Anyone ready to venture a guess for the contest and win two free books? My novel, The Rose Journal and its coordinating Bible study, The View From Eternity. So far we have ILIVEBYTHEGOL.... and today you get a great big hint! Just 7 letters to go including the one for this week, which is D, so that leaves only 6! Only immediate family are not able to participate! Each person gets one guess, and does not qualify to win more than one time in each series. We start a new series mid-February.
I hope you had a fabulous Christmas, celebrating the birth of our precious Savior!
Today my mind is focused on the future, the Year of our Lord, 2012. And the best way for me to start the New Year right is to determine to spend quality time each day with my Lord!
Today I open the door to the Devotion Key room. (Did anyone notice that I didn't enter a door last week? The "Light" door? Maybe it is because the light would have been far too strong for me to handle this side of Eternity. Or maybe it is because I wrote the blog the week before Christmas when my brain was stuffed with holiday preparations and the concept of the Key slipped out??? I'll make up for it today! This Devotion Door is nothing fancy, simple sturdy wood with beautiful, artistic grain designs. I open it, expecting to see the grandeur of a garden, ocean or mountain setting, perfect for a quiet time to share with my Lord. But no . . . it is instead filled with people going about their routines of daily life. My hopes for an ideal place for Bible reading and prayer are dashed.
So what am I expected to learn here? Yes, it is coming. Bits and pieces of insights are poking through my tired, semi-muddled mind. Of course! If I was not engaged in the midst of active humanity, what would I find to pray about? Yes, I understand the importance of following Jesus' example of regularly leaving the multitudes to be alone with God. But I must also learn to cope with the interruptions of daily living and recognize those situations as topics I need to talk about with God.
So while I search for that private place . . . which may be over in that corner where I catch a glimpse of fresh air and greenery . . . I will mingle with the crowds, listening for their prayer needs and knowing for a certainty that God is as near to me in a crowd as when I come to Him alone for my "Devotions."
Please notice that the key word"Devotion" for today's blog, is singular, not pluralized. That is because the word "devotions" symbolizes to many of us a duty to preform, not a joy to discover.
Once Jesus becomes the object of my "devotion," my devotions are no longer a duty but a desire.
I checked my old faithful dictionary, copyrighted 1970 (which doesn't seem that old to me!) for the meaning of the singular word "devotion." Here is what I found:
Definition for "devotion": piety, religious worship, prayers, loyalty or deep affection. . . or the state of being devoted."
Let's concentrate on that meaning "loyalty or deep affection." You see, it helps me personally to realize that my Devotions (devotional time with God) springs from my Devotion to Him as my loving Father. Then daily devotions become not a duty, but an opportunity to express my "loyalty and deep affection" to Him! And I want to do that so much, because I earnestly want to be loyal to God because I do love Him, even though my love falls far short of His love for me. Besides that, when any issue or concern enters my mind, my first inclination is to talk it over with Him and ask for His wisdom and peace about the matter. However, I struggle, as I assume many of you do, with setting aside quality time each day to spend alone with God. It seems like at my age, I should have "it all together" but that doesn't appear to be happening!
Here are some ways that have been helpful to me for my own daily devotions, and might be to you, too. I'd be happy to hear suggestions you might have also!
1. Bible before breakfast . . . my husband told me this was a policy at his Bible school. Sometimes I read the Bible before breakfast, but often I read it with my breakfast and my first cup of tea.
2. Accountability . . . A close friend and I have the same chronological Bible (which she gave me :)) that takes us through the whole Bible in a year. We have committed to reading it through every year for the rest of our lives. And sometimes we'll share thoughts and insights with each other, since obviously, we are "on the same page."
3. Keep Bibles in many rooms of the house. . . (Aren't we fortunate here in the United States to be able to own several of these precious books written by God?) Then, if we are caring for children, we can grab a Bible and read some at those unexpected times when they are playing quietly. (I think I remember reading this suggestion by Ruth Graham, and I want to give proper credit! Hope I'm right about that . . . )
3. Pray before getting out of bed in the morning. . . I always make a point to pray at least for my immediate family as soon as I wake up, unless my husband yells "fire" or something of that nature. That tunes my heart and mind to God immediately and gives me the satisfaction to know that my husband, children and grandchildren have prayers "covering" them at the start of their day. I know some of them awake before me, but I assume that my bedtime prayers "held" them until I awoke. :) Or my prayers for them during the night. . . and of course, it is God that "holds" them; my prayers are just a tool He choses to use for His purposes.
4. Have a prayer list or prayer journal . . . Sometimes I pray for others while still in bed, but my schedule is different each day. And if I refer to my prayer book, I know I won't forget to pray for specific people. (I think I'll "devote" a blog to prayer at some point. Too much to even begin to cover in this blog. More than I could ever begin to cover in my lifetime, actually! And, of course, many who are much wiser than me have devoted books to the topic; their books are helpful for me to read.) Some days, I use my prayer book right away in the morning; other days I find some time later during the day to kneel at my bedside; sometimes I pray while I drive (with my eyes wide open :)).
5. Talk to God all day long. . . The Bible says to "pray without ceasing." Even if I am not forming words, I can be aware that God is with me at all times and hears my fervent prayers and understands my quiet appreciation of His companionship. And of course, He's right there to prompt me whenever I need to confess a sinful thought. Wish I didn't have those . . . when I get to heaven, I won't. What a relief that will be!
The main thing is to remember that our Devotional time with God needs to come from our genuine desire to show Him our loyalty and love. And that I is what I want to do all day long!
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
KEY #A12: LIGHT OF LIFE
Jesus is the Light of Life. That is what Christmas is all about! The Son of God came into this world, as both God and Man, to dispel the darkness of the evil one and provide a way for all humanity to discover true freedom.
I love the phrase in the old Christmas carol, O Little Town of Bethlehem, that says, "The hopes and fears of all the years are met in Him tonight." Isn't that so true? The full range of emotions that all humanity has experienced or ever will experience were laid on Jesus Christ. At Christmas, we celebrate God's gift of His only precious Son who temporarily left His throne in heaven so He could feel as we feel, suffer way beyond any sorrow we experience on this earth . . . in order to share His forever Kingdom with the ones He created and loves.
As I read through the December readings in my daily Bible (which is in chronological order, by the way, and so easy to understand!), I am amazed at how often the word "light" is used. I knew my topic this week would be on light, so I've been thinking about it. You know how it is when you have a certain thing in your mind, you see it everywhere? Like when I had my first baby, I was astounded to see that babies were nearly everywhere! I hadn't paid that much attention to them before I had one of my own.
Here are some examples just from recent daily readings:
"Again therefore Jesus spoke to them, saying, I am the light of the world . . . " John 8:12
"for you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light" from Ephesians 5:8
"for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth" Ephesians 5:9 Had you noticed that before, the phrase "fruit of the light"? I am well acquainted with the "fruit of the Spirit" but "fruit of the light?" Is this an instance where "Spirit" and "Light" are used interchangeably? The Bible says Jesus is the "Light" and we know the Holy Spirit, God the Father and Jesus are One, so it makes sense!
Another verse, "but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel," 2 Timothy 1:10
"But you are . . . a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." 1 Peter 2:9
Even from these few passages, we learn that Jesus Christ is the Light, and He gives light through the gospel. Believers are "His light" and expected to live in all goodness, righteousness and truth and to declare His praises!
It would be exciting to do a word study on "light" throughout the Bible. Hmmmmm. . . maybe later . . .
In one of my earlier blogs on Keys to Abundant Life, I talked about how each one of us travels to eternity in either the Kingdom of Darkness or the Kingdom of Light. It is Jesus Christ alone who has the power to rescue us from the dark land and transfer us to His kingdom of eternal peace and joy, through His sacrifice on the cross to pay for the sins of those who confess Him as Lord.
I did a short study of the scientific properties of light and listed them to show how Jesus Christ is a fulfillment of those aspects in the spiritual realm. This seems to be an appropriate time to share the "Light Chart":
PROPERTY OF LIGHT CHRIST AS OUR LIGHT
Causes plant growth Creates life and spiritual growth (1 Cor. 3:6-7)
Enables one to see clearly Causes us to see God's truth (John 14:16-17, 26)
Produces energy (stored light) Gives us energy and strength (1 Peter 4:11)
Illuminates the darkness and
cannot be destroyed by it Has power over the darkness of evil (Ecc. 2:13)
Causes reflection so we can
see ourselves Causes us to see our true selves, our sin (Is. 6:1-5)
Can be absorbed by an object,
sharing energy and warmth We live, move and exist in Christ. (Acts 17:28)
Can cause chemical change
without changing itself Christ indwells believers, yet He does not change
and does not consume us. (Rom 8:11, Mal. 3:6,
2 Cor. 5:17)
This Christmas may each of you rejoice in the freedom God offers to belong to His Kingdom of Light, through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ, and honor the Name of Jesus, the true and only source of Light in a world of darkness!
I love the phrase in the old Christmas carol, O Little Town of Bethlehem, that says, "The hopes and fears of all the years are met in Him tonight." Isn't that so true? The full range of emotions that all humanity has experienced or ever will experience were laid on Jesus Christ. At Christmas, we celebrate God's gift of His only precious Son who temporarily left His throne in heaven so He could feel as we feel, suffer way beyond any sorrow we experience on this earth . . . in order to share His forever Kingdom with the ones He created and loves.
As I read through the December readings in my daily Bible (which is in chronological order, by the way, and so easy to understand!), I am amazed at how often the word "light" is used. I knew my topic this week would be on light, so I've been thinking about it. You know how it is when you have a certain thing in your mind, you see it everywhere? Like when I had my first baby, I was astounded to see that babies were nearly everywhere! I hadn't paid that much attention to them before I had one of my own.
Here are some examples just from recent daily readings:
"Again therefore Jesus spoke to them, saying, I am the light of the world . . . " John 8:12
"for you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light" from Ephesians 5:8
"for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth" Ephesians 5:9 Had you noticed that before, the phrase "fruit of the light"? I am well acquainted with the "fruit of the Spirit" but "fruit of the light?" Is this an instance where "Spirit" and "Light" are used interchangeably? The Bible says Jesus is the "Light" and we know the Holy Spirit, God the Father and Jesus are One, so it makes sense!
Another verse, "but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel," 2 Timothy 1:10
"But you are . . . a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." 1 Peter 2:9
Even from these few passages, we learn that Jesus Christ is the Light, and He gives light through the gospel. Believers are "His light" and expected to live in all goodness, righteousness and truth and to declare His praises!
It would be exciting to do a word study on "light" throughout the Bible. Hmmmmm. . . maybe later . . .
In one of my earlier blogs on Keys to Abundant Life, I talked about how each one of us travels to eternity in either the Kingdom of Darkness or the Kingdom of Light. It is Jesus Christ alone who has the power to rescue us from the dark land and transfer us to His kingdom of eternal peace and joy, through His sacrifice on the cross to pay for the sins of those who confess Him as Lord.
I did a short study of the scientific properties of light and listed them to show how Jesus Christ is a fulfillment of those aspects in the spiritual realm. This seems to be an appropriate time to share the "Light Chart":
PROPERTY OF LIGHT CHRIST AS OUR LIGHT
Causes plant growth Creates life and spiritual growth (1 Cor. 3:6-7)
Enables one to see clearly Causes us to see God's truth (John 14:16-17, 26)
Produces energy (stored light) Gives us energy and strength (1 Peter 4:11)
Illuminates the darkness and
cannot be destroyed by it Has power over the darkness of evil (Ecc. 2:13)
Causes reflection so we can
see ourselves Causes us to see our true selves, our sin (Is. 6:1-5)
Can be absorbed by an object,
sharing energy and warmth We live, move and exist in Christ. (Acts 17:28)
Can cause chemical change
without changing itself Christ indwells believers, yet He does not change
and does not consume us. (Rom 8:11, Mal. 3:6,
2 Cor. 5:17)
This Christmas may each of you rejoice in the freedom God offers to belong to His Kingdom of Light, through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ, and honor the Name of Jesus, the true and only source of Light in a world of darkness!
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
KEY #A11: OPTIMAL OPTIMISM
I had a dream last night that was so amazing I have to share it with you! I am not claiming that it was a vision or any special visitation from God, but it spoke to my heart and clarified things in my mind.
I was in a modern day courtroom and some undefined person was on trial. During the session, the judge, an ordinary, yet professional-looking, man, stepped down from his bench and walked out to the middle of the room, turning to face the person on trial (who was in the witness seat) and began to sing, acapella (without music). In a powerful, perfectly tuned voice he sang the lyrics to the old hymn "Saved by the blood of the Lamb." (I didn't even realize I knew all the words to that song, but they must be buried in my subconscious!)
This is what I heard: (Maybe you know the tune; it is an old hymn)
"Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing power?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Are you fully trusting in His grace this hour?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Are you washed in the blood,
In the soul cleansing blood of the Lamb?
Are your garments spotless; are they white as snow?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?"
The KEY to the doorway in the Land of Abundant Life that I'm using today is for OPTIMAL OPTIMISM. God's grace is what it is all about. I tend to be a perfectionist, not in regard to other people. I can accept and love others for who they are, but I am very tough on myself. As a child, I tried hard to follow the rules (still do!), in my futile attempt to do everything the right way. Which is one reason I battle frustration, when I don't live up to the imposing standards I set for myself. And unfortunately this mindset carries over at times to my spiritual life. I want to do everything right when I follow God, knowing at the same time that I am powerless to save myself, but get drawn into the false senerio that if I can somehow live the "right way" I'll please God more.
Which is utterly impossible!
I am saved only by believing, trusting in His unfathomable grace, His precious gift of His own blood spilt for me on the cross of Calvary. I know this and have staked my life on this fact for many years, but I also need to remind myself that there is nothing I can do to cause Him to love me more, or value me more.
As a parent, I recall incidents when my children were young. Sometimes they would get overtired and crabby, or even be downright disobedient (Yes, even my own wonderful children misbehaved at times. It's hard for me to believe now since they all grew up to be terrific, thoughtful adults!) But even when they were "out of sorts," my love for them didn't change one little bit. God is better at loving than I am, so why would I expect less from Him?
My dream helped to clear things up in my mind and give me a further glimpse into the loving heart of God. His love for us does not depend on anything we do or the state of our emotions. "But God demonstrated His love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
We are all on the witness chair . . . prisoners actually . . . until we receive the fabulous gift that God offers us at Christmas . . .His amazing sacrifice when He gave His only son . . . equally precious to Him as my own children and grandchildren are to me . . . (even more, because His love is perfect; mine is clouded by sin). . . . to set me free from the bondage of sin
. . . the destiny of sin: an eternal future in hell
. . . and a life of despair and futility, controlled by sin.
I hope that, if ever confronted with a situation where I could be given the opportunity to give my own life for another person, I would be willing to do so at the time. But I know for a fact that I wouldn't send in my own son as a sacrifice! And yet that is exactly what God did when He gave us His Son, Jesus, to die in our place,"to pay the debt He didn't owe because we had a debt we couldn't pay. " (author of quote unknown)
Today, I was only allowed a peek into the Door of Optial Optimism, because this room is where our future Hope resides. Our "certain Hope," held securely in the loving hands of Christ, will be fullly revealed in Time, or rather at the end of Time as we know it. I saw through the peekhole a kalidescopic of images, an assortment of visions . . . the original nativity scene,
with Mary and Joseph kneeling besides the manger that contains the body of little Lord Jesus
. . . in the background a dimmed vision of the cross containing the body of our selfless Lord Jesus
. . . and further beyond that the image of our King Jesus as the clouds part and give way to the eventual second return to this earth of our magnificent Savior when "we who are alive and remain will be caught up . . . in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and thus we shall always be with the Lord." 1 Thessalonians 4:17
Just think! We who are living today may not even experience death! Christ could return at any time to take His children home with Him. And if I do die first, I'll go to be with my Lord in heaven forever!
Now isn't that OPTIMAL OPTIMISM??? Nothing I can do will save me or make God love me more than He already does! I simply rest in the protective hand of Jesus, scarred by the nails and stained by His blood. I live my under the shelter of His wings, learning to love Him more and more as I walk with Him day by day and let the freedom He gives bring me joy and inspire me to share the good news with other prisoners along life's roadway.
Have you read the last chapter of the Book? I have! And I found out that we win! God is the victor over Satan and, as God's children, we get the privilege of sharing in the victory of our King!
I hope that today you also make sure that you are depending on the blood of Christ to set you free from sin and Satan's domination to walk hand in hand with Jesus day by day, depending on Him alone with hearts filled with thankful amazement for what He gave to make freedom possible for us.
Thank you, Abba (Daddy) Father, for rescuing me, for giving me an Abundant Life and a future filled with hope, to spend in Heaven with You and the ones I love that love You, too!
I was in a modern day courtroom and some undefined person was on trial. During the session, the judge, an ordinary, yet professional-looking, man, stepped down from his bench and walked out to the middle of the room, turning to face the person on trial (who was in the witness seat) and began to sing, acapella (without music). In a powerful, perfectly tuned voice he sang the lyrics to the old hymn "Saved by the blood of the Lamb." (I didn't even realize I knew all the words to that song, but they must be buried in my subconscious!)
This is what I heard: (Maybe you know the tune; it is an old hymn)
"Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing power?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Are you fully trusting in His grace this hour?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Are you washed in the blood,
In the soul cleansing blood of the Lamb?
Are your garments spotless; are they white as snow?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?"
The KEY to the doorway in the Land of Abundant Life that I'm using today is for OPTIMAL OPTIMISM. God's grace is what it is all about. I tend to be a perfectionist, not in regard to other people. I can accept and love others for who they are, but I am very tough on myself. As a child, I tried hard to follow the rules (still do!), in my futile attempt to do everything the right way. Which is one reason I battle frustration, when I don't live up to the imposing standards I set for myself. And unfortunately this mindset carries over at times to my spiritual life. I want to do everything right when I follow God, knowing at the same time that I am powerless to save myself, but get drawn into the false senerio that if I can somehow live the "right way" I'll please God more.
Which is utterly impossible!
I am saved only by believing, trusting in His unfathomable grace, His precious gift of His own blood spilt for me on the cross of Calvary. I know this and have staked my life on this fact for many years, but I also need to remind myself that there is nothing I can do to cause Him to love me more, or value me more.
As a parent, I recall incidents when my children were young. Sometimes they would get overtired and crabby, or even be downright disobedient (Yes, even my own wonderful children misbehaved at times. It's hard for me to believe now since they all grew up to be terrific, thoughtful adults!) But even when they were "out of sorts," my love for them didn't change one little bit. God is better at loving than I am, so why would I expect less from Him?
My dream helped to clear things up in my mind and give me a further glimpse into the loving heart of God. His love for us does not depend on anything we do or the state of our emotions. "But God demonstrated His love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
We are all on the witness chair . . . prisoners actually . . . until we receive the fabulous gift that God offers us at Christmas . . .His amazing sacrifice when He gave His only son . . . equally precious to Him as my own children and grandchildren are to me . . . (even more, because His love is perfect; mine is clouded by sin). . . . to set me free from the bondage of sin
. . . the destiny of sin: an eternal future in hell
. . . and a life of despair and futility, controlled by sin.
I hope that, if ever confronted with a situation where I could be given the opportunity to give my own life for another person, I would be willing to do so at the time. But I know for a fact that I wouldn't send in my own son as a sacrifice! And yet that is exactly what God did when He gave us His Son, Jesus, to die in our place,"to pay the debt He didn't owe because we had a debt we couldn't pay. " (author of quote unknown)
Today, I was only allowed a peek into the Door of Optial Optimism, because this room is where our future Hope resides. Our "certain Hope," held securely in the loving hands of Christ, will be fullly revealed in Time, or rather at the end of Time as we know it. I saw through the peekhole a kalidescopic of images, an assortment of visions . . . the original nativity scene,
with Mary and Joseph kneeling besides the manger that contains the body of little Lord Jesus
. . . in the background a dimmed vision of the cross containing the body of our selfless Lord Jesus
. . . and further beyond that the image of our King Jesus as the clouds part and give way to the eventual second return to this earth of our magnificent Savior when "we who are alive and remain will be caught up . . . in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and thus we shall always be with the Lord." 1 Thessalonians 4:17
Just think! We who are living today may not even experience death! Christ could return at any time to take His children home with Him. And if I do die first, I'll go to be with my Lord in heaven forever!
Now isn't that OPTIMAL OPTIMISM??? Nothing I can do will save me or make God love me more than He already does! I simply rest in the protective hand of Jesus, scarred by the nails and stained by His blood. I live my under the shelter of His wings, learning to love Him more and more as I walk with Him day by day and let the freedom He gives bring me joy and inspire me to share the good news with other prisoners along life's roadway.
Have you read the last chapter of the Book? I have! And I found out that we win! God is the victor over Satan and, as God's children, we get the privilege of sharing in the victory of our King!
I hope that today you also make sure that you are depending on the blood of Christ to set you free from sin and Satan's domination to walk hand in hand with Jesus day by day, depending on Him alone with hearts filled with thankful amazement for what He gave to make freedom possible for us.
Thank you, Abba (Daddy) Father, for rescuing me, for giving me an Abundant Life and a future filled with hope, to spend in Heaven with You and the ones I love that love You, too!
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
KEY #A10: GIFTS FROM GOD
Are you excited about Christmas gift giving? I am! I try hard to select the perfect gift for those on my list, especially my children and grand-children. I had the most fun choosing birthday and Christmas presents for my two grandsons this month. I can't wait to give them their presents and see their precious faces light up with joy!
Do you suppose that is how God feels about the things He gives us? The Bible says "Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights . . . " James 1:17 So we know that everything in our lives that is good is a gift from our heavenly Father. If I take such care to choose the perfect gift for my children, imagine how much thought and preparation God puts into choosing just the right gifts for His children! And how much joy He feels when He sees our excitement in receiving them!
I think it's time for a brief explanation to any of you who happened to drop by here recently without knowing how I got started blogging. For several months, I have been exploring the Land of Abundant Life in my little lavender flowered vehicle. I was given KEYS to open one of a multitude of doors each Wednesday and use my findings to enrich my life and, hopefully, the lives of those around me.
Today I hold the KEY: GIFTS FROM GOD and feel like a little child who can hardly sleep the night before Christmas, eagerly anticipating the surprises in store upon awakening!
The door itself looks like the outside of a giant box with gold and silvery sparkling gift wrap, shimmering with a multitude of translucent stars. My finger shake like a bowl full of jello as I attempt to insert the key into the golden lock. After three tries, I succeed and swing the door wide.
Oh my goodness! The tree planted in the center of the enormous, open space is the largest one I've even seen. Giant redwood trees in California are like matchsticks compared to this one. It reaches all the way to the heavens! I can't see the top of it even when I tip my head way back. The leaves, shining in brilliant shades of green (I didn't know there were so many shades!) hold glittery fruits of all colors, sizes and shapes on its sturdy branches.
My gaze is drawn to the boxes under the tree. There are nine containers of different sizes and shapes, all wrapped in vivid hues of fabulous colors. And guess what ?! They all bear my name: To my precious daughter, Linda Ruth, from her heavenly Father.
Incapable of moving at first, I stand and stare, frozen like a snowman (or snow-woman) until I hear a voice saying "Open and enjoy."
Then, like a dog let off the leash, I run to the tree and kneel besides it, my heart fluttering with anticipation. Rather than taking the time here to describe each gorgeous box, I'll open them one by one and elaborate on the contents. In the midst of my excitement, an intruding though catches me off guard. I briefly hesitate. Do I tear the paper, or save it? (My economical streak comes into play here) I'm too excited; I'll tear!
The first one holds an abundant supply of LOVE. "We love, because He first loved us." 1 John 4:19 Of course! It is only because of God's active love for me when sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to the cross to pay for my sins, that I am able to receive even one of these treasured gifts. Oh, this is something I have wanted for so long; how good of You to provide it for me, Father God. You are so amazing! Words can't express my thanks; I will hold this gift of love to my heart forever.
Next, I open the gift of JOY. ". . . the joy of the Lord is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10b How fun, Father! This one will be most enjoyable and I can share it with everyone else that You put into my life. That will make it even more exciting!
Third is PEACE. "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you . . . Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." John 14:27 Oh, Lord, you know how much I needed this! I hope I never lose it; I must remember to put it in a safe place where I can find it easily whenever I need it. Better yet; I'll carry it with me.
Now I receive PATIENCE. "On Thee I wait all the day." Psalm 25:5b Lord, You are so practical. Yes, I really do need this one. You know of course about that situation . . . and that person . . . I will make good use of this gift.
Next is KINDNESS. "And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you." Ephesians 4:32 How thoughtful of You, Father. This is another one that I can pass along to others.
GOODNESS. " . let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith." Galatians 6:10b Oh, I see right away this present will be most useful, on a daily basis. It is the gift that just keeps on giving!
FAITHFULNESS. "Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life." Revelations 2:10b Thank You so much for this one. I was starting to worry that I wouldn't be able to use all these gifts wisely. But as long as You are helping me to be faithful, I know it can be done.
GENTLENESS. "Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth." Matthew 5:5 Oh, I do so want this one to look good on me! I hope it matches my eyes. Do You think it does, Father?
SELF-CONTROL. What a perfect fit, Father! This one will go with any of the other presents and even maximize their usage.
This is all too overwhelming! Help me to remember, Lord, that You have given me each one of these so I put them to good use every day of my life. Or, on second thought, should I save some of them for an emergency?
What was that? Any unending supply? Oh, how perfect!
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." Galatians 5:22-23a
Have you checked out your personal gift room in the Land of Abundant Living?
How are you doing with the contest? ILIVEBYTHEG . . . In a couple of more weeks, someone may be ready to venture a guess. Remember you only get one chance!
See you next week!
I think it's time for a brief explanation to any of you who happened to drop by here recently without knowing how I got started blogging. For several months, I have been exploring the Land of Abundant Life in my little lavender flowered vehicle. I was given KEYS to open one of a multitude of doors each Wednesday and use my findings to enrich my life and, hopefully, the lives of those around me.
Today I hold the KEY: GIFTS FROM GOD and feel like a little child who can hardly sleep the night before Christmas, eagerly anticipating the surprises in store upon awakening!
The door itself looks like the outside of a giant box with gold and silvery sparkling gift wrap, shimmering with a multitude of translucent stars. My finger shake like a bowl full of jello as I attempt to insert the key into the golden lock. After three tries, I succeed and swing the door wide.
Oh my goodness! The tree planted in the center of the enormous, open space is the largest one I've even seen. Giant redwood trees in California are like matchsticks compared to this one. It reaches all the way to the heavens! I can't see the top of it even when I tip my head way back. The leaves, shining in brilliant shades of green (I didn't know there were so many shades!) hold glittery fruits of all colors, sizes and shapes on its sturdy branches.
My gaze is drawn to the boxes under the tree. There are nine containers of different sizes and shapes, all wrapped in vivid hues of fabulous colors. And guess what ?! They all bear my name: To my precious daughter, Linda Ruth, from her heavenly Father.
Incapable of moving at first, I stand and stare, frozen like a snowman (or snow-woman) until I hear a voice saying "Open and enjoy."
Then, like a dog let off the leash, I run to the tree and kneel besides it, my heart fluttering with anticipation. Rather than taking the time here to describe each gorgeous box, I'll open them one by one and elaborate on the contents. In the midst of my excitement, an intruding though catches me off guard. I briefly hesitate. Do I tear the paper, or save it? (My economical streak comes into play here) I'm too excited; I'll tear!
The first one holds an abundant supply of LOVE. "We love, because He first loved us." 1 John 4:19 Of course! It is only because of God's active love for me when sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to the cross to pay for my sins, that I am able to receive even one of these treasured gifts. Oh, this is something I have wanted for so long; how good of You to provide it for me, Father God. You are so amazing! Words can't express my thanks; I will hold this gift of love to my heart forever.
Next, I open the gift of JOY. ". . . the joy of the Lord is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10b How fun, Father! This one will be most enjoyable and I can share it with everyone else that You put into my life. That will make it even more exciting!
Third is PEACE. "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you . . . Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." John 14:27 Oh, Lord, you know how much I needed this! I hope I never lose it; I must remember to put it in a safe place where I can find it easily whenever I need it. Better yet; I'll carry it with me.
Now I receive PATIENCE. "On Thee I wait all the day." Psalm 25:5b Lord, You are so practical. Yes, I really do need this one. You know of course about that situation . . . and that person . . . I will make good use of this gift.
Next is KINDNESS. "And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you." Ephesians 4:32 How thoughtful of You, Father. This is another one that I can pass along to others.
GOODNESS. " . let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith." Galatians 6:10b Oh, I see right away this present will be most useful, on a daily basis. It is the gift that just keeps on giving!
FAITHFULNESS. "Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life." Revelations 2:10b Thank You so much for this one. I was starting to worry that I wouldn't be able to use all these gifts wisely. But as long as You are helping me to be faithful, I know it can be done.
GENTLENESS. "Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth." Matthew 5:5 Oh, I do so want this one to look good on me! I hope it matches my eyes. Do You think it does, Father?
SELF-CONTROL. What a perfect fit, Father! This one will go with any of the other presents and even maximize their usage.
This is all too overwhelming! Help me to remember, Lord, that You have given me each one of these so I put them to good use every day of my life. Or, on second thought, should I save some of them for an emergency?
What was that? Any unending supply? Oh, how perfect!
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." Galatians 5:22-23a
Have you checked out your personal gift room in the Land of Abundant Living?
How are you doing with the contest? ILIVEBYTHEG . . . In a couple of more weeks, someone may be ready to venture a guess. Remember you only get one chance!
See you next week!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)