Archive for the ‘Walking with God’ Category

To Live a Life

Posted in GOD, life, Walking with God, WONDER, tagged #mayibringrelief, #purposeoflife, #tolivealife, #whyamihere, #youareamist on March 22, 2018| 2 Comments »

Screen Shot 2018-03-21 at 11.07.08 AM What is the meaning of life? What gives meaning to life? What makes life meaningful?

Those are the questions of a life … my life … at forty-nine years into this life.

We look forward, we look back, realizing that once that which was was forward, is now back. Tomorrow, this day will be past. The clock ticks, the calendar flips. Our inhales are the past as the freshness of that breath is exhaled. Our days move so slowly, looking forward, so quickly, looking back.

“You don’t know what will happen tomorrow.
What is life?
You are a mist that is seen for a moment and then disappears.”
James 4:14

You are a mist …

If my life, if I am a mist, than what can any of us accomplish or do for anyone, for this world, for our God?

Yet, as I awakened this morning the grass was damp with a mist-like dew, giving me more margin before watering the new seed in the ground. That mist-like dew, watering and giving life to that seed that I spread … that dead seed, hard and lifeless. That mist-like dew, bringing breath back into that hard shell, reminding it who it is, who it is meant to be, what it’s job on this Earth, in this Earth, is to do.

I am to be more than just a mirage in the dessert.

So, if I, if my life is a mist, that is seen for a moment (a morning) then disappears, I guess all I am required to do is water, bringing life to that, to those who have been hardened by their circumstances, beat down by the winds of life, brining refreshment and hope to those who think there is no more hope.

I don’t think I do that every day, I know I don’t, yet I know people who have done that, who do that for me. People who love and care and water my soul each and every day. People who encourage and inspire me. My family and friends who show love with their hugs, warm words and laughter. People who are really real, and who open the door that others, that I, can be really me.

So, I am a mist … may I bring relief.

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The Wonder of Spring

Posted in life, Nature/Creation, Walking with God, WONDER, tagged #renewal, #thewonderofspring, Easter on March 20, 2018| 2 Comments »

Screen Shot 2018-03-20 at 8.18.25 AM.png As the Spring Break is underway for myself, and others, in my neck of the schooling woods, we get to also take in the signs of Spring.

Already I have examined the bulb plants growing, daily from their warming soil, Magnolia trees with flower pods getting heavy, the Forsythia blossoms starting to peek out, and buds on every tree. Even the grass is starting to dart up.

The gardening stores and nurseries are becoming the hubs of spring seekers, Seeds are being started, colour being added to the beds, pots and gardens. New gloves and clippers purchased to replace the broken and missing (no doubt to be found only days after new ones purchased). The blades are being cleaned and sharpened for trimming.

We breath in the air, fresh and clean, reviving our senses, our imaginations and dreams.

There is no sweeter start to any season. In a sense, spring is a sanctuary … a season of rebirth, renewal. A season of wide-eyed excitement and wonder. A time apart from the day to day of the rest of the year.

It is no coincidence that Easter also falls in the spring of the year. It, too, is a season of renewal, a season of wide-eyed excitement and wonder. It marks the end of waiting for the risen Messiah.

It reminds us that he rose once … that, like the crocuses, tulips and daffodils, he will rise again.

“Let not your hearts be troubled.
Believe in God; believe also in me.
In my Father’s house are many rooms.
If it were not so,
would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?
And if I go and prepare a place for you,
I will come again and will take you to myself,
that where I am you may be also.”
John 14:1-3

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Hold Loosely

Posted in GOD, life, Walking with God, WONDER, tagged #dontholdtightly, #holdloosely, #mosesstaff, #throwitdown on March 18, 2018| 1 Comment »

staff

I have a love-hate relationship with our property.

When we first bought it we did so knowing that we would need to pour blood, sweat and tears into the property, for it was a visual disaster.

Almost fourteen years later, we are still bleeding, sweating and the tears are ever-flowing.

Much our time here, I have hated what it has taken from us, in terms of money, time and energy. Now, as we are preparing the property to sell, I find myself looking around at all that we have done, at how it is now looking as we had dreamed, and bemoaning the fact that we are about to leave it, for someone else to enjoy.

I have found my longing thoughts to be interrupted by a whisper in my mind,

don’t hold too tightly to the things of Earth

It was then that I remembered a speaker once talking about the staff that Moses carried.

Moses was a shepherd, and his staff was the tool of his trade. It was what helped him in protection of his sheep, but the staff would only do it’s job when under his control.

When Moses met God in the burning bush, “the Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?”
“A staff,” he replied.” (Exodus 4:2)

I am pretty certain that God knew what was in Moses hand, but, I think, he wanted Moses to acknowledge it as it was, a staff, a tool when in his expert hand.

God gets Moses to throw down his staff, and God shows him what his staff can do when it is God who is in it’s control.

Later in the passage, we learn that the staff of Moses is to become the staff of God: “take this staff in your hand so you can perform the signs with it.” (Exodus 4:17).

And he does. That staff, once the tool of Moses, is transformed into a snake, plagues, splits the Red Sea, and helps the Israelites defeat their enemy, when under the control of God.

The thing is, for God to operate that staff, Moses had to throw it down and allow God to take control …

he had to loosen his grip.

Whatever we are holding onto, if it can be used by God, he will leave it in our hands, if not, he will still use us in ways we cannot even imagine.

What is in our hands that God is asking us to throw down? loosen our grip? let go? If we can trust him with our souls, surely we can trust him with the things he has provided.

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The Eternal Blessing

Posted in GOD, life, Walking with God, WONDER, tagged #godblesseshispeople, #theeternalblessing, #thelordblessyou, #thepriestlyblessing on March 15, 2018| Leave a Comment »

“The Lord bless you
    and keep you;
the Lord make his face shine on you
    and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face toward you
    and give you peace.”

I hadn’t read, heard of thought of those words in months … months.

A common benediction, a blessing that hubby would frequently give at the end of a Sunday sermon, a church service.

Here it was, on a Monday morning, in a classroom devotion.

The blessing is not owned, not possessed by my hubby alone. It is known as the Aaronic or Priestly blessing, given, by God, to Moses, to instruct Aaron and his sons on how to bless the Israelites.

This was a great honour, for the Priests words were viewed as God’s message to them.

Matthew Henry’s Commentary says “though the priests could do no more than beg a blessing, yet being an intercessor by office, and doing that in his name who commands the blessing, the prayer carried with it a promise, and he pronounced it as one having authority with his hands lifted up and his face towards the people.”

You see, the blessing was not one from the Priests, but through them, from God himself, for the Israelite people … in a sense skipping the Priests completely, as if they were just the vessel through which God lay his hand of blessing, on his chosen people.

But it was not necessarily a group or community blessing, but one through the lips of the priests, directly to each individual, from God. It was a personal and individual blessing … a whisper of the personal and individual Blessing (Blesser) to come.

The Lord bless you

Three times the Lord is mentioned. Representing God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Likened to 2 Corinthians 13:14:

“The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you.”

This blessing is also an endless, eternal blessing. It is not solely present tense, but also future, as if it were to say: the Lord will bless you.

What a good reminder of the story and blessing of God on and for his people, available now for all people (Jews and Gentiles).

Screen Shot 2018-03-13 at 8.08.58 PM

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Because She is Loved

Posted in Faith, GOD, Walking with God, WONDER, tagged #becausesheisloved, #godsgotyou, #inthepalmofhishand, #purposefulpositivity, #youareloved on March 13, 2018| Leave a Comment »

Screen Shot 2018-02-18 at 9.07.24 PM As I reflected on the tough season a friend is currently going through, I was amazed … because, in spite of how tough things were, she was looking at the tough things with thankfulness, hope and a faith that it would all work out.

Me of littler faith …

I kept considering her positivity, that was beyond just posturing, it was purposeful positioning of her thoughts. In a sense it was purposeful, planned prophesying. She choose to believe that the future, no matter what direction it went, was controlled by her creator, who cared far more about her eternal heart than her physical position … and he would work it all out …

simply because,

she knows that she is loved.

Amen.

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Woman Power

Posted in Faith, life, Walking with God, women, WONDER, tagged #Iamnotavictom, #ichoose, #internationalwomensday, #jesusforequality, #jesusforwomen, #womancaughtinadultry, #womanpower, equality on March 8, 2018| 1 Comment »

194510_10150155497290789_6484144_o Happy belated International Women’s Day.

I admit, I only knew that because the Google search bar told me. When I read that it was, sarcasm and cynicism crept into my mind.

“If we need an International day to celebrate it, to make us ‘special’, then we haven’t accepted equality in our own hearts, minds and souls.” (me)

Don’t get me wrong, I do believe that both genders are equal, should be paid equally for equal work, should be treated equally in society, should have opportunities equally, should be valued equally in terms of rights, in terms of value.

I just struggle when any group of individuals wants to be the headline of the day. Even if it is a group I belong to.

I believe that equality was modelled for us by Jesus himself (John 8:1-11), when a woman caught in the act of adultery (presumably with a man … but he wasn’t brought to Jesus).

The Pharisees, who brought her to him, said, “hey Jesus” (I hear baiting in their voices). Then they proceed to remind Jesus that the Law of Moses (their law, his Law) says that such ‘persons’ should be stoned, and ask him what he says (they were trying to incriminate him in disobeying the Law).

Then Jesus goes all … silent, and writes in the sand … (AND NO ONE THOUGHT TO TAKE NOTE OF WHAT HE WROTE!) He stood up and said, “whoever here has never sinned, take the first shot at her.”

And they scatter, like all of them.

So, it’s just the woman caught in adultery and Jesus left.

He says to her, “where are they? Is there no one ready to throw stones at you?”

And she says, “no one, Master” (you could say this was her conversion experience).

So Jesus (probably shrugging) says, “neither do I. Go on your way.” (ahh, love it).

Now the modern version might end there, but the story is incomplete with what he said after that …

” From now on, don’t sin.”

He didn’t patronize her with “poor you” talk. He didn’t bring up her tough upbringing, or difficult economic situation. What he did do was he called a spade a spade, to the ill-intended religious leaders, and to the woman before him. He treated them equally.

Actually, he didn’t. What Jesus did for this woman was more. He gave her a new and improved trajectory for her life. He led her to acknowledge that she had to accept responsibility for her own actions (something he didn’t bother doing with the son of a guns who used her … in more ways than one).

What Jesus did for this woman was to empower her to not be a victim of her circumstances. His attention and care for her empowered her right to freedom. He acknowledged her ability to choose a better future than her past.

To move away from the circumstances we are dealt with, to choose to live differently, to accept responsibility for the wrongs we, ourselves, have done … that is woman power!

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Now I Know in Part

Posted in Faith, GOD, life, Walking with God, WONDER, tagged #deathhasnovictory, #igoandprepareaplace, #jesuswillcomeagain, #nowiknowinpart, #thebible, #theword, #wordofgodspeak on February 27, 2018| Leave a Comment »

Screen Shot 2018-02-26 at 6.13.43 PM Within the Bible is the record of creation, the fall of humanity, the great successes and failures of people of faith, the prophesy of redemption through the Christ, the fulfillment of it in the life of Jesus, the history of the early church, and the future that awaits all of humanity when Christ returns for the grandest of grand finales.

The Bible is the source of truth, for those who choose to accept and follow the message held within it’s pages. Although my understanding of the Bible is incomplete, I believe that it is where the answers for all of life are to be found.

Recently I came across what I thought were conflicting messages, all within the same setting, spoken by Jesus himself. Then I looked more closely, and understood that I had only known what was being said, in part.

It is the Passover feast.

The disciples have been cleaned up (foot washing), fed up and soon to be split up.

Peter asked Jesus, “Lord, where are you going?”
Jesus replied, “Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later.” (John 13:36)

Then, in the next chapter (still around the table, in the upper room), and seemingly just moments later, Jesus says,

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:1-3)

So … you can follow … but not now.

Jesus had to die. He had to suffer and experience separation from his Father, to complete his purpose for coming to Earth. This was something that only Jesus could do, a voyage only he could take, so he told them, you cannot follow now.

He had to go and prepare a place for them, for us. But he didn’t just leave them/us here, with no hope, for he promised to come back and take you to be with me.

These verses have even more meaning when you read 1 Corinthians 15:50-54:

“I declare to you, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the deadwill be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true:

“Death has been swallowed up in victory.”

I will never fully understand all that Bible teaches, but it does not negate the fact that it is truth, and that it is applicable yesterday, today and tomorrow.

“Now I know in part;
then I shall know fully,
even as I am fully known.”
1 Corinthians 13:12

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Kings, Kerfuffles and Christians

Posted in canada, GOD, life, Walking with God, WONDER, tagged #itsabiblicalinstruction, #kingskerfufflesandchristians, #prayerchangesme, #prayerchangesthings, #prayforyourleaders, obey on February 25, 2018| Leave a Comment »

(obviously I love alliteration …)

Sometimes we forget what we know in exchange for what we feel.

I had that happen when I read a news article about Canada’s Prime Minister, rolled my eyes and thought … well, not nice thoughts. That was the feel part.

In the midst of my negativity, another thought, one might even say a still, small voice quieted my negativity …

pray for your leaders

I knew I had heard it before, and I was pretty certain that it was from (what I declare, over and over as the source of truth) …

the Bible.

That still, small voice followed me, for days and weeks. It haunted every social media feed, every radio and television newscast. Finally, I did what I knew it was whispering in my ear to do … see what the Bible does say.

1 Timothy 2:1-4 reminds, instructs us:

I urge, then, first of all,
that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving
be made for all people—
for kings and all those in authority,
that we may live peaceful and quiet lives
in all godliness and holiness.
This is good, and pleases God our Savior,
who wants all people to be saved
and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

Well now … that’s a bit of a spanking of biblical proportions!

And so, I (and maybe we) do a bit of a readjustment.

Timothy (that younger, right-hand-man of Paul), tells the Christians of the day (and every day after) to:

make petitions/requests of God for all people— for kings and all those in authority.
pray for all people— for kings and all those in authority.
interceed/speak for all people— for kings and all those in authority.
give thanks for all people— for kings and all those in authority.

Our leaders, whether we voted for them … or not, whether we agree with them … or not, whether we like them … or not, live in a fish bowl of pressure, responsibility and with divergent voices all around (kinda like that of a pastor … but I digress), need our prayers … even if our leader does not acknowledge to whom we are praying. It is our responsibility, straight from the Bible, to pray for our leaders … and it “pleases God our Saviour.”

Do you ever wonder might be the fruit for our countries, if Christ-followers, committed our leaders in prayer?

“It is a great privilege
as well as our responsibility
to pray for our government leaders”
Billy Graham

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To Be Carried

Posted in life, Walking with God, WONDER, tagged #allwhoareweary, #carriedbyjesus, #cometome, #tobecarried on February 22, 2018| Leave a Comment »

Some days …

We just want to be carried,

like a child,

on the back of their loving, gentle father.

Through a meadow,

green and lush,

warm, but with a light, cooling breeze.

With birds singing,

and a nearby babbling brook,

and bees buzzing from blossom to blossom.

With your arms wrapped around his neck,

held secure by his arms,

with your head resting on his.

With your eyes taking in the beauty,

your nose inhaling the fragrant air,

’til your taste buds can savour it as well.

There is so much to see,

and hear,

to taste,

and smell,

and touch.

The rhythm of being carried

lulls the incessant activity of your mind.

Security for the fearful.

Rest for the weary.

Peace has finally come.

A peace that passes all understanding.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,
and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28

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Hey you!

Posted in GOD, life, Walking with God, WONDER, tagged #hesatisfies, #heyyou, #iamlistening, #onlyhesatisfies, #thelonging, #thelongingsoul on February 16, 2018| Leave a Comment »

Hungry-Souls-Daily-Deovtional-and-Meditation-on-Ps-107-9-700x700

Hey you!

It is the end of the week … or maybe just the beginning.

You are tired, weary to the bone.

There is a fatigue in your steps, an exhaustion in your face.

Your heart is weary, your mind is full, your hands are busy and your soul …

When is the last time you thought about your soul? That which gives life, that which is life, given by the Giver of life itself.

There is so much competing for the life within you, so much to divert your attention away from that which feeds, that which satisfies your soul.

Even that which is good can pull us from that which is better.

Today … right now, whisper to the one who can satisfy, the one that can fill us till we are truly filled …

“I am listening”

I am listening to you.

Remind me who you say I am.

Remind me that I am because you are.

Remind me to just be still and listen.

God, lead us to hear your voice today. Still all the noise. I am listening.

Satisfy my soul.

“For He satisfies the longing soul”
Psalm 107:9

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FIXING MY EYES on wonder in everyday life

Archive for the ‘Walking with God’ Category

” From now on, don’t sin.”

“Death has been swallowed up in victory.”

pray for your leaders

“I am listening”

The Loves of My Life

ME

Calendar

The Past Weeks Wonders

Tags

Blog Stats

Blogs I Follow

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