How do you start off your morning? Do you start with praise to our Father that has given you this day by His grace? In Psalms 66:2 Sing forth the honor of His name; make His praise glorious. Read how Charles Spurgeon writes about this in a morning devotional.
[It is not left to our own option whether we shall praise God or not. Praise is God’s most righteous due, and every Christian, as the recipient of his grace, is bound to praise God from day to day. It is true we have no authoritative rubric for daily praise; we have no commandment prescribing certain hours of song and thanksgiving: but the law written upon the heart teaches us that it is right to praise God; and the unwritten mandate comes to us with as much force as if it had been recorded on the tables of stone, or handed to us from the top of thundering Sinai. Yes, it is the Christian’s duty to praise God. It is not only a pleasurable exercise, but it is the absolute obligation of his life.]
Wow! Have you ever thought of it that way? I haven’t but once your heart is filled with Him, you strive to become like that. If you ever wanted to see what Heaven is like it sums it up in that sentence. As our Pastor once said, “If you don’t want to praise Jesus all the time, then why bother going to Heaven?” Sounds harsh but in reality it should make some Christians stop and think, “why don’t I feel like this?”
[Think not ye who are always mourning, that ye are guiltless in this respect, or imagine that ye can discharge your duty to your God without songs of praise. You are bound by the bonds of his love to bless his name so long as you live, and his praise should continually be in your mouth, for you are blessed, in order that you may bless him; “this people have I formed for myself, they shall show forth my praise”; and if you do not praise God, you are not bringing forth the fruit which he, as the Divine Husbandman, has a right to expect at your hands.]
You were created for God’s pleasure. Everything that is, was created for that purpose. What is truly amazing to me is He gave us the choice to praise Him or not praise Him.
[Let not your harp then hang upon the willows, but take it down, and strive, with a grateful heart, to bring forth its loudest music. Arise and chant his praise. With every morning’s dawn, lift up your notes of thanksgiving, and let every setting sun be followed with your song. Girdle the earth with your praises; surround it with an atmosphere of melody, and God himself will hearken from heaven and accept your music].
Charles Spurgeon says it so well like this;
[“E’en so I love thee, and will love,
And in thy praise will sing,
Because thou art my loving God,
And my redeeming King.”]
This morning like all mornings now I say it this way;
With my eyes may I search,
With my ears may I listen,
With my feet take where,
Your Son’s-light glistens.
With my hands may they reach,
Your lost flock of lambs,
With my heart may I give You,
All that I am!
From God’s heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Two or Three Meet in My Name
Today I had a doctor’s appointment for being a new patient. What I didn’t realize was I was about to get a complete physical before I was through. After I was finished, leaving behind a little blood and coughing when told to, as I was walking to my car I saw a man smoking a cigarette and I was prompted by the Lord to go speak to him. I wasn’t sure what the Lord wanted me to say to him but that cigarette was a good opening.
I told this gentleman that I quit in 1982 and it was one of the best things health wise I could of done. As I was saying this I was also thinking to myself, “who am I to tell this person anything?” But God had a reason for our meeting. See His timing was right on, the time it took for the physical and this gentleman’s craving. It says in Matthew 18:20 Whenever two or three of you come together in my name, I am there with you. See it wasn’t about this person’s habit of smoking or my need to tell him how bad they are for you; it was just as it says in that Bible verse. As we talked we shared out testimonies, and we discovered we had that one awesome connection, Joe and I loved Jesus. We were not ashamed to tell each other about that.
Joe’s heart was heavy thinking all about his wife and that was why he was at the medical center today. But the one thing he made sure I understood, as much as he loved and devoted his life to his wife, he loved the Lord more. He also told me without that love for Jesus he would have a hard time getting through each day, especially now with the love of this life, his wife, being so sick constantly. He told me how draining it is mentally and physically. I told him I could relate, for the God’s Love Outreach Ministry ministers to God’s wounded almost daily to so many like his wife Mary and also so many more that are worst off.
Amazingly as we talked we also found that we had a few things in common. Both were in the military, both smoked, both were borderline alcoholics, and both understood the importance of the wedding vows! Joe’s eyes swelled with tears as he said, yep, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer. He had a hard time with the ending, until death do we part. Joe spoke of being blessed with what worldly possessions he has and his financial soundness, but also said it was all from the Lord and if it took all that to help make his wife well again, then so be it. He understands as I do the importance of living one day at a time and the importance of having God in your life each day.
As I was leaving the parking lot I noticed he was helping a woman get into a car. I quickly turned into another parking place, walked over to the car and said, "Mary so nice to meet you. God bless you and Joe!"
God blessed me with this poem in April of this year. Today Joe and I really felt His presence.
Do You Feel His Presence?
The amazing part of God’s love is
no matter where you are,
He is always there with you
not distant from afar.
Do you feel His presence?
Are you unsure when you speak?
Do you still think He is just for,
the lost and the weak?
Are you still like so many
that want Him in your heart,
but struggle with each passing day
wondering how do I start?
I believe God is just waiting
for you like He did with me.
Do you feel His presence?
Are you longing to be free?
Well, if you are like most
and waiting on God you must be,
please understand He is waiting for you,
just like He did with me.
Please don’t wait too long
for the next minute could be your last,
and eternity you couldn’t spend with Him,
all because you did not ask!
E. P. Shagott
4/6/09
From God’s heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
I told this gentleman that I quit in 1982 and it was one of the best things health wise I could of done. As I was saying this I was also thinking to myself, “who am I to tell this person anything?” But God had a reason for our meeting. See His timing was right on, the time it took for the physical and this gentleman’s craving. It says in Matthew 18:20 Whenever two or three of you come together in my name, I am there with you. See it wasn’t about this person’s habit of smoking or my need to tell him how bad they are for you; it was just as it says in that Bible verse. As we talked we shared out testimonies, and we discovered we had that one awesome connection, Joe and I loved Jesus. We were not ashamed to tell each other about that.
Joe’s heart was heavy thinking all about his wife and that was why he was at the medical center today. But the one thing he made sure I understood, as much as he loved and devoted his life to his wife, he loved the Lord more. He also told me without that love for Jesus he would have a hard time getting through each day, especially now with the love of this life, his wife, being so sick constantly. He told me how draining it is mentally and physically. I told him I could relate, for the God’s Love Outreach Ministry ministers to God’s wounded almost daily to so many like his wife Mary and also so many more that are worst off.
Amazingly as we talked we also found that we had a few things in common. Both were in the military, both smoked, both were borderline alcoholics, and both understood the importance of the wedding vows! Joe’s eyes swelled with tears as he said, yep, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer. He had a hard time with the ending, until death do we part. Joe spoke of being blessed with what worldly possessions he has and his financial soundness, but also said it was all from the Lord and if it took all that to help make his wife well again, then so be it. He understands as I do the importance of living one day at a time and the importance of having God in your life each day.
As I was leaving the parking lot I noticed he was helping a woman get into a car. I quickly turned into another parking place, walked over to the car and said, "Mary so nice to meet you. God bless you and Joe!"
God blessed me with this poem in April of this year. Today Joe and I really felt His presence.
Do You Feel His Presence?
The amazing part of God’s love is
no matter where you are,
He is always there with you
not distant from afar.
Do you feel His presence?
Are you unsure when you speak?
Do you still think He is just for,
the lost and the weak?
Are you still like so many
that want Him in your heart,
but struggle with each passing day
wondering how do I start?
I believe God is just waiting
for you like He did with me.
Do you feel His presence?
Are you longing to be free?
Well, if you are like most
and waiting on God you must be,
please understand He is waiting for you,
just like He did with me.
Please don’t wait too long
for the next minute could be your last,
and eternity you couldn’t spend with Him,
all because you did not ask!
E. P. Shagott
4/6/09
From God’s heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
Friday, September 25, 2009
"I Was"
My dog that had to go outside awaked me at 3:30 am this morning. What I found with a pet that is 12+ yrs. of age, you get up quick and react fast or pay the consequence. When I returned to try and fall back to sleep my son’s dog decided it was time to play. Well, that I tried to settle the issue quickly. At that time in the early hours I can’t see the ball let alone play with it with her.
What I found was I was having a little trouble falling back to sleep. God used that time to speak to me with a poem titled “I Was!” Let me tell you what a wonderful time it is spending with God when you can’t sleep. I told Him, please don’t let me forget this poem Lord. I didn’t want to get back up for sure the dogs wouldn’t want to go back to sleep again.
So here is the poem that He gave me. After reading it please read His comments that He wants to share with each of you.
I Was
I was a sinner, now I’m a Saint
I was lost, now I’m found,
I was blind but now I see
that my God is all around.
I was hurting but now I’m healed.
I was bound but now I’m free.
I was confused but now I know,
Jesus’ love He has for me.
I was addicted, but now I’m not,
I was struggling but not anymore.
I was the abuser, a curser, the enemy,
but God was not keeping score.
Everything that I was,
that He definitely is not,
He took it all upon Himself
and left it all nailed to the Cross!
E. P. Shagott
9/25/09
Of all the 100+ poems that He has blessed me with this one is truly special. It speaks of everything we are in this earthly world. A world that was fallen to sin that started with Adam and Eve back in the Garden of Eden. But what the poem also speaks of, “I WAS”, past tense. See even though we live is this sinful world; we don’t have to be part of it. The choice is ours. I choose not to be part of the lost, blind to His love. No more with the hurts, being bound to sin, and the constant confusion we live in without Christ in our lives. Praise God for I am free from this world of addictions and the constant struggles within. Free from abusing by words or deeds. I do not want to be part of the enemy’s army but in the Army of God!
Yes, thank You Jesus for all that “I Was”, was left nailed to the Cross! As Martin Luther King once said, “Thank God I am free, free at last! I encourage all who will read this blog, that if you do not have that freedom, to grasp on to it now before it is too late. A friend of mine has given me a small pamphlet that is titled, “If you were to die today are you 100% sure you would go to Heaven?” Are you? There are four things you need to know in order to go to Heaven for sure;
You need to know you are a sinner.
You need to know that there is a penalty for sin, you can’t pay it for yourself.
You need to know that Jesus loves you so much that He has already paid the penalty for you on the cross!
You need to know that Jesus offers you the free gift of Heaven, just accept.
Romans 10:13 For everyone, "whoever shall call on the name of the Lord will be saved."
My friends when I was 15 years old I said this small prayer that was the beginning of spending Eternity with Jesus.
Dear Heavenly Father please forgive me of my sins. I understand I am a sinner and believe the blood of Jesus has cleansed me of all my sins. Please come into my heart and become my Lord and Savior. In Jesus name, Amen.
John 14:6 Jesus said to him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but by Me.
From God’s heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Where is your “if”?
“Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe.”
Mark 9:23 Jesus said to him, If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.
This is an awesome devotional that each one must question within ourselves.
[A certain man had a demoniac son, who was afflicted with a dumb spirit. The father, having seen the futility of the endeavours of the disciples to heal his child, had little or no faith in Christ, and therefore, when he was bidden to bring his son to him, he said to Jesus, “If thou canst do anything, have compassion on us, and help us.” Now there was an “if” in the question, but the poor trembling father had put the “if” in the wrong place: Jesus Christ, therefore, without commanding him to retract the “if,” kindly puts it in its legitimate position. “Nay, verily,” he seemed to say, “there should be no “if” about my power, nor concerning my willingness, the “if” lies somewhere else.” “If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” The man’s trust was strengthened, he offered a humble prayer for an increase of faith, and instantly Jesus spoke the word, and the devil was cast out, with an injunction never to return.]
In this next paragraph Charles Spurgeon teaches us a lesson even in today’s times.
[There is a lesson here which we need to learn. We, like this man, often see that there is an “if” somewhere, but we are perpetually blundering by putting it in the wrong place. “If” Jesus can help me-”if” he can give me grace to overcome temptation-”if” he can give me pardon-”if” he can make me successful? Nay, “if” you can believe, he both can and will. You have misplaced your “if.” If you can confidently trust, even as all things are possible to Christ, so shall all things be possible to you. Faith standeth in God’s power, and is robed in God’s majesty; it weareth the royal apparel, and rideth on the King’s horse, for it is the grace which the King delighteth to honour. Girding itself with the glorious might of the all-working Spirit, it becomes, in the omnipotence of God, mighty to do, to dare, and to suffer. All things, without limit, are possible to him that believeth. My soul, canst thou believe thy Lord to-night?]
This was truly a great devotional like most of Charles Spurgeon’s devotionals. Earlier in the year I was privileged to be in a discussion group that learned about the power of prayer. We must believe in the Bible verse Isaiah 53:5 But He was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was on Him; and with His stripes we ourselves are healed. Where is your “if” today? Are you praying to God, “If You can heal me of this disease?” “If You can get me financially strong?” “If You can free me from this addition?” “If You can save my marriage?”
Mark 11:23 For truly I say to you that whoever shall say to this mountain, Be moved and be cast into the sea, and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that what he said shall occur, he shall have whatever he said.
From God’s heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
Mark 9:23 Jesus said to him, If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.
This is an awesome devotional that each one must question within ourselves.
[A certain man had a demoniac son, who was afflicted with a dumb spirit. The father, having seen the futility of the endeavours of the disciples to heal his child, had little or no faith in Christ, and therefore, when he was bidden to bring his son to him, he said to Jesus, “If thou canst do anything, have compassion on us, and help us.” Now there was an “if” in the question, but the poor trembling father had put the “if” in the wrong place: Jesus Christ, therefore, without commanding him to retract the “if,” kindly puts it in its legitimate position. “Nay, verily,” he seemed to say, “there should be no “if” about my power, nor concerning my willingness, the “if” lies somewhere else.” “If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” The man’s trust was strengthened, he offered a humble prayer for an increase of faith, and instantly Jesus spoke the word, and the devil was cast out, with an injunction never to return.]
In this next paragraph Charles Spurgeon teaches us a lesson even in today’s times.
[There is a lesson here which we need to learn. We, like this man, often see that there is an “if” somewhere, but we are perpetually blundering by putting it in the wrong place. “If” Jesus can help me-”if” he can give me grace to overcome temptation-”if” he can give me pardon-”if” he can make me successful? Nay, “if” you can believe, he both can and will. You have misplaced your “if.” If you can confidently trust, even as all things are possible to Christ, so shall all things be possible to you. Faith standeth in God’s power, and is robed in God’s majesty; it weareth the royal apparel, and rideth on the King’s horse, for it is the grace which the King delighteth to honour. Girding itself with the glorious might of the all-working Spirit, it becomes, in the omnipotence of God, mighty to do, to dare, and to suffer. All things, without limit, are possible to him that believeth. My soul, canst thou believe thy Lord to-night?]
This was truly a great devotional like most of Charles Spurgeon’s devotionals. Earlier in the year I was privileged to be in a discussion group that learned about the power of prayer. We must believe in the Bible verse Isaiah 53:5 But He was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was on Him; and with His stripes we ourselves are healed. Where is your “if” today? Are you praying to God, “If You can heal me of this disease?” “If You can get me financially strong?” “If You can free me from this addition?” “If You can save my marriage?”
Mark 11:23 For truly I say to you that whoever shall say to this mountain, Be moved and be cast into the sea, and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that what he said shall occur, he shall have whatever he said.
From God’s heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
Monday, September 21, 2009
“I will rejoice over them to do them good.”
Jeremiah 32:41 Yea, I will rejoice over them to do them good, and I will truly plant them in this land with all My heart and all My whole soul.
Devotional by Charles Spurgeon
[How heart-cheering to the believer is the delight which God has in his saints! We cannot see any reason in ourselves why the Lord should take pleasure in us; we cannot take delight in ourselves, for we often have to groan, being burdened; conscious of our sinfulness, and deploring our unfaithfulness; and we fear that God’s people cannot take much delight in us, for they must perceive so much of our imperfections and our follies, that they may rather lament our infirmities than admire our graces. But we love to dwell upon this transcendent truth, this glorious mystery: that as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so does the Lord rejoice over us.]
What a wonderful scripture that is. Just knowing our God rejoices over us surely brings warmth to my heart. As I was reading this devotional today it is amazing how from back in Charles Spurgeon’s time till today, it appears not too much has changed. Yes, we have more modern conveniences but we are still groaning, have many burdens, and we are very conscious of our sinfulness and unfaithfulness. Well, if we are not then we should be. I know I am happy that the Lord does rejoice over me. When you walk with Christ you can be sure the Father rejoices over those that choose to walk in His Son’s-light.
[We do not read anywhere that God delighteth in the cloud-capped mountains, or the sparkling stars, but we do read that he delighteth in the habitable parts of the earth, and that his delights are with the sons of men.]
Praise God from whom all blessings flow! That means me and you.
[We do not find it written that even angels give his soul delight; nor doth he say, concerning cherubim and seraphim, “Thou shalt be called Hephzibah, for the Lord delighteth in thee”; but he does say all that to poor fallen creatures like ourselves, debased and depraved by sin, but saved, exalted, and glorified by his grace. In what strong language he expresses his delight in his people! Who could have conceived of the eternal One as bursting forth into a song? Yet it is written, “He will rejoice over thee with joy, he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.” As he looked upon the world he had made, he said, “It is very good”; but when he beheld those who are the purchase of Jesus’ blood, his own chosen ones, it seemed as if the great heart of the Infinite could restrain itself no longer, but overflowed in divine exclamations of joy. Should not we utter our grateful response to such a marvelous declaration of his love, and sing, “I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation?”]
That paragraph was so good I couldn’t find a place where to inject my thoughts. When I got to the part “of being purchased in Jesus blood, His own chosen ones,” what can you say but “thank you Lord”! Yes I want to utter my grateful response because of Christ’s love for me on the Cross.
Next month the God’s Love Outreach Ministry will be presenting the Program Seeds of Tradition from the Seeds for Christ series. It is a collection of older hymns and as I am singing them to God’s many wounded I will also be singing, “I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation!” as Charles Spurgeon so wonderfully wrote in this devotional.
From God’s heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
Devotional by Charles Spurgeon
[How heart-cheering to the believer is the delight which God has in his saints! We cannot see any reason in ourselves why the Lord should take pleasure in us; we cannot take delight in ourselves, for we often have to groan, being burdened; conscious of our sinfulness, and deploring our unfaithfulness; and we fear that God’s people cannot take much delight in us, for they must perceive so much of our imperfections and our follies, that they may rather lament our infirmities than admire our graces. But we love to dwell upon this transcendent truth, this glorious mystery: that as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so does the Lord rejoice over us.]
What a wonderful scripture that is. Just knowing our God rejoices over us surely brings warmth to my heart. As I was reading this devotional today it is amazing how from back in Charles Spurgeon’s time till today, it appears not too much has changed. Yes, we have more modern conveniences but we are still groaning, have many burdens, and we are very conscious of our sinfulness and unfaithfulness. Well, if we are not then we should be. I know I am happy that the Lord does rejoice over me. When you walk with Christ you can be sure the Father rejoices over those that choose to walk in His Son’s-light.
[We do not read anywhere that God delighteth in the cloud-capped mountains, or the sparkling stars, but we do read that he delighteth in the habitable parts of the earth, and that his delights are with the sons of men.]
Praise God from whom all blessings flow! That means me and you.
[We do not find it written that even angels give his soul delight; nor doth he say, concerning cherubim and seraphim, “Thou shalt be called Hephzibah, for the Lord delighteth in thee”; but he does say all that to poor fallen creatures like ourselves, debased and depraved by sin, but saved, exalted, and glorified by his grace. In what strong language he expresses his delight in his people! Who could have conceived of the eternal One as bursting forth into a song? Yet it is written, “He will rejoice over thee with joy, he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.” As he looked upon the world he had made, he said, “It is very good”; but when he beheld those who are the purchase of Jesus’ blood, his own chosen ones, it seemed as if the great heart of the Infinite could restrain itself no longer, but overflowed in divine exclamations of joy. Should not we utter our grateful response to such a marvelous declaration of his love, and sing, “I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation?”]
That paragraph was so good I couldn’t find a place where to inject my thoughts. When I got to the part “of being purchased in Jesus blood, His own chosen ones,” what can you say but “thank you Lord”! Yes I want to utter my grateful response because of Christ’s love for me on the Cross.
Next month the God’s Love Outreach Ministry will be presenting the Program Seeds of Tradition from the Seeds for Christ series. It is a collection of older hymns and as I am singing them to God’s many wounded I will also be singing, “I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation!” as Charles Spurgeon so wonderfully wrote in this devotional.
From God’s heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Perfect for a Sunday
Someone sent me this via email a couple years ago. When I was going through some of my saved word documents I came across it again. I just got back from church where we had a very good Sunday school class, "Experiencing God", and then a wonderful hour praise Jesus and listening to a sermon "Being in this thing together" with scripture from the book of 1John1: 1-4, That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of Life, (for the Life was revealed, and we have seen it and bear witness, and show to you the everlasting Life, who was with the Father and was revealed to us), that which we have seen and heard we declare unto you, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And we write these things to you so that your joy may be full.
I think this blog is a nice way to bring it all into perspective today, well, any day to be honest. May you take some time from the football or whatever else you have planned to say, "Thank You Jesus!"
The Choice
He placed one scoop of clay upon another until a form lay lifeless on the ground.
All of the Garden's inhabitants paused to witness the event. Hawks hovered. Giraffes stretched. Trees bowed. Butterflies paused on petals and watched.
"You will love me, nature," God said. "I made you that way. You will obey me, universe. For you were designed to do so. You will reflect my glory, skies, for that is how you were created. But this one will be like me. This one will be able to choose."
All were silent as the Creator reached into himself and removed something yet unseen. A seed. "It's called 'choice.' The seed of choice."
Creation stood in silence and gazed upon the lifeless form.
An angel spoke, "But what if he..."
"What if he chooses not to love?" the Creator finished. "Come, I will show you." Unbound by today, God and the angel walked into the realm of tomorrow. "There, see the fruit of the seed of choice, both the sweet and the bitter."
The angel gasped at what he saw. Spontaneous love. Voluntary devotion. Chosen tenderness. Never had he seen anything like these. He felt the love of the Adams. He heard the joy of Eve and her daughters.
He saw the food and the burdens shared. He absorbed the kindness and marveled at the warmth.
"Heaven has never seen such beauty, my Lord. Truly, this is your greatest creation."
"Ah, but you've only seen the sweet. Now witness the bitter." A stench enveloped the pair. The angel turned in horror and proclaimed,
"What is it?"
The Creator spoke only one word: "Selfishness."
The angel stood speechless as they passed through centuries of repugnance. Never had he seen such filth. Rotten hearts. Ruptured promises. Forgotten loyalties. Children of the creation wandering blindly in lonely labyrinths.
"This is the result of choice? the angel asked.
"Yes."
"They will forget you?"
"Yes."
"They will reject you?"
"Yes."
They will never come back?
"Some will. Most won't."
"What will it take to make them listen?"
The Creator walked on in time, further and further into the future, until he stood by a tree. A tree that would be fashioned into a cradle. Even then he could smell the hay that would surround him.
With another step into the future, he paused before another tree. It stood alone, a stubborn ruler on a bald hill. The trunk was thick, and the wood was strong. Soon it would be cut. Soon it would be trimmed. Soon it would be mounted on the stony brow of another hill. And soon he would be hung on it.
He felt the wood rub against a back he did not yet wear.
"Will you go down there?" the angel asked.
"I will."
"Is there no other way?"
"There is not."
"Wouldn't it be easier to not plant the seed? Wouldn't it be easier to not give the choice?"
"It would," the Creator spoke slowly. "But to remove the choice is to remove the love."
He look around the hill and foresaw a scene. Three figures hung on three crosses. Arms spread. Heads fallen forward. They moaned with the wind. Men clad in soldier's garb sat on the ground near the trio. They played games in the dirt and laughed.
Men clad in religion stood off to one side. They smiled. Arrogant, cocky. They had protected God, they thought by killing this false one.
Women clad in sorrow huddled at the foot of the hill. Speechless. Faces tear streaked. Eyes downward. One put her arm around another and tried to lead her away. She wouldn't leave. "I will stay," she said softly, "I will stay."
All heaven stood to fight. All nature rose to rescue. All eternity poised to protect. But the Creator gave no command.
"It must be done...," he said, and withdrew.
But as he stepped in time, he heard the cry that he would someday scream: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" He wrenched at tomorrow's agony.
The angel spoke again. "It would be less painful........"
The Creator interrupted softly. "But it wouldn't be love."
They stepped into the Garden again. The Maker looked earnestly at the clay creation. A monsoon of love swelled up within him. He had died for the creation before he had made him. God's form bent over the sculptured face and breathed. Dust stirred on the lips of the new one. The chest rose, cracking the red mud. The cheeks fleshened. A finger moved. And an eye opened.
But more incredible than the moving of the flesh was the stirring of the spirit. Those who could see the unseen gasped. Perhaps it was the wind that said it first. Perhaps what the star saw that moment is what has made it blink ever since. Maybe it was left to an angel to whisper it:
"It looks like ... it appears to so much like ... it is him!"
The angel wasn't speaking of the face, the features, or the body. He was looking inside - at the soul.
"It's eternal!" gasped another.
Within the man, God has placed a divine seed. A seed of his self (A seed of choice). The God of might had created earth's mightiest... And the One who had chosen to love had created one who could love in return.
Now it's our choice.
Author Unknown
From God's heart, to mine, to yours!
Ed Shagott
I think this blog is a nice way to bring it all into perspective today, well, any day to be honest. May you take some time from the football or whatever else you have planned to say, "Thank You Jesus!"
The Choice
He placed one scoop of clay upon another until a form lay lifeless on the ground.
All of the Garden's inhabitants paused to witness the event. Hawks hovered. Giraffes stretched. Trees bowed. Butterflies paused on petals and watched.
"You will love me, nature," God said. "I made you that way. You will obey me, universe. For you were designed to do so. You will reflect my glory, skies, for that is how you were created. But this one will be like me. This one will be able to choose."
All were silent as the Creator reached into himself and removed something yet unseen. A seed. "It's called 'choice.' The seed of choice."
Creation stood in silence and gazed upon the lifeless form.
An angel spoke, "But what if he..."
"What if he chooses not to love?" the Creator finished. "Come, I will show you." Unbound by today, God and the angel walked into the realm of tomorrow. "There, see the fruit of the seed of choice, both the sweet and the bitter."
The angel gasped at what he saw. Spontaneous love. Voluntary devotion. Chosen tenderness. Never had he seen anything like these. He felt the love of the Adams. He heard the joy of Eve and her daughters.
He saw the food and the burdens shared. He absorbed the kindness and marveled at the warmth.
"Heaven has never seen such beauty, my Lord. Truly, this is your greatest creation."
"Ah, but you've only seen the sweet. Now witness the bitter." A stench enveloped the pair. The angel turned in horror and proclaimed,
"What is it?"
The Creator spoke only one word: "Selfishness."
The angel stood speechless as they passed through centuries of repugnance. Never had he seen such filth. Rotten hearts. Ruptured promises. Forgotten loyalties. Children of the creation wandering blindly in lonely labyrinths.
"This is the result of choice? the angel asked.
"Yes."
"They will forget you?"
"Yes."
"They will reject you?"
"Yes."
They will never come back?
"Some will. Most won't."
"What will it take to make them listen?"
The Creator walked on in time, further and further into the future, until he stood by a tree. A tree that would be fashioned into a cradle. Even then he could smell the hay that would surround him.
With another step into the future, he paused before another tree. It stood alone, a stubborn ruler on a bald hill. The trunk was thick, and the wood was strong. Soon it would be cut. Soon it would be trimmed. Soon it would be mounted on the stony brow of another hill. And soon he would be hung on it.
He felt the wood rub against a back he did not yet wear.
"Will you go down there?" the angel asked.
"I will."
"Is there no other way?"
"There is not."
"Wouldn't it be easier to not plant the seed? Wouldn't it be easier to not give the choice?"
"It would," the Creator spoke slowly. "But to remove the choice is to remove the love."
He look around the hill and foresaw a scene. Three figures hung on three crosses. Arms spread. Heads fallen forward. They moaned with the wind. Men clad in soldier's garb sat on the ground near the trio. They played games in the dirt and laughed.
Men clad in religion stood off to one side. They smiled. Arrogant, cocky. They had protected God, they thought by killing this false one.
Women clad in sorrow huddled at the foot of the hill. Speechless. Faces tear streaked. Eyes downward. One put her arm around another and tried to lead her away. She wouldn't leave. "I will stay," she said softly, "I will stay."
All heaven stood to fight. All nature rose to rescue. All eternity poised to protect. But the Creator gave no command.
"It must be done...," he said, and withdrew.
But as he stepped in time, he heard the cry that he would someday scream: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" He wrenched at tomorrow's agony.
The angel spoke again. "It would be less painful........"
The Creator interrupted softly. "But it wouldn't be love."
They stepped into the Garden again. The Maker looked earnestly at the clay creation. A monsoon of love swelled up within him. He had died for the creation before he had made him. God's form bent over the sculptured face and breathed. Dust stirred on the lips of the new one. The chest rose, cracking the red mud. The cheeks fleshened. A finger moved. And an eye opened.
But more incredible than the moving of the flesh was the stirring of the spirit. Those who could see the unseen gasped. Perhaps it was the wind that said it first. Perhaps what the star saw that moment is what has made it blink ever since. Maybe it was left to an angel to whisper it:
"It looks like ... it appears to so much like ... it is him!"
The angel wasn't speaking of the face, the features, or the body. He was looking inside - at the soul.
"It's eternal!" gasped another.
Within the man, God has placed a divine seed. A seed of his self (A seed of choice). The God of might had created earth's mightiest... And the One who had chosen to love had created one who could love in return.
Now it's our choice.
Author Unknown
From God's heart, to mine, to yours!
Ed Shagott
Saturday, September 19, 2009
“Sharing”
I am always amazed how we now have so many ways to share with others. With email we get abundance of good and sometimes bad stuff. Today’s blog is titled “Sharing” for I know the Lord wants us to share the good so somebody may benefit from it. I also know He blesses the good, for He is good! In the Bible Gen 1:31 And God saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.
I want to share two stories one I will write from memory and the other one that was recently sent to me by a wonderful friend of mine.
“The View” – First story
Two gentlemen were sharing a hospital room. Everyday the one gentleman by the window would describe what he saw out the window. His description of wonderful views helped the other person get through the day. It gave that person hope of what would be there when he got well and was released from the hospital.
One day when the gentleman that was in the bed by the door he didn’t hear anything being described by the voice by the window. See there was a curtain that separated the two gentlemen. When the nurse came into the room he asked about the gentleman by the window. She told him he passed away during the night.
The man asked if he could be moved by the window so he could get to see the great views. The nurse looked puzzled but granted him his wish. When the man looked out the window he could only see a brick wall!
Two Horses – Second story
There is a field, with two horses in it.
From a distance, each horse looks like any other horse.
But if you stop your car, or are walking by, you will
notice something quite amazing. Looking into the eyes
of one horse will disclose that he is blind. His owner
has chosen not to have him put down, but has made a
good home for him .
This alone is amazing.
If you stand nearby and listen, you will hear the
sound of a bell.. Looking around for the source of
the sound, you will see that it comes from the
smaller horse in the field.
Attached to the horse's halter is a small bell..
It lets the blind friend know where the other
horse is, so he can follow.
As you stand and watch these two horses, you'll see
that the horse with the bell is always checking on the
blind horse, and that the blind horse will listen for
the bell and then slowly walk to where the other
horse is, trusting that he will not be led astray.
When the horse with the bell returns to the shelter
of the barn each evening, it stops occasionally and
looks back, making sure that the blind friend isn't
too far behind to hear the bell.
Like the owners of these two horses, God does not
throw us away just because we are not perfect or
because we have problems or challenges.
He watches over us and even brings others into our
lives to help us when we are in need.
Sometimes we are the blind horse being guided by
the little ringing bell of those who God places in
our lives.
Other times we are the guide horse, helping others
to find their way....
Good friends are like that... you may not always
see them, but you know they are always there.
Please listen for my bell and I'll listen for yours.
And remember...be kinder than necessary-everyone
you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
Live simply,
Love generously,
Care deeply,
Speak kindly....
Leave the rest to God
From God’s heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
I want to share two stories one I will write from memory and the other one that was recently sent to me by a wonderful friend of mine.
“The View” – First story
Two gentlemen were sharing a hospital room. Everyday the one gentleman by the window would describe what he saw out the window. His description of wonderful views helped the other person get through the day. It gave that person hope of what would be there when he got well and was released from the hospital.
One day when the gentleman that was in the bed by the door he didn’t hear anything being described by the voice by the window. See there was a curtain that separated the two gentlemen. When the nurse came into the room he asked about the gentleman by the window. She told him he passed away during the night.
The man asked if he could be moved by the window so he could get to see the great views. The nurse looked puzzled but granted him his wish. When the man looked out the window he could only see a brick wall!
Two Horses – Second story
There is a field, with two horses in it.
From a distance, each horse looks like any other horse.
But if you stop your car, or are walking by, you will
notice something quite amazing. Looking into the eyes
of one horse will disclose that he is blind. His owner
has chosen not to have him put down, but has made a
good home for him .
This alone is amazing.
If you stand nearby and listen, you will hear the
sound of a bell.. Looking around for the source of
the sound, you will see that it comes from the
smaller horse in the field.
Attached to the horse's halter is a small bell..
It lets the blind friend know where the other
horse is, so he can follow.
As you stand and watch these two horses, you'll see
that the horse with the bell is always checking on the
blind horse, and that the blind horse will listen for
the bell and then slowly walk to where the other
horse is, trusting that he will not be led astray.
When the horse with the bell returns to the shelter
of the barn each evening, it stops occasionally and
looks back, making sure that the blind friend isn't
too far behind to hear the bell.
Like the owners of these two horses, God does not
throw us away just because we are not perfect or
because we have problems or challenges.
He watches over us and even brings others into our
lives to help us when we are in need.
Sometimes we are the blind horse being guided by
the little ringing bell of those who God places in
our lives.
Other times we are the guide horse, helping others
to find their way....
Good friends are like that... you may not always
see them, but you know they are always there.
Please listen for my bell and I'll listen for yours.
And remember...be kinder than necessary-everyone
you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
Live simply,
Love generously,
Care deeply,
Speak kindly....
Leave the rest to God
From God’s heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
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