I'm thinking of the number 31 today. Proverbs 31 hails the ideal married woman (who had servants to help her, I might add). Judges 5:31 says, "Those who love Him are like the sun when it shines in its strength." May 31 is the anniversary of a certain couple.
"What marriage offers - and what fidelity is meant to protect - is the possibility of moments when what we have chosen and what we desire are the same. Such a convergence obviously cannot be continuous. No relationship can continue very long at its highest pitch. But fidelity prepares us for the return of these moments, which give us the highest joy we can know; that of union, communion, atonement (in the root sense of at-one-ment)... " Wendell Berry,
The Art of the Commonplace: The Agrarian Essay
TV~
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. [I Peter 4:8]
Friday, May 31, 2013
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Persist
Christ becomes more real to the one who persists in the cultivation of his presence. (Streams in the Desert)
TV~
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. [James 4:8]
TV~
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. [James 4:8]
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Ever-present Presence
When we walk with God, we can be confident of his continued presence with us. Psalm 139 assures us of this:
Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence?
If I ascend to heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there.
If I take the wings of the dawn,
If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea,
Even there Your hand will lead me,
And Your right hand will lay hold of me.
Yet there were two people who lived apart from the presence of God.
"And Cain went out from the presence of the LORD..." (Gen. 4:16)
For Cain, it was a direct personal choice after God placed consequences upon him for murdering his brother.
"But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul..." (I Samuel 16:14) For Saul, it was a direct choice of God, after Saul repeatedly ignored the instructions given him.
Either way, the life of each man seemed desperate and desolate as they continued from day to day in a spiritual void.
TV~
...In thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
[Psalm 16:11]
Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence?
If I ascend to heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there.
If I take the wings of the dawn,
If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea,
Even there Your hand will lead me,
And Your right hand will lay hold of me.
Yet there were two people who lived apart from the presence of God.
"And Cain went out from the presence of the LORD..." (Gen. 4:16)
For Cain, it was a direct personal choice after God placed consequences upon him for murdering his brother.
"But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul..." (I Samuel 16:14) For Saul, it was a direct choice of God, after Saul repeatedly ignored the instructions given him.
Either way, the life of each man seemed desperate and desolate as they continued from day to day in a spiritual void.
TV~
...In thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
[Psalm 16:11]
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Fatima's Feet
Flip-flops have become a daily standard of footwear, along with having pretty feet to slide into those flip flops. Nail salons on every corner provide affordable pedicures thus making them a regular standard among the mainstream population. The scriptures talk about beautiful feet. "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him... that
publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!" (Is. 52:7)
I was told recently of a Christian woman named Fatima who, upon meeting new people, will ask them directly if they believe in Jesus. The scriptures say that people like Fatima have beautiful feet. And it has nothing to do with the date of her last pedicure.
TV~
...he that winneth souls is wise. [Proverbs 11:30]
I was told recently of a Christian woman named Fatima who, upon meeting new people, will ask them directly if they believe in Jesus. The scriptures say that people like Fatima have beautiful feet. And it has nothing to do with the date of her last pedicure.
TV~
...he that winneth souls is wise. [Proverbs 11:30]
Monday, May 27, 2013
Dierdre
Yesterday, we spoke of St. Patrick's prayer, known as the Lorica (St. Patrick's Breastplate). St. Patrick lived in the 5th century and although the words of his prayer were recited for centuries, it appears that it did not become a hymn until around the late 1800's . There is a bridge, an interlude before the last stanza of the hymn, sung to a tune called Dierdre. The words are precious....
Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me.
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.
TV~
For to me to live is Christ... [Philippians 1:21]
Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me.
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.
TV~
For to me to live is Christ... [Philippians 1:21]
Sunday, May 26, 2013
St. Patrick's Breastplate
St. Patrick's day is two months past, yet I found myself singing his words this morning....
Poor St. Patrick. His legacy has been reduced to a March holiday filled with rowdy celebrations attended by those intent upon drinking green beer. Nobody seems to realize that this apostle to the Irish was actually from Wales, nor that he used the clover leaf to help explain the mystery of the Trinity. Only recently have I found this most beautiful prayer penned by St. Patrick, showing the true spirit of the man, entitled I Bind Unto Myself Today. Here is the fourth stanza:
I bind unto myself today
The power of God to hold and lead,
His eye to watch, his might to stay,
His ear to hearken to my need,
The wisdom of my god to teach,
His hand to guide, his shield to ward,
The Word of God to give me speech,
His heavenly host to be my guard.
This prayer is called "St. Patrick's Breastplate" because of those parts of it that seek God's protection. It is also known as "The Deer's Cry" or "The Lorica." It is said that Celtic monks chose to memorize and pray this prayer in the morning, upon awakening. (www.prayerfoundation.org)
TV~
"...and having on the breastplate of righteousness..." [Ephesians 6:14b]
Poor St. Patrick. His legacy has been reduced to a March holiday filled with rowdy celebrations attended by those intent upon drinking green beer. Nobody seems to realize that this apostle to the Irish was actually from Wales, nor that he used the clover leaf to help explain the mystery of the Trinity. Only recently have I found this most beautiful prayer penned by St. Patrick, showing the true spirit of the man, entitled I Bind Unto Myself Today. Here is the fourth stanza:
I bind unto myself today
The power of God to hold and lead,
His eye to watch, his might to stay,
His ear to hearken to my need,
The wisdom of my god to teach,
His hand to guide, his shield to ward,
The Word of God to give me speech,
His heavenly host to be my guard.
This prayer is called "St. Patrick's Breastplate" because of those parts of it that seek God's protection. It is also known as "The Deer's Cry" or "The Lorica." It is said that Celtic monks chose to memorize and pray this prayer in the morning, upon awakening. (www.prayerfoundation.org)
TV~
"...and having on the breastplate of righteousness..." [Ephesians 6:14b]
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Learning the Hard Way
For some reason, most of us learn the hard way. We tend not to ask for advice or to listen to those more experienced voices. We think that we know what's best for our own situation, and then, we proceed to make a mess of that very situation.
Once we are stuck and struggling to get free, than we just might begin to seek wisdom. The scriptures are full of it, ready for our tear-filled eyes. As we listen and learn, God creates a path through the current wilderness. If we refuse to listen, we continue to wander in circles.
TV~
"It is good for me that I have been in trouble, that I may learn thy statutes." [Psalm 119:71]
Once we are stuck and struggling to get free, than we just might begin to seek wisdom. The scriptures are full of it, ready for our tear-filled eyes. As we listen and learn, God creates a path through the current wilderness. If we refuse to listen, we continue to wander in circles.
TV~
"It is good for me that I have been in trouble, that I may learn thy statutes." [Psalm 119:71]
Friday, May 24, 2013
Daily Manna
Every single morning, the Israelites had to go out and gather manna; "angels' food" it was called. If they tried to save some overnight to use the next day, it was no longer edible. Yet, every morning, there was a fresh supply ready...ready for those who took the time to gather it.
Every single morning, there is spiritual food waiting for us. It is placed there by God; all we have to do is gather it. Taking even just 5-10 minutes each morning to collect our spiritual manna can be enough to sustain us throughout the day. If we rely on yesterday's supply, it will be stale and we'll have hungry spirits.
TV~
Human beings ate the bread of angels; he sent them all the food they could eat. [Psalm 78:25]
Every single morning, there is spiritual food waiting for us. It is placed there by God; all we have to do is gather it. Taking even just 5-10 minutes each morning to collect our spiritual manna can be enough to sustain us throughout the day. If we rely on yesterday's supply, it will be stale and we'll have hungry spirits.
TV~
Human beings ate the bread of angels; he sent them all the food they could eat. [Psalm 78:25]
King David's Parents
"From that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return home to his family." (I Sam. 18:2) I'm sure that David's parents were happy that he was being used of God in the king's court. I'm also certain that they deeply grieved the absence of their youngest child.
Years later, David made sure his parents were provided for. "'Let my father and my mother, I pray you, come forth, and be with you, till I know what God will do for me.' And he brought them before the king of Moab: and they dwelled with him all the while that David was in the hold." (I Samuel 22:3,4)
TV~
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. [Jeremiah 29:11]
Years later, David made sure his parents were provided for. "'Let my father and my mother, I pray you, come forth, and be with you, till I know what God will do for me.' And he brought them before the king of Moab: and they dwelled with him all the while that David was in the hold." (I Samuel 22:3,4)
TV~
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. [Jeremiah 29:11]
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Prayer of St. Francis
The following prayer is a favorite of mine and is
attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, whom the new pope is emulating.
Here is a link to what Wikipedia says about it.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prayer_of_Saint_Francis
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prayer_of_Saint_Francis
- Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
- Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
- Where there is injury, pardon;
- Where there is doubt, faith;
- Where there is despair, hope;
- Where there is darkness, light;
- Where there is sadness, joy.
- O Divine Master,
- grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console;
- to be understood, as to understand;
- to be loved, as to love.
- For it is in giving that we receive.
- It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
- and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.
- Amen.
- TV~
- Charity suffereth long...is kind... is not puffed up...seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil... [I Corinthians 13:4,5]
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
God's Solution
Sometimes there's a situation with no easy solution. It's messy. We justify our imperfect responses to an imperfect situation. We try to fix our problem, either by running away or by forcing change of some kind.
What happens if we stay put and give it to God, with much prayer? "The Lord has dealt with me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands he has rewarded me." (Psalm 1820) This means doing the right thing. The right thing is not easy and it defies our human nature, which wants to justify our wrong responses of anger, revenge, hate, depair, self-pity, confoundedness and selfishness.
God's solution can take a long time to arrive, but it's worth the wait. In the meantime, do the right thing and pray.
TV~
"He brought me forth to a place of liberty." [Psalm 18:19]
What happens if we stay put and give it to God, with much prayer? "The Lord has dealt with me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands he has rewarded me." (Psalm 1820) This means doing the right thing. The right thing is not easy and it defies our human nature, which wants to justify our wrong responses of anger, revenge, hate, depair, self-pity, confoundedness and selfishness.
God's solution can take a long time to arrive, but it's worth the wait. In the meantime, do the right thing and pray.
TV~
"He brought me forth to a place of liberty." [Psalm 18:19]
Monday, May 20, 2013
Like Elijah
Elijah, the prophet. He raised a boy from the dead, through prayer. He called down fire from heaven, through prayer. He made it rain after three years of drought, through prayer.
We say, "That's just Elijah. That doesn't apply to me. My prayers don't work like that." An interesting thing about Elijah - he didn't give up after just one prayer or after seeing no results. He kept at it.
TV~
Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. [James 5:17]
We say, "That's just Elijah. That doesn't apply to me. My prayers don't work like that." An interesting thing about Elijah - he didn't give up after just one prayer or after seeing no results. He kept at it.
TV~
Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. [James 5:17]
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Thorns
Those thorns we spoke about yesterday? Christ died for those thorns. He wore a painful "crown of thorns," perhaps symbolic of his "taking on" all our wrong deeds and imperfections.
We love Him and others because He first loved us, and while we were still sinners, He died for us! We choose to love our thorny companion because Christ first loved us, thorns and all.
Remember how, over time and sacrifice, we learn to focus on the rose and not the thorns? It becomes easier because the thorns begin to lose their sharpness through the mutual love and sacrifice of the relationship. Some of the thorns even fall off, but there still remains a mark, a memory of what it took for that to happen. The mark is a beauty mark of age and time.
We love Him and others because He first loved us, and while we were still sinners, He died for us! We choose to love our thorny companion because Christ first loved us, thorns and all.
Remember how, over time and sacrifice, we learn to focus on the rose and not the thorns? It becomes easier because the thorns begin to lose their sharpness through the mutual love and sacrifice of the relationship. Some of the thorns even fall off, but there still remains a mark, a memory of what it took for that to happen. The mark is a beauty mark of age and time.
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Saturday, May 18, 2013
A Rose (Among Thorns)
When we first fall in love with someone, we view that person as a rose with few, if any, thorns. We enter into the relationship enjoying the fragrance of that person.
Time passes. Thorns begin to appear. Thorns that were always there, possibly visible, possibly not visible. We begin to notice the thorns; we are hurt by the thorns; we bleed. We start focusing on the thorns, avoiding them or battling them. We respond in thorny ways, further exacerbating our loved one's thorns. It would seem that the beloved rose flower has dried up and fallen off.
What to do? Treat that rose plant with loving care. Feed it, water it; meet its needs. Give it to God's care; pray. It may take a long, long time, months, years. Over time, the plant will begin to revive, grow and flower once again.
Then we will see that rose again, and while recognizing the thorns, we will focus on the rose and enjoy the fragrance and beauty of this person for whom we have denied our own needs, in order to bring that loved one new life.
TV~
For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man. [2 Corinthians 8:21]
Time passes. Thorns begin to appear. Thorns that were always there, possibly visible, possibly not visible. We begin to notice the thorns; we are hurt by the thorns; we bleed. We start focusing on the thorns, avoiding them or battling them. We respond in thorny ways, further exacerbating our loved one's thorns. It would seem that the beloved rose flower has dried up and fallen off.
What to do? Treat that rose plant with loving care. Feed it, water it; meet its needs. Give it to God's care; pray. It may take a long, long time, months, years. Over time, the plant will begin to revive, grow and flower once again.
Then we will see that rose again, and while recognizing the thorns, we will focus on the rose and enjoy the fragrance and beauty of this person for whom we have denied our own needs, in order to bring that loved one new life.
TV~
For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man. [2 Corinthians 8:21]
Friday, May 17, 2013
Thirsty?
If we are thirsty, we are promised free use of the fountain of the water of life. (Revelation 21:6) The woman at the well was told that the water Christ would give her would become in her a fountain, springing up into everlasting life. The scriptures allude to this fountain as being the Holy Spirit.
"The Spirit comes gently and makes himself known by his fragrance. He is not felt as a burden, for he is light, very light. Rays of light and knowledge stream before him as he approaches. The Spirit comes with the tenderness of a true friend and protector to save, to heal, to teach, to counsel, to strengthen, to console. The Spirit comes to enlighten the mind first of the one who receives him, and then, through him, the minds of others as well." (Cyril of Jerusalem, 4th century)
TV~
All my fresh springs are in thee. [Psalm 87:7]
Thursday, May 16, 2013
S.A.F.E.
Trying to decide if he or she is the one for you? Here is a healthy, balanced way to observe the person you are dating within different contexts.
S ~ Do something spiritual together on a regular basis. Go to church, attend a Bible study, pray together. See if you connect with each other on the spiritual level.
A ~ Find something active that you enjoy doing together. Need ideas....walking, cycling, running, tennis, swimming, sailing, kayaking, hiking, canoeing, social dancing, fishing, gardening, croquet, hunting, bowling....
F ~ Spend enough time with family to understand the dynamics. Do you enjoy being with them? Does your date enjoy being with them? If you love the atmosphere, show some restraint in amount of time spent as it could complicate things should the dating relationship end.
E ~ Participate in something that is effective and service-oriented. Think beyond yourselves and consider how you, together, can make a positive difference in the lives of others.
S.A.F.E. is not a bad formula for a married couple to adopt as well.
TV~
Let us walk with decency, as in the daylight: not in carousing and drunkenness; not in sexual impurity and promiscuity; not in quarreling and jealousy. [Romans 13:13]
S ~ Do something spiritual together on a regular basis. Go to church, attend a Bible study, pray together. See if you connect with each other on the spiritual level.
A ~ Find something active that you enjoy doing together. Need ideas....walking, cycling, running, tennis, swimming, sailing, kayaking, hiking, canoeing, social dancing, fishing, gardening, croquet, hunting, bowling....
F ~ Spend enough time with family to understand the dynamics. Do you enjoy being with them? Does your date enjoy being with them? If you love the atmosphere, show some restraint in amount of time spent as it could complicate things should the dating relationship end.
E ~ Participate in something that is effective and service-oriented. Think beyond yourselves and consider how you, together, can make a positive difference in the lives of others.
S.A.F.E. is not a bad formula for a married couple to adopt as well.
TV~
Let us walk with decency, as in the daylight: not in carousing and drunkenness; not in sexual impurity and promiscuity; not in quarreling and jealousy. [Romans 13:13]
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Somebody Praying
One of the jobs that a caring spouse takes on is to pray for this person with whom you are journeying through life. If you aren't praying for that precious person, then who is? Is there anyone who knows, better than you, what to pray? You know him more deeply than anyone else on the planet, and you are on the pulse of his current struggles, dreams, fears, discouragements, and .... weaknessess.
We have a choice: We can fight with our life partner when things are rough. Or, we can fight for him.
TV:
As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. [Exodus 17:11]
We have a choice: We can fight with our life partner when things are rough. Or, we can fight for him.
TV:
As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. [Exodus 17:11]
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
24 Things Not Found in Heaven
I happen to be a "list" person. Not a day passes without writing a list, following a list, or using a clipboard. Here's a list for you.
24 Things Not Found in Heaven
1. Devil
2. Beast
3. False prophet
4. Tears
5. Death
6. Sorrow
7. Crying
8. Pain
9. Former things
10. Temple
11. Sun (see No Sunshine in Heaven)
12. Moon
13. Lamp
14. Anything that defiles
15. Anything that causes abomination
16. Lies
17. The curse
18. Prophecying in part
19. Speaking in tongues
20. Knowing in part
21. Seeing dimly
22. Closed gates
23. Written names of some people (in the Lamb's Book of Life)
24. The people mentioned in #23
(Revelation 20:10, 14, 15;21:4, 22-27; 22:5; I Corinthians 13:8-12)
TV:
"And there shall be no more curse..." [Revelation 22:3a]
24 Things Not Found in Heaven
1. Devil
2. Beast
3. False prophet
4. Tears
5. Death
6. Sorrow
7. Crying
8. Pain
9. Former things
10. Temple
11. Sun (see No Sunshine in Heaven)
12. Moon
13. Lamp
14. Anything that defiles
15. Anything that causes abomination
16. Lies
17. The curse
18. Prophecying in part
19. Speaking in tongues
20. Knowing in part
21. Seeing dimly
22. Closed gates
23. Written names of some people (in the Lamb's Book of Life)
24. The people mentioned in #23
(Revelation 20:10, 14, 15;21:4, 22-27; 22:5; I Corinthians 13:8-12)
TV:
"And there shall be no more curse..." [Revelation 22:3a]
Monday, May 13, 2013
Getting a Lift
Depression - Being stuck in quicksand, sinking, and no way to get out...apart from God. "He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." (Psalm 40:2)
God tells us that He will lift us out of the mire, but I think we need to reach up and grab the lifeline that he's throwing to us. If it is so bad that we can't even reach up, then reach out to God with words. "I can't even lift up my hand to grab your lifeline. I don't even want to. So, please change my desires and give me strength so that I can say, 'I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.'" (Psalm 27:13)
TV:
But you, LORD, be gracious to me and raise me up... [Psalm 41:10]
God tells us that He will lift us out of the mire, but I think we need to reach up and grab the lifeline that he's throwing to us. If it is so bad that we can't even reach up, then reach out to God with words. "I can't even lift up my hand to grab your lifeline. I don't even want to. So, please change my desires and give me strength so that I can say, 'I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.'" (Psalm 27:13)
TV:
But you, LORD, be gracious to me and raise me up... [Psalm 41:10]
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Mary, the Mother
Let us lay aside the strife within Christianity regarding Mary's role in the Christian story both past, present and future.
Let us look at what she did. Emphasis usually is placed upon the beginning of her significance, the Magnficat, where she completely submitted to God's plan for her life.
Think however about the end. Mary showed us the ultimate human love for Jesus. She did not deny him. When his body was in anguish on the cross, her soul and spirit were in anguish at the foot of the cross. She stayed with him. She did not leave. That is what a loving mother's heart will do.
Lord, may we love you like Mary loved you. May we stay visible and alongside of you, even when others are hurting you and making fun of you.
TV:
Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother... [John 19:25]
Let us look at what she did. Emphasis usually is placed upon the beginning of her significance, the Magnficat, where she completely submitted to God's plan for her life.
Think however about the end. Mary showed us the ultimate human love for Jesus. She did not deny him. When his body was in anguish on the cross, her soul and spirit were in anguish at the foot of the cross. She stayed with him. She did not leave. That is what a loving mother's heart will do.
Lord, may we love you like Mary loved you. May we stay visible and alongside of you, even when others are hurting you and making fun of you.
TV:
Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother... [John 19:25]
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Earthly Valuables Found in Heaven
Motherhood: beautiful, heartwrenching...tedious, when done diligently. The problem with hands-on motherhood is that it involves the daily necessaries of cooking, cleaning and laundry. For the select few, these mundane tasks can be hired out. For the rest of us, they take up a tremendous amount of time. As we work to train the littles to do these household tasks, they take even longer. It uses all the reserves of physical and emotional energy. So why bother?
We bother so they will become responsible, productive, loving citizens on this earth. Yet it goes further. One day, we will leave this earth...and we hope and pray that our children, priceless items of value, will meet us in heaven. The love, time and energy invested in their souls will reap a harvest, yes here on earth. But we also can look forward to forever with our most precious valuables - our children.
TV:
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves. [I Corinthians 4:7]
We bother so they will become responsible, productive, loving citizens on this earth. Yet it goes further. One day, we will leave this earth...and we hope and pray that our children, priceless items of value, will meet us in heaven. The love, time and energy invested in their souls will reap a harvest, yes here on earth. But we also can look forward to forever with our most precious valuables - our children.
TV:
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves. [I Corinthians 4:7]
Friday, May 10, 2013
A Bit Sheepish
I'm close with someone who owns a flock of sheep. People are called sheep in the scriptures, so I try to observe parallels between sheep and human beings.
One ewe (female sheep) repeatedly kept getting her head stuck in the gate. She only needed to back up a few steps to free herself. However, she couldn't/wouldn't/didn/t do that. She wasn't free until her shepherd came along and pulled her back from the gate.
Do you ever think you're stuck? Maybe you're not, really. Maybe you just need the Shepherd to help you get out. It's okay to ask for help.
TV:
We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53:6)
One ewe (female sheep) repeatedly kept getting her head stuck in the gate. She only needed to back up a few steps to free herself. However, she couldn't/wouldn't/didn/t do that. She wasn't free until her shepherd came along and pulled her back from the gate.
Do you ever think you're stuck? Maybe you're not, really. Maybe you just need the Shepherd to help you get out. It's okay to ask for help.
TV:
We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53:6)
Thursday, May 9, 2013
How Many Friends?
The word friend has been cheapened, thanks to social media. We "friend"someone to give them virtual access to our personal information. Yet, how many true friends do we have? How many do we need?
A close, faithful, earthly friend is rare and precious. "The pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice." (Proverbs 27:29b)
A heavenly friend is necessary and priceless. "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13) It is no small thing to be on terms of friendship with God. (Streams in the Desert)
TV:
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
[Proverbs 18:24]
A close, faithful, earthly friend is rare and precious. "The pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice." (Proverbs 27:29b)
A heavenly friend is necessary and priceless. "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13) It is no small thing to be on terms of friendship with God. (Streams in the Desert)
TV:
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
[Proverbs 18:24]
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Awake at Night
Do you ever lie awake in the middle of the night? Sometimes the reasons are physical, often they are emotional. Stressful circumstances at home or work, anxiety about an upcoming test or big event, worry about a loved one.
You don't need to fear the "terror of the night." God has set his love on you; he knows your name. You can call upon Him and He will answer you. He will be with you in trouble. He will deliver you. He will honor you. Meditate on Psalm 91.
TV:
"My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises." [Psalm 119:148]
You don't need to fear the "terror of the night." God has set his love on you; he knows your name. You can call upon Him and He will answer you. He will be with you in trouble. He will deliver you. He will honor you. Meditate on Psalm 91.
TV:
"My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises." [Psalm 119:148]
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Feeling Tired, Stuck?
Meditate on 'TV' from Psalms:
Blessed be the Lord my STRENGTH.
The Lord lifteth up all those that are down.
He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him; he also will hear their cry and will help them.
The Lord careth for the righteous.
Psalm 144:1a; 145:14b, 19; 146:8b
Blessed be the Lord my STRENGTH.
The Lord lifteth up all those that are down.
He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him; he also will hear their cry and will help them.
The Lord careth for the righteous.
Psalm 144:1a; 145:14b, 19; 146:8b
Monday, May 6, 2013
No Sunshine in Heaven
I'm one of those people affected by SAD ~ Seasonal Affective Disorder. Come February, I yearn to bask in hot, bright sunlight. And, I fight depression. On that first 70 degree, sunny, April day, I sit outside and soak in the sunshine. It's a shortage of Vitamin D, so they say, that causes this problem.
There won't be any sunshine in heaven, but there will be plenty of light. Vitamin Deus, I call it. Vitamin God. SONshine. The Lord will be to us an everlasting light, says the prophet Isaiah. Heaven: No more crying, no more pain, no more SADness.
Look at TV:
"And there shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever." (Revelation 22:5)
There won't be any sunshine in heaven, but there will be plenty of light. Vitamin Deus, I call it. Vitamin God. SONshine. The Lord will be to us an everlasting light, says the prophet Isaiah. Heaven: No more crying, no more pain, no more SADness.
Look at TV:
"And there shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever." (Revelation 22:5)
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Adam's Rib
God chose to form woman from Adam's rib. He didn't form her from Adam's head, so Adam would worship her. He didn't form her from Adam's feet, so Adam would stomp on her. He formed her from Adam's side, so they could be companions side-by-side throughout life.
I was at a wedding yesterday and heard that perspective.
9 Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their labor:
10 If either of them falls down,
one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
and has no one to help them up.
11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
12 Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
I was at a wedding yesterday and heard that perspective.
TV: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
because they have a good return for their labor:
10 If either of them falls down,
one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
and has no one to help them up.
11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
12 Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Friday, May 3, 2013
Develop a TV Habit
"What?" you say. "Habitualize that conduit of immorality and tabloidism?"
Well, no. I mean, develop a "Today's Verse" habit. I use a 3x5 card, slipped into my back pocket. The verse comes from a quick devotional reading, or Morning/Evening Prayer from the 1928 Book of Common Prayer, or the weekly scripture assignment for a Bible study I attend.
Most often, a verse will stand out. My best friend calls them "little diamonds," those verses.
Then, when the inevitable loveless, loud, self-centered, short-sighted, rude, unbelieving, unenduring, imperfect, faithless, hopeless thoughts occur, I pull out my TV and it sets me straight.
Well, no. I mean, develop a "Today's Verse" habit. I use a 3x5 card, slipped into my back pocket. The verse comes from a quick devotional reading, or Morning/Evening Prayer from the 1928 Book of Common Prayer, or the weekly scripture assignment for a Bible study I attend.
Most often, a verse will stand out. My best friend calls them "little diamonds," those verses.
Then, when the inevitable loveless, loud, self-centered, short-sighted, rude, unbelieving, unenduring, imperfect, faithless, hopeless thoughts occur, I pull out my TV and it sets me straight.
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Gardening in Heaven
I've been reading through the book of Revelation this spring. Revelation 21 talks about the new heaven and new earth. It cross-references
Isaiah 66:22, " They shall not build and another inhabit. They
shall not plant and another eat. The elect shall enjoy the work of
their hands."
It reminded me of our last house... all the gardening and things we did to make it nice, and then another inhabited it. We had a flourishing little vegetable garden in our backyard the summer that we moved. The house we moved to had more land, but no garden. I remember thinking about it after we moved - that the people who inhabited our former house were eating the harvest that we had planted.
The lesson could be that within our striving to improve and beautify our personal areas, we want to keep God's kingdom as the ultimate goal. Heaven and earth will pass away, but God's word will never pass away.
In this new heaven and new earth, that Isaiah speaks of, the elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands. So, gardening will be a part of the new earth! Gardening without the effects of the curse. No weeds, pests or drought. No poison ivy. Delicious tomatoes.
It reminded me of our last house... all the gardening and things we did to make it nice, and then another inhabited it. We had a flourishing little vegetable garden in our backyard the summer that we moved. The house we moved to had more land, but no garden. I remember thinking about it after we moved - that the people who inhabited our former house were eating the harvest that we had planted.
The lesson could be that within our striving to improve and beautify our personal areas, we want to keep God's kingdom as the ultimate goal. Heaven and earth will pass away, but God's word will never pass away.
In this new heaven and new earth, that Isaiah speaks of, the elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands. So, gardening will be a part of the new earth! Gardening without the effects of the curse. No weeds, pests or drought. No poison ivy. Delicious tomatoes.
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