PSALM 4:4,8
Stand in awe and sin not
Commune with your own heart
upon your bed
and be still
I
will lay me down
in peace and sleep
for thou, O Lord
makest me dwell
in safety
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PSALM 4:4,8 Stand in awe and sin not Commune with your own heart upon your bed and be still I will lay me down in peace and sleep for thou, O Lord makest me dwell in safety
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ENOUGH "When you have Christ," wrote Thomas A Kempis, "you are rich and have enough." We wanted wealth Christ gave us children We wanted power Christ gave us prayer We wanted fame Christ gave us crucifixion We wanted release Christ gave us resurrection We wanted immortality Christ gave us eternal life. We are rich beyond measure. For, we have enough. NO COVERED DISHES The kids have run off to play. Chairs have been pushed at odd angels. The silverware lies haphazardly on our plates and my wife and I look at one another contentedly. With a satisfying grin on our faces we remark, "That sure was a delicious supper." As we thought about our meal, we realized that the butter could not say to the homemade bread, "I have no need of you." And our side dish of apple sauce could not boast of its taste above that of the side dish of coleslaw. And while the ice-cream was the favorite of the younger set, it did not vaunt itself above the pot-roast. Each dish contributed equally, distinctively, and uniquely to the overall superbness of the meal. One other thought did strike us, though... On God's table, there are no covered dishes. PSALM 3:3 But thou, O Lord are a shield for me, my glory and the lifter of mine head CARPE DIEM "While the iron is hot, men should smite." ---Chaucer, 1386 Seize the day, the month the year. Okay, how about the next couple of hours? This January (2014) has been one to remember/ forget. I've had the flu for nearly the whole month. (Yes, I received my flu shot back in October. So?) My wife, Donna, has been remodeling her sewing room for the past three weeks, the valley's inversion has simply been terrible, and last week I had three teeth removed. Other than all that, it's been a great start of a new year. Sometimes, if we are not careful, it would seem the days seize us upon us more often than vice versa. (if I keep this up, I shall quickly exaust my use and knowledge of Latin phrases.) We become too busy with little problems, while the days given to us whiz quickly by. May we seek to do the important tasks this day while we actually have the time. Strike the iron, while it is hot. (Written January 17, 2014) THE NIGHT CAP Right now, many Americans are seriously questioning the advantages of this Winter season. What with high fuel costs and low energy supplies, can there really be any advantages? We believe the answer has to be a resounding yes. For instance... In the year to come, we may learn that we can indeed survive and with a little bundling up, be fairly comfortable at 65 degrees, where it always was 70 degrees before. We are learning to shut off parts of the house that are not in use. Closing doors, using our fireplace more. We are learning to pinch pennies, to economize, shop for true discounts and watch our budgeting more closely. We are learning to pray more often and more consistently. (Disclosure: Yes, we pray daily, but not prolifically. We could promise to do better,) but our past history holds our for minimal gains in this area--but its still on our wish list.) We learned a long time ago that the best kind of night cap is the kind that is made of warm cotton and fits snugly over the ears. Cold winters have been around for many years. But, so has God. He is The Man of all seasons. He shall calm our winter storms and lead us into Spring. PSALM 2:12 Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him BLANKETS Dear Heavenly Father, Please cover us tonight with... Blankets of faith...that in times our doubts, we may still know you are there Blankets of hope...that our moments of despair may give way to times good cheer Blankets of love...that we may continue to share that perfect love which has been given freely to us by Thy Son Blankest of purity...that minds may be clear, our motives may be pure, and our lives may be holy vessels usable by thee And, may we become as heavenly blankets, spreading thy warmth over the hearts of men and women everywhere Tuck us in real good tonight with thy Spirit of love and give us thy peace 'till morning light In Jesus' Name, Amen. TOLLING FOR THEE Some of the most widely read lines ever to be published are be in our time are those of the 16th Century poet, John Donne... "No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main...any man's death diminishes me because I am involved in mankind; and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee." Every man's poverty impoverishes us Every man's humiliation adds to our embarrassment Every man's attitude affects our outreach Every man's success adds to our riches Every man's spiritual growth elevates our own Every victory won and sin overcome by someone else increases our stature As much as we might like, at times, we cannot stand permanently apart from humanity any more than a grain of sand may detach itself form the beaches of the Universe. We hear the knell of the bell, and we rejoice. PSALM 1:6 For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous but the way of the ungodly shall perish |
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