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 7 Archives
Year 5; Day 43 Physically and Spiritually
These last few days my attention has been drawn to how one thing can be directly related or closely affected by another. The two blind men's faith in Christ's ability to heal them was linked to their receiving their sight. The disciples lack of faith during the storm was linked to their fear. In 3 John there is an interesting verse that says, "Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit." (verse 2 NLT) The disciple John is writing to a friend and wishing him good health in proportion to his strong spiritual health. He knows the spiritual strength of this friend and trusts that his physical strength will match. John is not saying they are linked, he is just hoping one reflects the other. Imagine if that were true. Imagine if our physical health was a direct reflection of our spiritual condition. How many of us would be robust, full of vitality, strong enough to meet the challenges of the day? How many of us would even classify our spiritual life with words like robust, vitality, and strength? How many of us would wake up refreshed and renewed because we had nurtured our spirits the day before and would again with the day to come? And not just sporadically, but consistently and routinely? Or would we be more likely to be a wheezing, limping, housebound, semi-invalid who needs oxygen with any amount of exertion because our spiritual life is sporadic, haphazard, unintentional, and not valued? If we could suddenly see a physical rendition of our spiritual selves, would we rejoice or weep? Or would it depend? Depend on whether we were in a storm or enjoying smooth sailing? In a valley or on the mountain top? In a crisis or calm and collected? John knew the spiritual strength of his friend. He had seen it reflected in his behavior and deeds. How would others gauge our spiritual health as reflected in our actions, reactions, and everyday living? Healthy? Sickly? Comatose? Today is Sunday. A good day for a check-up with the great Physician.
These last few days my attention has been drawn to how one thing can be directly related or closely affected by another. The two blind men's faith in Christ's ability to heal them was linked to their receiving their sight. The disciples lack of faith during the storm was linked to their fear. In 3 John there is an interesting verse that says, "Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit." (verse 2 NLT) The disciple John is writing to a friend and wishing him good health in proportion to his strong spiritual health. He knows the spiritual strength of this friend and trusts that his physical strength will match. John is not saying they are linked, he is just hoping one reflects the other. Imagine if that were true. Imagine if our physical health was a direct reflection of our spiritual condition. How many of us would be robust, full of vitality, strong enough to meet the challenges of the day? How many of us would even classify our spiritual life with words like robust, vitality, and strength? How many of us would wake up refreshed and renewed because we had nurtured our spirits the day before and would again with the day to come? And not just sporadically, but consistently and routinely? Or would we be more likely to be a wheezing, limping, housebound, semi-invalid who needs oxygen with any amount of exertion because our spiritual life is sporadic, haphazard, unintentional, and not valued? If we could suddenly see a physical rendition of our spiritual selves, would we rejoice or weep? Or would it depend? Depend on whether we were in a storm or enjoying smooth sailing? In a valley or on the mountain top? In a crisis or calm and collected? John knew the spiritual strength of his friend. He had seen it reflected in his behavior and deeds. How would others gauge our spiritual health as reflected in our actions, reactions, and everyday living? Healthy? Sickly? Comatose? Today is Sunday. A good day for a check-up with the great Physician.
Year 5; Day 44 Standing Alone
Have you ever heard something and you just know it is important but you're not exactly sure how or in what way? Like maybe a lesson you need to learn but you don't fully get it...yet. Yesterday I listened to a message on television. In it the speaker quoted Oswald Chambers. He said, "A servant of God must stand so much alone that he never knows he is alone." That statement plunked right down in my mind. I have been thinking about it off and on ever since I heard it. To stand alone so often that it feels normal...that it doesn't affect you adversely...that you don't really notice it. Is that not what Christ did? He chose 12 disciples but He never became so dependant on them that when they disappointed or stumbled or failed, He went to pieces. He didn't need family, friends, or a sponsor to carry out God's purpose. His relationship with His Father was His sustaining strength. That and that alone. Towards the end of His earthly ministry, Christ was surrounded by increasing hostility. Upon His arrest, even His disciples deserted Him. Yet He carried on...alone in terms of earthly friends, but not alone in terms of relationship and purpose. Would I be willing to stand alone? If I lost all my family and friends and church and quilt groups and whatever...would I be able to stand alone in the strength and contentment and joy of obedience and relationship to God and His Son? Do I even want to find out? I don't think Oswald is advocating a hermit's life or living a life of isolation. I think he is saying that a servant of God can't put their ultimate trust or dependency in anyone but God. People fail. People disappoint. People leave. Only God is able to make and keep the promise, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5) Paul learned to stand alone. In a letter to Timothy he wrote, "At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me...But the Lord stood by my side and gave me strength..." (2 Timothy 4:16,17) Is God alone enough for me to the point I never feel truly alone even when everyone else is gone? Or do I feel I need this one or that thing to survive and carry on? Does my service to God hinge on others being there to help out or on Him alone? Today is Monday. I know what I'd like my answer to be......
Have you ever heard something and you just know it is important but you're not exactly sure how or in what way? Like maybe a lesson you need to learn but you don't fully get it...yet. Yesterday I listened to a message on television. In it the speaker quoted Oswald Chambers. He said, "A servant of God must stand so much alone that he never knows he is alone." That statement plunked right down in my mind. I have been thinking about it off and on ever since I heard it. To stand alone so often that it feels normal...that it doesn't affect you adversely...that you don't really notice it. Is that not what Christ did? He chose 12 disciples but He never became so dependant on them that when they disappointed or stumbled or failed, He went to pieces. He didn't need family, friends, or a sponsor to carry out God's purpose. His relationship with His Father was His sustaining strength. That and that alone. Towards the end of His earthly ministry, Christ was surrounded by increasing hostility. Upon His arrest, even His disciples deserted Him. Yet He carried on...alone in terms of earthly friends, but not alone in terms of relationship and purpose. Would I be willing to stand alone? If I lost all my family and friends and church and quilt groups and whatever...would I be able to stand alone in the strength and contentment and joy of obedience and relationship to God and His Son? Do I even want to find out? I don't think Oswald is advocating a hermit's life or living a life of isolation. I think he is saying that a servant of God can't put their ultimate trust or dependency in anyone but God. People fail. People disappoint. People leave. Only God is able to make and keep the promise, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5) Paul learned to stand alone. In a letter to Timothy he wrote, "At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me...But the Lord stood by my side and gave me strength..." (2 Timothy 4:16,17) Is God alone enough for me to the point I never feel truly alone even when everyone else is gone? Or do I feel I need this one or that thing to survive and carry on? Does my service to God hinge on others being there to help out or on Him alone? Today is Monday. I know what I'd like my answer to be......
Year 5; Day 45 Standing Alone, Part 2
Some thoughts need more than one post for contemplating...or I need more time, anyway. Oswald Chambers said, "A servant of God must stand so much alone that he never knows he is alone." In other words, serving alone is as normal as serving with someone else. We don't feel we need a partner or approval of anyone else to carry out God's will. Except it is nice to have someone else in your endeavors, to be noticed, to be appreciated.As I was thinking some more about this, I thought about these posts. I know God has asked me to share my spiritual journey, not because I have such great spiritual insights, but because we are in this together. We encourage each other and it is good to know our struggles and joys are not unique just to ourselves. But I wonder how I would feel if I never, in all these years, received one "like" or one comment. I would like to believe I would do it anyway because I know (and I do know) that this is what God has asked of me. But humanly speaking, it is nice to know I am not alone, that my struggles or questions or observations are yours also. It feels good to know I have encouraged someone as they have encouraged me. But how would I feel with no affirmation, no acknowledgement, no feedback? Would I still do it willingly and joyfully because I know I am obeying God? Would pleasing the Lord be enough...be all I need...want...desire? I would like to give a resounding, "Yes," but I am afraid a feeble, "I guess," is closer to the truth. In order to stand alone with ease, to serve God regardless, would require practise, experience, and a variety of situations. I don't think it is that we have to serve God alone, but that we could and would if called upon and not feel uncomfortable or put out by it. I want to be able to say with the apostle Paul, "...everyone deserted me...But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength..." (2 Timothy 4:16,17) Today is Tuesday. I want serving the Lord and pleasing Him to be enough........but is it?
Some thoughts need more than one post for contemplating...or I need more time, anyway. Oswald Chambers said, "A servant of God must stand so much alone that he never knows he is alone." In other words, serving alone is as normal as serving with someone else. We don't feel we need a partner or approval of anyone else to carry out God's will. Except it is nice to have someone else in your endeavors, to be noticed, to be appreciated.As I was thinking some more about this, I thought about these posts. I know God has asked me to share my spiritual journey, not because I have such great spiritual insights, but because we are in this together. We encourage each other and it is good to know our struggles and joys are not unique just to ourselves. But I wonder how I would feel if I never, in all these years, received one "like" or one comment. I would like to believe I would do it anyway because I know (and I do know) that this is what God has asked of me. But humanly speaking, it is nice to know I am not alone, that my struggles or questions or observations are yours also. It feels good to know I have encouraged someone as they have encouraged me. But how would I feel with no affirmation, no acknowledgement, no feedback? Would I still do it willingly and joyfully because I know I am obeying God? Would pleasing the Lord be enough...be all I need...want...desire? I would like to give a resounding, "Yes," but I am afraid a feeble, "I guess," is closer to the truth. In order to stand alone with ease, to serve God regardless, would require practise, experience, and a variety of situations. I don't think it is that we have to serve God alone, but that we could and would if called upon and not feel uncomfortable or put out by it. I want to be able to say with the apostle Paul, "...everyone deserted me...But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength..." (2 Timothy 4:16,17) Today is Tuesday. I want serving the Lord and pleasing Him to be enough........but is it?
Year 5; Day 46 Stand Alone, Part 3
Yesterday, while I was sewing, I sort of watched a very poorly done movie on Netflix called "David and Goliath". The acting was horrible but one thing stood out; David did not have very many people on his side. Nobody believed he could defeat the giant Goliath. Israel was facing its enemy, the Philistines. Each side was on a hill facing each other with a valley in-between. Three of David's brothers were in Saul's army and young David would visit periodically bringing food from their father. For days the Philistines engaged in psychological warfare with their best weapon, a nine foot giant named Goliath. Goliath would shout out insults and challenged the Israelites to send someone out to fight him. The loser's side would become the subjects of the winner. The Israelites responded with dismay and terror. When David heard the insults to God and Israel that came from Goliath, he was dismayed also. He was dismayed that Goliath was being allowed to utter such insults against God without anyone responding. "Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?" (1 Samuel 17:26) Brave words for a teenage shepherd boy with no military experience. David's oldest brother was not the least supportive. He called David conceited and wicked. When David was taken to King Saul, he told the king, "...Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him." (verse 32) Saul didn't believe in David anymore than his brother or the other soldiers did. He told David he was too young, too inexperienced, and that Goliath was too powerful. Absolutely nobody believed David could do it...except David. He did not allow the insults of a brother or the doubts of a king to dissuade him. He knew what the Lord wanted him to do, he knew what the Lord could do, and he knew what the Lord would do. With only his shepherd's staff, five smooth stones, and a slingshot, David went out to face the giant. Goliath was enraged when he saw what the Israelites had sent out to fight him. While Goliath hurled insults, David put a stone in his slingshot and replied, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied." (1 Samuel 17:45) David didn't need the support of family, friends, or even the king. All he needed to defeat Goliath was his faith in God, the courage to act, and one well placed stone. Today is Wednesday. I want a faith like David's.
Year 5; Day 47 A Faith Like David's
I closed yesterday's post with the comment that I wanted a faith like David's. A faith that gave him the strength to act even though no one supported him or believed he could do it. A faith of unwavering trust in his Lord. A faith big enough to face a giant without fear. Cousin asked me if I had a faith like David's. Well, I'm not sure. As I thought about her question, I thought about David and how he got to be a giant slayer. As a shepherd boy, David would have had many solitary hours. Hours in which he must have developed and deepened his relationship with his Lord. David was both a poet and a musician. Shepherding would have given him time to contemplate, pray, praise, and worship. He also encountered wild animals and honed his aim with a slingshot in protecting his sheep. When King Saul questioned David's ability to successfully challenge Goliath, David responded with his experience in slaying both a bear and a lion. "The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine..." (1 Samuel 17:37) David's faith and confidence was based on at least two things; a personal relationship with the Lord and experience. David was dismayed and offended at Goliath's insults and disrespect of God and His army of Israelites. Why? Because he had a relationship with the Lord and things said about God Almighty mattered to David. David also had experience to draw from. God had already given him the strength and courage to fight and kill both a bear and a lion. If God could do that, He could certainly protect him from that heathen giant. David didn't fight the giant on just nerve. When Goliath presented himself, David trusted the God of strength and power to keep on being that same God as he faced the enemy. Do I have a faith like David's? I have a relationship with the Lord that I strive to deepen and cherish dearly. The Lord has been faithful to me in fighting the lions and bears in my life. As for facing the giant, I believe the Lord will give me strength just like He did David. Today is Thursday. If He did it for David, He can do it for me...and you.
I closed yesterday's post with the comment that I wanted a faith like David's. A faith that gave him the strength to act even though no one supported him or believed he could do it. A faith of unwavering trust in his Lord. A faith big enough to face a giant without fear. Cousin asked me if I had a faith like David's. Well, I'm not sure. As I thought about her question, I thought about David and how he got to be a giant slayer. As a shepherd boy, David would have had many solitary hours. Hours in which he must have developed and deepened his relationship with his Lord. David was both a poet and a musician. Shepherding would have given him time to contemplate, pray, praise, and worship. He also encountered wild animals and honed his aim with a slingshot in protecting his sheep. When King Saul questioned David's ability to successfully challenge Goliath, David responded with his experience in slaying both a bear and a lion. "The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine..." (1 Samuel 17:37) David's faith and confidence was based on at least two things; a personal relationship with the Lord and experience. David was dismayed and offended at Goliath's insults and disrespect of God and His army of Israelites. Why? Because he had a relationship with the Lord and things said about God Almighty mattered to David. David also had experience to draw from. God had already given him the strength and courage to fight and kill both a bear and a lion. If God could do that, He could certainly protect him from that heathen giant. David didn't fight the giant on just nerve. When Goliath presented himself, David trusted the God of strength and power to keep on being that same God as he faced the enemy. Do I have a faith like David's? I have a relationship with the Lord that I strive to deepen and cherish dearly. The Lord has been faithful to me in fighting the lions and bears in my life. As for facing the giant, I believe the Lord will give me strength just like He did David. Today is Thursday. If He did it for David, He can do it for me...and you.
Year 5; Day 48 The Anchor Holds
We have had some stormy weather these last few days. We had lots of warning from the weather people. No excuse not to have been prepared. The wind howled and blew just like they said it would. Visibility was reduced just like they said. There was a drifting of the snow and a pounding of the waves...just like they said. We ran off water in the tub, filled some pots, and had the lantern lights ready. The siding on the house creaked with every gust of wind. There was a lull between the first storm and the second one of a few hours. We couldn't do much because we weren't plowed out. Sometimes life feels like that. There is a lull between "storms" but not always much of one. And then something else happens...something to rock the boat, disturb your sleep, hinder your peace of mind. When the second storm came, we woke up to no electricity. But we were prepared. We had experience. We have been through storms before. We dressed in layers and used the camper stove to boil water for tea. The power came back on within hours (as opposed to days) and we soon warmed up. The third storm didn't carry nearly as much punch as the first two. The house is still standing, we are plowed, the birds are back to the feeder. This series of weather-makers has passed. There will be more because weather is part of life. Good weather...and stormy. Some storms last longer than others. Some have howling winds and raging seas. Some have zero visibility. Some leave a mess and take time to dig out or clean up. Some storms are really disruptive with cancellations, changes of plans, interruptions in power, and other inconveniences. But they pass. In this life God has promised to be with us in the storms and to see us through them. His Word is our how-to manual for life in general with specifics on storms. We can be prepared. Christ is our anchor...our hope of assurance. "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure..." (Hebrews 6:19) Today is Friday. The house is firm and the Anchor still holds.
We have had some stormy weather these last few days. We had lots of warning from the weather people. No excuse not to have been prepared. The wind howled and blew just like they said it would. Visibility was reduced just like they said. There was a drifting of the snow and a pounding of the waves...just like they said. We ran off water in the tub, filled some pots, and had the lantern lights ready. The siding on the house creaked with every gust of wind. There was a lull between the first storm and the second one of a few hours. We couldn't do much because we weren't plowed out. Sometimes life feels like that. There is a lull between "storms" but not always much of one. And then something else happens...something to rock the boat, disturb your sleep, hinder your peace of mind. When the second storm came, we woke up to no electricity. But we were prepared. We had experience. We have been through storms before. We dressed in layers and used the camper stove to boil water for tea. The power came back on within hours (as opposed to days) and we soon warmed up. The third storm didn't carry nearly as much punch as the first two. The house is still standing, we are plowed, the birds are back to the feeder. This series of weather-makers has passed. There will be more because weather is part of life. Good weather...and stormy. Some storms last longer than others. Some have howling winds and raging seas. Some have zero visibility. Some leave a mess and take time to dig out or clean up. Some storms are really disruptive with cancellations, changes of plans, interruptions in power, and other inconveniences. But they pass. In this life God has promised to be with us in the storms and to see us through them. His Word is our how-to manual for life in general with specifics on storms. We can be prepared. Christ is our anchor...our hope of assurance. "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure..." (Hebrews 6:19) Today is Friday. The house is firm and the Anchor still holds.
Year 5; Day 49 Wait in Expectation
In 2015 my word for the year was "wait". In 2016 I "waited" expectantly for a new word and all I got was "wait"...again. Part way through the year I felt it change to a hyphenated "wait-fruition" but it was still long on "wait" and short on "fruition". Well, I think when you have a clear word that it never really leaves. They just accumulate and the word with the lessons learned carry over from year to year...the emphasis just changes. My first word from 2013 was "quiet" and it is still a great word. I haven't learned all there is (hardly!) but for a year it was a great focus word and I learned and am still learning. Same with "perseverance". That 2014 word will never leave me and continues to work in my life. This past week I have seen some "fruition" come from some long prayed prayers. And one is a big one. It is a prayer I have been praying for years. One close to the heart. I can't share specifics but it mattered greatly to me. And now God is answering...better than I could have ever imagined. And then a second prayer was answered this week. It was a more urgent need and hasn't been a long- term request, but it was important. My heart is full. Psalm 5:3 says, "In the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation." It is hard to "wait in expectation" when the days and weeks and months turn into years. But we must "persevere". This is one of those times when I can look back and see that God had been (and still is) at work...shifting, moving, changing, perhaps others, but definitely me. I didn't recognize the significance of some situations, circumstances, and events but I am beginning to see the significance now. I am saying this because "waiting" can be so hard...and long...and boring. Hang in there. Each time I was ready to give up I received encouragement, especially from God's Word. "Waiting" time can be a time to grow and deepen your faith. It doesn't have to be "wasted" time. Today is Saturday. Wait expectantly, knowing the best answer will come in the best timing because we have a heavenly Father who truly is the best.
In 2015 my word for the year was "wait". In 2016 I "waited" expectantly for a new word and all I got was "wait"...again. Part way through the year I felt it change to a hyphenated "wait-fruition" but it was still long on "wait" and short on "fruition". Well, I think when you have a clear word that it never really leaves. They just accumulate and the word with the lessons learned carry over from year to year...the emphasis just changes. My first word from 2013 was "quiet" and it is still a great word. I haven't learned all there is (hardly!) but for a year it was a great focus word and I learned and am still learning. Same with "perseverance". That 2014 word will never leave me and continues to work in my life. This past week I have seen some "fruition" come from some long prayed prayers. And one is a big one. It is a prayer I have been praying for years. One close to the heart. I can't share specifics but it mattered greatly to me. And now God is answering...better than I could have ever imagined. And then a second prayer was answered this week. It was a more urgent need and hasn't been a long- term request, but it was important. My heart is full. Psalm 5:3 says, "In the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation." It is hard to "wait in expectation" when the days and weeks and months turn into years. But we must "persevere". This is one of those times when I can look back and see that God had been (and still is) at work...shifting, moving, changing, perhaps others, but definitely me. I didn't recognize the significance of some situations, circumstances, and events but I am beginning to see the significance now. I am saying this because "waiting" can be so hard...and long...and boring. Hang in there. Each time I was ready to give up I received encouragement, especially from God's Word. "Waiting" time can be a time to grow and deepen your faith. It doesn't have to be "wasted" time. Today is Saturday. Wait expectantly, knowing the best answer will come in the best timing because we have a heavenly Father who truly is the best.