When I was a child if I were to become angry for one reason or another my mother would instruct me. I wouldn’t have to say a word, but Mom always knew by my expressions, I guess, I wasn’t thinking nice thoughts. “Be careful what you think, God is listening,” she would say. I always wondered how she knew these things. My father was more inventive. When he returned home from work he would say to me, “A little birdie told me you were naughty today.” He explained when he ate his lunch he fed the bird some bread. The bird was so grateful he told my father I had been naughty. I later found out the little birdie was my mother! I still laugh when I think about this!
Today while I was in prayer I asked the Lord how I could verbalize my thankfulness for the Gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. Thank you sounds so minutiae in view of the salvation God has given to me; to all who call on His name. Then I thought to myself, there are no words to express the thankfulness I experience but, thank you, Lord. It was then I heard the still small voice say “I know the thoughts that come into your mind, every one of them.” 1 Kings 19:12; Ezekiel 11:5b
It occurred to me as it does over and over, there isn’t anything the Lord does not know about me. In fact, He knows me better than I know myself. Nevertheless, I thought of my mother’s words to me, “Be careful what you think, God is listening.”
These words brought me comfort. The comfort of remembrance of my mother, of the day I found the verse in God’s word telling me how God listens to my thoughts. Psalm 94:19. It is a comfort knowing God cares for me beyond my comprehension to understand.
The comfort of His presence to have the Holy Spirit speak in my quiet time is always a blessing. There is a peace knowing I am receiving instructions, encouragement and guidance, from the Lord.
The comfort of joy knowing God saw me as a child sitting, staring at the baby in the manger wondering how God put on human flesh to come and die for a sinful world. Joy abounds when the assurance of salvation brings to me the anticipation of Christ’s return. He is coming back for me, for all who have claimed the baby in the manger as Lord and Savior of their life. John 14:3
I am very thankful God is God. This simple fact enlightens my life in numerous ways. When I can’t think of what to say, or how to pray God knows my mind and my heart. Romans 8:26, 27. I understand I have a responsibility as a child of God and a disciple of Jesus. John 15:10 Yet, even in obedience there is joy!
At this time of year I have the greatest sense of “family”. I am thankful for all my brothers and sisters in Christ. Although I may never meet them this side of heaven, there is unity in our beloved Savior.
It is my prayer for all who love the Lord Jesus Christ and are thankful to God for the Savior, to realize God hears your thoughts, and the music of joy in your heart for the Son He loves so dearly; the One who was born to die for us. John 3:16
I wish you all a Merry Christmas. May God bless you with spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus, the one true Gift.
Author ~ Joyce Andrews Bickel
www.mycalvaryslove.com
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
0 comments:
Post a Comment