Friday, August 3, 2012

Consider: Attitude RJD # 19




Sometimes, I have a lousy attitude. Several factors can contribute in my way of presenting myself, if I’m in pain, whether I have gotten enough sleep, or if I feel pressed for time. Let’s look at how Mary looked at her circumstance after she was told she would bear the Son of God.
3/02/04
Luke 1:46-55 Mary’s Song
Mary could have grumbled and complained about what had befallen her; but, instead, she chose to glorify God. She had the right to say, “No!” but she accepted her role in God’s Will for His people. When Mary went to see Elizabeth, the older relative told Mary that she, Mary, is blessed among women and also the child inside her is blessed. Even the child Elizabeth carried recognized the significance of Mary and the unborn Child.

            We all deal with attitudes, some not so nice. But we need to focus on Mary’s for a bit. She glorified God although the external circumstances would bring shame to her, her parents, to Joseph, her fiancĂ©, and to his parents.
(Present thoughts)
            I sometimes forget to look at God’s attributes when things seem to go against me. I need to do better about this.


Wednesday, August 1, 2012

The Lord’s Guiding

Hubby called me to our back door to show me this wonderful sight.





“By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide

 them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light,

so that they could travel by day or by night. Exodus 13: 21-22 (NIV)

As Sunday school class let out one Sunday, I made a note in my memo book to think on God’s leading in our lives. As a part of the note I included the phrases “pillar of cloud” and “pillar of fire.” We had touched on how the Lord leads us through our lives.

”. . . the Lord went ahead of them . . . .” When I hear people pray for other’s serious needs, the phrase “Lord, please go before him or her as they go to their doctor appointment.” I now understand the basis of this plea. God went ahead of the Israelites as they wandered in the wilderness those four decades.

“. . . in a pillar of cloud. . . “The Israelites had this sign. They could see the pillar in the sky every day-all day long. However, we don’t always have a sign. We have to go on our faith in God to see us through.

“ . .to guide them on their way . . “God did not leave the Israelites to fend for themselves. He led them through the wilderness. Yes, their behavior caused them to be in a prolonged search for the land promised to them. But God was there watching over them. God continues to watch over His children. The wreck we almost had last week was confirmation that God had worked it out for Hubby to drive me to the store. Had I been driving, I couldn’t have reacted as quickly as he did. We would have had to wait on insurance estimates and gone through the hassle of getting our car fixed.

. . . by night in a pillar of fire . . .” The Lord let His presence be known to the Israelites even at night. I’m sure they found comfort in this. When we have difficult issues we find comfort in knowing God is near. We   never know the outcome of our trials but we know God is right there with us as we go through them.  

“. . . to give them light. . .” God allowed the Israelites to see in the darkness. They could see where they were going and steer away from dangers as they wandered through the wilderness. The Lord does the same thing for us. He gives us guidance through His word, answers to our prayers, and speaking to our hearts.

Monday, July 30, 2012

Standing in Grace





“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith,

we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

through whom we have gained access through faith in this

grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope

of the glory of God.” Romans 5:1-2 (NIV)

“. . . justified through faith. . . “> When we ask Jesus into our hearts he looks at each of us “just-as- if- I’d” not sinned. As far as he’s concerned, we have a clean slate. He does this for us because we will rely on Him to guide us through this life.

“. . . peace with God . . .” People have searched for peace from the beginning of time. Believers in Christ have learned that a right relationship with the Father is the foundation of the peace the world seeks.

 “. . . access through faith. . .” We can receive this faith in Christ if we choose to. Hebrews 11 is referred to as the faith chapter. We have the stories of the patriarchs, and the apostles to demonstrate faith to us as we journey through our days.


“. . .in this grace . . .” We have God’s unmerited love to guide us as we venture forward in this world, as we seek to enlarge His kingdom by writing, speaking and living for Him.


“. . . in which we now stand . . .” As God’s children, we don’t have to wait for His grace. We have it when we bow before Him and pray the sinner’s prayer. Because we have His grace, we can face anything that the world chooses to throw at us.


“. . . rejoice in the hope. . .” Have you ever praised God for something He has yet to do? We had carpet ordered for our living room. It seemed to take a lot longer to come in than we were told. One morning, I found myself thanking God for it. Two days later, we received the call that it was in.


. . . the glory of God.” Our ultimate goal is to see God in all His splendor. This comes to us as a reward for our living for Him. In the meantime, we have the hope to keep us strong, to assist us in doing His will while we await what He has for us.

God Alone

  Jesus and the children at our church's prayer walk.          I will both lie down in peace and sleep;  For You alone, O LORD make ...