If I could dine with anyone…well…besides the fam,
I would want to share a meal…with the Blessed Lamb.
The things I’d want to thank Him for, how would I even start?
Could I even speak the love that’s found deep in my heart?
I wouldn’t want a lunch express…fast food of any kind,
I’d want to share the thoughts inside…of all that’s on my mind.
I’d hope the service would be slow…I’d want to drag it out,
Just for me and Jesus…that’s what it’d be about.
First, I’d like to thank Him…for His life that He gave,
So our lives just wouldn’t end with names upon a grave.
I’d thank Him…for opening the lock on Heaven’s gate,
I’d stall for extra time…asking for another plate.
Very soon, He’d catch on…to my little plan,
After all, He knows us…each woman and each man.
Then He’d say, “Relax, my child, I know your every thought,
I want to be here, too…just as you have sought.”
My nerves would calm, He’d take my hand, “What would you like to say?”
“Lord, I thank you for the things…you do for me each day.
Thank you for my legs that work when I get out of bed,
For my eyes that greet the day from my sleepyhead.”
“For giving me a family that loves me through it all,
For answering my prayers, when Your Name I do call.
For our meals, for our home, each sunrise fresh and new,
For our friends, for our health, for freedom, Lord, to love You.”
“For blessings in abundance and the chance for us to share,
With those who may not realize how You deeply care.
For giving us a recipe through Your Holy Word,
Of how to get to Heaven…to reach You and be heard.”
“I can’t believe You gave your life for sinners just like me,
But, I know You love us, Lord, more than we can see.
I thank You for the tiny taste found in a mother’s love,
A day-to-day reminder that love is from above.”
“Thank You for my Mom and Dad whose love is never ceasing,
For my precious husband, each year, my love’s increasing.
For the gift of children…I feel so very blessed,
They bring me peace and joy…more than I could’ve guessed.”
Then, I’d stop and say, “Oh my, how time has flown!
Would you like to talk? I’ve been in my little zone.”
“Yes, my child, please love like me…there is no other way,
Love your friends, your enemies, the least you meet each day.”
“Show everyone a glimpse of what a life with Me can be,
One that’s full of hope…and tranquility.
Share your time and talents…your abundant treasures, too,
You need me just as much, dear one, as I’m in need of you.”
“You are my hands, you are my feet, you are my lips to speak,
Encourage all you meet each day…it’s Me they need to seek.
For hope when things seem hopeless, for love when they’re alone,
For comfort when they’re suffering, use kindness in your tone.”
“Dear Lord, I know you’re busy, I thank You for your time,
Please know this meal’s on me, sir…won’t let you pay a dime.”
“Oh, my daughter, please recall that I have paid for this,
On the cross, remember…betrayed with a kiss.”
Then, before I could respond, He was no longer there,
I looked high and I looked low, but couldn’t find Him anywhere.
Then a voice in my head reminded me to pray,
A way that we can call on Him each and every day.
He is there, He’s all around, He’ll dine with us each day,
Just remember to invite Him on Thanksgiving when you pray.
“Bless this food, Lord, bless this house, while we work and rest,
We saved a seat…for You, Lord…please come and be our guest!”
From Heather’s blog: http://www.sipsofsunshine.blogspot.com/2012/11/a-special-guest.html
Copyright 2013 Heather Spears Kallus. Permission is granted to send this to others, but not for commercial purposes.
THE HUMBLED STATE HONORS GOD!
William Andrew Dillard
THE HUMBLED STATE HONORS GOD!
It is an ironic, but interesting turn of events deserving considerable thought and appreciation. I write about coming to grips with one’s elevated relationship with God in New Covenant discipleship. It is elevation by another that humbles man. Please think with me for a moment.
Natural man, in his hereditarily, sinful condition is most often prideful, in denial of his condemned state, and resistant toward repentance from sin to exercise faith in God. But when he is saved by the grace of God, and embarks on a life of discipleship, he rejoices in his new position as a child of the King, even though he may continue to see himself as low, largely worthless, still plagued by sin, and sometimes rebellious. He may feel this is the proper viewpoint that honors the God of his salvation. Perhaps there is a need to re-examine a couple of things: self imposed humility may not be humility at all, and the highest honor man bestows upon God is to live within the perimeters of His calling while understanding and accepting the position in life that His unspeakable gift brings.
Colossians 2:18 speaks of a voluntary humility while verse 23 speaks of fleshly, will worship and humility. There is such a thing as being proud to be humble, but that is all pride rather than humility. True humility comes through reconciliation of oneself to God. Moreover, if God exalts His obedient children to heights not often considered, then He is honored most by their understanding, acceptance, and proper handling of that exalted state, which excludes fleshly pride.
Just what is this godly exaltation that God’s children may know? First, it is the privilege of being admitted to His Bride through baptism and fellowship in a New Testament church. Secondly, it is occupying the position of mature sons of God who are destined to rule the world with King Jesus at His coming. Thirdly it is being a viable part of the present “Israel of God,” Gal. 6: 16, which is His body, the pillar and ground of the truth, I Timothy 3:15. Additionally, one is exalted to being a god, John 10: 31-36; I Cor. 8:5. Jesus used this very terminology to confound the know-it-all Pharisees about those unto whom the Word of God came, Psalm 82:6. Certainly, the Lord’s church is the recipient of His Word: the faith once delivered to the saints. As gods (little g), they constitute His body, His Bride, His Israel, His representatives and the designated supporters of the truth. Who is it then who could not be humbled by such lofty exaltation? Moreover, who then would not be totally sobered by that responsibility? But more, to the point, who would deny these God-given designations and still claim to honor Him? He is honored in truth, and in our acceptance and obedience of Heaven’s provisions and placements.
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