Our Constant God

Psalm 37:4 says, "Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of
your heart." In Philippians 4:11-13 Paul writes, "...I have learned to be content what-
ever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have
plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether
well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through
him who gives me strength." In other words, our circumstances don't matter. This isn't
saying what's happening in our lives doesn't matter to God. Everything about us matters
to Him. What I believe it is saying is that our circumstances change but who we honor,
who we thank, who we praise never changes. We are to ALWAYS be thankful, ALWAYS
give God praise because just because our lives change, that has nothing to do with WHO
God is and what He does for us. He is ALWAYS good, ALWAYS forgiving, and ALWAYS
merciful. What comfort we have because of Him. Walk today blessed by the Lord and
highly favored. Our constant God is with us.

The Indescribable Gift

This is indeed the week we spend the most time considering thankfulness;
how thankful we are for family, home, health, friends, food, job....the list
goes on. But as Christians, we have been given the most "indescribable gift"
ever and it warrants our thanks every day of the year. 2 Corinthians 9:15 says,
"Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!" By calling the gift "indescribable"
it describes the gift perfectly. Jesus. Given through grace to the undeserving.
It's hard to describe perfection. Not enough words, not enough time. Psalm 30:11-12
says, "You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed
me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will
give you thanks forever." Let us not be silent this season as we lift our thanks for
all gifts, but especially the "indescribable" one. Be blessed by the Lord and highly
favored.

Leaves Like Blessings Fall

It's Saturday morning and as I sit and finish my coffee I am quietly appreciating the view from my window. It's nothing extraordinary; just a fenced yard, trees, and at least a million leaves. But what I'm enjoying about this view today is the way the leaves are falling. It's like they are being picked off the branches one by one and dropped carefully to the ground. There is no wind and yet they fall, as if  my eyes were watching in slow motion. It occurred to me that the Lord's blessings come to us much like the falling leaves. The Lord constantly and faithfully "drops" blessings on us until we, like my front yard, are covered in gifts from Him. On a windy day the leaves virtually rain down by the hundreds much like when we have "rainy days" in our lives, the blessings, the strength, the wisdom- everything we need, come to us and cover us. I will choose to see this as a season of blessing...regardless of the circumstances of my life. (I'm glad I don't have to rake all the blessings I get every day!) Be blessed by the Lord and highly favored.

Devoted as a Dog

If you've ever owned a dog this may sound familiar. I don't own one right now but the six month old standard poodle puppy next door often stays with us while his people work during the day. This dog is one devoted animal. He is always at my feet. He follows me like a shadow. He waits for me. He wants to be where I am. If he or I wander away from each other, we both come looking for the other. With me near, he is calm, content, loving and peaceful. When he's not here, I miss him. And he's not even mine! I could be describing the Lord and me. I seek to be with Him and follow Him. I wait for Him. With Him near I can be calm and at peace. And He IS mine and I AM HIS! I love this little dog and he is truly devoted to me. How much more does my Heavenly Father love me...and I love Him. I will walk today as a devoted child of a loving Father. Be blessed by the Lord and highly favored.