illusions of loveliness

Thursday, May 16, 2013 (10:30 a.m.)

Blessed God,

I just used a new to me phrase, “Illusions of loveliness”. Father, thank You that You do NOT offer us illusions. You offer us Truth. Your Truth.

Thank You Father. Thank You that the book of Isaiah speaks to this very thing. In regards to Your people of Judah, “They say to the seers, 'Don't see the future.' They say to those who have visions, 'Don't have visions that tell us what is right. Tell us what we want to hear. See illusions” (Isaiah 30:10).

Oh how long and hard I have worked to produce illusions of loveliness. Father, thank You for the work You are doing in us around here, produing the fruit of Your Spirit. It's been a long time coming. There have been no shortcuts. No quick and easy solutions.

“But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives He will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control; and here there is no conflict with Jewish laws” (Galatians 5:22-23).

Father God how truly grateful I am to have You working so diligently in and on our behalf. The Life Recovery commentary at the bottom of the page says this, “These characteristics are a product of the Holy Spirit's work in a life submitted to God and His plan. Just as a tree bears fruit by means of God's silent work behind the scenes, we experience these fruits of the Spirit by means of God's power alone. Our part is to entrust our life to Him. When the Holy Spirit begins to bear these fruits in our life, our dependencies lose their power. With joy and peace we overcome the pain of a broken past. With love, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and gentleness we restore our relationships and make amends. With patience we persevere through the difficult times. With self-control we stand against our tendency toward a relapse. God's Spirit can supply everything necessary for a successful recovery.”

Amen, amen! It's so true. I will take Your Truth and Fruit over my own stress producing illusions of loveliness anyday. Thank You for leading and guiding us toward Truth. Your perfect, life producing Truth. Thank You Father. Enable us to use it well this day. I love You. I thank You. Amen.

(388 words ~ 10:58 a.m.)