Max Risk

The truth is, God loved the world so much that He gave up His divine privileges, was born into human skin, and died a criminal’s death, so that the people He loves could have eternal life. People like you.

Each day is an opportunity for us, as God’s people, to showcase God’s glory through our actions and words. And just as artwork captivates distant onlookers, our lives should draw others in to witness and experience God and His story of redemption. Ephesians 2:10 says, “We are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works.”

In 1 Chronicles 16:24, the writer calls God’s people to display God’s greatness among all nations, showcasing His marvelous deeds for others to witness and come to know this divine artist, God, the Creator of the universe.

For an artist, there's a true honor and joy in showcasing their work. Others are able to witness the creativity and craftsmanship of the artist while being captivated by the story behind their artwork.

Nothing is impossible for God.

Everything about Jesus seemed impossible, but God is able to do beyond what we could imagine. So remember the God you serve, and be encouraged: God is surprised by nothing. He already knows the end from the beginning. His purposes can’t be derailed. His character will never change. Nothing is impossible for Him.

Jesus’ resurrection: He would be raised to life again (Psalm 16:10-11) and establish a never-ending covenant with God’s people (Jeremiah 31:31-34). Because He’d be willing to bear the sins of many and intercede for rebels (Isaiah 53:12), many would be counted as righteous (Isaiah 53:11) and He’d be a light to all nations (Isaiah 11:10).

Jesus’ death: Though innocent (Isaiah 53:9), he’d be betrayed by a close friend (Psalm 41:9) for thirty pieces of silver (Zechariah 11:12). He’d be despised and rejected (Isaiah 53:3), beaten and spit on (Isaiah 50:6), pierced in both the hands and feet (Psalm 22:16), and ultimately killed (Daniel 9:26).

Jesus’ life: This God-man would come from the lineage of David (Isaiah 9:7), and be born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14) in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). He’d make the blind see, the deaf hear, the lame walk, and the mute sing (Isaiah 35:5-6). He’d proclaim good news to the poor, comfort the brokenhearted, and set the captive free (Isaiah 61:1).

As the angel Gabriel explained to Mary: “For nothing will be impossible with God.” Luke 1:37 ESV Not only did God plan these events long ago, He also declared them ahead of time through Old Testament prophets and writers.

Growing up in a Jewish family, Mary would have known about the prophesied Messiah; the long-awaited Savior of the world. But she probably never imagined that those age-old predictions would be fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of her son, who was somehow fully God, yet also fully man.

It’s not too late to build on solid Rock as opposed to shifting sand. So you may weather the storms whether watching from afar or when they show up at your door. Make Jesus your solid rock today.

those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

It might feel unlikely that God will show up in your impossible situation: your diagnosis, your infertility, your broken relationship, your disobedient kid, your inconsistent character, your anxiety, your financial struggles, your grief. Thankfully, God is not limited or bound by the natural world.

Today, and every day, think about what you think about. Search for a rhythm of gratefulness and worship. Thank God for opportunities to shine light into a dark world. And look for what is good, pure, and true wherever you go.

Following Paul’s advice isn’t about practicing positive thinking. It’s about fixing our thoughts on God in order to cultivate the mind of Christ in our everyday lives.

Focusing on what is good might look like reflecting on Jesus’ sacrifice for you. It could mean remembering a time when you felt God protect, provide, or prepare you. Or it could look like thanking God for the promises He’s kept, and the love He’s shown you.