A Voice in the Wilderness

 Anyone who's actually tried it knows repentance isn't easy. The Bible uses this term to speak of changing, shifting the way that you see and do things. A fundamental change. This takes concerted effort on our part, but fortunately, we're not alone! God Himself is our "Very present help in time of trouble." And then, as we change, He brings time of refreshing and restoration. If you enjoyed that, check out my website, vwilderness.substack.com  And then, tell your friends!

 Not as the world gives. Christ had already spent decades healing, teaching, and working other miracles. He was about to leave and come back, but while we read "soon," He meant "suddenly." But Jesus also knew, times might get hard.Which is why He gave the Spirit as a comforter, and those who trust in the Lord recieve peace beyond understanding. Which means we really can "Let not your hearts be troubled." If you enjoyed that, check out my website, vwilderness.Substack.com  And then, tell your friends!

 Being the bit in between the Nativity and His baptism, this passage seemed appropriate. It helps us to appreciate that Christ is fully God and fully man, tempted as we are, yet without sin. Which is what made Him the perfect sacrifce, and also the perfect comforter. Becase, whatever you're going through, He gets it. And whatever you've done, He'll forgive it. Thanks be to God. If you enoyed that, check out my website, vwiderness.substack.com  And then, tell your friends!

 This passage actually speaks of John the Baptist. But it's included both to confirm the prophecy about Elijah, as well as to show how Christ Jesus' birth was surrounded by miracles and wonders. Which is why I share it now. Take a moment to think about just how awesome the Gospel really is. And then, let it register that the story includes you! If you enjoyed that, check out my Substack, vwilderness.substack.com  And then, tell your friends!

 Our God is truly above all else, and gorified forever. But here's the thing. David was writing long before Christ, and before the present covenant. Jesus was sent to atone for our sins, but also to walk among us. As He said, those who have seen me have seen the Father. God doesn't change, but has always been found by any seeking. Still, in Christ Jesus, the search is much easier. Which brings us that much closer, and brings him that much more glory, and honor, and power, forever. And if you enjoyed that, check out my Substack, vwilderness.substack.com  And then, tell your friends!

 This whole chapter speaks of the arrival of Jesus, roughly 700 years before His birth. The prophet Isaiah talks about joy and blessing all through it, of reunion and comfort, and He wraps things up with a promise of strength and redemption. The thing is, while Isaiah was writing long before it happened, the true meaing of  Christmas is God doing all this for us! If you enjoyed that, check out my Substack, vwilderness.substack.com  And then tell your friends!

 We would all be better off if we remembered this more often. As the creed says, "He made all things for us men, and our salvation." Under grace, we're allowed to do whatever we want! Just be careful, because not everything is good for us. Like, juggling chainsaws, or playing in traffic. Some things are simply bad ideas. Fortunatey, The Holy Spirit is our perfect helper and guide. If we stick with Him, everything will be fine. If you enjoyed that, check out my Substack, vwilderness.substack.com  And then, tell your friends!