When I walked home from work, they were straight and tall, the way they were meant to be. When I went to work the next morning, they were torn up, roots flapping in the breeze. They aren't supposed to be that way I thought as I passed by, just like so many things in life. Isn't it interesting how freely we use that phrase "supposed to be"?
Supposed to be implies order, a plan, or design that isn't being upheld. But whose plan? For this kind of statement to be true, there must be a Final Decision Maker Who makes the decisions on what that standard is. Otherwise supposed to be -- is irrelevant. But using the phrase "supposed to be" inherently argues that ultimately there is an intended purpose created by an intelligent mind with power and/or authority. Without one the trees aren't supposed to be anyway -- they just are what they are. Without this authority, our lives would be the same way -- no rhyme or reason, simply whatever they are. But because we have a Creator we rightly say "supposed to". "For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now." Romans 8:22 ![]() I saw a crow hopping/walking across a hot tin roof today. (I didn't actually touch the roof to verify this -- but it looked hot.) Why would you walk if you were a bird? I wondered. How silly -- he can fly! I laughed to myself before suddenly recognizing: I do exactly the same thing. God gave the crows wings -- they don't have to bounce over hot tin roofs. And God has given me hope -- I don't have to doubt. He has provided me strength for every good work -- I can choose peace. My Savior has given me everlasting love and life -- I can rest secure in Him...instead of being as hoppy as a crow on a hot tin roof. (Sorry, I know it's such as bad pun -- and it still makes me laugh.) ![]() And if we could carefully replant God's flower beds, Matthew 6:28-29 tells us what they teach us about God. "So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these." God is the answer to worry. He is tender provider for His people. See "moving" God says a lot about Him? Dear Lord,
May this independence day be celebrated by Your people worldwide! And may You add to Your church this day those who strive to live in freedom. For You have liberated Your people from the slavery of self. You freed us from the impossible burden of the law. You broke the hold that sin had over us. You have provided to Your sons and daughters freedom to follow You, grace to keep every command, and power to live our lives for righteousness. Whom the Son sets free is free indeed. John 8:36 Happy 4th of July! If we needed to transport God's rock garden, Jesus has already told us what they say about Him:
Luke 19:40, "He [Jesus] answered and said to them, I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones who immediately cry out [in worship]." God is worthy of worship. ![]() If we could help God move His aviary, Luke reports what the birds say about God. "Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God." -- Luke 12:6 God is faithful, compassionate, and never forgets His own. Turkeys included. ![]() If we could package up God's trophy chest, Psalm 8:3-5 tells us what would be in it. His most precious creation. "You [God] have made him [mankind] a little lower than the angels, and You have crowned him with glory and honor." God has set His love on us, His value on us, people, as His highest temporal creation. But what if we moved God -- packed all His things up and saw what they said about God? We know His choices are perfect. His boxes all contain just what they should do. But how does His world reflect him?
If we boxed up the heavens, Psalm 19:1 tells us what the stars say about God. "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork." God is glorious. The Craftsman and Originator of the universe. Our stuff is a reflection of us. The boxes we pack are our world and they show how we choose to spend our time, money, and effort. The things we keep, show where we go find purpose, comfort, and enjoyment. Who is the most important in our lives is written all over the moving van. And what we move and leave behind, doubles down or abandons our previous choices.
Would you be proud to show God your boxes? 6. Enjoy friendships. Marigolds provide shade and keep certain bugs off tomato plants. We too get support and protection from each other, but only if we reach out.
7. Accept the breeze. Spring in New Mexico invariably means wind as the new weather sets in. The breeze can be annoying or refreshing. It all depends on how it is received. 8. Realize you belong. Every single plant God plants belongs in His garden. He hasn't forgotten or made a mistake. 9. Remember. We have a distinct advantage over plants. Plants do not remember their gardener caring for them last year. But we are blessed because we can look back and see how God has always cared for us -- during storms and drought and chaos. 10. Thrive! Flowers bloom whenever and wherever they can. God's people can be the same because "The Lord is your keeper; The Lord is your shade at your right hand." -- Psalm 121:5 |
The AuthorCome with me as we grow in fellowship with each other and our Savior to whom belongs the Amazing Escape from sin and death and the Amazing Journey into glorious life. Archives
June 2024
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