land.

God will build them up.

He will not tear them down.

The Lord will plant His people where He would like them to grow.

He will not uproot them.

Joy in God's House of Prayer

All who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it and who hold fast to my covenant— these I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. — Isaiah 56:6-7

Yesterday we worshiped at the service in our church courtyard

Today I went for swim at the Y.

Our church held a jazz service down at Waterfront Park. 

Then Kirk and I went for a 2-mile walk around the neighborhood.

A beautiful day!

Praise the Lord. 

The Lord Forms the Light

I am the Lord, and there is no other. I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things. — Isaiah 45:6b-7

Palm Desert Sunset 2017

God forms the light to guide us during the day.

He creates darkness to help us sleep well at night.

He brings prosperity and creates disaster.

He is the Lord and there is no other.

The Lord accomplishes all of these things.

At the same time, He does not shower blessings just because I follow His way.

He leads me through the path of difficulty, giving me a chance to grow closer to Him and to rely on Him more and more.

He asks me to follow Him no matter what occurs.

And He continues to bless me, even through the tough times.

The Lord does all these things.

God Is Faithful

This is what the Lord Almighty says: “I will save my people … I will bring them back to live in Jerusalem; they will be my people, and I will be faithful and righteous to them as their God.” — Zechariah 8:7

We are God's people.

He loves and cares for us.

Last week we celebrated the ninth anniversary of Kirk's mom's death.

Here she is with us in 2009 after going through chemo and losing her hair.

I can relate.

We love and miss both of our moms.

God has saved us and has called our moms home to be with him.

He calls us his people.

He is faithful and righteous.

Those Who Bring Good News

As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” — Romans 10:15

While in San Francisco, Abby and I walked a lighted labyrinth at Grace Cathedral.

We also visited Hillsong Church for a modern praise worship service.

When we got home, Kirk mentioned what a wonderful sermon Jerry had preached while we were gone.

Each of these worship styles is completely different from the other, but we are thankful for them all.

How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!

The Gospel story transcends worship styles or buildings.

It is an amazing blessing to all who hear it and believe.