I See the Moon

Psalm 8:3-4
When I consider your heavens,
   the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
   which you have set in place,
what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
   human beings that you care for them?

When my children sat with me on the porch swing in the evening, I sometimes sang this little tune: I see the moon, and the moon sees me. God bless the moon, and God bless me. I also sing it to my grandchildren when I have the chance. As the sun and moon dance around each other, I enjoy the moon’s different phases, especially the full moon and the fingernail moon (crescent moon).

God created the moon and the stars so that light would shine on us. He loves us and cares for us. As a sovereign God, he knows what is best for us and what will harm us. He is not a puppeteer who makes us dance on strings like marionettes; instead he gives us the choice to follow his lead. Like the moon, I go through different phases in my life. I much prefer the phase of living my life in full recognition and obedience to God. It frustrates to be like the fingernail moon and only give God a sliver of my heart.

I love that he thinks about us, that we are on his mind. I praise God for his caring heart.

Refeshed

Philemon 1:6-7

I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.

Last evening I spent time with some lovely ladies from our church. We gathered together to play a crazy game called Bunko. After a long and busy week at work, I found joy spending time with women who love God and love to laugh. We enjoyed each other’s company and found an added bonus of refreshment for our tired minds.

We all need refreshment and encouragement from time to time. One way I find this is to read God’s word. I enjoy choosing a book in the Bible and just reading through it. Every time, God speaks to me and assures me that he loves me. He encourages me with his promises and refreshes me with his love. In turn I want to pass that encouragement on to others.

I pray that the joy of our loving God brings you an uplifting and refreshing week. 

Reach Out

Luke 9:10-11

When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus what they had done. Then he took them with him and they withdrew by themselves to a town called Bethsaida, but the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing.

Last week, I caught a cold and felt poorly enough to miss a day of work. By the weekend I felt better, but not great. This week I came home from work on Tuesday with a fever of 102.3. Tim took me to Urgent Care and the doctor told me I had a virus and that he could not help me. “Go home and take Ibuprofen and plenty of fluids and rest,” he said. So I did. Lying in bed with a high fever, chills, and a major headache made me want to cry. Fortunately, as the doctor predicted I felt better in a few days.

Once I felt better, my mind went to some folks I know who are suffering from long-term illness, serious surgery, as well as unknown reasons for physical ailments. My short bout of discomfort reminded me that God wants me to show compassion. He wants me to pray for my friends, family and acquaintances. He wants me to reach out and show his love just as he did. I may not be able to physically heal someone like Jesus did, but I can bring comfort through words, cards, and hugs. Jesus wants us to reach out to the people who are hurting.

There is No Crying in Heaven

Revelation 21:3-4

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

Sometimes I need a good cry, one that clears my mind and helps me move forward. Other times I would rather suck on a lemon than cry. The aftermath of crying leaves my head hurting, my face blotchy and my sinuses screaming. God gave us tears and emotions to help us work through this life. Jesus cried over his friends and he instructs us to mourn with those who mourn. There is no shame in crying, but sometimes it is just plain frustrating.

Praise the Lord that God has prepared a home in heaven for us that does not include tears. God himself will dry our eyes. Plus an awesome bonus, no more arthritis, disease, stomach aches, headaches, backaches, or any aches. No need to mourn or cry. I thank God that John wrote down the words in Revelation to give us a glimpse of heaven. This week thank God for heaven and spend time imagining what it might be like to live in the constant presence of God.