We Are Reminded

Psalm 24:1-4 NIV

The earth is the Lordʼs, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters. Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god.

Here we are reminded of the reality that everything belongs to the Lord because God created everything from nothing. We are reminded that the Lord is above everything. 

Here we are reminded of the reality that everyone belongs to the Lord because God spoke life into existence. We are reminded that the Lord is above everyone. 

Here we are reminded of the reality that the Lord is almighty - that He rules over all - and sovereign - that He reigns over all.  

Here we are reminded of the reality that we are not worthy to stand in God's presence. We are reminded that our hands are unclean - that we have committed wrong acts with our hands. We are reminded that our hearts are impure - that we have harbored wrong motives in our hearts. 

Here we are reminded of the reality that - on our own - we are unworthy, unclean, impure, broken, lost, and hopeless. 

But then we are invited - by God - to remember His almighty power to purify, to renew, and to restore. 

Psalm 51:10-12, NIV

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

When we are reminded of the reality of our impurity and our brokenness, let us remember God's invitation. When we are reminded of the reality of our impurity and our brokenness, let us remember God's sovereignty. 

Let us be purified.

Let us be renewed.

Let us be restored. 

In the Lord. 

Green Eggs and Ham

 

Tonight I read Dr. Seuss' "Green Eggs and Ham" to my youngest daughter. I've read this book several times to my other children, yet this particular time I was struck by the conclusion of this book. 

The Cat in the Hat has declined the various invitations from Sam-I-Am to try green eggs and ham - he will not try them! Yet, as Sam pursues him, the Cat in the Hat finally gives in. 

Sam!
If you will let me be,
I will try them.
You will see.

Say!

I like green eggs and ham!
I do! I like them, Sam-I-am!
And I would eat them in a boat!
And I would eat them with a goat.
And I will eat them in the rain.
And in the dark. And on a train.
And in a car. And in a tree.
They are so good so good you see!

So I will eat them in a box.
And I will eat them with a fox.
And I will eat them in a house.
And I will eat them with a mouse.
And I will eat them here and there.

Say! I will eat them anywhere!
I do so like
Green eggs and ham!
Thank you!
Thank you,
Sam-I-am

Just think, the Cat in the Hat could have continued to refuse to try the green eggs and ham. Or, after trying them, he could have denied that he liked them. 

It occurs to me that often we act much like the Cat. When change is introduced we deny the possibilities that the change might bring a favorable impact. Instead, we outright refuse it! Maybe, after we are worn down, we agree to "try" the change just to appease someone - all the while refusing to give it a true chance.  

What is required, from us all, is to, first, listen; listen to the thoughts and insights of others. Then, second, we must put our own opinions aside and give true consideration to the suggestions of others - this may require us giving the suggested "change" a chance. And, finally, we must set our own pride aside and do what is best - for ourselves and others. 

Say! I will eat them anywhere!
I do so like
Green eggs and ham!
Thank you!
Thank you,
Sam-I-am