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 21 Archives
Year 5; Day 142 Faith not Fake
I enjoyed worship in church yesterday. The song leader made an interesting point about fake and faith. You know how people ask how you are doing as part of a greeting? Most of the time we say that we are fine even when we aren't. "Hi. How are you?" doesn't lend itself to an in-depth, truth-telling session. Often people are walking away as they say it. So we fake it. We smile and say all is good even if we or our world are in pieces. But as believers we don't have to fake it. Even when things seem bad and are bad, by faith we can say, "All is well," because we know it will be. Maybe not today and maybe not tomorrow but in the end all will be well. The apostle Paul said, "We are hard-pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." (2 Corinthians 4:8,9) With that assurance and confidence in God and His Word, we are able to answer in faith that despite our circumstances and our feelings that all is well. Because we know God is in control. We know He does all things well. We know He has a plan and a purpose. We know He can work all things for our good...ALL things. We know He is ever-faithful, ever loving, and full of mercy. And so our faith can rise above what we feel and where we are in the present and we can say with honest faith and not fake truth, "I am well, thank you," no matter our situation. Today is Monday. "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." (Hebrew 11:1) As believers we don't have to fake the truth. It is well with our souls.
I enjoyed worship in church yesterday. The song leader made an interesting point about fake and faith. You know how people ask how you are doing as part of a greeting? Most of the time we say that we are fine even when we aren't. "Hi. How are you?" doesn't lend itself to an in-depth, truth-telling session. Often people are walking away as they say it. So we fake it. We smile and say all is good even if we or our world are in pieces. But as believers we don't have to fake it. Even when things seem bad and are bad, by faith we can say, "All is well," because we know it will be. Maybe not today and maybe not tomorrow but in the end all will be well. The apostle Paul said, "We are hard-pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." (2 Corinthians 4:8,9) With that assurance and confidence in God and His Word, we are able to answer in faith that despite our circumstances and our feelings that all is well. Because we know God is in control. We know He does all things well. We know He has a plan and a purpose. We know He can work all things for our good...ALL things. We know He is ever-faithful, ever loving, and full of mercy. And so our faith can rise above what we feel and where we are in the present and we can say with honest faith and not fake truth, "I am well, thank you," no matter our situation. Today is Monday. "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." (Hebrew 11:1) As believers we don't have to fake the truth. It is well with our souls.
Year 5; Day 143 Double Honour
I heard a message on a verse on Sunday that I have never heard preached on before. "The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching." (I Timothy 5:17) It is the only place in Scripture where the phrase "double honour" is used. The minister went on to say that double honour is giving people the right to speak into our lives on values, convictions, morals, and culture. Scripture says that that honour belongs to those who handle the affairs of the church well, especially preachers and teachers. As a society, who do we give double honour to? Who do we allow to speak into our lives? Who do we listen to, follow, admire? Who do we let influence us? I would say the entertainment industry, both Hollywood and musicians, the fashion industry, and athletes. We watch them for hours a day, learn about their lives, follow their statistics, and often act as if we know them. We pay attention to how they dress, how they behave, and to what they say. We allow them to have tremendous influence on us as individuals and as a culture and yet they don't even know our names. We often accept their viewpoints because they are famous rather than informed. Kind of amazing when you think about it. But Scripture says it is preachers and teachers who do their jobs well who deserve double honour. Those God has chosen to help lead and teach His ways and His Word. Who do we give "double honour" to? People who don't know us or those whom God has called to invest into our lives? Today is Tuesday. According to Scripture, I am not sure I have always had my priorities right!
I heard a message on a verse on Sunday that I have never heard preached on before. "The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching." (I Timothy 5:17) It is the only place in Scripture where the phrase "double honour" is used. The minister went on to say that double honour is giving people the right to speak into our lives on values, convictions, morals, and culture. Scripture says that that honour belongs to those who handle the affairs of the church well, especially preachers and teachers. As a society, who do we give double honour to? Who do we allow to speak into our lives? Who do we listen to, follow, admire? Who do we let influence us? I would say the entertainment industry, both Hollywood and musicians, the fashion industry, and athletes. We watch them for hours a day, learn about their lives, follow their statistics, and often act as if we know them. We pay attention to how they dress, how they behave, and to what they say. We allow them to have tremendous influence on us as individuals and as a culture and yet they don't even know our names. We often accept their viewpoints because they are famous rather than informed. Kind of amazing when you think about it. But Scripture says it is preachers and teachers who do their jobs well who deserve double honour. Those God has chosen to help lead and teach His ways and His Word. Who do we give "double honour" to? People who don't know us or those whom God has called to invest into our lives? Today is Tuesday. According to Scripture, I am not sure I have always had my priorities right!
Year 5; Day 144 The Gift
Here at my brother's, nature comes right to the back door. Squirrels and chipmunks take great delight in cleaning up the seed under the bird feeder. Red-bellied woodpeckers, Orioles, tufted titmouse, goldfinches, rose-breasted grossbeaks, and nuthatches come to the feeders among others. A robin is sitting on three babies in one shrub and a cardinal is sitting on three brown speckled eggs in the other shrub by the door. The trees are leafed out and flowers are blooming. It is marvelous to see the hand of God in creation. But none of the plants or animals can have a relationship with God. They don't thank Him for blooming or for life or habitat. They do what they were created to do through instinct and cycles. Psalm 119:73 says, "Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands." We have the privilege of relationship. We can ask for understanding in learning about God. We can ask and expect an answer. We can talk with our Creator. Is that not an amazing gift? The birds can never really know and understand who gave them their beautiful songs and colour. Nature reflects God but it doesn't have the two-way relationship we are offered. As I marvel at the beauty of the five-acre wood, I can actually express my gratitude to the One who made it. I can talk to God and ask for wisdom and understanding. I can give thanks. Today is Wednesday. What a gift to be able to ask and appreciate and share and learn from the very One who formed us with His own hands.
Here at my brother's, nature comes right to the back door. Squirrels and chipmunks take great delight in cleaning up the seed under the bird feeder. Red-bellied woodpeckers, Orioles, tufted titmouse, goldfinches, rose-breasted grossbeaks, and nuthatches come to the feeders among others. A robin is sitting on three babies in one shrub and a cardinal is sitting on three brown speckled eggs in the other shrub by the door. The trees are leafed out and flowers are blooming. It is marvelous to see the hand of God in creation. But none of the plants or animals can have a relationship with God. They don't thank Him for blooming or for life or habitat. They do what they were created to do through instinct and cycles. Psalm 119:73 says, "Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands." We have the privilege of relationship. We can ask for understanding in learning about God. We can ask and expect an answer. We can talk with our Creator. Is that not an amazing gift? The birds can never really know and understand who gave them their beautiful songs and colour. Nature reflects God but it doesn't have the two-way relationship we are offered. As I marvel at the beauty of the five-acre wood, I can actually express my gratitude to the One who made it. I can talk to God and ask for wisdom and understanding. I can give thanks. Today is Wednesday. What a gift to be able to ask and appreciate and share and learn from the very One who formed us with His own hands.
Year 5; Day 145 Faithfulness in Affliction
"...and in faithfulness you have afflicted me. May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant." (Psalm 119:75,76) I read this a couple days ago and have thought about it several times. "...in faithfulness you have afflicted me," seems like an odd choice of words. Faithfulness is good. Affliction is not good. How do the two get paired? Faithfulness means steadiness and afflicted means to chasten or humble. There are times when God directly afflicts us or allows us to be afflicted. But the purpose behind the affliction is never vindictive or malicious. God doesn't afflict us on a whim or for twisted pleasure. It is done out of a faithful character...a steadfast love. Godly affliction is used to correct, to instruct, and to help. Sometimes it can keep us going in the right direction or help us to get back on track. An affliction can remind us of consequences and help us avoid behaviors that cause it. It can also be used to strip away pride and arrogance. We can know that God will use it to help us and not to hinder. I am glad for this verse. It comforts me to know that affliction has a point and a purpose and a use for the believer. It is not random. It will be redeemed. And when affliction comes, we also have the assurance of Godly comfort. He will not leave us alone. There is so much about God I don't understand. I appreciate the clearness of His promises. Affliction will come but so will comfort. Affliction will have value in the end and it will be coupled with His unfailing love. Today is Thursday. We can trust His faithfulness, even in affliction.
"...and in faithfulness you have afflicted me. May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant." (Psalm 119:75,76) I read this a couple days ago and have thought about it several times. "...in faithfulness you have afflicted me," seems like an odd choice of words. Faithfulness is good. Affliction is not good. How do the two get paired? Faithfulness means steadiness and afflicted means to chasten or humble. There are times when God directly afflicts us or allows us to be afflicted. But the purpose behind the affliction is never vindictive or malicious. God doesn't afflict us on a whim or for twisted pleasure. It is done out of a faithful character...a steadfast love. Godly affliction is used to correct, to instruct, and to help. Sometimes it can keep us going in the right direction or help us to get back on track. An affliction can remind us of consequences and help us avoid behaviors that cause it. It can also be used to strip away pride and arrogance. We can know that God will use it to help us and not to hinder. I am glad for this verse. It comforts me to know that affliction has a point and a purpose and a use for the believer. It is not random. It will be redeemed. And when affliction comes, we also have the assurance of Godly comfort. He will not leave us alone. There is so much about God I don't understand. I appreciate the clearness of His promises. Affliction will come but so will comfort. Affliction will have value in the end and it will be coupled with His unfailing love. Today is Thursday. We can trust His faithfulness, even in affliction.
Year 5; Day 146 Remembering and Forgetting
Yesterday brother and I were playing a board game called Ticket to Ride. At the end of the game we each had a set of destination cards worth so many points that we needed to count. He counted up his cards, said a number, and then said that I had better count them to make sure he was right. So I counted and got 117. I said, "I got 117. What did you get?" He just looked at me for a couple of seconds and then declared he couldn't remember what he'd said. Both of us burst out laughing. We have become our parents. As we were driving to see my parents, I thought about how much we depend on God to remember...remember our prayer requests, remember who we are, remember our needs. We also depend on Him to forget...forget our failures, forget our sins, forget our shortcomings. My parent's remembering is very limited. Their forgetting covers nearly everything after 30 seconds or so. I find my remembering decreasing as my forgetting increases. Thankfully God does not age. "He remembers his covenant forever, the word he commanded for a thousand generations." (1Choronicles 16:15) He remembers His promises. He remembers what He has said and who He said it to. But He also forgets...forgets as in does not hold against us. "I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more." (Isaiah 43:25) How wonderful is that? To remember His words and forget our sins! I don't expect my brother and I will always be laughing about our forgetting. There will come a time when it will really matter. How wonderful not to ever have to worry about God. Today is Friday. God will never forget what He needs to remember and never remember what He chooses to forget. How wonderful to be His child!
Yesterday brother and I were playing a board game called Ticket to Ride. At the end of the game we each had a set of destination cards worth so many points that we needed to count. He counted up his cards, said a number, and then said that I had better count them to make sure he was right. So I counted and got 117. I said, "I got 117. What did you get?" He just looked at me for a couple of seconds and then declared he couldn't remember what he'd said. Both of us burst out laughing. We have become our parents. As we were driving to see my parents, I thought about how much we depend on God to remember...remember our prayer requests, remember who we are, remember our needs. We also depend on Him to forget...forget our failures, forget our sins, forget our shortcomings. My parent's remembering is very limited. Their forgetting covers nearly everything after 30 seconds or so. I find my remembering decreasing as my forgetting increases. Thankfully God does not age. "He remembers his covenant forever, the word he commanded for a thousand generations." (1Choronicles 16:15) He remembers His promises. He remembers what He has said and who He said it to. But He also forgets...forgets as in does not hold against us. "I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more." (Isaiah 43:25) How wonderful is that? To remember His words and forget our sins! I don't expect my brother and I will always be laughing about our forgetting. There will come a time when it will really matter. How wonderful not to ever have to worry about God. Today is Friday. God will never forget what He needs to remember and never remember what He chooses to forget. How wonderful to be His child!
Year 5; Day 147 Come and Sit With Me
It has been busy, busy, busy since I left Newfoundland nearly 3 weeks ago. Friend met me at the airport and we (she) drove 3 1/2 hours to a three day adventure. After that brother and I went to New York, then Ohio, and back to Michigan. In the last week plus two days I have seen my parents, helped settle them away, antiqued, thrift store shopped, played games, watched birds, been to a movie (with reclining chairs, no less), and eaten out. Go, go, go and I love it. But one of the best times was yesterday. Brother took father for a haircut. So I stayed with Mom. Just the two of us in the room. And we coloured. I haven't coloured since I was a teacher. Mom loves it. She has markers and coloured pencils with thick tips and fine points. She sat in her recliner and I was in the glider. Every once in awhile we would speak but mostly we sat in companionable silence and just coloured. As we worked away, I thought how much I wanted to remember this moment of being with my mother and enjoying each other's company. It was nice to be quiet and relaxed. No pressure, no schedule, no animated conversation...just pleasurable silence with the occasional comment. How much does God desire such times with us? Just sitting quietly. No big requests or drama. Just enjoying each other's presence. Quiet communion. A listening heart. Thoughts tuned to Him as His are to us. "...in quietness and trust is your strength..." (Isaiah 30:15) Sometimes we need to get alone with God, just the two of us, and have some quiet time, reconnect time, enjoy each other's company time. Today is Saturday. He is in the still, small voice. Listen....
It has been busy, busy, busy since I left Newfoundland nearly 3 weeks ago. Friend met me at the airport and we (she) drove 3 1/2 hours to a three day adventure. After that brother and I went to New York, then Ohio, and back to Michigan. In the last week plus two days I have seen my parents, helped settle them away, antiqued, thrift store shopped, played games, watched birds, been to a movie (with reclining chairs, no less), and eaten out. Go, go, go and I love it. But one of the best times was yesterday. Brother took father for a haircut. So I stayed with Mom. Just the two of us in the room. And we coloured. I haven't coloured since I was a teacher. Mom loves it. She has markers and coloured pencils with thick tips and fine points. She sat in her recliner and I was in the glider. Every once in awhile we would speak but mostly we sat in companionable silence and just coloured. As we worked away, I thought how much I wanted to remember this moment of being with my mother and enjoying each other's company. It was nice to be quiet and relaxed. No pressure, no schedule, no animated conversation...just pleasurable silence with the occasional comment. How much does God desire such times with us? Just sitting quietly. No big requests or drama. Just enjoying each other's presence. Quiet communion. A listening heart. Thoughts tuned to Him as His are to us. "...in quietness and trust is your strength..." (Isaiah 30:15) Sometimes we need to get alone with God, just the two of us, and have some quiet time, reconnect time, enjoy each other's company time. Today is Saturday. He is in the still, small voice. Listen....
Year 5; Day 148 Treasures
Brother, sister-in-law (SIL), and myself went to an outdoor flea market yesterday. It was a beautiful day and it was held at a turkey farm that also has a restaurant, store, and lovely grounds. I wasn't expecting to find any "treasures" as I have already found quite a few things. But I did. Something that took me right back to my childhood. In early grade school we used to get milk delivered to our classroom for recess. It came in small milk bottles with a cardboard pull tab. They sell for about $8 each at most of the flea markets and antique malls. Yesterday I found a vendor who was selling them for $2 each. First time I have ever seen them priced that low. I bought two with great delight. Afterwards, brother, SIL, and I had turkey and pie for lunch. Brother said grace and the first part went something like this, "Thank you Lord for this beautiful day. Thank you for the treasures we have found but most of all for all the treasures you have given us..." If I can get excited over a couple of bottles, some vintage hankies, and a few Red Rose tea figurines, how much more at the treasures God has given! What price for the gift of salvation through Christ? Or forgiveness? How do you put a price on faithfulness or trustworthiness? What is the value of godly comfort and the inspired Word of God? Priceless! And I have it all. I am truly rich beyond measure. Today is Sunday. "And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)
Brother, sister-in-law (SIL), and myself went to an outdoor flea market yesterday. It was a beautiful day and it was held at a turkey farm that also has a restaurant, store, and lovely grounds. I wasn't expecting to find any "treasures" as I have already found quite a few things. But I did. Something that took me right back to my childhood. In early grade school we used to get milk delivered to our classroom for recess. It came in small milk bottles with a cardboard pull tab. They sell for about $8 each at most of the flea markets and antique malls. Yesterday I found a vendor who was selling them for $2 each. First time I have ever seen them priced that low. I bought two with great delight. Afterwards, brother, SIL, and I had turkey and pie for lunch. Brother said grace and the first part went something like this, "Thank you Lord for this beautiful day. Thank you for the treasures we have found but most of all for all the treasures you have given us..." If I can get excited over a couple of bottles, some vintage hankies, and a few Red Rose tea figurines, how much more at the treasures God has given! What price for the gift of salvation through Christ? Or forgiveness? How do you put a price on faithfulness or trustworthiness? What is the value of godly comfort and the inspired Word of God? Priceless! And I have it all. I am truly rich beyond measure. Today is Sunday. "And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)