Self-Esteem is Highly Overrated

In the past 2 weeks I have been randomly shown pictures by people at work of people that look like me. To their credit these people do look like me. The first one is a guy named Kevin that is in the top 24 of American Idol (why can't the American Idol I resemble be cool looking!) the other is a random picture of an associate pastor in Alabama. I was sent this picture with the title "wow, Rob really let himself go!" Both pictures are a reminder to me that not only is self-esteem highly over-rated, but also as 1 Cor. 15:40 says, "There are heavenly bodies and earthly bodies, but the glory of the heavenly is of one kind, and the glory of the earthly is of another."

I Must Get to Know this Family

I was just wasting time early this morning at work and linked over to this blog from Mark Lauterbach's blog when I was overcome by reality. I think day by day I am living in reality until I bump into real life--which always involves real pain. What struck me by this story is this picture taken just four days before their son died. I want this picture to change my life. I want to stare at this real life situation and let it serve me as a growing reminder of the reality of pain all around me in this fallen world. Moreover--Moreover--Moreover!!!! Let this picture remind me of the beauty of God's grace. Even here--even here God's gracious gospel is providing power (Rom. 1:16). Power to go on. Power to hope. Power to believe God's promises that he will cause all things to work together for our good and his glory (Rom. 8:28). Every moment his children walk through the valley of the shadow of death His invisible hand leads them to secret places of joy in the presence of the Suffering Savior (Phil. 3:10). God, don't ever let me get over this photo.