Deny the lie, read the Word

Recently I woke up to a pleasant surprise: a word from Christian brother Paul Perry regarding God’s Word. With his permission, I share the following excerpts of his thoughtful message:

“This morning Psalm 119:105 was on my mind, so I wanted to take a moment to talk about guidance. From cover to cover we see in scripture the Lord’s hand in directing and guiding his people. With Abraham, He spoke a word, with Moses, He spoke a word, with Joshua He spoke a word. And when He directed Paul, Peter John the apostle, and others, He spoke a word. Peter said it best: ‘Where can I go from your Word, O Lord, for you have the words of eternal life.’

“As we embark on our weekend, let us be reminded about the importance of keeping God’s word in our mind and hearts. Matthew 4:4 teaches us: ‘It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every Word that comes from the mouth of God.’ Joshua reminds us of this as well in Chapter 1:8: 

‘This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it  day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.’

“Remember, just a little bit of Word will always go a long way. Sometimes we may meditate on one verse for weeks. That’s perfectly fine, because quality of time spent with the Lord can outweigh quantity. In this life we walk with the Lord, not race with the Lord. The enemy always creates reasons for us not to be in the Word.”

“I would like to end with Paul’s words to young Timothy: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Tim. 3:16).”

“May the Word of God dwell in your heart richly as you go forward.”

Well said, Brother!

Lord, I give thanks this day for brother Paul, whose heart prompts him to share with others even in the midst of the busy-ness of days filled with work, family and miscellaneous other responsibilities. I have learned that even in the season of life after children are gone and the career workload has grown lighter, the enemy still whispers: “There is no time for the Word!” Thank you for all of the evidence among Your people that there is ALWAYS time, and Your Word is ALWAYS precious.

"Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path." Psalm 119:105

Little ones reflect Jesus, too!

Ideally, we as believers reflect Christ daily, even in the "routine" comings and goings of the day.

I admit, however, that I am too often caught by surprise when I see Christ in the lives of children and young teens.

Such was the case two days in a row this week: the first via a mother's blog entry and the second "up close and personal" in a nighttime moment with my grandchildren.

In the first story, a young son is hiking with mother and others on a hot summer day complete with irritating insects. With two miles remaining yet on a 9-mile hike, he expresses his frustration in dramatic fashion. Mother, who is experiencing her own challenges with fatigue and bugs, opts to create some physical space to give her son an opportunity to go solo with his grumbling.

Minutes later, the boy runs ahead to join his mother. "Mom!" he exclaims. "Guess what?"

He then shares that in the peak of his frustration, he called out to God in prayer. Shortly after the prayer he looked down to trail's edge to discover a can of insect repellant!

"God really does care about the little things," he said to Mom, extending the can of repellant so she too could experience relief from pesky insects.

As Mom noted in her blog, it was exciting 1) to see God's "delivery" from an uncomfortable situation, and 2) to know that her son opted to pray to his heavenly Father in the midst of his predicament.

My second story involves a "sleep-over" at our house while our grandchildren's parents enjoyed a weekend anniversary trip. Shortly after sending them off to bed, I followed with the intention of leading a nighttime prayer.

I discovered I was late, and the 9- and 12-year-old were already in the middle of prayer together. Not only was I encouraged to see my "leadership" was not required, but I was delighted to hear them intercede on behalf of a sister in Christ struggling mightily with the ravages of multiple sclerosis.

Grandmother and I were greatly encouraged, and we shared news of the prayer with our ailing sister via email, knowing that nights can be particularly difficult for her.

The next day our sister expressed her gratitude, and reported with joy that the previous night had been more restful than previous nights.

Faith, the gift of God, demonstrated by young believers who are too often discounted. Precious examples of children used as instruments of God to bring joy and encouragement not only in their own lives but in the lives of adults watching on.

Thank you, Lord, for Your love and involvement in the lives of all who surrender their hearts, regardless of age.

"But Jesus said, 'Suffer the little children to come unto Me and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven'." Matthew 19:14

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

Serving The One Who loves me

Right now I am working my way through a book inspired by the writings of the late American pastor-theologian Jonathan Edwards ("The Essential Edwards Collection").

This morning I want to share an excerpt from a sermon he titled, "Serving God in Heaven:"

"When man serves God, he acts most according to his nature. He is employed in that sort of action that is most distinguishing of him from the beasts. He acts then in a way most according to the end of his formation, and most agreeable to his make and formation of the human nature itself. A man never acts so rationally as when he serves God. No actions (are) so agreeable to reason, and all that are contrary to reason. And therefore, doubtless, his happiness consists in serving God."

May my "works" of this life, Lord, be in service to You ... out of gratitude, joy ... by Your inspiration, in preparation and anticipation of a life eternal worshiping and glorifying You. "Show me the way I should go."