Tuesday, January 20, 2009

❄️ “Fresh for Everything” 

We have our first snow today! It is absolutely beautiful. I’m sitting here surrounded by windows, and wherever I look, I see the soft, steady snowfall. As I write, I can hear a gaggle of geese flying toward the small lake nearby, adding to the peaceful ambiance. To top it all off, I have some beautiful worship music playing.

Thank You, Lord, for all of Your wonderful, special, and precious gifts that You lavish on Your children.

Today is Inauguration Day for President Obama—an amazing moment in history. Lord, I know that Your plan is being played out and that all that’s happening in our country is part of Your great, perfect, and wonderful design.

Father, I pray for our new President and his family today and throughout his term. I ask for wisdom, discernment, and protection for everyone in his administration. Your will be done—for Your glory and honor. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Today’s Oswald is one we remember from last year, and it still speaks powerfully to the heart:

January 20 – “Are You Fresh for Everything?”

“In reply Jesus declared, ‘I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.’” — John 3:3

Sometimes we are fresh and eager to attend a prayer meeting, but do we feel that same freshness for such mundane tasks as polishing shoes?

Being born again by the Spirit is an unmistakable work of God, as mysterious as the wind, and as surprising as God Himself. We don't know where it begins --- it is hidden away in the depths of our soul. Being born again from above is an enduring, perpetual, and eternal beginning. It provides a freshness all the time in thinking, talking, and living --- a continual surprise of the life of God. Staleness is an indication that something in our lives is out of step with God. We say to ourselves, "I have to do this thing or it will never get done." That is the first sign of staleness. Do we feel fresh this very moment or are we stale, frantically searching our minds for something to do? Freshness is not the result of obedience; it comes from the Holy Spirit. Obedience keeps us "in the light as He is in the light . . ." (1Jo_1:7).

Jealously guard your relationship with God. Jesus prayed "that they may be one just as We are one" --- with nothing in between (Joh_17:22). Keep your whole life continually open to Jesus Christ. Don't pretend to be open with Him. Are you drawing your life from any source other than God Himself? If you are depending on something else as your source of freshness and strength, you will not realize when His power is gone.

Being born of the Spirit means much more than we usually think. It gives us new vision and keeps us absolutely fresh for everything through the never-ending supply of the life of God.

Father, I pray that I rid myself of anything that I’m relying on other than You and Your Holy Spirit.

Later, I called E and the kids to see what they thought of the snow, and then I called A to see what he was up to. He was enjoying a day off, and C was headed to D.C. to help with the flights coming in for the inauguration. While talking with A, I mentioned what the Lord was doing with me regarding Joshua and told him I wanted him to be part of the “service” whenever that happens. He seemed a little confused but also interested and sensitive to what I was feeling.

Lord, please guide and direct this whole thing. Help me not to “do it myself,” but to wait for You to put it all together in Your perfect timing.

Lately, I’ve felt more pressure in my eye. Whenever I do, I pray and thank the Lord for healing. Last night, my eye looked a little off in color, but I didn’t have my glasses on, so I couldn’t see well. This morning, Tom commented on how red it looked. Since my glaucoma is caused by a sinus fistula, the high blood flow is what’s causing the pressure to increase and the veins to become engorged. The bottom right side looks like a blood vessel may have burst. That can happen under normal circumstances, so I’m praying it will go away and not get worse.

It could be from all the crying I’ve been doing lately. :)
Lord, You are my healer and provider, so I trust in You for all things.

I’m looking forward to spending time with my hubby today and enjoying the beautiful snow. Lord, please keep everyone safe and warm. Amen.