I sometimes imagine God and Jesus, sitting side-by-side, watching me go about my day. And I’m sure there are times God looks over at Jesus and asks, “Did you see that? Are you sure about this one?” But I’m also sure that every time God asks, Jesus replies, “Yes, Father, I’m sure. He’s one of mine.” Thank you, Jesus!
In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, Ephesians 1:11
Kind, as defined by Webster: showing a gentle and considerate nature. God is most definitely gentle and considerate in His dealings with us. Another definition of the word kind more aptly fits God: forbearing. Forbearing is defined as: refraining from the enforcement of something that is due.
Thankfully, we love and serve a kind, gentle, considerate, and forbearing God. And when we love Him, His love will dwell in our hearts, and His kindness will show in our actions.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 1 Corinthians 13:4
Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6
I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it from me. But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:7-9
God wants us to be at peace with Him and each other, and to be so, we must first seek His wisdom and heart. Matthew Chapter 5—often referred to as the beatitudes—seems designed to guide us to the wisdom that comes from knowing and loving God. God desires for us to be in Him, Him in us, being loved by Him, and loving Him.
In Matthew 6:33, Jesus says, “But seek first his Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” The emphasis in those words should be on the word “all”. When we seek God, He will make us all He intends us to be, and we’ll become peacemakers, not because we desire peace, but because He desires it.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Matthew 5:9
In the Permian Basin of west Texas alone there are thousands of oil pump jacks designed to pump oil from wells below them. On my morning walks this week, I passed many of them and noticed they don’t run constantly, but seem to operate sporadically. As I walked past one this morning I heard the whine of an engine and watched as the powerful machine suddenly started and began to pump, pulling oil from the well. I was amazed at how effortlessly the start was and how smoothly the pump then ran.
It occurred to me how our spiritual lives are much like those pumps. We go about our days—our spirits idle—not needing to draw from the well of God’s love, and grace. But when we have need of His love and power, our spirit can come alive in an instant and draw from His well of comfort and peace.
But:
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23
Love is selflessness, which to our earthly minds, is difficult and burdensome. Amazingly, as we draw nearer to God, it becomes neither burdensome nor difficult, but a blessing. And as God begins to fill our heart and spirit with His unconditional love, joy will wash over us like a glass of cold water poured on our head on a scorching hot day. His love, peace, and joy are a blessing so powerful it will take our breath away and send shivers through our body. Let the Lord’s love become your salvation. Be refreshed.
Open for me the gates of righteousness; I will enter and give thanks to the Lord. This is the gate of the Lord through which the righteous may enter. I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation. Psalm 118: 19-21
I’m not big on ritual; especially rituals designed by man. Jesus came to absolve us of those things, allowing us to please God by loving Him and not by the things we do. We are saved by grace, not by works.
Some of today’s religious leaders come up with things they try to persuade their followers to do, insisting those things are essential to living a “Christian” life and obtaining eternal life. I don’t think so!
Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by ceremonial foods, which are of no value to those who eat them. Hebrews 13:9
One of my favorite songs from the early seventies is, “Turn The Page”, by Bob Seger. He begins the song with, “On a long and lonesome highway….”. Then finishes the first stanza with, “And you don’t feel much like ridin’, you just wish the trip were through.”
There was a time I envisioned myself zooming down an empty highway in the dark of night, alone, and wishing the trip would end. It seemed the faster and farther I went, the darker it got, the lonelier I felt, and the more futile and hopeless life seemed. But something in the back of my mind kept saying, “You can get off this road. Take the next exit and go east, toward the risen Son.”
It is that simple…
To open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me. Acts 26:18
Sometimes I find myself in a rut; so steeped in routine that each morning I feel like I’m in a bobsled race, tucked into the sled—my life—speeding around the same course day after day, every turn familiar; every straightaway zipping by too quickly.
But I’m learning to remind myself each morning that God is with me in truth and love, and His grace, mercy and peace are mine for the asking.
Maybe it is the same old sled and the same old ride, but you control the brakes. So slow down and watch for sudden blessings. You never know what’s around the next curve.
Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s son, will be with us in truth and love. 2 John 1:3
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Marbles In My Pocket ~ The Official Blog of Charles L. Mashburn ~ Poems, Short Stories, and random thoughts from the author of "Be Still... and know that I am God" 