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Gold and silver…

I’ve been thinking about earthly riches the last couple of days. The story in Acts 3 was presented at an anniversary concert I attended on Saturday evening. Acts 3:6 (KJV) reads: “Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.”

Then mention was made of a Thomas of Aquinas thought that points out the material wealth of the church with all her gold and silver on display. The thought continues… we can no longer say we don’t have gold or silver, and neither can we say “rise up and walk”. This is a bad explanation of an intriguing thought…. I tried to find a satisfying source for an exact quote, but my pitiful paraphrasing of the idea will have to do!

Seriously though, have you ever thought about this? There is very much a “look at what we have” mentality in the modern day church. (Thomas of Aquinas is not a modern day guy, in case you are not familiar with him.) Some churches and religious organisations do say “look at my gold and silver”. Others say “look at our building and our fine facilities”. And yet, where are the healings and the miracles? I would rather hear about the “look what God has done by His Spirit” stories of healing and restoration, and witness the FULL manifestation of spiritual gifts within our churches. It’s available… but we’re blocked. And it sucks. We’re not operating at full capacity. We’re not functioning as intended.

A song based on Matthew 10:8 (KJV) was sung today at the corps… the scripture verse: “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.” If we give, we will see results. If we hoard, we won’t. If we let the Spirit flow through us, we will see change. If we keep Him for ourselves, we won’t.

That’s what I see… what I’m thinking. And where I am wanting to see change in my own life.

Rushing ahead

Sometimes I have a tendency to rush ahead of my self. Ok, often I have this tendency. Sometimes it can be helpful - it shows me what things I need to do to prepare to reach a certain goal. Other times it can be hopeful - it shows me glimpses of what might possibly be in store that is exciting and enriching to me and to others around me.

But many times, I must admit, I find it can be fraught with worry. One thing I got thinking about late Saturday is how much I lose out on when I worry. I can worry a lot about how to deal with things, or how will I cope if such and such happened. This is an unfortunate habit, especially considering the fact that “the battle is the Lord’s”. (1 Sam. 17:47)

One thing I have noticed looking back is that whenever I find myself in the midst of a trying situation, no matter how emotionally gripping or challenging, no matter how much I would love to feel better or different, the Lord is faithful and has ALWAYS equipped me with what I have needed. It hasn’t mattered if the need has been strength, stability, financial, etc. I have always been more than a conqueror with Christ. That is a good thing.

So, tell me, why sweat the future? The reactions, emotions, challenges, fears, etc. Why would I choose to worry over things that may never happen, aren’t likely to play out the way I anticipate if they were to happen, as well as the things that are inevitable and will eventually happen?

Just some late night ramblings…….

Wanted: Hearts

Wanted, hearts baptized with fire,
Hearts completely cleansed from sin,
Hearts that will go to the mire*,
Hearts that dare do aught** for him;
Hearts that will be firmer, braver,
Hearts like heroes gone before,
Hearts enjoying God’s full favor,
Hearts to love him more and more.

Hearts to hoist the colors bravely,
Hearts to share the hardest fight,
Hearts that know their duty clearly,
Hearts to dare and do the right.

Wanted, hearts that beat true ever,
Hearts that can for others feel,
Hearts that prove the traitor never,
Hearts that will the wounded heal;
Hearts o’erflowing with compassion,
Hearts renewed by grace divine,
Hearts aglow with full salvation,
Hearts to say: Thy will, not mine!

Wanted, hearts like thine, Lord, holy,
Hearts that in thine image shine,
Hearts that turn from sin and folly,
Hearts to know no way but thine;
Hearts that unto thee are given,
Hearts possessed with dying love,
Hearts on earth but filled with Heaven,
Hearts inspired from above.

- by John Lawley
taken from The Salvation Army Songbook, #704

* mire - stretch of swamp/bog; or, a situation of difficulty or distress that is hard to get out of
** aught - anything at all

More timely prayer

Historically speaking, I’ve noticed that these daily email prayers really speak to me at times where I am really searching and seeking God on something. (That does happen to describe right now.) Is that because I notice them more at such times, or because God brings them to my attention, or a combo of both? I guess it really doesn’t matter much any way, but the truth remains that it is definitely timely. Here we go again!

Truly, my prayer on this day

It’s been a while since I’ve done this - and not just because there hasn’t been a dD blog to put it on. These are daily prayers I get in email from “Today God is First” (aka Ephesians 4 ministries). This is it… this is my prayer for this day, this moment, for so many reasons… this is it. I thank Jesus for the words.