I worked very hard in my career, I sacrificed a lot for it. I worked for the integrity of the product, the company, and my boss. Oh, did I grumble! Now I’ve finally figured out my boss is Jesus. I work for him. It is infinitely more rewarding.

Philippians 2:14-15 - 

Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,

• Philippians 2:14-15 ESV Bible Gateway Link
• Photo: 36 years ago today. It was the ‘80’s, what can I say!

Sometimes great grief washes over me because I never had children. What am I living for anyway? Then I turn to God and he kindly reminds me he has other uses for me.

 Isaiah 54:1 (ESV)

“Sing, O barren one, who did not bear; break forth into singing and cry aloud, you who have not been in labor! For the children of the desolate one will be more than the children of her who is married,” says the Lord.

Isaiah 54:1 Bible Gateway link

Always in peril of kindling my own fire, I’ve lapsed again posting my blog. My spirit for “Vine and Branch” has been refreshed by one of God’s lights in my life, Joanne Kemp. She always relies on God, and not on her own strength. Happy Birthday, Joanne. I love you.

 Isaiah 50:10-11

Who among you fears the Lord

  and obeys the voice of his servant? 

Let him who walks in darkness

 and has no light 

trust in the name of the Lord

 and rely on his God.

Behold, all you who kindle a fire,

 who equip yourselves with burning torches!

Walk by the light of your fire,

 and by the torches that you have kindled!

This you have from my hand:

 you shall lie down in torment.

(Emphasis added)

One of the greatest promises in the greatest book ever. “If you seek him, he will be found by you.”

1Chronicles 28:9
And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind,

for the Lord searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever.

Bible Gateway link: 1 Chronicles 28:9 (ESV)

Jesus simplified the commandments given to Moses to: *“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” and “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” We couldn’t do this perfectly if we tried really, really hard. We CAN test our thoughts, decisions and actions against that simple criteria. With help, we can find riches unimaginable. “Fear not; do not be dismayed.”

1 Chronicles 22:13 

Then you will prosper if you are careful to observe the statutes and the rules that the Lord commanded Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Fear not; do not be dismayed.

Bible Gateway link: 1 Chronicles 22:13 (ESV)

*Bible Gateway link: Matthew 22:37-40

You can be excused from reading the long genealogy of Simeon in First Chronicles, but then you would miss this lovely tribute to the descendants of Ham. Just a little gem in a boring(?) list of names.

1 Chronicles 4:39-40

A broad, quiet and peaceful place in Israel

They journeyed to the entrance of Gedor, to the east side of the valley, to seek pasture for their flocks, where they found rich, good pasture, and the land was very broad, quiet, and peaceful, for the former inhabitants there belonged to Ham.

Bible Gateway link: 1 Chronicles 4:39-40 (ESV)

Sign me up! Not one of us can make it through this without His ‘gentle and lowly heart’ leading us to rest.

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Bible Gateway link: Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV)