Why does the next worship service have to be better than the one before? Why does the next song need to be more powerful than the last? Why are we always trying to outdo ourselves? Jesus wrapped a coarse everyday towel around his waist. He dipped His Hands in a worn porcelain water basin and poured water. John 13:5. He spit in the dirt to stir up some mud to spread on a blind man. He didn't use the spectacular. He used the ordinary to reach, to touch, to give life. May I not be caught up in thinking I have to have the next best book or song or experience. Seek Truth not the blessings of this life.
Psalm 55:2 - The LORD looks down from heaven to find those who seek Him
Psalm 57:21 It's my friend, my companion who taunts me: His speech was smooth as butter yet war is in his heart. His words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords. What to do? Cast your burden on the LORD and He will sustain you. The One Who judges on the earth. The One Who uses towels and dirt and water and 5 loaves and 2 fish to make a difference. Not the dramatic nor the flamboyant. God doesn't try to outdo Himself, does He? We're the ones who think the next show has to be so much better than the last.
God truly does use the ordinary things in life to teach us with and He most definitely uses ordinary people. Showy, flashy people do not always reflect the glory of God, often times, they only reflect themselves. It is us, our flesh that wars against others flesh that thinks we have to outdo each other and do one up....to prove we are "better".
ReplyDeleteChrist washing the disciples feet was the work that usually a slave within the household did as an act of service to visitors. The disciples should have done it to one another and to Him. This was the act of a slave. We are actually called to be His slave not His servant and that does not sit well with us. He truly uses dirt and water and divides the five loaves (small loaves( and two fish (about the size of sardines) to show us His power. Oh, may we grasp how BIG He truly is and cast our burdens on Him, for His shoulders are more than big enough to sustain each one of us.
I am restless in my complant and am surely distracted. But God gives ear to my prayer, heeds me and answers me when I call upon Him (55:2,1,16) Sometimes I am just so burdened by it all, but thanks be to Him, I can Cast (throw) my burden upon the Lord and He WILL sustain me and will not allow me to be shaken. (55:22).
ReplyDeleteLord, as Bev and Mary Lou have so beautifully stated, let me see the blessings in the ordinary today and not look for wonders or the spectacular.
This stop here at Pearls always is a highlight of my day. We are in Oregon for my cousin's boy's wedding. Her 19 yo is getting married tomorrow and leaving for the Marines on Monday. Life is full of markers, things that change us--almost always by ordinary means something amazing happens. One ordinary Saturday becomes the wedding feast. The next, a tearful goodbye. Our days are numbered and full of hardship, but there is a profound joy in simple moments.
ReplyDeleteBeing a slave certainly doesn't have the star power that being a leader does. But eternal reward will wait for those who pick up His Cross and take the lowliest seat to serve His sheep. Forever is longer than our momentary blaze of glory we might muster here on earth. And not that we need self seeking motivation to serve-it's our logical response to Him who died on our behalf.
I'm only going to pay $12.95 once to get on here, so I probably won't see you all until Tuesday morning, barring a free access opportunity to the internet. Love you all.
Love your comments today, Bev.
ReplyDelete