Not Forgotten

"But Zion said, 'The LORD has forsaken me, the Lord has forgotten me.'

'Can a mother forget the baby at her breast
and have no compassion on the child she has borne?
Though she may forget,
I will not forget you!

See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands...'"

Isaiah 49:14-16

A woman who is expecting a baby lives nine months in eager anticipation. When the baby arrives, most of what she does revolves around it - caring for it, sustaining it, protecting it, loving it.

What a beautiful picture of God's love. Even though a mother may even forget her own child (as unlikely as that would be), God will not forget his children. He loves us so dearly, we are always on his mind.

Just like a little child, we can rest in his care; safe, secure and at peace because he is always near us.

Never is... Never

I've just started a new Bible study on what it means to live in Jesus. How seriously do we take Jesus' words when he said "I will never leave you"? In reality, most of us spend our days questioning that Jesus really is with us at all. I'm working through some scriptures on this topic, and will let you know what I find out.

Simply Love, That is All

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest.

Walk with me and work with me--watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.

Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."

Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message)

God has been teaching and reminding me lately that life is simply about loving Him, every day, with all my heart. In all the busyness and demands of life, I've gotten tired and lost focus at times. But God keeps bringing me back to the central reason I exist: To love Him.

This is a very light burden to carry: Each day, to get up, and to determine in my heart to love the Lord with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. Everything else I need to do will take care of itself as I seek Him, and rely on His grace to get me through each day.

It's so simple, isn't it!

the Wonderful Gazing

The deepest part of my being responds to God.
I find Him, not as an unfamiliar character,
but a One so much better than the nicest things
I have ever seen, felt, heard, and loved.
He Is what the best version of me wants to emulate.
He is not far off, but Near,
not Unlike; but on the other hand,
infinitely more Great
than the greatest parts of myself.

His and my heart lock hands,
because they were Meant to be together.
He needs me not, of course;
but Reached toward me anyway.
I don't ever attain to His limitless Good,
But my life is a Wonderful Gazing
toward His Loving Face,
Small shreds of his Likeness
Being shown in mine.