A God Like No Other

Original photo by Author

Our God humbled Himself, becoming a helpless baby dependent on His creation for the very basics of survival. Even more, He chose not to be born into wealth in a royal household, nor even to a well-to-do nobleman but to a humble carpenter.

As written in Samuel 16:7: “…The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

As Jesus grew, He had no reason to brag or flaunt who He was. He knew his worth, knew his capabilities, but chose not to lord it over us. “…I am meek and humble of heart.” Matthew 11:29.

According to Merriam-Webster, the meaning of humility is freedom from pride or arrogance: the quality or state of being humble. 

Humility accepts our strength and our weaknesses. “I can do that.” Versus, “I can do that better than you.”

Jesus taught, instructed, and became our Servant.

"But Jesus summoned them and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave.” Matthew 20:25-27.

A big turnaround from the false gods so many ancient civilizations worshipped. They were capricious, spiteful, and often violent, demanding sacrifices, even the worshippers’ own children. While our God not only became our servant, He also offered Himself as our sacrifice.  

Let me repeat that.

The Great I Am, the Creator of All Things, sacrificed Himself for us rather than the other way around.

It’s hard to grasp.

Then, as I wrote these words, a brilliant golden sunrise illuminated my room. 

Dear Lord, you are a God unlike any other. Then, there are no other gods but You. Thank you for Your sacrifice. May I never forget and live my life as You have instructed us. Amen. 

Come and See

And God said to me, “Come, and you will see.” John 1:39

Come and see how to forgive when forgiveness seems impossible.
Come and see how to trust when there appears to be no hope.
Come and see how to believe regardless of the scorn from unbelievers.
Come and see how the hard things in life are made softer through faith.
Come and see how beautiful I have made this world and all My creation.
Come and see how often I will carry you, hold you, and kiss your tears.
Come and see, My beloved child, how much I love you.

Happy Valentine's Day, Sweetheart

For the first few years of marriage, my husband and I followed all the usual traditions, but as we aged, we found other ways of saying, “I love you.” 

When he repeats the same story, I listen as if hearing it for the first time. I make the bed, cook his favorite foods, and clean the kitchen without complaining. When he leaves his used napkin beside his chair, I pick it up without announcing it. 

We both take turns getting up with the puppy and letting the other one sleep. One of us offers to do the chore we both hate — with a smile. We don’t say cruel things when we’re angry and think the best when it looks the worst. 

The list goes on, encompassing a lifetime of little things that all add up to one big, “I love you.”

As the marriage vows state, we love and cherish each other through lost jobs, health challenges, forgetfulness, and sometimes feeling taken for granted. 

Words are important too. I tell my husband I love him, admire him, respect him, and appreciate all the things he does for our welfare. I say it often, not just now and then. He tells me the same. We are a partnership, built on mutual respect and admiration for the other’s abilities and contributions. 

Today we won’t go out to dinner. We’d rather eat at home, away from the crowds. We

won’t exchange cards. Instead, we will restate our love in the kitchen over coffee. We will spend the day doing our usual things, peppered with touches, kisses, and long conversations. For us, Valentine’s is every day.