The Gift of Presence---God's Gift To Us

Worship means different things to different people.  In a church service when we read God’s Word correctly, it tells us that each segment of the service is a form of worship. In addition to this, I recall a speaker recently that included the thought of literally stopping and sitting at Jesus’ feet.  That’s Worship! 

HEAVEN

Many of us try to imagine what Heaven must be like.  We talk of the streets of gold, all the angels, the magnificence of all our mansions and so much more, our human minds can’t even imagine.  All of this sounds amazing, but what I want most is to sit at the feet of Jesus! The very thought of this can make me weep!

THY KINGDOM COME

In Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount discourse is the line ‘Thy Kingdom Come’… and for the most part I’ve always thought that was about His return, and that indeed is part of it.  But it also includes allowing God’s Kingdom to live within us; to live within our human bodies, in our spirit, in every part of our lives, right now.

WHAT ARE WE WORKING TOWARD?

I wonder, do we really allow God to actively ‘live within’ us?  Or do we sometimes get so caught up in ‘doing it on our own’ we shut the door to His presence?  Do we strive so much for perfection that we miss His peace?   Or even, have we worked so hard to get everything done, we’re so exhausted we can’t even think, much less be still and let him be God?

OVERWHELMING TO-DO LIST

These, for me, sometimes are hard questions.  With the holiday season on us,
there is so much to do!  Thanksgiving has just passed and now it’s time to dive into all the ‘to-do’s required of Christmas and it can be totally exhausting!  

        There are Christmas cards to ready, gifts to purchase and wrap, decorations to take care of, and get-togethers to plan; foods and desserts to make; and this is only a tiny part of the list!

We want to get ‘it’ right, what ever ‘it’ is.  We all have a life to live, and the newest draw on our time, Christmas, requires a lot of time.  We don’t want to disappoint our community because we haven’t done our part of decorating, or our co-workers who are excited about the Christmas party, and family who have huge expectations with gifts, dinner and more; so we push harder.  

GOD WANTS OUR PRESENCE

But getting ‘it’ right, isn’t what God wants from us. God isn’t interested in our ‘performance’.  He wants our presence.  He isn’t asking us to be flawless and follow a long list of things to do that may or may not include him, even with our best intentions.  

Even when our to-do’s are scripturally sound, and they should be, He still wants our presence; not someone who’s given everything they have to everyone else around us, but have forgotten that the ‘event’ isn’t about every body else or even himself…It’s about Jesus!  Is God even thought about in all the busy-ness we’ve involved ourselves in?

ARE OUR HEARTS ALIGNED WITH HIS?

Our thought processes may be spot on, but is our heart aligned with His?  Are we focusing on what we believe we have to do to keep up with the trends and our friends, while we covet theirs and others approval?  Or are we stopping…. and sitting at the feet of Jesus?

JESUS’ GIFT TO US

Jesus’ gift to us was, and is, his presence, for our eternal salvation, and for our lives right now!  He will meet us right where we are, if we are ready to sit down and ‘be still and know that He is God’.  Even his name…Emmanuel means God with us! Being present with God, is worship in the truest sense.

THIS IS CHRISTMAS

Are you taking time to just sit and be quiet with God, listening to His still, small voice, accepting his peace and allowing your heart to fill to the brim and overflow with the love he is offering?  This is worship!  This is Christmas!   

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Photo Credit:To Do List 

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Gratitude Through Worship And Service

  There was a prayer request early this morning for one of my Christian Sister’s in Christ because she was in the ER with chest pains.  I immediately prayed that God would help the doctors as they worked with her, and asked that she would have peace and ultimately be healed.

It struck me as I prayed, how much as believers, we trust in God’s healing power.  He’s not a magician, but he is God, our Healer, and so much more.  I have a bookmark which lists many of His attributes, which actually describe who he is.  When we pray, and consider any (or each) of these, we can be reminded of his greatness.

He is Jesus, Immanuel, God with us. He came as a human child and was all human and all God!  He is Savior of the World.  He came as an infant to give his life so that all our sins are covered when we believe.  He was the ultimate sacrifice.  He is the Messiah the world was waiting for.  So many missed it because their expectations were totally errant!  In this way he is The Way!  It is only through him, that we can have eternal life in heaven.

He is Truth!  His words are never false.  Often our world will take words or scripture from the Bible and skew them to mean something completely different than what they mean.  That usually happens because they are taken out of context (and we can all relate to that in our very political world) and using snippets of information try to make the opposing point they want to make.

He is Comforter and Counselor.  I know over the last year, I would have been totally lost without the comfort only God can give.  He’s brought me through grief and pain of the loss of a loved one (for those who don’t know, my husband of 51 years).  It’s been hard, but God has sustained me, and I am so grateful.  In this sense, he’s also Sustainer! 

He is the Light of the World.  As believers, we are to carry that light even as we serve! Our lives should reflect this!  It’s not easy.  We are human, and can’t possibly come close to being ‘masters’ at presenting the qualities of God.  But we can present God’s light through what we say and do, and how we present ourselves and live our lives.  This is part of our ‘testimony’.

I say all this to say that we have much to be grateful for.  God’s love and mercy surrounds us each day, even on the bad ones.  When we are weakest, God is strong and there to lift us up and carry us through.  There are so many blessings we receive every day, if we open our eyes to see with our hearts and minds.  

Worship through service, and believing in all God is, is reason to give Thanks! I pray that this holiday season is filled with family, friends, and lots of good things to eat and moments of joy to share.  

Not everyone has these, so I encourage you to give aid to someone in need, if at all possible, in whatever form that comes.  You may be able to share a meal; a bag of groceries; lightly used, or some new clothes; a warm coat or pair of shoes.  It's possible none of these appeal to you.  But find a way to give of yourself, even if it’s just spending time with someone.

You’ll likely be surprised at how much your kindness is appreciated; and what’s more, how wonderful your heart and spirit are going to feel, after you’ve given!

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! 

Photo Credit: Happy Thanksgiving

Thankful For God's Surprises

       We live in a busy world.  Businesses bustle with activity as employees focus on the biggest prize; the next promotion, the pay increase or any other competitive upgrade.  It’s about getting the ‘biggest piece of the pie’.

Those hoping the bigger piece goes to them, may work longer hours, bring desserts in for the boss, attempt to do and be the very best employee far and above every other person in the room.  Then they go home, fret and stew about the next day and what they’ll do to keep ‘movin’ up!’

NOT TAKING NOTICE

Returning to work the next morning, in their hurry, they neglect to hold a door for a senior who’s waiting to walk through, tap their foot while they wait impatiently for their coffee and then nearly spill it as they spin around rapidly, in an effort to leave as quickly as possible, and never allow a smile to cross their face or polite comment to exit their mouth.  They are totally focused on getting done and in their ‘space’, in the workplace.

ARE OUR LIVES MAKING A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE?

When this happens, are any relationships or connections with others even being made?  They grumble and murmur because they’ve prayed for the ‘big and great thing’ to happen.  They’ve done all the right things, but it doesn’t seem to be happening.  They seem stuck and make no forward progress.

THE SMALLER JOYS IN LIFE

Sometimes the best ‘great thing’ is the smaller joys along the way!  They missed an opportunity of offering encouragement to a person having a bad day, or celebrating an awesome breakthrough in a hard situation, a sunrise, a cup of coffee while sitting with the one they love, a hug from a child, among a hundred other small gifts lost on them, because their focus was all about them!

God loves all his children and blesses them every day; perhaps not in a cloud bursting, firecracker sort of way, but in the gentle touch of a child, a hug from a neighbor, a text sending encouragement or even a simple smile. Noticing and celebrating these kinds of ‘surprises’ can be invigorating and fill our hearts with joy when we notice!  And especially when we say thank you to a God who cares about every part of our lives.

IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT US

Our world (and lives) should not singularly wrap around ourselves, our jobs, our troubles, or any thing else!  God as our center, allows us to recognize the Giver of all our very wonderful gifts and the opportunity to say thank you!

FINDING REASONS TO BE THANKFUL

There are going to be days we must look for a reason to be thankful—- but we don’t have to look hard!  Waking in the morning and just being alive and able to celebrate life, is reason to be thankful. Having a hand to hold, someone to give (or get) cookies or some other wonderful dessert from, food on our table, hot coffee to sip while watching the sunrise or a sunset, friends or family we can call or text, a note in the mail or a hundred other ‘small’ gestures we can both give and receive, are reasons to be thankful.  

Even the ability to ‘give and receive’ is a gift.  And what’s even more spectacular than that is, God delights in delighting us!  When we just S.T.O.P. long enough to notice, we’ll have a dozen reasons to be thankful, as we recognize all the ‘small, not so grand’ gifts we’ve been given!

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Photo Credit: Thankful For The Little Things -2 

Thankful For The Journey

       I read recently about a lady who remembers being a little girl who was always in a hurry, especially when in her parent's car, going anywhere!  She explains that it didn’t matter if the journey was taking them six blocks down the street, to their nearby town, or on a trip across country.  Her eternal question was, “Are we there yet?”  

This isn’t an uncommon occurrence in the life of a child.  Time has little or no meaning, and the excitement revolves around the destination, not getting there!  Journeys can be long and lacking any excitement, challenging—even difficult on some levels, worrisome, and even painful.  

LIFE IS A JOURNEY

Our lives can be described as a journey, as well.  We have different ‘seasons’ to navigate and find ourselves in places we’d sometimes not want to be.  These circumstances can distract us from enjoying where we are, as we struggle just to get through.

TIME

Time is a commodity we all have and spending it wisely is important.  While we are facing our ‘current situation’, often we just want it to be over because it seems too much to bear. But, when we do this, aren’t we missing something?

WHAT ARE WE MISSING?

In our frustration aren’t we missing the day to day miracles?  Aren’t we missing opportunities to be thankful for those little details, that even for a moment make us smile.

God’s grace is woven in each of these moments, if we choose to see it.  The smell of coffee first thing in the morning is grand!  Am I thankful?  What about the first glimpse of light through the window, laughter with a child or a friend, a good book or peaceful walk?  

A BLANKET OF COLOR

Fall is such a beautiful season as leaves change and the tapestry it creates is stunning!  Even as the wind blows today, I see the leaves drifting through the air making a beautiful blanket of color on the ground.  Sometimes an opportunity of silence while catching a quiet sunrise or sunset, with hands wrapped around a warm cup of cider, is a moment of joy and gratitude!

I admit, I struggle with 'God's timing'. I'm often in a hurry! I want to know the answers to all my questions 'now'...... even as I say.... 'in your time, Lord!' It's so hard to be patient, but enjoying the journey should be part of the process. There is so much to see, learn and do along the way! 

AWARENESS OF GOD'S PRESENCE

Ordinary moments in any given day are cultivating awareness of God’s presence in our lives.  Each moment can bring us into worship, if we choose to see it.

Gratitude isn’t just for those grand moments in our lives, but for each moment we breathe!  We are told to be thankful in all circumstances.  God’s not asking us to be thankful for the problems, but to take joy in Him holding our hands, walking with us through the journey and allowing him to lead us on the right path.  

SLOW DOWN AND SEE GOD'S GIFTS

When we can slow down, notice the gifts around us, and then tell God we are thankful, even for the small things in life, can impact not only our personal attitude, but strengthen our relationship with Him.  With gratitude in the everyday, along the journey, our perspective can change everything!

Photo Credit: On A Journey

Photo Credit: Fall Colors

Thanksgiving When Life Is Hard

         As I look at today’s date, I recall that last year on this day, my husband and I were in the Emergency Room.  That night they sent him by Emergency Ambulance to another hospital because he was in heart failure.  It was the beginning of a long ten days, followed by a year of challenges and often a difficult, painful journey.

GOD'S THUMB PRINT

Reflecting on my year, I know God has been with me. I can see his thumb print on my life those years before Charles passed.  He guided us to a church that would have a profound impact on my healing process.  He provided family and friends who would help sustain and support me through harrowing days of waiting, and then navigating life and standing on my own.  

This journey has provided me with the ability to do things alone I never thought possible. I’ve grown in my faith and purpose in God’s plan, even though I still am not sure, just what that is!  But above all, this journey has allowed my Charles to be at the feet of Jesus.

GOD'S PRESENCE IN PAIN

I’ve heard it said “that gratitude doesn’t deny pain— it acknowledges God’s presence in it”.  Some days it’s hard to be thankful because I don’t like where I am emotionally, and even physically in the sense of being a widow. Still I know God works through the pain and helps me grow in endurance and faith.

TRIALS COME TO EVERYONE

I’m certainly not alone in my circumstance.  There are others who face even greater trials than mine.  Recently with Hurricane Melissa going through Jamaica and other nearby islands, the devastation is real and profound.  I can’t imagine losing so much (and perhaps so many) at one time. 

How long will it take to recover?  There are some who may not.  Still we can know that God is good and will heal those who trust in him; even as the pain remains long and deep.

GOD CAN USE EVERY PROBLEM

Problems are all around us; medical issues, financial destruction, relational, job loss and more!  And there are children who face cancer or other diseases which tear at the heart of parents.  No parent wants to see their child suffer.  

I recall a situation where a young man had serious heart issues.  The mother told her son she wished she had the power to make him well, or at least do something that would create positive changes.  

 

       His response surprised her.  “I don’t,” he said.  “That’s not God’s design.  God is Sovereign.  There is a purpose behind everything that happens.  God is in control and I will trust Him.  If He wants to heal me, he will.   If not, then I will deal, and wait to see what God wants me to do with my life, and serve Him, even as I wait.”

BUT WHY?

As humans, even believers, we try to give the fight to God, even while asking, 'why my child'?  But then, why any child?  Why anyone?  Why do we have deal with sickness, pain, sadness, violence, brokenness, poverty, hunger, death or anything that is ugly?  No one wants to endure pain and suffering.  

            We live in a fallen world.  We can’t always “fix” what is wrong,  but we do have choices.  We choose how we respond to situations.  Will we choose to be angry, place blame, ask why, and allow our lives to be filled with bitterness?  Or will we choose to respond with thankfulness — not for the pain—but the ability to get through it?   The young man with heart disease is a great example of a strong faith who believes he was put on this earth for a reason and rather than foster ugliness in his heart,  projects joy, acceptance, and a positive attitude.  Isn’t this what Jesus asks us to do?  

WHEN WE CAN'T DO IT ON OUR OWN

  It isn’t easy to be strong, exude faith and confidence when life seems to be upside down and inside out.  We are a people who want things to go right, smoothly, comfortable and perhaps even easy.  But is this where we grow?  In a life with no trials, do we end up believing we no longer need God; we can do it on our own?      

WE ARE NEVER ALONE

  

            God promises to always be with us.  It doesn’t mean we won’t face trials and have problems, sometimes really big ones!  And we won’t always understand the 'why', but we don’t have to.   God is Sovereign and knows the beginning from the end.  Our job isn’t “to know…. "  It’s to trust and lean on a God who loves us so much, He sent Jesus.  When we lean on Him, we can experience comfort and peace which passes all understanding, and this leads us to a heart filled with thanksgiving--even when life is hard.

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