Early yesterday morning, I sat at my desk, feeling fatigued after a restless night, and looked out the window toward the Three Ridges Wilderness Area. Oh, my goodness! I grabbed my phone, ran outside onto the deck, and pointed the camera at this scene. The eastern sunrise over the Rockfish Valley kissed the western Blue Ridge Mountains fire-tipped the clouds with reds, oranges, and pinks, and similarly tinted the sky. My mood shifted toward hope and gratitude. Being watchful and turning toward that magnificent gift changed my heart.
Toward obedience
Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Psalm 119:36 NIV
The message in church yesterday was based on Mark 12:38-44 NIV, the contrast between the arrogant Pharisees versus the widow who gave all she had. The former flaunted both obedience toward the law and greed toward selfish gain. Both-And. Jesus warned his disciples, “They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.” The widows were vulnerable, but the Pharisees’ actions and attitudes toward others made them more so vulnerable to judgment.
Toward salvation
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14 NIV
Listening to the message, my eyes were drawn toward the cross. I remembered how Jesus walked on water toward his disciples and obediently walked toward the vulnerability of the cross. That’s the way I want to go, I thought, pressing on toward the prize, in the direction of salvation. Regardless of sleeplessness or fatigue.
Toward others
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, Romans 15:5 NIV
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:5-6 NIV
As I greeted others before and after the service, I focused my actions on encouragement, especially toward believers made vulnerable due to illness, aging, or family strife. Opening myself toward others’ tribulations makes me vulnerable, but none the more than being guided toward the truth in myself. Most of us would do anything to avoid physical vulnerability, perhaps emotional vulnerability even more so. It takes practice to be vulnerable toward others, and with unbelievers, wisdom to know when to move toward, in the direct of, and how to speak, as regards or in relation to, with grace.
Today, we thank our veterans who unselfishly stepped toward, in the direction of physical danger, especially to those who sacrificed their lives and as regards and in relation toward those who grieve them.
https://fiveminutefriday.com/2024/11/07/fmf-writing-prompt-linkup-toward
What a beautiful grace gift from God. Thank you for sharing your experience and the biblical insights.
Thank you, dear Cindi. Trust you are doing well!
Carole, I love how you tied all this together in a tribute to our heroes(veterans). <3
Blessings,
Annie
Thank you, Annie, and god bless you! -C.D.
I looked toward the truth in me,
turned my focus deep within,
and I did not see bravery,
but a constant need to win
by risking little as I could,
the bettor’s share that I could lose,
not looking for unselfish good,
but making sure I’d always choose
the bet that left me with an out
through which I could just walk away
and not recriminate nor pout,
’cause tomorrow is another day
to play another poker hand
as an invulnerable gambling man.
Thank you – I’ve missed your deeply insightful poetry! -C.D.
This was excellent- love the scriptures and references. Beautiful! ❤️ G
Thank you, Gina, and God bless you! -C.D.
Carole, blessings for sharing this testament. Your theme and selected Scripture remind each of us that we should show humble gratitude toward our Father. As your blessed sunrise reminds us, He is the inspiration behind such moments of peaceful joy.
So good to hear from you, Richard, and thank you! Isn’t it amazing how one word can lead us into The Word?