Mosaic (Sept 26)

The flowers are slowly fading.

Vases and planters still decorate our home — comforting reminders of the gifts, prayers, and love poured out by our people during this long, heavy walk of sorrow. But now the greens are wilting, the petals drooping, looking almost as weary as we’ve felt. It’s nearly time to throw them away, though I’m not quite ready yet.

"The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever" (Is. 40:8).

These words of Isaiah are written to comfort his people in exile. One day soon their suffering will end, he will bring them home. Their sin and disobedience led to discipline and displacement, but his grace and faithfulness bring hope, comfort and restoration. The effects of sin are temporary; God's promises are eternal.

A hope not only for ancient Israel, but for us today.

Everywhere we look, we see the marks of sin: pain, violence, brokenness, sorrow, toil. The beautiful world God created is marred and groaning. And yet, God makes a way.

This is why we need the gospel every single day. When we see all that is not as it should be, we remember that God’s answer is Christ — the perfect sacrifice, the love that came down, the Lion of Judah who redeems and restores.

The flowers may fade, but God’s Word never will. His mercies never fail; they are new every morning. We need not fear, because Christ has overcome the world.

"So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal" (2 Cor. 4:16-18).

Particularly in grief, the burden feels unbearably heavy. The sorrow is real and present. And yet, because of the gospel, we have peace. We have hope. We can even find joy. Through Christ, we look beyond what is fading and broken and see through the fog of sorrow with the clear lens of eternity.

Praise be to God, whose promises never fail and whose glory will outshine every tear.

In Articles

How Much Time Should We Spend Reading the Bible? | Tim Challies

Tim challenges us to move beyond simply comparing how much time we spend reading the Bible to other types of reading. Instead, he asks more probing questions, one is: “Am I investing enough in my relationship with God for my life to reflect that He is my highest priority?” and how we answer that question will vary.

Hold the Rope for Her | Keri Folmar (Desiring God)

This article really hits home for me. We were recipients of many blessings, practical and spiritual during our furloughs. Keri does a great job expressing the pain points for women in missions as well as practical tips for how we, the church, can care well for those we send. This is so so important.

Help! I Still Sin! Now What?! | Cassie Pattillo

Does the title resonate with y'all? I don't think we like it, or like to admit it, but we can't live in denial. Here Cassie reflects on God's grace in revealing our sin and how the gospel teaches us how to live.

Will Heaven Feel So Different? | Brianna Lambert

Okay, confession, I didn't know there was a whole series of Anne of Green Gables, I'd only ever read the first one—and watched the movie, of course. However, I also discovered my daughter has read them all, so after Brianna shared this article, I've added them to my to-read list! But, back to the point of this article. Brianna uses Anne and her friend Ruby's converstation to explore perspectives about the nature of heaven, how we can chase joy in this world as a result of God's goodness in providing these for us.

Trapped in My Own Mind: Three Lies Depression Whispers | Sarah Walton

I'd dare to say we've all experienced a season of depression throughout our lives. Whether you're in it now, or have a friend wrestling, be encouraged and challenged by these truths!!