Do we have our priorities straight?

 

What is the first thing you do when you open your eyes in the morning? Do you give thanks to the almighty God for letting you live another day or do you take it for granted?

When I was young and about to get married, I went to visit my parents at the home of a pastor friend, when they arrived to this country. I recall an incident where the clothes washer broke. They called for a repair man who came in and charged them for the visit, only to let them know that it was beyond repair and they needed a new one. This got me to thinking about my future and all of the “extra” expenses we would have to incur in our daily lives, and became scared.  The mere thought of the cost of living in this new country (for me) nearly traumatized me.  I was, after all, leaving behind the concept of “not having a care in the world” and entering the” real world”, and that in itself gave me the creeps.  Especially, since I did not have a job to fall back on.  Eventually, I became employed thanks to the help of my family and friends, and I survived.  But the main reason why I succeeded was the fact that I never ever let go of my Lord’s hand. Not even when things got so bad, that I even contemplated wanting to die because I was so sure  that my life was meaningless and thought no one cared for me.  I no longer had the desire to exist anymore; who was going to miss me? 

How wrong I was! And I thank God everyday for reminding me.  I came across some of God’s promises that continue to resonate. Train up a child in the way he should go. Even when he’s old he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6)  . . . The Lord keeps all who love Him. (Psalm 145:20)  . . .  My son, do not reject the discipline of the Lord or loathe His reproof, for whom the Lord loves He reproves. (Proverbs 3:11-12) . . . “Are not five Sparrows sold for two cents? Yet not one of them is forgotten before God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows” (Luke 12:6-7) . . . Call to me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things which you do not know. (Jeremiah 33:3)

And I called upon Him and He showed me all of the blessings I had coming to me, including nine grandchildren who I am thankful for. He gave me peace and most importantly, He gave me HOPE for I know there are better things yet to come. So do not worry for material things which might ease up your path on this earth, “But seek FIRST His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Mathew 6:33)

Do you look and do not see or listen and can not hear?

It is impossible not to be subjected to magical feelings when it comes to the nativity story:  The virginal conception of a teenager, the rustic place of birth of a virgin’s son (can you imagine?), the appearance of the praising angels to announce the birth to the most insignificant people, and the coming of the rich and wise to worship Him, which is what we celebrate today, The epiphany.

The coming of the wise men, or The Magi (read Matthew 2:1-12) is the manifestation of the Light to the Gentiles (the people who are not Jewish). He came to his own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even those who believe in His name. (John 1:11-12) Jesus is God’s greatest gift to us, Jews and Gentiles that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16b)

So if you can not see or hear, ask God to do the miracle so you can also celebrate the feeling of inclusion that only Jesus can give. The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; those who live in a dark land. The Light will shine on them. (Isaiah 9:2)