Led by the Holy Spirit

Day 19
From Trash to Treasure


I will praise You, for I am awesomely and wonderfully made; Your works are marvelous and my soul knows it very well. '
Psalms 139:14


The latest acquisition that made its way into our garage came from the curb over by Eddie and Gina's yard. We beat the trash truck to it.

It used to be a Victrola (for those of you old enough to know what a Victrola is), but the lid had been permanently fastened down after about a foot of the cabinet itself had been sawed off. Surprisingly, though, it was a pretty good sawing job.

The insides had been confiscated about the turn of the century (you may detect a tad of sarcasm in that statement), so there was a hollow cavern spattered with glue; there were nail holes everywhere; the sides were splintered and the bottom was shaky. Bill saw great potential for that sorry piece of wood, and he elected me to bring it out--thanks, Honey.

How many tired, sad-looking (sometimes hopeless-looking) pieces of furniture have I taken under my wing to make presentable? or even lovely? or just like new? And every time I start another one I say to Bill (and he reminds me that I've said it before), "Why I ever start a project like this is beyond me! Completely beyond me. I don't like to do it. It's messy. And who can guarantee what it will turn out like? Why do I do it?"

I've not ruined one yet, but of course there's a first time for everything. Yet I always start by closing my eyes and heaving a heavy sigh. Then, with great determination, I attack--just like I knew exactly what I was doing!

But I've learned some rather nice lessons while my hands are getting shriveled and the gnats are buzzing around my ears. The Lord uses practical things to teach us practical things.

You, Lord, have the capability of undoing all my blemishes and mistakes, of taking me back to bare wood again. Better still, You are able to take my gouges and stains--my flaws--and rub and polish them until they're really the prettiest areas on the desk!

You have done this in my life so many times. I show up in Your garage a mess, but You always see the potential. I wonder if You heave a sigh and, with great determination, begin the project?

That I don't know. One thing I do know: that You are working; that You are the epitome of patience; that You are skilled--the very best--at refinishing sorry things that might be on the curb ready for the trash truck.

How can I ever thank You for what You have done for me? I can't. It's impossible. But You know my thoughts, my heart, the depth of my gratitude. And You see my potential.

I will give thanks to Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made . . .
Psalm 139:14

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Day 20

THE HOLY SPIRIT BRINGS JOY



Jesus, full of the joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father.”
Luke 10:21

It’s one thing to be happy
and something else to have joy.
Happiness is like a little ripple.
Joy from God is like a tidal wave.


When regular happiness fills you,
you might dance or shout or laugh.
But when the joy of God floods you,
who knows what awesome thing you’ll do!


Grow Your Faith

The joy of the Lord comes from being filled with the Holy Spirit. Is your life spilling over with the joy that can only come from Him?

Grow Your Child’s Faith

Sometimes we think we can only be joyful if we get everything we want. It really depends on what you want! If you want lots of toys and junk food and to watch as much TV as you can stand, it will never really give you joy. If you want to be full of the Holy Spirit, you can be joyful no matter what!


Holy Spirit, would You please fill me with Your joy? Fill me with Your power so I can help other people. Fill me with Your light, Your life, and Your words. Amen.


Knowing the Holy Spirit: 52 Devotions to Grow Your Family’s Faith
 
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