We all have a sense of longing for more. Even in the best of times we know there lingers, a sense of dissatisfaction deep within our soul. Deuteronomy 4:29 says, But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find Him if you look for HIm with all your heart and with and all your soul.

In Acts 17, Paul says, From one man He made every nation of men, that they would inhabit the whole earth; and He determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him though He is not far from each one of us. For in Him we live and move and have our being.

So we seek God and learn He indeed is the One who truly satisfies. Isaiah 58 says, The LORD will guide you always; He will satisfy your need in a sun scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring who's waters never fail.

This blog is made up of reflections, that are to me, like dew drops in the garden. Things that spring from the pages of scripture and refresh my heart. Whispers, ideas, hope, inklings, inspiration, glimmers, breadcrumbs...all pointing me in the direction of my heart's true home which is the Lord.

Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life and through the length of my days the house of the Lord [and His Presence] shall be my dwelling place. Psalm 23:6


Saturday, May 5, 2012

Growing Up

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.  Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."   Matthew 5:12-16

I always noticed the city on the hill part. Of course.  That is so grand...and impersonal.  This time I noticed that the light was on a stand to give light to 'everyone in the house'.  To the ones we live with, the ones we love.  This light, for the ones who see us the closest, the ones we show ourselves most truly to. So this is where the rubber hits the road.  How bright is that light, His light in me, at home?  This can be so convicting. It is at home where often it is the littlest thing that brings conflict. Home is where we let down and feel safe and therefore our selfishness surfaces most easily.  Home is the place where God can use everyday conflict to rub off the rough edges of our character.  It is where we can figure out how to keep the light shining when darkness wants to creep in.  It is where love can triumph.

At the end of chapter 5 of Matthew the Message says, "In a word, what I'm saying is grow up. You're kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you."  So there's a thought!  Grow up! And how did God live towards us?  The incarnate Son of God, Jesus, came and lived among us. And He died.  He laid down His life, completely, for us so that we could continue to live with and in Him.  That is the way God lives toward me.  Sacrificial love.  Full of grace and mercy, He died for me and I didn't deserve it, at all.

Does my family see my light shine through good deeds? Am I living graciously and generously?  The message also says in this chapter, "live with the energies of prayer".  So there is the secret.  Let prayer be the fuel, communion with Him.  Live a life of abiding.  He is the home that I can live out of, in my earthly home and in my community as I pray, and as I seek Him, everyday, for what I need to grow up. To grow up the way He intends me to.

Thank you Lord for your patience.  Thank you that you desire to be the light that shines in every home.  Thank you that your light is the light of life.  Help me to live out your love, in my home and beyond.  Thank you for your grace and generosity towards me.  Forgive me for not extending that on to others. It seems I fall so short!  Help me to listen for your voice, which encourages me on my journey with You. Help me to follow, even when it feels difficult.
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