It’s been awhile since I wrote in my journal.
I began the day reading the Bible and my heart leapt as it opened on my lap — an old friend. It has begun to show wear and I must be gentler with it now. The feel of it in my hands has become personal to me. The smell of leather a soothing one.
There was a time not long ago when I believed only the New Testament was worthwhile — that the stories before Christ were superseded by Christ and not relevant to me. What a blunder.
Admittedly, the Old Testament is harder for me to read and I struggle with it sometimes — especially the genealogies and names.
But the stories brings God into focus for me, and add another dimension to my relationship with Him. Another level of respect and understanding.
The Old Testament presents a loving but wrathful God, less approachable without the Christ. But it also presents an unfulfilled love story, for God loves us and gives us so much — and expects so little in return. Yet time and time again, people withhold their love from Him and turn to idols to worship. I suppose I have withheld my love from Him at times too, and for that I have deep sadness.
I read today in the Old Testament that the other gods people worshipped at that time instead of God were demons: “For the Lord is great and should be highly praised; He is to be held in awe above all gods. The other so-called gods are demons, But the Lord made the heavens.” (1 Chronicles 16:25-26) And perhaps, that is true today as well. There are things I don’t know and this is one of them.
But what I do know is God still asks for our praise and our love, and that it is not too much to ask considering He is the source of everything good.
So this morning I begin the day with gratitude and love for my Heavenly Father. And blessed that despite all my shortcomings, He has shown me the way Home through Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Photo by Stephen Rees
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