Ahh, December!

Not everyone greets the last month of the year with joy and hope. When Christ first sees us coming to Him, it could be a bit like December coming in with a blizzard just after the mail arrives with a stack of bills. Jesus could look at our sin and problems as a terrible burden and shut the door in our faces. However, it isn't like that at all. Jesus comes to our door, knocks, and enters in to dine with us. The burden we have is gently taken, and his yoke is given. Right-o! And then we fight stupidly to get our old burdens back right after dinner.

Not everything from our old lives goes away when we are reborn. The lusts of the flesh seem like a burden we would gladly part with, but then again we can cling to those a bit too. What is difficult is understanding that this thing might work our for our good in the end. How can God use a lust for power, money, fame, or sex to work out for our sanctification? I cannot tell you the answer to that, because I am in the same boat with you. This is one of those things we must fight in the strength of Christ and have faith that like Paul says, "All things work together for good to those who love God." Would it not be better to just take away that inclination to the lusts of the flesh? Only in my imperfect and worldly-trained view. Trusting in God means trusting in His view.

Here's another Saturday thought: Pride stands tall and strong in its own might. We know the most proud is Satan and his legions. However, who does God outfit with armor and a sword and send to face this dreadful power? An army of sheep. Pride grooms itself with the strength of opponents conquered or faced. Think of the consternation when Pride sees God sitting back and letting an army of armored sheep take the fight to the enemy. How insulting! Think of God's magnificent sense of humor! The sheep also know that the Good Shepherd is with them. One day our Shepherd will enter the fight from the front, and then the enemy will not see sheep or the Shepherd, but the King of kings and the hosts of Heaven in full warrior mode behind Him. We look forward to that day.

Bucky