Extrinsic rewards? or not?

Monday April 30 2012:

Luke 17:10. “........When you obey me you should say, ‘We are not worthy of praise.  We are servants who have simply done our duty.”

I have often witnessed parents who reward their children for a good report card or good behavior when, in fact, this should be an expectation.

I confess, I also tried this method with one or two of our own children and discovered it simply did not work.  We discovered, a child is naturally motivated or not.  Some excel in school while putting forth a great deal of effort while others  who may even be more capable, slip through by a narrow margin with less effort.  No matter what the ability, we discovered learning took place in all our children.

When we realized that money was not an effective motivator, we simply implied that school was “their job” and the expectation was to do their best without extrinsic rewards.

I believe this is what we are asked to do for the Lord, not to expect extrinsic rewards because we are, in fact, just fulfilling our duty.  We are expected to carry out God’s plan and it is our duty to obey without grumbling or expectant praise.

Today, if you feel the Lord has a job for you to do, just do it, without expectations, but just because He asks us to do it.

Prayer for today: Dear Lord, I am so thankful for your faithfulness and never ending love and it is my desire to please you and serve you. Help me to accept the duties you want me to perform without hesitation and help me Lord not to expect praise or instant rewards but just to serve you because I am your servant. In Jesus name, Amen.

What does the Bible say about forgiveness?

A Weekend Read:

Forgiveness!

Several years ago when I was very active in a little church I often took the role of being a listener to those who needed one.

I vividly remember a single, mature lady who started attending and  as I got to know her, I realized she appeared to be bitter toward some of her family members. She was a fairly new grandmother whose daughter often attended services with her bringing her baby as well. It was not difficult to detect a spirit of dissension in their relationship. This bothered me because I had been in that predicament several years prior with my own daughter. It was a nasty experience for her and me until we mended our fences. Then, thank God, our relationship grew into a wonderful friendship.

Now, I thought, perhaps I could offer some council to help mend this relational struggle as well. As I talked with her, I discovered she was angry about something that had festered in her mind to become a mountain.

 Apparently her daughter’s in-laws required the new grandchild to be baptized with water in their church and my friend thought it should only be a service of dedication in her church.  She was so distraught by this that she had actually threatened not to be a part of her daughter’s or her grand daughter’s life. I listened and gave sympathy to her concerns but I could not agree with her convictions.  I thought, “how trivial” and “why would anyone jeopardize the privilege of a loving relationship with a daughter and a grandchild by not accepting a differing opinion on such a thing as this?”  

To me it did not seem terribly important because ultimately, it would have no bearing on the baby’s spiritual life but she could not let it go.  We talked many hours about the dilemma without resolve.  I encouraged her to pray about it and seek God’s council and she said she would but her spirit seemed to be rigid. 

Soon after that she stopped speaking to me and finally started attending another church.  I felt responsible for her hurt and yet I could not agree with her. I heard that she did not attend her little grand child’s baptismal service and her daughter became distant to the extent that they spent no time together as mother and daughter or grandmother and grandchild. I have thought about this experience many times and I think I learned a valuable lesson about forgiveness. 

Jesus was a forgiver and always forgave when asked to do so. His response was always, to forgive, go in peace, and sin no more.  There were no issues that he did not speak to or ill feelings that he harboured.  Never once is it written where he held a grudge against someone. We are aware of the wondrous work of the Holy Spirit when we come for forgiveness to Jesus and when we ask, we find, He gives us the ability to truly forgive others and it seems to come from deep within but we know it comes from God. The result is a feeling that covers us in a balm of healing and newness. 

Jesus says we are to forgive seventy times seven, the same person, if they keep asking.  It is indeed blessed to forgive and it is blessed, as well, to ask forgiveness of someone else.  It is usually a two way street and we are often expected to make the first move!

The story that Jesus tells about the unforgiving man in Matthew 18, 23-35.

“For this reason, the Kingdom of Heaven can be compared to a king who decided to bring his accounts up to date with servants who had borrowed money from him.  In the process, one of his debtors was brought in who owed him millions of dollars.  He  could not pay, so the king ordered that he, his wife, his children, and everything he had be  sold to pay the debt.  But the man fell down before the king and begged him, ‘Oh, sir, be patient with me, and I will pay it all.’  Then the king was filled with pity for him, and released him and forgave his debt.

But when the man left the king, he went to a fellow servant who owed him a few thousand dollars.  He grabbed him by the throat and demanded instant payment.  His fellow servant fell down before him and begged for a little more time. “Be patient and I will pay,’ he pleaded.  But his creditor wouldn’t wait.  He had the man arrested and jailed until the debt could be paid in full.  “When some of the other servants saw this, they were very upset.  They went to the king and told him what had happened.  Then the king called in the man he had forgiven and said, ‘You evil servant!  I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me.  Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?’ Then the angry king sent the man to prison until he had paid every penny.

That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters in your heart.”

(New Living Version)

Forgiving certainly seems like the best alternative, doesn’t it?

Foregiveness

Friday April 27 2012:

Colossians 3:13. “You must make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive the person who offends you.  Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”

We are often critical of others because they don’t reform to our way of thinking or because someone said or did something that hurt us?  Here, we are told to make allowance for the faults of others. 

I have seen a disagreement cause such a rift between people that they have deprived themselves of a relationship, which would have been beneficial and enhanced their lives. I know some who have actually closed a relationship with their own grandchildren or children because of what someone said many years ago.  

It is always because neither party is willing to ask forgiveness or even forgive the other.  What a tragedy! 

With Christian love it is so much easier to ask forgiveness than to carry a grudge that festers and becomes a deep bitter wound. A wound with someone else causes a wedge between you and your  relationship with God, which widens as the time lengthens. If  there is a problem, God can make a way where there is no way if we turn to him and ask for help.

Prayer for today: My Dear Jesus, I thank you for forgiving me each time I ask and I need your grace to forgive those who have hurt me. Help me not to harbour ill feelings toward anyone else but to be accepting of  those who might see things differently than I do. Help me to know when to make an issue of things and when to allow for differences. With your help I know I can forgive and show grace and mercy to others as you do for me.  In Jesus name, Amen.

Thinking Heavenly thoughts, do you?

Thursday April 26 2012:

Colossians 3:2 “Let heaven fill your thoughts.  Do not think only about things down here on earth.”

It is so easy for us to get all wrapped up in troubles and emotions that are around us when we are instructed to fill our thoughts with heavenly things. 

It seems to be difficult for us to really trust God and live as though he is truly in control. In my life I often seem to worry about trivial things, things that rarely come to pass. 

I forget to stop and remember that God is the ultimate one in charge and He won’t let anything happen that is not ordained by him. 

We know he allows trials to come but they are necessary lessons to enable us to grow and become stronger for a purpose. If we keep our thoughts on heavenly things we would not have a need to worry about this and that. 

We know there is evil around us and although we cannot see the purpose of some tragedies, we can rest in the fact that God is always and ultimately in control.  Yes; it does require faith but as we know him more, we become stronger in our faith and learn to lean on Him!

Prayer for today: Dear Father, Thank you for being in control of my life and everything around me, even the big tragedies that happen in this world. Forgive me for not recognizing your sovereignty in the midst of terrible events in the world and spending needless energy worrying about things that are out of my control.  You are Lord of everything  and everything is in your hands.  Thank you for being my Saviour too, and even loving me and caring about me in the midst of everything else. In Jesus name. Amen

Planting Seeds in the garden of life:

Wednesday April 25 2012:

Colossians 2:7. “Let your roots grow down into him and draw up nourishment from him, so you will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught.  Let your lives overflow with thanksgiving for all he has done.”

When I plant my garden every spring, it is an exciting time for me.  I dig the soil  and remove any weeds that have sprung up then I carefully carve the rows in straight lines and meticulously drop the tiny seeds into the prepared beds, cover them and mark each row with the seed packages proudly displayed at the end of each row.  I water whenever moisture is required, deeply so the roots will descend and grow strong, pull the weeds so they can’t hinder growth and watch and wait for the tiny seedlings to rise up.  There is nothing more rewarding! 

If I scattered the seeds into the dirt at random and just hoped they would grow I’m afraid I would not be rewarded, perhaps a few chutes would grow despite my neglect but certainly not the crop I have when I nurture and care for my garden.

Paul instructs us to draw nourishment from Christ Jesus by letting our roots go down into him.  If we desire the blessings and closeness of a personal  Christ, than we need to spend time, nurturing our relationship with him.

 There is only one way to do this and that is by reading his Word and talking to him and Paul tells us to let our lives overflow with Thanksgiving for all he has done. A relationship needs care, often we neglect our Saviour more than the other relationships or commitments. Let’s encourage our “roots” to go down into Him!

Prayer for today: Dear Lord, Forgive me for neglecting my relationship with you. I need you so desperately, all the time, and it seems I am always asking for things or crying to you for an injustice or hurt.  I don’t spend much time living my life with thanksgiving.  Forgive me as I attempt to praise you more, love you more and offer to be what you want me to be. Help me to be a fountain, overflowing with thanks for all you have done for me.  In Jesus name, Amen.

Gaining strength in times of peril!

Tuesday April 24 2012:

Colossians 1:11. “We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need.  May you be filled with joy.”

Some days we wonder if God is hearing our cries of despair and longing.  When we’ve been up most of the night with a sick child and morning brings the list of  “must do’s”, or when we have been praying for a loved one who seems to be farther away than ever, we wonder!  The good and encouraging news is that God is hearing and he cares!

Paul continues to declare the wondrous promise of forgiveness and standing before God, blameless, without a single fault and the promise of eternal peace and joy where we will share in the glory of  Christ.

That promise is so dear and yet, today, is when we need a fresh touch form God.

 

In my life, I have discovered an answer that always brings contentment for a time, and that is to spend time in prayer for someone else whose situation is sadder or more severe than my own.  Through this act of obedience in praying for others, I have found joy and fulfillment and soon my despair lifts and I realize my blessings.  This act brings me closer to Jesus and helps me take my eyes off myself.  Try it today, even if you are burdened down, give your problems to Jesus and start praying for someone else!

Prayer for today: Dear Jesus, Thank you for your blessings and your holy spirit in my life today.  My mind seems to be on my problems today and I am so thankful you are aware of them.  Help me , Lord, to release them to you and take my eyes off myself. I know there are so many who are far more needy than myself and today I want to lift up ___________ to you and pray your special blessing upon them. Meet their needs today and fill them with joy and contentment.  Thank you for being my Saviour and friend and caring for the ones I love.  Help me to love others and reflect your joy and peace.  In Jesus name, amen.

How deep and how wide and how high is God's love for me and you?

Monday April 23 2012:

Colossians 1:15 “ Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.  He existed before God made anything at all and is supreme over all creation.”

Is this not a confirmation of God’s love for us? 

God knew we, as human beings, were having a difficult time following his decrees and laws, which were rigid and seemingly unforgiving, and He made a way for us to simply accept the gift of salvation.

Sometimes I think God wanted to know exactly what he had created so he decided to come down and live amongst us so he could experience first hand what it was like to be totally human but we know why he came and it was much bigger than that. He came down in the form of a tiny babe who would one day be the  perfect sacrifice for all sinners by the shedding of his blood as he suffered on the cross for you and me. 

There is much evidence of the life of Jesus Christ, in reputable history accounts as well as in the Word of God, the Bible, and therefore we know, because he lived here on earth, he suffered as much or more than any of us and he experienced earthly emotions and hurts and joys just as we do.  We know Jesus was divinely sent but we also must accept the fact that he had two natures, one being the earthly nature and the other, the heavenly nature. This is a mystery to us but in faith we accept the wondrous miracle of Father, Son and Holy Spirit as being three in one.

We accept that Jesus dwelt with God before he came to earth and returned to be with his heavenly Father after he rose from the grave as the first but not the last to be resurrected. That is why we can be assured of being able to follow him into Glory where we will forever be with Him if we accept him as our personal Saviour.

Prayer for today: Precious Jesus, I am so thankful that you came to earth to sacrifice yourself on the cross for me.  I cannot comprehend how deep and how wide and how high your love for me is, I only know that I am blessed to be your child and you have forgiven me because I asked you to.  I also know you accept me as your child because you say so in your word.  I can’t imagine leaving Heaven to dwell with humans on earth but you did it and it proves your love for us all. I love you, Lord and I ask you to help me draw closer to you.  You, who are supreme over all, came down to rescue me from sin! Thank you Jesus.  Amen.

Is that all there is??

A Weekend Read!

Is That all There is?

As I was driving around running errands not long ago, I heard a familiar song on the radio it was Peggy Lee singing “Is That All There Is?” and it triggered a memory of when our children were young and impressionable.

I vividly remember one summer vacation with our five children.  Our eldest son was 13 and the “baby” was three.  We had agreed on this vacation on my behalf, to give me an opportunity to return to my birthplace in Northern Saskatchewan, a little ‘corner’ called Ratner, which was basically just a post office and store.

I am ever amazed at how vivid my memories are regarding my childhood experiences, grossly enhanced, to understate!

As we drove along the once familiar highways and side roads watching for landmarks, I noticed how dilapidated some of the farmyards and buildings were.  Many places that used to seem magnificent to me as a child, now showed signs of neglect and age; some had been abandoned and appeared forlorn and sad.

After listening to my childhood “tales” for many years about the beautiful landscapes, country roads and magnificent farm homes, our expectations were lofty compared to  what we saw! Our children, instead of being impressed, said, “Is that all there is?”

I assured them the destination of my childhood home would be worth the effort and patience of driving down dusty roads and getting lost and the continued search would be rewarded by the final view.  After much confusion and several disagreements we finally arrived at the “homestead” site, only to find a golden field of waving grain where my beloved farm buildings had once stood!  I remember the huge disappointment I felt as we stood there speechless.  My husband and children said, “Is this all there is?”

After allowing myself a few moments of grief, I announced the intent of visiting the “hub” of the community, the local co-op store where one could buy everything under the sun, which also housed the local post office.  I informed them of a special, fortunate aunt who lived across the road from this important community meeting place. 

As we drove down the sandy country tracks, I lost myself in memories of years past riding down this very road in a horse and buggy in summer or, in the winter, an enclosed wooden van with slick runners crunching through the snow, pulled by two beautiful black Percherons named Bubbles and Spark.  I recalled simpler times that were filled with warm family sing-a-longs, board games and other activities that fostered togetherness.

 

Soon our arrival jolted me into reality when on the corner of a crossroad, I beheld a small grocery store with faded lettering above the door, spelling out the word “CO-OP”.  I was relieved to see it was still operating but as we entered, I noticed more changes.  The black oiled floors had been replaced with new floor tiles and the old cash register was now a state-of-the-art computer.  Where the cloth bags of flour and sugar had been stacked were  freezers and Coke machines.  It had a look of an older 7-11 and my family said, “Is this all there is?” I, too was asking the same question.

The next stop was my coveted Aunt Mary's home, which was a huge two-story house across the road from the store. When we drove into the yard, I thought we were at the wrong place because the “large” house had diminished and the out buildings were badly in need of repair. The good thing was my Aunt was there and I knew she would have delicacies that I had envisioned in my mind and my taste buds. She was very happy to see me and my family and then announced we were going to her son’s, my cousin’s, for supper. 

This was a new farm not far from the “old” place but unfamiliar to me.  My cousin’s served us a wonderful old-fashioned farm dinner and our children had a good time with their second cousin’s.  As for me, I was disappointed that things were not what they used to be and I asked, “Is this all there is?”

As we drove into the town of Nipawin, I waited in anticipation to see the familiar sights  in my memory, but I realized that nothing ever stays the same in this world and as we came to rest in front of my old school, even it had been abandoned. The roads had been changed and the old bridge across the Saskatchewan River had been rebuilt with a  four lane highway across it and the little store where I had walked to purchase Popsicle’s and candy bars was just a gas station.  And I questioned, “Is this all there is?”

Finally, after numerous disappointments and defensive comments to my family, it was time to return to our campsite. As we drove in quiet reserve, the children napping, I realized the futility of  putting one’s hope of happiness in memories of the past. 
Don’t misread me, I have wonderful memories of times spent with my family as a child and love and acceptance and warmth but the material memories of those times have changed and become distant and distorted.


I realized my happiness was where I was and my blessings were numerous at that time in that place and in that car with my own family. It was a good lesson for me not to live in the past but to be thankful for my present life and it reminded me of the promise that God never changes.  He is always the same and no matter what our memories are or our spiritual experiences, there are greater promises still in store for us as we grow in Him and allow Him to work in us.
I learned to put all my trust in Him who is always with us and never disappoints us. I also learned that memories and past activities are not all there is. The reality and joy of living is a personal relationship with the  Saviour, Christ the Lord who never changes, disappoints us, and will never leave us alone.

There is an old hymn I’m reminded of:

Yesterday, Today, Forever, Jesus is the same. All may change but Jesus never

Glory to His name! Glory to his name, Glory to his name

All may change but Jesus never  Glory to His name.” 

Hebrews 13:8. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

I am so thankful that this life, what we see now and what we experience is “Not all there is” There is coming a time of great joy and fulfillment when the wondrous word of God will come to fruition and we shall see Jesus face to face to abide with Him forever more! Praise the wonderful name of Jesus!

God chose us over all creation!

Friday  April 20 2012:

James 1:18. “In his goodness he chose to make us his own children by giving us his true word.  And we, out of all creation, became his choice possession.”

Can you imagine, out of all creation God chose us to be his favorite? Sometimes when I meditate on my Heavenly Father, I am so humbled that he would bless me so abundantly but then I realize, he loves me more than all other creation. It is far more than my human mind can conceive and the most marvelous thing of all is that I don’t even deserve His love or His grace or mercy!  I only receive it because he is a giving and forgiving God who chose us out of everything he made, to be his favorite.

 

If I had to choose anything from creation to favor, I think it would be the little songbirds that I hear in the early mornings.  Whether it’s cold and rainy or a beautiful sunny day, the birds sing at my window and I wonder at their clear notes and sweet melody.  When I look at how they are clothed, more beautiful in vivid color than anything else, I marvel at the works of the creator and yet he chose me to be more favored than these beautiful little creations that hunt for their food and feel the elements of the weather and yet sing praises, daily to the King of Kings! What a glorious Master we serve!

Prayer for today: Today, Lord, I am in awe again, by your sweet mercy and saving grace and now I see that I am favored above all other creation. I am humbled by your Word that tells me this and I want to know you more and serve you more than ever before.  Help me to be what you want me to be as I grow in you and fully realize your great and wondrous love for me. I love you Lord.  In Jesus name, amen.

Understanding Gods plan by faith!

Thursday April 19 2012:

Hebrews 11:3. “By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.”

For those of us who lack the perseverance to read and research different accounts of the beginning of the world, the writer of Hebrews tell us it can be accepted and understood by faith. This is not difficult to accept when we realize our salvation is received by faith.

While there are some people who have felt an immediate change after confessing sins and accepting the forgiveness of Jesus, many who remember the exact time of repentance don’t actually feel any different until later when the realization of the gift of salvation becomes a reality and the Holy Spirit comes in the fullness to fill you with the assurance of His saving grace. 

It is by faith, we are saved and it is by faith healing comes and it is by faith that many patriarchs in the Old Testament received God’s approval. Excellent examples are;

Enoch, who was taken up to heaven without dying,

Noah, who built an ark without ever having witnessed rain,

Abraham, who obeyed God when he was told to leave home and go to another land that God would give him,  Joseph, when he was about to die, confidently spoke of God bringing the people of Israel out of Egypt, and many more displayed an unshakeable faith in the Almighty.

The writer of Hebrews asks us to believe in faith that the entire Universe was formed at God’s command.  When we behold the intricate design, faith comes naturally.

Prayer for today: Oh, Lord, You are our God and today I ask you to increase my faith. Not just to believe that you created everything around us but faith to move mountains, an unshakeable faith that sustains me even when I don’t see the evidence of your presence. In this world there is so much evil and sometimes it is difficult to accept that you are in control and yet I know you are.  Help me, today, to be an example to others and display a strong and real faith that cannot be shaken or doubted.  In Jesus name, amen.

Intelligent Design or Creationism

Wednesday April 18 2012:

Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”

Many believe that the Bible should not be taken literally. While Jesus used parables and imagery to make a point,  many lessons and stories are literal accounts. The story of creation is one, however scholars differ over the length of creative days holding that there is a long gap between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2. Hebrew syntax allows such a view but does not require it.

 The Bible tells us that the universe had a beginning and it came into existence through Gods’ will. Aside  from this text, there are many more that prove the account of creationism, Isaiah 40- 51,Hebrews 11:3, latter part of Job.

Genesis also teaches that there are a number of  “kinds” of plants and of animals, which cannot reproduce in such a way as to evolve from one into the other. Many , in the past, have tried to dispute creation by intelligent design, but through their search, have realized the truth of the Biblical creation account. God says if we search for Him, we will be found by Him.

Prayer for today: Heavenly Father, You are the great Creator of everything good and lovely and today I want to acknowledge you! I thank you for making our beautiful surroundings I pray that I may not take all this for granted but give you the honour and glory for all the wonders I enjoy each day. I pray that you will give me the courage and wisdom to acknowledge you and the works of your hands before others. I love you, Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.

The most patient with me.....and you.......

Tuesday April 17 2012:

Isaiah 40:28. “........Don’t you know that the Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of all the earth?  He never grows faint or weary.  No one can measure the depths of his understanding.”

If you have ever wondered why everything fits so well in our natural world, the food chain, the seasons, the cycle of flora and fauna and human reproduction, it is because it was created with a plan, a designer actually had everything planned before you or I were even dust! And not only has God created everything in harmony, he has plans for you and me! He never grows weary or faint and is always waiting for us to desire his presence and guidance.

 

As a young mother, I always wanted what was best for my children, I still do but they make their own decisions now. When they were infants or toddlers, it was easy to make them see my reasoning but when they reached the age of four and older, they developed minds of their own and it became more difficult to persuade them to my way of thinking.

 Sometimes it involved an extended stay in the bedroom or a little corporal punishment for refusing to listen. It was important for them to listen to me because I knew what the consequences of disobeying were. 

Often the immature decisions of a three year old can lead to harmful consequences like being burned after touching a hot stove or playing in the toilet and they must be taught what is safe and what is not. Depending on the personality of the youngster, this can be a very frustrating stage in child rearing.  The blessings come later when you realize they actually did absorb some of the instructions and advice you gave them as children. 

I liken this illustration to that of a child of God. In Isaiah it says He never grows weary and he understands why we often make wrong choices because there is nothing that is capable of measuring his understanding! When I raised my children, I did not understand why they did so many foolish things and I was often frustrated and weary from repeating myself and constantly teaching but God never grows weary or faint, He perseveres with us and teaches us over and over again until we understand. 

We are created with different personalities and it takes some of us longer to learn than others but God is patient and ever with us never abandoning his children. Praise His wonderful name!

Prayer for today: Dear Lord Jesus, Thank you for being patient with me and understanding my foolishness.  Even though you see me when I make wrong choices, you still love me and take the time to teach me again and again.  I have been to the hot stove so many times even though I know the danger of it and you continue to have infinite patience again and again. Even though you are the Creator of heaven and earth, you still care about me. Thank you for investing your time in me. In Jesus name, Amen.

The majesty of God is so evident!

Monday April 16 2012:

Psalm 8:3. “When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers- the moon and stars you have set in place”

I remember a most romantic weekend my husband and I enjoyed one summer. The bed and breakfast was called Destiny Bay, located on Kooteney Lake in beautiful British Columbia. We were impressed with the delicious offering of gourmet meals, and personal service like hot muffins brought to our rooms each morning and in the evening, the fireplace was always prepared and with a strike of a match the setting became dreamlike. Two small glasses of sherry as a nighttime sleep enhancer and rich and delicious chocolates beside our pillows.  There were many little treats that we did not ordinarily indulge in definitely making it a very special weekend.

One of our favorite luxuries was the sauna located on the beach so one could sit in the sauna and then run into the lake for a cold dip, it was most refreshing!We could tell the owners had given much thought and effort to the comfort and enjoyment of the guests. 

One evening, when we walked to the sauna, we beheld a wondrous sight that “man” could never equal, It was the exhilarating and awesome scene of millions of stars against a clear, dark blue canopy lit up by a huge and magnificent full moon looking down on us, reflected in the spectacular calm lake which was bordered by the silhouette of the evergreen forest and majestic mountains in the background! I thought to myself, “how could anyone doubt the presence of a caring Creator who took the time to form this wondrous sight for us, for me and you to just enjoy!

What an awesome God we have that created this wonderful world for us to live in and marvel at! I was awe-struck by the majesty of it all and realized that nothing can compare with the wondrous works of our mighty God! No matter what man attempts here on earth, it can never be compared with the richness and glorious creations that are God’s.

Prayer for today: Dear Lord, You are an awesome God and I thank you for creating such a beautiful world for me to enjoy.  Help me to be a good and diligent steward of the things around me.  There is no one who can compare to you or the beauty you have made for us to enjoy. Your handiwork is far more glorious than anything man made and each day I see the evidence of your mighty hand. When I hear the notes of the bird’s song or see the leaves turn color at the change of seasons, or behold the majestic mountains and the vivid profusion of the wild flowers all around me I am in awe! Thank you heavenly Father for all your goodness.  In Jesus name, Amen.

Stubborn as a horse!!

Weekend Read  April 15 2012:

Horse Sense:

I had a saddle horse once; Sirocco; a pinto - a stubborn pinto. It wasn’t exactly mine, we were pasturing it for someone and it needed to be exercised often so I got the job.

One winter day I was trotting down a country road on Sirocco.  The deep ditches were level with the road, filled with snow.  I knew the snow was deep and as we trotted down the road, the horse kept veering towards the ditch.  I kept reigning him back on to the road but the more I reigned him left the more determined he was to head for the ditch - finally out of exasperation, I let him lead and he went straight for the snow bank into the ditch.  It was very deep, he panicked and got stuck.  I had to get off and lead him back onto the road.  I’m sure if the owner had been the rider she could have controlled him; on the other hand, he did have a stubborn streak that needed breaking. He seemed to learn from his experience because after that he was more obedient and trusted my reigning.

I’ve been there! I usually want to do things my own way.  Often I’ve ended up in the “ditch” where it was difficult to return to the track that was easy and flat.  Often I have needed help to get back on the right track.  Each time when I call for the Master, he comes and helps me and I wonder why I am so stubborn.  Sirocco didn’t realize the consequences and wondered why I would not let him go where he wanted to go but I knew what would happen.

Just like the Lord, who can see the bigger picture before us and beside us.  Often when we ask, “why?” He knows the reason and if we wait we learn to see it too. God always knows what we need, when we need it and He makes sure we always receive what is best for us.  His timing is perfect.

Matthew 6:31. “...............Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.”

Is your body a Holy Temple?

Thursday April 11 2012:

Ephesians 2:20. “We are His house built on the foundation of the apostle’s and the prophets and the corner stone is Christ Jesus himself. “

We are a very privileged people, who belong to the Lord.  Paul says we are His temple. He is speaking figuratively but the parallel is clear.  When we think how specific and intricate the Holy Temple of God was in the Old Testament, and so holy that only the high Priest was allowed inside. It humbles me to think that I can be compared to such a magnificent and Godly structure. 

Christ’s body is also referred to as a Holy Temple but expounded on as the fulfillment of the typology of the Temple because He is the sacrifice that brought an end to the old covenant. In the New Testament, we have a new covenant to live by; that of the shed blood of Jesus Christ, the one time sacrifice that enables us to have a personal relationship with the Saviour.

Now, as we are considered the “House of the Lord”, we must portray the picture that invites others to “taste” and accept the invitation to enter this “house”. It is our responsibility to mirror the peace, love and joy that is ours with the acceptance of this new life. Many Christians go about with long faces and a solemn appearance and attitude that could not possibly be an advantage to attract others to Christianity.  If you are having a hard time displaying the joy that Christ gives, I encourage you to spend time and ask Jesus why you don’t have it.  It is a free gift that comes with the knowledge of being saved from sin and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. It is truly a joy being a child of God.

Prayer for today: Lord I am in awe of the tremendous privilege of being a holy temple.  Thank-you for providing the solid foundation that stands no matter what happens. Thank-you for supporting me with the cornerstone that is Christ Jesus, the solid Rock! Help me to be a testimony that attracts others to desire to know you. In Jesus name, amen.