The Special of the Day… From the Orange Moon Cafe…
"Heartlines"
As a child, I began my days by retrieving the newspaper from the front porch (on those days when the carrier's aim was accurate). Before I even sat down, I perused the headlines of the front page. I then headed for the sports pages and the comics, returning later to any news that had perked interest by my initial glance (sports and comics first… a lad must maintain priorities!).
For various reasons, I long ago cancelled my subscription to our local newspaper, as have most who once read it (last I heard, they print it only three days a week). The computer age has something to do with the demise of the old habit, along with my lack of interest in journalism as it now exists (with a few exceptions). However, long before I said farewell to the headlines, a new habit had replaced them, which I call "Heartlines."
"Do not My words do good?" (Micah 2:7).
I am not sure how much good came from my day-commencing newspaper habit. I know for certain, however, the benefit of that which replaced it. The glory of God awaits us in the pages of the Word of God as our days begin. The Lord Jesus resides in all, His truth glimmers to lead us in the Light that "shineth in darkness," and we please the heart of God by attending ourselves to His living presence in the Scriptures. Yes, our Heavenly Father's words, His Heartlines, "do good" to all who begin the day in their spirit and truth. Conversely, headlines, whether on paper, television, or computer screens, may well cast an initial shroud of darkness over our souls at the outset of the day.
"Those that seek Me early shall find Me" (Proverbs 8:17).
I do not suggest a mere ritual or habit concerning the matter, but rather a conviction. What do we believe does good to the innermost depths of our being and our lives that flow from Christ's presence within us? "Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life" (Proverbs 4:23). More importantly, is it is possible that at the outset of our days, we can please the heart of God by attending to His presence and the voice of His Word? The Psalmist declared that "the Lord taketh pleasure in His people" (Psalm 149:4). Can we, upon first light of the day, bless our Father's heart by turning our hearts toward His first light? I think so, as did the Psalmist. "O God, Thou art my God. Early will I seek Thee" (Psalm 63:1).
I miss the feel of a fresh sheet of newsprint in my fingers. I miss its smell. I miss the old habit that felt putting on a warm, well worn sweater on a cold morning. I miss the headlines, the scores, and Charlie Brown and Snoopy's doings of the day. Or do I? No, not really. The new habit, which is much more than a habit, transcends the old by an infinite measure. The living and eternal God awaits us on the pages or perhaps computer screen - your choice - of His living and eternal Word. Nothing compares with the good we discover in His Heartlines of love, light and grace. More importantly, nothing compares with pleasing our Father as we prayerfully approach Him in the realization that somehow creatures such as ourselves have a cherished place in His heart. Wondrously, He loves our presence when we bring our hearts to His pages more than we love the Presence we find therein. The prophet well knew such wonder. Jeremiah closes our consideration with that which gladdened his spirit, even as it gladdened the Spirit of God…
"Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and Thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by Thy name, O LORD God of hosts."
(Jeremiah 15:16)
Weekly Memory Verse
"Consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds."
(Hebrews 12:3)
6446
No comments:
Post a Comment