August 11, 2010

When You Look At Your Child, Do You Remember Your
(Or Your Wife’s) Pain Of The Birth?
John 16:21-24 (MSG)

"When a woman gives birth, she has a hard time, there's no getting around it. But when the baby is born, there is joy in the birth. This new life in the world wipes out memory of the pain”

"This is what I want you to do: Ask the Father for whatever is in keeping with the things I've revealed to you. 24 Ask in my name, according to my will, and he'll most certainly give it to you."

"Your joy will be a river overflowing its banks." John 16:21-24(MSG)

Pastor’s Blog

Joy is the anticipation of what God will do. It is found in anticipating God’s future. . . . like a mom anticipating the birth of her child. The pain will have been horrendous (so I ‘m told) but the future wrought through the pain will render the pain insignificant, even wiped out, in comparison. Joy comes from flowing in the river of God’s Spirit, trusting Him, regardless of circumstances or your ability to understand.

The following reflection comes from “God Calling” my wife Kathy’s favorite devotional.

"Understanding will never bring you Peace. That's why I (God) have instructed you to trust in Me, not in your understanding. Humans have a voracious appetite for trying to figure things out, in order to gain a sense of mastery over their lives. But the world presents you with an endless series of problems. As soon as you master one set, another pops up to challenge you. The relief you had anticipated is short-lived. Soon your mind is gearing up again: searching for understanding (mastery), instead of seeking Me (your Master)....My Peace is not an elusive goal, hidden at the center of some complicated maze. Actually, you are always enveloped in Peace, which is inherent in My Presence. As you look to Me, you gain awareness of this precious Peace."

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