Thorns

The other day I went for a much needed walk.  After spending the morning studying and preparing to take an online exam I just needed some good fresh air before the exam.  I love walking here because just down the road from our house is the river with a running/walking/biking trail that goes for 8 miles.  It's pretty in all seasons.  As I was coming near to were the trail begins I was struck by this tree on the side of the road.  I stopped and just looked at it.  (You can click on the image to enlarge it.)

I thought about Jesus - the crown of thorns that was put on his head.  I have never seen a tree with such big thorns.  Jesus endured this crown made out of thorns for me - for you.  Matthew 27:29 "and then twisting a crown of thorns, they put it on his head...they mocked him saying, "Hail, King of the Jews."

I cannot comprehend his love for me.  I cannot comprehend that he thought of me as he endured the suffering.  I cannot comprehend that he took all of my sin on himself.  I can only imagine the pain of just one of those thorns in my head.  Because of what Jesus did the following verse tells us what we receive.  Wow!

Isaiah 61:10  "I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels."

Lets live today claiming the truth - that we are forgiven and free. 

Fight - Fight

Have you ever been concerned about money/finances?  Have you ever been at a point in life when you didn't know how you were going to pay your next bill?  Have you ever been or are you at a point in life where finances are not a concern?  I've been on both ends.  I bring this topic up because I was reading in 1 Timothy this morning.  Paul is writing "Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.  But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.  But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.  For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils." 

I found myself thinking that I don't desire to be rich so I'm ok.  NOT!  I felt convicted that even spending too much time focussing on money, even the basic needs and wondering where it will come from is harmful.  It can take my focus off what's important.  The next verse says that "many have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs."  Wouldn't that make sense that the more you give money much of your attention it often becomes a distraction and begins to become more of a challenge?  The definition of pang is 'a sudden feeling of mental or emotional distress or longing.'  One thought can lead to the next and pretty soon it has become monumental.

Here is where our attention should be.  A few verses later: "But as for you, O man of God, flee these things.  Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.  Fight the good fight of faith."  Those in battle do not shrink back.  I want to fight the good fight of faith. 

Due to copyright I couldn't post this clip, only the link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUFJ30_Y0EM

You have a friend

I feel honored that my daughters call me their friend.  What greater gift could a mother receive.  I feel honored that they want to talk on the phone with me (even though I am not a fan of talking on the phone. :)) and that they want to hang out with me.  This past week I have been able to do this more as we have had both of our cars in Michigan for some much needed car repairs.  Our son in law works for a tire/car company and the discount is worth the drive.  Thanks Eric! 

My grandson is 2 1/2 and has discovered make believe play.  It's fun to play with him or just watch and listen to him in the next room.  He is happy to play with little characters and have conversations with them.  If one of them falls on the floor he quickly picks it up followed by "he's ok."  When we were getting ready to come home last night my husband picked up his shoes and began to untie the knots in the laces.  He looked at  him and said "no tie shoes."  He didn't want him to leave.  Why would he really - grandpa had time to sit on the sofa and play make believe with him.  They are buddies and it's the cutest thing ever.

 

Me and my grandson watching a duck.

As we spent time hanging out with our grandchildren (others to be featured in future blogs) and grown children, I was remined this morning of our friendship with Jesus.  I was reading John 15 this morning. "No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I call you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.  You did not choose me but I chose you..."  I am humbled that Jesus would call me his friend.  And I am even more humbled to know that Jesus has told us what he heard from God the Father.  Think about that.  All that Jesus heard from his Father he has told us.  WOW! 

I love that he is my friend.  He is yours too.