Greetings to you in the name of the Name above all names, the wonderful name of Jesus Christ – THE Risen Saviour! Happy April 1st ! It seems like a good day – no rain, a hint of sunshine, a gentle breeze, and a little coolness in the air – so let us choose to rejoice and find ways to be glad. I will be praying for you today, asking Father to release an extra measure of contentment and hope so that you can ‘push-back’ against the daily challenges of the day.
This morning one of my devotions quoted an interesting verse: The season has changed, the bondage of your barren winter has ended, and the season of hiding is over and gone. The rains have soaked the earth and left it bright with blossoming flowers. – Song of Songs 2:11-12a TPT. Indeed, the season has changed and we are looking for April showers…the first flowers of Spring are already poking their cheery faces out of their hiding places. The season has changed and we find ourselves wondering what this new season is all about.
This would be a good time to ponder on a couple of questions…maybe even journal – if you are a journaller. First, what have learned about God that surprised you? Second, what have learned about yourself that surprised you? Now those two questions might occupy you for little while…might me the start of a autobiography. Then there are three other questions you could consider: first, what am I feeling right now?…second, what do I need right now? …third, what would I love right now or what would give my life more satisfaction?.
One of my other devotions today was about the difference between individual and corporate worship…and it made me think in a new direction. First, I remembered and thanked God for a mentor who said that any spiritual truth should be applied in both directions. So as I read about the two dimensions of worship the old cliche – “I can worship God as an individual without going to church” – came to mind. However,I applied it in the other direction – “Can I really worship God in church if I don’t worship Him as an individual?” The question seemed rather pertinent in these days when we are not able to gather for corporate worship.
I know these are rambling thoughts and I have one more to share with you as we enter this new season. In God’s Word it says this, and I am greatly encouraged: ‘You’re going to look at this place, these empty desolate towns of Judah and streets of Jerusalem, and say, “A waste-land. Unlivable. Not even a dog could live here.” But the time is coming when you’re going to hear laughter and celebration, marriage festivities, people exclaiming, “Thank GOD-of-the Angel-Armies. He’s so good! His love never quits,” as they bring thank offerings into GOD’s Temple. I’ll restore everything that was lost in this land. I’ll make everything as good as new.’ I GOD, say so. – Jeremiah 33:10-11 The Message.
Just some things to think about – be blessed!