Nathanael had strong feelings about the people of Nazareth. The Jews did not care for the Nazarene people. They were very independent and many viewed them as being immoral. Whatever the reason, many felt nothing good could come from that city. When Philip told Nathanael to come and see for himself, he became a disciple of the man from Nazareth, the great I Am. His view of the world changed that day.
I view myself many days like Nathanael viewed Nazareth. I ask myself that same question. Can any good come from there? The city of me, myself, and I. I pray every morning that God will help me represent Him in a way that would bring honor to Him. Yet every day I fall short. It sometimes scares me -- the thoughts and feelings I can find playing inside me. I sometimes resemble a ghost town that is devoid of all light. Every good thing has left town and taken my light with it.
Then I fall back on God’s word and remember we all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory. God knows my heart and my desire to do better each day. My salvation does not depend on my goodness. Jesus did not die for perfect people. He died for all of us that are flawed, and that is all of us! John 5:24 Jesus tells us, "Very truly I tell you whoever hears my word and believes Him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life." Jesus was something good that came out of Nazareth. Jesus is also the good that comes from me. So even when I see a ghost town He sees a town being rebuilt slowly but surely. He is telling me every day, "Come and see what I can do!"
– Michele
I want to thank you Lord
For being close to me so far this day.
With your help I haven’t been impatient, lost my temper,
Been grumpy, judgmental, or envious of anyone.
BUT
I will be getting out of bed in a minute, and I think
I will really need your help then!
Amen
… From Creating Moments of Joy
by Jolene Brackey
