Time is often measured by moments, hours, days and weeks but I am finding that I must measure my nights by seasons. This can be a challenge because sometimes there is a pestilence that stalks in the darkness. I encountered it last night.
When I left the hospital after surgery my doctors cautioned me about several things. One of the main cautions had to do with preventing a rupture of the membrane that holds my Cerebrospinal fluids. This is a clear, colorless body fluid that helps to cushion or buffer the brain's cortex. Because of my surgery I was told for example not to blow my nose for two weeks because it could cause a rupture of the membranes that contain this fluid possibly causing an infection of the fluids resulting in Meningitis.
I believe in a similar way our Heavenly Father designed our soul and our spirit to be bathed continually by the peace of Christ. The arrows I encountered in the nighttime was fear but I sought shelter of the Most High and I chose to abide in the shadow of the Almighty. The membrane was not ruptured by fear because when I cried out He delivered me from the fowlers snare. In His presence my scream of terror was transformed into a song of praise.
The night was long but my soul and spirit had found its resting place in the love of my Savior. I spent the rest of the night in worship. I sang love songs to my Lord. "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life of whom shall I be afraid." (Psalm 27:1)
I have learned in life that while weeping may abide in the night joy will always come in the morning. Just look to the East the Sun will always rise. Because of the tender mercy of our God, we have been visited by the sunrise from on high and He, Himself has given light to those who once sat in darkness and in the shadow of death. Jesus guides our feet into a way of peace where the dark pestilence cannot follow.
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
The Kindness of Strangers
It was a week ago today I was checking into Vanderbilt for brain surgery. I am writing this at five in the morning after a long night, but I'm writing from my own home and deeply aware of the many kindnesses that have been shown me. I've been thinking about this all night and wanted to record what is on my heart before the memories begin to fade.
I wish I could honor by name each of the kind and compassionate people who blessed me during my stay at Vanderbilt. I remember when I was a little girl in school, I would sit in class and wonder what it would be like to be one of the smart students. Well, I never did get to find out, but now so many years later I do know what it's like to be the patient of brilliant capable kind strangers. There were so many on the team that morning helping me, and they all introduced themselves to me. I looked into their kind eyes and found comfort.
I have many very wonderful friends who are nurses. It is a special calling, a demanding calling. My surgery began last week at seven-thirty in the morning, and I was put in NeuroICU at ten-thirty that night. All night long it seemed as if I was being attended to by ministering angels. I was aware of intense thirst and a night that seemed unending, but I was intensely comforted by the efficiency of those who never left my side. The young red headed nurse, whose name I do not know but who seemed to understand my unspoken needs, stayed with me all night and then took me to have an MRI at five that morning. Hers was the last face I saw before the cage was put over my face and I was slowly inserted into the capsule. Her presence gave me courage, since she seemed to have never left my side during that first eternal night.
The last day of my stay there was a gentle tap at the door and the room was quietly filled the kind presence of the cleaning lady. I could only follow her with my eyes; I was aware of her diligence. I thanked her and told how comforting it was for me to be so beautifully care for. She smiled and said that was her true goal, not just to clean the room, but to bring me comfort. It was hard not to cry, as before she left the room, she came to my bed and said, "Honey, God loves you. He's watching over you and you're going to be all right." Looking into her eyes I realized I was no longer in the presence of a stranger. I saw the reflection of Jesus in her eyes.
I wish I could honor by name each of the kind and compassionate people who blessed me during my stay at Vanderbilt. I remember when I was a little girl in school, I would sit in class and wonder what it would be like to be one of the smart students. Well, I never did get to find out, but now so many years later I do know what it's like to be the patient of brilliant capable kind strangers. There were so many on the team that morning helping me, and they all introduced themselves to me. I looked into their kind eyes and found comfort.
I have many very wonderful friends who are nurses. It is a special calling, a demanding calling. My surgery began last week at seven-thirty in the morning, and I was put in NeuroICU at ten-thirty that night. All night long it seemed as if I was being attended to by ministering angels. I was aware of intense thirst and a night that seemed unending, but I was intensely comforted by the efficiency of those who never left my side. The young red headed nurse, whose name I do not know but who seemed to understand my unspoken needs, stayed with me all night and then took me to have an MRI at five that morning. Hers was the last face I saw before the cage was put over my face and I was slowly inserted into the capsule. Her presence gave me courage, since she seemed to have never left my side during that first eternal night.
The last day of my stay there was a gentle tap at the door and the room was quietly filled the kind presence of the cleaning lady. I could only follow her with my eyes; I was aware of her diligence. I thanked her and told how comforting it was for me to be so beautifully care for. She smiled and said that was her true goal, not just to clean the room, but to bring me comfort. It was hard not to cry, as before she left the room, she came to my bed and said, "Honey, God loves you. He's watching over you and you're going to be all right." Looking into her eyes I realized I was no longer in the presence of a stranger. I saw the reflection of Jesus in her eyes.
Monday, September 28, 2015
When the Hidden is Revealed
It was in the twilight of post surgery that my daughter told me what the surgical team had explained to my family while I was in recovery. One out of seventy acoustic neuromas present themselves primarily on the facial nerve; when this happens the surgical team, in order to keep from severing that nerve, will leave a microscopic portion of the tumor. The predawn MRI confirmed that I still have a portion of the tumor that could grow to replace the one removed.
I have to confess, I cried last night when I saw the stranger staring at me with that paralyzed face in the mirror. My eye refuses to close, so I used tape to keep it closed, but my eye was so stubborn that it was peering back at me at an odd slant through the gauze. I tried to encourage myself by smiling at my odd refection, but only half my face smiled back. In the middle of the night that is not comforting!
I slowly and painfully climbed back into bed and the tears began to flow freely, at least from one of my eyes. Before my surgery I had asked Jesus to give me a gift. I asked Him to give me the gift of worship. I had no idea what a glorious wonderful thing I had asked for or how it would transform water, even salt water, into joy.
My spirit began to sing a hymn of praise and I asked that again my Lord would visit me and allow my soul to magnify Him. He heard me and my spirit rejoiced in God my Savior. Bathed in holy light, I knew that my Jesus had regarded the lowliness of His handmaid.
Outer beauty fades but there is a hidden beauty I have asked for. I have asked for an gentle and quiet spirit. Before surgery, as they clamped the mask over my nose and mouth, I felt terror welling up but called out to my Savior and asked Him to take my hand and lead me where trust knows no boundary. I found not only trust, but the with the gift of worship, I also received peace and joy.
I have to confess, I cried last night when I saw the stranger staring at me with that paralyzed face in the mirror. My eye refuses to close, so I used tape to keep it closed, but my eye was so stubborn that it was peering back at me at an odd slant through the gauze. I tried to encourage myself by smiling at my odd refection, but only half my face smiled back. In the middle of the night that is not comforting!
I slowly and painfully climbed back into bed and the tears began to flow freely, at least from one of my eyes. Before my surgery I had asked Jesus to give me a gift. I asked Him to give me the gift of worship. I had no idea what a glorious wonderful thing I had asked for or how it would transform water, even salt water, into joy.
My spirit began to sing a hymn of praise and I asked that again my Lord would visit me and allow my soul to magnify Him. He heard me and my spirit rejoiced in God my Savior. Bathed in holy light, I knew that my Jesus had regarded the lowliness of His handmaid.
Outer beauty fades but there is a hidden beauty I have asked for. I have asked for an gentle and quiet spirit. Before surgery, as they clamped the mask over my nose and mouth, I felt terror welling up but called out to my Savior and asked Him to take my hand and lead me where trust knows no boundary. I found not only trust, but the with the gift of worship, I also received peace and joy.
Sunday, September 20, 2015
Where Worship Leads
It began when I was a very young child. I became aware that there was more than my physical eyes could see. I watched as my parents and grandparents worshiped. Surrounded by music, surrounded by song I began to recognize that I was in the presence of One who was clothed in majesty and splendor. I listened as the words of His holy book were read to me and in my spirit I saw Him. The One who wraps Himself in light as if it were a robe, spreading out the sky like a canopy, laying the beams of His palace on the waters above, making the clouds His chariot, walking on the wings of the wind, and making the winds His messengers, flames of fire His servants. (Psalm 104) This was the One who invited me to come and worship.
I saw my grandfather kiss the book that spoke about the love of God. Although he had never learned to read he taught me reverence for the Word of God. My father invited me to kneel beside him as he prayed and on my knees I was transported beyond the temporal world into an eternal world. In my memory I can still hear the passion in my grandmother's voice as she read to me about a God who inhabits the praises of His people.
Through worship I learned about the grandeur of God but I also learned about the love of God. I learned that the Word had become flesh and had taken up residence among those whom He had created. I saw that the Ancient of Days had sent His only begotten Son to be the gentle healer offering eternal life to those who would believe. He, Himself became the sacrifice to take away the sins of the world.
To learn to fear God is also to learn there is nothing else you need to fear. In worship I have learned to hear the voice of the One who created me, the One who formed me in my mother's womb. "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you: I have called you by your name; you are Mine. I will be with you when you pass through the waters." (Isaiah 43:1,2) When Jesus walked on the water He invited Peter to join Him.
"Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders, let me walk upon the waters where You would call me. Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander, so that my faith will be made stronger, in the presence of my Savior." Hillsong This is the destination of worship.
"
I saw my grandfather kiss the book that spoke about the love of God. Although he had never learned to read he taught me reverence for the Word of God. My father invited me to kneel beside him as he prayed and on my knees I was transported beyond the temporal world into an eternal world. In my memory I can still hear the passion in my grandmother's voice as she read to me about a God who inhabits the praises of His people.
Through worship I learned about the grandeur of God but I also learned about the love of God. I learned that the Word had become flesh and had taken up residence among those whom He had created. I saw that the Ancient of Days had sent His only begotten Son to be the gentle healer offering eternal life to those who would believe. He, Himself became the sacrifice to take away the sins of the world.
To learn to fear God is also to learn there is nothing else you need to fear. In worship I have learned to hear the voice of the One who created me, the One who formed me in my mother's womb. "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you: I have called you by your name; you are Mine. I will be with you when you pass through the waters." (Isaiah 43:1,2) When Jesus walked on the water He invited Peter to join Him.
"Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders, let me walk upon the waters where You would call me. Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander, so that my faith will be made stronger, in the presence of my Savior." Hillsong This is the destination of worship.
"
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
When I am Afraid...
I have always enjoyed the humor of Chonda Pierce so when I heard that her first movie was coming out I decided to check out the trailer. I hadn't realized that her husband had died last year during brain surgery. Seeing that the week before my own brain surgery made it hard for me to sleep.
I woke up in the middle of the night and thought about how Chonda Pierce's husband had died and then I reminded myself of the verse, "When I am afraid I will put my trust in You."(Psalm 56:3) To be honest I don't like to admit when I'm afraid but I think that's just my pride. I find that in the night it is easier for me to be humble and to admit that I need help. This verse comforts me because it reminds me that I'm not alone the psalmist was afraid sometimes too.
"Trust - Hebrew batah. The word means the sense of well-being and security that results from having something or someone in whom to place confidence...It means to live at ease because of confidence in God."(Skip Moen) I lay in bed asking God to help me find this sense of well-being and security; I asked Him to help me turn my mind to Him and not to the thing that was causing me to be afraid.
I thought about how He established the earth and fixed its dimensions. I put my confidence in the God who laid the cornerstone of the earth while the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy. I bathed my mind with thoughts of the One who knows the road to the home of light but who also knows where darkness lives. And who but He can bring out the constellations in their seasons? The dark clouds of fear had to yield their hold on me as I began to meditate on the One who is adorned with majesty and splendor, clothed with honor and glory. How can it be that such a God like this would care for me?
Meditating on God's glory brought with it a sense of security but when I remembered the words of Jesus I felt not only security but comfort. I thought about how Jesus confronted His disciples anxiety by reminding them of the Heavenly Father's care for His creation. "Aren't two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father's consent. But even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Don't be afraid therefore; you are worth more than many sparrows." (Matthew 10:29-31)
Yes, I was afraid last night until I put my trust in the God who loves me.
I woke up in the middle of the night and thought about how Chonda Pierce's husband had died and then I reminded myself of the verse, "When I am afraid I will put my trust in You."(Psalm 56:3) To be honest I don't like to admit when I'm afraid but I think that's just my pride. I find that in the night it is easier for me to be humble and to admit that I need help. This verse comforts me because it reminds me that I'm not alone the psalmist was afraid sometimes too.
"Trust - Hebrew batah. The word means the sense of well-being and security that results from having something or someone in whom to place confidence...It means to live at ease because of confidence in God."(Skip Moen) I lay in bed asking God to help me find this sense of well-being and security; I asked Him to help me turn my mind to Him and not to the thing that was causing me to be afraid.
I thought about how He established the earth and fixed its dimensions. I put my confidence in the God who laid the cornerstone of the earth while the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy. I bathed my mind with thoughts of the One who knows the road to the home of light but who also knows where darkness lives. And who but He can bring out the constellations in their seasons? The dark clouds of fear had to yield their hold on me as I began to meditate on the One who is adorned with majesty and splendor, clothed with honor and glory. How can it be that such a God like this would care for me?
Meditating on God's glory brought with it a sense of security but when I remembered the words of Jesus I felt not only security but comfort. I thought about how Jesus confronted His disciples anxiety by reminding them of the Heavenly Father's care for His creation. "Aren't two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father's consent. But even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Don't be afraid therefore; you are worth more than many sparrows." (Matthew 10:29-31)
Yes, I was afraid last night until I put my trust in the God who loves me.
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
He Holds my Hand
"Child of my love, fear not the unknown morrow, dread not the new demand life makes of thee; thy ignorance doth hold no cause for sorrow, for what thou knowest not is known to me." This is the first line to a poem by Arthur C. Ritchie I was given when I was about to leave home for the first time. I found deep comfort in these words because I did feel ignorant and unsure of what lay ahead.
When I was on the threshold of being an adult I took great comfort in the words of Psalm 37:23,24 "A man's steps are established by the LORD, and He takes pleasure in his ways. Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed, because the LORD holds his hand." Looking back over the years I realize that sometimes the night would seem to be so dark that I would be afraid of loosing my way. I could easily have been overwhelmed had it not been for the promise that even though I might loose my grip on God the LORD would never loose His grip on me.
Often in life I have not understood the direction in which the LORD was leading. The meaning of my life was hidden, yet from the beginning I knew that I had been invited to walk by faith and not by sight. An invitation to learn how to rest in the promises of God. I was never given a map but instead a promise that the God of all eternity had lavished His love on me and called me His child. The promise that He Himself would go with me step by step.
There is a mystery to the will of God. God is exalted beyond my understanding. And yet I find this promise in His word, "For the High and Exalted One who lives forever, whose name is Holy says this: 'I live in a high and holy place, and with the oppressed and lowly of spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and revive the heart of the oppressed.'" (Isaiah 56:15) Not only does God live a high and a holy place He also lives with and in those who humbly reach out for His hand.
I have lived my life believing that one step was far enough for faith to see. I have found comfort not only in the promise that my hand was being held but that I had a good shepherd who was leading me. It has been many years since I was a young person leaving home for the first time, yet I still cling to the promises I found in that poem from long ago. "Wherefore go gladly to the task assigned thee. Having my promise, needing nothing more, than just to know, where'ere the future finds thee, in all thy journeying I go before."
When I was on the threshold of being an adult I took great comfort in the words of Psalm 37:23,24 "A man's steps are established by the LORD, and He takes pleasure in his ways. Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed, because the LORD holds his hand." Looking back over the years I realize that sometimes the night would seem to be so dark that I would be afraid of loosing my way. I could easily have been overwhelmed had it not been for the promise that even though I might loose my grip on God the LORD would never loose His grip on me.
Often in life I have not understood the direction in which the LORD was leading. The meaning of my life was hidden, yet from the beginning I knew that I had been invited to walk by faith and not by sight. An invitation to learn how to rest in the promises of God. I was never given a map but instead a promise that the God of all eternity had lavished His love on me and called me His child. The promise that He Himself would go with me step by step.
There is a mystery to the will of God. God is exalted beyond my understanding. And yet I find this promise in His word, "For the High and Exalted One who lives forever, whose name is Holy says this: 'I live in a high and holy place, and with the oppressed and lowly of spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and revive the heart of the oppressed.'" (Isaiah 56:15) Not only does God live a high and a holy place He also lives with and in those who humbly reach out for His hand.
I have lived my life believing that one step was far enough for faith to see. I have found comfort not only in the promise that my hand was being held but that I had a good shepherd who was leading me. It has been many years since I was a young person leaving home for the first time, yet I still cling to the promises I found in that poem from long ago. "Wherefore go gladly to the task assigned thee. Having my promise, needing nothing more, than just to know, where'ere the future finds thee, in all thy journeying I go before."
Sunday, September 6, 2015
There is a Choice
"Mimi, you were right! I tried what you said and it worked!" There was laughter in his voice and a joy in my heart that was inexpressible. What a contrast to the conversation we had had earlier that day when he had first awoken. He woke up in a bad mood with a list of chores that he didn't want to do.
What had brought about the change in his attitude? What was it I had said that he tried and found to be true? It all began several days ago when Jack and his family were having dinner with me. After dinner something had happened that set him off into a fit of rage. Jack is twelve and sometimes it's hard for him to keep his temper. And like all of us there are many things in his life that are frustrating and can easily lead to outbursts of anger.
That night I had waited for things to settle down and then I took Jack aside and talked to him about the choices we have because we are Christians. I told him that as Christians we have the Holy Spirit inside us and we can choose to walk in the Spirit or in the flesh. I explained to him that it is much easier to walk in the flesh than in the Spirit because responding in the flesh comes naturally but walking in the Spirit involves denying yourself, denying what comes naturally, taking up your cross and following Jesus.
I took him to the book of Galatians and showed him what the flesh looks like, "sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar." Some of these things he was very familiar with and I explained the others as best I could. Jack will be thirteen next month and I know he will be faced at some point with everything on this list.
I told Jack about my own struggle. I explained that the stress of my situation caused me to want to lash out in anger and that I understood the struggle that he was faced with. We talked about how Jesus had given us and invitation to be his disciples but it involved a daily decision to deny yourself to take up your cross and to be like him. I told him that crucifixion was a slow death and sometimes it took a while for a sin to die.
I explained that when we chose to walk in the Spirit instead of the flesh our lives would show it. Just as it is obvious that someone is walking in the flesh because of their actions it is also obvious when someone is walking in the Spirit. A person who is walking in the Spirit will show the fruit of the Spirit,"love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control." This fruit isn't produced by the circumstances a person is faced with but instead his choice to walk in the flesh or in the Spirit.
"Jack, I'm so proud of you for making the decision to walk in the Spirit and not the flesh!" Jack didn't miss a beat, "Mimi, I'm proud of you too for making that decision." I thought my heart would burst. I know that it is a daily choice that it is an ongoing walk of faith but what a joy that I get to be on this pilgrimage with my grandson and that we can encourage each other along the way.
What had brought about the change in his attitude? What was it I had said that he tried and found to be true? It all began several days ago when Jack and his family were having dinner with me. After dinner something had happened that set him off into a fit of rage. Jack is twelve and sometimes it's hard for him to keep his temper. And like all of us there are many things in his life that are frustrating and can easily lead to outbursts of anger.
That night I had waited for things to settle down and then I took Jack aside and talked to him about the choices we have because we are Christians. I told him that as Christians we have the Holy Spirit inside us and we can choose to walk in the Spirit or in the flesh. I explained to him that it is much easier to walk in the flesh than in the Spirit because responding in the flesh comes naturally but walking in the Spirit involves denying yourself, denying what comes naturally, taking up your cross and following Jesus.
I took him to the book of Galatians and showed him what the flesh looks like, "sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar." Some of these things he was very familiar with and I explained the others as best I could. Jack will be thirteen next month and I know he will be faced at some point with everything on this list.
I told Jack about my own struggle. I explained that the stress of my situation caused me to want to lash out in anger and that I understood the struggle that he was faced with. We talked about how Jesus had given us and invitation to be his disciples but it involved a daily decision to deny yourself to take up your cross and to be like him. I told him that crucifixion was a slow death and sometimes it took a while for a sin to die.
I explained that when we chose to walk in the Spirit instead of the flesh our lives would show it. Just as it is obvious that someone is walking in the flesh because of their actions it is also obvious when someone is walking in the Spirit. A person who is walking in the Spirit will show the fruit of the Spirit,"love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control." This fruit isn't produced by the circumstances a person is faced with but instead his choice to walk in the flesh or in the Spirit.
"Jack, I'm so proud of you for making the decision to walk in the Spirit and not the flesh!" Jack didn't miss a beat, "Mimi, I'm proud of you too for making that decision." I thought my heart would burst. I know that it is a daily choice that it is an ongoing walk of faith but what a joy that I get to be on this pilgrimage with my grandson and that we can encourage each other along the way.
Saturday, September 5, 2015
Sometimes it's Hard to Find Balance
"I wanted to tell you that it's okay to be scared. To be frightened. Because you are loved." This is an excerpt from a letter I received from my son. One of my goals in life is to be humble and real when going through difficult times. Yet, at the same time resting in the grace and the promises I find in God's word.
Finding my balance between an honest struggle and the peace of Christ has been hard this week. Although I feel like my spirit is at peace my body seems to be telling another story. Yesterday I was diagnosed shingles. I have waited a long time to have my brain surgery and now it's only a little over two weeks away. That is unless the hospital reschedules because of the shingles.
Just as light shines out of darkness I'm praying that somehow the light of God's glory will shine through my broken humanity. I am reminded of the truth that I hold this treasure in a clay jar. My clay jar doesn't seem to be doing very well right now but I'm keenly aware of His promises. I'm aware of them because this has been so hard that I've had to be very intentional about what I focus on.
I have been praying for spiritual strength even as I have felt physically weak. I have bathed my mind with the riches of his glory and asked that that I might be strengthen with power through his Spirit. I have asked that I might be rooted and grounded in his love. I have asked for the privilege to meditate on breadth and height and length and depth of the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge. It seems like a lot to ask but since I found it in his word I went on to ask that I might be filled with all the fullness of God.
I don't think that to go through difficult times and admit that they are difficult or even admitting it's scary is the same as having the spirit of fear. I think walking humbly before God and man sometimes means that you reach out and take the hand that is offered to you. Even while choosing to focus not on what is temporal but on what is eternal sometimes it's just comforting to have a son who comes along side me and says, "I wanted you to know that it's okay to be scared. To be frighted. Because you are loved."
Finding my balance between an honest struggle and the peace of Christ has been hard this week. Although I feel like my spirit is at peace my body seems to be telling another story. Yesterday I was diagnosed shingles. I have waited a long time to have my brain surgery and now it's only a little over two weeks away. That is unless the hospital reschedules because of the shingles.
Just as light shines out of darkness I'm praying that somehow the light of God's glory will shine through my broken humanity. I am reminded of the truth that I hold this treasure in a clay jar. My clay jar doesn't seem to be doing very well right now but I'm keenly aware of His promises. I'm aware of them because this has been so hard that I've had to be very intentional about what I focus on.
I have been praying for spiritual strength even as I have felt physically weak. I have bathed my mind with the riches of his glory and asked that that I might be strengthen with power through his Spirit. I have asked that I might be rooted and grounded in his love. I have asked for the privilege to meditate on breadth and height and length and depth of the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge. It seems like a lot to ask but since I found it in his word I went on to ask that I might be filled with all the fullness of God.
I don't think that to go through difficult times and admit that they are difficult or even admitting it's scary is the same as having the spirit of fear. I think walking humbly before God and man sometimes means that you reach out and take the hand that is offered to you. Even while choosing to focus not on what is temporal but on what is eternal sometimes it's just comforting to have a son who comes along side me and says, "I wanted you to know that it's okay to be scared. To be frighted. Because you are loved."
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
To Know the Blessing of Paradise
Deceit had entered into their spirit. When they heard the sound of his footsteps they hid. He offered them an opportunity to confess when he asked, "Where are you?" But when they injected the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil pride had come to replace humility. They could not receive the blessing of one one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sin is covered. They could not receive this blessing because they chose instead to cover their iniquity. And with deep grief and sorrow the light of blessing was extinguished. Hope, however, was not extinguished because a promise was given.
When the one who had been promised came he opened the book of Isaiah and read, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." This was good news! The Lord had not forgotten His promise!
Who was this blessing for? "For this says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the highest holy place, and with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite."(Isaiah 57:15) The God of eternity had once more come to have fellowship with his people. He came looking for those who were humble enough to be contrite instead of explaining and excusing their sin.
Paradise was lost when deception and pride entered into the heart of man. Even the beauty of paradise could not bring a feeling of happiness or a state of well-being when the relationship with God was broken. Yet Jesus came and offered a Kingdom blessing, not to the sinless but to those who were willing to come brokenhearted because of their sin.
Jesus went up onto the mountain and began to teach about the Kingdom. He said,"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."(Matthew 5:3) Once more God was walking among His people and offering fellowship with those who would come to Him naked and unashamed after all isn't that what poverty of spirit really is?
When the one who had been promised came he opened the book of Isaiah and read, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." This was good news! The Lord had not forgotten His promise!
Who was this blessing for? "For this says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the highest holy place, and with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite."(Isaiah 57:15) The God of eternity had once more come to have fellowship with his people. He came looking for those who were humble enough to be contrite instead of explaining and excusing their sin.
Paradise was lost when deception and pride entered into the heart of man. Even the beauty of paradise could not bring a feeling of happiness or a state of well-being when the relationship with God was broken. Yet Jesus came and offered a Kingdom blessing, not to the sinless but to those who were willing to come brokenhearted because of their sin.
Jesus went up onto the mountain and began to teach about the Kingdom. He said,"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."(Matthew 5:3) Once more God was walking among His people and offering fellowship with those who would come to Him naked and unashamed after all isn't that what poverty of spirit really is?
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