Z is for Zealous

st Writes is participating in the 2013 April A to Z Blogging Challenge.

This year our theme is "Attributes of God from A to Z".

Join us each day as we explore

the characteristics of our awesome God!

Photo by WinterSixFour on Morguefile.com

"The zeal of the Lord...will do this.'" (2 Kings 19:31)

King Hezekiah had received a letter full of bad news, threats vowing to destroy Judah, his kingdom. Hezekiah wasted no time; he "spread [the letter] out before the Lord."

As a result, God, the Divine Protector comes on the scene dressed as a warrior, clad in zeal, armed with holy fervor—and brings destruction to Judah's enemies. A holy accomplishment done, [God said] "Because you (Hezekiah)...prayed..."

In 2 Samuel 26, David describes God's zealous response to his cries. When his pleas "entered [God's] ears", God came riding the winds, the earth shook, the heavens thundered—the results of one man's prayer!

Maybe you have received some not-so-good-news, or threats. Do as Hezekiah did; spread your concerns out before God and pray. Then listen for the thunder.

©2013 Virginia Jelinek

Y is for Yoke

1st Writes is participating in the 2013 April A to Z Blogging Challenge.

This year our theme is "Attributes of God from A to Z".

Join us each day as we explore

the characteristics of our awesome God!

Photo by J Durham at MorgueFile.com

"Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me... (Matthew 11:29)

Imagine yourself wearing an oxen's yoke. Better yet, picture yourself as the ox wearing that yoke. Your neck is locked into a U-shaped  piece of iron. A crossbow extends from it across to a second U-shape, made for another neck—but it's empty. Before your eyes lies your work—to plow the farmer's acres. If you're an oxen with reasoning powers, you'd protest, "I can't do this job alone!"

I've said that many times. I "imagine" that God has yoked me into a job/mission that encompasses more than I can possibly handle—and left me to do the work by myself!

Nothing is farther from the truth. God's Word assures me that I am co-yoked with Christ. He works right alongside me, making any impossible task—possible!

©2013 Virginia Jelinek

X is for Xenial

First Writes is participating in the 2013 April A to Z Blogging Challenge.

This year our theme is "Attributes of God from A to Z".

Join us each day as we explore

the characteristics of our awesome God!

“So now we can rejoice in our

wonderful new relationship with God –

all because of what our Lord Jesus Christ

has done for us in making us

friends of God.”

Romans 5:11

Xenial means friendly and hospitable. In friendship and hospitality, God reached out to us, even calling us “friends”. Surveys show we desire the following ten traits in a friend. Scriptures confirm that God embodies each one:

Trustworthy: ”Whatever God promises, he does;” Numbers 23:19

Honest: “God does not lie;” 1 Samuel 15:29

Attentive: “I cry aloud to God and he hears me.” Psalm 77:1

Caring: “God cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

Faithful: “God is faithful and true.” Deuteronomy 32:4

Giving: “God gives generously and graciously.” James 1:5

Forgiving: “God will forgive us.” 1 John 1:9

Encouraging: “God, who encourages, encouraged us.” 2 Corinthians 7:6

Patient: “God is kind and merciful; he is patient and keeps his promise;” Joel 2:13

Accepting: “God has accepted you.” Romans 15:7

What more xenial friend could we find?

©2013 Pamela D. Williams