"Praise and thanksgiving bring me back into the presence of God, where there is fullness of joy and pleasures evermore."
J.K. Dean
What more could I say?!
Monday, July 11, 2011
Sunday, June 26, 2011
A Hopeful Trustful Heart
I've just finished reading "North and South," my online bookclub's latest read, and I have been contemplating this statement, made toward the end of the book:
"I must not think so much of how circumstances affect me myself, but how they affect others, if I wish to have a right judgment, or a hopeful trustful heart."
I know it's just another way of saying what Jesus already said, but sometimes someone says something familiar in a new way which turns a lightbulb on in my head!
I'm still contemplating the connection between unselfish thinking and a hopeful, trusting heart.
Hmmm. . . .
maybe, by focusing on others, I'm trusting God to take care of my circumstances instead of worrying about them!
Maybe, by encouraging others who are discouraged and offering hope, I myself, grow in hopefulness.
Hmmm. . .
"I must not think so much of how circumstances affect me myself, but how they affect others, if I wish to have a right judgment, or a hopeful trustful heart."
I know it's just another way of saying what Jesus already said, but sometimes someone says something familiar in a new way which turns a lightbulb on in my head!
I'm still contemplating the connection between unselfish thinking and a hopeful, trusting heart.
Hmmm. . . .
maybe, by focusing on others, I'm trusting God to take care of my circumstances instead of worrying about them!
Maybe, by encouraging others who are discouraged and offering hope, I myself, grow in hopefulness.
Hmmm. . .
Monday, June 6, 2011
Surrender Or Go Home
Jesus' discussion with the rich young ruler always made me a little. . . uncomfortable. Of course we know that we can't "love" riches and get to heaven. I was pretty sure, though, Jesus was saying more than that. Last week I heard a sermon based on this passage (Matt. 19) which was enlightening (thanks again, Olin!) and also related to trust, so I wanted to share my "discovery" here!
Their conversation immediately follows Jesus' statement: "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven."
The rich ruler had a lot to offer. He had power, wealth, influence. He was ready to do some great work of benevolence or service. Maybe he thought Jesus would ask him to fast or build or feed the poor- some great work which HE was capable of doing. But the Lord told him he had to realize that Jesus was the source of what he wanted- it was not within his own power. Jesus wanted him to become like the little children he had just blessed: insignificant and totally dependant.
What held him back was the way he looked at what was "his." He grasped tightly his security, for fear of. . . probably the same things we all fear. He had a trust issue. He needed NO FEAR!
Their conversation immediately follows Jesus' statement: "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven."
The rich ruler had a lot to offer. He had power, wealth, influence. He was ready to do some great work of benevolence or service. Maybe he thought Jesus would ask him to fast or build or feed the poor- some great work which HE was capable of doing. But the Lord told him he had to realize that Jesus was the source of what he wanted- it was not within his own power. Jesus wanted him to become like the little children he had just blessed: insignificant and totally dependant.
What held him back was the way he looked at what was "his." He grasped tightly his security, for fear of. . . probably the same things we all fear. He had a trust issue. He needed NO FEAR!
Jesus said, in essence, surrender or go home.
Fear asks, will I be alright? Jesus answers, More than alright.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
"Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him." ~Psalm 37:7
Rest in the Lord today.
Today my family is fed, dry, warm, safe.
Today we are healthy, we have jobs.
Today my children are faithful to their Lord,
and they want a relationship with me.
Today we have a house.
Today is a good day.
Today, I will rest in the Lord.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Jesus Take the Wheel
Speaking of letting go and letting God control our lives. . .
The country song Jesus Take the Wheel has it exactly right, I think.
But, it's scary to think of letting go of the steering wheel of my car while I'm driving down the freeway!!
He IS a better driver though. And HE knows where I'm supposed to go. AND he knows what obstacles are ahead which I cannot see. He keeps the gas tank full, air in the tires and oil in the . . .oil thing . . .
Ok. Jesus, take the wheel. I'm ready.
The country song Jesus Take the Wheel has it exactly right, I think.
But, it's scary to think of letting go of the steering wheel of my car while I'm driving down the freeway!!
Yikes!
He IS a better driver though. And HE knows where I'm supposed to go. AND he knows what obstacles are ahead which I cannot see. He keeps the gas tank full, air in the tires and oil in the . . .oil thing . . .
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Our Heavenly Father . . .
The other day a regular customer of mine said, "My church went through a spell, well, I guess ALL churches probably did, of not saying 'our heavenly FATHER.'"
The question that has been rolling around in my mind since is: How could anyone have a relationship with their father without being able to address Him as such!?
Saying or hearing the words dear heavenly Father is such a comfort to me! I know I am connecting with the one who knows, loves and cares for me. He has clearly revealed HIMSELF as Father.
Posting this on Mother's Day is partly coincidence, partly by design.
I'm thankful for my mother and for being a mother and for all of the mother's who have helped make this a better world simply by doing what God designed them to do. It is a part of our heavenly Father's beautiful plan. But blaspheming against God by being "gender neutral" does not glorify mothers!
She paused. I didn't get it.
She explained, "You know, heavenly FATHER," thinking that the added emphasis on father would help. It didn't.
She then explained that this was to be politically correct in not offending women.Oh.
I had heard of this, but never actually talked to someone who practiced it. (And, no, my church didn't go throught that . . . . . . . spell.)
The question that has been rolling around in my mind since is: How could anyone have a relationship with their father without being able to address Him as such!?
Saying or hearing the words dear heavenly Father is such a comfort to me! I know I am connecting with the one who knows, loves and cares for me. He has clearly revealed HIMSELF as Father.
What makes anyone think they have the power to NEUTER GOD?!
Posting this on Mother's Day is partly coincidence, partly by design.
I'm thankful for my mother and for being a mother and for all of the mother's who have helped make this a better world simply by doing what God designed them to do. It is a part of our heavenly Father's beautiful plan. But blaspheming against God by being "gender neutral" does not glorify mothers!
The God of heaven and earth is our heavenly Father.
And I am so thankful.
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