Category: goodness

Mercy Sunday


 

The Lord’s my shepherd, I’ll not want.

He makes me down to lie
In pastures green: he leadeth me the quiet waters by.
My soul he doth restore again; and me to walk doth make
Within the paths of righteousness, ev’n for his own name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk in death’s dark vale, yet will I fear none ill:
For thou art with me; and thy rod and staff me comfort still.
My table thou hast furnished in presence of my foes;
My head thou dost with oil anoint, and my cup overflows.
Goodness and mercy all my life shall surely follow me:
And in God’s house for evermore my dwelling-place shall be.

(Psalm 23, Scottish Psalter)

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Posted on by kelrohlf 14

Fruitful: An Abundant Yield

On the ninth day of Christmas my True Love gave to me,
nine gifts for fruiful living.
 

 

 

But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.
(Galatians 5:22,23a The Message)

Posted on by kelrohlf 2

Setting the Table

Advent{ures}: Let’s Go to Bethlehem
 
 
Over the table of the Presence they are to spread a blue cloth and put on it the plates, dishes and bowls, and the jars for drink offerings; the bread that is continually there is to remain on it.
(Numbers 4:7 NIV)
 
 “Active waiting means to be present fully to the moment, in the conviction that something is happening where you are and that you want to be present to it.”  (Henri Nouwen)
 
 
When making bread, you must wait. After combining the ingredients and kneading the dough, (with a food processor or a bread machine or even with your hands) you wait. You wait for the yeast to do its work, growing the dough into a loaf. Then more minutes pass as the oven does its work to finish the bread. Finally, you place the warm bread on the counter savoring the aroma, rummaging for a knife, some butter and jam. The promise of slicing into it and devouring its goodness is realized as it melts into your mouth.

This whole idea of heading to Bethlehem holds promise. I have journeyed there before in my imagination, but for some reason this year, I hope to discover something new. What does this “house of bread” have in store for us? All the familiar allusions to Jesus as the Bread of Life and Our Daily Bread come to mind. And the Old Testament practice of placing bread before God as an offering, what does that mean? Soon we will know, as we continue the journey, more will be placed before us, nourishing our souls.
 
 

As the season of Advent approaches, I sense God setting the table. I imagine Him spreading fresh faith over our hearts, placing plates, dishes, bowls and jugs of delicious fare centered on the best bread ever, the bread of His Presence.
 
Let’s go to Bethlehem to taste and see the Goodness of God.

 

 
Posted on by kelrohlf 2

Goodness

Tuesday’s Pics
 
Many are asking, “Who can show us any good?”
Let the light of your face shine upon us, O Lord.
Psalm 4:6
 

 
When was the last time you saw
the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living?
(See Psalm 27:13)

 
Posted on by kelrohlf 0