Jacobs Thoughts and Doings

We keep an eye on what happens in our few milkweed plants. Here the milkweed beetle is eating on the leaf of our milkweed stalk.  I think they live exclusively on milkweed.  In any case I find them beautiful with just the right colors.

And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.”

Revelation 5:9, 10

Under the Old Covenant, if I am not mistaken, priests could not be kings and kings could not be priests.  These offices were distinct.  I find it interesting that this is even reflected in the Jewish tribal structure – priests have their realm of service for God, rulers have theirs as well.   Further, if these two offices function as they should, they will serve the Lord but with different gifts.

Now? After Jesus did his atoning work for all would believe, those who are his will be both priests and kings!  I find this quite outstanding.  Kings reign.  Priests serve.  I think that is the distinction.  Behold, the followers of the Lamb are both, no matter what their culture or tradition.  They are both Kings and priests.  What a calling!  That is what all believers are called to do as they advance the Kingdom in their own lives and in the life of the people of God who love Jesus.

I need to be reminded of this this morning.  I am called to fill a purpose in this amazing Body of Christ.  I am not young and adventurous as I once was, but happy to be with those who are, supporting them with my prayers.  God’s plans are perfect!  He gives us joy in service.

Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Matthew 6:10

This is the lead verse for this morning from Daily Light, my favorite devotional outside of the Bible.  I read it like I usually read things, getting the inflection right, pronouncing correctly, diction perfect.  No problem, I observed all that.  What I did not employ was by far the most important.  What can this verse possibly mean?  Is it for the far-off distance?  Is it real or hopeful and imaginary?  Does it have any meaning for me now?

Jesus speaks of his kingdom, where he reigns supreme.  I have no problem with the fact that Jesus is in heaven, reigning.  In fact, I expect that to be true.  The surprise comes when we read, “as it is on earth.”   Like in heaven.  If so, how is it in heaven, where Jesus reigns supreme?

Now for the huge surprise and the life-changing reality, Jesus’ kingdom is on the earth as well, where we are. He does not just hope that some day this may be the case, but that is for now!  On earth and in heaven!  All Christian witness is based on this reality, that the will of God will be done in heaven and on the earth.  It is the same Jesus!

It is clear, the Kingdom invades the earthly world.  But it was always there in heaven.  So the will of God is that his Kingdom will reign on the earth through the redeeming work of Christ, through his Church, his People. That enables the greater miracle, so to speak, that His Kingdom is established on the earth!

Lord, today let me receive this revealing Word.  If it is true it is astounding.  It is true, my friend, and is truly astounding.  We walk in this Kingdom by the grace of God NOW!  Amen and amen!

I find myself getting simpler, shall I say, in that many things demanded my attention through the years, necessary things.  Now, time and age have led me to be a bit simpler, to allow some trivial things to lie, while concentrating on things eternal.

I must admit that I pay more attention to myself these days than when I was pushing wagonloads of concerns.  My personal concerns have to do mostly with health issues that no doubt go with aging.  They need attention, but not so much!  So, I am learning a new way to live.  It has its challenges, certainly, but rewards also.

One of our dear former missionary mates, Catharine Leatherman, spoke of such changes that she was experiencing.  Now, that is catching up with me.  I need to rethink her advice!

If I am not mistaken, this past year ushered me into a new living situation.  I lost my driver’s license, and many other changes that marked transition.  I am now feeling a bit better so I am revisiting those months when I became old!  To tell the truth, it was not all that bad.  But, I got older, that is for sure, not in age but in orientation.

The medical people did their part.  Thank God for them.

And Anna Ruth is such a help.  She did not pass through that transition year like me. She was and is a solid rock!  Praise God for her with me.  She is golden, that is for sure.  Even though she is over a year older than me, she does not show it.  She is better than ever.

Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

Colossians 3:16

This is Sunday morning, bright and clear, sun shining warmly.  Soon we will be off to Chestnut Hill for our weekly communal worship – with the congregation.  The Lord often speaks to us as we begin our week.  This morning the Word is, “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly.”

Here Paul wrote of the “message of Christ.”  So much is included in this “Message.”  A message is a word to us that sets us free.  Then New Testament is full of the “Message.”  It is a word that comes from the heart of God, not from any other.  It is a message – words or thoughts that come from God himself for our edification. So, this morning as we join our congregation, we look forward to hearing the word of God, clear and compelling as well as comforting.

As each of us experiences the Word in our hearts, then the fellowship will care for one another.  God uses many ways – teachings, admonition, with psalms, hymns and songs from the Spirit – singing to God with gratitude in our hearts.  I need to be open to all that God wishes for me, for Anna Ruth and all with whom we gather this Sunday morning.

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:38, 39

The love of God is mighty, all encompassing, wonderful and eternal.  This is the love that binds us with God Almighty.  It is a most wonderful love because it is completely undeserved, a precious gift, beyond measure, unearned and free.

God loves me with that love that surpasses knowledge, so marvelous. It is a love relationship that nothing can sever because it is God almighty at work.   God welcomes us to himself – he who paid the price for that, and lives in us as the source of all love there is in the world. That love is in Jesus Christ, our Lord.

That connection or relationship that binds me with Jesus Christ is stronger than any other.  It conquers death, demons, time and eternity. In return I experience life, angels, power and unity with God.  Can there be anything greater or more needed!

Lord Jesus, may I thank you every day for this new life that fills my breast, my days, my life.  It is what I grasp with all my might, for you grasp me even harder!

Lilies grow well at our place.  They were here when we bought the property and have blessed us every year with their exuberant beauty.  Almost joyful, in human terms.  I have a soft spot in my heart for this lily.  Thank you, Lord!

Personal Update

July 12, 2019

Anna Ruth is so good!   Good balance.  Good judgement.  Good driver.  Good cook. Good wife and a serious friend!  How I love this dear woman!  So, no matter the state of my health, she is always there, and forever helpful.

Six months ago, I was not at all sure about my health.  I had real problems!  Two car accidents and lethargy of all kinds.  I thought my time had come to slip off to glory.  I see now, that was not what God wanted and I felt slowly that He had more for me.  With the wisdom of the medical people, and lots of prayer, it seems like a door of opportunity has opened and that my place is here.

I think it boils down to my red blood corpuscles.  I am receiving the heaviest dose of medicine for that.  And it seems to be helping.  I pray that the blood treatment will settle me for a while. I am getting a weekly shot of red blood cell booster (my terms.)  I am at rest.  My times are in His hands.

Family and friends are ever more important.  I just want to be there to walk with those who wish to walk with me.

My blog work on the computer is a major outlet, beyond family and friends.  This wee note comes to your eyes through my blog.  I have been blogging for over four years.  If you wish you can check in now and again as you care to.

God is good and full of mercy.  I love and exalt Him above all else.  He is my light, my guide and my great comforter.  I am so pleased to be His now and evermore.

Lord, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps.

Jeremiah 10:23

Now and again I see spiritual things a bit more clearly, like in this amazing verse from the ancient prophet, Jeremiah.  “Your life is not your own.”  That is hard, very hard to accept.  Our culture demands that we make our own way!  Who would believe that the answer to our life’s essential questions have to do with who controls our lives?  There is a huge difference if God owns us or we own ourselves, for whatever that means.

The central fact of the revelation of God is that He is the center and I am his.  That is the order.  He is greater than I, by far.  But through grace I can be there with Him!  Is there a more inclusive, all encompassing promise than that?  I think not.

I am thinking, are things different since Jesus came?  The answer is clear.  NO!  Not for the unbelievers.  They are radically different for those who follow the Lamb. Otherwise all is confusion and fitful striving.

Our age proclaims, “You are the master of your own destiny!”  And our culture understands that very well.  What is the truth?  Just the opposite, “As you give your heart to God you are in His hands.  He is the guide, the essence of your life.”

At age 91 I am beginning to see how radical (but new and authentic) is the invitation to receive Jesus and follow him always.  Lord, give me eyes to see the truth and humility to live in that reality.

Anna Ruth has been making knit caps for infants for a long time.  They are distributed through our church into all the world, it seems.  Anna Ruth can make four of these a day.  She chooses amazing colors, and tops each cap off with a flourish of yarn on the top.  In this way Anna Ruth can supply a need and she enjoys the thought that these caps will be worn by some child in our great world.