Matthew 5:13
You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.
Salt has many properties that are helpful to man. In the time of Jesus, salt was used to add flavor to food. It was a preservative and just rubbing a small amount into meat slowed the decaying process. Salt was used for cleansing and healing as in the case of the salt water gargle that gives comfort and pain relief.
Jesus said we are salt and that we must not lose our saltiness. We must not do anything that causes us to lose the distinctiveness that sets us apart from the world and makes us Christians.
How does salt lose its saltiness? It is thought that when salt was stored in the first century and was inadvertently, contaminated with other minerals, it would attract moisture.Then as evaporation occurred, the salt would leach away leaving the contaminants and a much inferior salt. The only thing to do with this diminished salt was to pour it out on the foot path to inhibit the growth of weeds.
As believers today, our role is to preserve the good in this hostile and sinful world. By living a redeemed life before man, Christians show forth God's standards of righteousness. By God's power, God uses disciples to share the good news of Christ and the hope of salvation. Living this way requires holy boldness and the moral fortitude that comes from submitting to the will of God.
Christians live in radical opposition to the world. Their values and lifestyle are distinctively different. While others look out for number one, Christians are concerned about the needs of others. Following the example of Christ, they are happy to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the sick and imprisoned. They love the sometimes unlovable. They offer hope to the hopeless and comfort to those in distress. They offer the healing word of God which brings about deliverance. They dare to pray, even for their enemies, and expect God to answer.
Jesus said that we are salt. How are you shaking up the culture around you? How does your identity in Christ move you to make a difference in the lives of those around you? Will you choose to add the flavor of Jesus to a tasteless world? Share the gospel in your home and community- with your friends and family, coworkers and acquaintances. By the power of God, be a life enhancer and a soul preserver. Let who you are influence how you live and how you relate to others. Be salt!
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Friday, March 6, 2009
Create in Me A Clean Heart
Matthew 5:8
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Imagine sitting down to a sumptuous dinner in a beautiful setting and finding to your chagrin that the forks, plates and glasses provided for your use are dirty and caked with dried food from some other diner's feast. Yuck! We expect clean utensils. We are sickened by the very thought of using unclean vessels.
In the Old Testament there was a clear division between the clean and the unclean. God wanted to be served and worshipped by a clean and pure people. They were to be physically, ceremonially, and morally clean and He still expects it of us now.
In fact, King David, after having been involved in adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband, prayed to God for a clean heart. In Psalm 51, he asked to be renewed, because he knew that he had sinned and greatly disappointed his God. He knew that his actions and motives were impure and he asked God to purge him with hyssop. Hyssop, was an herb that was associated with cleansing ad purification and is used here to signify the cleansing of the soul. David asked to be washed, so that he was whiter than snow. The word that he used here in Hebrew is not the word for merely dipping a dish in water but, rather, the word used for the washing of clothes by pounding and beating. David wanted a thorough cleansing from his sin nature. He wanted a pure heart.
To be pure of heart does not mean that on our own we can be clean of every stain and blemish, for we sin and fall short of the glory of God; but rather to be single minded and sincere to God and to man. It is the passionate desire to be holy like God is holy and it is the dependence on God to make it so. To be pure is to hate evil and to cling to good.
Praise God, that Christ will purify our hearts by faith. He died to make us clean and pure in heart. His blood was shed to wash us and make us new creatures. It is through Christ that we are made acceptable vessels for God's use. It is only because of Jesus that we are no longer abhorrent to God in our sin but now pleasing to Him because of His Son.
Matthew 5:8 says, "Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God. What does it mean to see Him? Check out the revelation of the end times. Revelation 22:3-5 tells us what the future holds for believers: "And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him. They shall see His face and His name shall be on their foreheads. There shall be no night there. They need no lamp or light of the sun, for the LORD gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever."
Praise God, the pure in heart are heaven bound. Want to be pure? Be made pure by the washing of the Blood and the cleansing of God's Word, and you shall not only see Him, but He will conform you to be like Him.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Imagine sitting down to a sumptuous dinner in a beautiful setting and finding to your chagrin that the forks, plates and glasses provided for your use are dirty and caked with dried food from some other diner's feast. Yuck! We expect clean utensils. We are sickened by the very thought of using unclean vessels.
In the Old Testament there was a clear division between the clean and the unclean. God wanted to be served and worshipped by a clean and pure people. They were to be physically, ceremonially, and morally clean and He still expects it of us now.
In fact, King David, after having been involved in adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband, prayed to God for a clean heart. In Psalm 51, he asked to be renewed, because he knew that he had sinned and greatly disappointed his God. He knew that his actions and motives were impure and he asked God to purge him with hyssop. Hyssop, was an herb that was associated with cleansing ad purification and is used here to signify the cleansing of the soul. David asked to be washed, so that he was whiter than snow. The word that he used here in Hebrew is not the word for merely dipping a dish in water but, rather, the word used for the washing of clothes by pounding and beating. David wanted a thorough cleansing from his sin nature. He wanted a pure heart.
To be pure of heart does not mean that on our own we can be clean of every stain and blemish, for we sin and fall short of the glory of God; but rather to be single minded and sincere to God and to man. It is the passionate desire to be holy like God is holy and it is the dependence on God to make it so. To be pure is to hate evil and to cling to good.
Praise God, that Christ will purify our hearts by faith. He died to make us clean and pure in heart. His blood was shed to wash us and make us new creatures. It is through Christ that we are made acceptable vessels for God's use. It is only because of Jesus that we are no longer abhorrent to God in our sin but now pleasing to Him because of His Son.
Matthew 5:8 says, "Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God. What does it mean to see Him? Check out the revelation of the end times. Revelation 22:3-5 tells us what the future holds for believers: "And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him. They shall see His face and His name shall be on their foreheads. There shall be no night there. They need no lamp or light of the sun, for the LORD gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever."
Praise God, the pure in heart are heaven bound. Want to be pure? Be made pure by the washing of the Blood and the cleansing of God's Word, and you shall not only see Him, but He will conform you to be like Him.
Lord ,Have Mercy!
Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
Lord, have mercy! How many times have we gotten into an uncomfortable or dangerous situation and cried out to the LORD for mercy? There are so many times on this life's journey when we want and need compassion and assistance in our time of distress...and we want it NOW!
Yet, Jesus reminds us in the Sermon on the Mount that in His Kingdom, it is those who are merciful who obtain mercy. The world is filled with heartache and sorrow and it is mercy that moves us to do something for those in need. Love causes us to help the weak, the sick and the poor.
Mercy is required of us. Micah 6:8 says, "He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you, but to do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
Being merciful is more than being nice or kind. Mercy is part of God's revelation of Himself to us. Throughout the Bible God shows us His grace, love, commitment and loyalty...all aspects of His mercy.
Mercy, also, describes the person who puts himself or herself in the place of another. This is what God did for us. He saw us lost and broken, sin-sick and unable to change our situation, and love caused Him to send His one of a kind Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins. Jesus took our deserved punishment for rebellion and failure to please God and died in our stead. Mercy caused Jesus, who knew no sin to become sin for us. It was His mercy that moved Him to reach out to us and to reconcile us to Himself.
God wants us to do as He does--to have this mind that was in Jesus. Showing mercy is how God wants His people to act towards others.
Mercy is one of the fruit of the Spirit and God develops it in His children as they, stay connected to Him. What about you? Do you need the lovingkindness, the mercy, of God? Do you desire to be treated far better than you deserve? Then share that mercy that has been given to you!
God has told us in His Word that "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy!"
Lord, have mercy! How many times have we gotten into an uncomfortable or dangerous situation and cried out to the LORD for mercy? There are so many times on this life's journey when we want and need compassion and assistance in our time of distress...and we want it NOW!
Yet, Jesus reminds us in the Sermon on the Mount that in His Kingdom, it is those who are merciful who obtain mercy. The world is filled with heartache and sorrow and it is mercy that moves us to do something for those in need. Love causes us to help the weak, the sick and the poor.
Mercy is required of us. Micah 6:8 says, "He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you, but to do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
Being merciful is more than being nice or kind. Mercy is part of God's revelation of Himself to us. Throughout the Bible God shows us His grace, love, commitment and loyalty...all aspects of His mercy.
Mercy, also, describes the person who puts himself or herself in the place of another. This is what God did for us. He saw us lost and broken, sin-sick and unable to change our situation, and love caused Him to send His one of a kind Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins. Jesus took our deserved punishment for rebellion and failure to please God and died in our stead. Mercy caused Jesus, who knew no sin to become sin for us. It was His mercy that moved Him to reach out to us and to reconcile us to Himself.
God wants us to do as He does--to have this mind that was in Jesus. Showing mercy is how God wants His people to act towards others.
Mercy is one of the fruit of the Spirit and God develops it in His children as they, stay connected to Him. What about you? Do you need the lovingkindness, the mercy, of God? Do you desire to be treated far better than you deserve? Then share that mercy that has been given to you!
God has told us in His Word that "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy!"
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Kingdom Character
Matthew 5:1-6
The Sermon on the Mount, found in Matthew 5-7, has been called "The Greatest Sermon Ever Preached". In it, Jesus taught His disciples within earshot of the crowds that followed Him. This sermon presents the essence of Jesus' teachings on Christian conduct and character. It has been likened to a job description for Christians with a good explanation of His expectations for His disciples.
On the mount, Jesus brought words of peace and hope beginning with "The Beatitudes" as Jesus told them who is "blessed." (not just happy which often has to do with external circumstances, but rather, favored or fortunate. As we read the Beatitudes they often "read us" and we see our imperfections and our need for a Savior.
Jesus said "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."(v.3) Those who realize that they are sinful and can't save themselves are fortunate indeed, for they are the very ones that will participate in the kingdom of heaven. To be poor or destitute of anything that recommends us to the Father is an humbling experience, but a necessary one. To perceive the need for divine intervention is the first step toward responding to the free gift of salvation that Jesus purchased for us with His blood. This is in opposition to self-sufficiency and pride. The poor in spirit is the person who seeks their sufficiency in Christ.
"Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted." (v.4) Though we know that the Lord is merciful and will help us when our hearts are heavy in general, this verse in particular reminds us that those who are repentant for unrighteousness will especially receive the comfort of the Lord. Those who weep over ungodliness in their own lives and heart, and are saddened as God is saddened by sin, are more likely to confess it to their loving Father. To confess is to agree with God that "Yes, I have missed the mark", and "yes, I have transgressed Your boundaries". 1John 1:9 tells us that "When we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us of all unrighteousness." What better comfort than to know that we are on the right foot and in right relationship with the Lord again!
Verse 5 says, "Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth." Often people think that meekness is the same as weakness. Not so! Rather, meekness is strength under control. Think of Jesus, beaten, spit upon, lied on and He held His peace. See Him hanging on a cross for you and for me, not because He was impotent but because He chose to die for the sins of mankind. He was obedient to His Father as He bore the sins of the world. He endured separation from His Father, as He who knew no sin, became sin for us. He took the punishment we deserved. He paid the debt we could never repay. We're told that the meek inherit the earth. It is the first who shall be last and the last who will be first.
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled." (v.6) Have you ever been hungry? Often when we have a void or a lack, we can think of little else than getting it filled. Sometimes it results in pain until the situation is taken care of and we are satisfied. When we thirst we feel depleted and parched. Often doctors tell us that by the time we feel thirsty, we are already a bit dehydrated. Spiritual hunger and thirst are similar and we seek living water to quench our thirst. We seek Jesus, the bread of life, to renew our hungry souls.
Do you see a pattern here? Those blessed by God are those who realize that they need Him. They see Him as the All-powerful King of the Kingdom and themselves as subjects or citizens operating within His realm.The blessed ones are the ones who realize their dependence on Him and therefore live a life of gratitude and humility. The blessed ones see that only God can take care of their needs for salvation and deliverance and that their best efforts are as "filthy rags." Isaiah 64:6 Yet those who by the Spirit's power see their sin and mourn it, i.e. repent, are the ones who are promised blessings. They are the ones who will be comforted and filled and who will inherit the kingdom. Who inherits-- but the heirs, the children of the king!
Hallelujah! May He reign forever and may you be blessed!
Friday, January 2, 2009
Don't Worry
Therefore,do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:34
I did not expect to go into the New Year with pneumonia--again; but here I am. On December 30, 2009, I received the news that my illness was back.I was in shock. I had just been on a two month leave from work and normal activity and had finally been declared free of illness. In one week I was scheduled to return to my normal routine and frankly I was more than ready to get out of the house and back into the swing of things; to be less dependent on friends and family. So how do I live with illness until God heals me? I want it gone NOW, but how do I keep working, living and growing in spite of my disappointment?
You may be as "healthy as an ox" and may not be able to identify with this issue. Perhaps your "thorn in the flesh" has been a frightening financial situation or a relationship that is fraught with challenge, but most of us encounter situations that come upon us and that we are powerless to change in spite of our wishes.
It is not uncommon for us to worry about things that don't go according to plan. For me, I worried that I wouldn't be able to return to work before "they" fired me. I was concerned that I not be a burden to my friends and family as they cared for me. I worried that I would not be able to return to service for my Lord in ways I was used to. I didn't want to be home bound and in the back of my mind, I had concerns about death. I wasn't ready to go.I had children to love, grandchildren to play with, places to travel to and things to do.
Most of the time I dealt with my situation with grace. I accepted where I was for now and kept on doing the things I could do--watch and pray. But if you have ever been in that place of longing for that which is not-- as you wait for what will be--you know it is obvious that I needed a word from the Lord. As always He did not let me down and He reminded me of a few things in the Scriptures.
I was directed by the Holy Spirit to re-read a familiar passage from Matthew 6:19-34 about the futility of worrying about material things. Though it speaks specifically to not being concerned about food and clothing,I also understood it to be an assurance of God's provision in general.
In this passage we are told not to worry about where our next meal will come from because God takes care of the birds of the air. Though they don't sow or reap or gather into barns God feeds them and we, who are created in His image, are more valuable to God than they. v.26. We are admonished not to be concerned about what we will wear because if we look at the lilies of the field, God arrays them in more splendor than Solomon in all his glory.v.26. Won't our good God take care of His children even more than that which is in the field today and burned as garbage tomorrow? Further,why worry, since it does not change anything?v.27
Verse 31-34 goes on to say, "Therefore, do not worry...for your heavenly Father knows what you have need of." Rather, we are told to "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you." In other words, as we seek salvation and the righteous of God-as we are more kingdom focused and less self absorbed- we are assured of the care and provision of God. He cares for us and He hears our prayers, and He is faithful to keep His promises. "Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."v.34.
In summary, we are reminded not to worry:
it doesn't change anything
it can affect our health and well being adversely
it serves to highlight our fears rather than our faith.
It has been said in Values for Life that "Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength." I have found this to be true.
So in spite of my sickness and your challenges, whatever they might be, God is still Sovereign and is bigger than anything that may come upon us. Since I also know that He is kind and loving,I choose to trust Him for care and provision. I choose to hold on by His grace, even when it gets difficult- because as I look back over my shoulder, He has always been with me. He has brought me safe thus far. What about you? His word says He will provide.
"Lord, help me to more fully trust you to provide for all of my needs according to your riches in Christ Jesus. Help me to focus on your graciousness and love, rather than my limitations and lacks. Help me to continue to pray and trust you to work out what I can not figure out.Strengthen me to do the things that I can do and to stop doing anything that may hinder my blessing.Thank you for your faithfulness and loving kindness. Praise God, that I need not worry."
I did not expect to go into the New Year with pneumonia--again; but here I am. On December 30, 2009, I received the news that my illness was back.I was in shock. I had just been on a two month leave from work and normal activity and had finally been declared free of illness. In one week I was scheduled to return to my normal routine and frankly I was more than ready to get out of the house and back into the swing of things; to be less dependent on friends and family. So how do I live with illness until God heals me? I want it gone NOW, but how do I keep working, living and growing in spite of my disappointment?
You may be as "healthy as an ox" and may not be able to identify with this issue. Perhaps your "thorn in the flesh" has been a frightening financial situation or a relationship that is fraught with challenge, but most of us encounter situations that come upon us and that we are powerless to change in spite of our wishes.
It is not uncommon for us to worry about things that don't go according to plan. For me, I worried that I wouldn't be able to return to work before "they" fired me. I was concerned that I not be a burden to my friends and family as they cared for me. I worried that I would not be able to return to service for my Lord in ways I was used to. I didn't want to be home bound and in the back of my mind, I had concerns about death. I wasn't ready to go.I had children to love, grandchildren to play with, places to travel to and things to do.
Most of the time I dealt with my situation with grace. I accepted where I was for now and kept on doing the things I could do--watch and pray. But if you have ever been in that place of longing for that which is not-- as you wait for what will be--you know it is obvious that I needed a word from the Lord. As always He did not let me down and He reminded me of a few things in the Scriptures.
I was directed by the Holy Spirit to re-read a familiar passage from Matthew 6:19-34 about the futility of worrying about material things. Though it speaks specifically to not being concerned about food and clothing,I also understood it to be an assurance of God's provision in general.
In this passage we are told not to worry about where our next meal will come from because God takes care of the birds of the air. Though they don't sow or reap or gather into barns God feeds them and we, who are created in His image, are more valuable to God than they. v.26. We are admonished not to be concerned about what we will wear because if we look at the lilies of the field, God arrays them in more splendor than Solomon in all his glory.v.26. Won't our good God take care of His children even more than that which is in the field today and burned as garbage tomorrow? Further,why worry, since it does not change anything?v.27
Verse 31-34 goes on to say, "Therefore, do not worry...for your heavenly Father knows what you have need of." Rather, we are told to "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you." In other words, as we seek salvation and the righteous of God-as we are more kingdom focused and less self absorbed- we are assured of the care and provision of God. He cares for us and He hears our prayers, and He is faithful to keep His promises. "Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."v.34.
In summary, we are reminded not to worry:
it doesn't change anything
it can affect our health and well being adversely
it serves to highlight our fears rather than our faith.
It has been said in Values for Life that "Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength." I have found this to be true.
So in spite of my sickness and your challenges, whatever they might be, God is still Sovereign and is bigger than anything that may come upon us. Since I also know that He is kind and loving,I choose to trust Him for care and provision. I choose to hold on by His grace, even when it gets difficult- because as I look back over my shoulder, He has always been with me. He has brought me safe thus far. What about you? His word says He will provide.
"Lord, help me to more fully trust you to provide for all of my needs according to your riches in Christ Jesus. Help me to focus on your graciousness and love, rather than my limitations and lacks. Help me to continue to pray and trust you to work out what I can not figure out.Strengthen me to do the things that I can do and to stop doing anything that may hinder my blessing.Thank you for your faithfulness and loving kindness. Praise God, that I need not worry."
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Further Considerations: Teach us to Number our Days
So teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. PSALM 90 NIV
As I reflected on Psalm 90:12, I was impressed with the importance of enjoying each day as God gives it. We only have today. Yesterday is gone and we know not what tomorrow brings, yet how often have we been so distracted by the hurts,offenses and failures of yesterday and the fears and anticipated uncertainties of tomorrow that we have allowed those musings to assassinate the blessings that God has wrapped up in Today?
Perhaps someone said unkind things or did absolutely atrocious or abusive things on yesterday. Perhaps a childhood was consumed as one saw, heard or experienced too much too soon. Perhaps we have experienced pain and cried buckets of tears on yesterday, but God saw fit to rescue us and preserve us for Today. Not to minimize anyone's experiences for I know that my past helped to make me who I am today, but God is blessing Today and I don't want to miss it.
He is sending people to show us love, to appreciate what life has taught us-- even through adversity. He is creating in us a sense of love for the community of faith. He is giving opportunities we don't deserve and opening doors we had no idea needed opening. Thank God, He is closing doors we often don't have sense enough to know need closing. He is providing for our needs, just like He said He would. He is letting us see new sunrises and sunsets and enjoy gentle breezes in our hair. He allows us to taste delicious foods, even some that we did not have to prepare. He is continually forgiving us for our sins and conforming us to the image of Christ as we walk in Him.
Each day, the Lord, Our God, is sending new mercies. How often do we savor them, smile about them, or tell others about them? How often do we share today's blessings with our children and ask them how God is moving in their life?
"Lord, life is so short, help me to value each day that you allow me to see. Help me to use it to your glory and to the furtherance of your kingdom." Forgive me for looking backward at yesterday and failing to see what you have so lovingly placed in my lap to enjoy Today. Teach me to number my days."
As I reflected on Psalm 90:12, I was impressed with the importance of enjoying each day as God gives it. We only have today. Yesterday is gone and we know not what tomorrow brings, yet how often have we been so distracted by the hurts,offenses and failures of yesterday and the fears and anticipated uncertainties of tomorrow that we have allowed those musings to assassinate the blessings that God has wrapped up in Today?
Perhaps someone said unkind things or did absolutely atrocious or abusive things on yesterday. Perhaps a childhood was consumed as one saw, heard or experienced too much too soon. Perhaps we have experienced pain and cried buckets of tears on yesterday, but God saw fit to rescue us and preserve us for Today. Not to minimize anyone's experiences for I know that my past helped to make me who I am today, but God is blessing Today and I don't want to miss it.
He is sending people to show us love, to appreciate what life has taught us-- even through adversity. He is creating in us a sense of love for the community of faith. He is giving opportunities we don't deserve and opening doors we had no idea needed opening. Thank God, He is closing doors we often don't have sense enough to know need closing. He is providing for our needs, just like He said He would. He is letting us see new sunrises and sunsets and enjoy gentle breezes in our hair. He allows us to taste delicious foods, even some that we did not have to prepare. He is continually forgiving us for our sins and conforming us to the image of Christ as we walk in Him.
Each day, the Lord, Our God, is sending new mercies. How often do we savor them, smile about them, or tell others about them? How often do we share today's blessings with our children and ask them how God is moving in their life?
"Lord, life is so short, help me to value each day that you allow me to see. Help me to use it to your glory and to the furtherance of your kingdom." Forgive me for looking backward at yesterday and failing to see what you have so lovingly placed in my lap to enjoy Today. Teach me to number my days."
Teach Us to Number Our Days
Teach us to number our days, That we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm 90 KJV
Lord, teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may gain in wisdom.Help us to value the importance of each day so that we don't take our days for granted. Help us to see each day as a gift from Our Creator to be used to further His plan for our life and to give Him glory. Forgive us when we have acted as if we were the captain of our own ship and failed to appreciated Today.
I had no idea when I went about making my plans that I would be in the hospital for ten days this fall, and a second time before the month was over to correct an error in diagnosis and a resulting error in the prescription of medicine. It was not in my life's goals, nor in my Church planner nor in anyone's Blackberry and yet there I was lying on my back; sick, fearful and many times feeling alone.
I saw others come and go in the same condition or worse, and most of us had other things that we thought we would be doing. The jaunt to the hospital was inconvenient, expensive and worrisome, and yet it was a reality for a sizable portion of my month.
During this time, I had plenty of time to reflect. I learned many unasked for lessons. I got to see myself from a different perspective and learned aspects of God's loving kindness that I had not before encountered.
One such reflection centered on the fact that we never know what tomorrow holds. I was impressed with that thought that since this is true, I needed to do whatever God has put in my heart to do Today. That might start with just saying "Yes, Lord", and yielding to His wishes. It may be a series of small decisions all leading to His final goal. It might begin with the preparation to be able to do what He has asked. Many times obedience entails a number of baby steps rather than one dramatic and immediate finish. For me, obeying God may start with prayers for guidance, asking others for help with the parts I am not sure of, talking up my courage, or getting an accountability partner to help eliminate false starts and no follow-through.
Since I doubt if we get points in heaven for almost obeying God or for thinking about doing so, I figured out that I needed to do those things I have already heard Him say do and stop adding them to my list of things to do when I have time. Transformation comes decision by decision, step by obedient step and act upon act.
The truth of the matter is we have Today. Wiser folk than I have said, "Don't put off for tomorrow the things we can do Today."
"Lord, thank you for using even an unexpected, unpleasant occurrence to teach me to number my days for I truly want to gain in wisdom."
Lord, teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may gain in wisdom.Help us to value the importance of each day so that we don't take our days for granted. Help us to see each day as a gift from Our Creator to be used to further His plan for our life and to give Him glory. Forgive us when we have acted as if we were the captain of our own ship and failed to appreciated Today.
I had no idea when I went about making my plans that I would be in the hospital for ten days this fall, and a second time before the month was over to correct an error in diagnosis and a resulting error in the prescription of medicine. It was not in my life's goals, nor in my Church planner nor in anyone's Blackberry and yet there I was lying on my back; sick, fearful and many times feeling alone.
I saw others come and go in the same condition or worse, and most of us had other things that we thought we would be doing. The jaunt to the hospital was inconvenient, expensive and worrisome, and yet it was a reality for a sizable portion of my month.
During this time, I had plenty of time to reflect. I learned many unasked for lessons. I got to see myself from a different perspective and learned aspects of God's loving kindness that I had not before encountered.
One such reflection centered on the fact that we never know what tomorrow holds. I was impressed with that thought that since this is true, I needed to do whatever God has put in my heart to do Today. That might start with just saying "Yes, Lord", and yielding to His wishes. It may be a series of small decisions all leading to His final goal. It might begin with the preparation to be able to do what He has asked. Many times obedience entails a number of baby steps rather than one dramatic and immediate finish. For me, obeying God may start with prayers for guidance, asking others for help with the parts I am not sure of, talking up my courage, or getting an accountability partner to help eliminate false starts and no follow-through.
Since I doubt if we get points in heaven for almost obeying God or for thinking about doing so, I figured out that I needed to do those things I have already heard Him say do and stop adding them to my list of things to do when I have time. Transformation comes decision by decision, step by obedient step and act upon act.
The truth of the matter is we have Today. Wiser folk than I have said, "Don't put off for tomorrow the things we can do Today."
"Lord, thank you for using even an unexpected, unpleasant occurrence to teach me to number my days for I truly want to gain in wisdom."
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