In The Spirit... - faith

God's Jobs

noreply@blogspirit.com (Diane) — Wed, 30 Mar 2005 10:05:00 -0700

An eight year old wrote this for his third-grade Sunday school teacher, who asked her students to explain God:

One of God's main jobs is making people. He makes these to put in the place of the ones who die so there will be enough people to take care of things here on earth. He doesn't make grownups, he just makes babies. I think because they are smaller and easier to make. That way he doesn't have to take up his valuable time teaching them to walk and talk. He can just leave that up to the mothers and fathers. I think it works out pretty good.

God's second most important job is listening to prayers. An awful lot of this goes on, 'cause some people, like preachers and things, pray other times besides bedtimes, and Grandpa and Grandma pray every time they eat, except for snacks. God doesn't have time to listen to the radio and watch TV on account of this. 'Cause God hears everything, there must be a terrible lot of noise in his ears unless he has thought of a way to turn it down.

God sees and hears everything and is everywhere, which keeps him pretty busy. So you shouldn't go wasting his time asking for things that aren't important, or go over parents' heads and ask for something they said you couldn't have. It doesn't work anyway.

From A Third Serving of Chicken Soup for the Soul, by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen

HAPPY EASTER!

noreply@blogspirit.com (Diane) — Sun, 27 Mar 2005 09:27:25 -0700

The Legend of Easter Lily

Loveliest flower was I to see,
In the garden of Gethsemane.
My head erect, my pure white face
Such a delight for all to embrace.

For all who entered the garden gate,
I'd boldly lift my head and wait
'Til they gazed upon my beauty fair.
All who came would see me there.

On the night before he was crucified,
Jesus entered. He passed me by.
He wept and prayed in silence there.
All my friends bowed their heads in prayer.

In pity and sorrow they gathered round,
Except for me. I could not be found.
I would not join in. I was much too proud.
Bow my lovely head? No, I would not allow!

News spread quickly, the very next day.
All 'round the garden, I heard everyone say
Jesus was going to be crucified.
Oh, I wanted to run. I wanted to hide!

I'd been much too vain to hang my head low,
That first Good Friday; long, long, ago.
I would not join the others who prayed with our King.
Now, how can I bear such a sorrowful thing?

No longer will I proudly face the sun.
My head will hang lowly, ashamed of what I've done.
My blossom forever will down turned be,
In honor of Jesus; at Gethsemane.

~ Dot McGinnis ~

Theology Thing: How Bright Are You?

noreply@blogspirit.com (Diane) — Thu, 24 Mar 2005 18:55:00 -0700

No, today's TTT is not about intelligence, and there are no IQ tests. So put your pencils away! Instead, I wanted to post about how the world sees us.

Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe (Phil. 2:14-15 NIV)

Umm, the last time that I checked, I wasn't shining like I should. Yes, I am a Christian, and am confident that due to the grace, love and patience of God, one day I will spend eternity with him and all Christians. But I also have my shortcomings. I can be impatient, rude and quick-tempered among other things. I complain, and if you ask my wife, I bet she will admit to you that I argue! Yikes.

So what do I do? I ask Jesus for a continued renewal of strength and for his help when I am weak. He has already given us the ability to withstand temptation, so it's up to me. Thankfully, Jesus is there to pick me up when I fall. But I need to strive to be the best Christian that I can be. As I spend more time in his word and in prayer, I will grow closer to him. James 4:8a says "Come near to God and he will come near to you." In doing so, I will become a brighter shining star to those who are not yet saved.

To think about: What's your brightness level? Do you see room for improvement? Ask Jesus to show you how you can be a better servant of his, and resist temptation when it comes.

8:36 AM by Darryl

Faith Test

noreply@blogspirit.com (Diane) — Thu, 17 Mar 2005 14:20:00 -0700

Make a request in faith having no doubt,
Without regards what Heaven is about;
For doubt is like the waves of the sea,
Troubled by driving wind as you flee.

Be not bothered as thoughts are stored,
For you will get anything from the Lord;
Even with a division within your mind,
Walk in your faith as if you were blind.

So even in a low position just be glad,
In being lifted up rather than being sad;
A wealthy man can easily be made low,
Just as the flower at the end of his show.

For the sun comes up in its burning heat,
As grass becomes dry beneath your feet;
And grace is gone from a falling flower,
Pleading for a soaking summer shower.

A wealthy man has nothing in his ways,
As he suffers and withers in a hot blaze;
A blessing to whoever undergoes a test,
When God has seen you done their best.

by Richard Newton Sherrer