La Dolce Vita

"How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth" (Psalm 119:103)!

Awaken from my slumber by a lawnmower's motor I mistook for a speedboat, I draw back the curtains and find no water in sight. I'm home this Labor Day weekend vacationing in my heart while my body recovers from a grueling work week. My husband sleeps peacefully beside me after his 13-hour night shift duty. As the warm sun streams in turning the night into day, I gaze out on our backyard gardens realizing there's no where else I'd rather be. Who needs a vacation when I'm already living what Italians call "la dolce vita", the sweet life?!

Reading God's Word and relishing my morning tea I'm filled with peace and contentment in the Scriptures. I have more than I need in this earthly life as I take inventory of my possessions. My cupboard is full and food is easy to grasp which humbles me in remembrance of those less fortunate. The Father has provided many human blessings for us to share with others, but the greatest treasure we have is our life in Christ. The Gospel is worth more than our bank account; it's the gift of eternal life for those who possess new life by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

Culinary delights are wonderful, we need to eat to sustain our bodies. But all that I have in this life would ring hollow if not enjoyed with a loving heart transformed by the Holy Spirit. In all seasons of life it is God's Word that binds me to Him, and the reality that all I see before me on earth will one day perish. How do you deal with the certainty of death with an attitude of hopeful anticipation of eternity? By resting in the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice and not on the inadequacies of your on rituals and deeds.

While time will erode the lovely gardens surrounding my house God's Word stands forever. It is the only thing that will last! Holding the Scriptures in my mind and my heart I am filled in my soul; more satisfied than anything I could put in my mouth. "I have not departed from the command of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food" (Job 23:12).

As you enjoy a respite from work with family and friends this Labor Day, may you feast on the words of the only Living God and find your joy complete. "How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth" (Psalm 119:103)!

Your fellow herald for Jesus,

Mary  

What We Celebrate

"In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it" (Isaiah 30:15).

Asked what top three things America values most was all too easy for me to answer--food, fame and fortune. Sadly, this pompous display of overeating, overspending and overindulgence has become the national symbol of holidays in our country.While I'm a huge fan of gathering with family and friends to share God's bounty and love I, too, struggle against the spirit that is attempting to hijack the season from it's rightful place. It's not a "thing" or a "day" that we are to celebrate, but a Person--Jesus our Redeemer.

How did we stray so far as a nation that many no longer realize Thanksgiving is a day to give God thanks for all He has blessed us with? It probably started slowly like any sinful rebellion that builds over time. It's Satan's oldest tactic. If he can get your mind off of God and onto yourself you are fair game for the spirit of this age to deceive you. When your belly is full, your houses overflowing with possessions, and your career is profitable and successful you're tempted to elevate yourself above God. Pride in yourself replaces praise offered to God. 

Why is this time of year so stressful for our country? Because we have sought after earthly things that deplete us believing their attainment will complete us. You cannot buy peace with God through your good deeds. Heaven doesn't hold holiday sales. The free gift of eternal life is available everyday. This is good news, something to be truly thankful for! Have you accepted this incredible priceless gift through faith and trust in Jesus who died to set you free from hell? If not, how long will you persist in your obstinate ways? What will you be celebrating this Thanksgiving? Your achievements or His greatness? "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it" (Isaiah 30:15).

Your fellow herald for Jesus,

Mary