Jacobs Thoughts and Doings

New strawberries from Jane and Glenn’s garden.  A wonderful Spring delight.

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

Galatians 5:24, 25

I read this today as my morning Word, with my spiritual eyes wide open!  Paul speaks of those who have crucified the flesh. Is it true that I have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires?  Paul makes that assumption.  It is true that I have turned from this world to serve and love Jesus Christ.  Does God see it that way?  I base all my life on that belief.  That is how I see myself – a thankful servant of Jesus Christ.

If that is so then I live by the Spirit of God who guides my steps with love and forgiveness.

This is the way of the Cross, the way of salvation and hope in Jesus.  I embrace it all over again this morning.  My responsibility is to keep in step with the Spirit.  That is my desire and passion.  As I do that, Jesus enfold me in your loving arms now and ever.

When Dorothy and Jean  (wife of Roy Otto) stopped in on Friday they brought a gift from Roy, maple syrup!  It looks a bit dark on this picture but it is a rich golden color.  I can imagine how long it had to be boiled to get this rich!  We have not yet opened it.  It is precious.  Maybe this week!!  Thanks, Roy.  You are a super hero in my mind, that is for sure.  I would like to think that you boiled it!  I have memories of being in the syrup boiler at the Livingstone place, not far from our place in Johnstown.  Mmmm!

Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.    

Psalm 115:1

Our Daily Light meditation closed, this morning, with this affirmation.  I was taken back a bit when I considered what the Psalmist was saying.  What is the center of my prayers?  To be honest, my prayers tend to be mostly centered around my needs.  I am startled when I see that this is not the substance of the prayers that should be on my lips constantly.  My prayers are a response to God’s love and faithfulness, two virtues that are not my long suit.  I can not produce these virtues, nor even imitate them.  They are in the heart of God.

Love.

Faithfulness.

Lord, increase my desire to make this the center of my prayers.

Yesterday was a special day here.  It was Friday so our noon meal was prepared, as usual, by our dear Anna Ruth.  What made this Friday special was the wonderful visit we had with two of my beloved nieces, daughters of my sister, Erma and her husband John.  They joined us for us for our usual Friday noon.  Here they are!  They are in the area to participate in a wedding.  They stopped in here and blessed us all.

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life.  The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”

John 11:25

John surprises me by including this conversation Jesus had with Martha, a friend he and Jesus both loved.  She is one of the most practical and active followers of Jesus.  So, I am amazed that he revealed to this woman the truth of his being.  He is not just her friend, her teacher and confidant.  No, he is far more than all that, he is the resurrection and the life.  What he revealed about himself is truly amazing.  She, a simple woman, will never die as Jesus states it.

Her answer is more astounding than when Jesus asks her, in that precious moment, if she believes.  Her reply rings in our ears, many years later. “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”

I am impressed with the way Jesus loved and revealed himself to Martha.  We are very privileged to listen in!

Now, dear reader, Jesus asks us the same question.  Do you believe that Jesus rescues believers from death, that is you, and me, today!  Believe!

Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.

2 Corinthians 3:5

We live in a culture that elevates self-confidence and self-determination above all else, at least it seems to be so.  “Stand on your own two feet and assert your rights!”  This is the refrain of our culture.  If we are not careful we can easily get caught up in it.  This attitude is contrary to the example and teaching of our Lord Jesus, God’s Son and servant.

His competence came from God.  That he knew, lived and taught.  He encourages us to be like Him!  Our hope, our confidence, our trust is in HIM.   This does not do away with our responsibilities but gives life meaning and hope.

It is Friday morning, the day when our table is open to family, a special day.  Today it will be a bit more special for we will have two of my nieces, Dorothy and Jean, to join us.  They are coming East to attend a wedding, I think.  In any case, we praise God for family!  Each one.  Welcome nieces!  Anna Ruth has a lovely meal in the making!

Our clematis at our front porch catches the eye, that is for sure.  This beautiful flower is indeed a blessing to me. Thanks, Lord!

Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God…

Romans 1:1

Can I say this about myself?  An apostle?  Set apart for the Gospel?  If Paul can assert this for himself, I am sure that I can as well, even though I am not as prominent as Paul, but beautifully placed, as a disciple of Jesus Christ.

I sometimes think that I was a more helpful to God in the past, than now, in my dotage.  I need not dwell on this thought long before I realize that I must look on things as God does.  He knows my times and seasons better than I do, much better.  Is He not my Lord and Master, dear to Him always?  Did He not create me and enable me all those years?

I find great comfort in knowing that at this stage in my life, God is with me like always!  God is here, always present and always active.  I find eternal comfort in this knowledge!

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

Revelation 21:4

No more tears.

No more death.

No more mourning.

No more crying or pain.

This is a view into our life with Jesus that stretches out before us forever.  Confusion is but for a moment.  The truth dominates all.   We now live in the days of the “former things” that will be replaced by the everlasting blessed life with our Lord.

That promise of Jesus, our Savior, the crucified, risen and reigning Lord stands forever.  Earthly promises fail!  This promise of our God is sure!

Today is the middle of May, the Spring of earthly life.  It reminds us of the everlasting promises of Jesus and of our fruitful life with Him forever.