Hope Lives

Hope Lives

Reflections by the Sea © Betsy Glass
March 28, 2013

I am the Resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. And whoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. John 11.:25 What does the cross mean to you? For many of us it is a symbol of our faith. Jesus died on the cross and while it brings to mind Jesus’ suffering, the Resurrection three days later gives us hope eternal. Because Jesus rose again, which shines the light on God’s Promise for Eternal Life we know there is more than this earthly life that awaits us. I am counting on God’s Promise that as believers we shall never die, but live with Him in eternity. A favorite old Easter hymn is called “He Lives” and part of the chorus says this: He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today! He walks with me and He talks with me Along life's narrow way. He lives, He lives, salvation to impart! You ask me how I know He lives: He lives within my heart. Martin Luther is quoted as saying that “Our Lord has written the promise of the resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in spring time.” How true. Each budding tree or bush we see now in our surroundings is showing us new life. It gives hope and meaning to new beginnings. Let’s go forward with renewed faith this Easter and seek God in a higher way. God doesn’t want us to just be satisfied with just our Salvation. There is so much more He can do through us if we are willing to let Him. It doesn’t matter what happened yesterday. We can have a new beginning today. A fresh start. A new life. We have everything within us, on the inside of us, to start anew. God believes in us and wants the very best for us. Educator Alice Freeman Palmer said that “For I remember it is Easter morn, and life and love and peace are all new born”. Today is a new day. Lord, we believe in you and we ask for a fresh new anointing of love and peace to fill us and surround us, to see our life and circumstances in a new light through you.

Preparation
Reflections by the Sea © Betsy Glass
March 21, 2013

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 NIVPalm Sunday begins the start of Holy Week. Many denominations observe this as a particularly spiritual and religious week to include Maundy Thursday and Good Friday leading up to Easter. The observance of this week retraces the steps of Jesus as He journeyed to the cross, was crucified and rose again. It is also a week that we can devote time to renewing our faith. We can follow Jesus’s steps in the Bible in preparation for the joy knowing that “He Lives”. Jesus set out each day in His life seeking wisdom and guidance from His Father in prayer and conversation. He was prepared for what may come because He was full of faith and assurance that He did not walk alone. Over 2000 years later, it is amazing and a blessing that we can seek God in freedom and can do so freely without condemnation in the current world we live in. Preparing our day often means that we hit the floor running about, doing our errands, racing to work, full steam ahead. Only when our own power gives out do we realize we can do nothing on our own. And that is when many of us seek God. And sadly we only go to Him as a last resort when we are out of resources, ideas, energy and time. That isn’t the way it should be. We are open vessels for God to pour into us what we need. He knows everything and knows our needs. If it is increased faith, peace, wisdom, protection, He has unlimited supply to give us. Yet, we are to be the Initiators. We can talk to God; pray His Promises back to Him with confidence knowing He is the solution to everything. As we prepare for Holy Week observances, we can begin to prepare our days with God as our compass. When I talk to God, it helps me if I visualize that just the two of us are sitting together on a beach. Everything else is silent, my heart is open and receptive and I in resting in the shadow of His Presence.

InfluenceReflections by the Sea © Betsy Glass
March 14, 2013

O send out Your light and Your truth, let them lead me; let them bring me to Your holy hill and to Your dwelling. –Psalm 43:3 The beach has been such a part of my life since I was a child. It made sense that I would share my love of the beach with my own children. They were influenced by me and both of our children love everything to do with the beach today. I enjoy seeing parents taking their children to the beach for the first time or out on the pier with their first rod and reel. Little children want to emulate their parents. We don’t have to tell them what to do as much as we must show them by our actions and live a life that would make them want to follow. When our actions and words surround them, that is called “influence”. We each have the power to influence anyone. It is a mighty thing to know that something we can say or do could shape another person’s life, choices and decisions.  Using our influence in a subtle way is far better than actually telling someone what to do. To be told what to do can often be received as unsolicited advice, unappreciated wisdom, and just plain interference. To have success in this area, we must realize that our actions carry more weight than our words. How are we using our influence in our everyday life? Who do we look up to? Who looks up to us? Everything that we say and do reflects our character which reflects our relationship with God. If we are using the gift of influence to guide others, we must pray that it is God’s Light and His Truth leading us to lead others

Erosion

Erosion
Reflections by the Sea © Betsy Ore Glass
March 06, 2013

And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him Hebrews 11:6 Erosion can be a dreaded thing. Especially if living on or near the coast. When storms blow through, the winds coupled with the sea teams together to become threatening. Pounding waves flatten dunes and at times washes out the foundation of homes bringing destruction. Then finally the weather breaks and the wind calms down and the attempt at restoration begins. The sand is often replenished by man or by nature, homes are repaired and grasses are planted on new dunes. In our everyday life, we are subject to spiritual erosion as well. The longer we put God off, the more we push aside our daily devotions, forget to pray, sleep in instead of attending church, as we become separated from God. He never leaves us but we often leave Him. We must not forget that our foundation and hope is in Him. Have you ever walked into someone’s home and felt the absence of God? Meaning, there is strife, attitude and a lack of joy. The air is thick. Even the family pets seem sullen and sad. Turn it around if this sounds like your home. Make Him first again. Seek Him in everything and in all things. Living under the authority and guidance of God is the best daily way to keep our faith on firm footing. God has infinite time to give us. Life can be so difficult with challenges at times, especially if we are relying on ourselves. Wouldn’t it be wise to seek God with all our heart and soul, inviting Him to walk alongside of us as we renew our faith?