Dec 30, 2025 – Reservoir
This time last week things were warming up outside which was nice so that the boys weren’t freezing in the basement while they were here. This morning, however, is quite cold so I’m happy to be cozy in my new robe blanket (from Don) and gripper socks (from Barbara) drinking coffee from my Ranger mug (from our friend Miko in Japan). In today’s photo, that little patch of gray to the right of my feet is where Ranger should be laying to keep me company; but, if dogs can have ADD, ours has it in spades, and only stays for brief visits while I’m writing, thus why the mug is a nice substitute. I love my mugs, but coffee sure doesn’t stay hot for long, thus I guess why Don drinks from the same steel mug every day. The word “Thus” makes me think of “The Santa Claus 2” when Charlie says to his dad, “Don’t say ‘hence’ again Dad. It’s really annoying.”
I’ve been thinking (and talking with others) quite a bit about the baggage sermon from Sunday and the idea of carrying around extra burdens that we should have worked through and given to God – and left with Him rather than digging them back up to ruminate over again. From what I understand, the Holy Spirit indeed does try to help us let go of things and move on, but if we refuse, God will allow us to continue cycling through the same mistakes and woes until we finally cry “uncle” and trust His ways over our own as He transforms us throughout our lives.
JC – “I am leading along a way that is uniquely right for you. The closer to Me you grow, the more fully you become your true self – the one I designed you to be…. the more completely you devote yourself to Me, the more freely you can love people…. Enjoy the adventure of finding yourself through losing yourself in Me.”
Prevail 364 – In today’s devotion, Larson is describing the new Jerusalem and “God’s glorious plan for His people”, but we are also told that we don’t have to wait to experience heaven because we can experience some of heaven in our lives now if we will stay close to God. In this next passage, Larson is talking about about that time ahead, but I also think her words apply to our futures here as we lean in and allow God’s transforming power in our lives, “We cannot fathom the beautiful future that awaits us. but we can look forward to it with great expectation. God does not lie. Jesus is getting ready, preparing a place for us. Heaven awaits us.” Seek Him and claim your heaven on earth.
Power – Romans 15:13 NLT – “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” I love this reminder from Joyce that helps us step back from worrying and ruminating, “If you know you can’t fix the problem you have, why not relax while God works on it? It sounds easy, but it took many years for me to be able to do this…. If things don’t go your way, instead of getting upset, start believing that your way was not what you needed and that God has something better in mind for you…. The minute you recognize He is in control, you soul and body relax, and you will be able to enjoy life.”
Streams – Acts 12:5 – “So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.” Cowman and the others she quotes speak to the prayer issue from yesterday, “Peter was in prison awaiting his execution, and the church had no human power or influence that could save him. There was no earthly help available, but help could be obtained by way of heaven. So the church gave themselves to fervent and persistent prayer. And God sent an angel….and Peter was free…. Perhaps there is some ‘iron gate’ in your life, blocking your way….There is a secret for you to learn – the secret of believing prayer…. Spoken prayer is not always needed, for prayer can often be too intense for words…..’Groans the words cannot express’ (Rom 8:26) are often prayers that God cannot refuse. Charles H. Spurgeon”
Utmost – Chambers takes our conversation back to today’s main topic of how God works on changing us throughout our lives, “Our Lord never patches up our natural virtues, He remakes the whole man on the inside…. Watch how God will wither up your confidence in natural virtues after sanctification, and in any power you have, until you learn to draw your life from the reservoir of the resurrection life of Jesus. Thank God if you are going through a drying-up experience!”
JA – “Because I am infinite, I am able to see and understand everything at once. This makes Me the ideal Person to be in charge of your life…. So trusting in Me rather than relying on your own understanding is the most reasonable way to live; it is also the most joyful.” (See Proverbs 3:5)
