LIFTING THOUGHTS—a living collection of Christian poetry, inspirational writings, verses, photos, even humor, gleaned from quiet times and experientially. Author resides in a small historic mountain town, Hill City, located in the central Black Hills of South Dakota, near Mount Rushmore. The photo was taken at Poet's Table, a serene place where many thoughts are lifted, a resting spot near Sylvan Lake in the granite beauty at the heart of the Black Hills National Forest. Welcome!
We cannot kindle when we will
The fire which in the heart resides;
The spirit bloweth and is still,
In mystery our soul abides.
But tasks in hours of insight will'd
Can be through hours of gloom fulfill'd.
(from Morality by Matthew Arnold, 1822-1888)
Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed
to the things which we have heard,
lest at any time we should let them slip.
-Hebrews 2:1 KJV
God is never in a hurry
but spends years with those He expects to greatly use.
He never thinks the days of preparation
too long or too dull.
The hardest ingredient in suffering is often time. A short, sharp pang is easily borne, but when a sorrow drags its weary way through long, monotonous years, and day after day returns with the same dull routine of hopeless agony, the heart loses its strength, and without the grace of God, is sure to sink into the very sullenness of despair. ... We may not see now the outcome of the beautiful plan which God is hiding in the shadow of His hand; it yet may be long concealed; but faith may be sure that He is sitting on the throne, calmly waiting the hour when, with adoring rapture, we shall say, "All things have worked together for good." Like Joseph, let us be more careful to learn all the lessons in the school of sorrow than we are anxious for the hour of deliverance. There is a "need-be" for every lesson, and when we are ready, our deliverance will surely come, and we shall find that we could not have stood in our place of higher service without the very things that were taught us in the ordeal. God is educating us for the future, for higher service and nobler blessings; and if we have the qualities that fit us for a throne, nothing can keep us from it when God's time has come. Don't steal tomorrow out of God's hands. Give God time to speak to you and reveal His will. He is never too late; learn to wait. -selected
May we be willing, now, to do the (good) thing that lies nearest, in the love and grace and strength and power provided by God - being in His life (see Colossians 3:3) - and not even attempting it on our own, but depending upon Him for whatever we need to accomplish what He wants, the thing that lies nearest. May we not make this complicated. May we simply want what He wants and proceed on that basis alone; wanting the heart of Christ (for blessed are the poor in spirit), seeking to understand what is the mind of Christ (for those who seek will find Him who rewards them who seek Him diligently), and offering our bodies as living sacrifices...that every part of our physical being may be dedicated and devoted to the expression of His purpose for it.
For instance, what is His purpose for your eyes? Just now, you are reading these thoughts. In five minutes what will you do with your eyes? The thing nearest may be a child - whether naughty or nice - whose gaze connected to your gaze may receive the vision of Christ's love, which is certainly not found in many other places where the eyes of children may connect.
May our eyes convey that we consider how to encourage one another to love and good deeds, as Hebrews 10:24 instructs us to do. Open His book and see what is in it...absorb what is in it, for you, then be willing via your unique self to somehow communicate what you see, what you hear, on behalf of the One who loves you infinitely most. He will prompt you, in His time...He may surprise you. Be willing, be always ready. In the meantime, there is the thing that lies nearest - perhaps some duty of the day - and there is His immediate purpose for you. But be aware that this very thing may be interrupted by another thing or person. Now what is important to you? Do you love Him above and beyond your feelings, your busy-ness, your urgency? See your priorities continually in the light of discerning whether they are His, and keep your inner ear alert.
Jesus is the beloved risen Son of God...listen to Him. Begin with Him. Rest with Him, arise with Him, walk with Him, run with Him, connect with Him, keep on going with Him. With Him abide. In all things, even the little things, cause it to be about Him; be conscious of Him in your thoughts, words, actions, disposition. And be thankful to Him. If you practice Him, these things become like breathing. If your lungs are not used to Him, practice some deep breaths...hold...exhale. This expansion may even hurt a little (...perhaps your lungs are a bit crusty). But, persevere, His immensely great and healing love is in the air for you. Freely you receive, freely give.
