Zephaniah 3:17 New International Version (NIV)
The Lord your God is with,
the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing.”
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John 13:34-35 New International Version (NIV)
The Lord your God is with,
the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing.”
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John 13:34-35 New International Version (NIV)
John 13:34-35 New International Version (NIV)
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
My very good intentions were to arise at approximately 5:45 this morning test my glucose level, eat my breakfast complete with yummy egg whites, fruit medley, turkey sausage, and cereal as the songstress Jill Scott says, "Beaming all the way!" ready for an action packed Super Soul Sunday! Oh my friends, I had things to accomplish and folks to see, oh but all those plans were squelched when I sat on the side of our bed and hacked a succession of rowdy, nervy coughs! Clearly the nuisance of mere cold symptoms had elevated and comfortably made themselves at home within my throat and chest. I had been in semi denial, days before when it started as an irritating earache which I believed I had promptly dealt with, so I thought! But as I sat myself in our sun porch, pulled back the curtains and marveled at the streaming sunlight,witnessed the tree branches bowing to the majesty of the day,instantly the realization hit-this is where I'd be. I peered at my favorite mug half filled with lemon tea, flanked by cough medicine and throat lozenges and said to my self, " You are going nowhere today!"There was no doubt that I had a terrible cold and the symptoms of a sore throat, consistent "woof" coughing, scissor sharp "feeling"s when I swallowed all were evident that it was time to "give up the ghost" and succumb as Zora's grandmotherly character might yell, "Set on (not sit) dawn (not down) sum (not some) were (not where)!"
Clearly, I understand now that this day has broader strokes than my immediate cold and flu symptoms. The Holy Spirit is active and alive, breathing and revealing new truths for our spiritual growth and enlightenment. I choose to believe this morning's predicament is the perfect opportunity for God to demonstrates his love not only for me, but for all of us! We've all experienced what it is to be sick, to have to take a back seat to momentary interruptions in our lives, and the reality is the duration of our untimely "interruptions" is not for ours to determine. But it concludes when the symptoms are waning, when the antibiotic or natural remedy takes hold and it winds down and/or simply runs its course. For many it may not be a cold, or the flu, but a season of grief, a season of heartaches, unexpected setbacks, family misunderstandings, spiritual pain, physical ailments, abandonment-stuff and happenings that we have no recognition or name for! It's present,in your face, just like these nasty cold symptoms. It's no mistaking we get it-that "this thing" has a toehold on us and won't let go!
Round Trip, music by the incomparable Kirk Whalum
Thank goodness for Kirk Whalum's musical interlude and opportunity to exhale! In midst of what's occuring there is good news-Ecclesiastes reminds us there is a time and season for everything. And if we faint not... if we just settle in our spirits that we may have to relent and take the ride, coast in the wind shear, listen to what God is sharing then we can safely take the round trip with Him! And I declare, just as my friend Sheri lovingly brought me a thoughtful-timely and unexpected care package, a gift of love & consideration to tackle my cold symptoms, God will do the same for you!
Love will come, has come and will see about you! The gift will assure you that you are not on this trip alone! He'll send his amazing agape, benevolent love to tend to you! Love that will come, anchor and lift you, soothe you, console you and wrap you-because that's how dedicated He is towards you. So confidently be assured you belong to:
The Lord your God [who] is with you,
the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17 New International Version (NIV)
Cause He's just that wonderful!
Shared with a Transparent Heart,
Linda Mose Meadows, Author of the devotionals:
The Blessedness of Believing A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lessons and God’s Promises;
Destined to Receive, Reflections and Devotionals Celebrating The Love of God
