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Gleanings From The Word

Category: JOY

  • Circles

    Circles

    Yesterday, Kathy and I took two of our granddaughters to Castle Fun Park (a local amusement park). One of the highlights for them was the go-carts, going around in circles (okay, not exactly circles. More of a circuit) in carts driven by lawn mower-sized engines.

    I remember the thrill of that when I was a youngster. Getting to drive and racing around at what seemed like great speed. Trying to pass others or avoid getting passed. I could hardly wait to grow up and drive my own car, and I was convinced I knew everything about driving. Of course, I really knew nothing.

    Life is a lot like that. We get busy going around in circles, we’re busy, and think we know far more than we do. We spin our wheels, going nowhere and accomplishing very little, if anything.

    It’s a tool the enemy, and our own fleshly nature use to keep us from growing in our faith walk and doing what god wants us to do. We get caught in empty activity, or struggling with what we think is urgent rather than important. We waste time, money, and energy pursuing things that don’t matter but seem just around the next bend.

    If we’re honest with ourselves, we all waste a lot of time. Much of it may even be on things that are good, but not the best use of our time. I confess that I’m that way far too often.

    We’re called to follow Jesus with all of our heart, mind, soul and strength. That takes focus and intentionality.

    Paul exhorts us to:

    Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:4-8

    Stop running in circles chasing things that never satisfy. Take some time to intentionally follow Paul’s exhortation. Allow your heart, mind, soul, and strength to be focused on the things of God.

    That plan comes with blessings.

    Be blessed

    Kevin

    Impossible Task
    # Right Belief Must Become Right Living
    Every Member Is Necessary — 1 Corinthians 12

  • Dancing with Joy

    Two trees dancing with joy

    Yesterday we went to a friend’s home for our weekly community group meeting. The first thing I saw when I exited the car was these two trees dancing with joy.

    Technically, I was experiencing Visual pareidolia. It’s a psychological phenomenon where your brain recognizes familiar patterns—especially faces—in random or vague stimuli. Humans are particularly wired to spot faces, so we tend to “find” them in things like clouds, tree bark, rocks, or even shadows.

    It happens to me a lot. It’s just the way I am wired. Yet, you don’t need a lot of imagination to look at the picture and see two trees dancing with joy.

    That image got me thinking about the state of the created world, both now and in the future. Right now, it is suffering and groaning.

    For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.  Romans 8:22-23

    That will change. The Lord will set everything right.

    “For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress; instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle; and it shall make a name for the Lord, an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.”

    Isaiah 55:12-13

    That day is coming, for the Lord has promised it. Christians are the only people who have a true reason for hope. We ought to be giving thanks, singing, dancing, and praising God more.

    He gives us fresh mercies every morning, and He will deliver on his promises.

    I long for the days when the mountains break forth, and the trees clap their hands and dance. How about you?

    In the interim, remember his blessing and promises and rejoice.

    Be blessed

    Kevin

    The Gospel – Spreading Joy
    # Right Belief Must Become Right Living