The Promise of New Life

Spring is full of promise of the things to come.

Just as the lilacs are a promise to us that spring is here

and the flowers, vegetables, and lawn were coming to life,

our God promises us life.

 

Life in abundance.

 

 

 

I am come that they might have life,

and that they might have it more abundantly.

                                                                                                                     John 10:10b KJV

(For more of the story of the lilacs, go to my other blog,  Nana's House .)

 

All Things Through Christ

She wanted to keep trying,

even though the sun was hot and her legs were unsteady.

Her daddy held the bicycle with his strong hands

and guided her along with his encouraging words.

 

 

Our Father in heaven is just like that.

Just ask Paul.

He was being held under house arrest as he wrote to the Philippians,

encouraging them, praying for them, and exhorting them to live godly lives.

At the end of his letter, Paul wrote of his contentment no matter his circumstances:

 

"...I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

I know what it is to have plenty.

I have learned the secret of being content

in any and every situation,

whether well fed or hungry,

whether living in plenty or in want.

I can do all things

through Christ 

who strengthens me."

Philippians 4:11-13

 

Paul knew the secret to contentment was finding his strength in Jesus,

trusting Him to hold him up and keep him going,

no matter the circumstances.

And so can we.

Whom Shall I Fear

 

This morning, I was encouraged by a song a friend shared that lifted my spirit and reminded me of God's promises. It is by Chris Tomlin (with Ed Cash), and he has done what he does so well; he has given us the hope of God in His promises.

2 Kings 6:17

When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh, my Lord, what shall we do?” the servant asked.

“Don’t be afraid,” the prophet (Elisha) answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”

And Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

Whom Shall I Fear/God of Angels Army
By Chris Tomlin and Ed Cash

You hear me when I call
You are my morning song
Though darkness fills the night
It cannot hide the light
Whom shall I fear?

You crush the enemy
Underneath my feet
You are my sword and shield
Though trouble linger still
Whom shall I fear?

I know who goes before me
I know who stands behind
The God of angel armies is always by my side
The One who reigns forever
He is a friend of mine
The God of angel armies is always by my side

My strength is in Your name
For You alone can save
You will deliver me
Yours is the victory
Whom shall I fear?
Whom shall I fear?

And nothing formed against me shall stand
You hold the whole world in Your hands
I'm holding on to Your promises
You are faithful
You are faithful

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Burdens or Rest?

 

This sweet kitty was napping on our porch this morning when I opened the blinds.

She belongs to one of our neighbors, and this is the first time I have seen her here.

She seemed a little fuzzy when I came out with the camera.

 

Then she stretched, meowed daintly, and went back to sleep.

 

A lovely catnap.

 

 

 

Sometimes we carry burdens that are to heavy for our backs,

too unthinkable for our minds, and too sorrowful for our hearts.

 

We carry

lies,

regrets,

shame,

unforgiveness,

a devastating diagnosis, 

the loss of a job,

the loss of a loved one...

 

we all carry burdens of some sort.

 

But we need not carry our burdens alone.

The weight of our burdens are too much for us to carry.

Jesus promises in Matthew 11:28-30 to help us with our burdens,

to be united (yoked) with Him so that we can weather the storms that

seem to drag us down into the depths of despair. 

All we need to do is to ask Him and He is there, lifting our hearts

as He lifts us from the heaviness of heart burdens bring.

No, the problems do not always just disappear, but our burdens can become lighter,

our minds relieved and our hearts renewed by the rest Jesus promises.

 

And with this renewed heart comes rest ~ physically, mentally and spiritually,

and we may find ourselves at rest like this little visitor I had this morning.

I just peeked, and she is still out there, napping peacefully.

 

 

 

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,

and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,

for I am gentle and humble in heart,

 and you will find rest for your souls. 

 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30