What a beautiful time of the year here in my little part of the world. Lawns are ablaze with flowering trees, tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, to mention a few. The birds are singing at the top of their tiny bird-sized lungs.... Artists of all types must find this time of the year most inspiring. I certainly do. The painting on the left is one that I painted a few springs ago. I intend to paint some more at some point in my life but am more focused right now on developing better musical technique on the piano to assist me in my current profession.This past month, I've reflected on a number of things. In Spurgeon's Devotional, Morning and Evening, I am continuously challenged to think about heart issues. One reading (April 5th- evening) led me to thinking more about what it means to have true humility of spirit. That's so hard for most of us. My worst enemy is often myself, who I tend to think about far more than I should! When I read Psalm 17:15 "As for me, I shall "behold Your face in righteousness; I will be satisfied with Your likeness when I awake." I have to pray, "God, help me to be satisfied with Your likeness when I awake." How many of us wake up thinking about our Savior and Redeemer who paid a tremendous price for our Salvation? How many of us go through each day with such gratitude for what we have in Christ that all of the discomforts of this life fade into the background? I do believe that true humility of spirit can be gained, but not without eyes fixed on Jesus Christ and the cross that He bore. True humility of spirit is a spirit of contentment. That means never complaining about anything. Being willing to accept that all that comes my way is part of the plan that my loving, heavenly Father has for me. True humility of spirit is a spirit that offers grace to others. It accepts their weaknesses and differences patiently. How dare we, who caused our Savior's pain, live lives that are prideful and arrogant. We should be the most humble of all people, knowing that our eternal riches were gained at great cost by our Savior.
Blessings,
~Ruth
And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Savior’s blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain—
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
’Tis mystery all: th’Immortal dies:
Who can explore His strange design?
In vain the firstborn seraph tries
To sound the depths of love divine.
’Tis mercy all! Let earth adore,
Let angel minds inquire no more.
’Tis mercy all! Let earth adore;
Let angel minds inquire no more.
He left His Father’s throne above
So free, so infinite His grace—
Emptied Himself of all but love,
And bled for Adam’s helpless race:
’Tis mercy all, immense and free,
For O my God, it found out me!
’Tis mercy all, immense and free,
For O my God, it found out me!
Long my imprisoned spirit lay,
Fast bound in sin and nature’s night;
Thine eye diffused a quickening ray—
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
Still the small inward voice I hear,
That whispers all my sins forgiven;
Still the atoning blood is near,
That quenched the wrath of hostile Heaven.
I feel the life His wounds impart;
I feel the Savior in my heart.
I feel the life His wounds impart;
I feel the Savior in my heart.
No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in Him, is mine;
Alive in Him, my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness divine,
Bold I approach th’eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Bold I approach th’eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own. (WORDS BY WESLEY)
