Wonderful gifts to enjoy

It is a beautiful day today! The sun is out, my windows are open, the wind is whistling through the trees, the leaves are crunchy, the pumpkins are plump, the mums are gorgeous - ahhh, fall at it's best!

Today I'm just thankful that God gave us all those wonderful gifts to enjoy. He could have made the world black and white and without seasons. But He didn't - He gave us variety and color. What a gracious, loving God we have Who so lavishly pours out His blessings!

Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise Him all creatures here below,
Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts,
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
Amen!

Ransomed ~ Healed ~ Restored ~ Forgiven

This past Sunday afternoon the whole family was able to get together. That sounds like it shouldn't be a big deal but with six crazy busy schedules, it was something to be treasured! We had some games on the table ready to be played and cheese dip in the crock pot. But before we got to those, we ended up around the piano for awhile. Can't say we're ready to go on the road - but we sure enjoyed singing our little hearts out.

One of the songs we sang - an oldie but goodie - has a phrase I just love. It hits me every time.

"...Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven..."

I am ransomed - "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine." Isaiah 43:1
I am healed - "He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities, the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him and by His wounds we are healed" Isaiah 53:5
I am restored - "And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." I Peter 5:10
I am forgiven - "I, even I am He who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake and remembers your sin no more" Isaiah 43:25

Those words describe what God has done for me because I am His child. And when I think about that, it produces a joy inside that cannot be quiet. I think Henry Lyte had it right:

Praise, my soul, the King of Heaven,
to His feet thy tribute bring.
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
evermore His praises sing.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise the everlasting King.

A reason to live what you believe

We had a great time this past weekend with some friends who came to visit. We got to know Phil and Mary Jayne over 20 years ago when we lived in Michigan - way back when our children were small and Tim was in seminary. In each place we have lived since then, they have come to visit and it is always fun when we can catch up.

This couple had an impact on us when we were a young couple because they lived what they believed and, by their example, showed us how to live what we believed, too. They were never harsh or unkind; they didn't preach us sermons. They just lived.

It was a great reminder that we need to be that kind of friends to others - to lovingly encourage them to know God's Word and then to live it.

Sometimes my day gets so busy I think that is the last thing I have time for - but then I remember how much I needed that example lived in front of me (and still do!) and I try to adjust my schedule. Because there are people I love dearly and I want to make sure I am having a good impact. I think that's a pretty good reason to live what you believe.

A bigger view of God ~ a bigger dependence on God

I love it when God gently and lovingly reminds me of a truth I need to think on and put into practice. I don't like the revealing of what is in my heart, but I love that God won't leave me where I am.

Yesterday at church, the statement by the speaker, Paul Briggs, was this:

"Our dependence on God is small because our view of God is too small."

I will admit as I sat in the pew taking notes, I squirmed a bit. (Ok, a lot!) I don't like that statement. I don't like it because it hit too close to home. And I don't like to be reminded of my independent nature and how that is in direct contrast to what God has said in His Word... that I am to be totally, 100% dependent on Him.

And if I am to be completely honest, I really don't want to give up my independence - because when situations pop up, I want to give my ideas to God on how He should deal with the problem. That way I can be assured the outcome will be in line with how I think life should progress. (In case you haven't figured it out by now, the issue I tend to struggle with is trust. I think I should have it down by now... but God keeps gives me opportunities to hone the skill.)

So the thought I had is to turn that statement around. Have a bigger view of God - see Him for Who He is and know and accept the truth that He is completely trustworthy. Then acknowledge and practice that truth in my life by a greater dependence on Him in every facet on my life.

Sounds easy enough on paper - but I have the feeling God will give me more opportunities to put it into practice. Makes me thankful He promises to walk it with me all the way through life!