Scripture:
James 2:5
Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?
Thoughts:
The promises of God are full of references to blessings and increase, and we often mistake this for the worlds ideas of wealth. We look at the trappings of a person who can buy fancy clothes and jewelry and say that that person is happy and blessed, but we all know of many biographies of those who had all the success and riches that this life affords and yet were miserably unhappy. So what is the richness that the blessing of God promises? James gives a clue.
God loves to turn the presumptions of arrogant men upside down. He takes the simple and makes them the wise, takes the poor and makes them the rich, takes the “nothings” and makes them the “somethings”. Things aren’t always what they seem. Not in the potential of the people you meet, and not in the circumstances or outcomes that you might expect. When God enters the mix- everything can change. That is why the poor and displaced of this world were so joyful when they met and listened to Christ. He replaced their despair with hope and gave them peace and an expectation.
He gives great expectations! That is why Jesus spoke of the Kingdom of God as being like the pearl of great price for the pearl merchant, He brings us the promise that we have all been searching for, a wonderful everlasting inheritance.
The ornament is a gold coin (I recommend the gold foil wrapped chocolate variety 🙂
Carol: “We Three Kings of Orient Are”
Today’s Surprise:
Make a simmering pot of cider to scent the air and warm the tummy:
Ingredients:
4 cups cider
1/2 an orange, sliced
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon whole cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1-2 tablespoons brown sugar, to taste
Combine ingredients in medium saucepan and stir over medium heat until sugar has dissolved. Bring to a boil then reduce heat a little and let simmer for about 20-30 minutes more, stirring occasionally. Strain before serving.
