“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.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
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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