Sunday, April 18, 2010

A Rock in My Shoe



Galatians 5: 16
I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

      While on my morning walk, I noticed something uncomfortable in my right shoe. It wasn’t enough to alter my pace so I just ignored it and kept walking. When I got home I noticed it again, but didn’t stop to do anything about it because there were dishes to wash and a letter to write before the mailman came.


      Whatever it was, it began rolling around by my toes, until I wasn't able to ignore it any longer. I stopped what I was doing and took off my shoe…out rolled a tiny pebble. Tossing it into the trash can, I couldn’t help feeling silly for walking all morning with a rock in my shoe – knowing it was there!

      I was reminded of other things tolerated in my life, things that don’t belong there and sometimes cause pain or discomfort. Little sins like irritability or impatience that so quietly creep into my heart. They aren’t hidden, I can feel them there. They keep rolling around in my attitude until enough discomfort is created that I dump them out to God.

      How much wiser it would have been if I had stopped and removed the pebble this morning the moment it was first noticed. And how much less heart ache would be caused for each of us and the people along our paths if we stopped and emptied out our hearts of those wrong attitudes the moment the Holy Spirit brought them to our attention?



      Father, forgive me for tolerating things I should be removing from my life. Those little pebbles can be worse than big boulders because I tend to ignore them. To you they are all the same – sin! Thank you that at any time I can pour them out before you in prayer, and you lovingly forgive me. Thank you for the lesson you spoke into my life today through a rock in my shoe. Amen

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

The Wind and Fire of Pentecost

Wind and Fire

      Not long after the resurrection, Christ ascended to the Father and sent the Spirit in His place. Why? To be our Helper and to lead us into all Truth! (John 14:16, John 16:13)

This is what Charles Spurgeon said about the Holy Spirit:
      "Now that we have the Holy Spirit from Christ as our inner life, the Holy Spirit comes upon us with the intent to use us in blessing others, and this is the manner of His visitation - He comes as the wind that carries the words we speak, as fire that burns a way for the truth we utter. Our words are now full of life and flame; they are borne by the breath of the Spirit, and they fall like fire-flakes and set the souls of men blazing with desire after God."

      He goes on to say, "If the Holy Spirit shall rest upon us to qualify us for service, it shall be in this manner - not merely of life for ourselves but of fiery energy in dealing with others."

Are you dealing with "others?"

      I was feeling overwhelmed with "others" today, which was a reminder that I was dealing with them in my own strength. Christ has sent the Holy Spirit "wind and fire" into our lives...His words, His power and strength.

      Let's pray as Charles did so long ago, "Come on us even now, O rushing mighty wind and tongue of fire, for the world has great need. It lies stagnant in dreadful night and needs the flaming torch of truth. There is neither health nor light for this world but from You, O blessed Spirit; come, then, upon it through Your people."

Can you feel the wind blowing? Do you feel the flame?

      And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. - Acts 2:3-4 NKJV

Saturday, April 3, 2010

He Lives!

The Shepherd and the Lamb
by Charlotte

Be our guiding Shepherd,
As we seek to follow you.
Throughout this life of trials,
Where old paths lead to new.

The places you once traveled,
When you walked upon this earth.
To show us of God’s saving grace,
And bring to us rebirth.

The mount where you were tempted,
And the lone spot where you prayed.
Are places you now lead us through,
Where others fell or strayed.

The tomb we pass is opened,
The light is shining in.
Reminders of your life in us,
And the ransom for our sin.

We’ll follow through the pearly gate,
Then on to streets of gold.
To a city you have made for us,
That your covenant foretold.

You’ll lead us by the crystal pool,
As its water sparkles clear.
Living springs prepared by God,
For those you beckon near.

We’ll walk along the river,
That leads us to the place.
Where God himself will be our light,
And we will see His face.

Then no more tears, no suffering,
When our eyes behold the throne,
As you take your holy place-The Lamb
Surrounded by your own.

“For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd;
He will lead them to springs of living water.
And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

Revelations 7:17