The Beautiful Palace

 

The March 20th reading in Streams of the Desert, Volume 2, was interesting. W. Duns provides a picture of the Bible expressed in a unique way. I googled W. Duns to see if I could find out anything about him, but to no avail. Yet, he was important enough to Mrs. Charles E. Cowman to include something he wrote in her book.

Sit back for a different description of the Bible:

"The Bible is a beautiful palace, built up out of sixty-six blocks of marble--its separate books. In the first chapter of Genesis we enter the vestibule, which is filled with the mighty acts of creation. The vestibule gives access to the law courts, the five books of Moses. Passing through these we come to the picture gallery of the historical books. Here we find hung upon the walls scenes of battlefields, representations of heroic deeds, and portraits of eminent men belonging to the early days of the world's history. Beyond the picture gallery we find the philosopher's chamber, the Book of Job. Passing on we enter the music room, the Book of Psalms, where we listen to the grandest strains that ever fell on human ears. Then we come to the business office, the Book of Proverbs, where right in the center of the room stands facing us the motto: 'Righteousness exalteth a nation; but sin is a reproach to any people." From the business office we pass into the chapel Ecclesiastes, or the preacher in his pulpit, and thence into the conservatory, the Song of Solomon, with the rose of Sharon, the lily of the valley, and all manner of fine perfumes, fruits, and flowers. Finally we reach the observatory, the prophets, with their telescopes fixed on near and distant stars, and all directed toward the bright and morning star that was soon to arise.

"Crossing the court we come to the audience chamber of the King, the Gospels, where we find four lifelike portraits of the King Himself. Next we enter the workroom of the Holy Spirit, the Acts of the Apostles, and beyond that the correspondence room, the Epistles, where we see Paul and Peter and James and Jude busy at their desks. If you would know what they are writing about, their Epistles are open for all to study.

"Before leaving we stand for a moment in the outside gallery, the Revelation, where we look upon some striking pictures of the judgment to come and the glories to be revealed, concluding with an awe-inspiring picture of the throne room of the King."

It was enjoyable to read this description of the Bible. But have no doubt about it-God's Word, God's Truth and God's Light is what it's all about.

Owning a Bible is one thing; reading it is another. The Bible is God's primary message to us. Reading and studying it has revolutionized millions of lives--it can revolutionize your life too! You can't escape God. 

In John, Chapter 14, verse 2, Jesus says: "In my Father's house there are many mansions. I go to prepare a place for you." That's the palace I'm looking for!

By His Grace . . . 

A Delightful Encounter

Last week I was reading a magazine article where the subscribers were told: “There are certain people we encounter regularly, even if only for a moment, who leave a lasting impression on us. Their presence makes an impact on our lives. Have you experienced such an encounter?” Following were words written by numerous subscribers with their story.

The question caused me to pause and consider. An encounter did come to my mind, and I smiled remembering it. I had wrote an article about this encounter and started looking for it. I was so excited when I found it. 

I had started a new job, and while driving to work one morning I saw a man walking his two Golden Retrievers. Each morning as I drove by, the man would be at a certain spot, and I smiled watching him and his dogs. One day I stopped my car and asked him if I could take a picture of him and his dogs. I explained that I was on my way to work and I always smile when I see them.

I'll let the article I wrote about this encounter tell you the rest of the story:

"I love dogs. I've owned a few most of my life. The wagging tail of Sammy, my purebred mutt, always makes me smile. It's no surprise when I saw a man walking his two Golden Retrievers in the same spot every day that I would smile and arrive at work happy.

"What is surprising are the words I heard one sunny morning: 'Take a picture of them.' 'Take a picture of them?' Where did that come from? I questioned out loud. 'You want me to go up to this man I don't know and take a picture of him and his dogs?'

"God's still, small voice always surprises me--send a note, bake a cake, make a breakfast date. I do my best to act on whatever God brings to my mind, but this request was out of my comfort zone. 'You just don't go around asking to take a picture of someone,' I argued.

"'What will he think of me?' I asked God. 'I'll feel so silly.' But, as the days passed, I found I took to the idea and started envisioning the picture on my desk at work. I have pictures of a lot of animals: calves, a baby donkey, goslings, birds, and of course, Sammy. 'It would be a treat,' I decided, 'to have the man and his dogs on my desk too.'

"Mustering all my confidence I pulled up beside him the following morning. Lowering the window I smiled and said, 'Can I take a picture of you and your dogs? You give me so much joy each morning.'

"Before he could say anything I jumped out of the car with my camera. 'Your dogs look so happy--I enjoy them so much,' I told him. He seemed a little flustered, but worked on getting the dogs to stand still.

'Are you done?' he asked, after I snapped a few pictures. 'Yes, I think I have enough,' I said. Thanking him again I got in my car and drove off.

"'I did it,' I yelled! 'I can't believe I did it. Thank you, Lord, for this joy.'

"I was gleaming when I arrived at work a few minutes later. Laughing, my friend, Melody, said: 'I saw you taking pictures of those dogs.' Melody follows the same route as I do the last two miles. 'They are beautiful animals,' she continued. Laughing with her I said, 'I can't believe I stopped and took their picture!'

"I enjoy photography. Six months ago I went digital and love the ability to see my pictures instantly. Editing them to just what I want gives me a whole new area of enjoyment. I was thrilled when I saw the pictures of the man and his dogs. After a little cropping around the edges so my car wasn't in view, I printed off two copies of the prints so I could give the man a set.

"The next morning I could hardly wait to see him and hand him the envelope of pictures, but he wasn't there. 'Oooh,' I muttered. 'I'll have to wait until tomorrow.' But he wasn't there the next morning. He wasn't there all week.

"'Maybe he went on vacation,' I thought. It was the Memorial Day Weekend. 'I'll see him soon.'

"But he wasn't there the next week either. 'Did I scare him?' I wondered. 'Was he uneasy about what happened.'

"'Lord, Why did you want me to do this,' I groaned. 'I feel so bad that he isn't there. Am I the reason?'

"Each morning as I past 'his spot' my disappointment grew. The weeks passed, but not my memory.

"'Melody, have you seen the man with the dogs lately,' I asked about five weeks later. 'Yes,' she replied. 'I saw him one day last week.' 'I'm so glad,' I told her. 'I haven't seen him since I took the pictures.'

"'There he is!' I whispered as I turned on the road. Stunned, there was only one dog. 'Oh no. Where's the other dog?' I wondered.

"I didn't stop. I couldn't. Was it my imagination or did he put his head down as I drove by? 'Oh, Lord,' I asked. 'Is that why I haven't seen him? Please let me see him again,' I asked.

"The next morning, my stomach in turmoil, I pulled up along side of him. Handing him the envelope with the pictures I said, 'These are the pictures I took. Is your other dog ok?'

"'He died of cancer,' the man said. 'Gone in a matter of five days.' Listening, I took his hand to transfer my sympathy.

"He looked at the envelope. 'Pictures of both dogs?' he asked. And then I knew. I had a treasure to give him. A reminder of his early morning walks with his two friends. 'Yes,' I said happily. He opened the envelope and looked at his friends. I reached for his hand again. 'I care,' I said.

"'You won't see me next week.' he said. 'I'm having shoulder surgery.' 'I will pray for you,' I shared.

"Every time I drive past 'his place' I send a prayer heavenward. One day I'll see him again, walking his friend. I'll stop and ask how he is and tell him of the prayers I said for him each day.

"I don't always know the reason for God's prompting me to do something. I've just learned to act when I hear Him. I have a feeling the memory I placed in this man's hands will hold a special place in his heart. An unexpected treasure. A gift from God.

"I smile when I look at the picture now on my desk. It's a reminder that even the smallest act can make a giant different in the life of another."

A lot more happened between this man and I as we stopped each morning to say hello. His wife invited me to have lunch with them one day, and they invited Jerry and me to have dinner with them and another couple at a special restaurant in the development.

This is a happy memory and a lasting impression of a time when a man and his dogs brought joy to my heart as I drove to work. And how I brought joy to his heart with a picture of his two best friends.

By His Grace . . .

Growing Old With Jesus

Me and my hot cocoa!

From "CottageWhimsy" Facebook page, with a little editing

In honor of my birthday on the 14th, I'm posting some words I found on the "Walking With Jesus" Facebook Page recently. Seems appropriate.

"Growing old isn’t easy. We lose strength, forget things, and come closer to the end of life. But I have no fear, because when my time here is done, I will step into a new world. My body and mind will be restored, and I will meet Jesus face to face.

"Growing old is not easy. Your body does not do what it used to do. The steps feel steeper. The mornings feel slower. You might walk into a room and forget why you went there. You might search for a name you have known for years. And some days, that can scare you more than you want to admit.

"Because it is not just about sore knees or tired hands. It is also the quiet losses. The changes you did not ask for. The hard truth that you are closer to the end of this life than you were before.

"If that is where you are today, take a gentle breath. God is not shocked by your weakness. He is not disappointed by your slowing down. He is not standing far away, watching you struggle. He is close. He is near. And He knows your frame.

"Jesus understands what it is to be human. He felt tired. He wept. He carried pain in His own flesh. So when your strength is not what it was, you are not alone. You are seen by a Savior who is tender with suffering.

"Sometimes faith looks like honesty. It looks like whispering, “Lord, I do not like this.” It looks like bringing your fear into the light and letting God hold it with you. And little by little, hope begins to rise.

"God does not measure your life by how strong you are. He does not love you less because you need help now. Your worth has never been in your energy. Your worth has always been in His love.

"Even now, your prayers matter. Your quiet faith matters. Your kindness still reaches people. Your life still carries fruit, even in a season that feels simple and hidden.

"And here is the truth that steadies the heart.

"This world is not the end of you.

"There will come a day when your tired body will not feel tired anymore. There will come a day when your mind will not feel scattered. God has promised a new beginning for His children. A day with no more pain. No more sorrow. No more death.

"No more fear of forgetting. No more nights where worry keeps you awake. No more feeling like your body is failing you.

"And best of all, Jesus will be there.

"Not far away. Not hidden behind faith alone. You will meet Him face to face.

"The One you have prayed to in the dark will be the One you see in the light. The One who carried you through grief will welcome you with joy. The One who forgave you will hold you with love.

"So if the thought of aging brings tears to your eyes, you do not have to pretend you are fine. God is gentle with you. When your hands tremble, His hands do not. When your memory slips, He remembers you fully. When your strength fades, His strength remains.

"And when your time here is done, you will not step into emptiness. You will step into home.

"So let today be a day of quiet courage. Not because aging is easy, but because Jesus is faithful. You are being carried toward restoration. And you are deeply loved, now and forever."

We all are going through it or will go through it sooner than we think. My favorite exclamation when I'm trying to do something is: "Why is this so hard!" This saying appeared shortly after I turned 65 and it's only gotten more frequent as the years go by.

No, growing old isn't easy, but I am thankful for the years I have and look forward to the eternity to come!

By His Grace . . . 

God Sees

 
I've always felt a kinship with Eeyore. So every March I decorate my Christmas tree

with ornaments of him. It's my birthday month and seeing him makes me smile.

"The best part of all Christian work is that part which only God sees."

Andrew Bonar

I thought this quote interesting. Bonar lived in the 1800s.  He was a minister of the Free Church of Scotland. I was reading in Warren Wiersbe's book, "50 People Every Christian Should Know" and came across this quote.

We are told to do things in secret in Matthew 6:3-4 for God will see what is done and will reward us. There is something special about doing something for God and no one knowing about it.

There's the preparation in doing something for God before you do it in public. A pastor researches and prepares sermons. A Sunday School teacher reads and studies the lesson. A choir director prepares music. A cook prepares food. A worker prepares what he or she will need to accomplish something. These are things that only God sees as you prepare to do work for Him.

And knowing only God sees as you prepare for something makes it special. You are trusting Him to help you put together what is needed so you can accomplish the service He's called you to do.

When you spend time preparing yourself for God's service, He makes it a special time between you and Him. No matter what we are called to do, although God qualifies us to do it, we still have to research and plan to get it done, all with God's help.

And that may very well be the best part of working for God!

By His Grace . . . 

 

God's Power

 

“God’s power is restrained by God’s wisdom and judgment . . .

He knows what is best and never makes a mistake.”

David Jeremiah

We all know God’s power has no boundaries. He is able to do all things. Difficult is not a word in His vocabulary. It doesn’t matter how hard something is, how unbelievable something is or how mysterious something is. There are no limits to what God can do.

David Jeremiah shares that God doesn’t always use the power He has. Since He makes no mistakes, God uses His wisdom and judgment when He is doing something. He knows the past, the present and the future, and He knows how to determine what is best at all times.

It’s wonderful to know that His choice is always the right one. He will do what is best for us no matter how much we’d like something to be different. We may not understand or like it, but we have the confidence that He does.

Biblehub.com: “Understanding God's power is essential for comprehending His nature and His work in the world. It is a source of awe, reverence, and hope for believers, providing assurance of His ability to accomplish His will and fulfill His promises. Through creation, miracles, salvation, sovereignty, and empowerment, God's power is a central and defining attribute of His divine character.”

God is able to accomplish anything and gives believers hope during all situations and future happenings. We can have confidence that God will do what is good and right for each one of us. “He knows what is best and never makes a mistake.”

Matthew 22:29

“Jesus replied, “’You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.’”

 Biblerepository: “’Or the power of God,’ emphasizes that God’s abilities are beyond human comprehension. He has the power to influence the world, perform miracles, and even bring about resurrection. Understanding both the Scriptures and the power of God is significant in our faith journey and relationship with Him . . . God is not limited by our understanding of reality. His ability to perform miracles, to change hearts, and to resurrect the dead is a cornerstone of our faith. Recognizing His power gives us hope in seemingly hopeless situations and confidence that God can do great things in our lives.”

We don't always understand why things happen like they do, but we have complete assurance that God knows and has chosen the very best for us. Now that's God's Power!

By His Grace . . . 

Finally! An Answer

This may just be my problem or lack of understanding, but maybe there's someone else out there that has wondered about this.

We hear frequently that we will know each other when we get to heaven, and how good it will be to see our mother, father, sister, brother or any number of individuals we knew here during our earthly life.

And we hear frequently that there will be no tears in heaven (Revelation 21:4: "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."). Maybe this indicates that we won't remember any bad things here on earth, but it was never enough for me.

Well, I finally heard a message that speaks to this! I was listening to Dr. Anthony George, at First Baptist in Atlanta, and in his message he said: "One of the greatest gifts in heaven is going to be glorified amnesia . . . where God is going to forever purge from your memory all of the things that you regret, or are embarrassed about, or ashamed of. They will be forever forgotten when you get to heaven. That's what I believe."

My ears perked up when I heard that. The next day I wrote their online contact and asked if Dr. George had a Scripture verse regarding what he taught. The next day I received an answer.

Isaiah 65:16-17, "So that he who blessed himself in the earth Shall bless himself in the God of truth; And he who swears in the earth Shall swear by the God of truth; Because the former troubles are forgotten, And because they are hidden from My eyes. 'For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; And the former shall not be remembered or come to mind.'"

The person who replied to my email wrote: "It is important to note, however, this prophecy in Isaiah is referencing the eternal heaven (new heaven and new earth), which takes place after the tribulation, not the current heaven. We know, for example, John saw sorrow in heaven when he visited heaven in his vision (Revelation 6:9-10), and the rich man asked Abraham to send Lazarus, the beggar, back to warm his brothers of the fate of the unrighteous (Luke 17:19-31). Both the Revelation and Luke passages indicate we will be aware of our lives on earth, including the bad things, in the current heaven."

I then checked out some commentaries on Isaiah 65:16-17. One online resource on Studylight.org said: "The former sorrows of the earth, under the fall, shall be so far from recurring, that their very remembrance shall be obliterated by the many mercies I [God] will bestow on the new earth."

On Blueletterbible.org, Matthew Henry wrote: "The former troubles were forgotten; but here it rises much higher; even the former world shall be forgotten and shall no more come into mind . . . The glorified saints will therefore have forgotten this world, because they will be entirely taken up with the other . . . The future glory of the saints will be so entirely different from what they ever knew before that it may well be called new heaven and a new earth."

And on Godsbless.ing: "The former troubles are forgotten and hidden from my eyes" resonates with God's pledge to wipe away past sufferings and sins, ushering in a fresh start devoid of the burdens that once weighed us down."

I now feel like I have an adequate answer to why we won't remember the sorrow experienced here on earth. I think Dr. George is right: "Where God is going to forever purge from your memory all of the things that you regret, or are embarrassed about, or ashamed of [or that you are heartbroken about]. They will be forever forgotten when you get to heaven."

Finally! An answer.

By His Grace . . . 

The Glory of God

  

What does the "Glory of God" mean to you? His splendor? His greatness? His power?

God's Glory means all of the above and so much more.  Scripture is full of verses that speak of God's Glory.

No dictionary definition can do justice in describing the word glory, when we refer to God's Glory. It's beyond our comprehension. It will take all eternity to fully understand and experience the wonder of God's Glory.

"We’re told Jesus is the radiance of God's Glory and the exact representation of His Being. Everything we've learned and know about Jesus is exactly who our God is." Hebrews 1:3

God's Glory has multiple meanings in Scripture. The display of His magnificence, the praise and honor showered upon His great Name, and awesome splendor barely touch how awesome our God is.

God's Glory is important because we see His power and majestic beauty. When we praise God, it reminds us of how good He is.

How do you take the One who is Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omnipresent, Eternal, Holy, Glorious, and try to wrap all that glory into an answer? It is hard to do.

Why is His Glory so important? Seeing God's Glory in the heavens and the earth points to how amazing and wonderful He is. We see His power and majestic beauty.

Moses wanted to see His Glory, but God put him in the cleft of the rock and covered him until He passed by. Today God's presence dwells within us. As we surrender to the Holy Spirit, God's Glory within will radiate to those around us.

"And they were calling to one another: Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of His Glory." Isaiah 6:3

 By His Grace . . .

Those Who Help

1 Corinthians 12:28

"And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues."

Bobbi Rae Facebook Page

Helping. It's a big thing. It's one of the gifts God gives to His children. All His children should help when they can, but some of His children have been gifted specifically to help others. I'm sure a few names come to your mind of those who help.

In the days of the apostles, "the helpers may have been those who accompanied them, baptized those who were converted by them, and were sent by them to such places as they could not attend to, being otherwise employed." Studylight.org, Clarke's Commentary

 

Over the centuries Christians are encouraged to help those in need, and I've witnessed this during the crisis of snow and frigid temperatures we experienced last week and into this week. I've heard of a number of people who have been helped during this time of crisis. 

Hebrews 6:10

"God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to helop them."

Biblehub.com, Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary: "The works of love, done for the glory of Christ, or done to His saints for Christ's sake, from time to time, as God gives occasion, are evident marks of a man's salvation."

Godsbless.ing: This verse reminds us of the importance of our actions and how they are seen and remembered by God. When we serve others with love and compassion, we are not only making a difference in their lives but also leaving a lasting impact in the eyes of God. It's a powerful reminder that our deeds, no matter how small they may seem, are recognized and cherished by God."

Scripturesavvy.com: "Another valuable lesson is the call to serve others. We see that no role is insignificant; every contribution is vital to the overall purpose of the church. When we shift our focus from ourselves to the needs of others, we exemplify that love of Christ and fulfill our calling as His followers."

Helping others isn't always a physical thing. Sometimes people just need a listening ear or kind word or someone to sit with them for a few minutes. This kind of help restores connection with another person. If you are alone, this is a mighty big help.

"Help Somebody Today"

"Look all around you, find someone in need,

Help somebody today!

Tho' it be little--a neighborly deed--

Help somebody today!"

Chorus

"Help somebody today,

Somebody along life's way;

Let sorrow be ended the friendless befriended,

Oh, help somebody today!"

A GIANT thank you to all those who have helped others last week recovering from this storm. I am thankful for the help we were given by our neighbors.

Why not live these words from the above hymn: "Help somebody today."

By His Grace . . .

Snowly Recovering

Our doves were bravely facing the storm!

We are still nestled snug in our home from the snow that hit on Sunday. I haven't seen a blizzard like that in years. It took my mind back to another Sunday morning back in 2003, February 16. I remember opening the back door at 7 a.m. and listening. This is what I heard and wrote:

"When I opened the back door I heard it

Snow

I was amazed at the sound

A whisper different from wind

Yet, precise; like nothing else I've ever heard

Snow falling from the heavens

My heart rested and listened

I couldn't keep away from my back door

I heard snow falling and thanked God."

I love snow. I love to see it fall. I love to see nature covered in fresh, clean snow. I love to sit at the window, drinking a cup of hot cocoa, and watch it fall. 

Let's all eat together peacefully.

I'm going to miss driving around and taking pictures of the beauty. I just can't do that anymore. I'm not as daring driving around now that I'm older. 

But the thing I like the most about snow is seeing how pure and clean it is and knowing God forgives my sin and makes me pure once again. 

Isaiah 1:18: "Come now, let us settle the matter," says the Lord, "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool."

Abby and Jo in earlier years in Maryland.

And I love to sing that wonderful old hymn, "Whiter Than Snow." 

Verse One

“Lord Jesus, I long to be perfectly whole;

I want Thee forever to live in my soul;

Break down every idol, cast out every foe—

Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.”

Verse Two

“Lord Jesus, for this I most humbly entreat,

I wait, blessed Lord, at Thy crucified feet,

By faith for my cleansing, I see thy blood flow—

Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.”

Verse Three

"Lord Jesus, Thou knowest I patiently wait;

Come now and within me a new heart create;

To those who have sought Thee, Thou never said’st “No”—

Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow."

Refrain

Whiter than snow, yes, whiter than snow,

Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

I made snow cream late in the day. I don't remember if I ever made it before, but seeing a recipe online urged me to try it. Scooping the pure and sparkly snow was exciting! So cold. With some chocolate syrup I think I could have ate a bowl. It was fun doing it. Almost like a child once again.

Mr. and Mrs. Cardinal taking a break from eating.

I know snow causes much hardship and and turns ugly quick. But I like to consider it a gift from God, urging us to slow down and be quiet. To rest our mind and body while considering His creation.

Yes, we're snowly recovering. We have to rely on others to help us get out. But I thank God for the beauty of His creation and the joy of resting in His care.

By His Grace . . . 

Double Good

 “Only to sit and think of God, Oh what a joy it is! To think the thought, to breathe the Name, Earth has no higher bliss.”

Frederick William Faber, 1814-1863

I love that I captured this snap when Abby decided she wanted to jump the fence!

This article was posted September 2024. I think it's worth posting again.

Recently, I was listening to Anthony George from First Baptist Church in Atlanta. His message was titled “Is There a Standard.” One of his illustrations included the numbers 3:16. We all know what verse he was speaking about. John 3:16. "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." 

Actually, though, he was talking about another 3:16 that is just as important to our understanding and learning of Scripture: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

This was one of George’s points in proclaiming that there is a standard and it’s the Bible: all Scripture is God-breathed. The Greek word is “theopneustos.” God-breathed. Scripture just isn’t inspired by God, it is God-breathed.  God exhaling the ideas and truths into those who wrote the words. He integrated His divine revelation into their human limitations.

Jon Gleason, mindrenewers.com wrote: “The concept of the breath of God has important connotations in Scripture, referring to God’s creative and life-giving power.  The Bible clearly says the Word of God is living, life-giving, and life-changing, and the connotations of theopneustos match those characteristics.

“Those who translated theopneustos for hundreds of years using the words “inspired” or “inspiration” weren’t just making stuff up. There was a very real basis in the connotations of the breath of God for the translational choice they made. 'God breathed the Scriptures into existence, and God breathed life and vitality into the Scriptures.'”

This Greek word only occurs once in Scripture, but what a meaning it has.

2 Timothy 3:16 is a Scripture verse that tell us all of the Bible will help us through life, guiding and directing us, so that we can live with assurance and truth. I hope whenever you read or hear someone mention John 3:16 that your mind will remember there’s another 3:16 that teaches us the words in the Bible come directly from our God as He breathes the information to the writers and the readers.

Three sixteen. 3:16. Double good.

By His Grace . . .

 

Look Forward

 

A number of years ago I spoke with an elderly woman on New Year’s Day, and the thing I remember most about our conversation is her comment that “I have nothing to look forward too except good health.” When she said it my initial thought was “that’s sad.” I often think of that comment. 

A few days ago I read the following and it gave me a different perspective on having nothing to look forward too. It helped me remember that which I've been given and the difference it makes. We seem to easily forget all that God can do for us as His child. We have a lot to look forward too!

"When the Holy Spirit imparts the gift of eternal life to you, far more has transpired than the mere possession of unending spiritual life. That is because the Holy Spirit brings to every Christian an entirely new quality of life that is divine, supernatural, and godlike.

"Through the Holy Spirit, the born-again man or woman can enjoy a new way of living. Since the Holy Spirit allows you to share in the life of Christ, He opens up a radical new lifestyle that is conformed to God's commands and ways, not to culture.

"You must remember that much of worldly behavior and methodology is based on wisdom that is flawed and tainted by sin. The Spirit of God reprograms your mind and transforms your attitude with His wisdom, dramatically altering your habits, rearranging your priorities, and establishing new standards. 

"The Holy Spirit gives you a new power for living; the new lifestyle comes with the power to succeed. You are no longer limited to fighting your problems with your resources. You have God and the fullness of His Spirit to help you and deliver you." Unknown author

Sometimes it may seem like we have nothing to look forward too, but God has put the Holy Spirit inside of us to provide all we need to alter that view.

I think of Matthew 7:7.

"Ask and it will be give to you; seek and you will find; 

knock and the door will be opened to you."

By His Grace . . . 

A Little Heart's-ease

"You were deliberately planned, specifically gifted, and lovingly positioned on this earth

 by the Master Craftsman."

Max Lucado

I've shared this story before. It's one of my favorite stories. It's simple and easy to understand. When I was a new Christian and felt God leading me towards writing notes to encourage, this story helped me believe I was doing something good for God even though it was something little. As it turns out, I did it faithfully for over 30 years and God rewarded me over and over in my heart.

Many people feel like they don't do enough for God when their gift seems small and insignificant. I learned if you are faithful with what God has given you to do, you not only will help others, but God will bring you joy in what you do.

The story is told in Volume One of "Streams in the Desert." I would share this story when I spoke on note writing. It's about a small flower that does what it was put here to do.

I didn't know what a heart's-ease was so I looked it up in the dictionary: a heart's-ease is another name for the viola tricolor flower, a hybrid plant derived from crossing certain species of the genus Viola and having small, spurred, variously colored flowers; is a common European wildflower, growing as an annual or short-lived perennial. The flowers can be purple, blue, yellow or white.

"A story is told of a king who went into his garden one morning, and found everything withered and dying. He asked the oak that stood near the gate what the trouble was. He found it was sick of life and determined to die because it was not tall and beautiful like the pine. The pine was all out of heart because it could not bear grapes, like the vine. The vine was going to throw its life away because it could not stand erect and have as fine fruit as the peach tree. The geranium was fretting because it was not tall and fragrant like the lilac; and so on all through the garden. Coming to a heart's-ease, he found its bright face lifted as cheery as ever. 'Well, heart's-ease, I'm glad, amidst all this discouragement, to find one brave little flower. You do not seem to be the least disheartened.' 'No, I am not of much account, but I thought if you wanted an oak, or a pine, or a peach tree, or a lilac, you would have planted one; but as I knew you wanted a heart's-ease, I am determined to be the best little heart's-ease that I can.'"

What has God given you to do? Are you doing it? Do you think what you do isn't noticed? Do you feel small and over looked? Some would think note writing isn't much. What does it take to write a simple, little note to someone. What difference could it possibly make?

"Others may do a greater work. But you have your part to do;

And no one in all God's heritage Can do it so well as you."

Unknown

God has given few people great gifts but He has equipped every one of His children to accomplish whatever He has purposed for them. As that little heart's-ease demonstrated, whatever God has give you to do, do it to the best of your ability. We all matter in God's Kingdom and must all use our gift(s) so that His perfect plan is realized.

"There is always a certain peace in being what one is, in being that completely."

Ugo Betti, Italian judge, author and playwright

"I am still determined to be cheerful and to be happy in whatever situation I may be, for I have also learnt from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions and not our circumstances."

Martha Washington

So whether you're a little heart's-ease, a Japanese maple or a mighty oak, do it! You will find satisfaction in your work and joy in your heart because you are using the special gift(s) God gave to you. I can testify to that!

"Now may the God of peace . . . equip you with everything good for doing His will,

and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him . . ."

Hebrew 13:21

In this new year be a heart's-ease. Be the best one you can be. Do it for God!

By His Grace . . .