Facets

I decided to look up the word facet and the following three definitions describe my understanding of the word ‘facet.’ I want to share how these meanings speak to me.

Facet: –noun

  1. one of the small, polished plane surfaces of a cut gem.
  2. a surface cut on a fragment of rock by the action of water or windblown sand.
  3. Zoology. one of the corneal lenses of a compound arthropod eye.

We are all like gems, maybe somewhat unpolished and uncut but underneath our outer cover is a brilliant gem which is spectacular when manipulated in the right hands. Those hands for my life are God’s. I have been a bit polished through God’s Word and sometimes cut, by trials I’ve been through. I try to turn all of my trials into victory by knowing in the end they are used for God’s glory. I know there is more to me that needs refining. Fine gems have the ability to disperse light. I hope to disperse the light of the world – Jesus Christ. One of the finest gemstones, a high-quality diamond is able to disperse light into a rainbow of colors. What a phenomenon in which a light can pass through a prism and result in this fabulous symbol to a great promise of God.  I want to shine like a jewel that will draw others to the light that radiates through me. Hopefully people see the Christ in me and the promises of God manifested in my life.

The second definition of facets expresses they occur by the action of water. I think of  the Living Water. Refining comes by drinking the water the Living Water, being purified by Christ. I love water in the form of a waterfall, flowing, seemingly living water. I also love the ocean and I live less than an hour from the coast. The ocean is a ceaseless flow of water, constantly moving with waves splashing on the shore. The waves change the coastline and rocks along the shore. What an awesome force, able to move or reshape the geography of the earth!  Our bodies are comprised of mostly water, from fifty-five up to seventy-five percent. I love to drink water as well. Jesus gives us a water which quenches our thirst and the well he draws from never runs dry.

“But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” John 4:14

The last definition is a lens of an arthropod. Spiders and butterflies are arthropods which is interesting to me because these are my least and most favorite species, respectively. An arthropod’s lens or eyes are complex and are constantly adjusting, which enhances their ability to have remarkable vision. Have you ever tried to capture either of these creatures? Most spiders are quick to get away from their prey and will crawl rapidly away. Butterflies are equally elusive in temperate climates. We must use a net to capture a butterfly or catch them in a vulnerable state. This definition really stood out to me. When we are in a vulnerable state, we are tempted to look to the things of this world for comfort instead of God. If we are using our own vision to see things and people around us, we might be slow to respond and be captured by the things of this world. If we are looking through the eyes of God, which encompass everything and looks on the heart, we will stay on the path he desires for us and richly bless us.

Because of this decision we don’t evaluate people by what they have or how they look. We looked at the Messiah that way once and got it all wrong, as you know. We certainly don’t look at him that way anymore. Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons! Look at it! All this comes from the God who settled the relationship between us and him, and then called us to settle our relationships with each other. God put the world square with himself through the Messiah, giving the world a fresh start by offering forgiveness of sins. 2 Corinthians 5:16-19 (The Message)

“Because of this decision” – the decision to follow Christ with a sincere heart gives us a glorious outcome. A decision is a resolution reached. We resolve ourselves to follow God and resolve is having a firmness of purpose. A decision leads to a resolution of our lives, and that resolution is eternal life when we believe on Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. When we follow with our whole heart, we acquire purpose. I believe that purpose is to look at others through the eyes of God. When we have the eyesight of God and see with his vision, we will learn to evaluate circumstances and people differently than with our own limited mind. We will have more compassion on others and not be judgmental. We gain his vision by studying his Word, the Bible.

Prayer: Father, help me be a brilliant gem, shining for you. Thank you for the Living Water that I can drink from daily and be refreshed. Help me to have your vision and not my singular human vision but one where I see others through your eyes with compassion and your love. Thank you for the Holy Spirit in my life that is my advocate and speaks and guides me with the truth of your Word! Amen

TRUST

Jesus said, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust in me. John 14:1

What a wonderful exhortation that Jesus gave us. Trusting in God is such a key to our lives that we are admonished all through the Bible not to trust fellow-men, money, or the things of the world. Mankind will fail us, even those we admire because none of us are perfect and none of us have the power to save others.

Don’t put your trust in human leaders. Don’t trust in people. They can’t save you. Psalm 146:3 (NIRV)

This is what the Lord says: “Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans, who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the Lord.” Jeremiah 17:5

Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. I Timothy 6:17

We have even been admonished not to trust our own thoughts or knowledge.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones. Proverb 3:5-8

We are given so many promises when we put our trust in God. He gives us wisdom and directs us daily if we seek His will. He gives healing and peace beyond measure. He will give us strength for everything we face in life, when we Trust Him.

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock. Isaiah 26:3-4

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

When we trust in God through his son Jesus Christ we know His deep love. Our trust should only be in God who will embolden us through the Holy Spirit. If we trust God fully each day, we will learn to love with his love and walk in peace and He will supply all of our needs (not wants unless they align with His will for our lives).

 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. Ephesians 3:16-18

Prayer: Father help me to put all of my Trust in you wherever I go and in whatever I do. I know that when my Trust is in you, I am not troubled by the cares of this world. I give you my whole heart and I know you give me your love so that I may show your love to others. I have peace, understanding, wisdom, strength and health. Thank you. Amen.

Clothing

At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves. Genesis 3:7

And the Lord God made clothing from animal skins for Adam and his wife. Genesis 3:21

It struck me when I read this that the first sacrifice in the Bible was made by God. He killed an animal so he could clothe mankind with better clothes than they knew how to make. Animal skins would be far better than fig leaves. Later, God made the ultimate sacrifice through his son, Jesus Christ. Jesus came to earth and became humanity, he was clothed in it. He took on flesh so that we could be redeemed from our sinful nature into an eternal life.

Not only did God provide a sacrifice for man in his disobedience, he offered a better set of clothes. I was thinking how much better God takes care of things than we do. I want to wear the clothes that God made and walk in the fullness of God. I want to wear Jesus everywhere I go and have his vision. I want to listen to what my Heavenly Father has for me and allow Him to take care of me.

I pray these verses for myself:

“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.” Colossians 3:12-15