Happy 2014!

Something about this little girl's innocent anticipation made me think of the dawning new year.

Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be

In working or in waiting, another year with Thee.

Another year of progress, another year of praise,

Another year of proving Thy presence all the days.

Another year of mercies, of faithfulness and grace,
Another year of gladness in the shining of Thy face;
Another year of leaning upon Thy loving breast;
Another year of trusting, of quiet, happy rest.

Another year of service, of witness for Thy love,
Another year of training for holier work above.
Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
On earth, or else in Heaven, another year for Thee. 

--Frances R. Havergal

I Heard The Bells on Christmas Day

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

I thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along the unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair I bowed my head:
"There is no peace on earth," I said,
"For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men."

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth he sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men."

Till, ringing singing, on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime,
Of peace on earth, good will to men!

--Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, 1867

Picking Nits

On one hand we are called to "be our brother's keeper," willingly and lovingly helping him along life's path.  On the other, Paul warns us against being consumed one of another if we "bite and devour." (Gal. 5:16).

Doesn't it go back just one verse to Gal. 5:15, "For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."

Side by side. Patient. Loving. Helpful.  Any "nit picking" done with the consent and full knowledge of the one being helped.

Wait For It!

I have to infer that the gentleman on the left is the storyteller.  I seem to have caught his friends at three distinct stages of grasping the humor of it all.  Mind you, it was all in Spanish so I was far behind the man in the center.  And I was rather focused on being surreptitious.

Lifelong friends, I fancy.

"A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly" (Prov. 18:24).

Note: feet left in place on behalf of Sydney Eisenmann Parkhe!

Population Density

What are your first thoughts when you see this image?  Sure glad I don't live there?  Charming European city; good to visit but better to leave?

What does God see?

"For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him."  (2 Chr. 16:9).

The whole earth?

Christmas Shopping

Not sure why, but the first thought I had when reviewing this picture from a display at the Madrid bus/train station was "Black Friday!"

Too much has probably been said about the madness of it all so I'll forgo the indulgence here.  When it comes to gifts, though, I was very appreciative of the thoughts shared by a minister this past Sunday.  He said that some of the best gifts he received growing up were when his folks didn't ask for suggestions but just picked out something they thought he'd like.  "We got a lot of miles out of that toboggan," he summarized!

The main point being, we can trust God to give us what we need and then graciously thank Him.

Somewhere in this season of the year, the true meaning is waiting to be discovered afresh.

"For God so loved the world..." (John 3:16).

Clear Channels

The Roman Aqueduct system is fascinating.  This one, feeding the Spanish city of Segovia, rises to three times this height as it reaches the middle of town.  While the architecture and engineering required of this first century construction project is staggering, I'm struck by its function.

Day after day, this silent structure provided clean, fresh water from the source to the need.  It had to be covered or regularly cleaned to provide a "clear channel."

"Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:"  (2 Thess. 3:1).

Thanksgiving

"And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat." (Gen. 1:29)

"Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen." (Rev. 7:12)

(Image from La Boqueria, Barcelona)

Perspective 2

Perspective makes a big difference.  Can you really be sure whether Nelson is above or below me in this frame?  The Proverbs make reference three times to the need for a "multitude of counselors."  I'm thinking the repetition is especially necessary given our tendency not to see--by definition, really--the perspectives of others. 

While we must consider our own vantage point as valid and legitimate in order to function, we can never see it as complete and still find the "safety" Solomon promises.  And further, our plans will be thwarted if we only keep our own counsel.

"Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established." (Prov. 15:22)

Weep for the City?

What's the first thing you think of when you hear the word "city?"  Is it positive?  When I was growing up, there was a huge migration out of the city. It seemed that everyone wanted to live in the suburbs or beyond.  Being a "city slicker" wasn't a kind or endearing label. 

Today's young people seem to look more favorably towards cities.  For whatever reason.

What does God see when He thinks of the city?  We don't have to guess at that.

"And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it," (Luke 19:41)

He wept with desire that the lost of the city would be gathered unto Him.  So I wonder how He wants me to think when I think of the city?