FOOD FOR THOUGHT

I was sitting in the Red Rock Restaurant in Wall tonight having a little dinner and had the opportunity to observe a young couple struggling with their three young children. As I heard the parents admonish the children, who had—I learned later—been in the car since early this morning, it occurred to me that a lot of the things they were saying are things that God says to His children. Here are a few of the statements and commands I overheard: 

“Sit down and be quiet!” – Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God.”

 “Watch what you’re doing!” – Ephesians 5:15 “See then that you walk circumspectly (looking around carefully), not as fools, but as wise.”

 “Get over here!” – Malachi 3:7 “Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the LORD Almighty.” Matthew 11:28 – Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  

“Stop!” It’s rude to do that!” – Philippians 2:3 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” 1 Corinthians 13:5 “Love is not rude.”  

“Just wait!” – Psalm 37:7 “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him…” Isaiah 40:31 “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings as eagles. They shall run and not be weary. They shall walk and not faint.”

Unfortunately, one thing I didn’t hear the parents say was, “I love you!” But I’m hopeful they will express that as they tuck them into bed tonight. I’m glad that God loves me with an ever-enduring unconditional love, and that he forever expressed that love for me on the cross of Calvary.

In His Grip,

Pastor Ron Burtz