Seeing Clearly

Psalm chapter 119 verses 17-19. "Bless me with life so that I can continue to obey You. Open my eyes to see wonderful things in Your word. I am but a pilgrim here on earth: how I need a map---and Your commands are my chart and guide." 

2 Corinthians chapter 3 talks about how we have a veil over our eyes that prevents us from seeing clearly. Moses wore a veil to spare the people around him from being blinded by the glory of God that shone from his face. God did not want only one person to have His glory, He wants all people to share in His glory for we are His children. So He sent Jesus and when Jesus was put to death the veil that stood between man and God was torn and now we too can share in the glory of God because of what Jesus did. 

I was at a men's retreat this past weekend which was located on a beautiful lake. There were over 100 men there and some traveled great distances to come and share in worship and praise of God. It was very humbling and fulfilling and I am always reminded about my place with God and how I love living with God. Strangers came together to share a moment of their lives with each other. There were about 20 youths there who's ages ranged from 15 to 20 years old. They looked so innocent and in need of love as they try to stand tall knowing they have a life ahead of them to deal with. There was lots of support, people showed interest in what others do and where they are headed. 

I think of the guidance counselor in high school saying "so what do you want to do with your life?" I was in  grade 10 and did not have a thought at all as to where I was headed. I knew I was going to need training and guidance and I had a fear for the unknown that was ahead of me. I had no choice I had to move forward for age and life were not going to stop for me and as I took each day, I found out that people cared, I was not alone in my journey. I did move forward, gaining confidence and learning from mistakes how to succeed even to the point where I was able to help others move forward in their lives. It was later in life when God showed me that He had been with me all along supporting me through each day. He had guided me with love through the valleys and the sad times. There is a lot of things ahead of me yet, but now I am thankful to hold close to God and to keep looking to Him for the guidance I need. 

I saw that same confidence and trust in God, in the men that were there this past weekend. Their love for God showed in their praise and thanksgiving and their hunger to know more. We each have our own lives and our own stories and love to share how God has touched us. Thank-you Father for Jesus and for lifting the veil so that we can come directly to you with our lives. Thank-you for Your Holy Spirit who helps us see clearly, You with us. 

1 Corinthians chapter 2 verse 9-11. "That is what is meant by the scriptures which say that no mere man has ever seen, heard or even imagined what wonderful things God has ready for those who love the Lord. But we know about these things because God has sent His Spirit to tell us. and His Spirit searches out and shows us all of God's deepest secrets. No one can really know what anyone else is thinking, or what he is really like except that person himself."

2 Corinthians chapter 3 verse 16-17. "But whenever anyone turns to the Lord from his sins, then the veil is taken away. The Lord is the Spirit who gives them life, and where He is there is freedom."

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