LOVE HAS COME TO SEE ABOUT YOU!

         

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.”

`````````````````````````
  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

http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

https://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/

IT'S A HAPPY NEW YEAR LEARNING NEW HABITS!

I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory.
Psalm 63:2

New International Version (NIV)

It was amazing for me to witness how attentive the young college folks in my home were. It was Christmas break and they seemed to relax with the television on, lap tops plugged in and their smart phones in hand. They seemed hypnotized by one or the other, possibly mesmerized is more appropriate!

They huddled together and listened intently to the television and even commented in unison about the antics of several of the "stars" during a particular episode of some "Reality" show that I knew nothing of. I immediately wondered whose reality was this really? The star's strained tones, always boisterous, obnoxious behavior and argumentative conversations were exhausting.

But my focus shifted from the tirades when women began to speak at length about making New Year’s Resolutions, now that got my immediate attention. Admittedly I am out of touch with the recent line-up with this new crop of celebs on these reality shows, but their over dramatic personalities and one sided perspectives appeared very loop-sided, self serving, slanted and greedy for the most part. But it's not my call, not my "Reality" production, and certainly not my lifestyle being showcased. Let’s give each other a high five on that reality! But from what I could discern their rituals or habits have a lot to be desired. Maybe that was the fascination with why we watch these unscripted series. Or are they? But distinctly I heard (sensed their) preceived DEFEAT, with their pronouncements regarding and maintaining their New Year’s Resolutions.

Each person boldly shared with convincing gestures where they would and wouldn't frequent, what they planned on acquiring and the things that they'd not tolerate anymore. But no sooner than those pronouncements spilled from their mouths they shared that they realized that their resolutions were already going to be short lived (just like the standard resolutions that so many of us make). Often it's all for not. But I too have been there and done that! You know made an elaborate plan and strategy for the New Year which failed. So often we mean well, but our well planned out resolutions are short lived. Our stamina and commitment seems fleeting and we’re back to our old habits. The resolutions are gone bye-bye and generally don’t make it through the week. As we mature we dispense with this practice and it is back to business as usual! But something is really missing! Now I am trying to make no promises to myself or others that I sense are already futile. But I learned of a Divine source that pushes and prompts me! No resolution can do that! So after my good chuckle at the confusing reality show I realized that it was time to refocus, time to quiet myself, read , reflect, pray and get some spiritual direction. Is that you also? Later that morning I reached for a new addition to my inspirational library and read the following from Jesus Calling-Enjoying Peace in His Presence by Sarah Young.

"I WANT YOU TO LEARN A NEW HABIT.

Try saying, “I trust You, Jesus" in
response to whatever happens to you. If there is time to think about whom I am
in all My Power and Glory; ponder also the depth and breadth of My Love for you.
This simple practice will help you see me in every situation, acknowledging my
sovereign control over the universe. When you view events from this
perspective-through the Light of my universal Presence-fear loses its grip on
you. Adverse circumstances become growth opportunities when you affirm your
trust in Me no matter what. You receive blessings gratefully, realizing they
flow directly from My hand of grace. Your continual assertion of trusting Me
will strengthen our relationship and keep you close to Me. Psalm 63:2; Isaiah
40:10-11; Psalm 139:7-10"

I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory.
Psalm 63:2 (NIV)

See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. Isaiah 40:10-11 (NIV)

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, 10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. Psalm 139:7-10 (NIV)

I suspect the Holy Spirit has also given you goose bumps. God is speaking to us! It's clear why so many of our resolutions don't make it out of the gate-our old habits win! These habits push God aside! We've overlooked the most crucial ingredient of getting in the habit of remembering and actively trusting Jehovah, our Author and Creator of the universe. He’s the very One-the I Am that has birthed our hopes, dreams and desires. There is no plan if God is not a part of it.

There can be no hope of getting through the tough obstacles if we've not carried the baton of faith, the powerful Holy Scripture in our hearts/minds and love for being a child of the most High God. We can't make it and possibly believe that our natural stamina will sustain us in this world!

There’s nothing that can replace, refresh and restore us like Jesus! If you have one resolution let that be to learn a new habit of entrusting ourselves and all that concerns us to Jesus. Today friends, tell yourselves, your loved ones, and Him: "I trust you Lord! I am in your capable and wonderful care!" Now that’s a resolution that will remain, let’s get in the habit! Happy New Year everyone!

With A Thankful Heart!Linda Mose Meadows, Urban Views Weekly & Empower Magazine Columnist and Inspirational Author of: The Blessedness of Believing A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lessons and God’s Promises and Co-publisher of Eyes of Faith Magazine

http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/

http://eyesoffaithmagazine.blogspot.com/

FIND GOD? WE MUST FIRST SEEK HIM!

Market Place in Burkina Faso phtotgraphed by Matt McClure

Without faith it is impossible to please Him,

for He who comes to God must believe that He is,

and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

- Hebrews 11:6

Sometimes we are looking and looking for a certain thing and it's right in front of our eyes. Someone I love, often says when I can't find what I am anxiously trying to put my hands on is, "It's right where you left it." It sounds clever but it's accurate.

Who wants to admit or hear that? Certainly I don't; but it's often the truth. Usually we do discover the lost object, it's just not immediatley. We have to toss a cluttered drawer, look under the bed, check the fridge just in case, look through the bins and sift through a pile of stuff before the object of our search is located. Eventually you do find the item-you usually have half heartedly given up by then and just yell, "God help me!" And he does my friends! He comes to our rescue. He's a breath and a prayer away.

After reading Hebrews 11:6 I better understood that when it comes to our struggle to believe God for a given outcome, well that is really a matter of faith. Will I find what I'm seeking? Will He really do that for me or am I fooling myself? These have been some of the questions in my life's search. If you too have pondered those questions here's possibly an answer found in Our Daily Bread~October 30, 2008 (I seldom throw mine away) entitled:

GOD-OGRAPHY

"Understanding geography is helpful in daily life, but "God-ography" finding God is infinetly more crucial-for now and eternity. In Hebrews 11:6 we are told that to find God and please Him, we first have to believe that He exists. How can we prove that God exists? Finding God is a matter of faith-confidence in Him and commitment to Him. This confidence and commitment should remain strong even though the objects of our faith are unseen. The writer of Hebrews and apostle John agree that ultimately the way to find the Lord and please Him is by believing in His Son Jesus (Heb 11:6; John 14:6)

Finding God is solely a work of God. Those who seek Him will find Him because God will give them a heart to recognize Him as Lord(Jer. 29:13-14) Marvin Williams"

In essence seek with expectations friends, be confident that a divine blessing awaits you, even in the midst of confusion, clutter, frustration and caous-He can be found! I am a witness. God is available to you, you and me. Tell your heart to hold out, hold on-trust and believe.

Shared In Faith!

Linda Mose Meadows, Author

The Blessedness of Believing

A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises (Tate Publishing, Nov.2007)

http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/