God’s Message to Our Heart

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Friday, December 18, 2015

God’s Message to Our Hearts

Poor self-esteem? Guilty as charged. Seriously, I used to have a low sense of self-esteem. It’s better now.

But, many people are in this sad and sorry boat. Not feeling good about themselves. Thinking, “Oh, well. What’s the use? I’m no good at this life thing, anyway.”

One small wrinkle in that sad story? God doesn’t work that way. Jesus came to earth especially to let me know that I am God’s beloved child. (And, so are you! Each of us is!)

As Henri Nouwen mentions in today’s Advent reading, “The mystery of this spiritual truth is that you were loved before you were born, and you will be loved after you die . . . Your dwelling in God’s heart is a dwelling from eternity to eternity” [1]

I know God loves me. Not only intellectually, but I know it in my heart, too. Thank You, God.

@chaplaineliza

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Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.   @chaplaineliza And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er

(also published at www.matterofprayer.net

[1] Advent and Christmas: Wisdom from Henri J. M. Nouwen (Linguori, Missouri: Redemptorist Pastoral Publications, 2004), 40.

God, Use Weakness. God, Use Me!

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Tuesday, July 28, 2015

God, Use Weakness. God, Use Me!

God uses the oddest things. Like weakness. God plans on making sure that weakness is prominently represented in every aspect on God’s work in the world. Today. Now.

The month of July is winding down, but we still get to view several great chapters in this book, Praying the New Testament as Psalms. Like this one, for example. The two authors adapted this book from the books of the Bible, and we have several excellent topics to cover before we leave the end of July.

As I consider today’s chapter, I feel so moved by this modern psalm: “Help me to accept my limitations./You choose what is weak to shame the strong.” [1] Wow. Let me say that again. WOW.

Personally, I feel pretty small and very weak. See? God uses me—uses you—and the attributes God wants to convey. I know I am an imperfect person. Still, God uses all of the imperfections in each one of us to get God’s message across. Despite fancy electronics or high tech photos, still, God’s message goes out.

God, bless all those who are struggling to get the message across. It’s Your message. Wherever, Even whenever.

@chaplaineliza

Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.

Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind. @chaplaineliza And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er .

[1] Praying the New Testament as Psalms, Desmond O’Donnell, OMI, and Maureen Mohen, RSM, (United States of America: ACTA Publications, 2002.), 200.

Love One Another. Just Love.

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Friday, April 17, 2015

Love One Another. Just Love.

There is an all-day preschool and kindergarten here at my place of employment. I love watching the children in their activities together. I take the opportunity to read to them once a week, and often interact with them as I walk through the halls. “Hello, Pastor Elizabeth!” they often cry. With shy smiles, and sometimes a hug around the knees. So loving, so spontaneous, so open with their emotions. Such a wonderful feeling!

The liturgical lectionary scripture reading came from 1 John 3 today. Somehow, I got the same sort of feeling from the aged apostle John as I read this passage. Verses 11 through 24. John was giving his friends some instructions, even some admonitions. At the beginning of the section, we are told to love one another. Why? Because of the One who laid down His life for us. That’s why. And following His example, we ought to be willing to lay down our lives for each other.

There is a good deal more in this section of scripture, but I focused particularly on these ideas. Funny thing, John doesn’t say “Love only those with straight, thick hair” or “Love only those who are nearsighted.” (Both of which I have.) John doesn’t say “Love only those who are gregarious extroverts” or “Love only those with mathematical talent” as several of my family members are. No exclusions. None. Period.

John says “For this is the message you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.” (1 John 3:11, NRSV) And again, in chapter 4 :7, we are told “Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.” And the kicker in 4:9—“God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent His only Son into the world so that we might live through Him.”

The aged apostle’s admonition is simple. Not easy! Never easy. But, simple. Simply this: love one another. Love every person. Why? Because of the One who laid down His life for us.

I have been thinking more and more about this very thing. Who would Jesus ignore? Who would Jesus argue with? Even more, who would Jesus fight with? Who would Jesus hate?

If I truly consider myself a follower of Jesus, I need to ask myself those serious, penetrating questions. Am I willing to love everyone, no questions asked? Like Jesus? Am I willing to be open, and generous, and loving, like the preschoolers I see almost every day? Love one another.

Gracious God, help me to try to love each person I meet. Please, God. Help me to communicate Your love and care to everyone, without hesitancy, without prejudice, without special favor. So help me, God. Please. Amen.

@chaplaineliza

Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.

Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.   @chaplaineliza And read #40acts sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er .