Category: Contrast

Contrast

4/25/2022

Scripture: Jeremiah 17:5-8 NASB95
Thus says the LORD, “Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind And makes flesh his strength, And whose heart turns away from the LORD. [6] “For he will be like a bush in the desert And will not see when prosperity comes, But will live in stony wastes in the wilderness, A land of salt without inhabitant. [7] “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD And whose trust is the LORD. [8] “For he will be like a tree planted by the water, That extends its roots by a stream And will not fear when the heat comes; But its leaves will be green, And it will not be anxious in a year of drought Nor cease to yield fruit.

Devotional Thought: In the world of visual arts, particularly with photography, contrast makes all the difference in how a picture looks and is perceived. Turn the contrast down and the picture fades and loses color. Turn the contrast up and the colors of the picture get separation and pop out.
It could be argued that the most visual difference between amateur and professional photographers is the understanding of how to use contrast.

Throughout scripture, we have a vivid picture of contrast, which is the measurable difference between the life of a Believer and the sojourner who has no faith. The Believer and non-believer are both living life, breathing the same air, facing the same daily challenges, living with virtually the same opportunities. With all that the Believer and Non-believer have in common (which is much), the contrast between their lives is marked with profound and measurable differences.

The greatest contrast between a Believer and a non-believer starts with faith. The person who trusts in the Lord is literally “blessed” by God. The person who is living without the benefit of God’s blessings is facing the challenges of life in their own personal strength. We will all face trials during our journey in this life; but the person who trusts in God can face it with peace knowing that they are like a tree planted by the waters.

Questions to Consider:

What are some of the blessings of God that you have personally experienced?
How has your faith in God enriched your journey through life, so far?
What are some of the parallels between Jeremiah’s contrast between the lives of people with and without faith, and Jesus’ parable of the wise man and foolish man who choose different foundations upon which to build their houses?

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Contrast

8/9/2021

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Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 17:5-8 Thus says the LORD: "Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart departs from the LORD. For he shall be like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see when good comes, but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, In a salt land which is not inhabited. Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose hope is the LORD. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its roots by the river, And will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit.

Questions to Consider:

At a fundamental level, do you personally trust in God? (What does that look like for you?)
In your lifetime, how has God revealed His goodness to you? (Do you count your blessings?)
Jesus told His followers to be of good cheer in the face of tribulation. How can we be of good cheer (and courageous) in a time of difficult challenges?

Devotional Thought: In the world of visual arts, particularly with photography and video, contrast makes all the difference in how a picture looks and is perceived. Turn the contrast down and the picture fades and loses color. Turn the contrast up and the colors of the picture get separation and pop out. It could be argued that the most visual difference between amateur and professional photographers is the understanding of how to use contrast. (Of course, there is more to it than that—but, contrast is a great place to start)
Throughout scripture, we have a vivid picture of contrast. The measurable difference between the life of a Believer and the sojourner who has no faith. The Believer and non-believer are both living life, breathing the same air, facing the same daily challenges, living with virtually the same opportunities. With all that the Believer and non-believer have in common (which is much), the contrast between their lives is marked with profound and measurable differences.
According to a prophet by the name of Jeremiah, the contrast between Believers and non-believers comes down to this: The Believer puts their trust in God. Period. What does that mean? If you have put your trust in the Lord; whatever comes your way you will have stories to tell your children and grandchildren. Stories of God’s goodness, provision, blessing and faithfulness. Don’t lose heart, life may turn up the heat, but remember, you are like a tree planted by the waters…

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