"The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9
In the days since my last post (on waiting) something just keeps lingering in my mind...that God understands what it feels like to wait. He waits too. As the Scripture above states, God waits for everyone to come to repentance, to salvation. Revelation 3:20 says, "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in...." (I love that exclamation mark after "Here I am!") He knocks at the hearts of everyone...and waits...not wanting anyone to perish.
The whole chapter of Isaiah 55 is an "Invitation to the Thirsty," not just the call to accept salvation, but to receive continual satisfaction. We read, "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David." (v. 1-3)
He also waits for us daily...even hourly...probably even minute-ly...to come to Him...to "Seek Him first...." (Matt. 6:33) Have you ever imagined Him watching you sleep, waiting for your eyes to open? Do you wake with thoughts that flow toward Him? Do you wake with a thankful heart? Do you begin your day with prayer...conversation with Him? And do you seek a Word from Him to start your day? I think He waits each morning. Can you fathom that? The God of creation waits for you.
And I think He continues to watch over us and wait throughout the day...as He asks us to "...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." Whether it's thoughts of gratitude and praise, or the need for help...yes, He wants us to ask for help when we need it. He says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matt. 11:28) In Luke 11:9, we are told to "Ask and it will be give to you; seek and you will find...." He waits.
And you know what else I think He waits for? Do you know the song "The Midnight Cry"? There is a line that says, "I can almost see the Father, saying, 'Son, go get my children.' And at the midnight cry we'll be going home." Yes, I think He waits for that.
Lord, so often when we think of waiting, we just think of how you are developing patience within us or working for some higher purpose. We don't often think of how much you understand the concept. Thank you for the waiting that you do. Thank you for your amazing, unfailing love for us...one that waits...for us to accept you, to "come after [You]...deny [ourselves], take up [our] cross and follow [You]. (Matt. 16:24) Thank you for the promise that we are your children...and that one day we will be going home to spend eternity with you.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
What are You Waiting For?
"I say to myself, 'The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him." Lamentations 3:24 (NIV)
Do you have a hard time waiting? I think most people do. I know that I do. I have a hard time just waiting for the coffee maker to deliver the goods!! Aren't you thankful for that little pluggy thing that stops the flow so that you can stick your cup right under there when you simply must have it now??
But, you know, it's rarely that simple. Most things of real significance take time...and for a purpose. There are lessons to be learned (and perhaps re-learned)...matters of the heart to be settled...faith and trust to be developed...some things that just can't be accomplished without actually plodding through. James 1:4 tells us that, "Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." I want to be mature and complete...not lacking anything. Don't you? And we've been promised in Philippians 1:6 that He who began a good work in us will be faithful to complete it!
So savor the moments. Stay in His Word. Pray without ceasing. And, yes, wait. Remember, "Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides You, who acts on behalf of those who wait for Him."
Lord, You are our portion. We will wait on You. "Yes, LORD, walking in the way of Your laws, we wait for You; Your Name and renown are the desire of our hearts." (Isaiah 26:8)
Do you have a hard time waiting? I think most people do. I know that I do. I have a hard time just waiting for the coffee maker to deliver the goods!! Aren't you thankful for that little pluggy thing that stops the flow so that you can stick your cup right under there when you simply must have it now??
But, you know, it's rarely that simple. Most things of real significance take time...and for a purpose. There are lessons to be learned (and perhaps re-learned)...matters of the heart to be settled...faith and trust to be developed...some things that just can't be accomplished without actually plodding through. James 1:4 tells us that, "Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." I want to be mature and complete...not lacking anything. Don't you? And we've been promised in Philippians 1:6 that He who began a good work in us will be faithful to complete it!
So savor the moments. Stay in His Word. Pray without ceasing. And, yes, wait. Remember, "Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides You, who acts on behalf of those who wait for Him."
Lord, You are our portion. We will wait on You. "Yes, LORD, walking in the way of Your laws, we wait for You; Your Name and renown are the desire of our hearts." (Isaiah 26:8)
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
A Game of Battleship
"If God is for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31b (NIV)
My brother and his children gave Melea a giftcard to Target for Christmas. She couldn't wait for the chance to go to Target, choose just the right items...making sure the cost came out just right, and pay for it herself...even the extra cents for the tax. The young lady at the cash register was so kind and patient and treated Melea just like a grownup. Melea chose a DVD and the game "Battleship." Melea loved the fact that the giftcard came from my brother, and that he and I had loved playing the game when we were children!
Yesterday as Melea and I played, I found myself wanting to let her win...even help her win...with comments like, "Whew! That was close!" or "Oh, you almost got me!" I wanted to make it easy for her. But is that the best thing to do? She really needs to learn things like good sportsmanship, tenacity, strategy, the ability to cope when things just don't come easy. (And by the way, she is getting that from her Daddy...highly competitive....Yep, he enjoys winning!) As we were playing, and I was thinking how much I love to see my sweet girl have victory, the verses came to mind from Matthew 7:9-11, which say, "Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" But is the "good gift" always in the form of an easy win?
In Romans 8 (and I encourage you to read over the whole chapter), Paul says (in verses 14-18) that "because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons (and daughters) of God...The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." And skipping down to verses 31-32, "What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all--how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?"
Paul also encourages us in Philippians 3:8-14 (and again, the whole chapter is so rich), "What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own...but that which is through faith in Christ....Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me....I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
So, what's the prize? The victory? A heritage as sons and daughters of the Most High--co-heirs with Christ! Glory that comes from enduring...and trusting the words of Jeremiah 29:11 "'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."
And remember, when you feel as if you are on life's "battleship" with waves crashing...the engine pushing you into unknown waters...with a fear of what lies ahead, or facing a fierce enemy, that we are sons and daughters of the Victor!! "When you go into battle in your own land against an enemy who is oppressing you..."[believe that] "You will be remembered by the Lord your God and rescued from your enemies." Numbers 10:9
Lord, Abba, Father, thank you for your great love. Thank you for the many promises in Your Word that remind us of the depths of your Fatherly love for us, and for your desire for us to be victorious! Help us to seek you, to trust you, to believe you...even when it's not easy...even when it requires suffering. Help us in our unbelief. We want to be like you.
My brother and his children gave Melea a giftcard to Target for Christmas. She couldn't wait for the chance to go to Target, choose just the right items...making sure the cost came out just right, and pay for it herself...even the extra cents for the tax. The young lady at the cash register was so kind and patient and treated Melea just like a grownup. Melea chose a DVD and the game "Battleship." Melea loved the fact that the giftcard came from my brother, and that he and I had loved playing the game when we were children!
Yesterday as Melea and I played, I found myself wanting to let her win...even help her win...with comments like, "Whew! That was close!" or "Oh, you almost got me!" I wanted to make it easy for her. But is that the best thing to do? She really needs to learn things like good sportsmanship, tenacity, strategy, the ability to cope when things just don't come easy. (And by the way, she is getting that from her Daddy...highly competitive....Yep, he enjoys winning!) As we were playing, and I was thinking how much I love to see my sweet girl have victory, the verses came to mind from Matthew 7:9-11, which say, "Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" But is the "good gift" always in the form of an easy win?
In Romans 8 (and I encourage you to read over the whole chapter), Paul says (in verses 14-18) that "because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons (and daughters) of God...The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." And skipping down to verses 31-32, "What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all--how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?"
Paul also encourages us in Philippians 3:8-14 (and again, the whole chapter is so rich), "What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own...but that which is through faith in Christ....Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me....I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
So, what's the prize? The victory? A heritage as sons and daughters of the Most High--co-heirs with Christ! Glory that comes from enduring...and trusting the words of Jeremiah 29:11 "'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."
And remember, when you feel as if you are on life's "battleship" with waves crashing...the engine pushing you into unknown waters...with a fear of what lies ahead, or facing a fierce enemy, that we are sons and daughters of the Victor!! "When you go into battle in your own land against an enemy who is oppressing you..."[believe that] "You will be remembered by the Lord your God and rescued from your enemies." Numbers 10:9
Lord, Abba, Father, thank you for your great love. Thank you for the many promises in Your Word that remind us of the depths of your Fatherly love for us, and for your desire for us to be victorious! Help us to seek you, to trust you, to believe you...even when it's not easy...even when it requires suffering. Help us in our unbelief. We want to be like you.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Signs of His Love
"And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 13:13
It was dusk and I was taking my faithful companion, Cocoa, outside. I heard a rustle in the leaves in the pasture behind our house. I had to strain to see the source because of the time of day, the dense trees, and the color of the creatures carefully watching me. It was the wag of a white tail that gave them away...then ears standing perked attuned to any signs of danger. I stood perfectly still, my eyes scanning the lot in front of me. Then I saw them all...three deer...camouflaged, as God intended...regal, yet cautious. We just stood...watching each other. And then I just had to giggle with joy as once again God tangibly showed His love for me.
You see, it's just a sweet way He has used over the years to say "out loud," "I love you." I think way back (before we knew the sign language for I love you), my Daddy had his own. He would just hold up his middle three fingers, and I knew what he meant. He loved me. Years later, God used three finches on my finch feeder (which by the way was a part of a three part bird feeder "condo", that my husband gave me...to show he loved me") to say "I love you." There have been other times...three blooms on a bush, three butterflies. I just smile...and know He loves me.
As I've been pondering the deer (and dear) sighting over the last couple of days, I'm reminded of the ultimate demonstration of His love for me...and for all of us, and it's found in John 3:16. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish but have everlasting life." (KJV) And as a direct result of that love...of God sending His own Son to walk this earth blamelessly and give His life (and "...the Son of Man [spent] three days in the heart of the earth...." Matthew 12:40...rose again...and ascended back to the Father) so that we, also, might live forever with Him. And then...we have completion through the Trinity by way of the "promised Holy Spirit" Ephesians 1:13, as He dwells in us...comforts us, counsels us, strengthens us...until our Heavenly eternity begins!
So..."May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all!" 2 Corinthians 13:14 Bless-ed Trinity!
Abba, Father, thank You for Your great love for us...Your compassions that never fail...Your mercies that are new every morning. Thank You for Your Word that reminds us of Your unfailing love. Thank you for those tangible ways that you speak to us...minister to us...personally to show us that love as we walk this sod, and await the day that we will see You face to face! Oh, "what a day of rejoicing that will be!! When we all see Jesus, we'll sing and shout the victory!" Amen...and I mean it. :)
It was dusk and I was taking my faithful companion, Cocoa, outside. I heard a rustle in the leaves in the pasture behind our house. I had to strain to see the source because of the time of day, the dense trees, and the color of the creatures carefully watching me. It was the wag of a white tail that gave them away...then ears standing perked attuned to any signs of danger. I stood perfectly still, my eyes scanning the lot in front of me. Then I saw them all...three deer...camouflaged, as God intended...regal, yet cautious. We just stood...watching each other. And then I just had to giggle with joy as once again God tangibly showed His love for me.
You see, it's just a sweet way He has used over the years to say "out loud," "I love you." I think way back (before we knew the sign language for I love you), my Daddy had his own. He would just hold up his middle three fingers, and I knew what he meant. He loved me. Years later, God used three finches on my finch feeder (which by the way was a part of a three part bird feeder "condo", that my husband gave me...to show he loved me") to say "I love you." There have been other times...three blooms on a bush, three butterflies. I just smile...and know He loves me.
As I've been pondering the deer (and dear) sighting over the last couple of days, I'm reminded of the ultimate demonstration of His love for me...and for all of us, and it's found in John 3:16. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish but have everlasting life." (KJV) And as a direct result of that love...of God sending His own Son to walk this earth blamelessly and give His life (and "...the Son of Man [spent] three days in the heart of the earth...." Matthew 12:40...rose again...and ascended back to the Father) so that we, also, might live forever with Him. And then...we have completion through the Trinity by way of the "promised Holy Spirit" Ephesians 1:13, as He dwells in us...comforts us, counsels us, strengthens us...until our Heavenly eternity begins!
So..."May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all!" 2 Corinthians 13:14 Bless-ed Trinity!
Abba, Father, thank You for Your great love for us...Your compassions that never fail...Your mercies that are new every morning. Thank You for Your Word that reminds us of Your unfailing love. Thank you for those tangible ways that you speak to us...minister to us...personally to show us that love as we walk this sod, and await the day that we will see You face to face! Oh, "what a day of rejoicing that will be!! When we all see Jesus, we'll sing and shout the victory!" Amen...and I mean it. :)
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Inspired to Prepare My Home and My Heart
"And this shall be a sign unto you; ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." Luke 2:12 (KJV)
My friend, Jean (My Conversations with God blogger), inspired me yesterday to get up and get moving!! She was talking about getting rid of "clutter" and what my upstairs was cluttered with was boxes of Christmas decorations. Contrary to the wishes of my 8 year old, I had a bit of trouble conjuring up the desire to tackle the mountain of cartons filled to the brim with Christmas-y "treasures" collected over the years.
I turned the TV to that wonderful station that plays holiday songs, took a deep breath, and set to work! In a matter of minutes, I was humming...and smiling...and I must admit, there was a bit of dancing around the room. (I was home alone.) Warm memories (Hmmm... "Winter must be cold for those with no warm mem'ries." Name that movie!...sorry! family quirkiness!)...warm memories of days of decorating when the girls were small...and home...brought such a feeling of satisfaction and joy. As I took out each item, thoughts of the circumstances surrounding their becoming a part of our collection...given as gifts from friends, family, or students of mine or bought for personal reasons...made my heart feel glad...and appreciative. I worked for hours finding just the right spot for each. Finally I was able to just sit and look around at how it looked...rest my aching back...and breathe a sigh of relief.
As I surveyed the room, I thought, "Man, that took a lot of preparation!" And without skipping a beat, I heard the words, "Joy, to the world! The Lord is come. Let earth receive her King. Let every heart prepare Him room...." During this time of year we do so much "preparation." We decorate the house. We bake the Christmas cookies. We shop. And shop. And shop. We wrap the gifts. We hustle. We bustle. We run here. We run there. And I'm thinking we need to just pause...often...to prepare Him room in our hearts and in our holiday. Let's take time to sit by the fire, or by the tree and enjoy the peace of His presence, and consider the depth of His love...that God would come to earth as a baby, take on flesh, die, and be resurrected that we might live. "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace...." Luke 2:14 (KJV)
Lord, please forgive us when we let the cares and activity of this world keep us from You. Please help us to take the time to worship You...to talk to You...to listen to You...to read Your Word...to celebrate You and Your birthday this season.
My friend, Jean (My Conversations with God blogger), inspired me yesterday to get up and get moving!! She was talking about getting rid of "clutter" and what my upstairs was cluttered with was boxes of Christmas decorations. Contrary to the wishes of my 8 year old, I had a bit of trouble conjuring up the desire to tackle the mountain of cartons filled to the brim with Christmas-y "treasures" collected over the years.
I turned the TV to that wonderful station that plays holiday songs, took a deep breath, and set to work! In a matter of minutes, I was humming...and smiling...and I must admit, there was a bit of dancing around the room. (I was home alone.) Warm memories (Hmmm... "Winter must be cold for those with no warm mem'ries." Name that movie!...sorry! family quirkiness!)...warm memories of days of decorating when the girls were small...and home...brought such a feeling of satisfaction and joy. As I took out each item, thoughts of the circumstances surrounding their becoming a part of our collection...given as gifts from friends, family, or students of mine or bought for personal reasons...made my heart feel glad...and appreciative. I worked for hours finding just the right spot for each. Finally I was able to just sit and look around at how it looked...rest my aching back...and breathe a sigh of relief.
As I surveyed the room, I thought, "Man, that took a lot of preparation!" And without skipping a beat, I heard the words, "Joy, to the world! The Lord is come. Let earth receive her King. Let every heart prepare Him room...." During this time of year we do so much "preparation." We decorate the house. We bake the Christmas cookies. We shop. And shop. And shop. We wrap the gifts. We hustle. We bustle. We run here. We run there. And I'm thinking we need to just pause...often...to prepare Him room in our hearts and in our holiday. Let's take time to sit by the fire, or by the tree and enjoy the peace of His presence, and consider the depth of His love...that God would come to earth as a baby, take on flesh, die, and be resurrected that we might live. "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace...." Luke 2:14 (KJV)
Lord, please forgive us when we let the cares and activity of this world keep us from You. Please help us to take the time to worship You...to talk to You...to listen to You...to read Your Word...to celebrate You and Your birthday this season.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Better Than the "Good Housekeeping Seal"!!!
"Having believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession-to the praise of His glory." Ephesians 1:13-14
This may seem a strange post for Thanksgiving day...but bear with me! I'm just so awed and blessed by...and thankful for God's precious Word to us!!!
If you read my last post, this is one of those "things scribbled" that has just stayed on my mind for days...and I must share!
Okay, I must admit, I would like to have young, beautiful...did I say young...skin! However, I just can't justify paying top dollar for moisturizing products. Well, on a trip to my Mama's house, I had the luxury of some relaxation and a chance to read her Good Housekeeping magazine. Right there in black and white, they listed the best and most reasonably priced daytime and nighttime moisturiser...with the "Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval"!!!! I couldn't wait to run out and buy both!!! And I've been using them for months. The sad thing is that I look in the mirror and still see wrinkles and the definite signs of aging. So I'm thinking...What about the Good Housekeeping Seal?
I think God just chuckled as He reminded me of a seal that is so much more precious...and true...and eternal! Join with me, as this whole passage is just such an encouragement and a blessing...and such reason for giving thanks!!!
Ephesians 1:3-13 (NIV)
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For He chose us (Yes, He chose us!!!) in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love He predestined us to be adopted as His sons (and daughters) through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will (We bring Him pleasure!! We are a part of His will and His plan!)-to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the One He loves. (Amazing Grace!!) In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that He lavished (Oh, I love that word!!) on us with all wisdom and understanding. And He made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment-to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.
In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will (We are a part of His purpose and plan!!). In order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of His glory. (We were created for the praise of His glory!!) And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession-to the praise of His glory." (Parentheses mine)
Now that's a guarantee that I believe in!!! Oh let us "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the LORD is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations!!!" Psalm 100:4-5
Father, we praise you! Thank you for your goodness and faithfulness!! Thank you for your amazing love and grace!!!
This may seem a strange post for Thanksgiving day...but bear with me! I'm just so awed and blessed by...and thankful for God's precious Word to us!!!
If you read my last post, this is one of those "things scribbled" that has just stayed on my mind for days...and I must share!
Okay, I must admit, I would like to have young, beautiful...did I say young...skin! However, I just can't justify paying top dollar for moisturizing products. Well, on a trip to my Mama's house, I had the luxury of some relaxation and a chance to read her Good Housekeeping magazine. Right there in black and white, they listed the best and most reasonably priced daytime and nighttime moisturiser...with the "Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval"!!!! I couldn't wait to run out and buy both!!! And I've been using them for months. The sad thing is that I look in the mirror and still see wrinkles and the definite signs of aging. So I'm thinking...What about the Good Housekeeping Seal?
I think God just chuckled as He reminded me of a seal that is so much more precious...and true...and eternal! Join with me, as this whole passage is just such an encouragement and a blessing...and such reason for giving thanks!!!
Ephesians 1:3-13 (NIV)
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For He chose us (Yes, He chose us!!!) in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love He predestined us to be adopted as His sons (and daughters) through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will (We bring Him pleasure!! We are a part of His will and His plan!)-to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the One He loves. (Amazing Grace!!) In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that He lavished (Oh, I love that word!!) on us with all wisdom and understanding. And He made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment-to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.
In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will (We are a part of His purpose and plan!!). In order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of His glory. (We were created for the praise of His glory!!) And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession-to the praise of His glory." (Parentheses mine)
Now that's a guarantee that I believe in!!! Oh let us "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the LORD is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations!!!" Psalm 100:4-5
Father, we praise you! Thank you for your goodness and faithfulness!! Thank you for your amazing love and grace!!!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
A Thought for Thanksgiving
"'...Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.'" Luke 1:28
My apologies to the few followers who check occasionally to see if I'm writing!! I've either been caught up with the day to day comings and goings of life...or terribly undisciplined...or BOTH! God has spoken on several different occasions and I must confess that I never made it to the computer. But, those words are jotted on random pieces of paper...the back of sermon notes, sticky notes, envelopes, napkins...and hopefully someday when I am more disciplined I'll be able to remember the purpose of my scribblings and share words that hopefully will bless the readers of them.
Now, on to the Word!!! This morning I started studying Luke's account of the Christmas story. Mmmm, so much there to bless our hearts. I was particularly touched by the angel, Gabriel's words to Mary as he just appeared...out of the blue! He said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." Let's just take those words and hear them fresh...directly to our hearts. We are highly favored by the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! He loves us!! We are His favorites!! And He...Emmanuel...is with us...no matter where we are, no matter where we've been, no matter what road life takes us down in the future. He loves us and He is with us.
Wow! What a reason for giving thanks. Wrap that love around you today. Feel the warmth of His presence.
Abba, Father, thank you for your great love for us. Thank you for the assurance of your presence with us. Thank you for loving so much that you sent your Son on our behalf so that we could spend eternity with you. Your love is truly unfathomable. Thank you.
My apologies to the few followers who check occasionally to see if I'm writing!! I've either been caught up with the day to day comings and goings of life...or terribly undisciplined...or BOTH! God has spoken on several different occasions and I must confess that I never made it to the computer. But, those words are jotted on random pieces of paper...the back of sermon notes, sticky notes, envelopes, napkins...and hopefully someday when I am more disciplined I'll be able to remember the purpose of my scribblings and share words that hopefully will bless the readers of them.
Now, on to the Word!!! This morning I started studying Luke's account of the Christmas story. Mmmm, so much there to bless our hearts. I was particularly touched by the angel, Gabriel's words to Mary as he just appeared...out of the blue! He said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." Let's just take those words and hear them fresh...directly to our hearts. We are highly favored by the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! He loves us!! We are His favorites!! And He...Emmanuel...is with us...no matter where we are, no matter where we've been, no matter what road life takes us down in the future. He loves us and He is with us.
Wow! What a reason for giving thanks. Wrap that love around you today. Feel the warmth of His presence.
Abba, Father, thank you for your great love for us. Thank you for the assurance of your presence with us. Thank you for loving so much that you sent your Son on our behalf so that we could spend eternity with you. Your love is truly unfathomable. Thank you.
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