We choose what we will focus on. It’s easy to get distracted, but just as easy to turn our gaze back to the good stuff.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Philippians 4:8
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
For over 25 years, Sherry and I have read and discussed a daily encouragement every morning. Currently, we’re re-reading my book “Be Still”, and today’s encouragement started with Jesus, speaking to the disciples in John 16:24, saying, “Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” The encouragement ends with me asking this question: “If you could ask Jesus for one thing, what would it be?”
At first, I couldn’t think what my one prayer would be, but then it struck me that what I would ask for is something Jesus asked the Father for…
God sent Jesus to die on the cross for our sins, because He loves us unconditionally, and wants us to be with Him for eternity. How awesome is that? I want to love like that! I want to give everything I have to God and my family and friends so we can all be together with God forever. And, if loving unconditionally is what it takes, then I want to do it! I truly believe if we focus on God and love Him with all we’ve got, He will put that kind of love in us. In fact, I will go a step further and say I think that kind of love is already in us; it just needs to be unleashed.
I think I’m onto something.
The father loves the Son and has placed everything in His hands. John 3:35
I can hardly grasp what God has done for us. Knowing we could not save ourselves He sent His Son to take all our sins upon Himself. This is a miracle bigger than healing the sick, raising the dead, walking on water, or feeding five-thousand people with five loaves and two fish. It is the ultimate demonstration of God’s power and love. We are forgiven! We are loved!
So, what’s the problem today? Why do we live in fear? Why are we sad? Yes, we all have fears, insecurities, and sadness but we don’t have to. In John 3:17, Jesus said, “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.”
It happens quite often to me; I wake in the morning with a song in my head. The strange thing about it is that the song is often an obscure song, or at the least, one I haven’t heard for years. Such was the case this morning when I awoke with the song, “Little Jimmy Brown” doing a continuous loop in my head. Where in the world did that come from?
Anyway, I felt I needed to share it with you. In light of our current situation, especially with regard to churches closing temporarily. Many will gather in small groups in their homes to worship and praise God, and I offer this–the slightly altered chorus of the song–as encouragement.
Here’s a link to the song if you’d like to listen to it:
I have heard them
Sometimes in a word—just one
Sometimes in a conversation—a long one
I have seen them
Sometimes for a moment—a smile
For a short season—or many years
Sometimes from a distance
With only a picture
Or with words on a screen
They have touched me
Always there
Always watching
Sometimes carrying me
Sometimes simply being there
And sometimes…
Oh, yes…
Sometimes…
I have felt them…
Seen them…
In the eyes of a mere mortal
As my soul was soothed
By kind eyes
Copyright © C Mashburn 2019
Where would we be without it?
forbearing one another and forgiving one another if any man have a quarrel against another: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. Colossians 3:13
It’s not all about us. it’s about God’s plan. We have nothing to fear because whether we know it or not, we’re doing God’s work. There are times we wonder why we’re doing what we do. Maybe we feel like our job is meaningless and we feel like we’re just spinning our wheels in a world gone mad. The thing is, God’s will is in even the smallest thing we do. We’re a part of His plan! I compare it to a line in the poem, Desiderata: 
What we have to remember is, It’s God’s universe. No doubt about it!
My hope–my greatest source of joy–is that my simple words encourage others.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Psalm 51:12
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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" 