Time
Reflections by the Sea © Betsy Ore Glass
March 27, 2008
And God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years, -Genesis 1:14 NIV
This is the time of year that summons us outdoors. There are gardens to plow, seeds to sow, flowers to mulch and lawns to mow. There have even been a few days nice enough to walk the beach without a coat. The sound of children riding bicycles, dogs barking and the smell of the first cookout of the season will soon be in the air. We are coming up on a busy season and time runs short occasionally. The recent time change from Eastern to Daylight Savings Time has thrown me off balance a bit. But in a few more days, all will be well only to have to adapt again in the fall when our clocks go back an hour. Time is a precious commodity. It has been measured by shadows, sundials, hourglasses and ticking clocks. Some days we often lament that we don’t have enough time in each day and other days, particularly when we are looking forward to an event, the time seems to inch by slowly. We caution children not to “rush” time. We follow by saying that when they are older, time will seem to rush by at lightening speed when they will wish it could slow down. Most of us have an order to our day. We mark time by our chores, responsibilities and to–do lists. Some days we wake up in the morning and we “hit the floor running” and other times it is a chore to get our “motors started”. We are all unique and different, but what we all have in common is we each only have 24 hours a day…no more, no less. God says to make Him first. Plain and Simple. In my own experience, if I don’t sit down and fellowship with Him first thing with my cup of coffee, the day gets away from me. The phone rings, there is a knock at the door, errands have to be run and family things need tending to. I always run out of energy early, not able to complete my chores and end the day feeling unaccomplished. On the other hand, when I do make Him my priority, I receive a Peace that follows me into the night. We never know what each day will bring, but one thing is for sure. I would much rather pray for Godly Protection for me and my family first thing in the morning, than at the end of the day! God gives us the freedom to have free will. Are we willing to make time for God each day?
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Thursday, March 20, 2008
New Life
Reflections by the Sea © Betsy Ore Glass
March 20, 2008
Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies. -John 11:25 NIV
The seasons of Easter and spring go hand in hand. Both symbolize new life. Trees are budding with new life and the bulbs are poking their heads out of the winter earth seeking the sun’s warmth. Easter comes early this year. Some have said that it is interesting to observe which comes first….the first day of spring or the first spring day! The calendar says that March 20th was the first day of spring, but someone will have to let Mother Nature know, as winter seems reluctant to make its departure.
Easter is a time for renewal. A new beginning. A fresh start. The story of the Resurrection gives us hope and the promise of everlasting life. (Matt. 28; Mark 16; Luke 24) One definition for resurrection is revival. We have heard the phrase, “spring cleaning” and perhaps we can apply it to our lives as well. Cast out the sins and ways of the world that don’t serve us well and adopt new approaches and ways to live a godly life. Make life changing decisions that opens the door to a daily relationship with God. Have a new heart for service by doing for others. Develop new habits that keep our bodies healthy and our minds clear. But first, we must believe with our whole hearts that Jesus came so that we would have abundant life. (John 10:10) We just have to make Him first. Being a “Believer” is so much more than going to church on Sunday. It is being open to fellowshipping with God daily. To go to Him for everything. To believe that what we have asked for in prayer, we have received. Living in hope, with expectant faith is the way. He gave us His Precious Son, Jesus so that we could have eternal life (John 3:16). Be revived, renewed and refreshed! It is the season for new life!
Reflections by the Sea © Betsy Ore Glass
March 20, 2008
Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies. -John 11:25 NIV
The seasons of Easter and spring go hand in hand. Both symbolize new life. Trees are budding with new life and the bulbs are poking their heads out of the winter earth seeking the sun’s warmth. Easter comes early this year. Some have said that it is interesting to observe which comes first….the first day of spring or the first spring day! The calendar says that March 20th was the first day of spring, but someone will have to let Mother Nature know, as winter seems reluctant to make its departure.
Easter is a time for renewal. A new beginning. A fresh start. The story of the Resurrection gives us hope and the promise of everlasting life. (Matt. 28; Mark 16; Luke 24) One definition for resurrection is revival. We have heard the phrase, “spring cleaning” and perhaps we can apply it to our lives as well. Cast out the sins and ways of the world that don’t serve us well and adopt new approaches and ways to live a godly life. Make life changing decisions that opens the door to a daily relationship with God. Have a new heart for service by doing for others. Develop new habits that keep our bodies healthy and our minds clear. But first, we must believe with our whole hearts that Jesus came so that we would have abundant life. (John 10:10) We just have to make Him first. Being a “Believer” is so much more than going to church on Sunday. It is being open to fellowshipping with God daily. To go to Him for everything. To believe that what we have asked for in prayer, we have received. Living in hope, with expectant faith is the way. He gave us His Precious Son, Jesus so that we could have eternal life (John 3:16). Be revived, renewed and refreshed! It is the season for new life!
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Peace
Reflections by the Sea © Betsy Ore Glass
March 13, 2008
They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! "Blessed is the King of Israel!" –John 12:13 NIV
Living in peace is what we should strive for. Just look at the ocean. Some days there is little movement, almost glassy-like. Calm and quiet as though the ocean is taking a day off to rest. Other times, it seems so angry, ready to overtake anything. White foam, tall waves, swells of water swirling in all directions. Then there are the days when the waves are rhythmic and slow. Steady and predictable. The ocean is at peace, doing its job, not being adversely affected by weather or temperature. I can relate to this, can you? I am learning the importance of living in peace. If it is in our control to make peace and live in peace, we should do it.
Jesus was one that spoke and acted in peace and love. As we approach Palm Sunday, it is important to understand the significance of that day many years ago. Jesus entered into Jerusalem to celebrate Passover. He came riding on a donkey. The symbolism of that donkey represented Jesus’ peaceful intentions. Palm branches were cast onto the street by the many people who lined each side as they shouted, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord”. He was acknowledged as the long-awaited Messiah. The palm branches signified that his arrival was a triumph, a victory. In many churches today, palm branches are still symbolically used during Palm Sunday services. Let Palm Sunday mark the beginning of seeking peace and coming together with others with peaceful intentions. This approach to Holy Week is a time for reflection. Jesus showed us by example many years ago and God will make a way today, if our heart is pure with the intention of seeking peace, in all our ways.
Reflections by the Sea © Betsy Ore Glass
March 13, 2008
They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! "Blessed is the King of Israel!" –John 12:13 NIV
Living in peace is what we should strive for. Just look at the ocean. Some days there is little movement, almost glassy-like. Calm and quiet as though the ocean is taking a day off to rest. Other times, it seems so angry, ready to overtake anything. White foam, tall waves, swells of water swirling in all directions. Then there are the days when the waves are rhythmic and slow. Steady and predictable. The ocean is at peace, doing its job, not being adversely affected by weather or temperature. I can relate to this, can you? I am learning the importance of living in peace. If it is in our control to make peace and live in peace, we should do it.
Jesus was one that spoke and acted in peace and love. As we approach Palm Sunday, it is important to understand the significance of that day many years ago. Jesus entered into Jerusalem to celebrate Passover. He came riding on a donkey. The symbolism of that donkey represented Jesus’ peaceful intentions. Palm branches were cast onto the street by the many people who lined each side as they shouted, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord”. He was acknowledged as the long-awaited Messiah. The palm branches signified that his arrival was a triumph, a victory. In many churches today, palm branches are still symbolically used during Palm Sunday services. Let Palm Sunday mark the beginning of seeking peace and coming together with others with peaceful intentions. This approach to Holy Week is a time for reflection. Jesus showed us by example many years ago and God will make a way today, if our heart is pure with the intention of seeking peace, in all our ways.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Forward
Reflections by the Sea © Betsy Ore Glass
March 06, 2008
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. -Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Taking a boat ride is a thrill for me. My nautical expertise is somewhat limited, so I am dependent on a knowledgeable captain to steer us in the right direction and keep us safe. Learning all the boating terms is quite a challenge and as for tying knots, well, I will have to leave that to the more experienced boater. Spending an afternoon on the boat enjoying the breezes, the warmth of the sun and the occasional spray from the water adds to the moment. Instead of looking forward to where we are going, I find that I prefer looking back at the churning waters left behind in the boat’s wake. Today we are talking about which direction we are facing. If we are describing it in boating terminology, it would be forward or aft. We have many choices that help to shape our future and the future can be altered if we persist in living in the past. Looking back at “what should have been” or “what could have been” is not productive. We can’t look forward and back at the same time. It’s impossible. Our destiny is in front of us and it requires 100% of our concentration. Living in remorse takes up precious time. However, we shouldn’t confuse this with remembering old times with fondness and melancholy, which can be refreshment to our spirit. There is no payoff in focusing on what we have left in our wake. Release the past today. Pray for His mercy to let it go. Rather, the reward lies with God who is leading us forward to the great plan He has for us.
Reflections by the Sea © Betsy Ore Glass
March 06, 2008
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. -Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Taking a boat ride is a thrill for me. My nautical expertise is somewhat limited, so I am dependent on a knowledgeable captain to steer us in the right direction and keep us safe. Learning all the boating terms is quite a challenge and as for tying knots, well, I will have to leave that to the more experienced boater. Spending an afternoon on the boat enjoying the breezes, the warmth of the sun and the occasional spray from the water adds to the moment. Instead of looking forward to where we are going, I find that I prefer looking back at the churning waters left behind in the boat’s wake. Today we are talking about which direction we are facing. If we are describing it in boating terminology, it would be forward or aft. We have many choices that help to shape our future and the future can be altered if we persist in living in the past. Looking back at “what should have been” or “what could have been” is not productive. We can’t look forward and back at the same time. It’s impossible. Our destiny is in front of us and it requires 100% of our concentration. Living in remorse takes up precious time. However, we shouldn’t confuse this with remembering old times with fondness and melancholy, which can be refreshment to our spirit. There is no payoff in focusing on what we have left in our wake. Release the past today. Pray for His mercy to let it go. Rather, the reward lies with God who is leading us forward to the great plan He has for us.
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