Creatures of Little Strength
What do you say when someone asks you to do something? Oh, I don't mean things like, "Would you take out the trash?" or "When are you planning your next vacation?" I'm talking about the questions that seem to push an automatic button in your mind marked, "Say you can't." You don't have one of those buttons? Well, I think I do.
Let's see if any of these words sound familiar: "Would you be willing to help coach baseball this year?" "Have you ever thought about playing the piano at weddings?" "Could you possibly teach a Bible class?' "Would you be willing to go back to school for that advanced degree if we gave you a scholarship?"
It's as if a pre-recorded response of fear and self doubt sits poised to be activated at a second's notice when questions like this are encountered. It may be time to recognize the place of honor you may have given your lack of confidence. Thankfully, there have been times that I have trusted God to guide me through the uneasiness of stepping out into the unknown, understanding that nothing is "unknown" to Him. Often, confidence comes with the revelation that God is indeed with you throughout the learning process as we face each new horizon. Thoughts like, "I'm not experienced enough," "I'm too old," or "I could never be successful at that, " are replaced with realizations of challenges met and battles won through the strength that God has given us. Proverbs 30:25 says, "Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in summer."
We may be "of little strength," but we can trust God to help us do what we can, when we can do it, while there is still time.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Sending an Angel
This afternoon, a special friend surprised me with a gift. Gently placed in a colorful gift sack, cradled within the layers of the wrapping paper was an orchid with beautiful yellow blooms. I carefully positioned it in my car, resting the stems against the seat. Too quick a stop, and the delicate flowers could be broken.
After I pulled into my driveway, I retrieved my new plant and brought it into the house. After removing it from the bag, I placed it near our bay window by the rock fountain. Without delay, I wanted to photograph it. My camera often sees what I do not; with optical instrospection, it discovers the intricate--and exposes nuances I never would have noticed.
As I looked on my viewscreen to see the image I had just collected, I was startled; the orchid held a great resemblance to and angel with crimson laced wings and a glowing countenance. Only yesterday, I was thinking about angels. Once again I had been reminded of God's special servants.
Who loves me? God does. Sometimes He loves us through the encouragement of those He places in our lives.
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
The Joy of the Lord
Years ago, a coworker gave me a beautifully painted, ceramic angel as a gift. Since that time, the joyously contented representation of one of God's messengers has stood on top of my piano. With thoughts not unlike the ones that are mentioned about the Mona Lisa, it is easy to ponder what emotion the artist was trying to create with the simple smile, the closed eyes and the raised brows.
This particular week has brought with it some personal challenges. Some I expected; some I did not. God has met me at the moments I needed Him, and He has given me strength. There is a calm awareness of His presence in each activity. Might that be the definition of joy? A calm awareness of God's presence. Perhaps.
As I look into the face of my sculpted angel, I think I see it. It's as if she is thinking, "God is in control; I can bask in His presence for eternity. Praise His Holy Name."
Truly, the joy of the Lord is our strength.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
In Remembrance
Monday, April 07, 2008
The Resurrection
The early hours were cloudy. Not long after the sun was up, I was on my way to purchase flowers. Special flowers. After selecting and purchasing a bouquet of varied colors, I drove to the Resurrection Garden of a nearby cemetery. Today would have been the 22nd birthday of our son who was killed in a car accident.
After I poured the water I'd brought with me into the memorial vase of the marker, I lowered the blooming array carefully in its place. Half uttering an audible prayer, yet completely communicating with a God who knows our deepest groanings, I gazed at the images of our son and the scripture verse imprinted in the plate of bronze.
John 11:25a says, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.."
It is my prayer that this verse will forever proclaim God's incredible love and forgiveness to all who stop to read it. For today, the living flowers reiterated this message; their intricate, mathematical perfection of beauty testifies of their Creator. Though we may die, through Jesus, we will yet live--more vibrantly than the petals in a solitary vase on a cloudy morning.
Monday, April 07, 2008
YOUR Thoughts, please..
Today I was asked about the possibility of publishing a calendar of photos and scripture from "Picture My Thoughts." I would be very grateful if you would please comment on a favorite photo that you feel would be an appropriate selection for a calendar. You could "vote" by commenting on that particular devotional. To view any of the fourteen pages of photos, simply click on the page number at the very bottom of the set you are currently reading. Thank you so much for YOUR thoughts! :) ---Myra
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Integrity
Driving to church each Sunday, we see them. Tall and wide, the stately trees stand proudly, sometimes in the morning mist. They have weathered the storms, sheltered cattle from the midday sun and throughout the years steadily grown to be----what God intended---very large, strong trees.
As we mature in our walk with the Lord, we change. We weather the storms and care for others during difficult times. Hopefully, we gain wisdom and integrity that comes from God along the way. His ways become our ways as He guides us toward who He intends us to be.
Saturday, April 05, 2008
Sustained
This past week our son attended a memorial service for someone he knew-- a young man who had died as a result of an illness. The service was held in the early evening, outdoors, near a peaceful lake. The sunset was so captivating with brillant and vibrant colors.
It is a somber thing to be reminded of your own mortality. Perhaps more so if you are a teenager, as many of the those who attended the service surely were. The glowing sun, the broad clouds--these composed the back drop of the ceremony, created by the Giver of life. He is our sustainer, from the beginning of life to the end.
The lyrics of a song performed by Lincoln Brewster read, "You paint the morning sky with miracles in mind." I cannot fathom the mind of God, yet I'm sure He knows what the skies look like to those on earth. He must delight in painting a dazzling scene on the horizon, reminding us of His presence, even on a day when many are mourning a great loss.
Saturday, April 05, 2008
He Wraps Up The Waters
The weather has been very interesting lately. Numerous thunderstorms--lightning, wind and heavy rain. With all of these ingredients, there is no wonder that the sky would become unstable looking; ominous, yet beautiful.
God is in control. The currents of the wind, the currents of the sea. The ice that hardens, the mist that rises and the clouds that form above us do so at His bidding. The elements of the weather point to a heavenly Creator, One who maintains His creation.
Clouds move and rise into the atmosphere, on a journey to return to the earth. Though we see them in the sky and consider the coming rainfall, do we ever think about the weight of the millions of drops that will soon be falling to land? He holds the water suspended above us. At the right time, the clouds release their moisture and the ground absorbs the life sustaining liquid. This entire process speaks of His faithfulness and power. The same God who holds the water in the skies is holding you throughout every struggle you may encounter.
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Tree of Life
What can we take to heaven? Actually, nothing. We can, however, be witnesses to others about what God has done. We can live lives that point to Christ and speak words relating to His plan of salvation. Those then who believe on His Name will be citizens of heaven with us. How wonderful it will surely feel to see someone there and remember that it was you who shared God's message of forgiveness to that once lost soul.
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