It’s Simple

                                Painting by Gustave Caillebotte



  The Lord wants you to know:


       He loves you

       He values you

       He wants to be part of

                             your life

       He wants you to be part of

                             His life

Proof He loves you...

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Rom. 5:8 

In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 1Jn. 4:9,10 

Proof He values or treasures you...



The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy. Ps. 147:11 

Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: Ex. 19:5 

Proof He wants us to be part of each others lives...

And I will set my tabernacle among you: and my soul shall not abhor you. And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be my people. Lev. 26:11,12 (If needed:  proof we are Abraham’s seed post Mar. 23, 2012)



That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, Eph. 3:17 

And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us. 1Jn. 3:24 

(Jesus’ words)

He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. John 6:56 

At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. John 14:20

That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. John 17:21

Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 1Jn 4:13 -16



What’s Wrong With Old?

       The other day I happened to tell somebody that I am part of the old people’s group at church (hubby is in the age bracket so they have to let me in…), and they calmly told me that was the wrong terminology for the group.  They went on to say the government was even looking in to changing the word ‘seniors’ as it is also being considered poor wording.  My opinion is that it is all in your perspective- I like ‘old’.

       Old (or extra old) cheese is virtually the only kind I’ll eat.  Its flavour and texture is much more appealing than the other varieties.  Old recipes passed down from generation to generation are certain to be tastier and enjoyed with gusto.  For those who like whisky, the longer it remains in the cask, the more it matures or ages, and is considered better.

       Trees are natural organisms that improve with age.  Older trees make for larger cuts therefore are more useful, and they tend to have the most interesting patterns.  Did you know there are trees over 4000 years old?  One study I read indicates older trees know how to better use CO-2 for growth.  Antique furniture or collectables are not only popular, but worth a lot of money (some more than $10 million).  Old books are considered rare.

       Old cars are considered classics, valuable and beloved by their owners, and desired by others.  They are well cared for and treated with respect.  Each one is unique and has its own ‘personality’ and supporters.  People who drive these ‘old’ cars have an immediate connection to each other that you can see in the many car shows that are just for fun.

       And who wouldn’t rather walk through old architecture rather than monotonous modern buildings?  The pyramids, the Forbidden City, the Sistine Chapel, the Taj Mahal vs. Chrysler Building, Sydney Opera House, the Gherkin.  Which ones would you enjoy spending more time in?  A friend once told me you could hardly walk into a building in Ireland without realizing the history and character of the building, so much more fascinating than modern buildings.

       In the same way, people are also better with age.  Yes, bodies may decline but old people are better matured, more flavourful/ interesting, have the most interesting stories, are more useful especially in the area of wisdom (Job 12:12) and advice (for they know how to do thing better by much experience), and of greater strength of character/ personality.  ‘Old’ people are valuable, beloved, and worthy of our honour (Lev. 19:32), support and respect.

God worked through Moses most when he was over 80!  Old people have an important job to do!!!

Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come. Ps. 71:18 

For an interesting list of 53 things that get better with age, paste this to your browser:

http://www.seniorsforliving.com/content/article/53-things-that-get-better-with-age/119/

A Mighty God

       We don’t often talk about our God being a mighty God anymore, and I hardly ever hear the words sung.  Has it become unfashionable to see our God that way anymore?  Last night I was hearing of some mighty deeds He has done lately: healing cancer, hep. C, and getting a big bank to settle a lawsuit.  As I was pondering our disuse of the words ‘mighty God’, I realized that God doesn’t just do mighty deeds, but...   

He is mighty.

…for the LORD thy God is among you, a mighty God and terrible (to fear, revere). Dt. 7:21 

The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing. Zep. 3:17 

       There are several different Hebrew words for mighty, but the definitions seem to relate: great (in importance), elder, exceeding, high noble, proud, powerful, strong, champion, chief, warrior, valiant are just some.  We see a clearer picture of who God is when we understand the definition.  The very act of creation proves the tremendous might of God, and the miracles He can do like no other dead god ‘can do’ just verify His position as the only true, living God. (Jer. 10:10)

       God has healed me in several ways, but not completely though He has totally healed others.  God has blessed many with finances or really good jobs while others struggle to make ends meet.  God chooses to heal some infertile couples who then conceive and give birth, while others never conceive and still others deliver stillborn.  God give obvious talents to some children while others struggle to learn or have physical impairments.

       What I am trying to get at is this:  the Bible says it rains on the just and the unjust (Mt. 5:45) - so things happen in the natural world because of its fallen state.  Whether or not God does some of His mighty deeds for us the way we want or in our timing doesn’t change the fact that our God is a mighty God.  I know that I will be healed by my mighty God whether it be on this earth or after I am with Him.  Either way, He remains a mighty God.  Why does He continue to do mighty deeds today?

That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty: that ye might fear the LORD your God for ever. Jos. 4:24 

He truly is a mighty God who does mighty deeds!!!

Life is a Vapour

       Eighty, ninety years seems like a long time to me; especially since I am only half way there.  Mankind in our human, frail, sinful bodies are not meant to live forever.  The Lord made sure of that when He kicked Adam and Eve out of the garden so they wouldn’t eat from the tree of life and live forever in their sinful state. (Gen. 3:22,23)  We are like a vapour that appears for a while then vanishes- like morning fog. (Jm. 4:14)  When I compare my life to eternity that is when I feel small and like a vapour.  In the context of eternity, a hundred years is very short. 

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Ps. 90:12 

       Why does Moses say we should learn to number our days?  It is so we may apply our hearts to wisdom.  In what ways?  We should keep in mind that our days are short so we would not waste them in the foolishness of the world and worldly pleasures.  We should be living life fully, and there is no better way to do that than to be in the Lord’s will and following the Spirit’s lead.  If tomorrow were your last day on earth, where would your priorities be?  ‘...teach us to number our days…’

       When we realize our time is short, we value things more appropriately.  In other words, things become less important and people more important.  A short time motivates us to better our relationships with others, family, friends, and all loved ones.  We will use our time and talents more wisely when we consider our days are numbered.  And most of all, it encourages us to press in to the Lord while we are still here and able to do the work He has called us to do.

LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am. Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah.

Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them. And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee.  Ps. 39:4-7

Lord, my days here are just a short time.  Help me remember that and use my time wisely- for Your glory and honour.  Shine Your light through me so that others will want You in their lives before it is too late.

My hope is in You!

The Perfect Gift

       It had taken us months consulting with each other on the perfect gift: we considered needs, wants, likes and significance.  Once decided, it took weeks before we managed to find the exact item we were looking for.  There was more time spent arranging everything, even determining the best delivery possible- one of us delivering the package in person.  That alone took phone calls, ticket selection, purchase, and packing.  This would be the biggest and best gift Auntie Joe would ever receive and it would bring her years of pleasure!

       What an honour it was for me to be chosen to deliver it!  I arrived at the airport two hours in advance, and ended up having all my possessions rifled through, and being pulled in for questioning.  They grilled me for what seemed like hours, and then they had me strip searched!  It was humiliating!  Still, I never regretted the decision to deliver our special gift in person.  I couldn’t wait to see the look on Auntie Joe’s face when she saw me and opened her gift from us. 

       Thursday night I arrived in Amsterdam and took a taxi to a little ‘low end’ bed and breakfast unknown by most travelers.  I called home to let them know I had arrived and to ensure all the necessary arrangements had been made to make sure Auntie would be home when I arrived at 2 pm the next day and I was relieved to find out she would absolutely be home.

 

       The next morning I spent two hours carefully and creatively decorating her special gift with the perfect wrap, bows and ribbon (since we didn’t want it to rumple in transit).  I arrived at her house at exactly the right time, and joyously skipped up the sidewalk in anticipation of the pleasure in seeing her open the gift.  It was so exciting!!!

       I knocked at the door for several minutes, but there was no answer, so I put down the gift and began knocking even louder.  Why wasn’t she answering?  Disappointment began to set in.  I started calling out to her, “Auntie, let me in…  please let me in,” but still there was no response.  After an hour of trying, with a saddened heart I decided to leave it be for the night.

       Perhaps another day would be better.  It broke my heart to think she might never have the joy of receiving our perfect gift we had so carefully planned.  Later, Uncle found out that Auntie had been home but ignored the knocking because she was too busy with her day and felt she didn’t want to be disturbed.

Jesus says…

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. Rev. 3:20

Don’t be too busy to open the door of your heart and life to the Lord.  He really wants to be with you!

Why I Like Birthdays

       I had a friend mention today that I must really like birthdays.  To be honest, I never thought about it at all, but it only took a moment or two to figure out why.  It isn’t the decorations, parties, or presents, it isn’t the cards, good food or warm wishes that thrill me; it is the actual birth of that specific person.

       The Creator of the universe saw that we needed a particular personality, unique in character and form to be in a precise place and specific time, and then- since I know it’s their birthday- the Lord allowed me the knowledge of this precious person. Isn’t that exciting?  How much better can it be?  The Lord of all deemed my life to be improved by knowing this person born on their birthday in their birthplace to their particular family.  No matter how I think about it, it is all very marvelous to me!

       God has a purpose for everyone He brought to life: Ghandi, Mother Teresa, Billy Graham, Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr, and you.  Imagine that… I placed you in a group of very well known people who did ‘great things’ in the world!  Do you know why?  Because you will do great things in the lives of the people around you… if you follow the Lord and do His will.

It is not important that you be known ‘world wide’, you just need to be known by God. (Nah. 1:7; Mt. 7:23)

Here is scripture on the birth of a new person.  (From TLB for the beauty of it)

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body, and knit them together in my mother’s womb.  Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!  It is amazing to think about.  Your workmanship is marvelous- and how well I know it.  You were there while I was being formed in utter seclusion!  You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe.  Every day was recorded in your Book!

How precious it is, Lord, to realize that you are thinking about me constantly!  I can’t even count how many times a day your thoughts turn towards me.  And when I waken in the morning, you are still thinking of me!

                                                                                                            (Ps. 139:13-18)

The God of all creation is glad you were born…

                           And so am I !!!