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The Servant Hears
The children were listening attentively as I shared the story of young Samuel hearing the voice of God during our Sunday school lesson today. Usually, they are a rather noisy and rambunctious group, and I was rather surprised at their quietude and focus. Afterward, their questions indicated a desire to learn, and we had a lively discussion related to hearing, understanding, and obeying. Obedience without hesitation can save lives. There’s a reason we teach our children to come when we call them. As they left the room to join their parents, I stood at the window and looked out to see sunlight dancing on the leaves of trees. “Lord God,”…
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Labor in Love
I was eighteen when hurricane Fredrick slammed into the mouth of Mobile Bay. We knew it was coming and prepared the best we knew how. My maternal grandmother came up from her home right down on the bay to stay with us in the city. Her husband would not come, determined to wait it out and attend to any damage. We were not really surprised. He was a Navy veteran who had seen his share of violent storms. Knowing we would lose power and possibly water, we had stocked nonperishable food, put batteries in flashlights and radios, gathered candles, and filled all the bathtubs and a good number of containers…
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Pause and Give Thanks
I’ve been sitting here for thirty minutes, with my laptop open and running, talking with my husband about feeding the birds and the deer, about how the people we love are handling various situations and circumstances, and even about past events in lives of our parents. It’s amazing how much ground you can travel in a wandering conversation like that. And then I looked at the clock and realized that I should get along with my job here, as the page was still blank with “add title” sort of demanding that I do so. I don’t always come to this point in the week with a clear idea of what…
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This Treasure
As we stepped across the threshold of the quaint antique store, the smell of eucalyptus was hovering in the air and the sound of a box fan tickled our ears. It boded well for a few precious moments of wandering amidst the treasures of times past. In a back corner I happened upon an interesting vessel that could have been a vase or candle holder. I lifted it for my husband to admire, and he was quick to encourage the purchase. When we checked out, having talked briefly with the proprietor, she wrapped my find carefully and put it in a bag, topped it with pretty tissue and tied the…
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A Kingdom
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Romans 14:17 ESV) Over the last three weeks we’ve looked at these three eternal elements, so identified because they are not limited to this space-time continuum. The righteousness of God imputed to us by faith and the satisfaction of His holiness in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, His Christ. The peace of God, in which we live because of His supreme authority and right to rule. And, the Joy of God, which sustains us and infuses His and our everlasting life. When we begin to realize that heaven came down,…
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Fortified by Joy
After Ezra had read the Law of Moses, the word of God, to the people who had returned to Jerusalem, he and Nehamiah said to them, “And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8) The people had been in exile under pagan rule because they had disobeyed God, and it is understandable that they should be grieved in their hearts at the realization of the part they had played in their own captivity. Yet, the heart of God for redemption was declared to them and a way of peaceful, righteous living opened in revelation to them. The joy of the Lord was indeed their…
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The Rule of Peace
There is peace which surpasses understanding. (Philippians 4:7) When your eyes and ears are proclaiming chaos, the peace of God seems to defy reason. It is not a human emotion. Born of God, acknowledged by the Spirit of God within, real peace is the result of His authority and governance. He has authority over darkness and wicked schemes, and His people thrive under His righteous rule. Looking back at the verse in Philippians, see it in context with the verses preceding: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness (or gentleness) be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in…
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His Righteousness
This weekly offering has become a sacred rhythm of my life. Like keeping a travel journal or picture album re-marking the milestones of heart beats and soul rescues. As far as I can tell, it has not resulted in any far-reaching influence, and that is fine, since it remains a simple act of obedience. Father planted the idea and encouraged the machinations, and I told Him I would. Now I find that it is an elemental part of my relationship with Him, a sabbath expression of faith. I say “sabbath” because it is unique and set apart and only encountered every seventh day. I say “expression of faith” because it…
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Instruction
I used to watch my youngest son sit in the floor with a box of those building blocks that snap together. Of course, this was many years ago, but the memories are still clear to me. With his small straight back, his head tilted down, and his little hands so nimble, he’d assess, plan and arrange all those little pieces until he had a masterpiece. Afterward, I’d have to make sure that the sheet of instructions was carefully tucked away inside the box for future reference. “Mom,” he’d say, “I need the map. Let’s not lose that, shall we?” And I would smile primly and say, “Of course, son. We…
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Legacy and Destiny
“Tell your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children to another generation.” (Joel 1:3 ESV) Our week at the beach was simply divine. Nineteen adults and fourteen children from less than a year to over 80 years old. How could it not be full of life and rich with love. We started the week, as is our tradition, with Communion, and also with gratitude for the legacy of these family gatherings that began with my parents. As we witness the faithfulness of God together, we are aware of God’s command to instill in our children the knowledge of Him we have received by grace.…