Food for the Way

This summer we spent time as a church family studying the Psalms. We called this series “Songs for the Way” and looked at how the Psalms were sung by the Israelites as they waited for God’s kingdom to come, as they looked forward to the Messiah. We also looked at how the Psalms are songs for us because, like the Israelites, we find ourselves waiting...except we know who we’re waiting for.

When it comes to love, none of us are off the hook. Jesus teaches…that this virtue in particular takes top priority; he calls it “the great and first commandment.” Introverted or extroverted, enneagram 2 or 8, we are all commissioned uniquely to love, and enabled to do so through the Spirit.

Joy offers us something that happiness can’t. While happiness keeps us focused on what’s right in front of us, joy lets us pull the camera back and up to get a more complete view of the lines God has drawn for us…without being afraid of what we’re going to see.

Now I’m wondering if I am more of a peacekeeper than a peacemaker.

When it comes to transformation as believers, the work is often so slow that it is imperceptible from our own vantage point.

All good begins with God himself, for God is good. “God is good” was the slogan and refrain of the Israelites and now becomes our refrain. God is good and from his goodness he acts, he gives. This is seen in the first words of the Bible at creation when God makes all things and sees “it was good… it was good… it was good… it was good… it was good… it was good… it was very good.” The world was made from goodness and for goodness.

When Jesus looks at the widow—and truly sees her—he feels compassion…As his heart stirs, Jesus moves, swiftly yet tenderly, to give the widow her heart’s desire...to give her her life back.

Paul is not just telling the Thessalonians how to be faithful. He’s also reminding them of why they are to be faithful because of who they belong to: a God who is faithful and steadfast. A God who keeps his promises, shown most completely in the fulfilled promise of Jesus, His only son, who was always faithful, even unto death. Whose death and resurrection brought them—and us—eternal life.

“Do it immediately, do it with prayer;
Do it reliantly, casting all care;
Do it with reverence, tracing His hand
Who placed it before thee with earnest command.
Stayed on Omnipotence, safe ‘neath His wing,
Leave all results, do the next thing.”

The Spirit’s fruit of self-control allows us to say NO so that we can say YES.