Rindy's Devotional Tidbits
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The Spiritual Cafe is pleased to share her daily facebook thoughts. It is our hope that her reflections will be a service to you on your spiritual growth journey.
Week Sixteen Archives
Year 5; Day 107 Belief vs Reality
Several women went to the tomb early on the third day to try and attend to Christ's body. The disciples were hiding in fear and not even around. The women were not expecting the resurrection. When they arrived, they were greeted by an angel with a lightning bright appearance, a rolled away stone, and an empty tomb. He told the women not to be afraid, that Christ had risen as He said He would, and to run and tell the disciples. This was no ordinary event. You would think the angel's words would have made a deep impression, that Christ's words would have come back to them about His death and resurrection. Mary Magdalene went running to Peter and John and said, "...They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don't know where they have put him!" (John 20:2) Talk about getting lost in translation! That wasn't even remotely close to what the angel said. There was no "they". Jesus hadn't been taken anywhere or put somewhere. He was risen! How could she not have repeated correctly what she saw and heard? How could she so have misinterpreted, misunderstood, misquoted, and just plain missed what she had just witnessed? I was still thinking about this in church when a thought went through my mind as if it were typed. "Are we any different?" We have His Word, His promises, the Holy Spirit, a personal relationship, and years of church. Yet when a storm or a crisis comes along, too often our first thoughts are ones of fear, abandonment, lack of trust, worry, and hand-wringing. What happened to, "I will never leave you, I know the plans I have for you, all things work together for good, cast all your cares on Me?" Often there is as big a disconnect as we saw with the disciples and Mary Magdalene. We hear and believe until the test. Then it seems to go out the window and we are panicked, we see only through our filters, and we forget all we have learned. Belief doesn't carry over into behavior. Not then and too often, not now. Today is Monday. May we live our lives reflecting the truth of our belief, "He is not here; he has risen, just as he said..." (Matthew 28:6)
Several women went to the tomb early on the third day to try and attend to Christ's body. The disciples were hiding in fear and not even around. The women were not expecting the resurrection. When they arrived, they were greeted by an angel with a lightning bright appearance, a rolled away stone, and an empty tomb. He told the women not to be afraid, that Christ had risen as He said He would, and to run and tell the disciples. This was no ordinary event. You would think the angel's words would have made a deep impression, that Christ's words would have come back to them about His death and resurrection. Mary Magdalene went running to Peter and John and said, "...They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don't know where they have put him!" (John 20:2) Talk about getting lost in translation! That wasn't even remotely close to what the angel said. There was no "they". Jesus hadn't been taken anywhere or put somewhere. He was risen! How could she not have repeated correctly what she saw and heard? How could she so have misinterpreted, misunderstood, misquoted, and just plain missed what she had just witnessed? I was still thinking about this in church when a thought went through my mind as if it were typed. "Are we any different?" We have His Word, His promises, the Holy Spirit, a personal relationship, and years of church. Yet when a storm or a crisis comes along, too often our first thoughts are ones of fear, abandonment, lack of trust, worry, and hand-wringing. What happened to, "I will never leave you, I know the plans I have for you, all things work together for good, cast all your cares on Me?" Often there is as big a disconnect as we saw with the disciples and Mary Magdalene. We hear and believe until the test. Then it seems to go out the window and we are panicked, we see only through our filters, and we forget all we have learned. Belief doesn't carry over into behavior. Not then and too often, not now. Today is Monday. May we live our lives reflecting the truth of our belief, "He is not here; he has risen, just as he said..." (Matthew 28:6)
Year 5; Day 108 His Peace
Doing a Bible study has encouraged me to read Scripture more slowly and to look for the application to my life. I keep thinking about the disciples and other followers of Christ. Why did they not really hear what Jesus said about His resurrection? I mean, they heard Him talk about it numerous times. Jesus was very specific in saying He would rise on the third day and yet nobody was at the tomb except some soldiers. Why weren't Mary, Martha, and Lazarus there? Lazarus was living proof that Jesus had the power to raise people from the dead. You would have thought he and his sisters would have been waiting. Even His own mother wasn't there. Were the disciples so caught up in their emotions they just couldn't think? They stood by while their master of three years was treated like a common criminal and with terrible cruelty. They must have had overwhelming feelings of guilt and fear and shame. They had talked brave earlier...never leaving Jesus...following Him even to death. But then when it really happened, when soldiers came and people accused, well, loyalty got lost in other emotions. Maybe they couldn't really imagine all that Jesus said about being flogged and beaten and crucified actually happening. Maybe they thought Jesus would perform a miracle on Himself and He wouldn't really die. Why wouldn't He? He had such compassion for the suffering of others. Surely He could help Himself. I don't think anyone understood what Christ was doing. We have the advantage of looking backwards. We have the New Testament which lays out the fulfillment of God's plan of redemption. They were living in the moment and didn't yet see how the events fit. When Jesus appeared to the disciples the first time after the resurrection, you would have thought a big tongue lashing would have been in order. They hadn't acquitted themselves very well. But Jesus' first words weren't ones of reprimand, but rather comfort. "...Peace be with you!" (John 20:19) He hasn't changed. No matter what we have done, how badly we have blown it, He offers peace. Peace through reconciliation with our heavenly Father. Peace through forgiveness. Peace that goes beyond human understanding. Today is Tuesday. Allow Him to minister to your heart His peace.
Doing a Bible study has encouraged me to read Scripture more slowly and to look for the application to my life. I keep thinking about the disciples and other followers of Christ. Why did they not really hear what Jesus said about His resurrection? I mean, they heard Him talk about it numerous times. Jesus was very specific in saying He would rise on the third day and yet nobody was at the tomb except some soldiers. Why weren't Mary, Martha, and Lazarus there? Lazarus was living proof that Jesus had the power to raise people from the dead. You would have thought he and his sisters would have been waiting. Even His own mother wasn't there. Were the disciples so caught up in their emotions they just couldn't think? They stood by while their master of three years was treated like a common criminal and with terrible cruelty. They must have had overwhelming feelings of guilt and fear and shame. They had talked brave earlier...never leaving Jesus...following Him even to death. But then when it really happened, when soldiers came and people accused, well, loyalty got lost in other emotions. Maybe they couldn't really imagine all that Jesus said about being flogged and beaten and crucified actually happening. Maybe they thought Jesus would perform a miracle on Himself and He wouldn't really die. Why wouldn't He? He had such compassion for the suffering of others. Surely He could help Himself. I don't think anyone understood what Christ was doing. We have the advantage of looking backwards. We have the New Testament which lays out the fulfillment of God's plan of redemption. They were living in the moment and didn't yet see how the events fit. When Jesus appeared to the disciples the first time after the resurrection, you would have thought a big tongue lashing would have been in order. They hadn't acquitted themselves very well. But Jesus' first words weren't ones of reprimand, but rather comfort. "...Peace be with you!" (John 20:19) He hasn't changed. No matter what we have done, how badly we have blown it, He offers peace. Peace through reconciliation with our heavenly Father. Peace through forgiveness. Peace that goes beyond human understanding. Today is Tuesday. Allow Him to minister to your heart His peace.
Year 5; Day 109 In Times Like These
I have had a particular sense of gratitude these last few weeks that I have a personal relationship with the Lord. The news headlines are enough to make you want to roll over, go back to sleep, and hope for better headlines the next time you wake up. Why is it so hard to get along in this world? You would think that something would have been learned from history. But it just keeps on. Philosophies rise and fall as do religions and kingdoms and rulers. A sense of imminent destruction or disaster seems here to stay. Anxious times for many. But as believers, our security is not in governments or leaders or the words of certain people. Our security is in our ever faithful God. Ever...always...forever faithful. And while world leaders are going back and forth with their threats and counter-threats, their ultimatums, finger wagging, and news conferences, I know that they do not, and will not, have the final say. "Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning...he knows what lies in darkness..." (Daniel 2:20-22) He changes situations. He sets up and deposes. He gives what is needed. He...not us...not them. "They" may think they do, but they don't really know either. And so we can wring our hands as we watch the news or we can watch with the assurance that God is in control. And whatever happens, no matter how it seems at the moment, it will be worked out according to His plan. Not plans He makes as events unfold, but plans He has had since before creation. It allows us to have peace in the midst of the storm...whatever that storm may be. A storm of angry words. A storm of uncertainty. A storm of hostility. "He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love..." (Psalm 107:29-31) Today is Wednesday. We have an Anchor for times such as these. And He is our safe haven.
I have had a particular sense of gratitude these last few weeks that I have a personal relationship with the Lord. The news headlines are enough to make you want to roll over, go back to sleep, and hope for better headlines the next time you wake up. Why is it so hard to get along in this world? You would think that something would have been learned from history. But it just keeps on. Philosophies rise and fall as do religions and kingdoms and rulers. A sense of imminent destruction or disaster seems here to stay. Anxious times for many. But as believers, our security is not in governments or leaders or the words of certain people. Our security is in our ever faithful God. Ever...always...forever faithful. And while world leaders are going back and forth with their threats and counter-threats, their ultimatums, finger wagging, and news conferences, I know that they do not, and will not, have the final say. "Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning...he knows what lies in darkness..." (Daniel 2:20-22) He changes situations. He sets up and deposes. He gives what is needed. He...not us...not them. "They" may think they do, but they don't really know either. And so we can wring our hands as we watch the news or we can watch with the assurance that God is in control. And whatever happens, no matter how it seems at the moment, it will be worked out according to His plan. Not plans He makes as events unfold, but plans He has had since before creation. It allows us to have peace in the midst of the storm...whatever that storm may be. A storm of angry words. A storm of uncertainty. A storm of hostility. "He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love..." (Psalm 107:29-31) Today is Wednesday. We have an Anchor for times such as these. And He is our safe haven.
Year 5; Day 110 Steadfast and Fixed
I am so grateful for the Word of God and I find my gratitude continues to grow as I live life, age, grow older and get old. It comforts and encourages, reminds and corrects, and nourishes me body and soul. Yesterday I read Psalm 108. It starts out "My heart is steadfast, O God;..." The King James says, "My heart is fixed..." (verse 1) Steadfast. Fixed. Those words mean "certain, firm, set, stable". My heart is certain, firm, set, stable. That is what David said. How about ours? If ever we needed steadfast hearts, it is in these times. If the state of our heart is based on circumstances, it will probably rarely be steadfast. It is hard to be steadfast based on something that is always changing. David picked two reasons why his heart was steadfast. "For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies." (verse 4) I don't think that is airy-fairy talk. David knew from experience how great is the love of God and His faithfulness. He knew historically, as a Jew, and he knew personally. His journey from unknown shepherd boy to king of Israel was filled with examples of God's love and faithfulness. Our testimony may not be as grand as David's but it is no less valuable. More than ever I am aware of God's love and faithfulness. And how did David express that steadfast, fixed heart that was focused on God? "...I will sing and make music with all my soul...I will awaken the dawn...I will praise you, O Lord,...I will sing of you..." (verses 1-3). Imagine if we started every morning with singing and music to God! If instead of flicking on the news first thing we focused on the Lord first thing. What would it do to the rest of the day if we began each day with joyful praise? If our hearts were tuned to Him first? If we greeted each day with a steadfast, fixed reminder of His love and faithfulness? To keep a steadfast heart we must be fixed on the only One who can be truly steadfast in His love and faithfulness. Today is Thursday. I just might have a little sing around the kitchen while I boil the kettle!
I am so grateful for the Word of God and I find my gratitude continues to grow as I live life, age, grow older and get old. It comforts and encourages, reminds and corrects, and nourishes me body and soul. Yesterday I read Psalm 108. It starts out "My heart is steadfast, O God;..." The King James says, "My heart is fixed..." (verse 1) Steadfast. Fixed. Those words mean "certain, firm, set, stable". My heart is certain, firm, set, stable. That is what David said. How about ours? If ever we needed steadfast hearts, it is in these times. If the state of our heart is based on circumstances, it will probably rarely be steadfast. It is hard to be steadfast based on something that is always changing. David picked two reasons why his heart was steadfast. "For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies." (verse 4) I don't think that is airy-fairy talk. David knew from experience how great is the love of God and His faithfulness. He knew historically, as a Jew, and he knew personally. His journey from unknown shepherd boy to king of Israel was filled with examples of God's love and faithfulness. Our testimony may not be as grand as David's but it is no less valuable. More than ever I am aware of God's love and faithfulness. And how did David express that steadfast, fixed heart that was focused on God? "...I will sing and make music with all my soul...I will awaken the dawn...I will praise you, O Lord,...I will sing of you..." (verses 1-3). Imagine if we started every morning with singing and music to God! If instead of flicking on the news first thing we focused on the Lord first thing. What would it do to the rest of the day if we began each day with joyful praise? If our hearts were tuned to Him first? If we greeted each day with a steadfast, fixed reminder of His love and faithfulness? To keep a steadfast heart we must be fixed on the only One who can be truly steadfast in His love and faithfulness. Today is Thursday. I just might have a little sing around the kitchen while I boil the kettle!
Year 5; Day 111 All...Not Some
I had the television on last night but it wasn't quite time for the program I wanted to watch. A movie was ending that I had already seen so I had the volume turned right down. I knew the gist of the story and could kind of follow without words. Once in a while I could actually lip-read a few things said. But mostly I just used my eyes to follow the story as best I could. So I missed things...not everything but I could have had a much richer experience had I used my eyes and my ears together. I certainly wasn't giving my full attention. Just prior to this I read chapter 22 in Matthew where Jesus was asked which was the greatest commandment. "Jesus replied, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment." (verses 37,38) It is the word "all" that is a bit of a stickler. I think we would rather substitute the word "all" with "some of". Love the Lord with some of your heart and some of your soul and some of your mind. And leave the rest for us. Like the television. I got some of the story just by watching but not all. How many times have we had the TV up loud because we have been in another room but still trying to listen? We hear it but miss the unspoken actions and expressions. We get "some" but not "all". The worst is getting a phone call right at a crucial time in a show. Trying to talk and listen on the phone while still watching and listening to the television is getting beyond my multi-tasking capabilities. I end up missing things on both fronts. How many times do we do that with God? The only attention He gets is during multi-tasking or on the fly. "All" is more like some of, a piece, maybe even a sliver. But that is not what Jesus said. We are to love the Lord with "all" we are and "all" we have. Not because God is greedy but because He has so much for us. We can settle for just listening or just watching or half participating but we miss out on the high definition, surround sound living He wants to give us. Today is Friday. He wants "all" because that is the best and only way to receive His "all".
I had the television on last night but it wasn't quite time for the program I wanted to watch. A movie was ending that I had already seen so I had the volume turned right down. I knew the gist of the story and could kind of follow without words. Once in a while I could actually lip-read a few things said. But mostly I just used my eyes to follow the story as best I could. So I missed things...not everything but I could have had a much richer experience had I used my eyes and my ears together. I certainly wasn't giving my full attention. Just prior to this I read chapter 22 in Matthew where Jesus was asked which was the greatest commandment. "Jesus replied, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment." (verses 37,38) It is the word "all" that is a bit of a stickler. I think we would rather substitute the word "all" with "some of". Love the Lord with some of your heart and some of your soul and some of your mind. And leave the rest for us. Like the television. I got some of the story just by watching but not all. How many times have we had the TV up loud because we have been in another room but still trying to listen? We hear it but miss the unspoken actions and expressions. We get "some" but not "all". The worst is getting a phone call right at a crucial time in a show. Trying to talk and listen on the phone while still watching and listening to the television is getting beyond my multi-tasking capabilities. I end up missing things on both fronts. How many times do we do that with God? The only attention He gets is during multi-tasking or on the fly. "All" is more like some of, a piece, maybe even a sliver. But that is not what Jesus said. We are to love the Lord with "all" we are and "all" we have. Not because God is greedy but because He has so much for us. We can settle for just listening or just watching or half participating but we miss out on the high definition, surround sound living He wants to give us. Today is Friday. He wants "all" because that is the best and only way to receive His "all".
Year 5; Day 112 You're Included
I've been making plans for my trip to Michigan. Some of my plans have details like dates and reservations and certain people. Other plans are vague. I know I will see someone or go somewhere but no details of what exactly will happen. At least, that's the plans. Yesterday we talked to our grandkids. I asked the youngest grand-daughter if she had any plans for the summer. She hesitated and then said she wasn't sure what her plans were but whatever they are, they would include us. Of course, husband and I melted. Later as I replayed the conversations in my mind, I thought about grandchild's comment. It made husband and I feel so loved to know whatever comes about, she wants us to be part of it. I thought about God. Do we want to make Him a part of our plans, whatever they may be? Does He automatically get included? Is it a given that no plans get made that wouldn't include Him? Whether in a top-level business meeting, grocery shopping, or garage-sailing, shouldn't God be a part of everything we say and do? And if we have no formal plans, we can still look for an opportunity to do good. "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people..." (Galatians 6:10) I know how loved husband and I felt for her to want to include us. Is that not also a way we can love God back? To want Him to be a part in all we do? Whether it is singing as we drive around, smiling at people we meet, holding the door open for someone, letting another go first, or ignoring a questionable tone of voice, we can show our love for God by making Him a part of our words and actions and activities. Our grand-daughter, indirectly, gave a wise philosophy for life. Whatever we do, whatever our plans, make sure God is a part of it. Today is Saturday. Why would we even want plans without including Him?
I've been making plans for my trip to Michigan. Some of my plans have details like dates and reservations and certain people. Other plans are vague. I know I will see someone or go somewhere but no details of what exactly will happen. At least, that's the plans. Yesterday we talked to our grandkids. I asked the youngest grand-daughter if she had any plans for the summer. She hesitated and then said she wasn't sure what her plans were but whatever they are, they would include us. Of course, husband and I melted. Later as I replayed the conversations in my mind, I thought about grandchild's comment. It made husband and I feel so loved to know whatever comes about, she wants us to be part of it. I thought about God. Do we want to make Him a part of our plans, whatever they may be? Does He automatically get included? Is it a given that no plans get made that wouldn't include Him? Whether in a top-level business meeting, grocery shopping, or garage-sailing, shouldn't God be a part of everything we say and do? And if we have no formal plans, we can still look for an opportunity to do good. "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people..." (Galatians 6:10) I know how loved husband and I felt for her to want to include us. Is that not also a way we can love God back? To want Him to be a part in all we do? Whether it is singing as we drive around, smiling at people we meet, holding the door open for someone, letting another go first, or ignoring a questionable tone of voice, we can show our love for God by making Him a part of our words and actions and activities. Our grand-daughter, indirectly, gave a wise philosophy for life. Whatever we do, whatever our plans, make sure God is a part of it. Today is Saturday. Why would we even want plans without including Him?
Year 5; Day 113 I Will Extol
When I first started writing these posts, the Lord always gave me a topic before I went to sleep. Then came that first night when He didn't. It wasn't because I hadn't read my Bible or given God time...I had. But nothing clicked. I did not sleep well that night. But He was faithful and gave me a thought before dawn. It still happens every once in a while. I no longer lose sleep over it because my trust in God's faithfulness has increased. I had no thought last night. Yesterday wasn't a stellar day. "Things" came at me from several different fronts. Some I handled adequately and others, well, I was tempted to eat my sale bag of Bits and Bites in one sitting for comfort. The only reason I didn't was because I had somehow consumed a whole bag the day before. When I woke early this morning I still had nothing so I prayed, "Lord, this is your idea so I need a thought." The next time I woke up the words, "I will extol the Lord," were gliding across my mind. Extol? Not an everyday word. It means to raise, bring up, lift up, set up on high. I had been reading in Psalms yesterday but couldn't remember that word in particular. So I looked at my last reading and there it was. "Praise the Lord. I will extol the Lord with all my heart...Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them." (Psalm 111:1,2) I can't say as I did any extolling yesterday. I did some wallowing. I shed a tear or two. I prayed a bit and read my Bible. But I mostly (mostly, nearly, totally) focused on myself. My pondering was not on the things the Lord has done or is doing or will do. I pondered on a few hurts, some dilemmas, and a couple of impossibilities. I mainly dwelled on me. I did not praise, thank or extol the Lord. No gratitude for His unfailing love, His everlasting faithfulness, or His always available forgiveness. No thought to His ever-listening ear, His limitless grace or His mercies that are new every single morning. No tapping into His promised strength, wisdom, and power. I didn't praise. I didn't extol. I didn't ponder. I did stew. I did complain. I did wallow. And then in the early morning hours He gently reminded me to take the focus off myself and put it on Him. And so I am and I will. Today is Sunday. I hope you will join me.
When I first started writing these posts, the Lord always gave me a topic before I went to sleep. Then came that first night when He didn't. It wasn't because I hadn't read my Bible or given God time...I had. But nothing clicked. I did not sleep well that night. But He was faithful and gave me a thought before dawn. It still happens every once in a while. I no longer lose sleep over it because my trust in God's faithfulness has increased. I had no thought last night. Yesterday wasn't a stellar day. "Things" came at me from several different fronts. Some I handled adequately and others, well, I was tempted to eat my sale bag of Bits and Bites in one sitting for comfort. The only reason I didn't was because I had somehow consumed a whole bag the day before. When I woke early this morning I still had nothing so I prayed, "Lord, this is your idea so I need a thought." The next time I woke up the words, "I will extol the Lord," were gliding across my mind. Extol? Not an everyday word. It means to raise, bring up, lift up, set up on high. I had been reading in Psalms yesterday but couldn't remember that word in particular. So I looked at my last reading and there it was. "Praise the Lord. I will extol the Lord with all my heart...Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them." (Psalm 111:1,2) I can't say as I did any extolling yesterday. I did some wallowing. I shed a tear or two. I prayed a bit and read my Bible. But I mostly (mostly, nearly, totally) focused on myself. My pondering was not on the things the Lord has done or is doing or will do. I pondered on a few hurts, some dilemmas, and a couple of impossibilities. I mainly dwelled on me. I did not praise, thank or extol the Lord. No gratitude for His unfailing love, His everlasting faithfulness, or His always available forgiveness. No thought to His ever-listening ear, His limitless grace or His mercies that are new every single morning. No tapping into His promised strength, wisdom, and power. I didn't praise. I didn't extol. I didn't ponder. I did stew. I did complain. I did wallow. And then in the early morning hours He gently reminded me to take the focus off myself and put it on Him. And so I am and I will. Today is Sunday. I hope you will join me.