​12 December 2017
Just the Right Time
Galatians 4:4-5
But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children.

God’s timing really is perfect. I know this because this passage says that “at just the right time” Jesus was born. That means that in all of time, past, present and future, the time that Jesus came was the perfect time for him to come. The conditions were just right for him to be born and raised, to teach without technology, to be persecuted and put to death, and to show himself to plenty of eye witnesses after the resurrection such that Christianity spread like wildfire for the next few centuries. Therefore, no matter how anxious we are for his return, when know that will not occur until “just the right time” too!

“Just the right time” really gets me thinking. “Just the right time” means that I have been placed. God did not arbitrarily throw the universe together or randomly toss people around like a salad. God decided that I would be born in Southern California to Tom and Emily Barton in late December of 1969. And nothing since has been an accident in my personal time line. He knows me. He has not misplaced me, but rather he has placed me right where he wants me, right where I was born and raised, right where I can teach my children about his Son, Jesus, right where I would be able to depend upon him for everything and help spread Christianity like wildfire before it’s just the right time for me to be with him forever in heaven!

Psalm 16:5-6
Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing.
    You guard all that is mine.
The land you have given me is a pleasant land.
    What a wonderful inheritance!

I can’t speak for the ones born into poverty, unloving families or places of persecution. All I know is that where God placed me is no accident or luck of the draw. All I know is that he has made this “just the right time” for me to know him and make him known. And this is true for everyone because God’s timing is perfect.

Ephesians 5:15-17
So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.
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Dear God,
I’m so thankful that you don’t expect me to be able to explain everything but just to trust the truth. And the truth is that you know what you’re doing for every person for all of time. Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus so that I can know you and be part of your family forever. I love you so much and pray in Jesus’ name, amen.

5 December 2017
Something to Think About
John 10:10
The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

These are Jesus’ own words recorded by John. He makes it very clear what his purpose for interaction with us is. He also makes it very clear that we have an active enemy who wants for us the exact opposite of what Jesus does.

When people ignorantly pose the question about how can a loving God allow evil to happen in the world, my husband’s response is always, “Well, why don’t people allow God to be in charge of their own world?”

Our society and culture, that doesn’t want God to be in charge, yet the demand he take charge, have allowed the thief to be in charge, so it should actually not be surprising that thievery, murder and destruction abound. But, if everyone were enjoying the rich, full life that believing in Jesus brings, there actually wouldn’t be evil in the world.

Think about it.

Dear God,
Thank you for Jesus. Thank you that he doesn’t come to shame us, make us pay, or make our lives small. He is all about freedom in every possible way a person can be free, and I am so grateful. Thank you for protecting me from the evil in the world that is the direct result of people not honoring you and not following your Son, Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.