Archive for August, 2009

Do you long for a closer relationship with Jesus? Are you uncertain, as was I, over how to look at Jesus (Hebrews 3:1 and 12:2). After all we can’t see Him and we are often cautioned not to rely on feelings, so how do we “look” at Him?

I pondered this many times, not really knowing how to do this. Then I thought of the fact that we know a person by their characteristics. I have one sister whose trade mark is kindness, even to the extent of buying clothes for the indigent children in her classroom.  Another sister is very thoughtful and always ready to help any one who needs a lift in life. My brother is an energetic fireball full of energy to use in behalf of those in his life. If we as humans know each other by our attributes how much more so can we know Jesus by His?

I searched Scripture to identify the characteristics of Jesus the Son separate from those of God the Father. Of course some are the same but many are unique to Jesus

My findings yielded a great reward in my prayer time as I felt more connected to Jesus. I have come into a much closer relationship with Him than I had previously experienced. I am learning how to focus my eyes on Him.

Most of us like to hear our name spoken affectionately. We certainly all love compliments. Our Savior also takes joy in hearing His name and His wonderful attributes acknowledged. I have started to praise Him in my prayer time by recognizing some of His characteristics

“They who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you” (Psalm 9:10). I did find my trust and faith being built up as I reflected upon and proclaimed the wonderful facets of Jesus. To do so reminds me of the beauty of a diamond projecting facets of light as it is viewed from different angles.

I read the Scripture which describes an aspect of Jesus, reflect on it, and then proclaim aloud the attribute as I thank Him for it. Here are some examples of the numerous qualities I found in Scripture.

Jesus, I thank you that you are the door of salvation. What an inviting picture of Jesus standing in the opening through which we are privileged to enter. At our homes people only enter through the door when they are invited in. The invitation is always open at Jesus’ door.

Jesus, you are a sure foundation. We all are aware of the importance of a good foundation for a physical structure. The foundation upon which we build our lives is even more critical. The Bible talks about the man who builds on the sand as opposed to the one who builds on a rock.  Jesus offers that sure foundation.  He is the firm rock beneath us as we weather the storms of life.

Jesus, I thank you that you are the living water. You said that whoever drinks of that living water will never thirst again. You also told us that living water would flow out of us to those around us. I meet thirsty people every day in my life.  Many are not aware of what that spiritual thirst is nor do they know where to go for a drink.

Lord, I thank you I am learning to look at Jesus through His attributes.

© Peggy Park 2008

I can not claim authorship of the following. I have no idea where I found it some time ago but I wanted you to have the benefit of this excellent check list in light of my previous blog on peace.

1.  Tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than from fear.

2.  An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment

3.  Loss of interest in judging self and others

4.  Loss if interest in conflict

5.  Loss of interest in interpreting actions of others

6.  Loss of tendency to worry and have overwhelming episodes of apprehension

7.  Increasing ability to receive love extended by others as well as the

grace to extend unconditional love to others

8.  Increasing tendency to let things happen rather than trying to manage and control situations and people.

9.  Joy in our inner person.

© Peggy Park 2008

“Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be called a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine.” Exodus 19:5

The dictionary defines treasure as something of great value and worth and something that we cherish. What are your treasures? Do you have a collection of some sort, a favorite piece of jewelry or memento that has been handed down in your family, or some object that you hold dear?

The objects I am referring to are tangible in that we can see them. Let us consider how we take care of our special treasures.

1.  We certainly protect them.
2.  We keep them clean perhaps by dusting them if appropriate.
3.  We keep them in a secure place.
4.  We may take them out and look at them often.

Now I invite you to consider the treasures that probably mean the most to us. They are not tangible in that we can not see them.

1.  Words. My daughter said that words can be the greatest treasure and I agree. Words of comfort, words of friendship, and admiration can all contain nuggets of treasures. There are many words in Scripture that speak of God’s care for, and of, us.
2.  Love. The love we carry in our hearts for others, as well as the love others have for us, is a special treasure. Intermingled with this love are the relationships and friendships we share with others. God’s word is full of His love for us.
3.  Memories.  We love to reflect on happy, fun, uplifting memories. God’s Word encourages us to remember His workings in our lives as this builds faith in Him.

The words of this Scripture were spoken to the children of Israel, but we can lay hold of this promise because as Gentile believers we are grafted in. Note that the promises if for those who obey His voice (His Word) and keep covenant.

Now let us draw a comparison to the way we treat our treasures with the way God treats His.

1.  He protects his treasure. Psalm 144:2 states he is a shield for us- that is He protects us.

2.  He keeps us clean with our permission. I John 1:9 tells us we are to confess our sins and then we are forgiven – clean.

3.  We are secure. Hebrews 13:5 assures us He will never leave us nor forsake us.

4.  His eye is on us as Matthew 10:30 tells us even the hairs of our head are numbered.

Is there any one of us who does not long to be called God’s special treasure? What an exciting promise.

© Peggy Park
8/2/2009

Recently, while on a trip, the shuttle bus driver shared a thought that really impressed me. Obviously he is a strong Christian.  He said he has learned not to fear the storms of life that come across his path as he knows there will be a great breakthrough spiritually when the storm passes.

His words caused me to think about a storm in the natural.  When the rains pour down upon the earth and there is a torrent of rain it sometimes seems like the storm will never be over. Then eventually the rain does stop and the sun comes out. I just love the smell of the air. It is so fresh as we fill our lungs with deep breaths.

It is the same with the storms of life.  They seem to beat down on us while they are raging, but, oh the joy when the storm is over.  The fresh look at life and the wonderful free air we breathe are so refreshing.

I am not spiritually mature enough to actually welcome the storms as the bus driver said he can do but I can approach them with a more neutral stance. I do have faith to know the Lord will see me through. I will be able to look back and see how He has used the water to purify me and wash out a little more of the flesh that seems ever ready to have its own way.  Following this the atmosphere around me will be much cleaner.

© Peggy Park
8/3/2009