This weekend I've been reminded in a couple of situations where I am not completely normal. Now, before you respond saying "yes, I was well aware of that!"... let me finish. Growing up, I was abnormal in the fact that I didn't participate in the activites that most of my peers did... I didn't go to the places they went, etc. Now as an adult, I have different abnormal characteristics that I have been reminded of, which has caused me to reflect and be very thankful!

"As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word that ye may grow thereby." 1 Peter 2:2

Picture, if you will, a newborn baby.  They look so innocent and lovable.  The only thing that really upsets them (other than if they are sick), is when they are hungry.  When their stomachs get empty they cry and fuss and scream; but feed them and they soon return to that joyful, playful, little bundle of life.  The child is designed for its mother's milk, and the mother's milk is designed for their child.  To those who have had children themselves this should be a familiar picture, one that hopefully brings back many fond memories.  It is one of the most basic principles of life.

There are times when it is a sacrifice to offer praise to God, quite frankly, because we don't really want to. There are times when we are down or depressed or things aren't going well for us. When we feel this way - we don't really feel like praising the Lord. Yet the Bible is filled with admonition after admonition to give glory and praise and thanks to God. Psalm 106:1 says, "Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever."

Have you ever found yourself questioning God or even your salvation for the lack of a sense of divine direction?  You know what I mean, have you ever thought "God, why don't You answer my prayers?  Why don't You show me what it is that You want for me? Is it because of my secret sin?  Is it because I don't read your Word or spend enough time with You?  Did the last mistake I made infinitely remove your purpose for my life?