Love comes down

 So many of us want that mountaintop experience... and to stay there. Because that's where we feel God is closest. And we feel the safest and most loved and secure. Maybe that's because we picture God being up high somewhere instead of always down here by us. Yes, we certainly want to be "up where God is" - where it's comfortable and everything is good and feels good and feels close to God.

You would think God would want to stay "up there" too. Up with the heavenly hosts. Where everything is good and perfect and beautiful. But in His great mercy and love, He is not only "up there". God comes down. He comes down to where we are. Curled up in a ball on our bed. In deep waters of confusion, frustration... despair. All those dark, scary places. There you will find God too. He is not only found on the mountaintops. He is not only found in the heavenly realms. God comes down to be with us - wherever we are. 

We find this truth in Philippians 2:6 -

Who, being in the very nature of God, He chose not to cling to equality with God...

Jesus did not stay in the heavens. He humbled Himself and came down. For us.

And there is a song that is also a good reminder:

Come ye weary heavy laden

Bruised and mangled by the Fall

If you tarry till you're better

You will never come at all

God is with you - whether curled up in the fetal position, unmoving from the recliner, and under a blanket.  All messy. God is right there loving you. God will not leave you alone. No matter how deep your mess feels. So don't wait to seek the Lord. Don't wait for a mountaintop experience to feel God's presence. He is everywhere - all the time. 

Know and accept this truth. Wherever you are today.

Side note: Christmas card designs and Christmas messages being released October 6!

https://intermissionsforhope.blogspot.com/p/card-shop.html

God keeps working things out

 

I have to look back over the past few weeks, even months, to remember this. 

Forever God is faithful.

Forever God is strong.

Forever God is with us. Forever. Forever.

Looking back over the past year, all the worries and concerns I've had - and in that moment, they seemed so stressful and unmanageable. But here I am today with a cup of coffee and sunshine streaming through the window. And able to thank God for those miraculous fixes. Thanking God He got things resolved. Many things that have been long forgotten. And so today as I look at my prayer list and my concerns for this day, it is with blessed assurance in knowing that God keeps working things out. I know He knows the way - God always knows the way. And tomorrow, when I have new and different worries (or picking up the old ones), God will be there again.

So that's my mantra: God keeps working things out.

"My Father is always at His work to this very day, and I too am working." (John 5:17)

God never tires, slumbers or sleeps. God doesn't give up. He doesn't turn His back. He doesn't get anxious because He knows the perfect solution. He is always steadily moving forward. To this very day. For our good. It seems for however many problems I can dream up, God has an answer. Eventually. But even in the waiting, God sends little bright spots and shimmering sparkles along the way. Catch them if you can. Troubles come. But with God, troubles go. There is resolution in His heart and hands. He will make the rough path smooth. He will. Ya just gotta let Him do it.

Peek-a-boo God

 Like many people, I have a prayer list next to my chair. And in the morning, I lift those folks up in prayer to an almighty God. I pray in confidence and trust that this almighty God is already fully engaged in each person's life. I pray, watching and waiting, to see what almighty God will reveal to us.

Songs, phrases, and circumstances can all trigger additional thoughts (and prayers!) about a person throughout the day. Another reminder to trust and believe in our Lord and Savior, Healer, Helper, Comforter, and Friend.

I do send a card once in a while, to let someone know they are remembered and prayed over. But not every time - can you imagine? There seems to be a constant flow of what many call a "popcorn" prayer - a one-sentence prayer that just pops up - with that person's life in mind. But no one ever really knows how many prayers are said over them because God called them to mind.

The same is true for God's involvement in our lives. There are times when we feel an answered prayer. But innumerable times when God blesses, protects, intervenes... without our realizing it. But we know, we can trust that God is forever faithful. There is a constant flow of His caring, loving attentiveness over each one of us. 

Whatever circumstance you find yourself in, know that God has called someone to pray.

Jesus, Himself intercedes.

I pray for them. (John 17:9)

God, Whom I serve... is my witness how constantly I remember you. (Romans 1:9)

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. (Romans 8:26)

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. (Ephesians 6:18)

In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy. (Philippians 1:4)

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. (Colossians 1:9)

So watch. Wait. Trust. Believe. With a certain hope - what goodness God will reveal in His time.

If you need some notecards to let someone know you care, visit my card shop:

https://intermissionsforhope.blogspot.com/p/card-shop.html

A Call to Joy

 It's another hot day and I'm trying to design Christmas cards! 

Art can be hard to do if you let it. One of the first mistakes is to try to do like everybody else. Another is to try to force yourself to do something (like draw a dog) when your heart just isn't in it right now. It seems good and right (to balance out all the cat designs!). But the harder I try, the more I struggle and the more dissatisfied I become with my artwork. I come to the conclusion that I'm not an artist at all. And that's simply not true. What I let happen was allowing predetermined demands and expectations to suck all the joy out of it.

A third is reading, studying, watching, and following all others - compiling all kinds of rules on how to do art.

Art flows from the heart. Art oozes. Art starts with a playful spirit. It splashes. Then layers. Then adds some more. It smiles. It is a joy. Forget what others are doing. Forget what you think you should be doing just because it would be good and right. And forget all those rules, rules, rules. Follow your heart.

The same could be said of our Christian walk. Yes, there are others doing really wonderful, good and right, things. But if it's not a joy for you... realize you just have a different joy-calling. Don't see their calling as better. You have a calling in your heart from God. One that is a joy to do. There are all kinds of callings. Something for everyone. You don't have to labor away, struggling and grudgingly, just because you see it as good and right. As with the artist, you might just start thinking you're not a very good Christian after all. And that's simply not true! Don't let demands and expectations suck all the joy out of your walk with the Lord.

But in fact, God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as He wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? (1 Corinthians 12: 18-19)

What do you love to do?

What if money were no object?

What would you do even if you didn't get paid?

What do you do that you get lost in; lose track of time doing?

What causes you to smile to yourself?

There's the hint to your joy-calling.

Serve the Lord with gladness! Get rid of all those rules and preconceived notions. Just sit for a minute. Close your eyes and lay your palms up and open. Ask God for your joy-calling. What's the first thing that pops into your mind? Don't be too quick to dismiss it. Ponder. Seek. Ask. Let it flow. Ooze. Splash. Smile.

Living out your God-given joy-calling IS the good and right thing to do!

... so that they may have the full measure of My joy within them. (John 17:13)

Don't forget to check out the offerings in my CARD SHOP! The link is below: (and then the download button)

https://intermissionsforhope.blogspot.com/p/card-shop.html

Good gifts!

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

 I've been celebrating my birthday all week long. And with every single birthday wish I received, every text, call, message, and even real hold-in-your-hand card (my passion) - I took a moment to relish the goodness of my relationship with that person. Honestly, it's been one good gift on top of another!

Gift: something given willingly; freely. Gifts communicate how we feel about another person. A good gift builds the connection you have with someone. It also means the giver values the recipient.  With a good gift, the giver really knows you, right? They "get" you. Don't you just love finding that perfect gift? Aren't you just giddy with anticipation waiting to give that gift?

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father... (James 1:17) Every. Think about that for a moment... (pause here)

So, when I read that passage from Scripture, I can know that God loves me. I can know that God knows me, He "gets" me. And I can know that God is a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7). Giddy with excitement, just like I would be with a perfect gift.

Now to Him Who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine... (Ephesians 3:20)

God loves to give. Abundantly. I hope you can see this in your own life.

If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him! (Matthew 7:11)

What mom taught me about Jesus' miracles

 

I don't know how she stretched one dollar into ten. I don't know how she turned scraps of meat into a hearty meal. How she kept eight kids in clothes and shoes. Or how she found time to crochet wedding afghans and baby blankets beyond number. And something for every single grandchild under the Christmas tree. Making a way where there seems to be no way...

But I also see her on the ground planting petunias. Waltzing behind the ironing board to Ray Price. And pans of yeasty cinnamon rolls on Saturday mornings.

Despite any challenges, she also knew how to find joy in the life she was given.

Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, He gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then He gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied... (Matthew 14:18-20)

I want to be like my mom. Because she was so much like Jesus.

Pass the relish, please

Gulping hot coffee.

Inhaling a couple bites of toast.

A quick, one-page read of a devotional while brushing your teeth.

Grabbing an armload and running to the car.

Merging and weaving in and out of traffic while the latest news yammers in the background during your phone call.

Arriving, hurrying, multitasking, departing as fast as you can.

Throwing dinner together.

Prepping as much as possible for the next day.

Collapsing into bed.

A whiff of fresh brewed coffee.

The cup warming your hands.

Noticing the reflection of light on its surface.

And... that... first... sip.

Toast  with grandma's jam, sunny yellow eggs and a sweet orange cut-up and all on a pretty plate.

A bite. And a chew. And a look out the kitchen window.

Tasting. Seeing.

Opening your bible. Reading a section. Twice. Jotting down a note or two. Sitting. Thinking. Praying. Wondering... what of this does God want me to take into this day?

Gathering up what is needed. Opening the door. Breathing in the fresh air. Admiring the blue sky and the tree limbs reaching up.

Enjoying the view out the car window. Waving to a friend walking the dog. 

Going with the flow. Uplifting music making you dance in your head. Fingers tapping the steering wheel.

Arriving safe and sound. Greeting others with a nod and a smile. Knowing there is time and ability to complete the task before you. The uplifting music from the car radio still humming through your mind.

A sip of wine as meat browns in the pan. The crisp sound of vegetables being chopped up. Rice steaming to perfection. Sitting down. Saying grace. Holding hands. Light conversation. Lingering over dessert.

Counting the blessings of the day. Stretching out beneath cool sheets. Happy in God's provision. Resting in His promised presence and protection through the night.

Everybody loves different things on their hot dog. Some mustard. Some catsup. Onions. Even chili and cheese. And yes, hot dog relish. You get to choose. Choose how you will enjoy, make the most, of your hot dog.

And you.

How will you choose to relish this day?

 

Thanks times ten

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

"Teaching" Sunday School via snail mail has had its challenges - and its rewards. As I contemplated a lesson for Thanksgiving week, and the myriad of scriptures regarding thanks, I "stumbled" (God-led) to the account of the ten lepers (Luke 17). You know the one: someone got sick with leprosy and other people could easily get sick if they got near, so they had to live apart. They missed their family and friends so much! BUT THEN - Jesus stopped - He stopped what He was doing and where He was going. And with a touch and a word...

as the ten walked along on a seemingly ordinary path on a seemingly ordinary day - it happened. They found themselves made better. So of course they rushed towards home, eager to embrace loved ones.

But one of them...

one of them turned back. Back to Jesus. Full of thanks and praise! "Thank You for making me better!" He couldn't hold back; couldn't hold his appreciation in. And he couldn't wait to then go and tell what the Lord had done.

Where are the other nine? Jesus asked. Were not all made better?

As I sit here writing, I can't help but think of reasons to join the one in thanks and praise. From new days dawning and sun rises, walks outdoors and fresh air chilly on my cheeks, laughter and giggles over hot cocoa, thick socks, casseroles warm from the oven, a phone call with a loved one - oh, and worship songs to hum! Yes, I think on these things - these love-gifts from God, and I am made better.

"Thank You, Jesus!"

Who will run back with me? Will you join me, running to Jesus and giving thanks?

Time to stop praying

 

I thought that might catch your eye. I know, I know - the Bible says: to pray continually, pray without ceasing, and at all times and in all places. Right? 

But I'm talking about the litany of pleas and unending agonizing cries of things we ourselves can not change; can not handle.

At some point, it's time to just trust. To believe that God is the One and Only great, big GOD. Time to stop "wringing our hands everyday over the same things" kind of prayers. And take a deep breath in, and out, close your eyes and say, "God, You are __________." Rest in His sovereignty. Be at peace in His wisdom and power. Truly acknowledge God as King of all kings and Lord of all lords. Over everything in heaven and everything on earth. Believe with all your heart - God is present and holds the present and future - of everything - in His hands. God IS at work now and  forever. Every day is written in His book. In absolute perfect wisdom and power. There is a divine and orderly plan and purpose to all things. Great is our Lord. And greatly to be praised.

I want to stop caving in to the pressure to be frantic and panicked as if I had no hope. I have hope. I have the greatest Hope.

Set it all down...

Set. It. All. Down.

Rest in the One Who has control of it all.

Believe it.

Trust Him.

Have faith.

Remember Who God is and all that He is.

Aren't you ready for a sigh of relief? 

Ask God today for a sure and unshakeable confidence in Him. The Almighty One.

Feelin' a little scrappy

Whether it's a yard of leftover yarn, or several inches of fabric - or perhaps a handful of "this and that" found in the fridge for a hearty soup, we all know that bits and pieces, can and do add up to something when joined with other bits and pieces.

My thoughts on this went to two different directions. One train of thought reminded me of times when I've been burdened with a decision. And suddenly a seemingly random bible verse pops into my head. Then a song comes on the radio with the same message. The day's devotional, written years ago, aptly applies to my present situation. An advertisement on the television. A post on social media. A card comes in the mail. And they all seem to be pointing in a certain direction. Added together, they seem to be guiding me to the same conclusion.

One on its own causes me to "hmmm..." A second one has me wondering if they truly could be related. Multiple messages from one place after another and I have to believe that together they are offering confirmation. It's like a cloud of witnesses watching over me. Each little verse, song, post, and card offered up by someone - reached me without their knowledge of how much it was going to play into my day. God is watching and paying attention. And using others to direct me. God is concerned over my coming and going, my life, indeed - my very next step!

My other train of thought went to examining my effectiveness as a witness for Christ. Sometimes my testimonies feel like they are lacking, not as big and bold as they should be. I missed an opportunity to explain my faith better. In hindsight, I could have chosen my words better and perhaps been successful in winning this person over. But I have to believe in God's presence and providence. His promise to provide words at the right time. And to trust in His master plan for every soul. Perhaps, without knowing it, I had planted a seed and it was added by somebody's watering and someone else's pruning and another's gentle touch. If we all join together and add our little scraps to God's handling, being that cloud of witnesses that surrounds and wraps up from every angle the hurting world in peace and love everywhere you turn... well, then, the love of Christ will become undeniable to them.

Several scraps of yarn can make a beautiful scarf. Several leftover pieces of fabric can create a lovely quilt. And "this and that" from the fridge can become a wonderful stew.

Do you have a scrap of thoughtfulness, kindness, wisdom, faith - to add to mine?

What can God do with our little bits and pieces?

I don't understand...

Sitting and enjoying some quiet time. Looking at all God's creation around me. Praising Him. Opening scripture to read how He calms the storm and heals the sick. The word "immediately" is used several times when describing how Jesus responds to a need. But I'm not seeing it lately. This immediate action... why not now? 

I don't understand.

Explain! Explain Yourself! (Forgive me, God, for being so bold in these thoughts of mine. I mean no disrespect. I just wish I knew what was going on and how it will all unfold day by day. Seems like if I only knew, I could tolerate it all better.) I can't be the only one that's ever sought more knowledge; to know God's plans in more detail. And indeed, in the very beginning of time we see:

Genesis 3:4-6

You will not certainly die," the serpent said to the woman. "For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom...

And, immediately (!) God led me to other passages in my bible. Take a look at what He said to me:

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways," declares the Lord. (Isaiah 55:8)

Do you not know?

Have you not heard?

The Lord is the everlasting God,

the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He will not grow tired or weary,

and His understanding no one can fathom. (Isaiah 40:12)

Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand,

or with the breadth of His hand marked off the heavens?

Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket,

or weighed the mountains on the scales

and the hills in a balance?

Who can fathom the Spirit of the Lord,

or instruct the Lord as His counselor?

Whom did the Lord consult to enlighten Him,

and who taught Him the right way?

Who was it that taught Him knowledge,

or showed Him the path of understanding? (Isaiah 40:28)

And no, the Lord wasn't finished with me just yet...

Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand. (John 13:7)

So much for me questioning His immediate actions.

So much for me questioning anything.

Thanking God He doesn't grow tired or weary of me.

Thanking God His understanding of me is full or mercy and grace.

This all leaves me with a real sense of Who God is, what He's capable of, and puts my worries to rest.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge Him,

and He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-7

 

Church bulletin bloopers

© 2016 Julie Crane All rights reserved

Not gathering for corporate worship? Here are some bloopers you may be missing to lift your spirit:

Don't let worry kill you off - let the church help.

 

The scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.

 

The sermon this morning: Jesus walks on the water. The sermon tonight: Searching for Jesus.

 

Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of old, useless things. Bring your husbands.

 

At the evening service, the topic will be "What is hell?" Come early and listen to the choir practice.

 

Potluck supper will be Sunday at 5:00pm. Prayers and medication to follow.

But just as humor can lift the spirit and soul, God's Word also has the power to do the same. If you need your spirits lifted, seek to know Who God is. His characteristics. They are truth and light. Remind yourself over and over, every day, that God HAS been good to me. We've all had challenges in the past. God has never given up on us. God will see us through - again and again. God is present in the highs and the lows of this life. His promise is to carry us through and into heaven. Eternal life with God includes this present life, this very day. Eternal is characterized by abiding fellowship with God; continued without intermissions; seemingly endless and existing at all times. With God! God is forever faithful. Mighty. Strong. Powerful. Wise beyond belief. And loving toward you. Caring about you. At your best. At your worst. God does not change His love or action toward you. You are loved - beyond your understanding. Hold that in your head and heart and know for certain... Almighty, Most High God of all - is holding you in His.

 

 

 

 

 

The way it is... right now

© 2018 Julie Crane All rights reserved

"I'm sorry. The cat food at the grocery store - the brand that you prefer - was all gone. This stuff is in a blue bag just like the other. It's chicken flavor, just like the other. We're in the midst of a pandemic. We all have to try new things for awhile."

Noooo! They cry. And cry. And paw at me with pleading eyes. "I'm sorry," I say yet again. "I'm not purposely trying to upset your norm. I'm doing the best I can. This is what we have available."

Maybe you don't have a finicky pet. But you may remember the moans and groans of family in the days after Thanksgiving. After: turkey sandwiches, turkey quiche, turkey casserole and turkey on a shingle...

And then there are these passages from the bible:

The rabble with them began to crave other food, and again the Israelites started wailing and said, "If only we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost - also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onion and garlic. But now we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna! (Numbers 11:4-6)

My cats version:
If only we had died by the Lord's hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death." (Exodus 16:3) (emphasis mine)

So, it's plain to see that having to make some adjustments for a season of time is not a new thing. And yet:

The cats cried.
The family cried.
The people cried.

And for what purpose?
He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. (Deuteronomy 8:3)

As we enter yet another day of limitations, let us remember from past teachings. Let us remember spiritual food, spiritual abundance, and feast on what is truly God-given goodness.

The Sustainer of all life - past, present and future.

I had cancer

Four years ago, I was on a cancer journey. I'll never forget it. But the memories of comments I made during that time keep popping up on one of my social media accounts.

I do remember considering the fact that I just might die from it. Yes, I cried. Yes, I was angry. Fearful too. But I resolved right then to pay attention to the kind of legacy I would be leaving. I wanted faith, trust and hope in God; peace and love - to be my banner. I would rest in the Lord. Be confident in Him. In reviewing my memory posts, I hope I conveyed that to my family and friends. The picture you see above is of a garland made of all the love, support and encouragement messages people sent me when I first found out. Those thoughts and prayers carried a lot of the burden I felt at the time.

Back in 2003, I went through the bumps and bruises of a divorce, at the same time as caring for my mom dying of cancer, at the same time as my only son was preparing for a tour of duty in Iraq. Numerous other problems piled up on top of all that regarding my health, home and car. Yes, I cried. Yes, I was angry. Fearful too.

Yet a dear friend kept telling me to say aloud and repeat as often as necessary, "Even so, I will trust in the Lord and praise His holy name." I spoke those words over and over - every time a new dilemma arose. My mantra to seeing myself through. Once again, letting Christ rise and shine in this life of mine despite all the problems.

And now we find ourselves in the midst of a world wide pandemic. Yes, I cry. Yes, I am angry. Fearful too.But my thoughts return once again to - what will my legacy be? How will people remember how I journeyed? Did I forever rant and rave the whole time? Panic. Fearful. The whole time?

Or will I again speak the words given by that dear friend:
Even so - I will trust in the Lord and praise His holy name.

For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. (2 Corinthians 2:15)

Holy Ground Moments

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

Ahh... coffee with a friend. Chatting. Laughing. Lazily passing time. Watching the world go by.

Those were fleeting moments at the time. Simple pleasures. I appreciated them then, didn't I? Surely I thanked God for such gifts, didn't I?

But may not have pondered, held so dear, or relished the profound nature of the gift - it was from God. Priceless moments. Were they holy moments? Holy ground moments?

One definition of holy is: considered to be special because its connected to God.

Sitting here alone... drinking my coffee... missing all those things I once took for granted. I am rendered speechless with longing. So many God given moments, many simply "always there" expectations - now upon reflection during their absence - really were holy ground. I could taste and see that God is good (Psalm 34:8)

My eyes have since been opened.
Everywhere I look - abundance. Gifts. Blessings. I am surrounded. God's love is in everything. I won't be caught under-appreciating God's connecting to me again. Look around. Consider it all to be special because it is connected to God. From God's heart to yours.

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation... (Philippians 4:12)

God brings the holy. The special. The gift of Himself.
Every good and perfect gift is from God (James 1:17)

It wasn't the actual ground Moses stood on that was holy - it was the presence of God (Exodus 3:5).

Times like coffee with a friend - will surely be more appreciated, cherished and remembered as gifts from God. In solemn awe, Lord, I will remember You.

Thank You, for holy ground moments.

What happened to the light?

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

I was looking in the fridge this morning. The light seemed dimmer. Was it going out? Do we have another refrigerator bulb in the house? I started moving things around to get a better look. It was then that it dawned on me. I had just gotten groceries yesterday. Every shelf was filled with good things. Milk, cheese, meats, fruits, veggies... this "horn" of plenty was actually blocking the light.

And I have to wonder how often we look at the "goodies" from God and forget the goodness of God. His abundance, over abundance - extended to us. Because He loves us so...

Are "goodies" in life blocking your view of the love-light that shines from God's heart?

Take a look, a good look around. Move some stuff over. See the Light?

Be filled with gratefulness.
Be filled with awe at God's abundant provision.

Many, Lord, are asking, "Who will bring us prosperity?" Let the light of Your face shine on us. Fill my heart with joy when their grain and new wine abound. (Psalm 4:6-7)

Who's doing the doing?

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

Jesus sends out the seventy-two. (Luke 10:1-9)
Don't pack. Don't greet. (v.4) Don't do your own thing. Don't do it your way. The great I AM is about to be doing some doing.

Stay. Eat. Drink. (v. 7) Stay there. Don't use your own judgement on whether your time is being productive / successful in your own eyes. Don't decide what is good enough, right, acceptable in your own eyes.

The kingdom of God has come near... (v.9) The kingdom. Not you. Not your doing. But as a vessel, carrying the living God to the streets, to the people that you meet, greet, eat with...

There are plenty of times when I don't understand how God does the things that He does... things that somehow align and fall into place at just the right time. Without my  conscious knowledge, decision, or pre-determined choice in the matter. Sometimes miracles at the extreme end of the spectrum. Sometimes simple delights that just make a moment smooth and easy. Miracles that are drop to my knees praiseworthy. And yet some of His other acts of love go virtually unnoticed. "Ordinary" goodnesses.

Could it also be that many of our acts of service - could be happening - unnoticed by our own selves? But the Lord flowed through us just the same? Without our conscious effort? (pause) Do our acts of service come in both conscious and unconscious obedience? (pause)

Thanks be to God!

Come, Lord Jesus, come.
Come and spread Your love to everyone I meet.
He sent out 70. But all were filled by the one active, working Spirit.
God, be about Your business of doing the doing. Today.
Let Your kingdom come near...

Luke 10:4 Do not take a purse or bag or sandals
Luke 10:7 Stay there, eating and drinking whatever they give you
Luke 10:9 The kingdom of God has come near to you

What are you never-ceasing about?

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

I got a song stuck in my head this morning. The line before the chorus says that my whole being never ceases to worship the Lord.  Hmmm...

I'm afraid I think about God in the morning and then get on with my day.

What I AM good at never ceasing about is - worrying. I can think of something to be anxious about any time of day. But do I - can I - think of God throughout the day? Can I worship and praise Him - morning, noon and night?

I started thinking about a tree. Can you imagine a tree complaining:
"I'm stuck here. Same ol' same ol' every day. Literally, rooted / fixed to this spot. What if the river rises? What if there's a drought and the roots can't reach any refreshment? What if there's a fire? I can't move! Can go anywhere. Can't do anything. Just stand here."

Nope. The tree has its arms extending to the sky all the time. Probably praising God for providing water and other nutrients as needed. Probably praising God for the ability to make maple syrup at the proper time. Or fruit in the proper season. Probably praising God for the gift of leaves that dance in the breezes. Simply being. Simply satisfied with being blessed with whatever the Lord sends. Ceaseless praising tree.

You know what? My faith, my trust in God is unceasing. Unwavering. I will always have hope! My seeking of God will not be stopped. My confidence in Him will not be shaken! Ask me anytime, anywhere - I love the Lord for all He's done for me. Now that's ceaseless worship and praise!

Praise the Lord, my soul;
all my inmost being, praise His holy name.
Praise the Lord, my soul,
and forget not all His benefits -
Who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
Who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. (Psalm 103:1-5)

Beyond just reading it

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name  (1 Chronicles 16:8-10)... (pause)

Truly, God, with all my heart, thank You for every thing. Thank You for never leaving me; You never stop loving me, helping me, caring about me. Thank You for calling out my name. Yes, thank You. I'm thankful I can approach Your holy throne with confidence and acceptance. And am welcomed in great love.

Make known among the nations what He has done ... (pause)

I surely will, Lord God, as You lead and direct and guide my thoughts and words. May my testimony of You and Your greatness be heard, seen, felt in and through my thoughts, words and deeds. In my attitude, in my heart and mind and all that overflows from them, God. Be glorified. Be glorified.

Sing to Him. Sing praise to Him ... (pause)

Lord, You are above all and beyond all. Unfathomable greatness. Awesomeness, goodness beyond belief. Ultimate perfect love and acceptance, tenderness, compassionate too. Merciful. Great are You, Lord. Great in all You've done for me over the years. All the helps, all the rescues, all the joys. Your amazing grace through it all. Through unbelievable traumas. Through huge mistakes. Yet You do not harbor any anger or disappointment. You still send beautiful blessings into every day. Great is Your faithfulness. Great is Your unchanging, unfailing character of love and grace, Lord... unto me.

Tell of all His wonderful acts... (pause)

Thank You for seeing me through my rebellious times and desert times. Wandering off times, drifted away times both from long ago and even just yesterday. You love me still, care for me still - through the times I've been on fire for You, Lord and for the times I've run after worldly passions as well. You have loved me. Cared about me. Scooped me up after every fall, after... every... fall.

Glory in His holy name ... (pause)

Great are You, Lord. Great is Your love, Your profound love. All praise, honor, glory, thanks, blessing, reverence, awe due Your name. Worthy is the Lamb. Worthy is the Lamb. Worthy is the Lamb ... Amen.