What does your “To Do” list look like this morning? I feel behind already and it’s not even 8:30! Most of us wake up with at least a mental list of all the things that need to be done, then add to that the needs that your family is calling out for and it’s easy to feel frantic.
I love David’s words in Psalm 27:4 – “One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.” With all the things that are calling for my attention this morning I must attend to the one thing of beholding the beauty of the Lord. Note that David didn’t just want a quick glance; he wanted to behold, to gaze at the Lord. Our hearts may cry out, “Are you kidding? I don’t have time to stare at anything! The kids need breakfast, the laundry’s piled out the laundry room door, the dog just got sick in the kitchen, dishes are stacked on the counter, I need to run some errands, and I’m not even dressed for the day yet!” We need to quiet our hearts before diving into all those tasks and take a good look in the face of our Savior. It’s only then that we’re really ready for the day.
Don’t get distracted this morning; stop and take time for One thing – behold His beauty.
Take time to enjoy the season!
Living here in the mountains of east Tennessee is pretty any time of year, but it’s spectacular in the fall, isn’t it? The trees are really just beginning to turn and will probably peak in a couple weeks. Take time to slow down this weekend and enjoy the beauty and this season. Why not…
- Take a drive on a country road
- Have some friends over and serve apple cider and fried donuts (canned biscuits work great)
- Ride a bike on a trail
- Iron leaves with waxed paper with your children or grandchildren
- Carve a pumpkin – Try something unique like you’ll see at this web site –http://southernliving.com/southern/gardens
- Go apple picking
- Make caramel apples
- Create a fall decoration at your front door . See http://cottageliving.com/cottage
- Create an autumn shelf or mantle in your home. Gather any dishes, candlesticks, and books that are the colors of autumn. Add baskets, silk branches of fall leaves, mums, and small pumpkins and arrange in a variety of heights.
- Have a bonfire in the backyard if you’re able, or light a fire in the charcoal grill – then roast marshmallows
The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof. Psalm 24:1
Don’t Lose Heart!
Many years ago I began painting a picture of a beautiful old house in my hometown of Winchester, KY. It was known as The Old South Inn. I was painting it using a post card that was a depiction of the house’s grandeur and the lovely lot on which it sat.
My art instructor helped me with the initial structure of the home, making sure the perspective was correct. I then began adding some of the landscape around the house, brushing on a couple of the large trees that surround it. With the framework of the picture done I needed to add shadows and detail that would make the painting come alive. However, somewhere along the way, I lost heart. It was overwhelming to look at it and think about finishing it. There was too much to do, and I didn’t feel up to the task. So, you guessed it, I set it aside. However, I packed that canvas with me each time I moved, thinking that one day I’d be overcome with a rush of creativity and would finish that painting. It wasn’t too long ago that I picked that poor dusty relic up and pitched it in the trash. Had my instructor still been around to guide my brush and help me, perhaps I could have finished it, but left on my own, I simply lost heart.
This morning as I read Psalm 27:13 I hear David crying out in faith to His God. “I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” In other words David is saying, “I would have lost heart if I didn’t have the faith that God’s goodness will be revealed.” Then he goes on to say what he will now do because he does have faith in God. “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say on the Lord.”
During these tumultuous days it’s easy to lose heart; to feel overwhelmed, desperate and frustrated. With our country’s economic problems and weak politicians running for president it would be tempted to “faint”. Then add our own personal struggles of family issues, parenting, financial pressures, relationship strains, hefty decisions that are waiting to be made or a huge responsibility we’ve been given and we may feel faint-hearted all too quickly. David reminds us that we need not feel discouraged!
Do you have a task or difficulty in front of you that the Lord has given that seems daunting? Whatever seems overwhelming to you, throw it to the Lord and have eyes of faith that His goodness will be known. Look behind you and remember when the Lord did this for you in the past. Allow that memory to encourage your heart, then wait on Him to strengthen you. Don’t lose heart! Our Instructor is with us; we are not left on our own. Pick up your paint brush and move forward instead.
Violating the law
After 35 years of driving, I got a ticket! I didn’t have to endure the whole blue light embarrassment; my ticket arrived via the US mail! I was shocked! It seems that I ran a red light. Now, if you ask my family they will tell you that I am a very careful driver. I don’t exceed the speed limit, I try to be defensive, always watching what others around me are doing, and I check and recheck before entering a lane. Too bad! I was fined spite my good record!
The ticket came with proof that I was guilty. Enclosed was a picture of my car going under a red light. The roads beneath my jeep were wet. I must have worried that if I stopped too quickly I’d slide! Too bad! My “carefulness” earned me a ticket! I deserved it and have paid the fine.
After getting the ticket I had to cross the intersection where the offence occurred. I looked up at the lights to see where the cameras were. I never did see them (of course I was also keeping a close eye on the road and traffic!). Somewhere, somehow the Kingsport police department is watching the intersections and giving out friendly reminders that they have an eye on you! This is for our safety. They’re trying to cut down on the number of accidents. Drivers may think they’ve gotten away with a violation, but in time they’ll learn differently.
How many times do we as children of God forget that “The eyes of the Lord are in every place”? We may be alone. It may be dark. It might just be a thought that no one else hears, but our God is there. No matter what our excuse is, our sin isn’t hidden from Him. Because He is a loving God He will send us a loving reminder that we’ve sinned – conviction from the Holy Spirit. We may get a warning first and if we don’t heed that He may need to send a firmer reprimand. It is for our protection and because He loves us that He convicts or disciplines us when we’ve violated His Law. Let’s be wise and remember that He’s watching, listening and loving us all the time.
Drive safely!
Go ahead and leave a comment – you know you want to!
Because we love Him
What makes you do what you do? What drives you? There are so very many things in this life that I will never understand, but recently I’ve thought of some things relating to the church that are puzzling to me.
- Why is it that people are willing and able to meet very early for a “fun” outing, but don’t come to the pre-service prayer meeting because it’s “too early”?
- Why is it that if we go to a musical, drama, concert, or ballgame we want the closest seats to the front that we can possibly get, but the front pews at church are too close?
- Why is it that if we had the opportunity to meet some celebrity or be in their inner circle most would jump at the chance, yet when given the opportunity to pray during a preaching service and join that inner circle, there are few names on the list?
- Why is it that we can keep our kids up late for a variety of outings and events and know that they’ll catch up on their sleep, yet fear that taking them to revival on a school night will be harmful to them?
- Why is it that we can find time for the computer and email, yet struggle to find time to get into God’s Word?
Please understand my heart, I am not trying to come off as “preachy” or legalistic, but these are questions I also ask myself. My own heart wants its way, and I have to fight to do what is right. When we do fight our flesh with God’s strength, and honor the Lord in these areas we are blessed. We can say with Paul, The love of Christ constrains me.” (II Cor. 5:14) Because we love Him we do these things.
Are we showing Him our love?
