God’s Word

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, “dwell” means “to live in a place or in a particular way.” It us a verb, which denotes action. So, if Christ’s Word dwells in me, it implies that his Word lives in me, perhaps in a particular way. Might that way influence how I think or act? Might it influence how I respond to others? Might it enable me to offer God’s grace to others?

Father, as I read and contemplate your Word, I pray that it will reside in my heart and influence my thoughts and actions to more closely resemble yours.

Spiritual Lessons

“…the deepest spiritual lessons are not learned by his letting us have our way in the end, but by his making us wait, bearing with us in love and patience until we are able to honestly pray what he taught his disciples to pray: Thy will be done.”

Elisabeth Elliot

Lord, it is easier to pray for want I want. Teach me to meet you in that still, small place where I can listen and learn. In the waiting, let my soul be receptive to the lessons you’d have me learn. Teach me to pray in all circumstances, “Thy will be done.”

I’m back! So sorry for the break in the posts. Between knee surgery and a computer that decided to die, I’ve been unable to post for a while. But now, the knee is better, the dead computer has been replaced, and all my files were saved.

I wrote this verse years ago at a Christian retreat. I can still remember seeking a quiet place and reading “The Anima Christi.” It really spoke to my heart. That evening, sitting cross-legged in a quiet corner, I wrote this poem. Even though we’ve already celebrated Easter this year, this poem is one to contemplate after Easter. I hope it touches you.

Blood of Christ

Blood of Christ course through my heart,

That I may love like thee,

Blood of Christ course through my brain,

That I may think like thee.

Blood of Christ, nourish my tongue,

That it may speak for you,

Blood of Christ nourish my eyes,

Let them see as you do.

Blood of Christ flow to my hands,

That they may do your tasks.

Blood of Christ flow to my feet,

That they may walk your paths.

“Blood of Christ fill all my veins;”*

Then You will live in me.

“Blood of Christ fill all my veins;”

Your blood has made me free.

*from “The Anima Christi,” a poem written by an anonymous Medieval writer

God’s Embrace

A tickle deep in my throat prompted me to leave the sanctuary during the sermon.             I got a drink, coughed, and blew my nose where the noise wouldn’t disturb others. Standing outside the nursery, I heard several little ones crying. On an impulse, I opened the door, ready to help.

As soon as I walked in the room, a little cherub of 2 or 3 walked toward me with arms outstretched. I sat on the floor and she climbed into my lap and placed her head on my chest. After a few moments she got up and played with one of the toys. Soon she was back on my lap, ready for more snuggling. For the rest of the service, she didn’t say a word, but quietly cuddled.

I didn’t hear the sermon that morning. My sermon came in actions, not words. A little toddler reminded me that God will hold and comfort us whenever we walk toward him with arms open wide.

“The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms….” Deuteronomy 33:26a

Abba Father, let me be like the little child, my arms open wide to receive your comforting embrace.

Home

“Home is the center of my being where I can hear the voice that says: ‘You are my Beloved, on you my favor rests’—the same voice that gave life to the first Adam and spoke to Jesus, the second Adam; the same voice that speaks to all the children of God and sets them free to live in the midst of a dark world while remaining in the light.” — Henri Nouwen

Thank you, Lord, for setting me free to live in your light.

Healing What Ails You

Healing What Ails You

Earlier, I caught a nasty virus, the kind that plays havoc with your digestive system.

Of course, we were out of town when it hit. During our granddaughter’s dance competition, we sat in the balcony watching so many beautiful dancers. While waiting for her solos, it hit hard.

The closest bathroom was upstairs. I had to run up two flights of stairs to get there. Unfortunately, it hit every ten minutes for a couple of hours. I made many hurried flights up those stairs. Luckily, no one else was around, so I had some privacy.

Clearly, my body was trying to get rid of whatever was causing all these problems. Later, at the doctor’s office, I learned that norovirus was the culprit. After some pain pills, bowls of steaming hot soup, and a week of rest, I felt 100% again.

If only it were that simple with the soul. If only we could vomit out all the nasty thoughts and evil desires. If only that would happen without us even having to think about it.

Impure thoughts in? What if the soul would just automatically spit them out?

That would be easy, wouldn’t it?

Unfortunately, we can carry impure thoughts and evil intentions within us that poison our souls and harm those around us.

Unlike a virus, they don’t automatically purge themselves from our souls. But God, in His infinite wisdom, shows us how to purify our souls.

Prayer and self-reflection begin the process.

Asking God to forgive us cleanses our soul.

Opening the bible and reading God’s word continues the healing.

Just as our bodies get rid of the viruses and germs that cause illness, so our souls have ways of cleansing our sin and spiritual disease. God, our great physician, provides ways for us to draw closer to Him.

What are you doing to cleanse your soul of spiritual illness?

Thank you, healing God, for revealing our sin and spiritual disease. Thank You for providing healing for what ails our souls.