More Soul Care

This year I've been reading a devotional, "At His [Jesus] Feet," by Tiegreen. I've been so challenged and encouraged to look daily at Jesus! I purposely took an aside from my two long-time "friends," My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers and Daily Light on the Daily Path compiled by Samuel Bagster. However, I recently read an article that took me back to "My Utmost" and was again struck by its timeliness, and the Holy Spirit's Sovereign "nudging at my soul. . ."

The following is an excerpt from Oswald Chamber's classic devotional, dated May 15:

God is the Master Engineer; He allows the difficulties to come in order to see if you can vault over them properly - "By my God have I leaped over a wall." (see Psalm 18:29)

God will never shield you from any of the requirements of a son or daughter of His.

Peter says - "Think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you."

(see 1 Peter 4:12-13)

Rise to the occasion; do the thing. It does not matter how it hurts as long as it gives God the chance to manifest Himself in your mortal flesh.

May God not find the whine in us any more, but may He find us full of spiritual pluck and athleticism, ready to face anything He brings.

We have to exercise ourselves in order that the Son of God may be manifested

in our mortal flesh.

God never has museums. The only aim of the life is that the Son of God may be manifested,

and all dictation to God vanishes.

Our Lord never dictated to His Father, and we are not here to dictate to God; we are here to submit to His will so that He may work through us what He wants. (emphasis mine)

When we realize this, He will make us broken bread and poured out wine

to feed and nourish others.

I don't want the reputation for being a "spiritual whiner." Actually, isn't that pretty embarrassing for a "mature" person? Now, please understand, that by no means implies that we don't take our hurts, our frustrations, our sorrows to God. As a parent, I want to know when my child hurts. . .and my "baby" is almost 22 years old and married! However, unending "poor me, I'm so miserable" litanies would get old and, frankly, annoying. She's an adult; she has the Holy Spirit indwelling her; she has options.

I have the Holy Spirit indwelling me; I have God's Word at any time I choose to read. I have so much more than so many in this world have. I want to be that vessel that manifests Christ, and points the world to the Eternal God.

The reason for the title "More Soul Care" is this is actually a continuation of the previous post. Reminding my soul that the Christian life is never promised to be a life of ease and no effort actually does bring "light to my eyes. . ." Knowing that I am here for a divine purpose and that my God will be with me always is about as ". . .unfailing love. . ." as it gets.

This is Memorial Day weekend, and Monday is the official remembrance of all those soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines who have paid the ultimate price for our national freedom. Shouldn't every day be a "memorial day" to remember the One who paid the ultimate, eternal price for our eternal freedom?

May God be glorified in your life and mine.

P.S. Mom sends a special "thank you" to Diana in Kyrghystan; Charlie and Seth in Iraq. My prayers are constant for you. . .