Blessed
What is the kingdom of God? Jesus said in Mark 10:14, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." So, then, who are like children? What are the attributes of a child? Trusting, forgiving, compassionate. Accepting, loyal, tender. Think of a little one's reaction to a newborn puppy or a tiny duckling. With eyes that reflect awe, they care for the helpless and the precious. When visiting a nursing home, they extend a tiny hand to join a wrinkled one, greeting an aged smile with an open heart. They pick lovely flowers that have brought them joy, only to impart on a mission to deliver them with haste to a mother or father they love.
When we come with child-like faith to understand our great need for God, I am convinced that He accepts us, forgives us and loves us. Ours is the kingdom of God.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Nest by the Waters
Birds are so fascinating. I love to watch them go about their day to day routines---pecking the ground in search of food, flying effortlessly in the wind, singing serenades from the trees. Birds seem to know so much. They fly south for the winter and fly north for the spring. They guard their young in the nest after having constructed it in just the right way. Who teaches the birds? Who gives them instruction? Of course, it is their heavenly Creator who instills their knowledge. With this knowledge, where do they go? They stay close to His provision wherever He wills them to be.
Birds could not be found setting up a nest where no water or food could be found for sustenance. Some live near the equator while others live closer to the snowy poles. Their places are prepared. Their obedience is sure. Yet, they stay near the source of provision.
As each day begins, I may choose to draw close to God, who is my source of life. What if I don't? I may find myself in a dry, barren place, thirsty without relief--hungry with no nourishment in sight. What is the answer when I make the wrong choice? Return to my Heavenly Father who freely gives wisdom and knowledge to His children, staying close to His provision in the place where He wills me to be. When I am there, it seems that I find myself singing in the midst of the branches, held up by His compassion and love.
Monday, March 10, 2008
With All Your Heart
"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. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:11-13)
Saturday, March 08, 2008
We Wait for You
It was time for lunch. As I opened the can of tuna, a voice rang out in our kitchen. The voice of our cat....
Often when I open a can of tuna, I take it to our cat's dish and drain the water from the can. A sort of "feline soup." He loves it. In fact, when the opener first pierces the can, he begins his imploring solo. Today, as I was draining the fluid over the feeding dish, he came right up to where I was pouring and positioned his head right under the stream and began drinking. Unwilling to fill my pet's fur with tuna water, I stopped serving and left him to finish his treat. The thought actually came to my mind, "I could have given you so much more, had you not been so impatient." By the time I had reached the other side of my kitchen, that thought was somehow speaking to me.
How many times might there have been that God was ready to give me more of what I yearned for, yet I was too impatient to wait for His timing? Had I moved too quickly in situations, taking things into my own hands instead of seeking His will? Had I settled for one ounce of tuna water when I could have had two? Had I picked some budding flowers only to find that they would have bloomed more beautifully had they been allowed to mature a little longer?
Friday, March 07, 2008
Great Treasure
Are you rich? I've known some people who had acquired many fine things--cars, homes, furnishings, boats, pools, clothing. By most standards they would be considered wealthy. But what if the standard changed and their belongings were viewed in a different light?
Don't get me wrong--I enjoy nice things. However, I have come to value people and relationships far more. What does my home contain? A couch, a bed, a table--the usual items. Yet, there's more. God has given me many gifts. The floppy eared dogs that greet me upon my arrival home each day. The cat that I find curled up next to me when I awaken in the mornings. The sound of our oldest son playing the guitar in his bedroom. Another son sitting at his computer arranging and composing music. Still another son riding his bicycle down the hill or contemplating an interesting bug in the front yard. My husband joyfully creating the latest woodworking project in the garage. My house is blessed with relationship. Though not totally free from occasional conflict, my house is filled with love.
Am I rich? You bet.
Thursday, March 06, 2008
The Memory
Think back: who in your life has left a gentle mark, forever changing its course by their encouragement, their commitment and their love to you? It may be a parent, a grandparent, a spouse..... Perhaps a 3rd grade teacher or a youth pastor. The old custodian at work all those years that greeted everyone with a smile and assurances of prayers every single day. Could it be the neighbor that was always there to help when illness struck? The Sunday School teacher that convinced you that God could do fantastic things in your life if you were willing to let Him? Chances are, there are many memories of dear souls who have invested in you---nurtured you.
Voices from the past speak silently in times of decision making, conflict, or even great joy. Mentors continue their task of loving stewardship long after they are gone. My hope is that I may leave gentle marks of encouragement with my family and others, in order to lead them ultimately closer to a continual life of fellowship with God. I am thankful for the memories of those who took the time to strengthen me toward that goal.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Understanding
Have you ever looked back on something you've said or done and thought, "Why did I do that?" Perhaps guilt and regret come as partners to your thinking. I have had this experience. How could I ever have had the attitudes that produced my words and actions?
As a work in progress, God is teaching me; He is allowing change to occur through the learning process of life. He is giving me a new understanding of what is pleasing to Him. I am not who I was before and in the future I will be different still. God is molding us into His likeness, forgiving us when we fail along the way.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
For the Good of Those
As I was visiting with a friend tonight, I was sharing my thoughts on some difficult times that I had experienced in life. Looking back to the years gone by, I can't understand exactly why I had to go through some painful seasons. I do feel that God has used some of the harder circumstances that I have faced to prepare me to have an understanding of others in need who are dealing with similar situations. In all things God works for the good of His people.
Monday, March 03, 2008
A Tent for the Sun
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Open My Eyes
Do you ever wonder why a certain speed limit has been posted on a road you are traveling? Sometimes it can be frustrating if you are in a hurry to arrive at your destination and the speed limit sign is encouraging you to slow down. What if it seems like an empty road? Straight, no curves. Nothing to warrant moving traffic at such a reduced pace. What do you do?
Making the choice to obey the law, you resign yourself to poking along for no good reason. Suddenly, quite a distance away, you see a car up ahead, pulling out into the road. Seconds later, as you pass the area, you read another sign: hidden driveway. Hmmm. That was why....
I sometimes want to go a little faster in my life than God wants me to. I want things now. Or maybe, tomorrow. But next year? Ten years? Do I really have to go that slowly? Only God knows about the "hidden driveways" in the path that He has set before me. I must follow His directions if I am to be where He wants me, when He wants me there. He sees what I cannot. I must trust in Him.
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