MANY

This post was written for Five Minute Friday

Word prompt--MANY  

Five minutes to free write about it

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This week's prompt sent my thoughts scattering in many directions.

I thought of the many tragic events taking place in our nation and around the world, as well as the increasing evil that threatens to engulf us. I thought too about the many personal challenges and disappointments that have been wearing me down of late. 

And then I thought of the many tiny sparks of light shining through the darkness, the reminders that God is in control and at work behind the scenes. The amazing rescue of a newborn infant, still attached to her mother by her umbilical cord, from beneath the rubble of the devastating earthquake in Syria; the fires of revival ignited at Asbury University in Kentucky; to name a few.

On a personal level, even amidst the daily battles, there have been many blessings big and small, as well as many more I take for granted. 

Jigsaw puzzles help me relax and unwind. As I work on putting together the many pieces, I like to think of God as working on a giant puzzle too. 

Unlike me, however, He sees the whole picture from beginning to end. One day, when His plan has been completed, we will see that the many pieces that make no sense now will interlock perfectly, the way He intended.

Somewhere I saw this little prayer that I jotted down, but can't remember the source. I wish I did so I could give them credit. Hopefully they won't mind me sharing it anyway.

Father, even in times of darkness, Your kingdom is 

still advancing. Help us fix our eyes on what You 

are doing, and not just on the surrounding evil.

ACCESS

 

This post was written for Five Minute Friday

Word prompt--ACCESS

Five minutes to free write about it

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The word ACCESS makes me think, with much gratitude, of all the things technology has enabled me to access. Doors opened I never would have dreamed of.  

Livestream, for instance, has made it possible for me to attend live events being held in places all over the world, while Zoom has enabled me to participate in groups composed of friends and family gathered together despite their diverse locations. Who would have thought?

ACCESS also makes me think of what I have access to in the spiritual realm through the blood Jesus shed on the cross to redeem us of our sins. This great gift of salvation opens the door for anyone who receives it to gain access to the Father and to eternal life. 

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God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. -- John 3:17, NLT

Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. -- John 14:6, NLT

so he explained it to them: "I tell you the truith, I am the gate for the sheep. ... Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. -- John 10:7, 9, NLT

Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory. -- Romans 5:1-2, NLT

Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us. -- Ephesians 2:18, NLT

And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven's Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God's house, let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ's blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. -- Hebrews 10:19-22, NLT

So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.-- Hebrews 4:16, NLT

BLIND DATE WITH A BOOK

 

Our local library is a fun place to be.  Themes change according to the seasons, and this month, in honor of Valentine's Day, one of the stacks was set up as a colorful nook where folks could pick out a book to have a blind date with.   

Each book was gift wrapped and tagged with a large heart shaped label on its front stating whether it was for an adult, young adult, or child, and what the topic was.

In the middle of the lobby sits a puzzle table where a giant puzzle is always in progress...

...and on this partcular day there were lions dancing in the children's section as costumed dancers and drummers from the Jow Ga Shaolin martial arts institute performed the traditional Chinese lunar new year lion dance. 

IGNORE

This post was written for Five Minute Friday

Word prompt--IGNORE

Five minutes to free write about it

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I was going to ignore this week's prompt because my mind drew a blank when I saw it. However, it seems the Lord had other plans.

During my quiet time this morning my thoughts refused to be still. They kept ruminating on my feelings of exasperation at not being able to get through to someone I've been praying for who is waging a very real battle against the lies of the enemy, and who keeps ignoring the need to be persistent in her efforts. Scriptures, devotionals, testimonies, have all been ignored when they don't produce instant results. 

And then, the image of a fist with one finger pointing towards her and four pointing back at me popped into mind. Do I not also ignore signs and my better judgment, and keep repeating destructive habits over and over? And yet God does not get exasperated with me. He is patient, and longsuffering, and never gives up on me.

I have not given up on my friend either, and continue to pray for her, but have also released her into God's hands. Neither one of us will have victory over the things that bind us if we try to wage our battle in our own strength. Only the Lord can set us free, and only when we are willing to surrender to Him and trust Him to do what He has promised in His time and in His way.

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Photo by Micaela Parente on Unsplash