Your Mess

I saw a clip today of ABC's Robin Roberts receiving an award.  She commented, "My momma used to say, 'Make your mess your message.'"  It brings to mind examples of people in the scriptures who did just that.

Think of Joseph, who continued to believe God after betrayal by his brothers, slavery, further betrayal and years spent in prison for a crime he didn't commit.  He later said to his brothers, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." (Genesis 50:20)  Joseph allowed his mess to become his message.

Think of the woman with the alabaster jar.  She is known for being the immoral woman who washed Jesus feet with her tears, wiped them with her hair, and annointed them with very expensive perfume.  Jesus said of her: "Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little." (Luke 7:47)

What is your mess?  Ask God to make you a messenger.

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“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden." [Matthew 5:14]

Ivy

Today, I received an email from someone who has Poison Ivy on her face, neck, shoulders, and chest.  My true sympathies go out to her, as I have suffered the malady of Poison Ivy many, many times.  In fact, my family jokes about it because the word "ivy" means friendship.  They say that I have a special friendship with Poison Ivy.

The friends that we come in contact with rub off on us.   Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character." (I Corinthians 15:33)  He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. (Proverbs 13:20)  Whom are your friends?

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But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people.  [I Corinthians 5:11]

 

Each Day

We know not what each day will bring.  My friend's 50-something husband had a stroke last week.  Another friend rushed to the ER today, feeling unable to breathe.  A heavy object slammed into my daughter's upper spine; she was diagnosed with a concussion.  One day things seem fine; the next day, everything changes.

We know not what will happen, but we can know the One who knows.  Not a sparrow falls to the ground without Him knowing.  Good often comes from of the unexpected mishaps.  I'm remembering early December, several years ago, feeling most agitated at all the extra work the holidays require from a mother with an already overloaded schedule. The next day, I caught pneumonia.  As a result, most of my holidays were spent on the sofa, enjoying the beatiful Christmas lights.  Sickness doesn't seem like a good thing, but it can allow for good things to happen.

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And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. [Romans 8:28]

Pollution

I was on a rooftop deck near the ocean, viewing the stars.  It was among the best stargazing that I've ever experienced.  There was no light pollution, no large cities nearby to dim the viewing, and the ocean could be counted on to remain dark at night.  The Milky Way, shooting stars, the handiwork of God was spread across the night sky and I was able to see it all.

The same can be true for noise.  There is a voice that we can hear more clearly without noise pollution.  Jesus would awake very early to go somewhere alone to pray.  Early, and alone... ways to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit.

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Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.  [Mark 1:35]

100 Today

My dear readers (all four of you) and phantom followers (fess up), today marks the 100th post on Olive Tree.

I hope and pray that this blog gives you spiritual food for your journey, even if it's just a few crumbs each day.  As I read the scriptures and keep my spiritual antennae alert throughout each day, there will be impressions from God which seem shareable.  That is what you read on Olive Tree.

Do you have a favorite post so far?  Is there one that has been particularly helpful?  I would love to know.

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She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said.
[Luke 10:39]

Praying for Rescue

There are times when someone we love seems to be in imminent danger; seemingly within the reach of evil.  Here are scriptures that have come to my attention, at key times, when praying for a loved one within the grasp of the evil one.

O deliver not the soul of thy turtledove unto the multitude of the wicked.  (Psalm 74:19)

But thus saith the LORD, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children. (Isaiah 49:25)

Deliver my soul from the sword; my darling from the power of the dog. (Psalm 22:20)

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 Deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. [Matthew 6;13b]

Roots of anger

I read today that the roots of anger are often unmet expectations.  We work hard to achieve a goal and that result is never realized.  We spend years building a relationship with someone, only to have them move away.  We reach out time and again to difficult people, who remain unresponsive year after year.

The Lord is faithful to remove the anger, which can lead to bitterness, as we continually give it to Him and ask Him to take it from us.  Keep praying and asking Him to take the anger away.  One day you will wake up and realize that it is gone.

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Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret--it leads only to evil. [Psalm 37:8]