Did You See?

Did you see the beautiful sunset? Thanks be to God for sunsets, and for sunrises, and for summer flowers, and for children, and for flowing rivers, for singing birds, cool breezes, warm sunshine, and for everything!

"Only one thing is needed... and that is found in true fellowship with Jesus." These are the words we are meditating on this week. as we continue our study with "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World". Do you ever feel overwhelmed by all you need to do? Do your prayers and devotions become just duties? Like Martha we may end up feeling resentful, or we may become impatient with those who we feel should be doing something, but are not helping. What do you think about Mary and Martha? Can you understand Jesus' words, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed."

"I keep the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices; my body also rests secure. For you do not give me up to Sheol, or let your faithful one see the Pit. You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures forevermore." Psalm 16:8-11 (lectionary reading for Sunday, June 27, 2010)

Today

This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.

We are so happy to be getting our new pastor this week, and feeling blessed by his presence already. I feel a little like a lost sheep that could use a little help finding that verdant pasture and peaceful still water!

Blessed are the Poor in Spirit

Blessed are the Poor in Spirit

Matthew 5:3 (KJV)
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

What does it mean to be "poor in spirit"? Here is one definition:

1. Poor in Spirit: A deep recognition of ones total depravity and emptiness without God. This person totally recognizes how unworthy they are of Gods Grace.

This picture reminds me that God is present even when we feel lonely and despondent.

Hmmm ... I just looked up "despondent" in the dictionary and it says:

"In low spirits from loss of hope or courage."

So when we are not feeling "on top of the world" we can be assured that the kingdom of heaven is ours. Thanks be to God.

No Greater Love

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

LOVE does not look out for its own interests. It does not easily become angry. It does not keep track of other people's wrongs. It always trusts. It always hopes. It never gives up. Love never ends.