Just like a star

Just like most people, I am not a fan of adversity. I don't deliberately seek out conflict or trials, and when I encounter tough times, I am probably the first to ask: "Why, Lord?!" However, the older I get, the more I can see God's hand at work, despite what may look like a mess. 

Perhaps it is true that Hope is indeed like a star:

“Hope itself is like a star – not to be seen in the sunshine of prosperity, and only to be discovered in the night of adversity.” - Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Job 11:18 - You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety.

What do you think?

Living in Grace

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Looking for the star

"When they saw the star, they were overjoyed." - Matthew 2:10

"O come, thou radiant Morning Star,
Again, in human darkness shine!
Arise, resplendent from afar!
Assert thy royalty divine!
Thy sway o'ver all the earth maintain,
And now begin they glorious reign. Amen." - Charles Wesley

As we look out in the evening skies, let us take note of the brightest stars and remember that the birth of Jesus Christ brings great joy.

May you find your JOY this Advent season.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

I need a Star!

Sometimes I think I need a Star!
Just like the wise men (or Magi) in Matthew 2 I feel that there are moments in my life when I need a star to guide me and to make it clear how I should follow God.
BUT then I remember, I don't need a star. I have Jesus. And he has promised to guide me, lead me, love me and show me the way.

Matthew 16:24 -  "Then Jesus went to work on his disciples. “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am." (MSG)

Don't look for "something" to help you out today, but rather look for someone.
His name is Jesus.

“...because life slips away, and because I need for the rest of my journey a star that will not play false to me, a compass that will not lie.” - Alan Paton, Cry, the Beloved Country

Living in Grace
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The Star

 The Star of Bethlehem is traditionally linked to a prophecy in the Book of Numbers:

"I see Him, but not now; 
I behold Him, but not near;
A Star shall come out of Jacob..." - Numbers 24:17

It is this same star that is said to have guided the Magi to Jesus. Matthew records this in his Gospel:


 "After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem  and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” - Matthew 2:1-12

This star is deeply symbolic for Christ-followers for a number of reasons - it reminds us that Jesus is a light in a dark world and that God will guide us, even when things don't seem to make sense. It also teaches me that even the stars can point us to our Saviour. 

So this Advent Season, may we follow the signs that point us to Jesus.  

Living in Grace
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