Garden of your heart

"This is the day.....

that THE LORD has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."  Psalms 118:24

What a great reminder that today is a day that the Lord has MADE!  :)  I know many are disappointed over the election and some even fearful.    As I was talking with my husband before he left for work I realized that more than afraid, more than disappointed, I am grieved!  I read through Jeremiah this summer and saw how God over and over and over again called the Israelites to turn from their own ways and seek Him with all their heart!    Over and over again, they followed their own ways.   Therefore, God kept His word (as He always will do) and they were taken into captivity by Babylon. 

 I am studying the book of Daniel (where it describes their captivity)  right now and you know what was so wonderful in the midst of all that?  There were a few men who chose God over all the luxeries of Babylon:  Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (also known as Shadrach, Meshack and Abednego).  Daniel "resolved that he would not defile himself with the king's food, or with the wine that he drank."  Daniel 1:8.  He decided that even though he was living in a place that offered all this worldly stuff, He would not take part.  Instead, He dedicated himself to the Lord.  He lived for the Lord in the midst of the worldy system.   He spoke with respect to the king, yet never defiled himself by living the Babylonian mindset.  He prayed regularly!  He sought the Lord!  He worked hard in the duties given to him. 

So, what does that mean for us who are followers of Christ?   "Do not love the world (the system of rebellion and pride that seeks to displace God and His rule) or the things in the world.  If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  For all that is in the world ---the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possession ---is not from the Father but is from the world.  And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever."  I John 2:15-16    

Our Pastor had a great talk this week on  "In the World or of the World"  from James 4 (we are currently going through the book of James)  If you are interested in listening here is the website http://applevalleychurch.org 

I wanted to share what the Bible says how to live:

"Let love be geniuine.  Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.  Love one another with brotherly affection.  Outdo one another in showing honor.  Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.  Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.  Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitlity.  Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.  Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.  Live in harmony with one another.  Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly.   Never be conceited.  Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.  If possible, so far as it dpeends on you, live peaceably with all.  Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.  To the contrary, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.   Let every person be subject to the governing authorities.  For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been institued by God."    Romans 12:9-13:1

God knew how the election would turn out!    God knows what His purpose is....and it will always prevail!  Let's trust Him and live our lives in obedience to Him that the world will see that Jesus loves them and died for them! 

Untitled Comment

07:59, Wednesday, November 5, 2008 .. Posted by barefootquilter

I wanted to say how I appreciate your post. It was very positive and uplifting. God IS in charge. Let's all keep the faith!