God's glory revealed in the first crocus of 2009. Spring is a season full of hope. Hope of warmer days, brighter sunshine, green grass, budding trees and flowers, the list goes on and on. I am also reminded of our hope in Christ. One of my favorites verses is Hebrews 10:23 which says - Let us hold fast to the hope we profess for He who has promised is faithful. I'm glad our God is faithful, aren't you? Every spring we know for sure the crocuses will bloom and grass will turn green. We can also know for sure all of God's promises are true.

Even though winter is not my favorite season (maybe not yours either) it still is a gift from God. The Bible even tells how He holds the storehouses of snow and hail (Job 38). This picture of the branches covered with ice is a great reminder of who He is - a God who is alive and is totally in control! The picture was taken today after a winter storm passed through (We are now at our 3rd snowiest January on record). So even though winter may not be my favorite season, it's still a great time to be on the lookout for His Glory. Don't miss it!

Today in the Word study topic for December was "The Story of Supremacy - Christmas Throughout Scripture". Here is the thing I kept coming back to almost daily as I learned to "see" Jesus throughout the Bible: The Messiah's PURPOSE is nothing less than atonement (Isaiah 53:4-6), to bear our sins and be punished in OUR place.

From "Our Daily Bread" dated December 2, 2008 - Mark Twain said, "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. so throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.". Let's all take that advice and and share the love of Christ with someone today!

As an enhancement to this month's study of the Psalms, I read "Reflections on the Psalms" by C.S. Lewis. Here is what he says about praise; "Praise seems to be inner health made audible".

Making major decisions (and sometimes small ones) is not always easy for me. Our country has just come made a monumental decision that most likely will forever change our course. Our church is facing a decision that has members on both sides of the debate. And in our homes and families we face daily decisions. Here is the biblical perspective on how to make decisions with confidence. First, we must have a habit of prayer which puts us in a position to understand our situation and makes us sensitive to hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit. Second, we should pray for our specific decision and for God's leading and direction since He is the one who searches and knows our hearts. And third, we then make the decision, trusting that God will work through it. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own ways, fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your body and strength to your bones. Proverbs 3:5-8

Are you a Today in the Word reader? I was so excited to see November's study topic is the book of Psalms. Seven years ago I was advised by a very wise pastor to discipline myself to read one Psalm every day and I have been extremely blessed by taking his advise. The Psalm writers knew it was OK to be honest with God about their emotions and have taught me to do the same. I encourage you to develop the same discipline and would love to share comments and favorite verses with you. Here's one of mine - For You, Lord, are good and ready to forgive, and abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon You. Psalm 86:5