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 52 Archives
Year 5; Day 359 Let Him/Let Us/Let Me
I have thinking about the word "let" or "allow" as it applies to the Christmas story. When the angel appeared to Mary, his news must have been unbelievable to her. Who would believe her pregnancy was divinely conceived? Regardless, Mary "let" herself become a vessel for God's will. She heard the angel's message and said, "Yes." Joseph heard Mary's news and decided to end the engagement privately. He must have been so shocked at Mary's "story". But after an angel appeared to him in a dream, Joseph "let" his faith arise and went ahead with the marriage. He "let" himself accept and obey the angel's words even though he didn't understand the "how". The shepherds witnessed an angelic message and a heavenly choir. They "let" themselves believe and had the joy of being the first visitors to the Saviour of the world. The wisemen "let" or "allowed" themselves to trust in the leading of a star. Night in and night out they followed a light in the sky that would lead them to the Light of the World. They all had a choice...to "let" themselves be used, to have faith, to believe, to trust in God...or not. We have those same choices. We can "let" Him into our hearts and lives...or not. We can "let" Him use us for His honour and glory. We can choose to obey and increase our faith. We can believe His words and see where He takes us. We can trust in His leading. We can "let" God guide and love and forgive and comfort and instruct. We choose to "allow" or "let" the unfolding of His plan for our lives. I don't want to miss out on anything He wants to give me because I wouldn't "let" Him. Today is Monday...Christmas Day. "Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us." (Luke 2:15 KJV) May we all "let" the gift of God's Son change our hearts, our lives, and our worlds.
I have thinking about the word "let" or "allow" as it applies to the Christmas story. When the angel appeared to Mary, his news must have been unbelievable to her. Who would believe her pregnancy was divinely conceived? Regardless, Mary "let" herself become a vessel for God's will. She heard the angel's message and said, "Yes." Joseph heard Mary's news and decided to end the engagement privately. He must have been so shocked at Mary's "story". But after an angel appeared to him in a dream, Joseph "let" his faith arise and went ahead with the marriage. He "let" himself accept and obey the angel's words even though he didn't understand the "how". The shepherds witnessed an angelic message and a heavenly choir. They "let" themselves believe and had the joy of being the first visitors to the Saviour of the world. The wisemen "let" or "allowed" themselves to trust in the leading of a star. Night in and night out they followed a light in the sky that would lead them to the Light of the World. They all had a choice...to "let" themselves be used, to have faith, to believe, to trust in God...or not. We have those same choices. We can "let" Him into our hearts and lives...or not. We can "let" Him use us for His honour and glory. We can choose to obey and increase our faith. We can believe His words and see where He takes us. We can trust in His leading. We can "let" God guide and love and forgive and comfort and instruct. We choose to "allow" or "let" the unfolding of His plan for our lives. I don't want to miss out on anything He wants to give me because I wouldn't "let" Him. Today is Monday...Christmas Day. "Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us." (Luke 2:15 KJV) May we all "let" the gift of God's Son change our hearts, our lives, and our worlds.
Year 5; Day 360 The Next Day
For over two months we have had constant reminders that Christmas was coming. The stores mixed Christmas decorations in with Halloween costumes. The daily Christmas movies started in November on television...and we don't even get the Hallmark channel. Lots of advertising, lots of options for buying, lots of sales. Yesterday was the actual Christmas Day with a turkey dinner and all the Newfoundland trimmings. And now it is the next day. Gifts have been opened, FB greetings given and received, Boxing Day sales to be had, and a few get-togethers to come. However, the BIG day is history. But for followers of Christ it is not over. Christmas is a reminder of a Gift that never stops giving. A Gift that never grows old, never breaks or wears out, never has an expiry date, and carries an eternal warranty. This Gift goes with you no matter where you might go, can meet every single need regardless of type, and never reaches a place of uselessness or becomes obsolete. While of priceless value, it is free to "whosoever"...it is a gift, after all. And there is only one Giver. Only One who loves beyond measure. Only One who never gives up. Christmas might be a commercial venture (or misadventure) but for me it is a reminder of the giving of the greatest Gift of all. I am grateful. Today is Tuesday. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son..." (John 3:16) The Gift is given...the choice to receive is ours.
For over two months we have had constant reminders that Christmas was coming. The stores mixed Christmas decorations in with Halloween costumes. The daily Christmas movies started in November on television...and we don't even get the Hallmark channel. Lots of advertising, lots of options for buying, lots of sales. Yesterday was the actual Christmas Day with a turkey dinner and all the Newfoundland trimmings. And now it is the next day. Gifts have been opened, FB greetings given and received, Boxing Day sales to be had, and a few get-togethers to come. However, the BIG day is history. But for followers of Christ it is not over. Christmas is a reminder of a Gift that never stops giving. A Gift that never grows old, never breaks or wears out, never has an expiry date, and carries an eternal warranty. This Gift goes with you no matter where you might go, can meet every single need regardless of type, and never reaches a place of uselessness or becomes obsolete. While of priceless value, it is free to "whosoever"...it is a gift, after all. And there is only one Giver. Only One who loves beyond measure. Only One who never gives up. Christmas might be a commercial venture (or misadventure) but for me it is a reminder of the giving of the greatest Gift of all. I am grateful. Today is Tuesday. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son..." (John 3:16) The Gift is given...the choice to receive is ours.
Year 5; Day 361 Our Spiritual Tree
I love our Christmas tree. While there are some generic bulbs, many of the ornaments are personal. I enjoy having a cup of tea in the glow of the lights and mentally reminiscing as the ornaments remind me of the years we have lived and shared. The tree is like a collage of people, places, and events covering the last 40+ years. There are Disney characters, Sesame Street folks, handmade creatures, Hallmark birds, and colorings from being the teacher of both children all representing years of living. Our tree is full from top to bottom. What if we each had a spiritual tree and it was hung with ornaments representing our lives with Christ? Would it be a teeny, tiny tree that you put on a nightstand, a small floor model, or would it stand floor to ceiling? Would there be many ornaments on it representing deeds well done, acts of obedience, years well served? Would there be pictures of people we have influenced for Christ? Would there be a variety of doves and olive branches for the times we brought peace and reconciliation into a situation? Would there be ornaments representing a particular place where we were His ambassadors? How about a candle for each time we shone His light of love? Would our tree increase in size year by year as we lived for Him and added representative rewards? Or would our tree be small, undecorated, bare? Just as our tree is full from years of family living, I want my spiritual tree to be full from Christian living. Today is Wednesday. "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) Works just waiting to be represented on our tree.
I love our Christmas tree. While there are some generic bulbs, many of the ornaments are personal. I enjoy having a cup of tea in the glow of the lights and mentally reminiscing as the ornaments remind me of the years we have lived and shared. The tree is like a collage of people, places, and events covering the last 40+ years. There are Disney characters, Sesame Street folks, handmade creatures, Hallmark birds, and colorings from being the teacher of both children all representing years of living. Our tree is full from top to bottom. What if we each had a spiritual tree and it was hung with ornaments representing our lives with Christ? Would it be a teeny, tiny tree that you put on a nightstand, a small floor model, or would it stand floor to ceiling? Would there be many ornaments on it representing deeds well done, acts of obedience, years well served? Would there be pictures of people we have influenced for Christ? Would there be a variety of doves and olive branches for the times we brought peace and reconciliation into a situation? Would there be ornaments representing a particular place where we were His ambassadors? How about a candle for each time we shone His light of love? Would our tree increase in size year by year as we lived for Him and added representative rewards? Or would our tree be small, undecorated, bare? Just as our tree is full from years of family living, I want my spiritual tree to be full from Christian living. Today is Wednesday. "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) Works just waiting to be represented on our tree.
Year 5; Day 362 His Love Endures Forever
I thought about my "fat pants" yesterday. They were tan corduroys that I seemed to have had "forever". I don't remember not having them in my adult life. I wore them a lot in the winter. I called them my "fat pants" because no matter what size I was, they seemed to fit. I never got so big I couldn't zip them up or so small (I wish!) that they wouldn't stay up. Whatever my state of "fat", they worked. It seemed like they would last "forever". After about 20 years I noticed some seams pulling apart. A couple of holes appeared. They still held on for a few more years by becoming "in-house only fat pants". But eventually "forever" came to an end and I had to dispose of those well-worn, well-loved pants. It's a job to comprehend "forever". Mostly forever covers as long as I can remember or as long as I am alive. Time, as I perceive it, is divided up, marked off, moves in cycles, can be measured. But "forever"? How do I measure that? With what do I measure that? I can't. I can use the word "forever" with the unspoken knowledge that "forever" has had a beginning and will have an ending. Twenty-six times the Psalmist of chapter 136 uses the phrase, "His love endures forever." His love lasts, is without time, has no vanishing point, is eternal. I can't really grasp all that...but I am glad it is focused towards me/us. "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever." (Psalm 136:1) Today is Thursday. I am thankful His "forever" is a real forever...no beginning...no end...forever.
I thought about my "fat pants" yesterday. They were tan corduroys that I seemed to have had "forever". I don't remember not having them in my adult life. I wore them a lot in the winter. I called them my "fat pants" because no matter what size I was, they seemed to fit. I never got so big I couldn't zip them up or so small (I wish!) that they wouldn't stay up. Whatever my state of "fat", they worked. It seemed like they would last "forever". After about 20 years I noticed some seams pulling apart. A couple of holes appeared. They still held on for a few more years by becoming "in-house only fat pants". But eventually "forever" came to an end and I had to dispose of those well-worn, well-loved pants. It's a job to comprehend "forever". Mostly forever covers as long as I can remember or as long as I am alive. Time, as I perceive it, is divided up, marked off, moves in cycles, can be measured. But "forever"? How do I measure that? With what do I measure that? I can't. I can use the word "forever" with the unspoken knowledge that "forever" has had a beginning and will have an ending. Twenty-six times the Psalmist of chapter 136 uses the phrase, "His love endures forever." His love lasts, is without time, has no vanishing point, is eternal. I can't really grasp all that...but I am glad it is focused towards me/us. "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever." (Psalm 136:1) Today is Thursday. I am thankful His "forever" is a real forever...no beginning...no end...forever.
Year 5; Day 363 Searching and Knowing
"O Lord, you have searched me and you know me." (Psalm 139:1) George Wood made a comment on this Psalm (A Psalm in Your Heart; Vol. 2) that resonated with me. He said, "God's knowledge of you is based upon His own investigative searching." (page 255) When I search for things it could range from a casual glance around to a more thorough hunt...and I still may not find or find out all I want. My searching may not always be successful. But when God searches, well, there is nothing left to know or discover. One of the definitions of "search" is to examine or investigate thoroughly. God investigates and examines us thoroughly. There are no dark corners, no hidden pieces, no secrets from Him. He truly "knows" us. Some of the definitions of "know" are to clearly understand, know with certainty, be well aware. God searches and knows us better than we know ourselves. And it doesn't drive Him away. Instead, when we read how much He loves us, we can believe it because He has all the facts. He is making an informed statement. Have you ever been in a situation where you felt if someone knew the whole truth they wouldn't think so highly of you? Are there any of us who would be truly comfortable revealing every single thought and motive and deed to another? Would there not be some doubt that maybe they wouldn't like us or love us? And if a person knew every single thing there was to know about us, everything...good, bad, and ugly...and then said, "I love you, " wouldn't that inspire all kinds of trust and confidence because they knew the truth and loved us anyway. That's what God says to us. Today is Friday. Knowing everything, He still says, "I love you."
"O Lord, you have searched me and you know me." (Psalm 139:1) George Wood made a comment on this Psalm (A Psalm in Your Heart; Vol. 2) that resonated with me. He said, "God's knowledge of you is based upon His own investigative searching." (page 255) When I search for things it could range from a casual glance around to a more thorough hunt...and I still may not find or find out all I want. My searching may not always be successful. But when God searches, well, there is nothing left to know or discover. One of the definitions of "search" is to examine or investigate thoroughly. God investigates and examines us thoroughly. There are no dark corners, no hidden pieces, no secrets from Him. He truly "knows" us. Some of the definitions of "know" are to clearly understand, know with certainty, be well aware. God searches and knows us better than we know ourselves. And it doesn't drive Him away. Instead, when we read how much He loves us, we can believe it because He has all the facts. He is making an informed statement. Have you ever been in a situation where you felt if someone knew the whole truth they wouldn't think so highly of you? Are there any of us who would be truly comfortable revealing every single thought and motive and deed to another? Would there not be some doubt that maybe they wouldn't like us or love us? And if a person knew every single thing there was to know about us, everything...good, bad, and ugly...and then said, "I love you, " wouldn't that inspire all kinds of trust and confidence because they knew the truth and loved us anyway. That's what God says to us. Today is Friday. Knowing everything, He still says, "I love you."
Year 5; Day 364 Not Always Merry
I love the season of Christmas. I love the lights, the colour, the decorations, the tree, the music (some, anyway), the food, and how it makes me feel. People seem friendlier and goodwill seems more abundant. But for some the "merry" has been replaced with sadness, grief and loss. And perhaps the sorrow is more acute because the happiness seems more prevalent. It is hard to smile when your heart hurts. I know and care about people who find this season very difficult. We spent yesterday afternoon in the funeral home and will attend a funeral today. Life has a way of intruding with the negative directly or indirectly. When Mary and Joseph took baby Jesus to be dedicated at the temple in Jerusalem, there was an elderly man who had spent much time praying and waiting to see the promised Saviour. The Holy Spirit revealed to Simeon who this baby was. When he took Jesus in his arms, he praised God with wonderful words of hope concerning their baby. Simeon followed the positive words with some just for Mary. "...This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel and...the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too." (Luke 2:34,35) Joy and sorrow. Pain and happiness. Gladness and grief. Where one is, so is the other. If this time is not merry and bright for you, then allow His Spirit to bring comfort and peace into your soul. Allow Him to minister to your needs. Today is Saturday. "He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief..." (Isaiah 53:3 KJV) He understands.
I love the season of Christmas. I love the lights, the colour, the decorations, the tree, the music (some, anyway), the food, and how it makes me feel. People seem friendlier and goodwill seems more abundant. But for some the "merry" has been replaced with sadness, grief and loss. And perhaps the sorrow is more acute because the happiness seems more prevalent. It is hard to smile when your heart hurts. I know and care about people who find this season very difficult. We spent yesterday afternoon in the funeral home and will attend a funeral today. Life has a way of intruding with the negative directly or indirectly. When Mary and Joseph took baby Jesus to be dedicated at the temple in Jerusalem, there was an elderly man who had spent much time praying and waiting to see the promised Saviour. The Holy Spirit revealed to Simeon who this baby was. When he took Jesus in his arms, he praised God with wonderful words of hope concerning their baby. Simeon followed the positive words with some just for Mary. "...This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel and...the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too." (Luke 2:34,35) Joy and sorrow. Pain and happiness. Gladness and grief. Where one is, so is the other. If this time is not merry and bright for you, then allow His Spirit to bring comfort and peace into your soul. Allow Him to minister to your needs. Today is Saturday. "He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief..." (Isaiah 53:3 KJV) He understands.
Year 5; Day 365 Looking Back and Ahead
Imagine. Another year just about history. I looked in my journal at my goals for 2017......and I laughed. Over the last few years I have set some cooking goals. Even one new recipe a month seemed too ambitious. For 2017 I only set two...just two goals. Master pies and learn to make homemade soup. I did neither. I did do a Beth Moore Bible study and learn some new quilting techniques. I wrote my posts each day and nearly finished reading "A Psalm in Your Heart; Vol. 2" by George O. Wood...only nine psalms to go. I wrote two lists of goals for 2017...firm and soft (soft being more vague) but it made no difference...most are unchecked. I am thinking I need to keep my goals in front of me more, read them more than on Day 1 and Day 365, be more intentional. Goals don't usually fulfill themselves automatically. They take some deliberateness, some perseverance, some determination. Our walk with Christ is no different. We don't grow by chance. We don't learn and mature at a set rate. God has done His part. He has searched us, knows us as individuals, and made a plan unique to who we are, where we live, and what we do. Our job is to be willing...willing to be instructed, willing to do, willing to grow, willing to obey. Doesn't seem so hard on paper but in reality...well, it takes determination, perseverance, and a will to be willing. I have much to be grateful for but I am not satisfied. I feel there is more in store for me. My first goal for 2018 is to be more intentional. Whether my goals or His, I want to fulfil what is planned for me. Today is Sunday. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future...You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you..." (Jeremiah 29:11,13,14) A good promise for 2018.
Imagine. Another year just about history. I looked in my journal at my goals for 2017......and I laughed. Over the last few years I have set some cooking goals. Even one new recipe a month seemed too ambitious. For 2017 I only set two...just two goals. Master pies and learn to make homemade soup. I did neither. I did do a Beth Moore Bible study and learn some new quilting techniques. I wrote my posts each day and nearly finished reading "A Psalm in Your Heart; Vol. 2" by George O. Wood...only nine psalms to go. I wrote two lists of goals for 2017...firm and soft (soft being more vague) but it made no difference...most are unchecked. I am thinking I need to keep my goals in front of me more, read them more than on Day 1 and Day 365, be more intentional. Goals don't usually fulfill themselves automatically. They take some deliberateness, some perseverance, some determination. Our walk with Christ is no different. We don't grow by chance. We don't learn and mature at a set rate. God has done His part. He has searched us, knows us as individuals, and made a plan unique to who we are, where we live, and what we do. Our job is to be willing...willing to be instructed, willing to do, willing to grow, willing to obey. Doesn't seem so hard on paper but in reality...well, it takes determination, perseverance, and a will to be willing. I have much to be grateful for but I am not satisfied. I feel there is more in store for me. My first goal for 2018 is to be more intentional. Whether my goals or His, I want to fulfil what is planned for me. Today is Sunday. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future...You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you..." (Jeremiah 29:11,13,14) A good promise for 2018.