John 19:26 Last words are signatures emblazoned on hurting hearts. I am sitting here weeping over the tenderness of the last words of our LORD, the Living One whom Pilate thought was really the "King of the Jews." The One of whom Pilate said: I find no fault in this man. Then, why on earth wouldn't you hail and protect the King of the Jews?
Jesus' Last Words were to his mother: Woman, behold your son---John. And in very short script, thin narrow letters, the One whose life couldn't be contained in all the books in the world, that One left this earth in a few succinct sentences. And the mother of Jesus went home with John for all her days.
What is in all these signature moments written on our hearts? What happens when I face the reality of my life this day? I cannot get away from June 2nd MUFHH entry. Am I haunted by this Jesus who died for me? Or can I go through the experiences of life with little thought of Him in that moment. Oh, to live haunted, consumed, kept, grasped. Oh to be more fully alive in this present moment. More of Him. Not more of this life. Not more out of my experiences. More of Him. Why do I think I need a little more here on earth---more in relationships, more in success, more in finances. No, I don't need more of anything but Him!
So, can I call out for insight? Can I make my ear attentive to wisdom? Can I incline my ear and raise my voice for understanding? If you do, and whatever that means, whatever that looks like, you are going to find the Knowledge of God. Oh my! Prov 2:2 God is watching over your way. And then you will understand the equity---every path is a good path. Prov 2:9. Oh my! "Don't be weary of His reproof," Bev. Don't be weary. And, Proverbs 3:25, don't be afraid of sudden terror---well that is right smack dab where I am with my health issues this weekend. Terrified.. God, may I ask on behalf of all my friends, would You be our confidence. May we not hold our confience in the presence of life's experiences going well. Just "let your eyes look directly forward." Proverbs 4:25. Learn to ponder, just like Mary did. Proverbs 4:26 - "Ponder the path of your feet."
Oh, Bev, you put into words that I could not find as I read today's reading. I am going to study and ponder on the three chapters in Proverbs. They gripped my heart, but my mind could not fully grasp them, so I am going to have to really look into them. Why He is grabbing me at this later point in my life, I have NO idea. But, I do know that I am going to reach out and search for Him like I have not in the past. I don't want just head knowledge, I want heart knowledge....I am really simple in my faith anyway. The Bible says it, therefor I believe it. Don't have to be all intellectual and wax on and on about it, but just simple faith like that of a little child. Bless you for being so willing to be so transparent on here and share your heart.It so speaks to mine....the Him in you speaks to the Him in me. Love you muchly in Him.
ReplyDeleteI call out for understanding, discernment, wisdom and from HIS mouth it will come. I do not want the world's, I want God's. Prov. 2
ReplyDeleteTrust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. I need some straight ground to walk upon and when I keep my eyes on His, it is easier to walk that path.
Bev, I am lifting you up in prayer. I know and understand that sudden fear over health issues, I am still in the midst of it, but like you, want to continue to look forward, my feet following where He has already prepared the path for me. Help me to find you, Jesus, in my helplessness, weaknesses and fears.
I'm coming back later but wanted to let you know our Pastor Gregg recommended two of Larry Crabb's books, one was Soul Talk...can't remember the other.
ReplyDeleteI thought about our rich study last year and how much 66 Love Letters meant to me. Thank you all for being a part of why it mattered.
I love your simple faith, Mary Lou, but you have a depth in your faith that you share so beautifully.
ReplyDeleteNise', your ponderings have touched my heart. He is deepening and growing your faith as you go through trials and raging storms.
Bev, you put this so beautifully--Jesus' last words on the cross and why they sear our hearts!
Have you heard the song, "It is Finished"? Our worship today included it, and it gave me chills as our readings perfectly coincided and rang so clearly in my heart.
There's a line that is drawn through the ages
On that line stands an old rugged cross
On that cross, a battle is raging
To gain a man's soul or its loss
On one side, march the forces of evil
All the demons, all the devils of hell
On the other, the angels of glory
And they meet on Golgotha's hill
The earth shakes with the force of the conflict
And the sun refuses to shine
For there hangs God's son, in the balance
And then through the darkness he cries
It is finished, the battle is over
It is finished, there'll be no more war
It is finished, the end of the conflict
It is finished and Jesus is Lord
Yet in my heart, the battle was still raging
Not all prisoners of war had come home
These were battlefields of my own making
I didn't know that the war had been won
Oh, but then I heard the king of the ages
Had fought all the battles for me
And that victory was mine for the claiming
And now praise his name, I am free.
And now, praise His Name, we are free.
I have loved the song, It is Finished ever since I heard it many years ago. It always brings tears to my eyes. The Gaither's have blessed us and now the Getty's are bringing more beauty and praise to us to sing to our Lord. Thank you for sharing that today, Annette. When He said it is finished, it truly was and the battle is over and He set us free. We are the ones who bind ourselves up so tight.
ReplyDeleteRe-reading that, Mary Lou, I meant you don't have a simple faith to me at all but a depth and richness and wholeness that blesses me tremendously. Just thought I better clarify...<3
ReplyDeleteI am so privilege to call you all friends. Your words mean so much to me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
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