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 20 Archives
Year 5; Day 135 In the Boat
When we were visiting our friends in Michigan, they had a boat sitting on the grass by the garage. If you were a kid it would be a great place to pretend. You could be a pirate, get lost at sea, get marooned, or be an explorer. You could be the brave captain who sailed into danger unafraid. You could imagine the grandest adventures because they would never face the test of reality. The boat was on dry land. It wasn't going anywhere and neither were you. Imagining was free, without risk, and without personal cost. It wasn't going to really happen so no problem to create situations and face them in any way desired. Only none of it was real. We can give ourselves wonderful qualities of bravery and leadership and wisdom. Reality won't test us because the boat is sitting on grass. Sometimes we are like that in our faith. We like to play and imagine all the things we might do for Christ...win souls, face persecution, meet danger head on. We talk about what we would do in various situation. We would willingly sacrifice and deny and stand alone. Only we never actually do anything. Instead of putting our boat in the water with a willingness to see where God will take us, we prefer to sit in it on dry land. We don't want to really have to live by faith, or walk by faith, or be lead by faith. Better to talk than do. Except we are called to go...to launch out...to serve...to witness...to be His hands and feet. I guess we have to make a choice. "Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over..." (Matthew 9:1) Today is Monday. Are we willing to step in and cross to wherever God directs? Or would we rather just sit in a boat on dry land and pretend?
When we were visiting our friends in Michigan, they had a boat sitting on the grass by the garage. If you were a kid it would be a great place to pretend. You could be a pirate, get lost at sea, get marooned, or be an explorer. You could be the brave captain who sailed into danger unafraid. You could imagine the grandest adventures because they would never face the test of reality. The boat was on dry land. It wasn't going anywhere and neither were you. Imagining was free, without risk, and without personal cost. It wasn't going to really happen so no problem to create situations and face them in any way desired. Only none of it was real. We can give ourselves wonderful qualities of bravery and leadership and wisdom. Reality won't test us because the boat is sitting on grass. Sometimes we are like that in our faith. We like to play and imagine all the things we might do for Christ...win souls, face persecution, meet danger head on. We talk about what we would do in various situation. We would willingly sacrifice and deny and stand alone. Only we never actually do anything. Instead of putting our boat in the water with a willingness to see where God will take us, we prefer to sit in it on dry land. We don't want to really have to live by faith, or walk by faith, or be lead by faith. Better to talk than do. Except we are called to go...to launch out...to serve...to witness...to be His hands and feet. I guess we have to make a choice. "Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over..." (Matthew 9:1) Today is Monday. Are we willing to step in and cross to wherever God directs? Or would we rather just sit in a boat on dry land and pretend?
Year 5; Day 136 God's Map
Yesterday was a travel day from New York state to Ohio. When brother went to put in the address of our destination in the GPS, it didn't take. We didn't have a map either. Cousin gave us an Ohio map and we put in an old address that would get us close to where we were going. After we crossed from one state to the next, we decided to try a different route. So I looked on the map and I could not match the route number and road signs to the map. Brother kept asking if I could find this number or that exit and no matter how hard I looked, I couldn't find it. I even thought we might be going east instead of west. None of the towns on the signs matched what was on the map. I had no idea if we were going in the right direction. Eventually we realized that while we had crossed from N.Y. to Pennsylvania, the map I was looking at showed the border of PA into Ohio. I didn't have the correct map. We knew where we wanted to go but we were looking at the wrong set of directions. Sometimes life is like that. We know where we want to go but we are looking at the wrong map...the wrong set of directions. Sometimes we listen to the voice of others. They mean well but their instructions are incomplete. We may look to society for direction but what they say just doesn't match where we want to go. There is, however, one set of directions, one road map of life that can take us from beginning to end without leading us astray. And that is the Word of God. "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." (Psalm 119:105) It will show us where to go and how to get there. It comes complete with instructions, examples, tips, and warnings. The Word of God is always up-to-date and accurate. Brother and I laughed when we realized our error. There are no such errors when we rely on God's Word. Today is Tuesday. Brother and I arrived at our destination using the correct map. So will we when we use the map of God's Word.
Yesterday was a travel day from New York state to Ohio. When brother went to put in the address of our destination in the GPS, it didn't take. We didn't have a map either. Cousin gave us an Ohio map and we put in an old address that would get us close to where we were going. After we crossed from one state to the next, we decided to try a different route. So I looked on the map and I could not match the route number and road signs to the map. Brother kept asking if I could find this number or that exit and no matter how hard I looked, I couldn't find it. I even thought we might be going east instead of west. None of the towns on the signs matched what was on the map. I had no idea if we were going in the right direction. Eventually we realized that while we had crossed from N.Y. to Pennsylvania, the map I was looking at showed the border of PA into Ohio. I didn't have the correct map. We knew where we wanted to go but we were looking at the wrong set of directions. Sometimes life is like that. We know where we want to go but we are looking at the wrong map...the wrong set of directions. Sometimes we listen to the voice of others. They mean well but their instructions are incomplete. We may look to society for direction but what they say just doesn't match where we want to go. There is, however, one set of directions, one road map of life that can take us from beginning to end without leading us astray. And that is the Word of God. "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." (Psalm 119:105) It will show us where to go and how to get there. It comes complete with instructions, examples, tips, and warnings. The Word of God is always up-to-date and accurate. Brother and I laughed when we realized our error. There are no such errors when we rely on God's Word. Today is Tuesday. Brother and I arrived at our destination using the correct map. So will we when we use the map of God's Word.
Year 5; Day 137 Not CLWN LUV
I enjoy looking for "vanity plates"...license plates that are designed by the owner. The other day I saw one that said, "CLWN LUV". Clown Love. What do you suppose the reason for that plate was? Maybe the driver was a clown. Perhaps he loved clowns. Maybe he worked in a circus or wished he did. Perhaps he had been called a clown by his love interest and instead of being offended, he put his own spin on it. Perhaps the designer was a female who felt that her attentive other was just a joke...not someone to take seriously. Clowns usually dress funny, use exaggerated motions, and do silly things. Clown love doesn't seem to inspire confidence, longevity, or seriousness. I am glad God doesn't love us with "clown love". I don't have to wonder what He is trying to say or what He means. He loves us with an "unfailing love". What does that mean? His love won't fail. When we need Him, He is there. When we have failed, He does not retaliate. When we have failed, He does not withdraw or withhold. His love is not conditional or based on our abilities. I will take God's "unfailing love" anytime over "clown love". "How priceless is your unfailing love!" (Psalm 36:7) Today is Wednesday. No matter what we are, He remains constant in His love toward us.
I enjoy looking for "vanity plates"...license plates that are designed by the owner. The other day I saw one that said, "CLWN LUV". Clown Love. What do you suppose the reason for that plate was? Maybe the driver was a clown. Perhaps he loved clowns. Maybe he worked in a circus or wished he did. Perhaps he had been called a clown by his love interest and instead of being offended, he put his own spin on it. Perhaps the designer was a female who felt that her attentive other was just a joke...not someone to take seriously. Clowns usually dress funny, use exaggerated motions, and do silly things. Clown love doesn't seem to inspire confidence, longevity, or seriousness. I am glad God doesn't love us with "clown love". I don't have to wonder what He is trying to say or what He means. He loves us with an "unfailing love". What does that mean? His love won't fail. When we need Him, He is there. When we have failed, He does not retaliate. When we have failed, He does not withdraw or withhold. His love is not conditional or based on our abilities. I will take God's "unfailing love" anytime over "clown love". "How priceless is your unfailing love!" (Psalm 36:7) Today is Wednesday. No matter what we are, He remains constant in His love toward us.
Year 5; Day 138 A New Heaven and Earth
I have been to quite a few antique malls in the last week and a half. Yesterday was no exception. Friend-husband took brother and I to a smaller, slightly off the beaten track one. It was fun and I got finished before they did. I decided to sit outside even though it was hot. As I sat in one of the available chairs, I took a few minutes to just listen. The flags were flapping and the breeze blew a bit of dust periodically through the air. The view was of gently rolling hills and distant farm houses. There were actually a few cows on the other side of a nearby fence. Groves of trees dotted the plowed hills...some of which were already green. Two young Amish boys came bursting out from somewhere. They were laughing as they chased each other in their black pants, suspenders, and straw hats. As their merriment faded away I heard the birds singing, chirping, and trilling. What marvelous, musical noise! There had to be several different kinds as the songs and notes varied. It was just so peaceful and beautiful. I thought about what the earth must have been like just after creation. So lovely and fresh and sparkling new. Now we only have glimpses of what must have been...clean, pure and innocent. But Scripture promises that the abuse and destruction and devistation of our present earth will one day be replaced. The apostle John had a vision of what was to come. "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away..." (Revelation 21:1) A new heaven and a new earth. It won't just be a glimpse. It will be forever. Today is Thursday. Until then, I am thankful for the reminders of what must have been and what will one day be again...only better.
I have been to quite a few antique malls in the last week and a half. Yesterday was no exception. Friend-husband took brother and I to a smaller, slightly off the beaten track one. It was fun and I got finished before they did. I decided to sit outside even though it was hot. As I sat in one of the available chairs, I took a few minutes to just listen. The flags were flapping and the breeze blew a bit of dust periodically through the air. The view was of gently rolling hills and distant farm houses. There were actually a few cows on the other side of a nearby fence. Groves of trees dotted the plowed hills...some of which were already green. Two young Amish boys came bursting out from somewhere. They were laughing as they chased each other in their black pants, suspenders, and straw hats. As their merriment faded away I heard the birds singing, chirping, and trilling. What marvelous, musical noise! There had to be several different kinds as the songs and notes varied. It was just so peaceful and beautiful. I thought about what the earth must have been like just after creation. So lovely and fresh and sparkling new. Now we only have glimpses of what must have been...clean, pure and innocent. But Scripture promises that the abuse and destruction and devistation of our present earth will one day be replaced. The apostle John had a vision of what was to come. "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away..." (Revelation 21:1) A new heaven and a new earth. It won't just be a glimpse. It will be forever. Today is Thursday. Until then, I am thankful for the reminders of what must have been and what will one day be again...only better.
Year 5; Day 139 Something for Everyone
Yesterday, on our way to Battle Creek, brother and I stopped at a large antique mall in Findlay, Ohio. We usually stop there on our way home from visiting our lifelong family friends in Berlin, Ohio. I have never been to so many antique malls in such a short period of time in my life. For some reason I am freshly amazed at the sheer amount of stuff that is in these buildings. I overheard a visitor say that the parents die and the children try to sell their things. There have been jars and jars of buttons, lots of board games, vintage clothing, and hundreds of phonograph records. One booth had hundreds of license plates. Hundreds more were cut into pieces with one letter or number per piece. Then you could take the different coloured letters and make your own sign! It seems like nothing gets thrown away no matter how useless it may appear. Someone will want it. Someone will buy it. I saw a wasp's nest on sale for $8. A wasp's nest! What seems like junk and foolishness to me is just what someone else may be looking for. It appears that everything has a purpose to someone. I was thinking about God. When He looks at us, not one of us is useless to Him. Whether we are vintage, new, used, or only good for parts, He can use us. Whatever job He needs done, He can find just the right person to do it. One type doesn't fit all. One set of experiences for one may not meet the needs of another. God has need for what we each bring. Maybe a wasp's nest is just right for getting a conversation going. There is something for everyone in an antique mall. God also has something for everyone...a plan, a purpose, and a means to carry it out. "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Ephesians 2:10) Today is Friday. He sees the value in each of us and knows just how to use us for our benefit, the good of others, and His glory.
Yesterday, on our way to Battle Creek, brother and I stopped at a large antique mall in Findlay, Ohio. We usually stop there on our way home from visiting our lifelong family friends in Berlin, Ohio. I have never been to so many antique malls in such a short period of time in my life. For some reason I am freshly amazed at the sheer amount of stuff that is in these buildings. I overheard a visitor say that the parents die and the children try to sell their things. There have been jars and jars of buttons, lots of board games, vintage clothing, and hundreds of phonograph records. One booth had hundreds of license plates. Hundreds more were cut into pieces with one letter or number per piece. Then you could take the different coloured letters and make your own sign! It seems like nothing gets thrown away no matter how useless it may appear. Someone will want it. Someone will buy it. I saw a wasp's nest on sale for $8. A wasp's nest! What seems like junk and foolishness to me is just what someone else may be looking for. It appears that everything has a purpose to someone. I was thinking about God. When He looks at us, not one of us is useless to Him. Whether we are vintage, new, used, or only good for parts, He can use us. Whatever job He needs done, He can find just the right person to do it. One type doesn't fit all. One set of experiences for one may not meet the needs of another. God has need for what we each bring. Maybe a wasp's nest is just right for getting a conversation going. There is something for everyone in an antique mall. God also has something for everyone...a plan, a purpose, and a means to carry it out. "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Ephesians 2:10) Today is Friday. He sees the value in each of us and knows just how to use us for our benefit, the good of others, and His glory.
Year 5; Day 140 To Be Loved
I have been overwhelmed by the love shown to me by family and friends since I left Newfoundland. College roommate had salami and diet Mountain Dew and Combos and lime sherbet waiting for me because she knows they are my favourites. I only had to mention a place to go and we were on our way. She spoiled me! Cousin had collectibles for me that took time and effort (and money) to find. She spaced out showing me the treasures and it was wonderful. Ohio friends took brother and I to all our favourite thrift stores and shops. I had zucchini that was so delicious I had seconds. Friend is a marvelous cook. Brother has taken me from Michigan to New York to Ohio and back to Michigan. My gratitude to him is boundless. I saw my parents for the first time in 1 1/2 years. My father didn't want me to go leave and my mother...well, she just wrapped her arms around me and kept saying, "I love you, I love you, I love you." The fellowship, the joy, the laughter, and the love shown me has been amazing. This love I have felt is based on relationships and history. We are all either related or have known each other for years. None of us are strangers. We love each other because we know each other through family ties or because we met and became friends and then stayed friends. Yet God loved me before I ever knew Him. None of the above people would love me if we never met, never knew each other, never had a relationship. "But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions..." (Ephesians 2:4,5) God had a one-sided love for us. I can't even begin to comprehend how much He loves us. And He longs for it to be two-sided...for us to love Him back. I know the love I have felt from friends and family these last two weeks...how much more is God's love towards us. Today is Saturday. My heart is full.
I have been overwhelmed by the love shown to me by family and friends since I left Newfoundland. College roommate had salami and diet Mountain Dew and Combos and lime sherbet waiting for me because she knows they are my favourites. I only had to mention a place to go and we were on our way. She spoiled me! Cousin had collectibles for me that took time and effort (and money) to find. She spaced out showing me the treasures and it was wonderful. Ohio friends took brother and I to all our favourite thrift stores and shops. I had zucchini that was so delicious I had seconds. Friend is a marvelous cook. Brother has taken me from Michigan to New York to Ohio and back to Michigan. My gratitude to him is boundless. I saw my parents for the first time in 1 1/2 years. My father didn't want me to go leave and my mother...well, she just wrapped her arms around me and kept saying, "I love you, I love you, I love you." The fellowship, the joy, the laughter, and the love shown me has been amazing. This love I have felt is based on relationships and history. We are all either related or have known each other for years. None of us are strangers. We love each other because we know each other through family ties or because we met and became friends and then stayed friends. Yet God loved me before I ever knew Him. None of the above people would love me if we never met, never knew each other, never had a relationship. "But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions..." (Ephesians 2:4,5) God had a one-sided love for us. I can't even begin to comprehend how much He loves us. And He longs for it to be two-sided...for us to love Him back. I know the love I have felt from friends and family these last two weeks...how much more is God's love towards us. Today is Saturday. My heart is full.
Year 5; Day 141 Unintended Consequences
I watched a movie on television the other day and one of the characters used the phrase, "unintended consequences". I can't remember exactly what he was referring to (I only saw it once!) but the words stuck with me. How many times in life do we experience unintended consequences...good and bad? Very often I would say because we can't see the future. We don't know how one action will fork into another and another and another. We mostly see the now but not what will come. When I first came to Newfoundland I had no idea I would spend the rest of my life here. I did not know I would teach for 30 years or raise a family. I had only an airy-fairy dream of living by the water. Husband and I lived with an elderly couple for a year when we were first married. That decision led to us meeting the lady's daughter and husband. They were the ones who sold us our land by the water. We then built our own house and lived (still do) in one place for these last 40 years. All of this is the unintended consequence of having a job interview while in college for a place I knew nothing about. But there is One who never, ever has "unintended consequences". And that is our Lord. He is never surprised by the direction a decision or action may take. He is never caught off guard by ramifications, impulses, or supposed randomness. Imagine if God had to work on the fly or in the dark or hope for a bit of luck. Actually I can't imagine and I wouldn't want to. There is nothing our God is not sure of. "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you." (Psalm 32:8). Is that not a marvelous promise? It may be "unintended" for me but never for Him. I can rest in that. Today is Sunday. I am grateful for His deliberate hand on my life.
I watched a movie on television the other day and one of the characters used the phrase, "unintended consequences". I can't remember exactly what he was referring to (I only saw it once!) but the words stuck with me. How many times in life do we experience unintended consequences...good and bad? Very often I would say because we can't see the future. We don't know how one action will fork into another and another and another. We mostly see the now but not what will come. When I first came to Newfoundland I had no idea I would spend the rest of my life here. I did not know I would teach for 30 years or raise a family. I had only an airy-fairy dream of living by the water. Husband and I lived with an elderly couple for a year when we were first married. That decision led to us meeting the lady's daughter and husband. They were the ones who sold us our land by the water. We then built our own house and lived (still do) in one place for these last 40 years. All of this is the unintended consequence of having a job interview while in college for a place I knew nothing about. But there is One who never, ever has "unintended consequences". And that is our Lord. He is never surprised by the direction a decision or action may take. He is never caught off guard by ramifications, impulses, or supposed randomness. Imagine if God had to work on the fly or in the dark or hope for a bit of luck. Actually I can't imagine and I wouldn't want to. There is nothing our God is not sure of. "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you." (Psalm 32:8). Is that not a marvelous promise? It may be "unintended" for me but never for Him. I can rest in that. Today is Sunday. I am grateful for His deliberate hand on my life.