I will share about Christian books I have read or listened to.
I will be sharing about my life before and after Christ. I will include stories about my pet and other pets I have encountered.
A Way in the Wilderness
Have you noticed that sometimes life feels like a desert? In moments of pain and anxiety, it may seem like there’s no way out. All we see is an endless wasteland.
The people of Israel faced their worst “desert” when Babylon destroyed Jerusalem and took its inhabitants captive. Far from home, they lived for decades under oppression. In moments of anguish and despair, they remembered the prophet’s words: “A voice of one calling: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God” (NIV).
In the ancient Near East, a king’s subjects would “prepare a way” by going ahead of him when he returned to his city. His return implied abundance and protection. The author uses this image to announce a way out of the desert; make a path for the King of Kings, trusting that he will arrive to lead everyone home.
The prophet’s confidence finds a basis in God’s history. God freed Israel from brutal slavery—with provision and love, he guided them through the desert. Like a father, God protected the people as they crossed the wilderness toward the promised land.
The New Testament repeats the prophet’s words to announce the coming of the Messiah, the true King of Israel. Just as God freed his people from Egypt and restored them after Babylon’s violence, now he comes to lead all humanity back home, with the promise of transforming every desert into a new creation—a new Heaven and Earth!
We can trust that he accompanies us in our deserts; we are not alone and never have been. Though the path is difficult, the King of Kings is with us, and when we no longer have strength, he carries us. With him, there will always be a way back home.
Jesus is Exactly Who We Need
Have you ever put your hope in someone, only for them to let you down? We live in a broken world, and even the best people will fall short and cause pain. But Isaiah knew that someone was coming who would be different. He’d be reliable, consistent, and exactly what we need.
In Isaiah 9:6, Isaiah is pointing to a king with four titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. But what do those names mean?
A wonderful counselor is someone who's wise, intelligent, and compassionate. They’re the kind of leader who provides support, advice, and direction in life.
Someone with “mighty” in their title is strong, resilient, and willing to stand up for what’s right.
This king will be an everlasting father—someone who views His people as His children rather than His servants.
And a prince of peace describes someone devoted to building bridges between diverse groups and ensuring that everyone has what they need for a whole and ...
