After a very long pause from my blog I have decided to start publishing my morning devotionals. I am now part of a daily bible devotional and I am responsible for providing a short thought on Monday and Wednesday mornings. This is what I will be sharing with them tomorrow morning. God bless you all on your journey with God!
Good morning sons and daughters of the Most High King! Yesterday’s devotional in “Our Daily Bread” mentioned a woman that lived back in the 1300’s named “Julian of Norwich”. In preparation for my bible study this week, I looked her up to read a bit about her. When she was 30 years old she became very ill, to the point of death. So much so, that she had last rights ministered unto her. On her death bed, as the life was leaving her body, the devotional states that she experienced “a number of visions” and she was miraculously healed. Her experience led her to become an “Anchoress” (a Christian recluse) and she lived out her latter years in the solitude of a cell attached to St. Julian’s Church in Norwich, a city in Norfolk, England. She would spend her life completely devoting herself to prayer and the earnest seeking of God, and to fully contemplating the meaning of the visions that were given to her. She was very influential even in her own time, and her devotion led her to many revelations which she penned down and are now entitled “Revelations of Divine Love”. I have only read excerpts so far and I am amazed at the beauty and understanding that I see in her words.
Julian experienced the love of God in a miraculous way, and was so appreciative of it, that she devoted her entire life to contemplating it, meditating on it, praying about it, and cherishing it. It led her to experience a deeper, more meaningful relationship with God, and a greater understanding of His love for creation. This made me stop and think about myself. I have experienced several miracles even in my own life. I am full of praise and thanksgiving for a season, and then I am looking for the next miracle. I have a revelation and am sparked with the flooding in of the Holy Spirit and then I feel dry and turn looking for the next flood. I have several miracles and stories that most of you have not even heard and know nothing about. Why is that? Why haven’t I shared the complete story? Why haven’t I slowed down and learned to appreciate everything I have already been given? Why aren’t I just resting in His goodness and love that I have already received? Why am I not fully discussing the things that He has already showed me, asking Him why? Why God did you reveal that to me? What are you trying to teach me in this? Instead, I grab the gift in excitement, rip off the wrapping, give God a big enthusiastic hug and kiss, run around with my new gift all excited about it for a week, maybe two, maybe even a month or more, but then I eventually put it down. I stop thinking about it so much. I may be reminded of it, and get refreshed in the joy I once had, but ultimately my mind has gone on to looking for the next gift. This woman who lived hundreds of years ago, lived as a recluse, tucked away in isolation, was so full of the Holy Spirit that she is still influencing hearts. She has reminded and inspired me to hold on to each gift. Tightly. Dearly. Eternally. Meditate on the gifts I already have. The miracles I have already seen. To think on these things. Consider these things. Appreciate. There are many times we are called in scripture to “consider”. Daniel was asked to consider his vision. This is the beginning of a new study for me. I plan on reading her works and will share what I glean with you in future weeks. Have a blessed day!
Scriptures to consider: Daniel 9:22-24; Deuteronomy 4:39; Job 37:14; Hebrews 3:1
Daniel 9:22-24
And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding. At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.
Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the Lord he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else.
stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God.
Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;
