Mat 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Mat 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Mat 11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
I get a mental picture of You being the great big Daddy ox that is yoked up with junior, that’s me. You are there to show junior how it is done. Junior doesn’t like having a yoke on him, not one little bit. He balks, jumps, twists and turns, lunging forward and backward until he is exhausted. You, the picture of patience, keep plodding along, while I throw my little tantrum. Finally, I get the idea that throwing myself about isn’t that helpful and I begin to settle down, just a little. Your calm consistency eventually has a calming effect on me and I begin to watch you and learn by your example.
If I yoke up with you every day, you will show me by example how to live, how to treat people; how You live, how You treat people, how You respond to life, how You think about people. If I am yoked up with you that means that you won’t be going anywhere but beside me.
I have always had the mental picture of you turning your back on me and walking off when I do something wrong. My heavenly parent rejecting me, abandoning me if I do something you don't like. The picture of you being yoked up with me means that you can’t go anywhere. You are bound to me and I with you. You don’t even WANT to leave me, to abandon me. You want to stay right by my side teaching me what I need to learn.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
He takes pleasure
Psa 149:4 For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.
How totally cool!!! You like to be with us. Why would you want that? The God of the Universe wanting and enjoying being with me? How awesome is that?
Jer 29:13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
I don’t know why but this text always reminds me of the game of hide and seek. That may sound common and cheep to say that about something that is meant to be lofty and grand. I know that this verse is serious business but…
I get a mental picture of you crouched behind a rock or big something, grinning to yourself as I search, talking to myself as I look. “Hmm. Not there. Sigh. I thought he’d be there. Tsk! Where IS He?
When I find you, you jump up with a shout of joy, give me a HUGE Daddy bear hug, and toss me in the air. As I shoot upward, arms and legs splayed, looking down at you looking up at me, I see your arms stretched upward toward me, eyes sparkling, mouth open wide in delighted laughter, and I know that it was worth it. Your delighted, joyous reception made the seeking and searching worth it.
How totally cool!!! You like to be with us. Why would you want that? The God of the Universe wanting and enjoying being with me? How awesome is that?
Jer 29:13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
I don’t know why but this text always reminds me of the game of hide and seek. That may sound common and cheep to say that about something that is meant to be lofty and grand. I know that this verse is serious business but…
I get a mental picture of you crouched behind a rock or big something, grinning to yourself as I search, talking to myself as I look. “Hmm. Not there. Sigh. I thought he’d be there. Tsk! Where IS He?
When I find you, you jump up with a shout of joy, give me a HUGE Daddy bear hug, and toss me in the air. As I shoot upward, arms and legs splayed, looking down at you looking up at me, I see your arms stretched upward toward me, eyes sparkling, mouth open wide in delighted laughter, and I know that it was worth it. Your delighted, joyous reception made the seeking and searching worth it.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Under His wings
Psa 91:4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
You characterize your self as a lowly chicken, crouched down in the dirt, covering, protecting me with your wings and your warm body. This is the part of the passage that touches my heart the most. I am awed by what lengths you will go to help me understand who you are and what you will do for me and all humanity.
The God of the universe, creator of the earth, the heavens, the galaxies, reduced to a clucking hen crouching over her little chicks.
What kind of being would try so hard to be understood.
What kind of being would be so hard as to not understand.
O Father,
Take away my hard heart. Soften my hard heart. You are unbelievable! I don’t even have the words to describe who You are and who your heart is. All I can do is allow my awe and worship to run down my cheeks.
You characterize your self as a lowly chicken, crouched down in the dirt, covering, protecting me with your wings and your warm body. This is the part of the passage that touches my heart the most. I am awed by what lengths you will go to help me understand who you are and what you will do for me and all humanity.
The God of the universe, creator of the earth, the heavens, the galaxies, reduced to a clucking hen crouching over her little chicks.
What kind of being would try so hard to be understood.
What kind of being would be so hard as to not understand.
O Father,
Take away my hard heart. Soften my hard heart. You are unbelievable! I don’t even have the words to describe who You are and who your heart is. All I can do is allow my awe and worship to run down my cheeks.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Creator
Col 1:15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
Col 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
Col 1:17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
You were the first one, before anything else was created, because you were the one that had to do the creating. And you care about ME????!!!!! Good grief! You thought about and even WANTED to create ME? WOW! I can’t get my mind around that.
You created and cared about even the things that cannot be seen. The things that are too small to be seen. You CARE! Why do You care so much? I don’t understand it but am grateful.
You care about the grass hopper that I saw drowning in a pail of water. You cared that I fished him/her out and put him on a plant to dry out. You cared about the injured cricket that I sent swirling down the drain. I can still see him desperately holding onto the drain grid before he lost his grip and swirled down into the pipes and into the drain field.
You are the HUGE God of the universe, with so many important things to do and think about and you care about ME!!! Why? Why do You bother? I am just a speck on the canvas of eternity and you care.
I can picture You taking a magnifying glass and zeroing in on the speck of me. You bend as close the canvas as you can get and bring me into focus. You don’t just look, observe, you have compassion and strong feelings about that little speck that you are so lovingly focused on. That is so far beyond my comprehension that is hard to imagine.
Thank you for caring.
Thank you for loving.
Thank you for focusing.
Col 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
Col 1:17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
You were the first one, before anything else was created, because you were the one that had to do the creating. And you care about ME????!!!!! Good grief! You thought about and even WANTED to create ME? WOW! I can’t get my mind around that.
You created and cared about even the things that cannot be seen. The things that are too small to be seen. You CARE! Why do You care so much? I don’t understand it but am grateful.
You care about the grass hopper that I saw drowning in a pail of water. You cared that I fished him/her out and put him on a plant to dry out. You cared about the injured cricket that I sent swirling down the drain. I can still see him desperately holding onto the drain grid before he lost his grip and swirled down into the pipes and into the drain field.
You are the HUGE God of the universe, with so many important things to do and think about and you care about ME!!! Why? Why do You bother? I am just a speck on the canvas of eternity and you care.
I can picture You taking a magnifying glass and zeroing in on the speck of me. You bend as close the canvas as you can get and bring me into focus. You don’t just look, observe, you have compassion and strong feelings about that little speck that you are so lovingly focused on. That is so far beyond my comprehension that is hard to imagine.
Thank you for caring.
Thank you for loving.
Thank you for focusing.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Palm of Your hand
Isa 49:16 Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.
Graven
02710 chaqaq {khaw-kak'}
1) to cut out, decree, inscribe, set, engrave, portray, govern 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut in 1a2) to cut in or on, cut upon, engrave, inscribe
Wow!!! You have actually cut my name into the flesh of the palm of your hand. Not like writing my name in pen like I might do to jog my memory. I do that sometimes with something that I want to remember. OH NO!!! That is not good enough. You love me so much that my name is cut into your very flesh! Wow!!! That is hard for me to wrap my mind around!!!
The nails in your hands were part of the cutting. The gashes in your back, the puncture wounds on your head, feet and hands had my name in them.
I don’t understand why YOU would do that for me but I am more grateful that I can ever tell YOU. Tears of gratitude and wonder are streaming down my face as I type.
Who are YOU to have that kind of love and commitment to me? I want more!!! I want to know more, much more. Not in my head but down in my heart.
More thoughts:
The hand is the or one of the most sensitive parts of the body. It has the most neurons and the most feeling centers. The palm, inside of the hand, is more sensitive to touch than the back of the hand.
The palm is more protected than the back of the hand. If you slightly curl your fingers, the palm makes a little cup of protection. You protect me in the palm of your hand. Wow!
The hand is the part of the body that you see the most. That is why I write notes to myself on my palm.
Graven
02710 chaqaq {khaw-kak'}
1) to cut out, decree, inscribe, set, engrave, portray, govern 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut in 1a2) to cut in or on, cut upon, engrave, inscribe
Wow!!! You have actually cut my name into the flesh of the palm of your hand. Not like writing my name in pen like I might do to jog my memory. I do that sometimes with something that I want to remember. OH NO!!! That is not good enough. You love me so much that my name is cut into your very flesh! Wow!!! That is hard for me to wrap my mind around!!!
The nails in your hands were part of the cutting. The gashes in your back, the puncture wounds on your head, feet and hands had my name in them.
I don’t understand why YOU would do that for me but I am more grateful that I can ever tell YOU. Tears of gratitude and wonder are streaming down my face as I type.
Who are YOU to have that kind of love and commitment to me? I want more!!! I want to know more, much more. Not in my head but down in my heart.
More thoughts:
The hand is the or one of the most sensitive parts of the body. It has the most neurons and the most feeling centers. The palm, inside of the hand, is more sensitive to touch than the back of the hand.
The palm is more protected than the back of the hand. If you slightly curl your fingers, the palm makes a little cup of protection. You protect me in the palm of your hand. Wow!
The hand is the part of the body that you see the most. That is why I write notes to myself on my palm.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Heavy Dew of the Morning
“Most people are not aware that sheep can go for months on end, especially if the weather is not too hot, without actually drinking, if there is heavy dew on the grass each morning…”
“Of course dew is a clear, clean, pure source of water. And there is no more resplendent picture of still waters than the silver droplets of the dew hanging heavy on leaves and grass at break of day….”
“The good shepherd, the diligent manager, makes sure that his sheep can be out and grazing on this dew-drenched vegetation….” A Shepherd looks at Ps. 23, p 41
Papa Father,
Thank you sooooooooo much for providing this quiet time with you in the morning. How I treasure it. This time center’s my heart on you. It centers me for the day. It gives me a sense of direction. Help me to guard this time with you. I choose to ingest the droplets of your Holy Spirit and grace this morning. The droplets are you and you are ‘the living water.’ They are life giving, grace filling, and healing. Heal what is broken or damaged in my heart. I know that there is much. Heal my mind, my memories, my attitude, my thought life. I am so full of myself. I choose to be filled with YOU this morning. Only you.
Drinking at the springs of living water
Happy now am I, My soul they satisfy.
Drinking at the springs of living water,
O wonderful and bountiful supply.
I thirsted in the baron land of sin and shame and nothing satisfying there’re I found.
UNTIL THE BLESSED CROSS OF Christ one day I found where springs of living water did abound.
“Of course dew is a clear, clean, pure source of water. And there is no more resplendent picture of still waters than the silver droplets of the dew hanging heavy on leaves and grass at break of day….”
“The good shepherd, the diligent manager, makes sure that his sheep can be out and grazing on this dew-drenched vegetation….” A Shepherd looks at Ps. 23, p 41
Papa Father,
Thank you sooooooooo much for providing this quiet time with you in the morning. How I treasure it. This time center’s my heart on you. It centers me for the day. It gives me a sense of direction. Help me to guard this time with you. I choose to ingest the droplets of your Holy Spirit and grace this morning. The droplets are you and you are ‘the living water.’ They are life giving, grace filling, and healing. Heal what is broken or damaged in my heart. I know that there is much. Heal my mind, my memories, my attitude, my thought life. I am so full of myself. I choose to be filled with YOU this morning. Only you.
Drinking at the springs of living water
Happy now am I, My soul they satisfy.
Drinking at the springs of living water,
O wonderful and bountiful supply.
I thirsted in the baron land of sin and shame and nothing satisfying there’re I found.
UNTIL THE BLESSED CROSS OF Christ one day I found where springs of living water did abound.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Love and Diligent Care
Sheep “are susceptible to fewer hazards of health or parasites where the climate is dry. But in those same regions it is neither natural nor common to find green pastures.” 34
“Green pastures do not just happen by chance. Green pastures were the product of tremendous labor, time and skill in land use. Green pastures were the result of clearing rough, rocky land; of tearing out brush and roots and stumps; of deep plowing and careful soil preparation; of seeding and planting special grain and legumes; of irrigating with water and husbanding with care the crops of forage that would feed the flocks.” A Shepher Looks at Ps. 23, 34
“What a picture of love and diligent care this brings. You portray yourself as the good shepherd, the one who will do all of these things for his sheep. I am amazed all over again at the lengths that you will go to help us to understand the love and care that you have for us. YOU try every angle, desperately trying to get through to our dull hearts.
I picture you out in the hot scorching sun, sweating and chopping, sweating and pulling, sweating and picking rocks, sweating and plowing. You don’t hire the back breaking work out. You do it yourself, hour after lonely hour. You drink great drafts of water and go at it again. YOU the God and Creator of the universe, not too good to do the work of the common laborer. There is so much that can be drawn from this picture.
I can see YOUR great heart yearning after me, trying to touch my heart from every angle that you can. YOU must despair of ever reaching my stupid senses, my shriveled little heart. I want to hear your heart. Forgive me for my dullness. Forgive me for my blind and deaf humanity. Please put your heart, your ears, and your eyes in me. Help me to see you as you are. Help me to see other’s as you see them. Give me your compassion, your love, your understanding, your gentleness. I am so full of myself. I want to be full of you.
I wonder what metaphors you would use for yourself today, in our age of technology. Our times are so distant and impersonal. Would you still use the great outdoors and the things of nature to describe yourself? Our lives are so detached from all that is natural. We work with computers, satellites, cell phones and the list goes on and on. We are insulated from nature and the natural world. How do you get thru to us? How do you speak to us? How do you illustrate yourself in the plastic and metal world in which we live? Yet you do, I know you do, because You speak to my heart.
Much Later.
Precious Jesus and Papa Father,
How I love you for your compassionate care.
How I love you for trying so desperately to break through my dull senses.
“Green pastures do not just happen by chance. Green pastures were the product of tremendous labor, time and skill in land use. Green pastures were the result of clearing rough, rocky land; of tearing out brush and roots and stumps; of deep plowing and careful soil preparation; of seeding and planting special grain and legumes; of irrigating with water and husbanding with care the crops of forage that would feed the flocks.” A Shepher Looks at Ps. 23, 34
“What a picture of love and diligent care this brings. You portray yourself as the good shepherd, the one who will do all of these things for his sheep. I am amazed all over again at the lengths that you will go to help us to understand the love and care that you have for us. YOU try every angle, desperately trying to get through to our dull hearts.
I picture you out in the hot scorching sun, sweating and chopping, sweating and pulling, sweating and picking rocks, sweating and plowing. You don’t hire the back breaking work out. You do it yourself, hour after lonely hour. You drink great drafts of water and go at it again. YOU the God and Creator of the universe, not too good to do the work of the common laborer. There is so much that can be drawn from this picture.
I can see YOUR great heart yearning after me, trying to touch my heart from every angle that you can. YOU must despair of ever reaching my stupid senses, my shriveled little heart. I want to hear your heart. Forgive me for my dullness. Forgive me for my blind and deaf humanity. Please put your heart, your ears, and your eyes in me. Help me to see you as you are. Help me to see other’s as you see them. Give me your compassion, your love, your understanding, your gentleness. I am so full of myself. I want to be full of you.
I wonder what metaphors you would use for yourself today, in our age of technology. Our times are so distant and impersonal. Would you still use the great outdoors and the things of nature to describe yourself? Our lives are so detached from all that is natural. We work with computers, satellites, cell phones and the list goes on and on. We are insulated from nature and the natural world. How do you get thru to us? How do you speak to us? How do you illustrate yourself in the plastic and metal world in which we live? Yet you do, I know you do, because You speak to my heart.
Much Later.
Precious Jesus and Papa Father,
How I love you for your compassionate care.
How I love you for trying so desperately to break through my dull senses.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
The shepherd’s presence
The “continuous conflict and jealousy within the flock can be a most detrimental thing. The sheep become edgy, tense, discontented and restless. They lose weight and become irritable.
…But whenever I came into view and my presence attracted their attention, the sheep quickly forgot their foolish rivalries and stopped their fighting. The shepherd’s presence made all the difference in their behavior.” A Shepherd Looks at Ps. 23, p29
It still comes back to you. As long as I am with you I will not have the petty jealousies and rivalries that plague me when I am not by your side. You are the only one who can give me contentment and peace. You are the only one who can provide contentment with my lot in life. If I am focused on you and what you think and who you are as my protector, what difference does it make what other’s think or do. No difference.
It all comes down to perspective. You are the only one who can give me the proper, true perspective. You are the only one who can keep me from criticism and petty jealousy. Everything good and positive comes from you. Only YOU.
…But whenever I came into view and my presence attracted their attention, the sheep quickly forgot their foolish rivalries and stopped their fighting. The shepherd’s presence made all the difference in their behavior.” A Shepherd Looks at Ps. 23, p29
It still comes back to you. As long as I am with you I will not have the petty jealousies and rivalries that plague me when I am not by your side. You are the only one who can give me contentment and peace. You are the only one who can provide contentment with my lot in life. If I am focused on you and what you think and who you are as my protector, what difference does it make what other’s think or do. No difference.
It all comes down to perspective. You are the only one who can give me the proper, true perspective. You are the only one who can keep me from criticism and petty jealousy. Everything good and positive comes from you. Only YOU.
Friday, December 12, 2008
No Self Deffense
“They have little or no means of self-defense. They are helpless, timid, feeble creature’s whoes only recourse is to run .” A Shepherd Looks at Ps. 23, p25
“Yea, and aint that the truth. I see that so clearly in my own case. When things go wrong I want to run. I am afraid to deal and so I run. I run in terror, bawling, ( bwaaaaah,) my stumpy little legs whirling like windmills, my tiny hooves digging into the dirt, and my little sheepy tail tucked firmly between my legs.
No problem if I come bawling to you. If I run to you then my fears evaporate in your presence. However, fear blinds me and I often run howling in the wrong direction, away from you and that only increases my fear. The farther I get from you the more lonely and afraid I get. So, the best thing is to stay close to you, then I won’t be afraid.
“In the course of time I came to realize that nothing so quieted and reassured the sheep as to see me in the field. The presence of their master and owner and protector put them at ease as nothing else could do, and this applied day and night.” A Shepherd Looks at Ps. 23,25
“There is nothing like Christ’s presence to dispel the fear, the panic, the terror of the unknown.” A Shepherd Looks at Ps. 23,26
As long as I choose to stay in your presence I have no reason to fear. It is when I run away in panic that I get into trouble. Your presence has a calming and soothing effect.
“Yea, and aint that the truth. I see that so clearly in my own case. When things go wrong I want to run. I am afraid to deal and so I run. I run in terror, bawling, ( bwaaaaah,) my stumpy little legs whirling like windmills, my tiny hooves digging into the dirt, and my little sheepy tail tucked firmly between my legs.
No problem if I come bawling to you. If I run to you then my fears evaporate in your presence. However, fear blinds me and I often run howling in the wrong direction, away from you and that only increases my fear. The farther I get from you the more lonely and afraid I get. So, the best thing is to stay close to you, then I won’t be afraid.
“In the course of time I came to realize that nothing so quieted and reassured the sheep as to see me in the field. The presence of their master and owner and protector put them at ease as nothing else could do, and this applied day and night.” A Shepherd Looks at Ps. 23,25
“There is nothing like Christ’s presence to dispel the fear, the panic, the terror of the unknown.” A Shepherd Looks at Ps. 23,26
As long as I choose to stay in your presence I have no reason to fear. It is when I run away in panic that I get into trouble. Your presence has a calming and soothing effect.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
We did not know
“He was the most balanced and perhaps the most beloved being ever to enter the society of Men. Though born amid most disgusting surroundings, the member of a modest working family, He bore Himself always with great dignity and assurance.” A Shepherd Looks at Ps. 23 P 9
“Born amid most disgusting surroundings.” Born in a barn, where animal feces and urine and other bodily emissions fill the air and ground. Mary went into labor, in one of the most unsanitary surroundings imaginable. The Creator God, reduced to a helpless babe, born in a barn? No one said whether the barn was clean or not, clean as far as barns go.
You the Creator God reduced to creation.
You, Creator God reduced to cells too small to be seen.
You, Creator God, growing cell by cell, in the womb of a little girl.
Growing in the womb of the lowest of the low. (female> peasant female)
You, accustomed to living in the vast space of the universe, lived within the tiny confines of the virgin womb
.
Even before taking your first breaths of that nauctious smelling barn, you were reviled.
As her belly swelled, full of You, Creator God;
They mocked,
They whispered,
They hated,
They gossiped,
They despised
They did not know.
“Born amid most disgusting surroundings.” Born in a barn, where animal feces and urine and other bodily emissions fill the air and ground. Mary went into labor, in one of the most unsanitary surroundings imaginable. The Creator God, reduced to a helpless babe, born in a barn? No one said whether the barn was clean or not, clean as far as barns go.
You the Creator God reduced to creation.
You, Creator God reduced to cells too small to be seen.
You, Creator God, growing cell by cell, in the womb of a little girl.
Growing in the womb of the lowest of the low. (female> peasant female)
You, accustomed to living in the vast space of the universe, lived within the tiny confines of the virgin womb
.
Even before taking your first breaths of that nauctious smelling barn, you were reviled.
As her belly swelled, full of You, Creator God;
They mocked,
They whispered,
They hated,
They gossiped,
They despised
They did not know.
Object of His affection
“I belong to Him simply because He deliberately chose to create me as the object of His own affection.” A Shepherd Looks at Ps. 23, P 5
O Father,
You are the great God of the universe, the creator and sustainer of all, and yet I am the object of YOUR affection? Our planet is a speck on the canvas of the universe that is so small that it can’t be seen. And I am a speck on this planet, so small that I cannot be seen and yet I am the object of your care? I can’t even begin to get my mind around it. You care for a speck that cannot be seen? I don’t understand but I am so grateful.
Papa Father,
Help me to respond to your GREAT HEART with all of the strength of my "puny little heart" and soul. All that I am, all that I will be, and all that I have been I give to you, though only a speck. With all of the strength of my small and narrow minded being I place myself into your hands. My heart and soul are yours to do with as you see best.
O Father,
You are the great God of the universe, the creator and sustainer of all, and yet I am the object of YOUR affection? Our planet is a speck on the canvas of the universe that is so small that it can’t be seen. And I am a speck on this planet, so small that I cannot be seen and yet I am the object of your care? I can’t even begin to get my mind around it. You care for a speck that cannot be seen? I don’t understand but I am so grateful.
Papa Father,
Help me to respond to your GREAT HEART with all of the strength of my "puny little heart" and soul. All that I am, all that I will be, and all that I have been I give to you, though only a speck. With all of the strength of my small and narrow minded being I place myself into your hands. My heart and soul are yours to do with as you see best.
A cherished object
“…a mere mortal becomes the cherished object of divine diligence.” A Shepherd Looks at Ps. 23. P3
Is that cool or what!? I am the object of divine diligence!!!!! Sheesh!!! More cartwheels and spins!!! Why in the tar do you bother to make ME the object of YOUR divine diligence? I don’t understand it. It boggles my brain, but oh how I love to hear it/ see it. I don’t understand but I am sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo grateful!
Is that cool or what!? I am the object of divine diligence!!!!! Sheesh!!! More cartwheels and spins!!! Why in the tar do you bother to make ME the object of YOUR divine diligence? I don’t understand it. It boggles my brain, but oh how I love to hear it/ see it. I don’t understand but I am sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo grateful!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Hidden in Him
But to hearts that have become purified through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, all is changed. These can know God. Moses was hid in the cleft of the rock when the glory of the Lord was revealed to him; and it is when we are hid in Christ that we behold the love of God. {MB 26.2}
11-4-08
Papa Father,
I want to be hidden in You. I want to hide in my little Cheryl shaped pocket, next to your heart again this morning. Please reveal yourself to me and show me how much you love me, but as importantly show me how much you love those around me and those that I think about. Give me Your compassionate heart again today.
HE HIDETH MY SOUL
A wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord,
A wonderful Savior to me,
He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock,
Where river's of pleasure I see.
Chorus
He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock
That shadows a dry thirsty land;
He hideth my life in the depths of His love,
And covers me there with His hand,
And covers me there with His hand.
A wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord
He taketh my burden away;
He holdeth me up and I shall not be moved,
He giveth me strength as my day.
Chorus
With numberless blessings each moment He crowns,
And filled with His fullness divine,
I sing in my rapture, O glory to God
For such a Redeemer is mine.
Chorus
When clothed in His brightness, transported I rise
To meet Him in clouds of the sky,
His perfect salvation, His wonderful love,
I'll shout with the millions on high.
Chorus
Fanny Crosby
I love this song!!! It gives me goose bumps all over. You take my burden's away, You hold me up, You give me strength, You hide my life in the depths of Your love and You cover me with Your strong and gentle hand. What more could I ask? You are also my redeemer and sanctifier. Over and over again, no matter what direction I look, it is always about YOU and only YOU. You take care of it all. No worries, because You have it all under control. Sigh. How cool is that.
All I have to do is stick with YOU and You take care of the rest. Actually, that is not entirely accurate. I don’t even have it in me to “stick” with You. You help me to do even that. Sigh. Contentment.
· You take care of me { my part is to actively choose to believe that}
· You take care of everyone else that touches my life {My part is to actively believe that.}
· You have promised to change my heart, from the inside out {My part is to actively believe that You are and will continue to do that.}
· You, over time, change my thoughts to mirror Yours. {My part is to actively believe that You will accomplish what You have promised.}
· You exchange my critical spirit for Your compassionate spirit {My part is to actively believe that.}
· You change the eyes of my heart to see other's as they really are, as You see them. {My part is to actively accept that change in the eyes of my heart.}
· You change the eyes of my heart to see myself, as I really am, as You see me. {not a pretty sight but much loved and valued} {My part is to admit to what You show me, with no excuses or self-justification, and to hand myself back over to You to have You “fix it”.}
11-4-08
Papa Father,
I want to be hidden in You. I want to hide in my little Cheryl shaped pocket, next to your heart again this morning. Please reveal yourself to me and show me how much you love me, but as importantly show me how much you love those around me and those that I think about. Give me Your compassionate heart again today.
HE HIDETH MY SOUL
A wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord,
A wonderful Savior to me,
He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock,
Where river's of pleasure I see.
Chorus
He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock
That shadows a dry thirsty land;
He hideth my life in the depths of His love,
And covers me there with His hand,
And covers me there with His hand.
A wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord
He taketh my burden away;
He holdeth me up and I shall not be moved,
He giveth me strength as my day.
Chorus
With numberless blessings each moment He crowns,
And filled with His fullness divine,
I sing in my rapture, O glory to God
For such a Redeemer is mine.
Chorus
When clothed in His brightness, transported I rise
To meet Him in clouds of the sky,
His perfect salvation, His wonderful love,
I'll shout with the millions on high.
Chorus
Fanny Crosby
I love this song!!! It gives me goose bumps all over. You take my burden's away, You hold me up, You give me strength, You hide my life in the depths of Your love and You cover me with Your strong and gentle hand. What more could I ask? You are also my redeemer and sanctifier. Over and over again, no matter what direction I look, it is always about YOU and only YOU. You take care of it all. No worries, because You have it all under control. Sigh. How cool is that.
All I have to do is stick with YOU and You take care of the rest. Actually, that is not entirely accurate. I don’t even have it in me to “stick” with You. You help me to do even that. Sigh. Contentment.
· You take care of me { my part is to actively choose to believe that}
· You take care of everyone else that touches my life {My part is to actively believe that.}
· You have promised to change my heart, from the inside out {My part is to actively believe that You are and will continue to do that.}
· You, over time, change my thoughts to mirror Yours. {My part is to actively believe that You will accomplish what You have promised.}
· You exchange my critical spirit for Your compassionate spirit {My part is to actively believe that.}
· You change the eyes of my heart to see other's as they really are, as You see them. {My part is to actively accept that change in the eyes of my heart.}
· You change the eyes of my heart to see myself, as I really am, as You see me. {not a pretty sight but much loved and valued} {My part is to admit to what You show me, with no excuses or self-justification, and to hand myself back over to You to have You “fix it”.}
Monday, December 8, 2008
YOU KNOW ME
Psa 139:15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
Psa 139:16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.
Strongs Concordance:
Wrought
“Needle work, embroider”
This says to me that you meticulously, intentionally embroidered me, the essence of who I am. I can see you bent over the cloth that will be me, needle and thread in hand, creating, single stitch by single stitch a beautiful custom made, one of a kind tapestry that is me.
I was not created in a slappety bang, “that’s good enough” way. You don’t create slappety bang things.
Strongs Concordance:
Continuance
“A time period”
It takes time to create me. In fact, it takes a life time to create who I am. The metaphor of stitch by stitch means that I am ever changing, always growing. It means that I am not who I was, but who I am now, is not who I will be. I, at death, will still be in process, finished but unfinished, complete but incomplete, beautiful but not as beautiful as I would have been had I continued to live.
Psa 139:16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.
Strongs Concordance:
Wrought
“Needle work, embroider”
This says to me that you meticulously, intentionally embroidered me, the essence of who I am. I can see you bent over the cloth that will be me, needle and thread in hand, creating, single stitch by single stitch a beautiful custom made, one of a kind tapestry that is me.
I was not created in a slappety bang, “that’s good enough” way. You don’t create slappety bang things.
Strongs Concordance:
Continuance
“A time period”
It takes time to create me. In fact, it takes a life time to create who I am. The metaphor of stitch by stitch means that I am ever changing, always growing. It means that I am not who I was, but who I am now, is not who I will be. I, at death, will still be in process, finished but unfinished, complete but incomplete, beautiful but not as beautiful as I would have been had I continued to live.
I was in your mind
“God the Father is God the author—the originator of all that exists. It was in His mind, first, that all took shape.” A Shepherd Looks at Ps. 23 P2
O Papa Father,’
That means me. I was in your mind, in your heart, before I ever came into being. That is such an awesome thought. To think that I was on your mind, even before I was in the womb, even before my parents existed, fills my heart with delight and joy. I feel like doing cart wheels all over the yard. I feel like spinning and twirling in circles, full skirts billowing in the wind of my joyful delight.
That quote makes me think of:
Psa 139:17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!
O Papa Father,’
That means me. I was in your mind, in your heart, before I ever came into being. That is such an awesome thought. To think that I was on your mind, even before I was in the womb, even before my parents existed, fills my heart with delight and joy. I feel like doing cart wheels all over the yard. I feel like spinning and twirling in circles, full skirts billowing in the wind of my joyful delight.
That quote makes me think of:
Psa 139:17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Language of the soul
No outward observances can take the place of simple faith and entire renunciation of self. But no man can empty himself of self. We can only consent for Christ to accomplish the work. Then the language of the soul will be, Lord, take my heart; for I cannot give it. It is Thy property. Keep it pure, for I cannot keep it for Thee. Save me in spite of myself, my weak, unchristlike self. Mold me, fashion me, raise me into a pure and holy atmosphere, where the rich current of Thy love can flow through my soul. {COL 159.3}
Sigh. Contentment. Peace and quiet joy.
Take my life, and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
Take my hands, and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love;
At the impulse of Thy love;
Take my feet, and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee,
Take my voice and let me sing
Always only for my King;
Always only for my King;
Take my lips, and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee,
Take my silver and my gold,
Not a mite would I withhold:
Not a mite would I withhold
Take my will, and make it Thine;
It shall be no longer mine:
Take my heart, it is Thine own;
It shall be Thy royal throne,
It shall be Thy royal throne.
Take my love, my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure store:
Take myself, and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee,
Ever, only, all for Thee.
Sigh. Contentment. Peace and quiet joy.
Take my life, and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
Take my hands, and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love;
At the impulse of Thy love;
Take my feet, and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee,
Take my voice and let me sing
Always only for my King;
Always only for my King;
Take my lips, and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee,
Take my silver and my gold,
Not a mite would I withhold:
Not a mite would I withhold
Take my will, and make it Thine;
It shall be no longer mine:
Take my heart, it is Thine own;
It shall be Thy royal throne,
It shall be Thy royal throne.
Take my love, my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure store:
Take myself, and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee,
Ever, only, all for Thee.
Frances Ridley Havergal
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Principle of heaven
Unless you accept in your own life the principle of self-sacrificing love, which is the principle of His character, you cannot know God. MB 25
Even His disciples were so blinded by the selfishness of their hearts that they were slow to understand Him who had come to manifest to them the Father’s love. MB 25
Putting this quote and the previous quote together is a sobering combination. Please help me to pull it together in my own mind.
Selfishness blinds my heart from seeing you.
Selfishness sever's my connection with you.
Selfishness makes it impossible to understand the principles of heaven, self-sacrificing love.
Papa Father,
I truly want to know you. I choose to accept into my heart again this morning "the principle of self-sacrificing love ." I am so full of myself that I hardly know what I am asking. I only know that I want it. What ever is the avenue to YOU and YOU alone, I want.
Another thing that I notice in this passage is the word "accept". I cannot strain, stress, and stretch enough or work hard enough for "self sacrificing love"; I can only accept it. Like everything else about YOU, it is a gift that I choose to receive. It is not something that I can find anywhere in the deep recesses of my heart. It simply does not exist and so why strain for something that I do not have? All I can do is choose to accept the gift of love that you offer. That is it. I accept Your gift of love and You place it in my heart. Not only do You place it there but You grow it until it is so big that there is no room for anything else. How cool is that?
Even His disciples were so blinded by the selfishness of their hearts that they were slow to understand Him who had come to manifest to them the Father’s love. MB 25
Putting this quote and the previous quote together is a sobering combination. Please help me to pull it together in my own mind.
Selfishness blinds my heart from seeing you.
Selfishness sever's my connection with you.
Selfishness makes it impossible to understand the principles of heaven, self-sacrificing love.
Papa Father,
I truly want to know you. I choose to accept into my heart again this morning "the principle of self-sacrificing love ." I am so full of myself that I hardly know what I am asking. I only know that I want it. What ever is the avenue to YOU and YOU alone, I want.
Another thing that I notice in this passage is the word "accept". I cannot strain, stress, and stretch enough or work hard enough for "self sacrificing love"; I can only accept it. Like everything else about YOU, it is a gift that I choose to receive. It is not something that I can find anywhere in the deep recesses of my heart. It simply does not exist and so why strain for something that I do not have? All I can do is choose to accept the gift of love that you offer. That is it. I accept Your gift of love and You place it in my heart. Not only do You place it there but You grow it until it is so big that there is no room for anything else. How cool is that?
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Deeper meaning
But the words of Jesus, "Blessed are the pure in heart," have a deeper meaning--not merely pure in the sense in which the world understands purity, free from that which is sensual, pure from lust, but true in the hidden purposes and motives of the soul, free from pride and self-seeking, humble, unselfish, childlike. {MB 25.1}
Shnikey! All of this IAM NOT! Not worldly purity much less heavenly.
I am hopelessly unable to do anything about it. But YOU, YOU can do it. I
choose to keep my eyes focused on YOU and You alone today. You are my only hope.
You will accomplish all in my heart and mind that needs to be done. What would I
do without YOU. sigh. smile. J Contented rest.
Turn your eyes upon
Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow
strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.
Adaptation
for me today:
I’ll keep my eyes upon You, Jesus
I’ll look full
in Your WONDERFUL face
And the sins of my heart will grow increasingly
dim
In the light of YOUR glory and grace.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Sweet Peace
There is sweet peace for the compassionate spirit, a blessed satisfaction in the life of self-forgetful service for the good of others. MB 23
Here it is again! The balance that both giving and receiving bring. As I give compassion and self forgetful service, I receive "sweet peace" and "blessed satisfaction". How cool is that? When I am other centered I receive far more than I give. It appears to me that my receiving of peace and satisfaction is in direct proportion to the compassion and self-forgetful service that I give.
Precious Jesus,
I want to have a compassionate heart like yours. Please fill my heart so full that there is no room for anything else other than love and compassion. I have none in me to give and so any compassion that flows from me will be totally from You and You alone.
Change My heart O God
Make it ever new
Change my heart Oh God
May I be like you.
You are the potter, I am the clay
Mold me and make me,
That is what I pray.
Change my heart O God
Make it ever new
Change my heart of God
May I be like You.
Sigh. Happiness. It all comes from you. Only YOU!
Here it is again! The balance that both giving and receiving bring. As I give compassion and self forgetful service, I receive "sweet peace" and "blessed satisfaction". How cool is that? When I am other centered I receive far more than I give. It appears to me that my receiving of peace and satisfaction is in direct proportion to the compassion and self-forgetful service that I give.
Precious Jesus,
I want to have a compassionate heart like yours. Please fill my heart so full that there is no room for anything else other than love and compassion. I have none in me to give and so any compassion that flows from me will be totally from You and You alone.
Change My heart O God
Make it ever new
Change my heart Oh God
May I be like you.
You are the potter, I am the clay
Mold me and make me,
That is what I pray.
Change my heart O God
Make it ever new
Change my heart of God
May I be like You.
Sigh. Happiness. It all comes from you. Only YOU!
Friday, October 31, 2008
Words of Sympathy
There are many to whom life is a painful struggle; they feel their deficiencies and are miserable and unbelieving; they think they have nothing for which to be grateful. Kind words, looks of sympathy, expressions of appreciation, would be to many a struggling and lonely one as the cup of cold water to a thirsty soul. A word of sympathy, an act of kindness, would lift burdens that rest heavily upon weary shoulders. And every word or deed of unselfish kindness is an expression of the love of Christ for lost humanity. {MB 23.1}
What they do not need is words or looks of self-righteous condemnation heaped upon them.
What they do not need is, "Suck it up and deal with it already!"
I know that I do not need that kind of unsympathetic coldness when I am having a hard time. If I receive words of sympathy, pretty soon I am able to “right” my own self and see the world as a wonderful place again.
What I need most is someone to come along side and give me a word of encouragement as this quote suggests.
Papa Father,
Help me to see those that are discouraged through your eyes. Help me to be able to spot those who are valiantly trying to put a brave face on it but are dying inside. I need your sensitivity and discernment. Help me to treat those that I am in contact with like you would, and like I would like to be treated, if I were in their same place.
LET YOUR HEART BE BROKEN
Let your heart be broken for a world in need;
Feed the mouths that hunger, sooth the wounds that bleed,
Give the cup of water, and the loaf of bread-
Be the hands of Jesus, serving in his stead.
Here on earth applying, principles of love,
Visible expression, God still rules above
Living illustration of the living word
To the minds of all who've never seen or heard.
Blest to be a blessing, privileged to care,
Challenged by the need apparent everywhere,
Where mankind is wanting, fill the vacant place.
Be the means through which the Lord reveals His grace
Add to your believing deeds that prove it true,
Knowing Christ as Savior, make him Master too.
Follow in His footsteps, go where He has trod:
In the world’s great trouble, risk yourself for God.
Let your heart be tender, and your vision clear:
See mankind as God sees, serve Him far and near.
Let your heart be broken by a brother's pain:
Share your rich resources, give and give again.
By Bryan Jeffrey Leech
What they do not need is words or looks of self-righteous condemnation heaped upon them.
What they do not need is, "Suck it up and deal with it already!"
I know that I do not need that kind of unsympathetic coldness when I am having a hard time. If I receive words of sympathy, pretty soon I am able to “right” my own self and see the world as a wonderful place again.
What I need most is someone to come along side and give me a word of encouragement as this quote suggests.
Papa Father,
Help me to see those that are discouraged through your eyes. Help me to be able to spot those who are valiantly trying to put a brave face on it but are dying inside. I need your sensitivity and discernment. Help me to treat those that I am in contact with like you would, and like I would like to be treated, if I were in their same place.
LET YOUR HEART BE BROKEN
Let your heart be broken for a world in need;
Feed the mouths that hunger, sooth the wounds that bleed,
Give the cup of water, and the loaf of bread-
Be the hands of Jesus, serving in his stead.
Here on earth applying, principles of love,
Visible expression, God still rules above
Living illustration of the living word
To the minds of all who've never seen or heard.
Blest to be a blessing, privileged to care,
Challenged by the need apparent everywhere,
Where mankind is wanting, fill the vacant place.
Be the means through which the Lord reveals His grace
Add to your believing deeds that prove it true,
Knowing Christ as Savior, make him Master too.
Follow in His footsteps, go where He has trod:
In the world’s great trouble, risk yourself for God.
Let your heart be tender, and your vision clear:
See mankind as God sees, serve Him far and near.
Let your heart be broken by a brother's pain:
Share your rich resources, give and give again.
By Bryan Jeffrey Leech
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Springs of living water
All whose hearts are in sympathy with the heart of Infinite Love will seek to reclaim and not to condemn. Christ dwelling in the soul is a spring that never runs dry. Where He abides, there will be an overflowing of beneficence. {MB 22.2}
Springs of Living Water
I thirsted in the barren land of sin and shame
And nothing satisfying there I found
But to the blessed cross of Christ one day I came
Where springs of living water did abound
Chorus:
Drinking at the springs of living water
Happy now am I, my soul is satisfied
Drinking at the springs of living water
O wonderful and bountiful supply
How sweet the living water from the hills of God
It makes me glad and happy all the way
Now glory, grace and blessing mark the path I've trod
I'm shouting "Hallelujah" every day
Chorus
O sinner, won't you come today to Calvary
A fountain there is flowing deep and wide
The Savior now invites you to the water free
Where thirsting spirits can be satisfied
Chorus
Springs of Living Water
I thirsted in the barren land of sin and shame
And nothing satisfying there I found
But to the blessed cross of Christ one day I came
Where springs of living water did abound
Chorus:
Drinking at the springs of living water
Happy now am I, my soul is satisfied
Drinking at the springs of living water
O wonderful and bountiful supply
How sweet the living water from the hills of God
It makes me glad and happy all the way
Now glory, grace and blessing mark the path I've trod
I'm shouting "Hallelujah" every day
Chorus
O sinner, won't you come today to Calvary
A fountain there is flowing deep and wide
The Savior now invites you to the water free
Where thirsting spirits can be satisfied
Chorus
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
MB-chap2-Hunger & Thirst-#12
“Let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together." Is. 45:8 MB 21
I love this verse! YOU are so incredibly lavish with Your love, goodness, righteousness and salvation!
"Let the skies pour down righteousness;" Is. 45:8
That speaks to me of abundance, lavish abundance raining down on my dry, parched heart.
"let righteousness spring up together" Is. 45:8 (last part)
"Spring up" gives me a mental picture of Joyful, exuberant happiness!
We used to have Estabrook Grade school Chapel at our house every Wednesday morning when we lived in W. Lebanon. There was a song that all the kids liked to sing; especially the rowdy little boys. They chose this song every week.
I've Got a River of Life
I've got a river of life flowing out of me;
Makes the lame to walk, and the blind to see,
Opens prison doors, sets the captives free.
I've got a river of life flowing out of me.
chorus:
Spring up, O Well, with in my soul
Spring up, O well, and make me whole
Spring up, O well, and give to me
that life abundantly.
When this song was chosen, the boy’s eyes would glitter with anticipation. They would crouch on the floor, a force barely contained, and when we got to "Spring up, O well, " they would explode into the air and drop. They got to "spring- up", splat and giggle, "spring -up", splat and giggle, 3 times in a row. What could make a little person happier! We have nicks on our piano to prove their exuberance. (The floor would shake so, that the brass candle sticks on the piano would tip over.)
I am not exactly sure how to craft my thoughts into words here. My picture of Tyler Walker, in particular, exuberantly exploding into the air is a picture of what Christ's righteousness will do for us. The Christian life is not a dark and gloomy existence. It is not brooding, anxiety ridden, and worrisome. Though my external circumstances sometimes do not lend themselves to that kind of joyful exuberance, I can still, non the less have joy in my heart that springs up, no matter what my circumstances.
O precious Jesus,
Thank you for lavishly pouring over me Your righteousness again today. My heart can't help but "spring up" in the face of such abundant love and care.
I love this verse! YOU are so incredibly lavish with Your love, goodness, righteousness and salvation!
"Let the skies pour down righteousness;" Is. 45:8
That speaks to me of abundance, lavish abundance raining down on my dry, parched heart.
"let righteousness spring up together" Is. 45:8 (last part)
"Spring up" gives me a mental picture of Joyful, exuberant happiness!
We used to have Estabrook Grade school Chapel at our house every Wednesday morning when we lived in W. Lebanon. There was a song that all the kids liked to sing; especially the rowdy little boys. They chose this song every week.
I've Got a River of Life
I've got a river of life flowing out of me;
Makes the lame to walk, and the blind to see,
Opens prison doors, sets the captives free.
I've got a river of life flowing out of me.
chorus:
Spring up, O Well, with in my soul
Spring up, O well, and make me whole
Spring up, O well, and give to me
that life abundantly.
When this song was chosen, the boy’s eyes would glitter with anticipation. They would crouch on the floor, a force barely contained, and when we got to "Spring up, O well, " they would explode into the air and drop. They got to "spring- up", splat and giggle, "spring -up", splat and giggle, 3 times in a row. What could make a little person happier! We have nicks on our piano to prove their exuberance. (The floor would shake so, that the brass candle sticks on the piano would tip over.)
I am not exactly sure how to craft my thoughts into words here. My picture of Tyler Walker, in particular, exuberantly exploding into the air is a picture of what Christ's righteousness will do for us. The Christian life is not a dark and gloomy existence. It is not brooding, anxiety ridden, and worrisome. Though my external circumstances sometimes do not lend themselves to that kind of joyful exuberance, I can still, non the less have joy in my heart that springs up, no matter what my circumstances.
O precious Jesus,
Thank you for lavishly pouring over me Your righteousness again today. My heart can't help but "spring up" in the face of such abundant love and care.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
MB-chap2-Hunger & Thirst-#11
9-23-08
God has poured out His love unstintedly, as the showers that refresh the earth.MB 21
Papa Father,
I am so often blind to the love that you pour out upon me, upon the earth every day, every moment. Help me to see the evidences of your love that surround me today. Open the eyes of my heart.
God has poured out His love unstintedly, as the showers that refresh the earth.MB 21
Papa Father,
I am so often blind to the love that you pour out upon me, upon the earth every day, every moment. Help me to see the evidences of your love that surround me today. Open the eyes of my heart.
Open MY Eyes That I May See
Clare H. Scott
1. Open my eyes that I may see glimpses of truth Thou has for me;
Place in my hands the wonderful key that shall unclasp and set me free
Chorus: Silently now I wait for Thee, ready my God thy will to see;
Open my eyes ,illumine me, Spirit divine!
2. Open my ears, that I might hear voices of truth Thou sendest clear;
And while the wavenotes fall on my ear, Everything false will disappear.
chorus
3. Open my mouth, and let me bear gladly the warm truth everywhere;
Open my heart, and let me prepare Love with Thy children thus to share.
Chorus
One of the ways that You pour Your love on us is through these wonderful songs that you have inspired people to write.
Open my eyes so that I can see the evidence of Your love;
-the trees, plants, flowers, squirrels and birds outside my window,
-I can see and delight in all of these things from my bed. How cool is that!? :)
-My comfortable bed with a view
-the muddy little handprints left by the raccoon on the sliding glass door of my bedroom
-my warm home,
-Ulla and Ebony who stopped by yesterday,
-My weekly visit with Vickie,
-Sheri,
-MK,
-my scooter that helps me move around when I need it,
-my weakness that helps me see my strength in YOU,
-my exercise bike that keeps my muscles strong
-email that keeps me connected
-email forwards that keep me laughing
Open my ears so that I can hear the evidences of Your love;
-the singing birds,
-My Sheri
-voices of friends,
-MK's dear voice
-Ben & Dorkis called
-the wind in the trees
-cars & trucks going by the house
-the radio to listen to the news in the comfort of home
-Listening to Gary Chapman on Sabbath (Marriage Seminar)
Open my mouth so that I can talk about the evidences of Your love;
-my voice that can sing the wonderful songs about You and Your love,
-my voice that can count my blessings,
-my voice that can encourage and uplift
-my voice that can speak loving, affirming words to MK and whom ever I talk to today.
-my voice that can bubble up with laughter for the pure joy of being alive.
Count Your Blessings
Johnson Oatman, Jr. 1897
Open my mouth so that I can talk about the evidences of Your love;
-my voice that can sing the wonderful songs about You and Your love,
-my voice that can count my blessings,
-my voice that can encourage and uplift
-my voice that can speak loving, affirming words to MK and whom ever I talk to today.
-my voice that can bubble up with laughter for the pure joy of being alive.
Count Your Blessings
Johnson Oatman, Jr. 1897
When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
Refrain
Count your blessings, name them one by one,Count your blessings, see what God hath done!Count your blessings, name them one by one,And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
Are you ever burdened with a load of care?Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,And you will keep singing as the days go by.
Refrain
Refrain
Count your blessings, name them one by one,Count your blessings, see what God hath done!Count your blessings, name them one by one,And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
Are you ever burdened with a load of care?Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,And you will keep singing as the days go by.
Refrain
When you look at others with their lands and gold,Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings. Wealth can never buyYour reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
Refrain
Refrain
So, amid the conflict whether great or small,Do not be disheartened, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.
Refrain
Refrain
Monday, September 22, 2008
MB-chap2-Hunger & Thirst-#10
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked [incurable-Strongs]: who can know it?[1] Je 17:9
Deceitful-3577 כָּזָב [kazab /kaw·zawb/] 1 a lie, untruth, falsehood, deceptive thing.- Strongs Concordance
Desperately wicked. 605 אָנוּשׁ, אָנַשׁ [’anash /aw·nash/] 1 to be weak, sick, frail. 1a (Qal). 1a1 to be incurable. 1a2 to be sick. 1a3 desperate, incurable, desperately wicked, woeful, very sick - Strongs Concordance
My heart is incurable. Sheesh! And don't I know it!!! Rather than discouraging, the fact that my heart is incurable gives me hope. I cannot strain, stress, huff and puff enough to get my heart un-wicked. It cannot be done. It is impossible and so why even try? My only recourse is to give it to YOU and let YOU clean it up for me. Sigh. What a relief.
Change my heart O God
Make it ever new
Change my heart O God
May I be like YOU.
Here it is again. It is all about YOU and what YOU can do. Not about me and what I can do.
Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil.[2] Je 13:23
I CAN'T do good/be good any more than a leopard can change his spots. My heart is full of black ugly spots and I have absolutely no power to change my heart. Only YOU can do that.
You are the potter
I am the clay
Mold me and make me
That is what I pray.
YOU CANNOT CHANGE YOUR HEART, you cannot of yourself give to God its affections; but you can CHOOSE to serve Him. You can give Him your will; He will then work in you to will and to do according to His good pleasure. SC 47 (Ezek. 11:19)
What good news!!!!!
For thus saith the LORD, Thy bruise is incurable, and thy wound is grievous.[3] Je 30:12
The sinfulness of my heart is incurable. I am terminally wicked and only my great Physician can heal me. O Jesus, please heal my broken and wounded heart. I know that my only hope is in you.
They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. Matt. 9:12
Deceitful-3577 כָּזָב [kazab /kaw·zawb/] 1 a lie, untruth, falsehood, deceptive thing.- Strongs Concordance
Desperately wicked. 605 אָנוּשׁ, אָנַשׁ [’anash /aw·nash/] 1 to be weak, sick, frail. 1a (Qal). 1a1 to be incurable. 1a2 to be sick. 1a3 desperate, incurable, desperately wicked, woeful, very sick - Strongs Concordance
My heart is incurable. Sheesh! And don't I know it!!! Rather than discouraging, the fact that my heart is incurable gives me hope. I cannot strain, stress, huff and puff enough to get my heart un-wicked. It cannot be done. It is impossible and so why even try? My only recourse is to give it to YOU and let YOU clean it up for me. Sigh. What a relief.
Change my heart O God
Make it ever new
Change my heart O God
May I be like YOU.
Here it is again. It is all about YOU and what YOU can do. Not about me and what I can do.
Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil.[2] Je 13:23
I CAN'T do good/be good any more than a leopard can change his spots. My heart is full of black ugly spots and I have absolutely no power to change my heart. Only YOU can do that.
You are the potter
I am the clay
Mold me and make me
That is what I pray.
YOU CANNOT CHANGE YOUR HEART, you cannot of yourself give to God its affections; but you can CHOOSE to serve Him. You can give Him your will; He will then work in you to will and to do according to His good pleasure. SC 47 (Ezek. 11:19)
What good news!!!!!
For thus saith the LORD, Thy bruise is incurable, and thy wound is grievous.[3] Je 30:12
The sinfulness of my heart is incurable. I am terminally wicked and only my great Physician can heal me. O Jesus, please heal my broken and wounded heart. I know that my only hope is in you.
They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. Matt. 9:12
MB-chap2-Hunger & Thirst-#9
To Jesus, who emptied Himself for the salvation of lost humanity, the Holy Spirit was given without measure. So it will be given to every follower of Christ when the whole heart is surrendered for His indwelling. MB 20
What a blessing and awesome promise that the H.S. is given to us just like it was given to You. I am so grateful. However, "when the whole heart is surrendered" concerns me a little. I am so weak, so fickle, and so blind to the true workings and motives of my heart that I question my sincerity.
The following quote gives me so much hope.
THERE ARE THOSE WHO HAVE KNOWN THE PARDENING LOVE OF CHRIST and who really desire to be children of God, yet they realize that their characters are imperfect, their life faulty and they are ready to doubt whether their hearts have been renewed by the Holy Spirit. To such I would say, do not draw back in despair. We shall often have to bow down and weep at the feet of Jesus because of our shortcomings and mistakes, but we are not to be discouraged. Even if we are overcome by the enemy, we are not cast off, not forsaken and rejected of God. NO: Christ is at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. SC 64
What a blessing and awesome promise that the H.S. is given to us just like it was given to You. I am so grateful. However, "when the whole heart is surrendered" concerns me a little. I am so weak, so fickle, and so blind to the true workings and motives of my heart that I question my sincerity.
The following quote gives me so much hope.
THERE ARE THOSE WHO HAVE KNOWN THE PARDENING LOVE OF CHRIST and who really desire to be children of God, yet they realize that their characters are imperfect, their life faulty and they are ready to doubt whether their hearts have been renewed by the Holy Spirit. To such I would say, do not draw back in despair. We shall often have to bow down and weep at the feet of Jesus because of our shortcomings and mistakes, but we are not to be discouraged. Even if we are overcome by the enemy, we are not cast off, not forsaken and rejected of God. NO: Christ is at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. SC 64
Friday, September 19, 2008
MB-chap2-Hunger & Thirst-#8
The heart that has once tasted the love of Christ, cries out continually for a deeper draft, and as you impart you will receive in richer and more abundant measure. Every revelation of God to the soul increases the capacity to know and to love. The continual cry of the heart is, "More of Thee," and ever the Spirit’s answer is, "Much more." Romans 5:9,10.MB 21
More About Jesus
Eliza Hewitt
More about Jesus I would know,
More of His Grace to others show,
More of His saving fullness see,
More of His love who died for me.
Chorus:
More, more about Jesus,
More, more about Jesus;
More of His saving fullness see,
More of His love who died for me.
More about Jesus let me learn;
More of His holy will discern,
Spirit of God my teacher be,
Showing the things of Christ to me.
Chorus
More about Jesus in His word,
Holding communion with my Lord,
Hearing His voice in every line,
Making each faithful saying mine.
Chorus
More about Jesus, on His throne,
Riches in glory all His own;
More of His kingdom's sure increase,
More of His coming, Prince of Peace.
Chorus
This song says it all.
More About Jesus
Eliza Hewitt
More about Jesus I would know,
More of His Grace to others show,
More of His saving fullness see,
More of His love who died for me.
Chorus:
More, more about Jesus,
More, more about Jesus;
More of His saving fullness see,
More of His love who died for me.
More about Jesus let me learn;
More of His holy will discern,
Spirit of God my teacher be,
Showing the things of Christ to me.
Chorus
More about Jesus in His word,
Holding communion with my Lord,
Hearing His voice in every line,
Making each faithful saying mine.
Chorus
More about Jesus, on His throne,
Riches in glory all His own;
More of His kingdom's sure increase,
More of His coming, Prince of Peace.
Chorus
This song says it all.
Papa Father,
Thank you for giving some of Your children the eloquence to put into poetry, music, writing or speaking the things that the rest of us feel in our hearts but can't express. What a gift they have been through the ages.
Thank you for giving some of Your children the eloquence to put into poetry, music, writing or speaking the things that the rest of us feel in our hearts but can't express. What a gift they have been through the ages.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
MB-chap2-Hunger & Thirst-#7
If you have a sense of need in your soul, if you hunger and thirst after righteousness, this is an evidence that Christ has wrought upon your heart, in order that He may be sought unto to do for you, through the endowment of the Holy Spirit, those things which it is impossible for you to do for yourself. MB 19:4
Here it is again! It is all about YOU, YOU, YOU. You put in my heart the longing and thirsting after God, YOU. If my heart cries out to You, it is because You are the one who prompted me to do so. How cool is that! J You are the one who gives me the DESIRE for You. It is, still, always, about YOU and YOU alone.
When I cry out for You, you are there, whether I FEEL YOU or not. It strikes me that if I FELT YOUR PRESENSE every time I asked for it; where would be the need for faith?
1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good report. 3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. Heb 11:1-3
Faith is about believing in what I cannot see, or feel, for that matter.
You even provide the faith.
"...according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith." Ro 12:3
Precious Jesus,
It is ALL about YOU! It is first, last and always about YOU, and ONLY YOU.
Here it is again! It is all about YOU, YOU, YOU. You put in my heart the longing and thirsting after God, YOU. If my heart cries out to You, it is because You are the one who prompted me to do so. How cool is that! J You are the one who gives me the DESIRE for You. It is, still, always, about YOU and YOU alone.
When I cry out for You, you are there, whether I FEEL YOU or not. It strikes me that if I FELT YOUR PRESENSE every time I asked for it; where would be the need for faith?
1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good report. 3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. Heb 11:1-3
Faith is about believing in what I cannot see, or feel, for that matter.
You even provide the faith.
"...according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith." Ro 12:3
Precious Jesus,
It is ALL about YOU! It is first, last and always about YOU, and ONLY YOU.
Sigh. Happiness. Contentment.
ONLY YOU CAN
ONLY YOU CAN
Patricia White
Only you can wake up the day,
Let light out to play
Send night on its way.
Only You can make a bird sing,
Turn winter to spring
Do anything.
Chorus:
Only You can make an ocean
Fashion all the fish in the sea,
Put the moon tides into motion
And only You can make a new me.
Only You can take all my sin,
All I have been, make me new again.
…………………………….
……………………………..
Only You can take this old heart,
Bad from the start,
Give me a new heart.
Chorus
How grateful I am that you have provided everything that is needed for a connection with You, for a life of faith, joy and victory.
“this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” 1 Jn 5:4
Only you can wake up the day,
Let light out to play
Send night on its way.
Only You can make a bird sing,
Turn winter to spring
Do anything.
Chorus:
Only You can make an ocean
Fashion all the fish in the sea,
Put the moon tides into motion
And only You can make a new me.
Only You can take all my sin,
All I have been, make me new again.
…………………………….
……………………………..
Only You can take this old heart,
Bad from the start,
Give me a new heart.
Chorus
How grateful I am that you have provided everything that is needed for a connection with You, for a life of faith, joy and victory.
“this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” 1 Jn 5:4
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
MB-chap2-Hunger & Thirst-#6
"Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled." Matthew 5:6.
Not by painful struggles or wearisome toil, not by gift or sacrifice, is righteousness obtained; but it is freely given to every soul who hungers and thirsts to receive it. MB 18
O Yea and don't I know it! I spent years flogging myself because I couldn't "make" myself be good. When I think that "I" have to do it, I feel despair because I just can't seem to cut it no matter how hard I try. When life is all about me, me, me I am anxiety ridden and feel hopelessly lost.
Sigh! I am so glad that it is all about YOU and YOU alone. I am so grateful that my righteousness is not dependent upon me but upon YOU and only YOU. You give it to me free of charge; my part is to long for it with my whole heart. Well actually, even that is not entirely true, YOU GIVE, place in my heart, the hunger and thirst for you. Again, it is all about YOU.
Sigh! Contentment!
Papa Father & Precious Jesus,
My precious, wonderful Jesus, God of the universe, Creator of the numberless galaxies;
You are beyond description! Beyond my ability to fathom the lover, of us/me, that you are!
O!
Oh!
Squeals of delight,
Cartwheels and spins,
Shouts and songs,
I collapse at your feet
In a happy little heap.
Why! Why do you love me like that! How can you love me like that? I don't understand it, I cannot fathom it, but I am sooooooo grateful for it!
ISN'T THE LOVE OF JESUS SOMETHING WONDERFUL!
There will never be a sweeter story
Story of the Savior’s love divine,
Love that brought Him from the realms of glory
Just to save a sinful soul like mine.
Chorus
Isn't the love of Jesus something wonderful,
Wonderful, wonderful;
O! Isn't the love of Jesus something wonderful!
Yes! Wonderful it is to me.
Boundless as the universe around me,
Reaching to the farthest soul away-
Saving, keeping love it was that found me,
That is why my heart can truly say;
Chorus
Love beyond our human comprehending,
Love of God in Christ- how can it be!
This will be my theme and never ending,
Great redeeming love of Calvary.
Chorus
Not by painful struggles or wearisome toil, not by gift or sacrifice, is righteousness obtained; but it is freely given to every soul who hungers and thirsts to receive it. MB 18
O Yea and don't I know it! I spent years flogging myself because I couldn't "make" myself be good. When I think that "I" have to do it, I feel despair because I just can't seem to cut it no matter how hard I try. When life is all about me, me, me I am anxiety ridden and feel hopelessly lost.
Sigh! I am so glad that it is all about YOU and YOU alone. I am so grateful that my righteousness is not dependent upon me but upon YOU and only YOU. You give it to me free of charge; my part is to long for it with my whole heart. Well actually, even that is not entirely true, YOU GIVE, place in my heart, the hunger and thirst for you. Again, it is all about YOU.
Sigh! Contentment!
Papa Father & Precious Jesus,
My precious, wonderful Jesus, God of the universe, Creator of the numberless galaxies;
You are beyond description! Beyond my ability to fathom the lover, of us/me, that you are!
O!
Oh!
Squeals of delight,
Cartwheels and spins,
Shouts and songs,
I collapse at your feet
In a happy little heap.
Why! Why do you love me like that! How can you love me like that? I don't understand it, I cannot fathom it, but I am sooooooo grateful for it!
ISN'T THE LOVE OF JESUS SOMETHING WONDERFUL!
There will never be a sweeter story
Story of the Savior’s love divine,
Love that brought Him from the realms of glory
Just to save a sinful soul like mine.
Chorus
Isn't the love of Jesus something wonderful,
Wonderful, wonderful;
O! Isn't the love of Jesus something wonderful!
Yes! Wonderful it is to me.
Boundless as the universe around me,
Reaching to the farthest soul away-
Saving, keeping love it was that found me,
That is why my heart can truly say;
Chorus
Love beyond our human comprehending,
Love of God in Christ- how can it be!
This will be my theme and never ending,
Great redeeming love of Calvary.
Chorus
Sunday, September 14, 2008
MB-chap2-#5
No storm of human or satanic wrath could [BEGIN P.16] disturb the calm of that perfect communion with God. MB 15
Papa Father,
What a precious and awesome promise! That is so incredibly cool! NO STORM, NOTHING can disturb my communion with you, if I choose to have it. What a comfort to know that you are always and in all circumstances available to talk to, to comfort. You are always by my side. I am never, ever alone. You are always there, whether I feel that you are or not. Sigh. That makes every bone; muscle and organ in my body relax.
The storms of my own mind often block my heart from feeling Your presence, but that is about me, not you. Your presence is not dependent on my feelings or none feelings. You may be carrying me or I may be sitting right in Your lap and not even know it. I may wail, squall, and thrash around , eyes squeezed shut, howling my rage and frustration at Your abandonment. But when I open the eyes of my heart I see YOu. I see that I have been screeching in Your Dear Sweet Face.
O Jesus,
Forgive me for hurling my unbelief in Your Sweet Face; for that is what my wailing really is. Unbelief. Papa Father, I DO believe but heal and change the parts of me that don't believe. I want to wholly believe that you are always with me, not partly believe. I know that You are, even now as I write this, answering my prayer. I choose to believe, totally believe that nothing can separate me from you.
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ro 8:38-39
Sigh. Contentment. Peace. Quiet. Happiness. Smile shining from the center of my soul. J
It is the love of self that destroys our peace. MB 16
Wow! Now there is a mouthful.
Papa Father,
Help me to remember this when my heart is all roiled up and in a turmoil. Help me to remember this when I worry. Worry certainly destroys me peace.
Hmm. Lack of peace and worry are really unbelief. Right? When I worried about Ben and Dorkis on their honeymoon in the Dominican Republic, it was because I forgot that God was bigger than the hurricanes that were passing through. I forgot that God would take care of them no matter what came their way. I forgot that if they still had a work to do for Him, there was nothing that could harm them. I forgot that ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD, even disaster and pain and loss. When I placed my worry in YOUR very capable and strong hands my worry turned to peace, profound, total body relaxing peace.
Papa Father,
What a precious and awesome promise! That is so incredibly cool! NO STORM, NOTHING can disturb my communion with you, if I choose to have it. What a comfort to know that you are always and in all circumstances available to talk to, to comfort. You are always by my side. I am never, ever alone. You are always there, whether I feel that you are or not. Sigh. That makes every bone; muscle and organ in my body relax.
The storms of my own mind often block my heart from feeling Your presence, but that is about me, not you. Your presence is not dependent on my feelings or none feelings. You may be carrying me or I may be sitting right in Your lap and not even know it. I may wail, squall, and thrash around , eyes squeezed shut, howling my rage and frustration at Your abandonment. But when I open the eyes of my heart I see YOu. I see that I have been screeching in Your Dear Sweet Face.
O Jesus,
Forgive me for hurling my unbelief in Your Sweet Face; for that is what my wailing really is. Unbelief. Papa Father, I DO believe but heal and change the parts of me that don't believe. I want to wholly believe that you are always with me, not partly believe. I know that You are, even now as I write this, answering my prayer. I choose to believe, totally believe that nothing can separate me from you.
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ro 8:38-39
Sigh. Contentment. Peace. Quiet. Happiness. Smile shining from the center of my soul. J
It is the love of self that destroys our peace. MB 16
Wow! Now there is a mouthful.
Papa Father,
Help me to remember this when my heart is all roiled up and in a turmoil. Help me to remember this when I worry. Worry certainly destroys me peace.
Hmm. Lack of peace and worry are really unbelief. Right? When I worried about Ben and Dorkis on their honeymoon in the Dominican Republic, it was because I forgot that God was bigger than the hurricanes that were passing through. I forgot that God would take care of them no matter what came their way. I forgot that if they still had a work to do for Him, there was nothing that could harm them. I forgot that ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD, even disaster and pain and loss. When I placed my worry in YOUR very capable and strong hands my worry turned to peace, profound, total body relaxing peace.
Far away in the depths of my spirit tonight,
Rolls a melody sweeter than psalm;
In celestial like strains it unceasingly falls
O'er my soul like an infinite calm.
Chorus:
Peace! Peace! Wonderful peace
Coming down from the Father above;
Sweep over my spirit forever I pray,
In fathomless billows of love.
What a treasure I have in this wonderful peace,
Buried deep in my innermost soul,
So secure that no power can mine it away
While the years of eternity roll!
Chorus
I believe when I rise to that city of peace,
Where the author of peace I shall see,
That one strain of the song which the ransomed will sing,
In that heavenly kingdom will be-
Chorus
Weary soul, without gladness or comfort or rest,
Passing down the rough pathway of time!
Make the Savior your friend ere the shadows grow dark;
O accept of this peace so sublime.
Chorus
The meekness of Christ, manifested in the home, will make the inmates happy; it provokes no quarrel, gives back no angry answer, but soothes the irritated temper and diffuses a gentleness that is felt by all [BEGIN P.17] within its charmed circle. Wherever cherished, it makes the families of earth a part of the one great family above. {MB 16.3}
Wow! What a goal to aspire to.
Papa Father,
I am so prone to quarrel, to be angry over the silliest things, to be irritated by the minutias of life. I do not want to be like this. I want to be gentle, compassionate and tender like you are. I choose to look to YOU and only YOU as my example. My own example is woefully lacking and I howl in despair when I look at it. Soooo, since I don't want to spend my days wailing over my deficiencies I choose to look at you; only you. Please do in my life what needs to be done in order to be like you.
Be like Jesus this my song,
In the home and in the throng;
Be like Jesus all day long!
I would be like Jesus.
MB-chap2-#4
The Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort . . . comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God." 2 Corinthians 1:3,4. {MB 13.1}
How cool is that! You comfort us not only for our own sakes but for the sake of others who need comfort. It is not all about us but about others too. In comforting others we comfort our selves. You created us to receive so that we could give, and in the giving we are healed from our hurt. How gracious and loving you are!
Jesus, the brightness of the Father’s glory, thought "it not a thing to be grasped to be on an equality with God, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant." Philippians 2:6, 7, R.V., margin. MB 14
Wow! That is so totally opposite of who I am, of whom all we humans are! Glory, not a thing to be grasped? We, I, am all about wanting the glory and wanting it all for myself. You are Creator God, Creator of the galaxies, and Creator of the smallest atom and yet You didn't feel a need for the glory. How cool is that! How unfathomable is that!
You made a mental choice, an intentional choice and “emptied" yourself of your glory and majesty and became human, and not only human but the lowest of the low, a servant. You did it for love and love alone. It strikes me that love and love alone could motivate you to do something like that. Sigh. I don't understand that kind of love; it simply is not in my nature but I sure am grateful to be the recipient of that love.
Precious Jesus,
Thank you for all you gave up for me. Thank you for loving me that much! Thank you for loving our wretched and ungrateful world that much. Please. I want that kind of love in my own heart. I want that kind of self sacrificing, gracious love.
The independence and self-supremacy in which we glory are seen in their true vileness as tokens of servitude to Satan. Human nature is ever struggling for expression, ready for contest; but he who learns of Christ is emptied of self, of pride, of love of supremacy, and there is silence in the soul. Self is yielded to the disposal of the Holy Spirit. Then we are not anxious to have the highest place. We have no ambition to crowd and elbow ourselves into notice; but we feel that our highest place is at the feet of our Saviour. We look to Jesus, waiting for His hand to lead, listening for His voice to guide. MB 15
I love "there is silence in the soul". How I long for a constant experience of "silence in the soul"; no need for the limelight, the credit, the attention, only sweet, restful, and contented silence.
MK and I have been following the Democrat and Republican National Convention and the focus is so opposite of what Your Kingdom is all about. Senator Obama and Senator McCain are scratching and clawing back and forth at each other; each trying to gain the supremacy over the other. We watched the Republican party convention last night and the spirit was so unlike what I am reading about here this morning.
How cool is that! You comfort us not only for our own sakes but for the sake of others who need comfort. It is not all about us but about others too. In comforting others we comfort our selves. You created us to receive so that we could give, and in the giving we are healed from our hurt. How gracious and loving you are!
Jesus, the brightness of the Father’s glory, thought "it not a thing to be grasped to be on an equality with God, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant." Philippians 2:6, 7, R.V., margin. MB 14
Wow! That is so totally opposite of who I am, of whom all we humans are! Glory, not a thing to be grasped? We, I, am all about wanting the glory and wanting it all for myself. You are Creator God, Creator of the galaxies, and Creator of the smallest atom and yet You didn't feel a need for the glory. How cool is that! How unfathomable is that!
You made a mental choice, an intentional choice and “emptied" yourself of your glory and majesty and became human, and not only human but the lowest of the low, a servant. You did it for love and love alone. It strikes me that love and love alone could motivate you to do something like that. Sigh. I don't understand that kind of love; it simply is not in my nature but I sure am grateful to be the recipient of that love.
Precious Jesus,
Thank you for all you gave up for me. Thank you for loving me that much! Thank you for loving our wretched and ungrateful world that much. Please. I want that kind of love in my own heart. I want that kind of self sacrificing, gracious love.
The independence and self-supremacy in which we glory are seen in their true vileness as tokens of servitude to Satan. Human nature is ever struggling for expression, ready for contest; but he who learns of Christ is emptied of self, of pride, of love of supremacy, and there is silence in the soul. Self is yielded to the disposal of the Holy Spirit. Then we are not anxious to have the highest place. We have no ambition to crowd and elbow ourselves into notice; but we feel that our highest place is at the feet of our Saviour. We look to Jesus, waiting for His hand to lead, listening for His voice to guide. MB 15
I love "there is silence in the soul". How I long for a constant experience of "silence in the soul"; no need for the limelight, the credit, the attention, only sweet, restful, and contented silence.
MK and I have been following the Democrat and Republican National Convention and the focus is so opposite of what Your Kingdom is all about. Senator Obama and Senator McCain are scratching and clawing back and forth at each other; each trying to gain the supremacy over the other. We watched the Republican party convention last night and the spirit was so unlike what I am reading about here this morning.
MB-chap2-#3
"Happy is the man whom God correcteth: . . . He maketh sore, and bindeth up: He woundeth, and His hands make whole. He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee." Job 5:17-19. To every stricken one, Jesus comes with the ministry of healing. The life of bereavement, pain, and suffering may be brightened by precious revealings of His presence. {MB 12.1}
I would rather fall into your hands than anyone else’s in the whole world. What ever comes my way may hurt, but I will never be harmed. Hurt but unharmed. Though I may hurt like crazy you are there right beside me to comfort and sustain. How loving and gracious and kind you are. Bless YOUR HOLY NAME. :) The same hand that allows me to hurt is the hand that heals the hurt. How cool is that. Hah! Not to worry! Nothing happens that you do not already know about. Nothing happens that is out of your control. Nothing happens that will be too big for you to handle. You have everything all under control. All I have to do is keep my eyes of faith fixed on you. That's my job. Keep my eyes steadfastly fixed on you.
That sounds so easy, but why is it so hard? It is so natural for my eyes to wander to what I can SEE; my circumstances. It is far easier to focus on what I can see, my circumstances, than on a concept, something I cannot see. Precious Jesus, strengthen the muscles of my spiritual eyes so that they become strong, clear and steady until they become much stronger than my physical, emotional eyes. I choose today to exercise my spiritual eyes of faith.
The blessed Saviour stands by many whose eyes are so blinded by tears that they do not discern Him. He longs to clasp our hands, to have us look to Him in simple faith, permitting Him to guide us. His heart is open to our griefs, our sorrows, and our trials. MB 12
Precious Jesus,
Take me with you today. Not only take my hand, please carry me. You know that there is much to be done and so little strength to do it with. I choose not to be blinded by my weakness but made strong by Your strength. Carry me in your strong and capable arms today. We have to get thru the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. You know what has to be done and You will see to it.
Even though I cannot physically see you I know that right here beside me, actually I am sitting in your lap at the moment. I choose to look at you and not myself. You. ONLY YOU!
I would rather fall into your hands than anyone else’s in the whole world. What ever comes my way may hurt, but I will never be harmed. Hurt but unharmed. Though I may hurt like crazy you are there right beside me to comfort and sustain. How loving and gracious and kind you are. Bless YOUR HOLY NAME. :) The same hand that allows me to hurt is the hand that heals the hurt. How cool is that. Hah! Not to worry! Nothing happens that you do not already know about. Nothing happens that is out of your control. Nothing happens that will be too big for you to handle. You have everything all under control. All I have to do is keep my eyes of faith fixed on you. That's my job. Keep my eyes steadfastly fixed on you.
That sounds so easy, but why is it so hard? It is so natural for my eyes to wander to what I can SEE; my circumstances. It is far easier to focus on what I can see, my circumstances, than on a concept, something I cannot see. Precious Jesus, strengthen the muscles of my spiritual eyes so that they become strong, clear and steady until they become much stronger than my physical, emotional eyes. I choose today to exercise my spiritual eyes of faith.
The blessed Saviour stands by many whose eyes are so blinded by tears that they do not discern Him. He longs to clasp our hands, to have us look to Him in simple faith, permitting Him to guide us. His heart is open to our griefs, our sorrows, and our trials. MB 12
Precious Jesus,
Take me with you today. Not only take my hand, please carry me. You know that there is much to be done and so little strength to do it with. I choose not to be blinded by my weakness but made strong by Your strength. Carry me in your strong and capable arms today. We have to get thru the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. You know what has to be done and You will see to it.
Even though I cannot physically see you I know that right here beside me, actually I am sitting in your lap at the moment. I choose to look at you and not myself. You. ONLY YOU!
MB-chap2-#2
Whom Christ pardons, He first makes penitent, and it is the office of the Holy Spirit to convince of sin. MB 7
You make me penitent. You give me repentance. I can't even conjure THAT up on my own. You have to even provide the repentance.
for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. Ac 5:31
Precious Jesus,
Show me who I am. Please show me who I am and deepen the repentance that you have put in my heart.
Whatever may have been your past experience, however discouraging your present circumstances, if you will come to Jesus just as you are, weak, helpless, and despairing, our compassionate Savior will meet you a great way off, and will throw about you His arms of love and His robe of righteousness. MB 8
Precious Jesus,
I need you to run and greet me again this morning. Please throw your arms of love around me and cover me with your robe of righteousness. You know that I am full of unholy thoughts and feelings and attitudes. Please change me from the inside out. I give my heart and soul to you again today. Do with me what you will.
When He permits trials and afflictions, it is "for our profit, that we might be partakers of His holiness." Hebrews 12:10. If received in faith, the trial that seems so bitter and hard to bear will prove a blessing. The cruel blow that blights the joys of earth will be the means of turning our eyes to heaven. How many there are who would never have known Jesus had not sorrow led them to seek comfort in Him! {MB 10.2}
Precious Jesus,
I fear that You are going to need to bring some sort of horrible trial into my life in order to completely draw my heart to you. I am so fickle, so weak in moral and spiritual power.
Help me to turn my eyes upon YOU and look full in your wonderful face so that the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of Your glory and grace.
You make me penitent. You give me repentance. I can't even conjure THAT up on my own. You have to even provide the repentance.
for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. Ac 5:31
Precious Jesus,
Show me who I am. Please show me who I am and deepen the repentance that you have put in my heart.
Whatever may have been your past experience, however discouraging your present circumstances, if you will come to Jesus just as you are, weak, helpless, and despairing, our compassionate Savior will meet you a great way off, and will throw about you His arms of love and His robe of righteousness. MB 8
Precious Jesus,
I need you to run and greet me again this morning. Please throw your arms of love around me and cover me with your robe of righteousness. You know that I am full of unholy thoughts and feelings and attitudes. Please change me from the inside out. I give my heart and soul to you again today. Do with me what you will.
When He permits trials and afflictions, it is "for our profit, that we might be partakers of His holiness." Hebrews 12:10. If received in faith, the trial that seems so bitter and hard to bear will prove a blessing. The cruel blow that blights the joys of earth will be the means of turning our eyes to heaven. How many there are who would never have known Jesus had not sorrow led them to seek comfort in Him! {MB 10.2}
Precious Jesus,
I fear that You are going to need to bring some sort of horrible trial into my life in order to completely draw my heart to you. I am so fickle, so weak in moral and spiritual power.
Help me to turn my eyes upon YOU and look full in your wonderful face so that the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of Your glory and grace.
MB-Chap. 2 - The Beatitudes- # 1
Chap. 2 - The Beatitudes
"The sweetness of divine love flows from His very presence as the fragrance from a flower. "MB 6
Without even saying a word they sense the love that you have for them. There is no condemnation, no critical spirit, no anger or resentment in your heart, only love. The very atmosphere surrounding you was saturated with love, compassion and tenderness. Who wouldn't be drawn to that?
O Jesus,
I want to be like that. I want to be surrounded by your love. I want my own atmosphere to be surrounded with love and compassion. I want it to exude from every pore in my body.
"All feel instinctively that here is One who reads the secrets of the soul, yet who comes near to them with tender compassion." MB 6
Yikes! Out of one side of my mouth that scares me. Out of the other side of my mouth it is good news; especially since you love me anyway. Even though you see all of the ugliness and dirtiness of my heart you view me with "tender compassion". Wow! You love me ANYWAY!
Even though being in the presence of evil is painful for you, you still draw near. You amaze me! Your love is stronger than the repulsiveness of my sin. I don't understand that kind of love but I am so grateful.
Shoot! You see every stinking thought and attitude that I ever had and yet you still love me? You are amazing; cartwheels and spins amazing!
I want that kind of love. I need that kind of love. My heart is so full of myself, so full of my own ickiness.
Change my heart O God
Make it ever new
Change my heart O God
May I be like you.
You are the potter
I am the clay
Mold me and make me
That is what I pray.
Change my heart O God
Make it ever new
Change my heart O God
May I be like you.
"The sweetness of divine love flows from His very presence as the fragrance from a flower. "MB 6
Without even saying a word they sense the love that you have for them. There is no condemnation, no critical spirit, no anger or resentment in your heart, only love. The very atmosphere surrounding you was saturated with love, compassion and tenderness. Who wouldn't be drawn to that?
O Jesus,
I want to be like that. I want to be surrounded by your love. I want my own atmosphere to be surrounded with love and compassion. I want it to exude from every pore in my body.
"All feel instinctively that here is One who reads the secrets of the soul, yet who comes near to them with tender compassion." MB 6
Yikes! Out of one side of my mouth that scares me. Out of the other side of my mouth it is good news; especially since you love me anyway. Even though you see all of the ugliness and dirtiness of my heart you view me with "tender compassion". Wow! You love me ANYWAY!
Even though being in the presence of evil is painful for you, you still draw near. You amaze me! Your love is stronger than the repulsiveness of my sin. I don't understand that kind of love but I am so grateful.
Shoot! You see every stinking thought and attitude that I ever had and yet you still love me? You are amazing; cartwheels and spins amazing!
I want that kind of love. I need that kind of love. My heart is so full of myself, so full of my own ickiness.
Change my heart O God
Make it ever new
Change my heart O God
May I be like you.
You are the potter
I am the clay
Mold me and make me
That is what I pray.
Change my heart O God
Make it ever new
Change my heart O God
May I be like you.
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing Chap 1
Chap. 1 - On the Mountainside
"...nearly all the twelve had been associated together as members of the family of Jesus." MB 3
How cool that you made your disciples members of your family. You were their creator but brought them in to close association with you. You amaze me. The great God of the universe, Creator of ALL things and you make them family. How cool is that? My heart burns with love and amazement for who you are.
O! I want to be a member of YOUR family. I am so glad that You have made me a member of your family. Sigh! Contentment. Happiness.
"...nearly all the twelve had been associated together as members of the family of Jesus." MB 3
How cool that you made your disciples members of your family. You were their creator but brought them in to close association with you. You amaze me. The great God of the universe, Creator of ALL things and you make them family. How cool is that? My heart burns with love and amazement for who you are.
O! I want to be a member of YOUR family. I am so glad that You have made me a member of your family. Sigh! Contentment. Happiness.
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