The Rock

I took advantage of the late December 60 degree afternoon by walking along the nature trails in Pawnee Prairie Park.  The ground is soft beneath my feet, and the view is fantastic.  The various paths meander through scenic routes. One can walk through short grass, cedar forests, deciduous trees, or beside the curving Cowskin Creek.  Here the air is fresh and crisp, and I step out briskly, working off my December overindulgences.  Quickly I begin sweating lightly, and push up the sleeves of my sweat suit.  After half an hour, I stop to rest beside the creek.  Here a large tree trunk curves over the water’s edge:  a perfect place to sit and listen to the rushing water.  Large chunks of cement have been dumped into the creek here at its bend, and I sit and listen to the water gurgle over and around them.  I wonder if I could hopscotch across the stream on these rocks; it is only ten feet wide.  I stand up on the rock nearest to the bank.  It is solid and easily supports my weight.  Leaning over slightly, I put my foot on the next rock, which is also solid, but slippery.  I hesitate, and then lose my nerve.  I can’t risk falling off these rocks into the cold water when I am two miles from home and warmth.  It would be exhilarating to cross the stream, but my fear keeps me from attempting it.

In Psalm 18:2, David speaks of God as his rock:  “the LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.”  Isaiah also speaks of God as his rock:  “Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD is the Rock eternal” (26:4).  If God is our rock and our fortress, do we put our trust in Him, knowing that His firmness will hold us up?  Instead of placing our weight on him, how many times do we lose our nerve, just as I did by not trusting the rock to help me cross the stream?  When we fail to trust our eternal Rock, we never experience the blessings He has reserved for us.

Help me, Father, to rely on Your strength and to trust Your support.  Give me the courage to step out in faith, knowing Your strength is sufficient for my needs.

Deuteronomy 32:4a “He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just.”

Being Teachable

“Christ is able to teach us. See how he taught the disciples. He never wearied of their learning from Him. So He will teach us if we will only listen to Him.”

– D.L. Moody

Lord, keep me teachable. Your disciples were common men, yet they learned and served you so well. So there is hope for me, a common woman. Help me to learn Your ways.

Praise ye the Lord

Praise the Lord, for He is good. He is wisdom and love, peace and hope. He created all things and gives us grace.

Thank you, loving Father, for Your countless blessings.

Inheriting the Treasure

Inheriting the Treasure

When my parents died, they left my brothers and me all their worldly treasures.  Fortunately for us, they had planned well.  They left a will, named an executor, and had their investments and savings earmarked as payable on death to us.

Even though they planned carefully, we have waded through rivers of red tape to receive their treasures.  Fill out this form, email the lawyer, call the federal government, wait on hold…. on hold…on hold to speak to a real person.  After eight months the river of red tape has dried to a trickle and the estate is nearly settled; their worldly treasures will soon be equally divided among the four of us.

No forms are necessary to receive God’s infinite treasures.  One merely needs to say, “Yes, I accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and savior.”That’s basically it.  No need to wait on hold, no need to contact a lawyer, no need to wade through red tape.  Just believe.  Just accept.  What treasures will believers receive?  An eternity in heaven, free of tears and pain, and an abundant life serving God here on earth.

Father God, thank you for making us your sons and daughters and for bequeathing us your spiritual treasures. Revelation 21:7 “He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son.” 

Use the Soap

If Christianity is valid, why is there so much evil in the world?” To this the famous preacher replied, “With so much soap, why are there so many dirty people in the world? Christianity, like soap, must be personally applied if it is to make a difference in our lives.

Billy Graham

Remind us, Lord, to constantly apply the soap, so we can share Your love and grace with others.

Putting Away the Decorations

          The holiday season is over. The tree is down, the lights are off, and the decorations are packed. But what do we do with the Christ child? Do we wrap him in bubble wrap and place him in storage until next December? If we do, then we’ve missed the whole point of Christmas.

 Every child needs nourishment, love, and care, including the Christ child living within us. If He only resides on a shelf in the storage closet, He has no opportunity to grow in our lives. If He only appears on Sunday morning, we miss the daily joy of His presence. Caring for our Christ child involves dedicated effort, but the results are worth the time and energy. 

Jesus has promised us peace, abundant life, and spiritual riches beyond measure. If we desire these gifts, we must unroll the bubble wrap and place Christ in a prominent place in our hearts all twelve months of the year.

Father, thank you for the gift of the Christ child. May we keep Him close in our hearts all year long.

Peace

I don’t begin to understand how He does it, but He does and I’m so thankful for it.

Thank You, Father for the peace you provide us. Even in the midst of chaos and despair, You touch our hearts and give us peace. Thank you, Lord.