"Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10) SEVERAL years ago, I drove across a few back WVa back roads, across Dolly Sods and Red Creek. While taking this picture, I considered how the creek, (pounced crick where I come from), had marked out its own path . The interesting thing about a creek, is that when the water is high, it hides what’s laying in the creek bed; but a low water level reveals unsightly debris. Some debris, fallen trees and leaves, occur naturally. Other stuff, tires, plastic bags, bottles, they are deposited there on purpose. But debris is debris…and it mires the beauty of the creek and can change the course of the waters flow. Interestingly enough, Christians have a lot in common with a creek…and when a Believer’s faith ‘ebbs and flows’, it sends a message to anyone watching, and they will take notice. We’re all guilty of the spiritual ebb and flow phenomenon. When our faith is high...
I wonder if I pray differently than most people? Or maybe I pray exactly like most people…? My mind wanders, I fall asleep, I get interrupted…and then I’m done. Sound familiar? What I need is to be outside, away from distractions. So this chilly morning, wrapped in a heated blanket on an enclosed porch, I entered into a quiet place of prayer. As an author, writer, introverted-mess, I’ve found the best way for me to talk to God is to write my part out and wait. As I’m sitting here this morning, enjoying Christmas on the porch and blogging, I thought of King David. He didn’t always have an ideal place to pray, yet that didn’t stop him from jotting down some desperate prayers. I’ll go out on a limb here, and assume that like me, he had some introverted traits, too. Maybe that’s why I can relate to David’s prayers. I love how his writings jump from distress to praise without missing a beat! Still, “ as a man after God’s own heart” (Acts 13:22), I wonder how mu...
As I sit at my desk, migraine coming on, dog barking, laundry to fold, and errands to run, I long for a little less and a lot more...a little less stress, a lot more peace; a little less racing thoughts, a lot more quietness of mind. I close my eyes and imagine Jesus sitting by the sea, making breakfast for His disciples. Or as I like to think if it "Jesus making breakfast for the boys." I can feel the warmth the fire and smell fresh fish sizzling over the coals. Oh to be there! Breathing in the goodness of His glory. Feeling the warmth of His love. In my minds eye, I can see His generous smile, and I picture Him waving me closer. I imagine myself being timid at first, this is after all Jesus...but then I remember how He called us Friends. So I return His smile and let my footsteps quicken. Finally, I'm basking in His presence. Am I really taking a rest beside Jesus? As if reading my mind, He softly reminds me of a conversation He had with His followers in the book of...
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