Fountain of Life

Psalm 36:6-9
Your righteousness is like the highest mountains,
    your justice like the great deep.
    You, Lord, preserve both people and animals.
How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!
    People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
They feast on the abundance of your house;
    you give them drink from your river of delights.
For with you is the fountain of life;
    in your light we see light.

In junior high our history teacher taught about, Ponce de Leon, an explorer who traveled to Florida and supposedly discovered the legendary fountain of youth. It’s told that people would drink from the fountain and regain their youthfulness. Since that tale was told, people have searched for ways to stay youthful and slow down the aging process. From Botox to diet mania folks work at looking and feeling younger. Being healthy, feeling better and looking good are all positives, but they’re only a small part of life.

In Psalm 36, the writer says God has a fountain of life. Not just youth, but the whole life experience. Now that’s something I want to take part in. With God in my life I have the freedom to dive in and see what he has in store. Jesus Christ has lifted the bonds of worry and guilt and given me enthusiasm for his purpose. Through his light, I see the light in life. Praise God for his unfailing love.

His Purpose Prevails

Proverbs 19:21
Many are the plans in a person’s heart,
    but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.

A few years ago Rick Warren’s book, The Purpose Driven Life, flew off book shelves. People wanted to know their purpose. Have you ever been introduced to someone and the person introducing you tells them your job? “Hi. This is Penny. She is a technical services manager in an academic library.” Yes that’s my job, but it’s not my purpose. When I think about whom I am and what I do, I can list numerous responsibilities and talents, but they don’t explain my purpose. I can plan activities and goals, but if they don’t match my purpose, they won’t pan out.

Proverbs 19:21 speaks loud and clear to me. If my purpose doesn’t align with God’s purpose for my life, everything I try to do, will not work out for the best. The Lord’s will prevails. Not mine. I am responsible for listening to God’s call and fulfilling the purpose God’s given me. I know without a doubt, God wants me to share the love of Jesus with others. He wants me to be kind and read his word. He calls me to follow, pray, and obey. I may do all these things through the talents he blessed me with, in the job he led me to, or among my family and friends. Then I’m on the right track because I’ve allowed God’s purpose to permeate my life. Thank goodness God has my best interest in mind as he leads me through life.

Caught Up in the Clouds

1 Thessalonians 4:14-18
For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.  Therefore encourage one another with these words.

One evening last week, Tim and I traveled west on SR 32. As the sun prepared to set, it reflected gold and pink on whispy clouds against an azure blue sky. The result was spectacular.  I am constantly amazed at the beauty God shares. As I watched the gold clouds brighten, I couldn’t help but think about Jesus returning in magnificent splendor with the saints who have gone before.

In Thessalonians, Paul paints an exciting picture of Jesus return. There’s both comfort and amazement in his words. He reminded the readers that those who followed Jesus and had passed away would come back with their Savior. What a joy to know I’ll see loved ones again. How inspiring to know that Jesus will come from heaven to take his own. Paul’s words encourage me to continue to follow my Lord. I hope they encourage you as well. Praise God for his perfect plan.

Suffer...Persevere...Character...Hope

Romans 5:3-6
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

I missed posting a devotion last week. Wish I’d been clear-minded enough to type something coherent. Instead, I rested. That is, except when I suffered through “the exercises”.  Not long after I woke up at the hospital, the nurse and physical therapist had me walking to the bathroom and around the hallway. My new knee protested, but I pushed through. Once home, a therapist visited several times throughout the week to work my knee more. And I had exercises to do in-between. Thank goodness they directed. On my own I’d have wallowed on the couch. I’m pretty sure that only produces more wallowing.

Between the therapist, my daughter, Hannah, and my husband I’ve successfully continued to stay on the exercise track. Suffering and perseverance aren’t much fun, no matter whether physical, emotional, spiritual, or mental. But, I’m happy to say that I have the hope of walking normal again without excruciating pain. God knew I’d need stamina to push through and to continue. He not only gave me the strength, he gave me the people to help. Many folks have pitched in this week, and I know there will be more. He gave me a home that is perfect for recovery and the desire to get better. Praise God for pushing me when I need it and for my hope in him.