Image by Images by John 'K' via Flickr“This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the Lord. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the Lord. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” Jeremiah 31: 33-34I will be their God, and they will be my people.Lord, we belong to each other. Our relationship is not just one-sided, where one of us is beholden to the other.We behold each other. You are my God.I am one of Your people.Actually one of Your children. I like that.Belonging means we are a fit, we match, we stay connected even though I may drift away from You. To know I have a place with You, a shelter from life’s storms and dwelling from being battered by uncertain winds. A … [Read more...]
Walking with God – Lectio Divina
Enoch walked faithfully with God Genesis 5: 24a Enoch walked faithfully with God.Lord I want to walk with You.Side by side sharing in the present moment.Talking Listening, Giggling Enjoying our time together.But my stride is short and I can’t keep up with You.I trip. I don’t follow. I dally behind in my past or run ahead into the future.I look around, fearful I am lost.Yet You are there. Welcoming me back to the walk. Walk – an ordinary everyday action, yet in Your presence, becomes a way of life.I want to move in Your direction, following each of Your steps.I don’t know where our walk will lead me, but with You as my Companion, I am sure wherever we go will be a grand adventure. … [Read more...]
Keep Working in me, Lord – Lectio Divina
Image by Getty Images via @daylifeTherefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.Philippians 2:12-13God who works in youKeep working in me, Lord.Please never quit.Take Your bucket of grace and wash my whole self until I am sparkling clean.Dust out the cobwebs that cling in my mind and scrub those nooks and crannies where I think I have hidden my sin from You.Fix the hole in my heart so Your love no longer trickles out.Clean the windows of my eyes to see what You see and what You want me to see.Dig out the deeply rooted weeds and overgrown thicket. I want to feel the warmth of Your Son within me.Erect Your walls of protection around me.Build a strong foundation that will never fail for my feet.Assemble me according to Your perfect plan and shape me like clay in Your hands.I rest today … [Read more...]
Gentleness – Lectio Divina
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4: 4-9Image by mtsofan via FlickrLet your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Lord these verses are packed with meaning. These words of Yours are some of my favorite to ponder.When I heard them in church this morning and read them once again later, one phrase jumped into … [Read more...]
Nothing is Impossible for God – Lectio Divina
This is what the Lord Almighty says: All this may seem impossible to you now, a small and discouraged remnant of God's people. But do you think this is impossible for me, the Lord Almighty? Zechariah 8:6 (NLT) But do you think this is impossible for me, the Lord Almighty? Yes, Lord, I do act some most of the time like You can’t handle my circumstances.I feel I must be in control, not trusting in You. I give discouragement the power to overwhelm me. I allow my circumstances to make me feel small and insignificant and weak.My eyes only see the impossible, forgetting who You are.You are the Lord.You are the Lord AlmightyYou are the King of Impossibilities.Lord, as I pray this verse I see two tiny three letter words.NowButNOW all I see is impossibleBUT with God nothing is impossible.You ask me, “Do you think this is impossible for me, the Lord Almighty?”My only response: I do believe; help my unbelief. … [Read more...]
Honey from Rock – Lectio Divina
"But I would feed you with the finest wheat. I would satisfy you with wild honey from the rock.” Psalm 81:16Image via WikipediaWild honey from the rockLord You amaze me.You nourish me with your best blessings and lavish me with your finest gifts.I am so very grateful.But honey from a rock? What a strange phrase. Or is it?When the hardness of the world wears me down,When strong forces resist my meager attempts to make a difference,When the weight of heavy burdens crushes me like a mass of boulders,You produce sweet delights and joy from the rock that suppresses me.I think back on situations that overwhelmed me, dragged down my spirit, and stole away all hope. All I had left were shattered pebbles of a dream in my hand.You, the God of all creation, brought forth something good from my ruins.More than good, You “satisfied” me, fill me up with Your sweetness, joy and delight.You make all things new again, not for You, but for me.How can I ever thank You enough, God of wild honey.God of … [Read more...]
The Lord Is With Us – Lectio Divina
I have been with you wherever you went. 2 Samuel 7:9Image by paurian via FlickrI have been with you wherever you went.What a promise, Lord.That You are with us wherever we go.Actually as I slowly say this verse and hold it close to my heart, I realize it is more than a promise.This is not something happening someday in the future.You are saying, “I have wrapped my arms around with you continually.”You are already here.You have been.You will be.BeforeDuringAfterForever.No matter where I go.Even if I try to run from You as a young child hides when they know they have done wrong.Even when my world floods with the muddy waters of self-doubt and discouragement.Even when I know I am not worthy.You stay with me.Just as You have in the past.Just as You are here right now.Just as You will be in the future.BeforeDuringAfterForeverNo words can adequately express what I feel when I realize the saturation of Your love that permeates every moment of my being.Thank you Lord. … [Read more...]
Throwing Away My Confidence – Lectio Divina
Image by Images by John 'K' via FlickrSo do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. Hebrews 10:35-36 (NIV)Do not throw away your confidence.In my hands I hold my confidence.At one time I thought I knew what I believed.With boldness, I stated my convictions.But the day-to-day grind and my lingering sins drain away my certainty. Now my confidence lies crumbled, torn, stained.Useless and unable to save it, I consider throwing it away until I read this verse.Do not throw away your confidence.Lord, even if self-doubts and difficulties shred my resolve to pieces, I am to hold onto it?Lord, my faith is shattered and beyond repair.You gently nudge me to trash my misgivings and uncertainties instead.In Your hands You tenderly smooth out the mess I am.Your spirit nourishes my soul and sends light, warmth, and water to help me grow again.In my hands I hold my confidence – … [Read more...]