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"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.
Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34 NIV

Saturday, March 29, 2014

In the Forgetful Forest

I read it in a Dora book (of all places), and I had to pause for a moment to reread the truth of what was written. My daughter begged me to keep going. I just stared. It said, "In the Forgetful Forest, you can forget all kinds of things. It's important to remember who you are, what you want, and where you're going."** The characters in this book were traveling through dangerous terrain which made them forget all kinds of things. To open the door which led them out, they had to recite who they were, what they wanted, and where they were going. To ensure they would not forget, they kept repeating these truths over and over.

Now, I have no idea if that writer is a believer, but what a picture of the world we are in now and the importance of claiming truth! Some days it is easy to be caught up in all that is going on in the physical world around me. Demands do not stop coming my way. Distractions beg for attention left and right. It would be easy for me to forget what is true, what is more real than what my senses tell me.

I have to fight to remember who I am, what I really want (what God wants), and where I am going someday. It takes time in the Bible, pouring over God's promises and basking in His love. I go to God in prayer and ask, "What do you want in this situation, in my life?" When situations around me look grim, relationships are hard, and evil seems to be winning, I claim the truth of how this story is going to end. Victory is sure! Love incarnate has already had the final say, and when our eyes are opened to a world more "real" than the one we live in now, we will say, "Yes, this is where I have been heading the whole time."

Who am I? I am sinner saved by grace, fully reconciled to God through his gift of Jesus. I am confident the Holy Spirit is inside of me, guiding me into all truth. I am a force for the Devil to reckon with.

What do I want? I want to radiate God's love to as many people as I can. I want to walk so closely with Jesus, that the peace I experience can not be explained any other way. I want his glory to shine as others follow behind me on this adventure toward eternity.

Where am I going? Step by step I am moving closer to the love of my life. One day I will see him face to face and hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant!"

Remember what the Lord your God did... Deut. 24:9a

Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced. 1 Chron. 16:12

He remembers his covenant forever, the promise he made, for a thousand generations. 1Chron 16:15

Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome... Neh. 4:14b

So, what is the danger in forgetting? What do I do if I have strayed from the straight and narrow?

They refused to listen and failed to remember the miracles you performed among them. They became stiff-necked and in their rebellion appointed a leader in order to return to their slavery. But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. Therefore you did not desert them. Neh. 9:17*

Return to truth. Thank God for his forgiveness provided for you two thousand years ago. Then keep walking through this forgetful forest, repeating who you are, what you want, and where you are going.

Almighty God of love, may we never forget your truth. I pray you will help us to hold onto who we are in you, to be mindful of what you want for us, and to rest in the hope that this forest will one day pass away. What you have for us is a home so full of love we can not begin to comprehend. Amen.


* All scripture referenced from the NIV Bible
** "Dora in Wonderland" by Mary Tillworth

Monday, March 17, 2014

One Day Closer



The wonder of twenty-four
Always forward, flowing
Increments given to me
In amazement I see
One day closer to you

Eternity beckons
Glorious day without end
A secure home awaits
A glimpse of your face
One day closer to you

Tick follows tock
Comes back round again
My future is set
Far from finished yet
One day closer to you

Not only the days
Clarity shines through
My heart aligned above
More filled with your love
One day closer to you

One day nearer in time
One step closer in spirit
Every moment a choice
Today I hear your voice
One day closer to you