"Agree with thine adversary quickly." Matthew 5:25
"Jesus Christ is laying down this principle - Do what you know you must do, now, and do it quickly; if you do not, the inevitable process will begin to work and you will have to pay to the last farthing in pain and agony and distress. God's laws are unalterable; there is no escape from them. The teaching of Jesus goes straight to the way we are made up." (Oswald Chambers)
As I look at what Chambers is saying this morning, my thoughts tend to dwell on the consequences of inaction. Bad things will happen, things that could have been avoided with doing the right thing at the time.
The Bible contains many commands of God that begin with "If you do" or "If you do not", and then comes the consequence of that failure to heed the words. But maybe I need to look past the bad things that will happen if I flaunt what God says, and concentrate on just doing what I know is right, not doing a cost/benefit analysis of obedience in a matter, but doing what is right, and doing it right now.
What if my life was so filled with the love of God, that there would be no hesitancy of right action, no thoughts of "my rights", but a focus on others?
The easiest part of this is the realization of the principle, the harder part is living it out during the day. Do I write it down and forget it, or am I able to say at the end of the day that I actually did it, or that I even remembered to think about it?
This is the day that the Lord has made, and I will not only rejoice and be glad in it, but I will seek to know the right things to do and do them, without hesitation and because they are right.
And I ask for the guidance, direction and help of God's Holy Spirit to this end. Amen.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
My Right Hand
"Your right hand is one of the best things you have, but, says Jesus, if it hinders you in following His precepts, cut it off." (Oswald Chambers)
So many times I have read the verses in Matthew 5 about the eye or the right hand causing one to sin, or offend God, and read right through them, not stopping to think about why the eye and the right hand are used by Jesus as examples. Chambers' reading today has caused me to stop and think about how I relate to them.
One of the first things that came to my mind is an example from sharia law, used in some Muslim societies, that gives the cutting off of the hand as a punishment for stealing. Sounds a little barbaric to me, so I just dismiss the whole idea, and say that this is not applicable to me.
I do almost everything with my right hand, play golf, tennis, write, eat; it is my dominant hand. All the things that I can be proud about, I do with this hand. Without the strength of this hand, I cannot do much of anything that is considered important in today's society.
The two key things here are "my pride" and "my strength". If they come through things that I can do and take credit for, then I am in trouble and drastic surgery is needed. Far better to trust in God's strength and give Him the credit for anything that I can do, and use my right hand for Him.
The temporary pain of losing face in the world's eyes is far less than eternal remorse in God's.
My I realize again the use of personal pronouns in my life, and the attitude toward God that they show.
So many times I have read the verses in Matthew 5 about the eye or the right hand causing one to sin, or offend God, and read right through them, not stopping to think about why the eye and the right hand are used by Jesus as examples. Chambers' reading today has caused me to stop and think about how I relate to them.
One of the first things that came to my mind is an example from sharia law, used in some Muslim societies, that gives the cutting off of the hand as a punishment for stealing. Sounds a little barbaric to me, so I just dismiss the whole idea, and say that this is not applicable to me.
I do almost everything with my right hand, play golf, tennis, write, eat; it is my dominant hand. All the things that I can be proud about, I do with this hand. Without the strength of this hand, I cannot do much of anything that is considered important in today's society.
The two key things here are "my pride" and "my strength". If they come through things that I can do and take credit for, then I am in trouble and drastic surgery is needed. Far better to trust in God's strength and give Him the credit for anything that I can do, and use my right hand for Him.
The temporary pain of losing face in the world's eyes is far less than eternal remorse in God's.
My I realize again the use of personal pronouns in my life, and the attitude toward God that they show.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Sawyer, Sydney, Drew, Caroline, Lucy, Archer and Cady Gray
"But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (ESV) (Philippians 3:13-14).
Paul is saying that he is single-minded. He has heard the call of God, and he is determined on that course, no matter what. Jesus Himself appeared to Paul and commissioned him to take the the Gospel into his world.
Chambers' reading today says "there must be the agonizing grip of God's hand on you", not the gentle tap on the shoulder, but a grip that you cannot get away from. The child of one of our friends, when asked about his teacher at school, came back with the statement that "she had a really good grip". Paul felt that grip, and it kept him going toward the goal.
I am not so sure what that grip of God feels like. Do only those who are called to full time service of some kind actually feel it, or is it for all of us "common Christians"?
I think of our oldest grandson, Sawyer, again today. He has his whole life in front of him and has the abilities to do a lot. I pray that God would get a firm grip on him, and that he would march to that drum beat. In fact I would also pray that for Sydney, Drew, Caroline, Lucy, Archer and Cady Gray. Precious kids all, and full of potential.
But the prayer is not only for those who are young. All of us who are on this side of the sod, are still here for a reason. Oh, that we might feel the grip of God and be single-minded in the following of His purpose, regardless of our ages, and regardless of our call.
Especially me.
Paul is saying that he is single-minded. He has heard the call of God, and he is determined on that course, no matter what. Jesus Himself appeared to Paul and commissioned him to take the the Gospel into his world.
Chambers' reading today says "there must be the agonizing grip of God's hand on you", not the gentle tap on the shoulder, but a grip that you cannot get away from. The child of one of our friends, when asked about his teacher at school, came back with the statement that "she had a really good grip". Paul felt that grip, and it kept him going toward the goal.
I am not so sure what that grip of God feels like. Do only those who are called to full time service of some kind actually feel it, or is it for all of us "common Christians"?
I think of our oldest grandson, Sawyer, again today. He has his whole life in front of him and has the abilities to do a lot. I pray that God would get a firm grip on him, and that he would march to that drum beat. In fact I would also pray that for Sydney, Drew, Caroline, Lucy, Archer and Cady Gray. Precious kids all, and full of potential.
But the prayer is not only for those who are young. All of us who are on this side of the sod, are still here for a reason. Oh, that we might feel the grip of God and be single-minded in the following of His purpose, regardless of our ages, and regardless of our call.
Especially me.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Fish or Cut Bait?
"The most devout among us become atheistic in this connection; we do not believe God, we enthrone common sense and tack the name of God on to it. We do lean to our own understanding, instead of trusting God with all our hearts." (Oswald Chambers)
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." Proverbs 3:5
There are two contrasting emotions in the reading for today, fear and trust. They are polar opposites, so can they both occupy my life at the same time? If I say that I trust God, can I not do what He calls me to do? There is an obvious answer to this question, but it is hard to embrace.
So, why is the answer and the hesitation so obvious? I believe it all stems from an unsure call. Did God call or am I trying to conjure up something that would justify my continued existence? Could He actually be speaking to a person my age? Is there a purpose to a project that goes beyond self expression or self esteem?
There is a wide gulf fixed between trust and fear, and it is filled with questions, but my life cannot be lived there for very long. If there is a call from God, it is a call to action, not continual waiting. There is a time for waiting, but it cannot be forever. A boat tied up to the dock won't ever sail very far.
My writing, as well as my life, is filled with cliches', so I will finish with another one.
"Do I fish or cut bait?"
"Lord I believe, help my unbelief" (Mark 9:24)
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." Proverbs 3:5
There are two contrasting emotions in the reading for today, fear and trust. They are polar opposites, so can they both occupy my life at the same time? If I say that I trust God, can I not do what He calls me to do? There is an obvious answer to this question, but it is hard to embrace.
So, why is the answer and the hesitation so obvious? I believe it all stems from an unsure call. Did God call or am I trying to conjure up something that would justify my continued existence? Could He actually be speaking to a person my age? Is there a purpose to a project that goes beyond self expression or self esteem?
There is a wide gulf fixed between trust and fear, and it is filled with questions, but my life cannot be lived there for very long. If there is a call from God, it is a call to action, not continual waiting. There is a time for waiting, but it cannot be forever. A boat tied up to the dock won't ever sail very far.
My writing, as well as my life, is filled with cliches', so I will finish with another one.
"Do I fish or cut bait?"
"Lord I believe, help my unbelief" (Mark 9:24)
Sunday, June 26, 2011
God or the FDIC?
"'Having nothing . . .' Never reserve anything. Pour out the best you have, and always be poor. Never be diplomatic and careful about the treasure God gives. This is poverty triumphant.' (Oswald Chambers)
One thing that God never says is save up your money, put it in safe places, so you will never have to worry about not having enough. Buy a safe and be sure to use a bank that is insured by the FDIC.
The Bible says in rebuff to this 'store up for yourself treasure in heaven where no one can break in and steal it' (my paraphrase).
An old hymn has a line that talks about 'our hoarded resources'.
The world around me says 'put all you have into some form of financial security', when God says be willing to pour everything out for Me.
Am I to be prudent? Probably. Should I have some insurance? Probably. Should I save for the future? Probably.....As God Leads..
Trust in God or the FDIC?"
One thing that God never says is save up your money, put it in safe places, so you will never have to worry about not having enough. Buy a safe and be sure to use a bank that is insured by the FDIC.
The Bible says in rebuff to this 'store up for yourself treasure in heaven where no one can break in and steal it' (my paraphrase).
An old hymn has a line that talks about 'our hoarded resources'.
The world around me says 'put all you have into some form of financial security', when God says be willing to pour everything out for Me.
Am I to be prudent? Probably. Should I have some insurance? Probably. Should I save for the future? Probably.....As God Leads..
Trust in God or the FDIC?"
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Crumbs
I am convicted this morning as I sit to read and write, that I am giving my leftovers to God rather than my best, especially when it comes to time.
A case in point: This morning I got up before 7, had a leisurely breakfast, sat on the porch, and then got ready to go play tennis. We played from 8:30 till 10:30, then I came home. My Chambers reading on sorrow was waiting for me, as well as my study and writing time.
So I sit down to work on this. I bow my head to pray about the reading and how I need to respond to it, but my mind and body want to rest, and, if I keep my eyes closed too long, I could be asleep.
I used my best time for myself this morning, and I did enjoy the tennis. After 3 sets in this heat and humidity, the body wants to just chill out and rest.
After beginning on this reflecting study about 4 months back, I realize that my most productive time is in the morning before anything, but if I rush off to do something else before I study, I am giving God the crumbs of my time and not the best.
The right thing to do is evident. The thing that will benefit me the most is right there in front of my face. Now all I have to do is get "me" out of the way and receive what God wants to give.
A case in point: This morning I got up before 7, had a leisurely breakfast, sat on the porch, and then got ready to go play tennis. We played from 8:30 till 10:30, then I came home. My Chambers reading on sorrow was waiting for me, as well as my study and writing time.
So I sit down to work on this. I bow my head to pray about the reading and how I need to respond to it, but my mind and body want to rest, and, if I keep my eyes closed too long, I could be asleep.
I used my best time for myself this morning, and I did enjoy the tennis. After 3 sets in this heat and humidity, the body wants to just chill out and rest.
After beginning on this reflecting study about 4 months back, I realize that my most productive time is in the morning before anything, but if I rush off to do something else before I study, I am giving God the crumbs of my time and not the best.
The right thing to do is evident. The thing that will benefit me the most is right there in front of my face. Now all I have to do is get "me" out of the way and receive what God wants to give.
Friday, June 24, 2011
That Was the Day
Yesterday I talked to myself about having an attitude of gratitude, and to remember that "this is the day that the Lord hath made, I will rejoice and be glad in it".
No all that sounded and felt real good as I went through my day, God has blessed me a lot, and I was happy to be grateful to Him for everything. Even when I lost a set at tennis, I still was filled with thanks, mainly because I could still get around the court and play.
After I got home, Mayre (or Granny Lou to you family folks), got back from her errands, bringing the mail in with her from the post office. Now if I had a chance to ask everyone, what would you most not like to see in the mail, a letter from whom? Nothing can ruin a good day like a notice from the IRS, saying that I had make a calculation error on my 2009 tax return and I owed them $$$$$$$.
Did I still sing the ditty? Well, maybe not right away, but as I looked at the notice and realized that they had made a mistake in their assumptions also, I could at least start to hum. Now all I have to do is get the documentation together, find a form to fill out, and return it a computer somewhere.
In spite of the circumstances, that was the day that the Lord had made, and I can still rejoice and be glad in it.
Today is one of those days, too, and also tomorrow, if only I can keep my attitude right.
I sure hope the IRS does not want to fight about all this, that would be an attitude check for sure. But the little song would still be true.
No all that sounded and felt real good as I went through my day, God has blessed me a lot, and I was happy to be grateful to Him for everything. Even when I lost a set at tennis, I still was filled with thanks, mainly because I could still get around the court and play.
After I got home, Mayre (or Granny Lou to you family folks), got back from her errands, bringing the mail in with her from the post office. Now if I had a chance to ask everyone, what would you most not like to see in the mail, a letter from whom? Nothing can ruin a good day like a notice from the IRS, saying that I had make a calculation error on my 2009 tax return and I owed them $$$$$$$.
Did I still sing the ditty? Well, maybe not right away, but as I looked at the notice and realized that they had made a mistake in their assumptions also, I could at least start to hum. Now all I have to do is get the documentation together, find a form to fill out, and return it a computer somewhere.
In spite of the circumstances, that was the day that the Lord had made, and I can still rejoice and be glad in it.
Today is one of those days, too, and also tomorrow, if only I can keep my attitude right.
I sure hope the IRS does not want to fight about all this, that would be an attitude check for sure. But the little song would still be true.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
This is the Day
I woke up this morning with several things on my mind. Plans for the day, questions about future plans, possibilities of how to do what today. all filled my mind. Then a little ditty came to mind that we used to sing with our kids "This is the day that the Lord hath made, I will rejoice and be glad in it".
Then I read Chambers' reading for today taken from Isaiah 53 about Jesus being the suffering servant, afflicted and acquainted with grief, and I wonder how these two ideas come together for me today.
Jesus, who willingly gave up his throne in heaven, put aside his Godly power and descended, both literally and figuratively, to earth, taking the form of a man, just so He could become a sin sacrifice for me. My mind can't even comprehend the whys and wherefores of what this entailed. I can only sit here and breath a "thank you" prayer.
So if this is truly the day that the Lord has made and my responsibility is to rejoice and be glad in it, how then do I live it out today? I do not know the situations and people that will intersect with my path today, so how do I prepare?
Perhaps the best way will be to keep this ditty going around and around in my brain and truly rejoice and be glad.
Oh God, let me live a life of true gratitude today, because of what You have done for me. Let others see Jesus in me today.
Then I read Chambers' reading for today taken from Isaiah 53 about Jesus being the suffering servant, afflicted and acquainted with grief, and I wonder how these two ideas come together for me today.
Jesus, who willingly gave up his throne in heaven, put aside his Godly power and descended, both literally and figuratively, to earth, taking the form of a man, just so He could become a sin sacrifice for me. My mind can't even comprehend the whys and wherefores of what this entailed. I can only sit here and breath a "thank you" prayer.
So if this is truly the day that the Lord has made and my responsibility is to rejoice and be glad in it, how then do I live it out today? I do not know the situations and people that will intersect with my path today, so how do I prepare?
Perhaps the best way will be to keep this ditty going around and around in my brain and truly rejoice and be glad.
Oh God, let me live a life of true gratitude today, because of what You have done for me. Let others see Jesus in me today.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
The Prayer that Never Fails
The following story is a mundane one, but typical of the struggle that I have with control.
A few weeks back (as I think I have mentioned previously), a friend that I play tennis with occasionally, mentioned to me that their was a part-time job opening up that he thought I might enjoy. He and I had talked about it previously because he also is so employed. Anyway, I left a call for the manager in charge, he did not call back. Then I got him on the phone, and he expressed interest and would get back to me.
Several weeks went by, and I thought about calling him again and putting a reminder is his ear. But then I thought, no, if God had wanted me to have this position, He would make it come to pass, so I let it go and was OK with that.
Last week, out of the blue, a lady from the head office called and asked if I was still interested. I had filled out an application before, so it was still on file. I said I was, and she said she would set up a couple of interviews and get back to me the first of this week. I figured this was it, and it was supposed to be. But she did not call on Monday, nor Tuesday, nor today, and I wondered again if I should make the reminder call.
I have read before that persistence pays off, but is this the right time to take it to that level? I have had the feeling, as I prayed about the whole thing, that the whole situation involved trust. Trust that God knew about me and what was best for me.
But I want to resolve the matter. I do not want it to be in limbo for the days and weeks ahead. In short, I really want to be in control.
In Jan Karon's Mitford series, Father Tim always tells people to pray the prayer that never fails, "Thy Will Be Done". If I was bold enough to pray that His will would be done, I should be satisfied with that Will.
The question "what do I need to do now?" is not even the right question. It should be "what is God doing right now?". It could also be "what is God trying to teach me now in all of this?".
This is not a major issue, people will not perish or starve, but it could be a small step on my journey of faith.
Stay tuned......
A few weeks back (as I think I have mentioned previously), a friend that I play tennis with occasionally, mentioned to me that their was a part-time job opening up that he thought I might enjoy. He and I had talked about it previously because he also is so employed. Anyway, I left a call for the manager in charge, he did not call back. Then I got him on the phone, and he expressed interest and would get back to me.
Several weeks went by, and I thought about calling him again and putting a reminder is his ear. But then I thought, no, if God had wanted me to have this position, He would make it come to pass, so I let it go and was OK with that.
Last week, out of the blue, a lady from the head office called and asked if I was still interested. I had filled out an application before, so it was still on file. I said I was, and she said she would set up a couple of interviews and get back to me the first of this week. I figured this was it, and it was supposed to be. But she did not call on Monday, nor Tuesday, nor today, and I wondered again if I should make the reminder call.
I have read before that persistence pays off, but is this the right time to take it to that level? I have had the feeling, as I prayed about the whole thing, that the whole situation involved trust. Trust that God knew about me and what was best for me.
But I want to resolve the matter. I do not want it to be in limbo for the days and weeks ahead. In short, I really want to be in control.
In Jan Karon's Mitford series, Father Tim always tells people to pray the prayer that never fails, "Thy Will Be Done". If I was bold enough to pray that His will would be done, I should be satisfied with that Will.
The question "what do I need to do now?" is not even the right question. It should be "what is God doing right now?". It could also be "what is God trying to teach me now in all of this?".
This is not a major issue, people will not perish or starve, but it could be a small step on my journey of faith.
Stay tuned......
Monday, June 20, 2011
Get Me Out of the Way
Today's reading comes from the book of Job and is about restoration, hope and prayer. When I think about Job, I seem to always go back to the verse in Chapter 13, where Job says that "even if He slay me, still I will hope in Him". Job's confidence is so fixed in God that he know that whatever the outcome, God will make it the right one.
Does Job question God because of all that had happened in his life? Sure he did, but he did not curse God because of the circumstances, as his wife suggested, but held on to the lifeline of hope in the ultimate justice of the One who made him.
The circumstances in my life are there for a reason. Some are consequences for stupidity on my part, and I have to accept them for what they are and deal with them. Some just come out of the blue. Some are trivial, some are filled with potential.
It is my response to these things that is important. Do I just shrug my shoulders and say "whatever", or do I look for the lesson in the circumstance? Do I manipulate so as to get my desired outcome, or do I let God orchestrate?
I confess that if I see a way to enhance the chances of an outcome that looks good to me, that is what I want to do. I want to take the ball and run with it, when God says "just leave the ball with me".
Do I really believe that God's ways are best for me? Do I really need to help Him out?
It seems to me that it is up to me to walk through open doors and then trust Him, not to break the door down to get in. Many times I want to get active when He says "wait".
Waiting, trusting, accepting, listening then acting seems the more proper way to travel.
Oh God, help me to get me out of the way.
Does Job question God because of all that had happened in his life? Sure he did, but he did not curse God because of the circumstances, as his wife suggested, but held on to the lifeline of hope in the ultimate justice of the One who made him.
The circumstances in my life are there for a reason. Some are consequences for stupidity on my part, and I have to accept them for what they are and deal with them. Some just come out of the blue. Some are trivial, some are filled with potential.
It is my response to these things that is important. Do I just shrug my shoulders and say "whatever", or do I look for the lesson in the circumstance? Do I manipulate so as to get my desired outcome, or do I let God orchestrate?
I confess that if I see a way to enhance the chances of an outcome that looks good to me, that is what I want to do. I want to take the ball and run with it, when God says "just leave the ball with me".
Do I really believe that God's ways are best for me? Do I really need to help Him out?
It seems to me that it is up to me to walk through open doors and then trust Him, not to break the door down to get in. Many times I want to get active when He says "wait".
Waiting, trusting, accepting, listening then acting seems the more proper way to travel.
Oh God, help me to get me out of the way.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
My Dad-The Sequel
My post this morning takes a hint from Chambers, but really has nothing to do with his intent. "Feed my sheep", from John 21, is the verse connected with the reading, and I will use those words to continue the story of my dad.
Dad's job did keep our family fed, through the Depression and beyond. In a larger way, he helped to feed many more people around our area. You see, he was a produce buyer for a local chain store, and his job was to make sure that each store was stocked with the best and freshest produce around.
Back in the days of this story, my mind puts this in the early 40s, Dad would get up early each morning to go to the local farmer's market to buy the fruits and vegetables that would go to the stores that day. He brought a truck home in the evening, so he could go directly to market when the farmers came in. This was way before sunrise.
On this particular day, I got up and went out the door, probably on my way to school ( I walked to school, and back, several blocks, uphill both ways, barefoot and in the snow), when I noticed blood on the front sidewalk, steps and porch. Mom told me that Dad had been backing his truck out the driveway, with the front door open so he could see the way in the dark (no backup lights in those days), when he got too close to a tree and the door, with his hand holding it open, hit the tree. Knowing he had to get to market, he came back into the house, bandaged up his hand and went on to work, only later did he get it stitched up.
That was his work ethic. He had a responsibility, people depended on him, and he was not going to let them down, regardless. A damaged hand and a little blood would not alter that.
I guess I really can relate this to our relationship with our heavenly Father. A little blood did not stop his plan either.
Dad's job did keep our family fed, through the Depression and beyond. In a larger way, he helped to feed many more people around our area. You see, he was a produce buyer for a local chain store, and his job was to make sure that each store was stocked with the best and freshest produce around.
Back in the days of this story, my mind puts this in the early 40s, Dad would get up early each morning to go to the local farmer's market to buy the fruits and vegetables that would go to the stores that day. He brought a truck home in the evening, so he could go directly to market when the farmers came in. This was way before sunrise.
On this particular day, I got up and went out the door, probably on my way to school ( I walked to school, and back, several blocks, uphill both ways, barefoot and in the snow), when I noticed blood on the front sidewalk, steps and porch. Mom told me that Dad had been backing his truck out the driveway, with the front door open so he could see the way in the dark (no backup lights in those days), when he got too close to a tree and the door, with his hand holding it open, hit the tree. Knowing he had to get to market, he came back into the house, bandaged up his hand and went on to work, only later did he get it stitched up.
That was his work ethic. He had a responsibility, people depended on him, and he was not going to let them down, regardless. A damaged hand and a little blood would not alter that.
I guess I really can relate this to our relationship with our heavenly Father. A little blood did not stop his plan either.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Dad
Oswald Chambers talks a lot about abandonment, so I am going to go that route today and think about my dad instead of reflecting on the reading.
The thing that got me to thinking along this line was reading my daughter's blog last night about her dad (me), and her perceptions of how she saw me while growing up and even today. I may have agreed with those perceptions, or maybe not, but they are true in her eyes.
My dad was a hard working, honest, caring individual. He was a risk taker in business, a dedicated father, a leader who led by actions rather than words. He cared about family, friends and church. He was looked up to by those whom he was around, but did not look for a position of leadership, preferring to work behind the scenes instead of in the limelight. When he took time off to play, he played hard as well.
What things do I remember about my time with him? Playing football in the side yard of our home in Chattanooga when he blew out his knee, playing badminton on the court in our back yard there, two week vacations with the whole family at a YMCA family camp with other families, working with him in his business, sitting in church every Sunday with the family. We may have talked some, but what I remember most are the things we did.
I don't remember lectures on the right things to do. It seems that he expected his kids to see what he was doing and thinking, and what ideas and principles were important, realizing their worth and following in that path. He let us make our decisions, and he let us fail. He raised us to be independent, and when we were out on our own, did not interfere in our lives. I'm sure he cringed at some of the things we did, and decisions we made, but I do not remember him being critical.
He and my mom were good parents, taking care of our welfare and guiding us in the right pathways. As I look around today and hear some of the stories of dads from others, I know I have been blessed by God.
I also know that, as I write this pretty early in the morning, that I will think of many more things as I go through the day that I wished I had said. Maybe I'll give it a sequel tomorrow.
Anyway, my prayer today is one of gratitude for the life of my dad, and what he stood for.
The thing that got me to thinking along this line was reading my daughter's blog last night about her dad (me), and her perceptions of how she saw me while growing up and even today. I may have agreed with those perceptions, or maybe not, but they are true in her eyes.
My dad was a hard working, honest, caring individual. He was a risk taker in business, a dedicated father, a leader who led by actions rather than words. He cared about family, friends and church. He was looked up to by those whom he was around, but did not look for a position of leadership, preferring to work behind the scenes instead of in the limelight. When he took time off to play, he played hard as well.
What things do I remember about my time with him? Playing football in the side yard of our home in Chattanooga when he blew out his knee, playing badminton on the court in our back yard there, two week vacations with the whole family at a YMCA family camp with other families, working with him in his business, sitting in church every Sunday with the family. We may have talked some, but what I remember most are the things we did.
I don't remember lectures on the right things to do. It seems that he expected his kids to see what he was doing and thinking, and what ideas and principles were important, realizing their worth and following in that path. He let us make our decisions, and he let us fail. He raised us to be independent, and when we were out on our own, did not interfere in our lives. I'm sure he cringed at some of the things we did, and decisions we made, but I do not remember him being critical.
He and my mom were good parents, taking care of our welfare and guiding us in the right pathways. As I look around today and hear some of the stories of dads from others, I know I have been blessed by God.
I also know that, as I write this pretty early in the morning, that I will think of many more things as I go through the day that I wished I had said. Maybe I'll give it a sequel tomorrow.
Anyway, my prayer today is one of gratitude for the life of my dad, and what he stood for.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
My Tee Shirt
"God saves a man and endues him with the Holy Spirit, and then says in effect - "Now work it out, be loyal to Me, whilst the nature of things round about you would make you disloyal." "I have called you friends." Stand loyal to your Friend, and remember that His honour is at stake in your bodily life." (Oswald Chambers)
Jesus' honor is at stake in my life. That is pretty heavy, in fact it is so heavy that I really don't want to think about it a lot. Of course I do not want to dishonor His name, so I won't rob any banks today or kill anyone purposefully, but will people know that I am truly a Christ follower?
So I will not berate the produce clerk in Harris Teeter because the cauliflower is not fresh, or sit on my horn at the roundabout when the little old lady from New York won't move, even though I may want to. I especially won't do those things while wearing my St. Simons Community Church tee shirt or displaying the silver fish symbol on the back of my car.
Peter proclaimed loudly that he would never forsake Jesus and would even die for Him, but then ran away. I can dishonor Jesus just as much by keeping silent when a word is called for or for refusing to give even a cup of cold water in His name.
I can dishonor by a word, or lack of, by an action, or lack of, or by an attitude, or lack of. Those things in my everyday life, be they big or small, are arrows, either pointing toward the Savior or away from Him.
This may be an ordinary day, but I want to live it in an extraordinary way. I've even got my SSCC tee shirt on.
Jesus' honor is at stake in my life. That is pretty heavy, in fact it is so heavy that I really don't want to think about it a lot. Of course I do not want to dishonor His name, so I won't rob any banks today or kill anyone purposefully, but will people know that I am truly a Christ follower?
So I will not berate the produce clerk in Harris Teeter because the cauliflower is not fresh, or sit on my horn at the roundabout when the little old lady from New York won't move, even though I may want to. I especially won't do those things while wearing my St. Simons Community Church tee shirt or displaying the silver fish symbol on the back of my car.
Peter proclaimed loudly that he would never forsake Jesus and would even die for Him, but then ran away. I can dishonor Jesus just as much by keeping silent when a word is called for or for refusing to give even a cup of cold water in His name.
I can dishonor by a word, or lack of, by an action, or lack of, or by an attitude, or lack of. Those things in my everyday life, be they big or small, are arrows, either pointing toward the Savior or away from Him.
This may be an ordinary day, but I want to live it in an extraordinary way. I've even got my SSCC tee shirt on.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
An Ordinary Life
"There are times when there is no illumination and no thrill, but just the daily round, the common task. Routine is God's way of saving us between our times of inspiration. Do not expect God always to give you His thrilling minutes, but learn to live in the domain of drudgery by the power of God." (Oswald Chambers)
As I look back on my life I find that it has been mostly spent doing the ordinary things. Going to work, coming home, taking out the trash, mowing the yard, playing with the kids (and now their kids), going to church, playing golf and tennis and just being a dad and husband.
Sure, there have been some high points where I have felt close to God and His purposes in my life, but most of it has been in the valley of ordinariness.
Does my common life display any of the attributes that God wants me to show to the world, or am I just like all the others around me? Is there anything different in the way I live that would point others to the Savior?
I confess that most of the time I just go about my daily life without a thought of how I am living in front of others, and it seems as though I spend most of my waking hours just doing the ordinary. Since that is true should I not continually try to live closer to God and thereby take on more of His attributes? Could I live an extraordinary ordinary life?
Someone said "do your best in everything you do". Would this work in taking out the trash, too?
As I look back on my life I find that it has been mostly spent doing the ordinary things. Going to work, coming home, taking out the trash, mowing the yard, playing with the kids (and now their kids), going to church, playing golf and tennis and just being a dad and husband.
Sure, there have been some high points where I have felt close to God and His purposes in my life, but most of it has been in the valley of ordinariness.
Does my common life display any of the attributes that God wants me to show to the world, or am I just like all the others around me? Is there anything different in the way I live that would point others to the Savior?
I confess that most of the time I just go about my daily life without a thought of how I am living in front of others, and it seems as though I spend most of my waking hours just doing the ordinary. Since that is true should I not continually try to live closer to God and thereby take on more of His attributes? Could I live an extraordinary ordinary life?
Someone said "do your best in everything you do". Would this work in taking out the trash, too?
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
A Words
"Think of the things that take you out of abiding in Christ - Yes, Lord, just a minute, I have got this to do; Yes, I will abide when once this is finished; when this week is over, it will be all right, I will abide then. Get a move on; begin to abide now. In the initial stages it is a continual effort until it becomes so much the law of life that you abide in Him unconsciously. Determine to abide in Jesus wherever you are placed." (Oswald Chambers)
Two words that Chambers seems to be particularly fond of are abandonment and abiding, Of course they go together as when I abandon my self to Jesus then I am able to abide with Him.
Abiding is not a passive word. It is easy for me to think of that as I sit and meditate or read Scripture or pray, but true abiding is a continual thing. Regardless of circumstances, regardless of time, I need to make a concerted effort to place my thoughts on Him. Chambers says that if I do that long enough, it will be a natural thing that I do not even have to think about.
Now, I write all of this, and it sounds very good, but I confess that I do not know anything about it from an experience standpoint. I do not abide even as I sit and study. My mind is in a thousand different places, and my thoughts are miles away at times. I have to ask the question: is this even possible for a mere mortal like me?
Jesus words in John 15 are "Abide in me" so it must be possible and desirable. I just need to take it from the theoretical to the practical. But, as always, I need Divine Help.
Help!
Two words that Chambers seems to be particularly fond of are abandonment and abiding, Of course they go together as when I abandon my self to Jesus then I am able to abide with Him.
Abiding is not a passive word. It is easy for me to think of that as I sit and meditate or read Scripture or pray, but true abiding is a continual thing. Regardless of circumstances, regardless of time, I need to make a concerted effort to place my thoughts on Him. Chambers says that if I do that long enough, it will be a natural thing that I do not even have to think about.
Now, I write all of this, and it sounds very good, but I confess that I do not know anything about it from an experience standpoint. I do not abide even as I sit and study. My mind is in a thousand different places, and my thoughts are miles away at times. I have to ask the question: is this even possible for a mere mortal like me?
Jesus words in John 15 are "Abide in me" so it must be possible and desirable. I just need to take it from the theoretical to the practical. But, as always, I need Divine Help.
Help!
Monday, June 13, 2011
Come and let go
"there is only one thing you can consecrate to God, and that is your right to yourself (Romans 12:1)." (Oswald Chambers)
For the past several days, Chambers has been writing on the theme of "Come", and I have been thinking on my response to this command of Jesus. What does it mean to come? What is Jesus calling me to? A better life? a more fruitful life? or the only life that really matters?
Another one of Chambers favorite themes is abandonment. This is a giving up of my right to myself. I think of the description of a famous soccer player of a few years back, "he plays with reckless abandon". He plays with no thought of himself or possible physical injury, he just is so into the game, that it is all that matters.
When I picture in my mind an image of Jesus looking back at me and saying "Come", I sense that it is a personal journey into the unknown. But I also sense that this journey is not to be taken alone, but that the word "come" is an invitation to join Him as we do this together.
If I know that this journey into "come" is for my best, even if the details are unknown, why do I keep looking back and leaving bread crumbs on the trail? This attitude knows no abandonment.
I have trusted Christ to save me from my sins, by his death on the cross for me. I have resolved to follow Him, but I see that I am following from so far back, that His voice is scarcely audible.
The invitation to "come" denotes a constant relationship, and this constant relationship includes abandonment of my rights to myself.
Could this possibly be done? Certainly not alone....
For the past several days, Chambers has been writing on the theme of "Come", and I have been thinking on my response to this command of Jesus. What does it mean to come? What is Jesus calling me to? A better life? a more fruitful life? or the only life that really matters?
Another one of Chambers favorite themes is abandonment. This is a giving up of my right to myself. I think of the description of a famous soccer player of a few years back, "he plays with reckless abandon". He plays with no thought of himself or possible physical injury, he just is so into the game, that it is all that matters.
When I picture in my mind an image of Jesus looking back at me and saying "Come", I sense that it is a personal journey into the unknown. But I also sense that this journey is not to be taken alone, but that the word "come" is an invitation to join Him as we do this together.
If I know that this journey into "come" is for my best, even if the details are unknown, why do I keep looking back and leaving bread crumbs on the trail? This attitude knows no abandonment.
I have trusted Christ to save me from my sins, by his death on the cross for me. I have resolved to follow Him, but I see that I am following from so far back, that His voice is scarcely audible.
The invitation to "come" denotes a constant relationship, and this constant relationship includes abandonment of my rights to myself.
Could this possibly be done? Certainly not alone....
Friday, June 10, 2011
Woe is me!
"And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." Luke 11:9
Jesus has just taught his disciples to pray in the preceding verses, and now he gives them this. Seek, ask and knock.
Do I ask for something because I know that God is the giver of all things, or do I ask out of a sense of poverty and desperation? Jesus also said in Matthew that "blessed are the poor in spirit", so a realization of my poverty in spiritual things is not a bad thing, but necessary to my asking and receiving.
So I must ask myself, how often am I so desperate for God's Spirit that I seek, ask and knock?
I knows that it sounds good, but then up jumps the sin of self-sufficiency, and I think that I am not really so desperate after all.
In Proverbs it says that "those who seek me, find me". Seeking is not a casual process, it is more a consuming one. One that says that if I don't find You, I am undone. Woe is me.
I need to seek, really seek, those things that God wants for me in my life, because if not...woe is me.
Jesus has just taught his disciples to pray in the preceding verses, and now he gives them this. Seek, ask and knock.
Do I ask for something because I know that God is the giver of all things, or do I ask out of a sense of poverty and desperation? Jesus also said in Matthew that "blessed are the poor in spirit", so a realization of my poverty in spiritual things is not a bad thing, but necessary to my asking and receiving.
So I must ask myself, how often am I so desperate for God's Spirit that I seek, ask and knock?
I knows that it sounds good, but then up jumps the sin of self-sufficiency, and I think that I am not really so desperate after all.
In Proverbs it says that "those who seek me, find me". Seeking is not a casual process, it is more a consuming one. One that says that if I don't find You, I am undone. Woe is me.
I need to seek, really seek, those things that God wants for me in my life, because if not...woe is me.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Sawyer
What Next?
Our oldest grandson is graduating from high school today. It is a big day for him and his family, and a milestone in his life. He is gifted academically, athletically and socially. He has compiled a record of achievements that everyone can be proud of, and we all are.
Now he moves on. College in Maine is his next destination. Everyone's life around him will change, as he will. It is a new era in his life, and I'm sure he looks forward to it with some sense of trepidation as well as anticipation. Even though he thinks he is prepared for this change, the unknown factors can be exciting as well as scary.
As I sit here this morning waiting to go to the graduation ceremony, I am praying that God will be with him each step of this way. For protection, for direction, for guidance and for discernment in this new life. I am praying that God will bring into his life, those that would assist him in being all that God wants him to be.
Thank you God for Sawyer, bless him and use him in your service.
Our oldest grandson is graduating from high school today. It is a big day for him and his family, and a milestone in his life. He is gifted academically, athletically and socially. He has compiled a record of achievements that everyone can be proud of, and we all are.
Now he moves on. College in Maine is his next destination. Everyone's life around him will change, as he will. It is a new era in his life, and I'm sure he looks forward to it with some sense of trepidation as well as anticipation. Even though he thinks he is prepared for this change, the unknown factors can be exciting as well as scary.
As I sit here this morning waiting to go to the graduation ceremony, I am praying that God will be with him each step of this way. For protection, for direction, for guidance and for discernment in this new life. I am praying that God will bring into his life, those that would assist him in being all that God wants him to be.
Thank you God for Sawyer, bless him and use him in your service.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Abiding or Busy?
"The disciple who abides in Jesus is the will of God, and his apparently free choices are God's fore-ordained decrees." (Oswald Chambers)
Chambers talks about abiding again today, and again I have to confess that I have not done much abiding in the past couple of days. In fact, even though I read him yesterday, I did nothing with the reading, not even jotting down a single note.
Any excuses for this lapse? Sure, but are they valid in any way?
We are in Charlotte for our oldest grandson's graduation. We actually came on Saturday for his race in Kernersville, went to church with some friends on Sunday, and then Sawyer had a piano recital that afternoon. Monday, we helped at the school on the yearbooks, to get them ready for distribution on Wednesday.
Today is also our 53drd wedding anniversary, AND I REMEMBERED. We are blessed to have had these years together, and I know how fortunate I am. God blessed me in spite of myself.
So Mr. Chambers says that in spite of all that is going on in my life, I need to abide in Christ. In fact, he says that If I am abiding, all of these other things will be the things that God has planned for my life, to bless me in them.
So, am I abiding or just plain busy? God knows the answer to that question, and, regrettably so do I.
Chambers talks about abiding again today, and again I have to confess that I have not done much abiding in the past couple of days. In fact, even though I read him yesterday, I did nothing with the reading, not even jotting down a single note.
Any excuses for this lapse? Sure, but are they valid in any way?
We are in Charlotte for our oldest grandson's graduation. We actually came on Saturday for his race in Kernersville, went to church with some friends on Sunday, and then Sawyer had a piano recital that afternoon. Monday, we helped at the school on the yearbooks, to get them ready for distribution on Wednesday.
Today is also our 53drd wedding anniversary, AND I REMEMBERED. We are blessed to have had these years together, and I know how fortunate I am. God blessed me in spite of myself.
So Mr. Chambers says that in spite of all that is going on in my life, I need to abide in Christ. In fact, he says that If I am abiding, all of these other things will be the things that God has planned for my life, to bless me in them.
So, am I abiding or just plain busy? God knows the answer to that question, and, regrettably so do I.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Dread
"Faith in many a one falters when the apprehensions come, they forget the meaning of God's say-so, forget to take a deep breath spiritually. The only way to get the dread taken out of us is to listen to God's say-so." (Oswald Chambers)
Originally, when I began today's journal, I used the word fear instead of dread. Then as I thought about what I really feared, I realized that the word dread came much closer to my apprehensions.
For one thing I do not like confrontations, especially if I have to initiate one. My nature is to seek harmony in my relationships with others. Maybe it is a need to be liked, but if I see a situation that needs to be corrected, in my opinion, I am more likely to say that it will work itself out in the long run, than to confront the person at fault, again in my opinion, with a need to do something about it. I really dread this scenario, and generally avoid it.
This avoidance frequently is a cop-out on my part and many times is not the correct way to go. It shows a lack of conviction on my part of what I truly believe is right.
I am praying for two things today:
the resolve to confront when and where God leads
an attitude of love in all these situations
Originally, when I began today's journal, I used the word fear instead of dread. Then as I thought about what I really feared, I realized that the word dread came much closer to my apprehensions.
For one thing I do not like confrontations, especially if I have to initiate one. My nature is to seek harmony in my relationships with others. Maybe it is a need to be liked, but if I see a situation that needs to be corrected, in my opinion, I am more likely to say that it will work itself out in the long run, than to confront the person at fault, again in my opinion, with a need to do something about it. I really dread this scenario, and generally avoid it.
This avoidance frequently is a cop-out on my part and many times is not the correct way to go. It shows a lack of conviction on my part of what I truly believe is right.
I am praying for two things today:
the resolve to confront when and where God leads
an attitude of love in all these situations
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Ordinary Times
"For He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Hebrews 13:5
This is a tough time for a lot of people. We counsel people who have deep financial problems due to reduced income, or high expenses or both. Sometimes it is self inflicted and sometimes just the circumstances of the times. Their reactions run the gamut from fear to trust. Some are scared, and some hinge their outlook on the verse from Hebrews above.
I cannot say that I have ever been through tough financial times. There have been times I have despaired of a situation, and did not know how it would work out, but it did. Even in those times, my recognition of the Hand of God in the matter was more in the aftermath, and not as much in the living through it. Twenty- twenty hindsight showed how God worked, but at the time, I did not see Him.
Do I stop to realize how He is working in the ordinary days of my life? My IRA has not tanked, my house is not close to foreclosure, there is not a thought of what I will eat tomorrow, or next week, or next month. I tend to live as if I had put a great financial plan in place, and that God will continue to bless these efforts. I am not like the man in the parable that was tearing down his barns so he could build bigger ones for all his stuff, but neither am I continually giving God thanks for his care over my life.
It is easy to give a quick "Thank You", when times are not pressing, without being truly thankful. The good times can be more dangerous to my faith than the bad.
God has said that He will not leave us or forsake us, and that is true in the "good times" as well as the bad.
God, help me to give more than lip service to that fact.
This is a tough time for a lot of people. We counsel people who have deep financial problems due to reduced income, or high expenses or both. Sometimes it is self inflicted and sometimes just the circumstances of the times. Their reactions run the gamut from fear to trust. Some are scared, and some hinge their outlook on the verse from Hebrews above.
I cannot say that I have ever been through tough financial times. There have been times I have despaired of a situation, and did not know how it would work out, but it did. Even in those times, my recognition of the Hand of God in the matter was more in the aftermath, and not as much in the living through it. Twenty- twenty hindsight showed how God worked, but at the time, I did not see Him.
Do I stop to realize how He is working in the ordinary days of my life? My IRA has not tanked, my house is not close to foreclosure, there is not a thought of what I will eat tomorrow, or next week, or next month. I tend to live as if I had put a great financial plan in place, and that God will continue to bless these efforts. I am not like the man in the parable that was tearing down his barns so he could build bigger ones for all his stuff, but neither am I continually giving God thanks for his care over my life.
It is easy to give a quick "Thank You", when times are not pressing, without being truly thankful. The good times can be more dangerous to my faith than the bad.
God has said that He will not leave us or forsake us, and that is true in the "good times" as well as the bad.
God, help me to give more than lip service to that fact.
Friday, June 3, 2011
"Whatever"
"If we are saved and sanctified God guides us by our ordinary choices, and if we are going to choose what He does not want, He will check, and we must heed. Whenever there is doubt, Stop at once. Never reason it out and say - "I wonder why I shouldn't?" God instructs us in what we choose, that is, He guides our common sense, and we no longer hinder His Spirit by continually saying - "Now, Lord, what is Thy will?" (Oswald Chambers)
Chambers indicates that there are two "common senses". There is the one that is of the world, that would be the way those that are not Christian operate, and there is also that "common sense" that is given by God that points us to the way that God wants us to live our everyday lives.
I often say that I operate under the sense of "thy will be done", but is it just a fatalistic thought that whatever will be will be, or is it a conscious knowledge of God is in control and I want to be in the center of what He wants for my life?
I hear people say, when some correction is given in their lives, the one word phrase "whatever". This shrugging of the shoulders and the speaking of the word, gives the idea of apparent submission but not gladly.
I definitely do not want to be a "whatever" Christian.
God help me.
Chambers indicates that there are two "common senses". There is the one that is of the world, that would be the way those that are not Christian operate, and there is also that "common sense" that is given by God that points us to the way that God wants us to live our everyday lives.
I often say that I operate under the sense of "thy will be done", but is it just a fatalistic thought that whatever will be will be, or is it a conscious knowledge of God is in control and I want to be in the center of what He wants for my life?
I hear people say, when some correction is given in their lives, the one word phrase "whatever". This shrugging of the shoulders and the speaking of the word, gives the idea of apparent submission but not gladly.
I definitely do not want to be a "whatever" Christian.
God help me.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Haunted
"So we are to live and move and have our being in God, to look at everything in relation to God, because the abiding consciousness of God pushes itself to the front all the time." (Oswald Chambers)
The title of today's reading is What are you haunted by? Haunted in the regard of what thoughts are persistent in my mind, and what ideas and thoughts do I continually abide in.
I look at my thoughts even so far this morning, when I sit here writing this at 8AM, after only being up for an hour or so. My wants, my needs, my plans, and my schedule dominate my conscious mind. There is a constant theme here...my, my, my.
If there is a haunting realization in my life right now, it is the fact of what my mind concentrates on most of the time. Self absorption seems to rule, as God hovers on the edges of my life.
This journal (or blog) is an exercise in self examination. Where do I stand in relation to the ideas that Chambers brings out in his writing? First of all, I try to understand what he is saying, and that is not always easy. Then I look at my life in regard to that and to the Scripture that he uses. The result is not often good.
It is hard enough for me to concentrate on God when I am in the midst of this, much less when the things of the world close in around me in the rest of the day. If I am haunted by anything this morning, it is the self centeredness of my life.
David's prayer in Psalm 25 is mine for today.
"Guide me into your truth, and teach me.
For you are the God who delivers me;
on you I rely all day long."
May it be so.
The title of today's reading is What are you haunted by? Haunted in the regard of what thoughts are persistent in my mind, and what ideas and thoughts do I continually abide in.
I look at my thoughts even so far this morning, when I sit here writing this at 8AM, after only being up for an hour or so. My wants, my needs, my plans, and my schedule dominate my conscious mind. There is a constant theme here...my, my, my.
If there is a haunting realization in my life right now, it is the fact of what my mind concentrates on most of the time. Self absorption seems to rule, as God hovers on the edges of my life.
This journal (or blog) is an exercise in self examination. Where do I stand in relation to the ideas that Chambers brings out in his writing? First of all, I try to understand what he is saying, and that is not always easy. Then I look at my life in regard to that and to the Scripture that he uses. The result is not often good.
It is hard enough for me to concentrate on God when I am in the midst of this, much less when the things of the world close in around me in the rest of the day. If I am haunted by anything this morning, it is the self centeredness of my life.
David's prayer in Psalm 25 is mine for today.
"Guide me into your truth, and teach me.
For you are the God who delivers me;
on you I rely all day long."
May it be so.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Q and A
"There is only one answer: "O Lord, Thou knowest, I don't." (Oswald Chambers)
There are a lot of questions out there:
Why.....?
What do I.....?
How do I.....?
Where do I.....?
Who should I.....?
I can fill in the blanks with questions or concerns in my own life, and I look for answers from God. Specific answers to specific questions are what I need so I can plan my life in light of them.
God knows our thoughts and each of our questions. He knows why we want answers, but the answer that we most need to hear is "I know, and you do not have to right now".
I ask questions because I don't know. Specific situations come my way and I want to know why, and I want to know how to, and what can I.
Perhaps the point I need to come to is to be satisfied that God Knows and that He cares and that He will show me my part in the story at the right time. I want to know now so I can be in charge and work it out. God alone is God and I am not.
So, can I trust God in all of this? Is it enough that He knows?
Lord, Thou knowest. Help me to know that that is enough.
There are a lot of questions out there:
Why.....?
What do I.....?
How do I.....?
Where do I.....?
Who should I.....?
I can fill in the blanks with questions or concerns in my own life, and I look for answers from God. Specific answers to specific questions are what I need so I can plan my life in light of them.
God knows our thoughts and each of our questions. He knows why we want answers, but the answer that we most need to hear is "I know, and you do not have to right now".
I ask questions because I don't know. Specific situations come my way and I want to know why, and I want to know how to, and what can I.
Perhaps the point I need to come to is to be satisfied that God Knows and that He cares and that He will show me my part in the story at the right time. I want to know now so I can be in charge and work it out. God alone is God and I am not.
So, can I trust God in all of this? Is it enough that He knows?
Lord, Thou knowest. Help me to know that that is enough.
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