Prayers and Thoughts

for Reflection

Lenton Devotional

2007

March 15

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty

Psalm 91:1

Weave in faith and God will find the thread. 

Author Unknown

God will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.
Isaiah 2:3

At first I saw God as my observer, my judge, keeping track of the things I did wrong, so as to know whether I merited heaven or hell when I die. He was out there sort of like a president.

I recognized His picture when I saw it, but I really didn't know Him. But later on, when I met God, it seemed as though life was rather like a bike ride, but it was a tandem bike, and I noticed that God was in the back, helping me pedal.

I don't know when it was that He suggested that we change places, but life has not been the same since.

When I had control, I knew the way.

It was rather boring, but predictable... It was the shortest distance between two points. But when He took the lead, He knew delightful long cuts, up mountains, and through rocky places at breakneck speeds. It was all I could do to hang on!

Even though it looked like madness, He said, "Pedal."

I worried and was anxious and asked, "Where are you taking me?" He laughed and didn't answer, and I started to learn to trust. I forgot my boring life and entered into the adventure. And when I'd say, "I'm scared," He'd lean back and touch my hand.

He took me to people with gifts that I needed, gifts of healing, acceptance and joy. They gave me gifts to take on my journey...and we were off again.

He said, "Give the gifts away; they're extra baggage, too much weight."

So I did, to the people we met, and I found that in giving I received, and still our burden was light.

I did not trust Him, at first, in control of my life. I thought He'd wreck it; but He knows bike secrets, knows how to make it bend to take sharp corners, knows how to jump to clear high rocks, knows how to fly to shorten scary passages.

And I am learning to shut up and pedal in the strangest places, and I'm beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breeze on my face with God as my delightful constant

companion.

And when I'm sure I just can't do anymore, He just smiles and says, "Pedal!"

Author Unknown

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."
Isaiah 30:21

A little faith will bring your soul to heaven, but a lot of faith will bring heaven to your soul. 

Author Unknown

For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.  In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will – to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.  In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.

Ephesians 1:4 – 8

Lord, let me take nothing for granted especially the small and simple things.  Help me to see in all things your creative hand of love.  Help me to find the rainbow in everything that comes my way.  Guide my eyes today to see them. Remind me not to spend time and energy on that which only You know the answer. Your wisdom and mercy are mine, if I will only stop and take the time to ask.  Help me to remember that You will strengthen me to face all difficulties.  Help me to remember that You are greater than any problem I may face. Remind me that there is work for me to do.  Lead me onto paths toward those who need my help. Amen.