First Words...2nd Thoughts

First Words of my day…

“The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.” (Psalm 103:8, NIV84)

He knows when we are weary. Does not grow impatient at our flesh. Ready to renew us every day.

Okay, yep I got that, Lord.

BUT THEN these Words…

 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NIV84)

“For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” (Isaiah 41:13, NIV84)

Here’s the problem…in the above 2 verses we often put the emphasis on the wrong place. The fact that WE have problems or trouble…and that WE have fears and need help.

Really THAT’S NOT THE POINT AT ALL…for when WE put the emphasis there, WE never really let go, or allow our worries to flee, or put our hope anywhere else other than ourselves. 

So perhaps the Master intended His words this way…

““I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”” (John 16:33, NIV84)

“For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” (Isaiah 41:13, NIV84)

Peace in Him?

Help from Him?
What could be better?!

Cool is...

                                                                                                                                         (orig posted March 27, 2012)
...Watching your mom receive her 50^th college celebration diploma.  I did and loved every moment of it.  Baylor’s golden diploma event honoring the Class of '62. Wow. Nostalgic and humbling. To be a child, watching your parent's acheivement, pretty amazing!

Made me ponder whether the children of Israel ever felt the same. Watching their "Daddy" achieve miraculous signs and wonders. Knowing they were related to Him. Remembering that they were grafted into that Vine.

“Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom. One generation will commend Your works to another; they will tell of Your mighty acts. They will speak of the glorious splendor of Your majesty, and I will meditate on Your wonderful works. They will tell of the power of Your awesome works, and I will proclaim Your great deeds.” (Psalm 145:3–6, NIV84)

"Growth in grace is measured not by the fact that you have not gone back, but that you have an insight into where you are spiritually; you have heard God say ‘Come up higher,’ not to you personally, but to the insight of your character."   (Oswald Chambers)