God calls a meeting.
He’s tugging at my heart.
I’m hungry. I’m tired. My tapestry is unraveling.
I’m seeking, but not finding. There’s a Dead End again.
Where is this place of meeting? Does my heart yearn to go?
My thinking goes amiss. I think, “Before the meeting, I have to do this.”
“I have to get rid of that, but I can’t. I can’t. Or maybe, it’s more like, . . . I won’t.”
Is this how we think? Do we believe, “God doesn’t want to meet with me, I’m way too lost. I’ve gone too far.”
God calls a meeting, time and time again. Do I continue to run the other way?
Do our minds spin out of control?
God saw me running. So He brought me a 3 year old. To simply watch and listen.
A child’s smile, the skip, the joy, the love. How we’re always changing, but some things never change.
As I was watching a child at play, it was like a first day of spring. It was like a sky with fun, puffy clouds.
I was running from God, so He brought me a child. So I could see with my eyes, something I knew of before. Of forgiveness and grace, gentleness, and noise. Of making a mess, but having a second chance – of two sides of a coin.
God called a meeting and I kept putting it off, until He brought a child in my view.
I heard the song coming from their heart during play, “A,B, C, D . . .” So accomplished and confident. So, I broke in and asked, “What’s your favorite song?”
She began to sing: “Jesus loves me . . .”
I watched a tender faith. I witnessed a confident trust. I knew these words. They were hidden deep down in my heart.
“Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so.”
My heart was pierced, that very moment. I forgot what was true.
I forgot what I knew.
As sheep often do.
I left from following the Shepherd. I thought I had to “plow on through.” By myself. On my own.
I became like the prodigal. Hungry, far. With pig slop for food. It was when that child sang, “Jesus loves, . . . ” That I heard, “Remember Me.”
The child sang, “this I know . . .”
My thought, “No, I don’t know anymore.”
The Lord kept His appointment. He spoke: “Remember Me.”
Gentle and kind. God used a little child to remind. To remind me it’s not “Do this.” “Don’t do that.”
Simply, “Jesus loves.”
How I forgot.
So, I turned around that moment. That moment was new. Because, in my heart, instead of my back, I turned my face to the Lord. Inside my heart was bursting.
I held it all in, but, if I didn’t I would have a face filled with tears.
Immediately, . . .
I felt hope.
Out of a child’s praise, I remembered God’s amazing grace.
“Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord, . . .” Jeremiah 29:12-14.
Tag: hope
United sound brings a sweet fragrance/ Amazing Grace
Common knowledge learned, in the reach to smell a rose is, “Every rose has its thorns.”
“Ouch!”
How this world with vast beauty and joy, is also sharp and prickly. It punctures and so often, brings about so much more than a “whine”.
Yet,”For God so loves the world.”
How can it be? There are days I can’t “love” anything.
I feel so far from smelling the roses. The “thorns” seem to be, like weeds, surrr-rrrou-nnn-ding.
The darkness of nursery rhymes come to the surface, “Ring around the rosie, a pocket full of posies. Ashes, ashes, we all fall down.”
“Whoever wrote these rhymes anyway? Though the origins are argued, we must believe, it was a day of “thorns” in a struggle to smell the rose.
Common knowledge. Community. Comforts and joy in the reciting. Children gather, hand in hand. Going around and ’round, making familiar sounds. “Ashes, ashes, we all fall down.”
Amidst dark clouds, and thoughts of ashes – being together, gathering around, common words chimed – heaviness dashes.
“Amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now I’m found. Was blind but now I see.”
The song is sung and we all join along, even if the tone is completely wrong. The melody flows from all lips with a smile. In full agreement, hearts receive the gracious love God freely gives.
There’s no strife when hearts unify. There’s no disagreement in the “wretch” that we each be. The thirst seems quenched. The heart instantly warmed.
The smell of roses comes vibrantly alive, when we put sound on our voice and in a common hymn sing! This is where God abides. This is where He dwells. We can all agree. Yes, we agree and somehow our blindness is made to flee:
“‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved.
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed.”
As if time stops. Glory invites. “For God,” gave His Son, that we might overcome. The song, is sung. And we agree together, and sing along:
“Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.”
Jesus can turn water to wine. Jesus can heal. Jesus can restore. The fragrance of joy is smelled. Let us put sound on our voice. And join together and sing.
Let us unify. Let us give thanks. Let us worship our King.
“Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God!”
I'm Changed, Daily
“The garment [expressive] of praise instead of a disheartened spirit.” Isaiah 61:3, Amplified.
Changes are necessary.
A change of clothes is a natural occurrence, for everyone, hopefully, at least once a day.
We begin clean and fresh but through the course of time, we can acquire smells.
My fragrance changes from healthy to pale when words arise in my ears and eyes. In a moments time a report can bring down great amounts of torrential rains. Be it news, an assignment, the correction, the debt owed. The diagnosis, the prognosis, the dropped ball, the “no show.
How sudden everything bright can be enveloped by sighs.
How quickly anxiety and fretfulness wrap around like a weed and there’s no clarity of thought – only thoughts reckless and headstrong. Yielding no peace.
I’m guilty of fear, which brings on regret. I speak unkind words that I can’t retract.
Escape I must, so I run to a place, . . .
of hiding and silence and God’s quietness. He waits for me and makes me lie down on pastures of green, so familiar in sound.
And God speaks to my soul: “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind,” (1). For the “spirit of heaviness,” let Me change your clothing and help you put on a “garment of praise.” (2).
Lord, I cry, in my weariness, I’m weak. I have no strength. I can’t find a thankful thought. Trouble has clouded my eyes. There’s pain of blood dripping from my heart, and the only language I seem to speak, brings confusion to the ones closest to me.
“Don’t try to figure it all out. Don’t worry about all the “stuff.” That’s an unknown future that you can trust Me with, you know. Let Me take this garment of heaviness from your mind and your heart. Let me remind you that each past failure, has been a teacher bringing about great growth. Let Me help you put a robe of “thankfulness” on. Let Me remind you of good things with amplified reports.
“Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.” (3)
“Read aloud My word, Amplified, in whom, the Son that I did send opened the Book and read aloud in the hearing of man:
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
Because the Lord has anointed and commissioned me
To bring good news to the humble and afflicted;
He has sent me to bind up [the wounds of] the brokenhearted,
To proclaim release [from confinement and condemnation] to the [physical and spiritual] captives
And freedom to prisoners,
To proclaim the favorable year of the Lord,
And the day of vengeance and retribution of our God,
To comfort all who mourn,
To grant to those who mourn in Zion the following:
To give them a turban instead of dust [on their heads, a sign of mourning],
The oil of joy instead of mourning,
The garment [expressive] of praise instead of a disheartened spirit.
So they will be called the trees of righteousness [strong and magnificent, distinguished for integrity, justice, and right standing with God],
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”
Remember Me. Let me lift your heavy heart. Sing a hymn, I will change your garments to Praise.”
The garment of Doxology will be my starting point. Thank you God, that You know my name.
“Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. (The Doxology).
(1) Romans 12:2.
(2) Isaiah 61:3.
(3) Hebrews 12:12.
I choose health over anxiety. Where's my hymnal?
Got health? Real wealth? Worthwhile things are worth the fight.
The struggle to balance. The work to think straight. The temptations surrounding. The need to put off, put away, to breathe, to wait.
I’ll let go of blame and fret. I’ll look up, not out. If it pleases God, that’s my final answer. His way, not mine, or the popular opinion of the time.
I choose to follow the direction that God leads. Even though He knows, I will fail Him over and over as He watches me.
So I take hold of some old trust-worthy words, and recite them aloud like a song of a bird,
I will arise and go to Jesus
He will embrace me in His arms
In the arms of my dear Savior
Oh, there are ten thousand charms
Oh, there are ten thousand charms. Yes, riches, true riches are being near to God. Being full of peace and comfort, not fearing nor having alarm.
But alarm I have, and in fear I dive. But God is a help, and old hymns remind:
Come, ye thirsty, come and welcome
God’s free bounty glorify
True belief and true repentance
Every grace that brings you nigh
God’s free bounty glorify
True belief and true repentance
Every grace that brings you nigh
Come, ye weary, heavy-laden
Lost and ruined by the fall
If you tarry ’til you’re better
You will never come at all
Lost and ruined by the fall
If you tarry ’til you’re better
You will never come at all
God is love. We are not. He is gracious in His being. He is compassionate. His heart is gentle and kind. He doesn’t parade Himself. He is truthful, all of the time.
He knows our thoughts.
He is able to make a hard heart soft. He is powerful and willing. So often, we are not.
Are we are tired of being sick? Are willing to change our direction.
God the Father through Jesus His Son, and the power of His Spirit can bring change to our whole story.
He can give us wealth of health with freedom and forgiveness.
And He gives us victory to bring a sacrifice of thanksgiving.
No longer dwelling on the failures of the past. No longer projecting of a future unknown. Living in the present on this earth making my house a dwelling place for the Lord.
I will arise and go to Jesus
He will embrace me in His arms
In the arms of my dear Savior
Oh, there are ten thousand charms.
Hymn by Joseph Hart:
Come, ye sinners, poor and needy
Weak and wounded, sick and sore
Jesus ready, stands to save you
Full of pity, love and power
Weak and wounded, sick and sore
Jesus ready, stands to save you
Full of pity, love and power
I will arise and go to Jesus
He will embrace me in His arms
In the arms of my dear Savior
Oh, there are ten thousand charms
He will embrace me in His arms
In the arms of my dear Savior
Oh, there are ten thousand charms
Come, ye thirsty, come and welcome
God’s free bounty glorify
True belief and true repentance
Every grace that brings you nigh
God’s free bounty glorify
True belief and true repentance
Every grace that brings you nigh
Come, ye weary, heavy-laden
Lost and ruined by the fall
If you tarry ’til you’re better
You will never come at all
Lost and ruined by the fall
If you tarry ’til you’re better
You will never come at all
I will arise and go to Jesus
He will embrace me in His arms
In the arms of my dear Savior
Oh, there are ten thousand charms
He will embrace me in His arms
In the arms of my dear Savior
Oh, there are ten thousand charms
Get up! And fight with Hymn and Psalm
Crisis comes. The “fight” begins. The battle is greatest against thoughts of fear and uncertainty. “The Lord is on thy side,” the old hymn reminds. But these words feel far removed at this time.
“Be Still My soul.” The words learned during past trial, now echo from deep below. “Be still my soul, the Lord is on thy side. Bear patiently, the cross of grief or pain.”
“Patiently.” That word. Who would ever choose that word?
Bear in l-o-n-g – s-u-f-f-e-r-i-n-g are my thoughts’ reasoning. And, like a thread of continuation, “Love suffers long and is kind” pops in head.
“1 Corinthians 13 is impossible with man!” is my next exclamation. “I need a Savior.” is my heart’s cry.
Sorrow and fatigue leave me by a “Slough of Despond,” Just as in the old classic I have read. But, the Hymn of faith fights to bring truth to my lips, “Leave to Thy God, to order and provide. In every change, He faithful will remain. Be still my soul.”
The battle rages against doubt and more doubt: “I can’t do this.” “God’s plan is not for good.”
“Why did He allow this?” My heart fails, only to remind me of a verse hidden there:
“My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26.
Remembrance is as if picking up a sword, and doubt flees. “Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73: 25, 26 reminded me what I forgot.
Forever. That includes today.
But God is …
“Be still my soul, thy best, thy heavenly friend, through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.”
So, I take up a hymn and a Psalm for strength. I breath the words that my heart and mind have learned and I speak aloud that my whole being hears the sound:
“Be still my soul. Thy God doth undertake. To guide thy future, as He has the past. Thy hope, thy confidence, let nothing shake,
in every change, he faithful will remain. Be still my soul. The waves and wind still know His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below.”
Faith restored, I open up God’s word. Psalm 73 speaks so personal to me: “Truly God is good to Israel. To such as are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; My steps had nearly slipped…”
“Thus my heart was grieved, and I was vexed in my mind. I was so foolish and ignorant; I was like a beast before You. NeverthelessI am continually with You;”
“You hold me by my right hand.”
“You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.”
“Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart fail;”
“But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:1,2,21-26.
My “forever” begins this minute, right now. Let us fight this battle with faith.
Join me? Let’s get up and get going in His strength. The Lord is on our side!
The prayer in the hymn. The answer within: "Just from Jesus, simply taking …
Deep inside, tired. Deep within, weary. Like a wilted plant longing for reviving water. We hold out our hands, and our spirits seek God. In our weakness of faith, we cry out to Him.
And He hears our silent voices. He sees our seeking hearts. He breathes upon our frame mysterious peace though nothing changes.
Personally, as for me, deep inside my heart, I write what the Living God, through His glorious Spirit does, as I long for so much, time and time again. My morning prayer is written – from an age old hymn.
Not the first part, nor the middle – but the last thought becomes my prayer: “… O for grace to trust Thee more … O for grace to trust You more.” Silent words repeated over and again, but with wholehearted meaning and truthfulness: “O for grace, to trust You more.”
The next thing I know is a resurrection takes place. My eyes lift up and my whole countenance has change. “Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus.” This is the Spirit of God speaking: “Trust Me.”
“Trust, … Me.”
I know the old words. What a treasure store. The Spirit brings them to my mind to answer and restore:“Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest, and joy and peace.”
Simply take from Jesus: life and rest, and joy and peace?
Then the realization is brought to mind, in my weariness, I’m not taking from Jesus – anything. Like stagnant waters with no movement and sound. But to my rescue at my soundless call, the Spirit woos me to remember His Song.
‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His Word
Just to rest upon His promise,
Just to know, “Thus saith the Lord!”
The next thing I know, my heart responds. Being reminded of my Love who is mine, evermore. And the song, though silent, stirs in my heart and revives me and prays the words I longed for:
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
Oh, for grace to trust Him more!
Then those words, almost hidden, they are. Words that could be so easily missed – become highlighted to me and repeated again …
“Just from Jesus simply taking, life and rest. Joy and peace.”
“Take from Me. Take from Me.” I feel my Jesus answer.
“I offer life. I offer rest. I offer joy and peace.”
What do we say, to the old hymn’s reminder? What is our response this day, this hour?
Let’s respond with the old words that are written, and be renewed in the spirit of our minds once again. Let us rejoice in the Lord, always – no matter the mess we’re in.
Let us sing, even aloud with our voices today,
“Jesus, Jesus, how I trust You. How I’ve proved You o’er and o’er Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! Oh, for grace to trust You more!”
“O for grace to trust You more.”
So, today I will go, knowing I will fail Him often. Especially in my trust in Him along the way. But there will be a day, when He calls me to meet Him, and I will finally be able to truthfully say:
“I’m so glad I learned to trust Him, Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend”
but today, I will believe with all my heart the hymn:
“And I know that He is with me,
Will be with me to the end.”
Let us sing with rejoicing and be ignited with praise:
Oh, how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust His cleansing blood
And in simple faith to plunge me
‘Neath the healing, cleansing flood!
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
Oh, for grace to trust Him more!
Let's be gloriously changed – Let's choose to Praise
Let’s make the choice now, no matter the story. No matter the pains, the loss, the new worries. To start the day with God and giving thanks is fine, but to end it in praise is victory, power, and brings a sound mind.
We be changed through the praise. God draws ever near, as we draw near to Him. Let our voices (aloud) ring clear.
“You are the LORD God Almighty. You are worthy. You are worthy. You are worthy to be praised.
You are Elohim, strong Creator of all the natural beauty we see.
We worship You God. Jehovah, I AM, (YHWH) self-existent, un-change-ing.
The Most High God, El-Elyon is worthy of our praise. There is none like You. Too much, too high, to great for our minds to comprehend and know.
But the Bible tells us, You loves us so.
We worship You Lord, for You alone are worthy. “The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”(1) Worthy and powerful – O so wonderful is Your Name.
We choose to think on things that are noble, right, and true, and altogether lovely. Yes, I choose to worship You:
Father, Son, You are Savior. We worship You Lord, You are Beginning and the End, the Lamb of God, and Friend.
We worship You Lord, for You alone are worthy. You are Eternal and Guide, You are King of all kings. You are Shelter. You are Judge. You are for us, Cleansing.
You are Powerful, Faithful, Sustainer and Prince.
Majestic and Tower and Everlasting.
There is none like You God. You alone are worthy. I worship Your name, may nothing else take Your place.
You are Wisdom, Faithful, Merciful, Glorious.
You are Peace, Counselor, Healer, and Guard.
You are my Shepherd.
My Deliverer.
My Comforter.
Lord, You are my Hope.
You are my Joy.
F-o-r-e-v-e-r, You are my Love.
You, God are gloriously magnificent.
You, “so loved the world,” (2) that Your Son You have sent.
I lift up Your name and proclaim with my voice – “You, Lord God Almighty, are my Lord. You are my heart.”
I love You Lord Jesus, that You first loved me. Forgive me when I forget all that You are, all You did, and do:
Jehovah-Roi, the God who sees me. Jehovah-Shamma, Who promises to be there. Jehovah-Jirah, the LORD will provide.
O God, be my Adonai. My Lord, and Master, that I serve You -always.
I worship You Jesus. You have given me life. Today, this moment … for the rest of my life.
Amen. Amen. Let all the children say again, “Amen.”
Praise goes before the battle and fight. Victory is won when I see God in all His might. Lead me Good Shepherd, as a sheep I often forget, to speak these words aloud and be transformed again, and … again.
(1) Proverbs 18:10, NIV.
(2) John 3:16.
As the ducks go by, my vision came clear
The world is a whirlwind of motion and time. The needs are great. Energy is given.
Babies held. Toddlers taught. Children learn what’s right what’s not. Schools full. Businesses open. Roads busy. Food prepared, and food being eaten. Time ticks on.
Are our thoughts all our own?
The pond in the park by the big oak tree sings. The still waters speak to halt my reasoning. My heart is calmed, my pace is slowed, my vision is expanded, and my mind’s thoughts echo:
“Maybe I’m confused. It’s not all about me. Maybe what I think is actually hurting me.
And somehow in the park, when the ducks go by “quacking,” I come to the conclusion: I’m not the center.
The stress, the strife, the fast pace of life, halts as the sun’s reflection sparkles the water. The smells of fresh air, and birds chirping everywhere. All my senses come to life. There’s something special about this moment, this moment in time.
In an instant my vision is expanded to include, not just me, and my world. My woes and and my goals, but to think about God. The Creator of all.
That’s what I need. I need more of Him.
I need God. Bottom line. Period.
As I needed the still waters of this pond, to bring vision to my broken heart. I need God to bring alive what’s died. I can’t look back I must move on.
And suddenly I’m saddened. “I’ve been lied to. Been made to believe that with my own reasoning and actions, I can achieve. That the course is simply A then to B. Then each step of the way, it’s all mine. It’s up to me.”
Oh, the lies I believed. The whirl of the world and it’s hum of pride: “Yes, there’s a God. He’s “love” and all that. But look at this world. Can you really believe He’s in control? Be reasonable. Use your mind. You must wear your own hat!”
And the sun hit the water and the breeze sang a song, and the duck went by slowly with his “quack, quack, quack.” And my heart stopped singing it’s sad, mourning song.
I looked up, and blocked the intense light of the afternoon sun just by lifting my tiny, wrinkly thumb. I decided right there, in that very moment of time, that the “thumb” of pride and unbelief was going to be set aside.
I was going to use my “reason” and remember my need. I need God. Right now, today. Front and center, no longer me, but He.
If God says He sent His Son to set me free, from myself and the rest of the ugliness, (as I learned as a child, and then unlearned by the world), then that will be my vision. “For God so loved the world that He gave …” who was I to change God – to be what my mind says.
“Jesus, can You see me? Today, I accept Your love. Somehow, as the ducks “quacked” in the still waters of this pond, my vision was changed.”
“You became my vision, and I remembered Your blood. It has washed me clean. But I forgot. I was taught by this world that I didn’t need washed.”
“Wash me again, and again. O God, I’m so sorry. Will You forgive me?”
So I went home and read Psalm 139 aloud, to be reminded again, that in fact, He is the center of all I see:
“O Lord, you have searched me [thoroughly] and have known me.
Babies held. Toddlers taught. Children learn what’s right what’s not. Schools full. Businesses open. Roads busy. Food prepared, and food being eaten. Time ticks on.
Are our thoughts all our own?
The pond in the park by the big oak tree sings. The still waters speak to halt my reasoning. My heart is calmed, my pace is slowed, my vision is expanded, and my mind’s thoughts echo:
“Maybe I’m confused. It’s not all about me. Maybe what I think is actually hurting me.
And somehow in the park, when the ducks go by “quacking,” I come to the conclusion: I’m not the center.
The stress, the strife, the fast pace of life, halts as the sun’s reflection sparkles the water. The smells of fresh air, and birds chirping everywhere. All my senses come to life. There’s something special about this moment, this moment in time.
In an instant my vision is expanded to include, not just me, and my world. My woes and and my goals, but to think about God. The Creator of all.
That’s what I need. I need more of Him.
I need God. Bottom line. Period.
As I needed the still waters of this pond, to bring vision to my broken heart. I need God to bring alive what’s died. I can’t look back I must move on.
And suddenly I’m saddened. “I’ve been lied to. Been made to believe that with my own reasoning and actions, I can achieve. That the course is simply A then to B. Then each step of the way, it’s all mine. It’s up to me.”
Oh, the lies I believed. The whirl of the world and it’s hum of pride: “Yes, there’s a God. He’s “love” and all that. But look at this world. Can you really believe He’s in control? Be reasonable. Use your mind. You must wear your own hat!”
And the sun hit the water and the breeze sang a song, and the duck went by slowly with his “quack, quack, quack.” And my heart stopped singing it’s sad, mourning song.
I looked up, and blocked the intense light of the afternoon sun just by lifting my tiny, wrinkly thumb. I decided right there, in that very moment of time, that the “thumb” of pride and unbelief was going to be set aside.
I was going to use my “reason” and remember my need. I need God. Right now, today. Front and center, no longer me, but He.
If God says He sent His Son to set me free, from myself and the rest of the ugliness, (as I learned as a child, and then unlearned by the world), then that will be my vision. “For God so loved the world that He gave …” who was I to change God – to be what my mind says.
“Jesus, can You see me? Today, I accept Your love. Somehow, as the ducks “quacked” in the still waters of this pond, my vision was changed.”
“You became my vision, and I remembered Your blood. It has washed me clean. But I forgot. I was taught by this world that I didn’t need washed.”
“Wash me again, and again. O God, I’m so sorry. Will You forgive me?”
So I went home and read Psalm 139 aloud, to be reminded again, that in fact, He is the center of all I see:
“O Lord, you have searched me [thoroughly] and have known me.
You know when I sit down and when I rise up [my entire life, everything I do];
You understand my thought from afar.
You scrutinize my path and my lying down,
And You are intimately acquainted with all my ways.
Even before there is a word on my tongue [still unspoken],
Behold, O Lord, You know it all.
You have enclosed me behind and before,
And [You have] placed Your hand upon me.
Such [infinite] knowledge is too wonderful for me;
It is too high [above me], I cannot reach it.
You understand my thought from afar.
You scrutinize my path and my lying down,
And You are intimately acquainted with all my ways.
Even before there is a word on my tongue [still unspoken],
Behold, O Lord, You know it all.
You have enclosed me behind and before,
And [You have] placed Your hand upon me.
Such [infinite] knowledge is too wonderful for me;
It is too high [above me], I cannot reach it.
Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence?
If I ascend to heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in Sheol (the nether world, the place of the dead), behold, You are there.
If I take the wings of the dawn,
If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea,
Even there Your hand will lead me,
And Your right hand will take hold of me.
If I say, “Surely the darkness will cover me,
And the night will be the only light around me,”
Even the darkness is not dark to You and conceals nothing from You,
But the night shines as bright as the day;
Darkness and light are alike to You.
For You formed my innermost parts;
You knit me [together] in my mother’s womb.
I will give thanks and praise to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works,
And my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was being formed in secret,
And intricately and skillfully formed [as if embroidered with many colors] in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes have seen my unformed substance;
And in Your book were all written
The days that were appointed for me,
When as yet there was not one of them [even taking shape].
How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
If I could count them, they would outnumber the sand.
When I awake, I am still with You …
Search me [thoroughly], O God, and know my heart;
Test me and know my anxious thoughts;
And see if there is any wicked or hurtful way in me,
And lead me in the everlasting way.” Psalm 139, Amplified.
“Yes, Lord, You see me. Help me grow in You, each day, please.”
In restlessness – He is peace.
Where is God in all this “restless-ness?” Wars going on outside and in. The struggles, the hardships, the anger, the hate. The words that go back and forth without restraint.
A prophet of old wrote in his letter: O LORD, “How long?” “How long, … must I call for help,” Habakkuk 1:1. This is how Habakkuk felt, yes, open it up – God’s word, and see for yourself.
“Why?” you might ask. Because, today, we “feel” the same way.
Habakkuk writes freely his complaints: “Oh LORD, are you not from everlasting? My God, my Holy One, …” (emphasis added), “Your eyes are too pure to look on evil, your cannot tolerate wrong. Why then do you tolerate the treacherous? Why are You silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves? …”(1) Questions, questions – these are the same questions we daily ask ourselves.
We’re fighting for some peace, we’re yearning for a song.
And for me, in my house – (that is, in my heart and mind,) He came to rescue. He came to my help. He gave me His Song, Psalm 23:1.”The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.”
But in great need, and stress and fret, I spoke the full Psalm, from beginning to … “and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord, forever,” the end. And I thought, “forever” is a very long time.
Then the question, “Where am I dwelling, right now, in this moment? Am I dwelling in His house, or have I let “faith” walk out His Door?” “Without faith, it’s impossible to please God.”(3) Was this the lesson for Habakkuk as well?
He invited me in, to come into His house, that I am “forever to dwell.” But He knows, I go astray, each and every day. But He offers “peace” unlike the world, “His peace,” He so graciously gives, even though I mess up, and sin …
so very often.
A song, an old hymn came to my mind just then, “What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.”(4)
It can’t just be “God” and “heavenly thoughts.” I called and I cried to “Our Father in heaven,” and He drew near to me, and reminded me “hallowed be His name.”
He can’t be what my small brain makes Him, He must be Who He is. And “Holy is His name.” But more amazing still, His “grace is sufficient.”(5).
So, to conclude this whole matter of restlessness and stress, and my mind running in circles, (can anyone relate?) May I learn from God’s help that He “presently” sent. And remember as Habakkuk had learned as well) …
I put some breath on the strings, that He, Himself has given (to each of us, no less), and I made the choice to sing, …
to sing praise for His glory, as I was (and seem to be always), in a battle of wills to trust God, it seems. I sang and I prayed, and a “present” peace I received. But “today”, and “tomorrow” (if God will’s be mine) may I remember to put sound on the strings He designed.
Let us humble ourselves and praise His name “forever.”
“After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: “Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever.” 2 Chronicles 20:21.
(1) Habakkuk 1:12,13.
(2) Psalm 100.
(3) Hebrews 11:6.
(4) Hymn: Nothing but the Blood of Jesus.
(5) 2 Corinthians 12:9.
"Though there be no fruit on the vine …"
Many years ago, I felt God impress upon my heart my life verse: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.
I had no idea then, what God had for me in this verse. Even today, I yearn to grasp the depths of all it means. “What are You saying, Lord, at times like these?”
“What is Your will for me?” “What is Your will for me?” “What is Your will for me?“
And He responds, continually, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks …” I had no clue, back then, how very, very difficult these three things would prove to be.
“How can I rejoice in this?” “There’s no way I can pray!” “I refuse to give thanks in this!” Over and over, God allows me to see what’s inside of me. And, quite frankly, it ain’t pretty!
But Jesus. He loves me. He’s gentle. He’s patient. He’s kind and full of compassion. He hears my yelling and faithless thoughts. He sees my fret and knows my every thought.
How can God be so great and mighty as that? To still love me – even after my words and actions and … yes, being a brat!
There is no One like God on this earth.
But, wait.
He reached out from on high when I was in the depth of a pit. He pulled me out of great darkness and I could see, finally, the love in His eyes.
“Receive My love?” I felt Him ask of me.”
“I do, Lord. Come and live in my heart. Restore my soul. O God, don’t let go.”
Now, He abides in me. I’m simply a branch of His Vine. He is mine. He is mine.
“No matter what you might go through, my child, I am here. And these words are your fortress and refuge. These words are your Rock that you might not slip or drown in sorrow or fear. I am the LORD, and this is my will you.”
“I see the conflicts press hard form the outside. I see the fear that entangles and grips at your very breath. I know the loss, the pain. I know death.”
“This is hard, this is dark, this is excruciating, I know. I am the LORD. I have gone before, I will carry you through. Keep your eyes on me, through this most difficult test, My Word is your life, yes, this is what you are to do: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks;”
I will show you success and help you focus your mind, that you might be victorious one step at a time. Study my Word. Sing the Psalms in your heart. Gain wisdom and understanding, ask of Me and I will give.”
Do you believe … even in this? that I am Yours. I care for you … now, rest.”
My life verse gives me instant direction. Will I scoff, or will I take the instruction? My response has already been written. I will sing it from my heart to my Chief Musician:
Though the fig tree may not blossom,
Nor fruit be on the vines;
Though the labor of the olive may fail,
And the fields yield no food;
Though the flock may be cut off from the fold,
And there be no herd in the stalls—
Yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will joy in the God of my salvation.
The Lord God is my strength;
He will make my feet like deer’s feet,
And He will make me walk on my high hills.
Habakkuk 3:17-19. In response to my life verse, no matter what happens – this I pray will be my response. Continually. And with my Love, I will abide for all eternity!
Not just a Teacher
Not just a Teacher with impossible commands, “Be holy, be blameless, let love rule your heart. Trust Me with your life, take hold of My hand.” So much of His Word, we simply don’t understand.
Impossible with man, His commands prove to be. For example, “Love – your – enemy.” But Jesus is more than a Teacher – He is. He’s Redeemer. He takes from us weakness, and gives His power in return. He takes from us doubt and reason of thought, and gives us hope and faith beyond what we are.
He’s not a rule-book, or judge, yet He is both of these. But first and foremost, He’s Redeemer and puts His very nature in me. Who wants to hear, “Blessed be the poor in spirit,” ? Jesus’ words exactly.
So the book is closed, because it brings about a storm, in the heart of man as we walk out our paths. And, step by step, our feet become worn, and in our own strength, we become defeated and torn.
But, His Book is the main event. His Book is the main Story. Not about man and how he messed it all up, but about Jesus who was given to bring life back from death, to restore man’s weak breath, to open blind eyes to see, and give to ‘the poor in spirit’ the power of God’s glory.
The Book, the Bible, God’s Holy Word is a love letter to His Bride, His Redemptive Story. There is no understanding at all for a man, until he’s poor in spirit, then God fills his heart and his mind to understand.
Then a complete change in the spirit so poor, filled with the love of God that just wasn’t there before. Power to overcome, to hope, to believe. Resurrection power, not once and for all, but step by step, by the Spirit within. The Spirit of God, beyond our comprehension.
He’s not just a Teacher. He’s the Son of God. He’s been sent to be Savior, Savior of the whole world. And He died, but He rose – that we might receive, all that He is at work now, in me. The very nature of God empowers a surrendered heart, forgets all that’s lost and brings a new start.
The Holy Spirit Comforts and guides and helps us at best. He reminds us, Jesus is not just a Teacher – He is Peace, He is Love, He is Hope, He is Life, He is Bread, He is Shepherd, He is Patient, He is Kind, – the whole entire Book, the whole of the Story is about the Redeemer, that we might presently, and eternally – have rest.
______________
Matthew 5:
1One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, 2and he began to teach them.
The Beatitudes
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
4God blesses those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5God blesses those who are humble,
for they will inherit the whole earth.
for they will be satisfied.
7God blesses those who are merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8God blesses those whose hearts are pure,
for they will see God.
9God blesses those who work for peace,
for they will be called the children of God.
10God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.” Matthew 5:1-10.
These are the words of Jesus. New Living Translation, simple, not sweet. But written for life’s transformation.
The Gift Giver
Notice, freedom to choose.
Given by God.
God gives, God gave.
Freedom to hate.
Choice has been given to man from God.
He’s the Creator above.
He’s the Author of life.
Choice was given, because God loves.
It’s so sad to see what we do to God.
Blame Him,
The Author of life. An eye for design, has gained pleasure with color,sound, shape, and line.
But His greatest joy, I believe I have learned, is when we choose to believe, receive and love Him back in return.
Then a song develops deep in our heart, and abiding in Him, strengthened by Him, joy returns with each day’s new start.
He’s a gift giver, our Father in heaven, reaches out His great hand. He sees, He knows, He is able … and He waits … ’till we reach out to Him.
If we don’t, we won’t see – that our Father in heaven sent Jesus to save us and the Holy Spirit of promise to keep, comfort, and help us.
The gift of God is gloriously expressed in heavenly sunsets, and sunrises. He is the Master Artist, the Author of life, and patient as He waits … for us to call Him beside us.
He’s the Creator of all that we see. He is Great. He is God. And we all have a choice. To live in the Spirit in fellowship with Him, or walk away from Him and follow the lead of our own voice.
Freedom to choose. God, the greatest gift giver. Freedom to love. When we choose Jesus, we bring God complete pleasure.
Revelation 3:20, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”
John 1:12, Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—
"Thy power … can change the leper's spots …"
“Lord, now indeed I find, Thy pow’r, and Thine alone, Can change the leper’s spots And melt the heart of stone. Jesus paid it all, All to Him I owe; Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.” Elvina Hall, 1800’s hymn.
“Lord, …” means, master, or, captain of my ship. “Lord, now …,” means, this moment, the one I take orders from, or the one I choose to obey.
“Lord, now indeed I find, …” brings me to a place where I’m searching for what You have to say, NOW.
“I hear the Savior say, ‘Thy strength indeed is small; child of weakness watch and pray, find in Me, thine all in all.”
“ Even before he, (God), made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, …
and it gave him great pleasure.” (1) The Bible is said to be true. Ask God to show you if these words are trustworthy. Ask God, Himself. He will answer you.
“But, I’m full of fault, Lord! Now what do I do? I fail, everyday. I am far from being holy. Sin has left a crimson stain, tell me again, the Gospel Story.”
“Long ago, even before he made the world, God chose us to be his very own, …”(2) – don’t you remember, “His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into His … family.” (3) His desire is to bring us back home.
The Father sent His only Son, Jesus Christ to die for us. He paid the debt we couldn’t pay, He laid down His life in sacrifice. So “we stand before him covered in his love.” (4) We are perfect, we are washed, we have hope of heaven. We have peace in this life.
“For nothing good have I Whereby Thy grace to claim; I’ll wash my garments white in the blood of Calv’ry’s Lamb. Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe; Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.”
“He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son, …” (5), this is the Good News found in Ephesians 1.
“He forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, … along with all wisdom and understanding …” God now reveals to us, all that regards Christ – all that’s mysterious!
God reveals, He will fulfill His own good plan. “And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ – everything in heaven and on earth.” (6) He was, He is, He is coming again.
The Gospel Story is that He saves you. He saves me. We can’t save ourselves – we all desperately need help. But we are surrounded by voices, we are deceived by lies. But God reminds and instructs each one of us: Look up. “I will guide you with My eyes.”(7)
” … when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago. The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised, …”(8) He has purchased us with His blood on the cross, this is how Jesus proves that He – loves – us.
“Lord, now indeed I find Thy pow’r, and Thine alone, Can change the leper’s spots, and melt the heart of stone. Jesus paid it all. All to Him I owe. Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.”
We’ve been bought with a price. He knows our weakness. He knows our strife. Yes, in receiving Christ, we become His Bride. “I am my lover’s, and my lover is mine. He browses among the lilies. (8) He is the rose of Sharon, the lily of the valleys” (9) I am my Beloved’s and He is mine.
For now, for tomorrow, for all of time.
“And when before the throne, I stand in Him complete, I’ll lay my trophies down, All down at Jesus’ feet. Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe; Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.”
He washed it white as snow. My past – I let it go. In the present, I choose to go:
“And now complete in Him, My robe, His righteousness, Close sheltered ‘neath His side, – I am – divinely – blest. Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe; Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.”
- Ephesians 1:4, New Living Translation
- Ephesians 1:4, Living Translation
- Ephesians 1:4, Living Translation
- Ephesians 1:4, Living Translation.
- Ephesians 1:5, Living Translation.
- Ephesians 1:7, New Living Translation.
- Ephesians 1:10, New Living Translation.
- Psalm 32:8, New Living Translation.
- Song of Solomon 6:31.
Beginnings
New years. New months, new days, new moments. Refreshing beginnings. All things new.
Do we open the Book? Will we glean something new?
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1.
What’s it all about? What does this have to do with me? I have so much to do, and don’t we already know what this Book says. But my eyes keep reading the very next verse,
And the earth was without form and void and darkness was on the face of the deep.
Void and darkness already? Isn’t God in control of all things? Didn’t He create and everything was magical and perfect? How in the world was there void and darkness even before verse 3? Do we read and have questions like these?
Is God aware of my questions and doubt?
All I know is, it seems words like void and darkness could be used to describe me. Well, not when I’m putting my best foot forward, but the real me inside. This is me, as I feel void in my natural sense. I sense darkness in my nature. What do you think? All I know, is, it seems at times, that there’s no escape.
So, my eyes continue reading the words on the page.
And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. Genesis 1 verse 2. The Spirit of God moved.
God moved. Even without any other doing. In the midst of emptiness and darkness, He initiated a move. Apparently, He wasn’t in need of anything.
Today, as I read these words and I think, of my brain and my heart being 73% water, with emptiness and darkness caught up in the mix, (But), And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters …
And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light; and there was light.”
Today, this day, I’ve read from the Beginnings. I didn’t get far, but I felt something stir within me. Could this Book be more than black and white on a page? For you and for me, the Spirit of God moved.
I will speak for myself, I hear Him speak to me: “Let there be light; and there was light,” on that day. Thousands upon thousands of years ago then, but also today, hope has lifted her head, and my eyes and my heart have chosen to receive.
If this is the first day of the rest of my life, then I will choose to take some time to read this Book daily. I will ask God to shine light on my emptiness and fill up the void.
So, in curiosity, I looked up Jesus as light, and John 8 verse 12, is recorded When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
God initiates. Do I choose, moment by moment, to follow?
brown paper wrapping with a scarlet chord
brown paper wrapping with a scarlet chord, amidst sparkling and glitter and silver and gold.
not chosen first. often chosen last – but when the gifts are all broken, all tired and worn, then on a lonely, cold night, the plain wrapping comes in sight.
Finally a curious glance at the scarlet red chord – and the question,”What’s it all for?”
To choose to pick up the package of brown, and loosen the scarlet chord tied around, feels uncomfortable, even painful in part. As if it’d be easier to simply quit, and not make a new start.
“I’m hungry. I’m in the dark. I don’t know which way to go. I need some guidance. I need a new life. I need breath -it’s time to grow.”
So, the choice is finally made, to take hold of the scarlet thread, and unloose the Gift that was given, of the Story that I’d only known, … in my head.
Great discovery was made – the boring package – magnificent – water and light and a sword for the fight. Gold and pure. Dispelling the lies.
God really cares. Even when I cared-less. When I refused to listen to His gentleness.
When I chose not to believe, and He wrote, “I believe in you.” With nail prints in His hands, He said, “I – believe – in you.” No matter what you do, I have paid your debt. I Am truth.”
Now what? what do I do?
The package in brown, in Scarlet chord all around, is a mystery revealed in the pages of the Book.
Who wants to surrender against their own selfish will? “No one.” Is the answer. But He laid down His life on the cross. His is the example. Be still and know – He is God, and I am not. The Gift seems less, but it’s most. It’s not as I thought.
Jesus waits and watches: “Will they receive Me? Or will they not?”
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10.
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. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, …” Jeremiah 29:11-14.
I am the bread of life. John 6:35 and 48. I am the light, John 9 verse 5.
I am the resurrection and the life, John 11: 25.
I am the good shepherd. John chapter 10. I am the door. John 10 verse 11.
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7 verse 7.
“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.
Do you believe this?” John 11:25 and 26.
“Will you receive Me?” Can you hear Jesus asking?