Petals of Love

The smallest flower, so feeble and hidden among the greater flowers of the garden, was often overlooked by the passerby. Daily it would gleam the nourishing rain from off the other flowers. It would stretch to reach the warmth of the sun from between the greater giants of the field never once knowing the loving protection the giant’s presence provided.

Slowly and reservedly this little flower grew. Its color and beauty too dull to be noticed among the other bright vibrant flowers, but it was there. Ever growing, ever stretching, and ever reaching. Reaching for a place in the garden where it solely received a clear path of rain and sun. It’s smallness ever present in its outward appearance. As small and unlovely as the flower seemed this never deterred the flowers desire to receive the fullness of the unobstructive radiance of the sun, the clear freshness of a summer rain ,or the early morning dew.

The life long struggle of this flower produced an inner strength and beauty. Though never picked for display by the gardener it served as a tower of strength and encouragement for the other newly found buds. The buds who struggled in the darkest of places, those left in the shadow of others, and those who seemed unlovely.

The older flower would whisper words of encouragement and strength. It would capture the harsh beating rain and shelter the newer buds from its onslaught. It would gingerly drip the freshness of the rain on them so as not to overwhelm their weaken structure. The older flower would cover them from the harsh rays of the sun, yet allow the blessed beams of light to penetrate and rest upon the strongest parts of their limbs. The older flower would shield the younger bud from the strong and mighty winds; protecting it.

I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving kindness. (Jeremiah 31.3) Thank you Lord for allowing me the privilege of growing in Your garden, of learning to look for and desire the fullness of Your love. Lord, may I always be what you would have me to be; one full of love and tenderness. One full of strength and inner beauty. One who knows the mighty gifts You have granted. May I always be willing to share your love with those around me. May Your tender mercies forever fertilize the life in which I live that I may grow and be worthy for use by You and for You. You are my rock and my fortress; my God in whom I trust.

JUNK

Ezekiel 16:4-14
On the day you were born…no one looked on you with pity, or had compassion for you. Rather, you were thrown out into the open field, for on the day you were born you were despised. Then I saw you…and said to you, “Live!” I made you grow…you grew up and developed and became the most beautiful of jewels. Later I passed by…and saw you were old enough to love…and you became mine. You became very beautiful…because the splendor I had given you made your beauty perfect, declares the Sovereign Lord.

Hurricane Ike is pushing its way through Houston, Texas and on towards Dallas, Texas. Reports are already coming in of people stranded, tossed, battered, beaten, and tormented by the effects of the storm. Pleas for help are being reported to every 911 center in the area. For some, rescue is immediate, but for others it will be many more hours before rescue teams can enter the ravaged areas.

As I watch and listen to these reports, I am reminded of the day my Heavenly Father rescued me. When I was born, “the Father of this world” despised me. There was no compassion or love in his heart. There was only hatred and contempt. So he tossed me aside. He left me - alone. He left me to fend for myself.

As the King of Heaven and Earth traveled by, He saw me. He stopped, reached down and picked me up. Holding me in His arms He breathed His breath of life into me and said, “Live!” Everyday He watched and whispered words of encouragement and love. He “made me grow.” And when I was old enough to understand all that He had done for me, I was “old enough to love,” and He “took me” for Himself.

I became beautiful because of the splendor and majesty He has lavished on me. I have been made beautiful and perfect in His sight, in His timing, and with His provision of beauty and grace. When I was naked and alone, He clothed me. When I was tired and weak, He lifted me, carried me, and encouraged me onward. When I became dirty from my daily travels, He washed and cleansed me; making me beautiful once again. I became beautiful, because of – Him.

O Father, Savior, and King, I am overwhelmed with the selfless love you have shown toward me. Despised by this world - you have loved me for all eternity. A wretched lump of life, yet beautiful and perfected by Your Might. You have fed me at your banqueting table, clothed me with your righteousness, and adorned me with jewels of trials and temptations, and pearls of patience. I am “very beautiful” because of Your splendor, love, and care. Sovereign Lord, I am full. I am in love with You. I am Yours. Use me…

Here is a video on GodTube that is similar... http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=ee73e63418003b47d7d5&msg=Your%20email%20has%20been%20successfully%20sent%20to%20your%20friend.

Your Grace Still Amazes Me

James 1:17
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights; with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

I have been stuck, and struck, by the fact that God's goodness is "poured out" on the righteous and the unrighteous, the deserving and the undeserving, the saved and the unsaved. Regardless of our relationship with Him, He continually shows His Love and His desire to meet the very needs of His creation. Remember He takes care of the lilies of the field and the sparrows?

In Matthew 7:11 Jesus said," If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?" Wait, this verse says the Father doesn't want to stop at just giving you what you need. He wants to give you more. He longs to give you more. He wants you to take Him. He wants you to take His love, His compassion, His passion, His goodness, His mercy, His joy, His peace, and most importantly His Holy Spirit, who will teach you and remind you of all things that He has said.

He wants to give you hope, peace, joy, and a passion for His creation. He longs to fill your heart with His love; a love that overflows and meets the need of a neighbor, hugs the crying mom, prays with the wounded wife, the struggling daughter, the confused and searching teenager. God wants to give you "good things" that further show the world who HE is and what purpose there is to life. Do you know God's love? Do you ask Him to pour more of Him into your life? Do you know the purpose and plan God has for your life?

The King James Version describes God so well, "with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." It has been His desire since the beginning, and that desire is the same today, tomorrow, and into the future. His desire and love for His creation has not changed. Unlike the shadows of the day that disappear at night and continually move, shift, and change throughout the day, God does not. His desire is the same. His longing is the same. His love is the same.

This song says it so well... “Your grace, still amazes me. Your love, still amazes me. Each day, I fall on my knees, cause your grace still amazes me….It’s deeper, it’s wider, it’s stronger, it’s higher…than anything my eyes can see….your grace, still amazes me.

God Tube link to Your Grace Still Amazes Me.
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=18aa4cdc6af1ba8f213b

God Loves You (The Artist)

I John 4:4
Ye are of God little children and have overcome them. Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

As the artist, seamstress, musician, or craftsman you lovingly stitched together your piece of handiwork. You formed it in your mind, you thought of every angle and corner. You created it. To you it breathes and has a special personality. You may even think it speaks of your love and creativity. You know it’s every intimate detail. You know what makes it flash, what brings out it’s brilliant color, what makes it hum so beautifully. No matter who uses it, touches it, plays with it, or just admires it – it is your creation and you love it!

God has the same thoughts toward you. You are thought of, created and loved. He knows every detail about you. Your mere presence on earth speaks volumes of His love and his creativity. You are his pride and joy, the workmanship of his very own hands (Eph 2:10). He cares for you and about every detail and aspect of your life. He hurts when you hurt. He cries when you cry. He laughs when you laugh and he rejoices in the new life you have found in Him.

God Created You, God Knows You, God Loves You, God Made You Part of His Family.

Eyes of Love

“Through the eyes of a child” the world is so different, so large; full of wonder, joy, and love. These eyes of love share their thoughtless surrender, their faith and trust in their teacher; their friend, their extended family. These eyes of love long to share and long to please. They are filled with such pride in their accomplishments, not knowing that the love of their teacher has grown their confidence and their knowledge. These eyes of love beam with joy and delight as they learn a letter, a number, and soon a word.

These eyes of love long to please. They listen, they absorb, and they repeat what they have learned. They sing songs of learning, and they sing songs learned for school concerts or plays. The melody is so sweet that one can only imagine that this precious child has halted the praises of heaven “For their angels in Heaven have come before the Father” and beckoned Him to listen; listen to the child through whom he has ordained praise. (Matt 18:10, 21:16) Listen to the melody, listen to the song of his heart, and listen to this child so sweet.

Through love, the teacher has guided this tender heart to understanding and has directed this precious gift towards the pathway of life. For “Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart.” (Psalm 119:34)

(Written for my son's Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Streib Dec 2006)

Hungry?

Psalm 34:8
Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him.

After twelve hours of walking and touring the streets of Budapest, Hungary, the group collapsed into seats on a nearby bus, then stumbled to a train, and onto another bus before a short walk back to the Panzio (hotel). We were exhausted. We had been on foot and in buses, trolley cars, and boats. What a whirlwind experience. Our bodies were tired and we were thirsty. We all huddled around the hotel desk, jockeying for a position at the cooler and a chance to grab a nice cold drink. With smiles on our faces and less money in our pockets, we stumbled to our rooms, opened our cold water and took a large gulp. Yuk! This water has gas! also known as bubbles. Everyone had grabbed a carbonated water instead of the non carbonated water. It reminded me of Alka Seltzer tablets; a very unpleasant taste and not satisfying at all! Lucky for our room, someone had brought some good water from our previous place of residence. We all shared in the pleasure and refreshment before falling into bed.

I am reminded of how we eagerly look for and seek the “good things” in life, and yet we are not satisfied. We want that new car, but it doesn’t satisfy the inner craving of love within our hearts. We want a new house, but it doesn’t satisfy the inner searching for eternity deep within our hearts. We want a child, but it doesn’t satisfy the loneliness we feel. We want more money, but it doesn’t buy happiness. We want a larger TV, and dish network with 150 channels, but it doesn’t satisfy the deepest cravings of knowledge of who our creator is.

If we could only taste God! We would be satisfied with His love and with the future He holds for each one of us. If we could only taste Him, we would not feel lonely, we would discover true happiness, and we would discover the wisdom and knowledge of God. If only our eyes could see, our ears could hear, and our hearts could love. We would be satisfied. For blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. He would fill our every need. He longs to give us “good gifts.” He stands at the door to our heart and knocks. Do you hear him? Are you lost in the distractions of this world? Are you hungry for an inner peace? Do you desire a hope and a future? Do you long to know your purpose in life?

Taste Him! He is good. He is the bread of life, anyone who comes to Him will no longer hunger for the things this world offers, but will desire the eternal hope and glory of a future with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Taste Him! He is good. He longs to call you His own. He loves you beyond measure. God is near. He is merely a breath away. Simply believe and confess with your mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord and that God raised him from the dead, and you will be saved for all eternity. For it is with your heart that you believe and are blameless, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. Taste Him! He will satisfy your most intimate desires and needs. You will find peace in turmoil. You will find joy in your sorrows and unhappiness. You will find rest when you are weary. You will find strength when you feel you can’t go on. You will discover that you are not alone, and that you have a bigger family than you ever imagined; others who have tasted, confessed, and believed.

Will you be perfect? Will all your problems magically disappear? No, but you will have someone who will walk with you, share with you, and care for you. He will enable you to persevere, endure, and struggle through them all. You will be satisfied. And you will discover a true, everlasting, Friend, who will never leave you or abandon you, no matter what.

Taste Him! He is good. Taste Him and you will not be satisfied with anything or anyone else. He is good and will bless your life now and forever. Taste and see. He waits - just for you.

Yes Lord

Matthew 10:16, 31
I am sending you like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Ephesians 6:10
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

Our Heavenly Father, with a love so deep, has asked for us to do His will, His bidding. He has asked us to go and represent His Kingdom and call all believers and non believers to Him. He has asked that we school and disciple others in prayer and “follow-ship.” He even warns us that others will not receive us as friends. We tread on hostile ground and are aliens in this land. We are to be on guard against the attacks of the enemy.

Regardless of where we are to go or what we are to do, God, our Heavenly Father who loved us first, has asked us (me) to carry forth a message to others. I am, we are, His Ambassador. The depth of our love for Him should cause us to answer, “Yes, Lord, as you wish.”

Knowing in the recess of our heart that our love is so great that we are eternally grateful for Christ’s dieing love. The love that is within us should be so pure and selfless that we would climb any mountain, scale any wall, or travel through any desert to deliver and personally share God’s love to, for, and with others.

Our actions are not done out of the “heartless duty” of “because He said so.” Our actions and response to the Master’s request should be done by the overflow of the love that Christ has poured into our hearts. The One who made us, loves us. The One who made us, cares for us. The One who made us, cries with us. The One who made us, rejoices with us. The One who made us, watches over us.

We love Him because He first loved us. His love follows our wayward footsteps. His love shelters us during the storms of our life. His love carries our cross of guilt and shame. His love “did not consider equality with God something to be held onto, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, and made in the likeness of man” (Phil 2:5) He came to earth, bled, died, and rose again for us, so that our filthy rags of sin and shame could be made white as snow. That we may receive the blessings of being called heirs with Christ Jesus, so that we will willingly, selflessly, and obediently do as His Perfect Will asks of us.

He desires to fill us at His banqueting table. He desires that we love others through the outpouring of the expression of God’s great love for us. To set the captives free, to bind up, support, and love the broken hearted, and to bring others this same blessed union of faith and co-heirs with us in Christ Jesus.

Is the works of our flesh born out of duty, or are we marching forward in this fight of faith out of the love we have for our Risen Savior? Are we yielding to the Holy Spirit and allowing Him to teach us all things? Are we letting Him open wide our hearts and pour out God’s great love into us? Are we running from Him or are we sitting patiently in the shadow of the Almighty as He schools us in prayer? Are we allowing Christ to work His good work within us? Are we fleeing from the fiery furnace where God alone is crafting us to be a special messenger of faith, love, and courage? Are we enduring this fight of faith in patience, perseverance, and hope?

What are we living for? Are we living for ourselves and the glory of the prizes for which this earth has to offer? Or are we living for Our Heavenly Father, whose Glory will never rust nor moths can destroy? Are we living for and striving for the blessed union with Our King? Are we gladly, willingly, and out of the overflow of His love for us, loving, serving, following, and yielding to the Master’s call?

Father in heaven, may Your love be forever burned into my heart as one who claims the ownership, authority, and rights of all my being. May my heart ache in unison with Yours. May my feet tread the paths that you would have me to go. May your love carry me through the desert, the storms, the mountains, and the valleys with tireless abandonment of love, because it is You who loves me so. May my voice never cease or waver to claim Your endless love. May my resolve be as bold as a lion as I march forward into the hands of the enemy. May my soul be forever comforted, strengthened in knowledge, faith, and in the hope of the glory of Christ Jesus. May all I do, be in remembrance of You. Your servant, Your child, longs for nothing more than to please You, my Lord. Your name forever to be praised.

Predictions of Rain

The weather reports a cloudy, overcast sky with a 100% chance of rain. Predictions like these cause us to hide in our houses, or at work, and cover our heads with hats and umbrellas and put on coats to shield us from the wetness.

Jesus said in Matthew 10:34, “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the Earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” The storms a brewing and will continue to brew until the end of this earth.

Do not be afraid of the terrors of night, but rather let it rain. “Open the flood gates of heaven and let it rain.” Let God pour out His Heart, His Spirit, and His Soul and fill us from outside in and inside out with every fiber of His Being.

May each drop of rain that reaches our exposed skin feel the tear drops of the Heavenly Father that He sheds for His creation. His creation so mired in the mud of this world and the things it offers. May we feel the tears of His love for the little ones that others abuse. May we feel the tears He sheds for the lost, the hurting, the sick and the dying; for those without hope or friends who lack an everlasting love through the storms of life.

As believers may we throw off our coats and throw down our umbrella and hats, the distractions of this world, open wide our arms and lift up our heads and cry out to our Heavenly Father, “Let it rain! Rain on us. Fill every pore of our being with You. Let it rain.”

From the blessings of this darkened hour of rain proclaim in the light of day the blessed Redeemer who washes away all our tears and fears. From the whispered moments of the wind, where God is heard the loudest by believers, proclaim His love, redemption, and glory from the roof tops.

Lord, may everyday of my life be filled with the sensitivity of knowing You, of feeling what you feel, and loving who you love. May I be blinded of myself in the rainstorm of Your love. May I always remember that You have loved me with an everlasting love.