Saturday, January 26, 2013

Open Your Eyes

"I also pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe."
Ephesians 1:18

May this be my daily prayer, O God. Three words jump out at me: hope, riches, power. Open the eyes of my heart, that I may not be oblivious to these shining gifts you've given to all believers! As I await my redemption, I have blessed hope. Sealed by your Spirit, forgiven by your blood, anointed as your daughter, I have the blessed assurance that I will inherit your kingdom with the saints for all eternity! These are the riches Paul, the writer, refers to. And Jesus fills me with a power that has no comparison. Think of the highest title - President or Pope - or the most devastating natural occurence - wind or quake. Nothing compares with God's power, authority and dominion.

Sealed, Awaiting Delivery

"And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession."
Ephesians 1: 13 & 14

When I seal an envelope, I am keeping it safe and secure until it is delivered to the addressee. This is what God has done for me, ever since I said "I believe in Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I confess I am a sinner for whom Jesus gave his life." While I wait to see him face to face, he keeps me secure with his Holy Spirit as a deposit. Praise God I am his precious possession!

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

A Healthy Diet

"Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones."
Proverbs 3: 7 & 8

     Good health is the subject of many magazine articles, but how many of them mention the soul as part of the equation? All of the whole wheat, low fat, no sodium solutions in the world are not going to cure me if I am living in sin. If everyone I met got the rough side of my tongue, if I cheated my employer of time, if my fists remained clenched or if I dart about in the shadows of dishonesty, Iwill ail with the disease of sin. A lifestyle removed from the one my Creator has in store for me will cause me to be physically sick. A steady diet of reading the Bible, liberally peppered with prayer, and a surrender to his will in my life - these are the requirements for good health.
     Proverbs 4: 20-22 says: "My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body."

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

The Saddest Story

"But when the King came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. 'Friend,' he asked, 'how did you get in here without wedding clothes?' The man was speechless. Then the King told the attendants, 'Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'"
Matthew 22: 11-13

There's revelry, excitement and joy running like electricity through the wedding guests at the King's banquet. Imagine, now, being the guest who is singled out by the host for not being properly attired. He turns ten shades of red as all eyes focus on him, the former mood now dampened to a chilled hush. Speechless and mortified, he casts glances to and fro, noting the robes of the others. He is exposed, shamed and separated. Some may say this is not fair. Poor guy. Does the judgment fit the crime?
We must never underappreciate or misjudge Christ's payment for our sins, and just how our sins separate us from a Holy God. The sacrifice made on the hill called Calvary provided the only way to eternal life. Jesus said, "No man comes to the Father, except by me."  All of us have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. We each need the robe of righteousness only Jesus can give. Don't be caught wearing anything else.

God Means What He Says

"The Lord smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart: 'Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though every inclination of his heart is evil from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living creatures as I have done. As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.'"
Genesis 8: 21,22

After the deluge and devastation, Noah's sacrifice pleased the Lord. Oh, how it must have grieved God to destroy all that he'd made, but now, he sees a new beginning and makes a promise.
When I see the seasons revolve, the leaves fall as cold air is ushered in, I am reminded of this promise. He blesses me with brilliant leaves, pristine snow, the warm embrace of sunshine and unfolding daffodils.

Friday, January 11, 2013

The Twenty Third Psalm Part 6

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
Psalm 23

     What a glorious ending to this beloved Psalm that has become my evening prayer. My Shepherd provides all I need. He grants me peace and restoration for body and soul by leading me on right paths. Even in the darkest moments, he eases my fear as I fully trust my Victor who comforts me. He anoints me as someone who is very special and generously provides the richest of fare. The magnanimous outpouring of blessings is more than I have room for, and I will dwell in his house forever! Where else would I want to be?
     Before going to bed, recite the 23rd Psalm and truly rest in peace.

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

The Twenty Third Psalm, Part 5

"Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. Thou anointest my head with oil. My cup runneth over."
Psalm 23

     Imagine God preparing a table. He may spread a fine, linen cloth, lay a lovely centerpiece composed of his finest flowers, pull out the best accouterments, draw up a most comfortable chair. I am sure all needs would be met: salt and pepper, a napkin. Who would dine with me? Personally, I would love to converse with King David and Queen Esther! Jesus would be at the head, regaling us with stories of old, laughing at some of our foibles or revealing great mysteries. Who is NOT invited? My enemies, who are skulking about the hall, perturbed to have lost my company. Isaiah 55, verse 2 says: "Listen, listen to me and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare."
     Some biblical characters who were anointed were Aaron and his sons as priests, Saul, David and Solomon as kings, as well as other kings in the Old Testament. Am I to be counted amongst this honored number? Figuratively, God anoints my head with oil as a symbol that I am to be set apart, in service to him and his people. Just like a king or a priest, I am duty bound to uphold my reputation; it's an honor not to be misused and, with the Holy Spirit's help, I am up to the task.
     Indeed, my cup runneth over!

The Twenty Third Psalm Part 4

 "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil; for thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me."

     What is scarier than death? Human beings have an inate desire to survive. If they can't breath, they gasp for air. If hungry, they go to great lengths to eat and drink. If ailing, they seek remedies. Portrayals of the Grim Reaper make us clutch our hearts in fear. For some, what happens after death is a great unknown. Is hell real? Perhaps they'll just go there and bend elbows with old buddies. Or will they idly strum a harp on a cloud?
     Praise be to God above that we, as believers, need not fear death, being gripped by mysteries unknown. Jesus has gone on before us into this valley of the shadow of death and has resurrected as the Victor! When I find myself entering this shadowy place, as I one day will, I know I will be with Christ, just as the thief on the cross next to Jesus was guaranteed. As I tread on that new road, I will look up beside me to find a smiling Jesus, holding my hand, saying "Fear Not!" I have his divine protection and holy presence every day.
     In 2 Samuel 14:14, it says, "Like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be recovered, so we must die. But God does not take away life; instead, he devises ways so that a banished person may not remain estranged from him." That's something you can sleep well on!

Sunday, January 6, 2013

The Twenty Third Psalm, Part 3

"He restoreth my soul; he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake."
Psalm 23

     The definition of the word restore is "to give back something taken away, lost, etc. To bring back to a former or normal condition as by repairing or rebuilding." My husband and I like to attend classic car shows. I especially like to leaf through the occasional photo album, showing the before and after pictures of the car on display. The restorations done are investments of time, money and a lot of love; the finished product is a thing of beauty.
     When God created the world, he said it was all very good and he blessed it. The soul, prior to the encroachment of sin, was pristine and right with God. The rust of neglect and the evidence of the fallen environment in which I live take a toll on my soul that only God can restore. He brings polish, shine and renewed purpose to me as he leads me on the road to everlasting freedom. So, before I lay down at the close of the day, I ask God to restore unto me the joy of his salvation, cleanse me from all sin and keep me in good order.
     Hosea 14:4 says, "I will heal their waywardness and love them freely."

Saturday, January 5, 2013

The Twenty Third Psalm, Part 2

"He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters."
Psalm 23

     In the novel, Gone With The Wind, the heroine, Scarlett, finds herself burdened by too many responsibilities. War comes. She has a child, becomes a widow, and delivers her friend's baby as the city burns around her. Even Rhett Butler leaves her on the road to Tara, her childhood home. Tiredly, she places one foot in front of the other, yearning to get home to her mother who will certainly take her burdens from her. But, when she gets there, she is distraught to learn her mother died the day before, her sisters are quite ill and her father's mind has become unhinged. Unfortunately, Scarlett does not know God and the green pastures of peace elude her as she stumbles beneath heavy loads.
     Jesus said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11: 28-30)
     Thanks be to God that He is greater and stronger than me, fully capable of bearing my burdens with me, leading me beside those still waters. What a calming relief!

The Twenty Third Psalm, Part 1

"The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want."
Psalm 23:1

     This psalm is one of the most recognizable scriptures. Why is it so special? To find out for myself, I began to pray this psalm before retiring each night, pondering and personalizing it until it became sweeter than food for me.
     I don't have much working knowledge of shepherds, but I do tend several pets: a dog and two cats. They are well fed, exercised, reprimanded at times, kept from harm, given all the comforts of home and love of people free of charge. Without our efforts, they would suffer. It is upright and ethical to care for them, but my family and I also love them and will grieve for them when they pass away.
     This is grace. Just as we take care of these animals, God takes care of us because he loves us. Falling asleep with this reassurance brings such sweet dreams. I've not a thing to worry about!

Friday, January 4, 2013

Walking in the Light

"My son, keep your father's commands and do not forsake your mother's teaching. Bind them upon your heart forever; fasten them around your neck. When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you. For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light...Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned? Can a man walk on hot coals without his feet being scorched?"
Proverbs 6: 20-23, 27 & 28

     When I was a teenager, I thought my parents were woefully old-fashioned, out of touch, clueless about reality. They were all about attending church and studying the Bible, so I rebeled and went my own way. You can bet, I got burned as the consequences of my rebellion flamed against me, almost snuffing me out completely. But then, I remembered my parents' teaching and delved into the Word of God with a curious hunger. God said, if I drew near to him, he would sidle up to me, and his calming, healing Presence walked with me in the daylight, shrouded me with protection during the night and became my deepest satisfaction. Yes, my sins have been forgiven, washed whiter than snow by my Savior, but I sure wish I would have never strayed away. I would have saved myself a lot of pain and trouble.

"When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me!"

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Pay Attention to the Signs

"For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away."
Matthew 24:38

     Did any of these people ask Noah why he was building such a large vessel on dry land? I don't imagine he had a boat trailer. Did Noah, feeling compassion for his neighbors, witness to them or warn them about the coming deluge? After all, God had told him, "I am going to put an end to all people." (Genesis 6:13) How is it these hapless inhabitants knew nothing about any of this until they were swept away?
     The Bible is the best selling book in the world, yet how many folks read and comprehend the signs of the End of the Age? Jesus plainly describes what will happen in Matthew chapter 24, but people become apathetic and indifferent. Jesus said, "Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved." (Matt. 24:12) How many of us are immune to being shocked by sin and crime anymore? We see so much violence in movies and video games that, when it occurs in real life, we are less affected by it than we should be. Abuse of children, starvation of the elderly, rampant murder and rape - how do these affect my heart? Often, unfortunately, I feel desensitized.
     Lord, may I live in constant awareness of your pending return. Keep my heart guarded yet pliable so I may stand firm to the end and be saved. Thank you for your prophetic words.
     "He who has ears, let him hear."