Reading Again

 

The other evening and yesterday morning, while reading, I came across three paragraphs, all of which caused me to stop and consider. Sometimes it's just someone saying something a difference way that causes you to stop. Perhaps the words will cause you to think on them too.

In reading a devotion on the hymn "Fairest Lord Jesus," in the book, "Then Sings My Soul," by Robert J Morgan, the writer talked about Christ's dual nature. Then he shared these words by John Chrysostom, an early church father, biblical interpreter, and archbishop of Constantinople, in the late 300s earl 400s:

"I do not think of Christ as God alone, or man alone, but both together. For I know He was hungry, and I know that with five loaves He fed five thousand. I know He was thirsty, and I know that He turned the water into wine. I know He was in a [boat], and I know that He walked on the sea. I know that He died, and I know that He raised the dead. I know that He was set before Pilate, and I know that He sits with the Father on His throne. I know that He was worshiped by angels, and I know that He was stoned by the Jews. And truly some of these I ascribe to the human, and others to the divine nature. By reason of this, He is said to have been both God and man." Our true, divine Savior!

In "My Utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers, the devotion was on Luke 21:19: Stand firm, and you will win life." He said these words concerning moods: "We try and pray our weaknesses away, not understanding that there are certain things we must not pray about--moods, for example. Moods go by kicking, not by praying. When we are tired and hungry or in pain, it is a tremendous effort not to listen to our mood. But we must not listen, not even for a second. We have to pick ourselves up and shake off our mood. Once we do, we realize that we can do the things we'd thought impossible. The trouble with most of us is that we won't. We refuse to stand up to our moods, and they end up sapping our energy and motivation." Moods are definitely a problem for me, but I still believe we need to pray about it.

An interesting thought about difficulties in the book, "Prevail," by Susie Larson, on Job 23:10: "But He knows where I am going. And when He tests me, I will come out as pure as gold." Larson said: "I admit I'm walking through a difficult time right now. I acknowledge that God seems painfully silent and hard to find. Though I cannot find Him, I know that He knows where to find me. He knows where I am, and He knows where I'm going. And when He tests me, He'll bring me forth as gold. I'll know Him better and love Him more than I did before." Two things are called for: "Holy confidence and humble dependence . . . He's a God of justice and He knows you intimately. This should assure you and undo you, all at once." I like the sentences, "Though I cannot find Him, I know that He knows where to find me. He knows where I am, and He knows where I'm going."

Reading always brings food for thought on many topics. If you don't want to read devotion books, histories or biographies about saints of old, read your Bible with a good commentary. If reading isn't your thing, buy audio tapes that will stimulate your mind about Christ and living the Christian life. You'll always have things to ponder. And that's a good thing!

I haven't seen one this year. My friend, Carol, took this in May 2018.

Looking forward to seeing my first one!

By His Grace . . .