Be Thou My Vision

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sun clouds

With age come certain realities that affect how one should view life.

Whatever you might be worrying about today, won’t be remembered tomorrow. Work hard at worrying less and realize that God provides. Walking through the trials of life with confidence is part of the plan. Sadness is inevitable but succumbing to fear, anger, hatred and despair are not.

We are all heading “home” and it is unavoidable. This isn’t maudlin when there is no fear of the future. As believers, our future is certain and reflected in a wonderful old hymn:

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;

Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.

Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,

Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;

I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;

Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;

Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;

Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;

Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower:

Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,

Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:

Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,

High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High King of Heaven, my victory won,

May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Sun!

Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,

Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

Don’t put value in things, put your heart and soul into people. It pays off. Family and friends are irreplaceable and add a depth of joy that is indescribably wonderful.

Worship is not about the church. Anyone who depends on a pastor, teacher or religious institution will surely be disappointed. A personal relationship with God is meaningful, rewarding and fulfilling. Open your Bible, talk to God, worship with friends…but worship God. There is a difference.

God provides daily blessings – don’t be too busy and miss them.

I promise this to be true.

Don’t be so touchy!

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La_Pieta_IV_by_touch_the_flame

Everyone is so touchy and I mean that in a sad, ironic and bewildered way.

We live in a social media and communication savvy world where every word, every comment, every thought is digested and repeated and dissected until the pundits can pounce on a person’s thought process.

To be fair, not all comments are created equal. Not all people are smart enough to keep their mouths shut. We are all guilty of saying stupid things. But, and this is important…we have a right to do so.

The church is often stuck in the middle of this quagmire of judgmental commenting and can be quite touchy upon subjects in which they do not agree. Be careful, this is dangerous territory for those who love the Lord.

As for me, I choose to love. I may not agree but I don’t berate, belittle or hate people for their words. To do so is to place yourself in a position from which only God can stand in judgment. I am not going to spew hatred. That is totally contrary to the message of Christ.

I think back to the story of the woman who was an “untouchable” and was an outcast in society. As Jesus moves through the crowds a woman appears that is known as being untouchable and cursed. But this woman takes a leap of faith and makes a desperate grasp for the hem of Jesus garment in order to touch Him. She touches the Messiah and in an instant she is healed. The part of this story that really resonates with me though is that Jesus turns and asks “Who touched my clothes?” “You see the people crowding against you,” his disciples answered, “and yet you can ask, ‘Who touched me?’ ”But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” Mark 5:30-34

I believe in my heart that Jesus knew who touched Him but He wanted the crowd to know. He wanted to make a bold and powerful statement. One person deemed totally untouchable was now recognized by the King of Kings and was healed. His touch saved her. It saves people today. What a powerful testimony, What a powerful savior.

As my Pastor once said “No one you lock eyes with is beyond the love and reach of God”. We all need His touch. Be a witness to that truth.

He touched me, Oh He touched me,
And oh the joy that floods my soul!
Something happened and now I know,
He touched me and made me whole.
Song by: Bill Gaither

Greater Love

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I-heart-you-hanging-Happy-Valentines-Day-2015-Wallpaper

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you”. John 15:12

The Gospel of John is a virtual love letter to Christians. It’s full of love, love and more love.

Jason Mraz sings:

Your Love, is bigger than a rain cloud
It covered up my whole skies
It’s filling up my heart,
My heart with
Love, Love, Love, Love, Love
More than I ever need
giving me
Love, Love, Love

When the new year began, there were many who encouraged me to come up with a word for the year. A word to live by this 2015. I really didn’t put much thought into this request. But, I have now.

After studying John, I’m taking on love. I’m going to love, love, love everyone. I figure the worst that can happen is they’ll throw some love back to me. How can loving others not result in loving thoughts, feelings and good things? And if it doesn’t, I still love.

Jesus commanded it…I’m going to do it.

With Love,
Linda