You Shine

I was listening to Brian Doerksen this morning:

Why should I fear man,
When You made the heavens?
Why should I be afraid,
When You put the stars in place?
Why should I lose heart,
When I know how great you are?
Why should I give up,
When Your plans are full of love?

In this world we will have trouble,
But You have overcome the world!
You shine,
Brighter than the brightest star!
Your love,
Purer than the purest heart!
You shine,
Filling us with courage and strength
To follow You!
In this world we will have trouble,
But You have overcome the world!

And at what a price! I feel ashamed for every time I have thought of the crucifixion and almost taken it for granted because it is so familiar...

Day 2

Isaiah 30:18 - 22

But God's not finished. He's waiting around to be gracious to you.
He's gathering strength to show mercy to you.
God takes the time to do everything right—everything.
Those who wait around for him are the lucky ones.

Oh yes, people of Zion, citizens of Jerusalem, your time of tears is over. Cry for help and you'll find it's grace and more grace. The moment he hears, he'll answer. Just as the Master kept you alive during the hard times, he'll keep your teacher alive and present among you. Your teacher will be right there, local and on the job, urging you on whenever you wander left or right: "This is the right road. Walk down this road." You'll scrap your expensive and fashionable god-images. You'll throw them in the trash as so much garbage, saying, "Good riddance!"

I was thinking about the comfort there is when you know you are living with a clean conscience, keeping short accounts by apologising quickly, 'walking down the right road', and that sense then of being able to 'hear' God's nudges.

And it struck me also, that 'expensive and fashionable' is actually good - in many ways it seems a waste to 'throw them in the trash' - but God wants us to concentrate on things that better. So, for me, reading books is 'good' - but reading books that point me towards living better - that keep me on the right path - is 'better'.

Words for Lent

I decided for Lent I would focus on a bit from the Bible every day and email it to friends - the idea being that I can't be lazy and get out of it!

I chose this today, after singing a lovely hymn in assembly at school. I was just imagining the mountains 'rocking' to music and the trees - I somehow picture them as tall, slender African women - swaying and clapping their hands in time!

Isaiah 55:12-13 (New International Version)

12 You will go out in joy
and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and hills
will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field
will clap their hands.

13 Instead of the thornbush will grow the pine tree,
and instead of briers the myrtle will grow.
This will be for the LORD's renown,
for an everlasting sign,
which will not be destroyed."

I also liked the idea of beauty growing in the place of destruction, and lasting for ever. A wonderful image of hope.