Thought So!

Oded Who?

You have to read this—2 Chronicles 28.  What a story!  Some prophet named Oded was minding the Lord’s business, and the Lord used him to lead 200,000 captive Israelites from the northern kingdom back to their homes in the southern kingdom.

Not only were they returned, but they received food, drink, clothing, sandals (not the time to ask for Guccis, just wear what you’re given!), and medicines for their wounds.  Were they dreaming?  They knew they were awake as they neared Jericho, and saw family members running toward them (at least I’m assuming that’s what happened—news travels fast, even without cell phones).  Crying, laughing, screaming—imagine the reunion?  I’m sure everyone was awake for hours after that.

And all because one man, Oded, was obedient and courageous.

© Thought So! //To automatically receive these blogs when written, visit Ribtickler and look for the “Free By E-mail” icon.

Universe-ity

“Mom, do you know the passage yet?”

I had (unwisely?) challenged my 17 yr.old daughter to a Scripture memorization “contest”. Of course, before I could say “Where are my glasses?”, she was rattling off the verses. (Meanwhile, I was still finding Isaiah 40:12).

With my memory engine running pretty much on a single cylinder these days, I used the picture method to help me recall the verses.  Though you are spared the agony of viewing my art work, it did cause me to again meditate on how the Lord views us and His creation.

No university for God to learn about judgment or improve His understanding, yet man is ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.  Man lifts his arms to the cities and nations he has built, and yet to God, they are like the drops of water from a bucket as it is raised from a well. Man scrambles to find the end of the universe; to Him, it is less than nothing.  Yet He sent His Son to die for us?     

This is my Father’s world, O let me ne’er forget

That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the Ruler yet.

This is my Father’s world; the battle is not done;

Jesus Who died shall be satisfied, and earth and heaven be one.

                                                                            Maltbie D. Babcock

© Thought So!

//To automatically receive these blogs when written, visit   Ribtickler and look for the “Free By E-mail” icon.

Are You Staying by the Stuff?

Have you ever had to stay behind, or heard these phrases, “you’re too young”, “there’s not enough room”, or “someone has to stay home with the kids” (maybe now you’re “too old” to go…).  Perhaps you’re choosing to stay at home, or are confined there for health, family, or other reasons.

Do you ever feel like some people measure the Lord’s work in miles or kilometers, and you haven’t been out of your own house for a week?  (Believe me, I know that moms can walk for miles in their own homes).  Maybe walking across the street is such a big event that you dress up for the occasion. 

What about feeling guilty that you can’t make it out to church events, or can’t get out to talk to people about the Lord?  Ever wish that you could be with everyone else, making a difference?

Come with me for a minute to 1 Samuel 30:20-25.  These 200 soldiers were drained. (I know they were guys, but stay with me here).There was no way they were going to make it with David on the march to defeat the Amalekites, even to retrieve their imprisoned families and property.  David, after hearing their request for a share of the booty, decreed:

“As his part is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his part be that tarrieth by the stuff; they shall part alike.” 

Just because these men weren’t out in the front lines didn’t mean they would lose out on the reward.  They were as much a part of the army as those who went with David.

The Lord knows of our service to Him, whether it be going out or staying by the stuff. We receive a reward for the part we have done (1 Cor.3:8.9).  And, when He returns, no air-miles needed!

© Thought So!

//To automatically receive these blogs when written, visit   Ribtickler and look for the “Free By E-mail” icon.