The cloud floats in shifting wind,
Changing shapes on a whim,
Puffing out, and pulling in,
Praising God … a graceful hymn.
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Psalm 19:1
Cloud Hymn
Reply
Tranquility in the Storm
Lessons from the Pandemic (It is hard to be tranquil)
It is easy to get covid. It is hard not to spread it to others.
It is easy to protest. It is hard to see another perspective.
It is easy to go back to old ways. It is hard to change.
It is easy to criticize. It is hard to receive criticism.
It is easy to believe a lie you like. It is hard to accept truth you don’t like.
It is easy to get anxious. It is hard to let it go.
It is easy to see other’s mistakes. It is hard to see your own.
We all need help to do the hard things
Jesus said, “My yoke is easy My burden is light.”
It’s easy to say I want God’s help.
But, it’s hard to give Him control.
“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me. Luke 9:23
Seeking the Living Water
You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13
Seeking God with all of your heart is not a formula for getting all you desire. It is a way God uses to get our attention for all He desires for us.
You will make known to me the way of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; Psalm 16:11 NASV
Signs of God’s Unfailing Love
Do not hide Your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit.
Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love. Psalm 143:7-8
I hear God’s unfailing love in the singing of His birds.
I see Your unfailing love in the sunrise above the mountains.
I smell Your unfailing love in the scent of the pines and flowers.
I know Your unfailing love in the promise that Your Spirit is always with me, and will guide me home to be with You.
Memories for Tomorrow
Longing for Yesterday’s Goodness
Yesterday we had so much fun,
the joy that children bring.
To have the laughter never end,
In songs we love to sing.
Days cut short, I wanted longer;
So much joy yet to sow.
Sadly time consumes the love we share—
I turn older as they grow.
At the end of day I can’t keep up,
My strength a fading sorrow.
But my hope is in Jesus Christ.
Who makes yesterday a foretaste of tomorrow.
In Jesus we have a sure hope that our tomorrows will be even better than our yesterdays.
We put our hope in the Lord.
He is our help and our shield.
In him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in his holy name.
Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord,
for our hope is in you alone. Psalm 33:20-22
“No eye has seen,
no ear has heard,
no mind has conceived
what God has prepared for those who love him” 1 Corinthians 2:9
This Old House
I have a little secret,
whispering somewhere behind a door.
I try to keep it quiet,
Though the silence makes it roar.
I have a hidden shame,
I keep it sealed away.
But the moment I relax,
it creeps out to wreck my day.
I have a vile rodent
scurrying somewhere in the wall.
I set out traps to catch it,
but the sly critter avoids them all.
I think tomorrow will be better,
I’ll finally get control.
Then I wake up to find,
They’ve chewed another hole.
O Lord tear down this old house.
My life to You I bring.
Please build in me Your temple,
fit for You my Lord and King.
Hear my cry, O God;
listen to my prayer.
From the ends of the earth I call to you,
I call as my heart grows faint;
lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the foe.
I long to dwell in your tent forever
and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.
Selah (a pause for praise, worship and reflection)
For you have heard my vows, O God;
you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.
Psalm 61:1-5
God’s Goodness and Mercy Rain Down
Give thanks to the LORD for He is good. His love endures forever. Psalm 136:1
His goodness plots the course of the sun and clouds to create beautiful scenes. Though the beauty of the moment is fleeting His goodness and love are everlasting.
He Hears Me
My voice is not too faint,
My prayer not too small.
My God bends down to listen,
and grants me mercy when I call.
I love the LORD because he hears my voice
and my prayer for mercy.
Because he bends down to listen,
I will pray as long as I have breath!
Death wrapped its ropes around me;
the terrors of the grave overtook me.
I saw only trouble and sorrow.
Then I called on the name of the LORD:
“Please, LORD, save me!”
How kind the LORD is! How good he is!
So merciful, this God of ours!
The LORD protects those of childlike faith;
I was facing death, and he saved me.
Let my soul be at rest again,
for the LORD has been good to me.
He has saved me from death,
my eyes from tears,
my feet from stumbling.
And so I walk in the LORD’s presence
as I live here on earth!
Psalm 116:1-9 NLT
Light in the Forest
Light in the forest—
Radiant glow.
Beckons me deeper,
His love to know.
O what glory that will be—
My Lord Jesus
giving His life to me.
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. Ephesians 1:17
To them God has chosen to make known,,, the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Colossians 1:27
A Long Way
When the road seems to go on with no end in sight.
Rejoice for God is near and joy is in the journey.
Be glad for God holds you, keep going by His might.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7
Stephen L Hufman 