Such wonderful knowledge

“I will not reject anyone who comes to me.” John 6:37 (NAB translation)

The literal Greek says, “I will not cast out outside,” which seems a lot stronger to me. It’s one thing to turn one’s back on someone or refuse to acknowledge him; it’s another thing altogether to  make the effort to cast aside one who comes to you in need seeking mercy and pardon.

But Jesus will not do that to us, we who have come to Him. It is also important to note that the reason we have come to Him is because we have been given to Him by the Father. We are God’s gift to Jesus.

Me? You? That man who lives down the street whom I have already condemned in my thoughts?” He may also be God’s gift to Jesus, and although there might be some among us who would like to see him cast out from our company, he is one of us. And it is Jesus who has included him. So be on the watch for any malicious thoughts which may seek to undo what God has done in Christ.

But let’s think about ourselves for a moment or two. Can we truly realize that we have been given to Jesus, and that He has accepted us, despite anything---despite everything. All I can do is cry out the words of Psalm 138: This knowledge is too wonderful for me, so far beyond my understanding.

We are in the realm of extraordinary mystery here. At least one spiritual writer has indicated that we have in this mystery all the reason in the world to be overcome with joy. Jesus will not reject us, and according to His very own words, He will raise us up on the last day and give us eternal life.

Pray today that the knowledge of this mysterious and wonderful reality may affect your disposition, your attitude and your dealings with all whom you meet.

I’ll close by giving you a personal tidbit: Someone did something last night that really aggravated me. I was in a good disposition so I noted what had happened, noticed that I was aggravated, and then let it pass through me. But in light of what I have just written here, now I can “cast it far from my sight” and continue to love the other person, because in the grand scheme of things, none of what happened last night matters in the least. Alleluia!

God bless you.

What good you have done

That good thing that you do, or did one time,

whether it be great and spectacular,

or tiny and subtle,

whether it benefit thousands and millions,

or just one simple poor child,

whether it cost you much and left you exhausted,

or it was effortless and natural,

this thing that you did,

offer it to God your King.

Offer it freely, completely detached

   from any expectation of reward, recognition, praise or recompense.

Detachment protects you from pain.

It is difficult, and sometimes even painful when we are attached,

   when no one notices what we have accomplished,

   or no one even cares,

   when the attention is given to another in our place,

   when no one understands how much we really gave,

but these pains are as nothing,

in light of the glory of the Giver of all good things.

Unite your offering to Him,

to Him Who has offered so much,

and pray for detachment.

For in detachment there is freedom,

freedom from ego, freedom from pride, freedom from mixed motives.

That freedom is so precious in a world where everyone clings to a brief moment of fame.

Why take credit? What you were given was given to you,

So let it return to the Source,

while you meanwhile remain at peace and rest in the joy of what you have done,

that has brought a loving smile to the King.

Then step back, breathe deeply,

and remain within his court,

for He has wanted you to be there

for all time.

Your heart's desire

Verses from Morning Prayer today:

Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desire.

and again, Commit your life to the Lord and he will grant your heart’s desire.

What is this “heart’s desire” that he will grant us? It’s not what you might think, and most likely it is not something you would pray for. In fact, this “heart’s desire” is probably something you have never thought of before, have never anticipated, and at this point you might not even know it exists. We’re dealing here with the realm of grace, with the realm of mystery, and in terms of a supernatural process that is set in motion by the commitment itself.

I’m speaking from experience here. I remember the time I first read those words and took them to heart. And from that day forward, life changed in ways that I never would have predicted. What I was given was far more than anything I had ever asked or hoped for.

And, this gift to my heart is a gift that keeps on giving, some thirty-five or forty years later. It has never ceased to fill my life with good, even in the midst of trials and difficulties.

If you’ve already made that commitment, if you’ve already begun to realize that your greatest delight is with the things of God, then you know what I am talking about. If you haven’t yet done so, or if you aren’t really sure that your life could change so radically, then simply pray for the grace to realize and to live these words, in your time, at the right time, which is, after all, God’s time. And God’s time is the best time of all.

May your heart be filled, all the days of your life.