Worry? Who, Me?

What do we worry about? Going over the cliff? The National Debt? Health? Here are some statistics about worrying.

• 40% of what we worry about never happens
• 30% of what we worry about can't be changed (i.e. people's criticism of us)
• 12% are about past decisions
• 10% are about our health
• 8% are legitimate concerns

Wouldn't it be great if we could pack our worries in a box, duck tape it, and mail them to a problem solver, never to worry again. I know someone who gives peace to worry warts.

Philippians 4:6,7 Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

And the peace of God which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Whatever your worry, God's peace can sustain you. Take your burdens to The Lord and leave them there.

Show Me The Way

Last January I hoisted the bar of accomplishment for 2012, sure to accomplish life-changing perfection. I may have lost a few pounds, but most of my goals gave way to procrastination.

Brakes are tapped, and this year is dawdling toward stagnation. However, I've learned something about laying the best of plans. Earthly mortals have flaws, and life takes twisted turns.

It's good to plan, but it's better to trust God every day to show you the way -- His path. It's better to search God's Word for His purpose for your life, and to follow His lead. 

Psalm 119:105 Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.

King of kings Incognito

The King of Kings and Lord of Lords traveled from heaven to earth incognito. Born in a barn, growing up as a carpenter, and dying on the cross, He lacked the pomp and circumstance expected of royalty. That's why His own people rejected Him.

Colossians 1:15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

We see the true nature of Jesus in His ministry. Jeff Swart said it well.

• When I see Jesus associating with known sinners -- I know that there is a loving God
• When I see Jesus praying for those who crucified Him -- I know there is a forgiving God
• When I read the words of truth spoken by Jesus -- I know there is a God of all truth
• When I see the holy life our Lord lived -- I know there is a holy God
• When I see Jesus turning the water to wine, walking on the water, calming the storm, restoring sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, causing the lame to walk, the mute to speak, and raising the dead -- I know there is an omnipotent God

Jesus Had to Become Man

Jesus' favorite term for Himself was the "Son of Man".

Jesus had to become Man. 

• To perfectly fulfill the Law of God
• To live a sinless life so that He would be the perfect sacrifice for sin
• To die on the cross in the place of every single man, woman, boy, and girl that would ever inhabit this planet.
• To suffer the punishment that we rightfully deserve as the penalty for our sins
• To defeat sin, Satan, death, and hell
• To be our high priest

Because God became one of us, He understands us, can relate to us, and can better minister to us.

Hebrews 2:18 Because He himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

The purpose of the Incarnation was for God to identify Himself with mankind.