God's Gifts

John 17:1-5
After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed:

“Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began."
Pretty Place, NC

My first thought as I read these words:
Jesus is praying to his Father, God, and I have the privilege to read my Savior's words over 2,000 years later. All I can think is wow! God has given us a gift. Actually, more than one.

First and foremost, God sent Jesus to this crazy place called earth. He knew we needed someone willing to offer his life for our sins. A few verses earlier in John 16, Jesus reminds us, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Jesus knew we needed hope because we'd experience difficulty of all sorts. Physical, emotional, mental and yes, spiritual. At times, I'm exhausted on all counts. I want to curl into a ball and hide. But, Jesus who loves us more than we can imagine, reminds me of the hope, the joy, the peace that waits for me in heaven. The sheer thought of the hope of heaven tugs me up and pushes me forward.

This old world may get me down, but my Father lifts me up through his word, that second  beautiful gift He's given us. The Bible offers comfort and peace, knowledge and wisdom. Jesus' words amaze me as I realize he stood before the people, all those years ago, and spoke out loud for all to hear. Those same words, often printed in red, still speak to my heart today.

May all glory be to God, who loves us.


Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 1 Peter 5:8-9

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2 Thessalonians 4:11-12

2 Thessalonians 4:11-12
2 Thessalonians 4:11-12

What I've Been Reading

Penny's books

Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God
Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit
The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth am I Here for?
Leota's Garden
The Scarlet Thread
The Atonement Child
The Time Traveler's Wife
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
The Help
The Secret Life of Bees
Holy Bible: King James Version
Monster
Christy
Jesus Freaks: DC Talk and The Voice of the Martyrs - Stories of Those Who Stood for Jesus, the Ultimate Jesus Freaks
A Million Miles in a Thousand Years: What I Learned While Editing My Life
Canary Island Song: A Novel
Under a Maui Moon
Cottage by the Sea: A Novel
The Shop on Blossom Street
A Good Yarn


Penny's favorite books »

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