FROM THE KEYBOARD

While Jesus is preparing a place for us in heaven, He is also preparing us for that place on earth. You see, this world may be temporary but its trials are useful to shape us for eternity. "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also" (John 14:3).

The pathway to blessedness must humbly pass through brokenness. You see, the world may throw away what's broken, but God looks to pour into such vessels because they are finally open. "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us" (2 Corinthians 4:7).

If we think God thinks like we think, we need to re-think that thought. You see, true faith knows that God knows infinitely more than we know. "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways," says the Lord (Isaiah 55:8-9).

Joseph was violently handled by his brothers. Heartlessly handed over to slave traders. Sold to be the helping-hand to Potiphar, only to be mishandled and become a prisoner. And yet, all of this caused him to end up at the right hand to Pharaoh as prime minister. This is providence. "But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison" (Genesis 39:21).

Sin leaves the deepest and darkest stain, and no human effort can cleanse the dirty soul. Only the crimson blood of Christ can wash the dark soul white. “Come now, and let us reason together, ” says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool" (Isaiah 1:18).

Worry tries to steal tomorrow from God's hands. Worship however, entrusts your tomorrow into God's hands. Worry or worship? Now that's in your hands! "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble" (Matthew 6:33-34).