July 2013 - Page 3 of 5 - Daily Thoughts about God

by Terry Stead

Isn’t our memory an amazing thing? I am at an age now where I am finding it very hard to remember people’s names, or words to poems, in fact I forget most things. But one of the things I do remember is a line a poem by Dorothy Frances Gurney “You’re closer to God’s heart in the garden than any place else on earth.” It is a poem that my mother used to recite to me over and over as she showed me the beauty and intricacies of a beautiful rose or delphinium or other flower, which she loved.

Although we don’t have to be in a garden to feel close to God, it is a marvellous place to praise our Creator. We can marvel at the beautiful colours of the flowers, of the leaves of each plant, and yes, even the weeds that grow so abundantly. We can thank God that we are surrounded by so many beautiful things upon which to gaze and also thank him for the perfumes that waft to us through the air. All these things should make our hearts sing in praise.

Sometimes, though, I think that we are all so busy focusing our eyes on where we are going or what we are doing that we sometimes miss all this beauty. Take some time out over the next few weeks to really see what is around you and give thanks and praise to our wonderful Creator. You may wish to use a simple one sentence prayer like this.

Prayer:

We marvel at your creation, Lord, and ask that you accept our praise and our thanks.

John 1:3
“Through him God made all things; not one thing in all creation was made without him.”

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2013/07/18/ts_gardens/

by Alec Niemi

“The chief priests accused him of many things. So again Pilate asked him, “Aren’t you going to answer? See how many things they are accusing you of.” But Jesus still made no reply, and Pilate was amazed.”
Mark 15:3-5

Have you ever been amazed at God for not answering? Maybe it is because the ‘ask’ is for the wrong reason. And perhaps, as with the chief priests who obviously had a wrong spirit, it is with wrong motives.

“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” John 15:7

With a submissive heart and a right spirit we are able to ask God for something to be done because we are then listening to the prompting of the Holy Spirit who directs us to the right ask.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10

The result of our ‘ask’ should be abiding fruit.

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.” John 15:16

My prayer for us this week

“Heavenly Father, we stand amazed in your presence. Amazed that you would give us a clean heart and a right spirit if we should but ask. We know that you chose us and appointed us and that too is amazing. We submit to you. Please cleanse our hearts and give us a right spirit so that when we encounter divine appointments they might bear fruit that is glorifying to you. In Jesus name amen.”

Have a great week

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2013/07/17/an_amazed/

Month: <span>July 2013</span>

Gardens

Amazed