"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you." Psalm 23:8
Although it wasn't a newsflash to me that God sees everything, this verse really spoke to me, especially the part "...with my eye upon you". When I read it I pictured a mother and her children. She is always watching and aware of where they are and what they are doing so she can keep them safe and out of trouble.
"Careful...the floor is wet. Don't touch that it will burn you. Stay out of the street. Time for bed. I can't let you do that because I love you. Don't run with that in your mouth. No more TV. Trust me, it's for your own good. Don't be afraid, I'll catch you. That wasn't kind. I'm making you do that because I love you. No more cookies, your body needs healthy food."
Just like a doting parent , God the perfect parent is saying,
"Mary, trust me. Don't go there. I'm watching you. My timing is perfect. Don't be afraid. Follow me. Be still. Go. Avoid that kind of talk. Don't worry. Look at me. RUN. Stay away from things that distract you. That's not for you. I know what you need. You can do it, I'll help you. Keep your thoughts on me. If you fall, I'll pick you up. I love you."
If it's beneficial for me to heed the advice of my earthly parents because they are wiser and have my best interests at heart, how much better is it for me to follow what the loving Father, Creator and all-knowing God of the universe instructs me to do?
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Yes, I now have a blog.
In order to comment on some of your blogs, I needed to have one. Besides, I am always writing something...
Prayer
E. Stanley Jones described the effect of prayer on us like this:
"Prayer is not pulling God to my will, but the aligning of my will to the will of God. Aligned to God's redemptive will, anything, everything can happen in character, conduct, and creativeness. The whole person is heightened by that prayer contact. In that contact I find health for my body, illumination for my mind, and moral and spiritual reinforcement for my soul. "Prayer is a time exposure to God," so I expose myself to God for an hour and a half or two hours a day, asking less and less for things and more and more for Himself. For having Him, I have everything. He gives me what I need for character, conduct, and creativeness, so I'm rich with His riches, strong in His strength, pure in His purity, and able in His ability."
This challenged me to spend more time in prayer. Hmmm,...if prayer is a time exposure to God, I want to be overexposed!
~Mary
7-22-06
"Prayer is not pulling God to my will, but the aligning of my will to the will of God. Aligned to God's redemptive will, anything, everything can happen in character, conduct, and creativeness. The whole person is heightened by that prayer contact. In that contact I find health for my body, illumination for my mind, and moral and spiritual reinforcement for my soul. "Prayer is a time exposure to God," so I expose myself to God for an hour and a half or two hours a day, asking less and less for things and more and more for Himself. For having Him, I have everything. He gives me what I need for character, conduct, and creativeness, so I'm rich with His riches, strong in His strength, pure in His purity, and able in His ability."
This challenged me to spend more time in prayer. Hmmm,...if prayer is a time exposure to God, I want to be overexposed!
~Mary
7-22-06
We've turned our blessings into our God.
Do we worship the God who blessed us and use His blessings to help others? No! Instead we've made those blessings our gods. Many people around the world die from lack of food or clean water while we think nothing of spending $4 at Starbucks or Jamba Juice. For about what we spend on fast food a month...TWO African high schoolers can receive an education. Thousands in Africa are dying from AIDS. Do we even care?
When Jesus walked this earth He had compassion on the sick and poor. How can we say we love Him while we ignore the sufferings of those made in His image?
"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Luke 12:34
Instead of building bigger and fancier churches, let's set aside the majority of our church budgets for missions. Instead of chasing the American dream and feathering our own nests, let's realize we have ENOUGH...more than enough and start giving to those who don't. Let's be a vessel that channels blessings from God to others.
Mary
3-13-07
Poems
God's been with me all of my life,
although my heart has often strayed.
I am forever grateful for His love and
for my debt His Son has paid!
He's worthy of all my praise and
I trust Him with all of my heart.
When I live like it's "not about me",
My song is 'How Great Thou Art'.
I want to follow only His path
because He knows what's best for me.
Many signs are along life's road
but it's His direction I long to see.
I know He'll never lead me
where He's not by my side.
I'm stubborn and headstrong,
yet He forgives my sinful pride.
-Mary
3-30-06
Lord, Everything I Need
When I'm sad, you gently wipe my tears away.
When I'm anxious, you calm my fears and forgive my distrust.
When I'm lonely, "I'll never leave you", I hear you say.
When I stumble, you never look at me in disgust.
When I'm scared, you hold me close to you.
When I'm stubborn, you show me how to obey.
When I'm discouraged, you always see me through.
When I'm bewildered, you gently lead the way.
Though I'm hopelessly flawed and unfaithful,
You still desire me as your friend.
Why do you love me so?
That, I will never fully comprehend.
Thank you, Jesus!
Mary
4-5-06
When in darkness,
you are my light.
When I'm lost,
you are my compass.
When I'm weary,
you are my strength.
When I'm depressed,
you are my joy.
When I'm lonely,
you are with me.
When I want to talk,
you are listening.
When I’m cold,
you are a crackling fire.
When life's too loud,
you are my silence.
When nobody sees me,
your eyes are watching.
When I'm sad,
you are my happiness.
When everyone forgets me,
I'm on your mind.
When I’m confused,
you are my understanding.
You'll never leave me or forsake me.
Thank you for loving me, Lord!
~Mary 4-20-06
Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day is a day that many singles who aren’t “in a relationship” dread. They feel like everyone is celebrating something they don't have. Something they long for very much. They want to be special to someone. .. to be valued and loved. They watch others receiving attention and presents and they can't wait for the day to pass.
Even though I’ve never really had a “Valentine”, I’ve listed some of the most commonly exchanged Valentine gifts and guess what? My loving Savior has given me every one of them!
Flowers
They are beautiful and fragrant. There are so many kinds to choose from but can any of them compare to Jesus?
Song of Solomon 2:1, "I am a rose of Sharon and the lily of the valleys."
Candy
It's sweet but nothing like God's Word.
Psalm 119:103, "How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!"
A love song
Sure, there are some moving love songs with powerful words that are sung by great voices. But, there is no way they are better than God singing over me! Who could possibly write better music and lyrics or sing more beautifully than God?
Zephaniah 3:1, "The Lord God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you with His love; He will exult over you with loud singing."
Going out to dinner
There isn't a chef in any 5-star restaurant that can make a meal that will compare to the one I'll be sharing with Jesus some day.
Revelation 19:9, And the angel said to me, "Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb." And he said to me, "These are the true words of God."
True Love
The gift everyone wants if for somebody to always be there and to always love them.
God's love is for eternity and He will never leave me!!
Jeremiah 31:3, "I have loved you with an EVERLASTING love."
Hebrews 13:5, “I will never leave you or forsake you.”
If you have put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ as your Savior then you have all these gifts too! So, remember that when you are feeling left out or sad about Valentine’s Day. Be encouraged!
If you have a special someone in your life, make sure your focus is on God and not your special person. Don't put anyone on the throne of your heart except for HIM.
Even though I’ve never really had a “Valentine”, I’ve listed some of the most commonly exchanged Valentine gifts and guess what? My loving Savior has given me every one of them!
Flowers
They are beautiful and fragrant. There are so many kinds to choose from but can any of them compare to Jesus?
Song of Solomon 2:1, "I am a rose of Sharon and the lily of the valleys."
Candy
It's sweet but nothing like God's Word.
Psalm 119:103, "How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!"
A love song
Sure, there are some moving love songs with powerful words that are sung by great voices. But, there is no way they are better than God singing over me! Who could possibly write better music and lyrics or sing more beautifully than God?
Zephaniah 3:1, "The Lord God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you with His love; He will exult over you with loud singing."
Going out to dinner
There isn't a chef in any 5-star restaurant that can make a meal that will compare to the one I'll be sharing with Jesus some day.
Revelation 19:9, And the angel said to me, "Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb." And he said to me, "These are the true words of God."
True Love
The gift everyone wants if for somebody to always be there and to always love them.
God's love is for eternity and He will never leave me!!
Jeremiah 31:3, "I have loved you with an EVERLASTING love."
Hebrews 13:5, “I will never leave you or forsake you.”
If you have put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ as your Savior then you have all these gifts too! So, remember that when you are feeling left out or sad about Valentine’s Day. Be encouraged!
If you have a special someone in your life, make sure your focus is on God and not your special person. Don't put anyone on the throne of your heart except for HIM.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
