Within

"Today I have got out of all trouble, or rather I have cast out all trouble, for it was not outside, but within and in my opinions." The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius

Wise words. Of course, you wouldn't expect a second century Roman Emperor to be filled with the wisdom of God, but valid words, nonetheless.

I wonder how much of our own trouble is from within. Not in the actions of others but in the reactions of ourselves. I'll bet anyone who reads this has certain issues that are gnawing at their peace, even if they won't admit it. That's the problem isn't it? If we would admit it, then we might address those issues. But it's easier to place the blame outside. It's like I was saying Sunday night, change the inside and the outside changes, too. Look within, search your heart and look for the things you're denying. Seek peace. I want it for you.

My thoughts on "Pandemonium"

I thought I'd weigh in on this, too, because it's enlightening. (see Blessed Ministries for more).

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." (John 10:27)

"We are only right when we listen, when we hear." I think Heather's right about that. We aren't capable of guiding ourselves, that is why the Holy Spirit was sent after Jesus ascended. He knew we would need a Helper, a Counselor to lead us. In ancient Palestine, and maybe still, shepherds don't drive their flocks; they lead them. They walk ahead of them. It's not forced, it's voluntary, so to speak. But they follow only one voice, that of the shepherd they know. They will not follow a stranger (John 10:4,5).

So, yeah. We have to listen to hear. But hearing is useless if we don't follow. We have to hear to follow, but only in the following are we fulfilling His wishes. And, again, it's voluntary.

I don't think God is casual about speaking to us. I think He wants us to hear and follow so badly that He sometimes screams.
Maybe that is the pandemonium. Maybe it isn't a bunch of voices trying to have their say. Maybe it's one Voice coming from all different directions, with one message.

"But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come." (John 16:13)

Prayer Request

Last night, I was asked to pray for someone. I usually don't go public but, hey, it's my blog. Heather requested prayer for her Granny Ruth. She is dealing with complications from some treatments and procedures and is not quite herself. I've asked God to lift her spirits and return her to her stubborn self, just like her family needs her to be. She is a one-of-a-kind treasure. So, if you see this, please say a prayer for G.R. Trust me, God will know EXACTLY who you're talking about. Thanks.

Some Assembly Required

I was thinking about God, (I know weird, huh?), and I got an image in my head of a child sitting in the floor with a toy train set. All the pieces are strewn about on the floor around him just waiting to be assembled. He takes the first two pieces and, click, they are together. Click, click. Two more join them, adding to the length of the track. This goes on for awhile until soon there is quite a path assembled, winding and twisting, inclining and declining. Some of the pieces are straight, some have quick bends, others have long, sweeping curves. There are some "S" curves that will momentarily change the direction of the train, only to quickly return it to the same direction. There are some steep grades, there are dark tunnels, shortcuts through the mountains, there are bridges to carry the train across the deep gorges. But all the pieces must be in place. The train can only journey until the next piece is there to fill the gap. If the train jumps off the track, He gently places it back on the track at the spot it derailed. But to complete the trip, all the pieces must be there.

Life. Some assembly required.

Click.