There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD.
The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD
Proverbs 21:30-31 (NIV)
Growing up in my relationship with God isn’t like growing up as a human child. The main reason is that my Heavenly Father is the perfect parent. His love is wider and higher and deeper than I can imagine. Opening my heart up to the healing of God’s love is part of growing up. It is accepting that my heart does need healing. It is accepting that I am not the perfect child. It is accepting God’s love ANY WAY! God loves me now with my Imperfections and His healing love helps me to turn away from my sins and walk closer to Him.
That being said, God is pleased with my ‘baby steps’ that move me closer to Him. He rejoices when I desire to spend time with Him talking, reading, and listening. He welcomes me with open arms when I come to worship Him – inside His temple AND outside the temple in everything that I do. When I do my job – my everyday, paid-by-a-company job, to the best of my ability, God is pleased with that. I give a good day’s work for a day’s wage. I set a high standard of integrity and commitment to my profession. God is pleased with His child.
All my ‘victories’ come because of God’s extravagant love and mercy. He is there to lead me through difficult days and nights. He is there to carry me when my steps falter and I even fall. His hand is strong but gentle. His discipline is firm but kind.
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day. We will spend so much time cooking and eating a bounty of God’s blessings. How wonderful to take some time before the feast to thank God for all that He is and all that He does. The food isn’t going to go any where – let us not be in a hurry to pick up the fork and knife! Let us instead take a few extra minutes to just offer God more than a token ‘thank you’. Let the giving thanks come from our hearts. Maybe even a tear or two will fall on our folded hands as we think about how very much we are loved by our Creator, our LORD.
With all my heart I praise you, LORD.
In the presence of angels I sing your praise.
I worship at your holy temple and praise you for your love and your faithfulness.
You were true to your word and made yourself more famous than every before.
When I asked for your help, you answered my prayer and gave me courage…
You, LORD, will always treat me with kindness. Your love never fails.
You have made us what we are.
Don’t give up on us now! Psalm 139:1-3, 8 (CEV)
