We read the Old Testament knowing that they never heard, never met the Risen Christ Who offers Hope for their sin. Braggy kings of Babylon pillage and perpetrate and plunge thousands upon thousands of people. 2 Kings 24:14. King Nebuchednezzar lived for himself, his kingdom. He charged into Jerusalem, ravishing from men to beast to possessions, and left only the poor. Dorothy Sayers wrote: "Whenever man is made the center of things, he becomes the storm center of trouble...you begin to have a notion that people owe you something" and it messes with your relationships for you feel like you are the one missing out. Because other people simply are not coming through for you.
I love Acts 16:15! It is the LORD Who opens hearts. We rush around our Christian hearts trying to pry open our shiny veneer. We end up doing penance for even trying too hard "The Lord opened Lydia's heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul."
May God open each of our hearts, this day, to pay attention to what God is saying to us.
Hold my peace.
ReplyDeleteOnly a day or two behind in arrival at the wedding.
Hold my peace.
New news that is not good news.
Hold my peace.
Old best friends hear that I am stuck in ATX. They offer their truck for the weekend.
Hold my peace.
New best friends offer their son's car in Dallas---all week long.
Hold my peace.
My dress arrived and it was sized wrong. No more available in the US, the dress specialist says.
Hold my peace.
A long lovely letter arrives from my bride daughter: Will You Walk Me Down the Aisle?
Hold my peace.
I'm actually being held in Love.
Thank you for your prayers.
Praying, Bev for your peace inside and out. . .
ReplyDeleteWars and pillaging, lots of "doing evil in the sight of the Lord," bloodshed, captivity and a king remembered after thirty odd years in a dank cell.
Enter Jesus into the dark forsaken world. And contrast the new Story -- a journey of Paul, Timothy, Silas, and perhaps Luke (lots of "we" statements lead me to think Luke was along.) One of spreading Light, disciple makings like Lydia the purple lady, and phenomenal church growth. Because of Jesus. Because of hope. Because of love.
Did the world still have the evil? Of course, but Something bigger made the difference.
So thankful to be reading Old and New Testament simultaneously this year--it does a heart good to see the before and after.
SO much love, Bev! You inspire me to "Hold my Peace" as well. Just thinking about the letter your daughter sent makes me want to cry happy tears with you!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Your words, "Hold my peace", speak to me today Bev. There are a few issues that these words speak to in my life right now. I am so thankful that the Lord speaks to us through many different means.
ReplyDeleteReading through the Kings and how Israel and Judah went away from the Lord and did not remember what they had been taught nor their legacy always breaks my heart. How many times do I remember what He did for me and truly live it out. This side of the Cross we have so much to be thankful for. We can see it ALL, they could not.
ReplyDeleteKeeping our peace, especially with our adult children is one of the hardest things to do, but one of the most rewarding. How He rewards me all of the time when I do keep my peace. He gives me His peace. I truly need to open my heart today to hear what He is saying to me.
Oh, Bev to read of answers to prayer about transportation for you blesses me beyond measure. I am assuming that your bride daughter is asking you as well as her Dad to walk down the aisle with her. I've seen both parents stand up with/for their children also. That will be so sweet and such an awesome memory. She has done you such honor. You are a blessed woman. He knew ahead about the size of your dress, can't wait to see what He has in store for that situation. Continuing to pray for the things that concern you, for if they concern you then they concern Him, for you are His child.