by tascha
the gradual decline into disorder.
sometimes, not so gradual [toddlers anyone?]
the struggle against decay.
The constant upkeep of home, family, friends [life] is, at times, staggering. The weight of it causes my feet to stumble. My path becomes broken and I fall- sometimes so very hard, to my knees, where I should have been to begin this journey~every day~on my knees before the God of this universe~who deigns Himself to love me.
He reaches down, not to grasp a hand or push me onward, but to pick me up, soul and spirit, and brush me clean with tender Forgiveness.
He sets me on my feet- holding me steady until such time as I am ready to try again, this time with my hand firmly grasping His.
Only His steps can make my path straight again.
So I will follow.
There are no stumbling ridges when I simply hide in His shadow, walking this path under the cover of His wing.
And Gentleness reminds me
of Goodness every. time. I. fall.
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by tascha |
give thanks.
Giving thanks. This is a conscious effort that I am praying to make a way of life. He cannot take my thanks from me. I must give it to Him.
If I am trusting God, why would I not give thanks to Him? He has given me so many promises. And I am beyond unworthy.
this Life.
my own. my husband’s. children. friends. family.
give thanks.
eternal Life.
salvation. through Jesus only. There is nothing I could ever hope to try to do to gain Heaven. or His favor. ever.
give thanks.
family.
parents. brother. grandparents. cousins.
husband. children.
give thanks.
work.
the ability to do so. my husband’s job. income. the opportunity to teach my children.
give thanks.
friends.
near or far. just a phone call away.
health.
love.
possessions.
intelligence.
give thanks.
I will never give proper praise for all He has given me and done for me. Even the frustrations of life are for a purpose. To make me stronger. To show me just how much I need Him. To teach me to love the unloveable. To show me how I need to change to be more like Him. To remind me that life is not about me.
When I have a proper view of Who God is and who I am… giving thanks WILL BE a way of life.
These are just some thoughts I have had the past few days and have finally taken the time to write some of it out. Thankfulness is often a difficult sentiment to express beyond
thank you, God.
You love me and that is more than I could ever ask for.
And in learning and applying thankfulness, I pray I become just a little bit better at being that woman God created me to be for my man.
by tascha |
Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea…But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. I Corinthians 10:1-6 [portions]
We probably all know the story of the nation of Israel leaving Egypt and their subsequent wilderness wanderings. Paul tells us that we can learn from their decisions make centuries ago. They were our examples. They {the Israelites} were baptized, and ate spiritual meat, and drank of the Rock which was Christ {verses2-4}, but yet they went astray and lusted after evil things-which are described in the verses following. And again in verse 11 we are told that they are an example of what not to do.
A thought that struck me was this: do I see people who claim to be saved being led astray and mock them and their “christianity” or do I see them as an example to me to learn how NOT to lust after evil things as they also lusted?
[a side note: we should always be in prayer for those we see going astray and confront them Biblically when necessary, love them always, but we should never condemn them on impulse.]
Then another thought came to me that was even more convicting: What am I an example of to others? Do I show others what the rewards are of living a life consecrated to God? Or am I an example that others should heed of the consequences of lusting after evil things?
the evil things listed
in verses 7-10 include:
idolatry {what is getting in my way of serving God with my whole being}
tempting Christ {do I test His goodness through taunting}
murmurings {do I complain or whine when a situation seems impossible or even is just a little different than I desire}
For today: Let my actions for today be as such that those around me {namely, my children} will see the rewards of a life lived for God and also that the one I was made to help {my man} can benefit from those rewards!
by tascha |
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. Mark 16:15
Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel. I Corinthians 9:14
We ALL know {and I’m talking to believing ladies here} that we are to preach the gospel and teach all nations and be witnesses, but do we live of the gospel?
If we have accepted Jesus as our Savior then our job is to preach/teach the gospel to others. To be a witness of what we know to be true-Jesus can save and change a person. BUT, do we live of the gospel? Of meaning “route, progression, procedure, program or curriculum.” Is the gospel our ROUTE? Is it our PROCEDURE in life? Have we made the study of it our PROGRAM or CURRICULUM?
On those days when I am ‘stuck’ at home and do not come in contact with anyone besides my own children, who have heard the gospel many times already, I tend to feel as though there is no part of witnessing I can do. But on the contrary, there is much I can do. I SHOULD do, but often {always} fall short of doing.
I need to LIVE OF THE GOSPEL:
It should be the route {path to a specific destination} and procedure {set of steps taken} I take in my chores {have you ever asked God what needs to be done first? me either}.
It should be THE study of my life: be on my lips continually as I instruct the precious souls in my care each day.
For today: I am asking the Lord to guide my thoughts to remember His love for me when dealing with my children.
by tascha
Here are the words to the first verse of the song I sang on Sunday in our church. I listen to if often during the day (I have a CD where it is beautifully performed by BJU singers & orchestra).
Beneath the Cross
Beneath the cross of Jesus,
I find a place to stand
And wonder at such mercy
That calls me as I am;
For hands that should discard me
Hold wounds which tell me, “Come.”
Beneath the cross of Jesus,
My unworthy soul is won.
While I have heard this song many times since acquiring this CD, Sunday morning- as I was singing- the words hit me afresh…
just how often do I ‘wonder at such mercy…”?
Jesus calls me-ME- from where I am…
His hands, hands that should shun and push me aside, have wounds- living wounds, not scars-
that tell me to come to Him.
How wonderful is this Jesus that loves me so. For all my faults (numerous beyond measure), my petty desires and whims, He loves me. He loves YOU. He wants you to come to Him. Even though I am already sure of my salvation and know that I will go to Heaven, He still beckons me… and calls to me where I am each day. Whether I have woken up cranky or energetic, His wounded hands beckon me to come to Him.
His mercy continues to call me (and you) to go beyond mere salvation faith and live.
LIVE… for Him.
