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Inspiration CornerWhere the Members and Friends of Urbana Grace Church Share Moments of Inspiration Click here if you have something you would like to share. A LAKE’S SURFACE REVEALS LIFE’S STORY “A LAKE’S SURFACE REVEALS LIFE’S STORY” Gary Ricketts June 28, 2005
I was seated at our campsite near the shore of a large lake. Gentle ripples were lapping at the shore’s edge. Everything seemed peaceful and calm. I reflected back to a different scene earlier in the week. The wind had picked up and large waves with whitecaps had come rushing at the shoreline. Eventually, the wind quieted down and the waves did also, resulting in a more peaceful scene. Suddenly I realized that what was happening on the surface of the lake, was a mirror image of our lives. Sometimes our lives are calm and peaceful; but at other times life can be very stormy with problems hitting us like strong waves. However, the answer to life’s turbulence is not in the water, but the creator of the water and of you and me. God can lift us up when we are down. He can calm the storms of our lives the same as He calms the water of a lake. He is in control and we must put our faith and trust in Him. Calm my doubts and fears, O Lord, and give me peace in the middle of life’s storms. ________________________________________________ Gary Ricketts October 22, 2004
It was a beautiful campground setting in late autumn. The sun was shining and a gentle breeze was shaking the leaves from the trees. Slowly floating downward they came; with colors of red, purple, gold, yellow and brown. They looked beautiful on the trees, and for awhile they will look beautiful on the ground. Then with the coldness and bleakness of winter, they will lose much of their beauty. They will be walked on, and many will be covered by snow. What message is God trying to convey to us through the falling leaves? Could it be that they are symbolic of the many blessings God bestows upon us every day throughout the year? Also, could it be that we soon forget those blessings, the same as we forget the beauty of autumn leaves? Once the leaves fall, the trees appear to be dead. However, when spring comes, the trees seem to come alive and new leaves appear. The wonderful cycle of nature starts all over again. The trees with all their beautiful leaves remind us of the life of Christ. The dead appearance of the trees in winter reminds us of Christ’s death on a cross, and the great sense of loss that befell the believers. The new leaves in spring remind us of a resurrected Christ; new hope, new life and new beginnings. So it is in our own Christian walk. Sometimes we feel vibrant and look radiant like the trees in full color. Other times our spiritual life is at a standstill and our spiritual tank is on empty. When our spiritual tank starts to fill, our life takes on purpose and meaning anew, much like the new leaves on a tree in springtime. The next time you see falling leaves in autumn, let them be for you a message from God. ___________________________________________ November 3, 1999
God did not promise that life would be easy, And not filled with some sorrow and pain.
God did not promise that our children would be perfect, And our lives and jobs always fulfilling.
He did not promise great material wealth, Or a large earthly mansion.
Nor did he promise freedom from sins temptation, Or life without fears or frustrations.
What God did promise was unconditional love, And an opportunity for us to have eternal life.
Jesus Christ bore our sins at Calvary, So that we might be acceptable in God’s sight.
God promises strength to face life’s journey, And strong hands to pick us up when we fall.
God promises loving arms to enfold us when we hurt, Along with a loving heart that shares our burdens.
He promises guidance to see us through each day, And spiritual food to strengthen our faith during trails and tribulations.
God provides the Holy Spirit to dwell in us, Giving us peace in the middle of life’s storms.
Salvation is possible through the grace of God If we have faith and believe. ___________________________________________________ June 12, 2001
An old man came upon a beautiful sunray As he was walking through the woods one day. He sensed the presence of the Lord all around, And he quickly dropped to his knees to pray.
Here I am again Lord, Asking for your forgiveness and your time. It’s been awhile since we last talked And I have a lot on my mind.
You see Lord, the young couple down the street Have a little one that needs your healing. They pray Lord and are full of faith, But they need from you that warm, loving feeling.
I have a friend Lord that is in a bad way, And sometime he feels at the end of his rope. Please bless him and his family today, And let him see a glimmer of hope.
The Mrs. and I aren’t getting any younger, And arthritis has come our way. Our joints don’t move as easily anymore, And my hearing gets a little worse each day.
Oh, I don’t mean to complain Lord, But occasionally one gets weary and in need of rest. Some say you aren’t relevant anymore, But we know better Lord, you’re just the best.
The Mrs. and I thank you for a good life, And for hearing our feeble cries. When we open our spiritual eyes and really look, We see your handiwork on the ground and in the skies.
The beauty of nature and the little creatures, You created them all, we are told. And that new grandchild, Lord, Is a wonder to behold.
Your miracles are all around us And should cause the multitudes, in wonder, to stare. However, people just seem too busy today, To look around and see and really care.
We’ve been praying for folks, Lord, Just like the good book reads. However, sometimes the needs are almost overwhelming, But we must keep planting spiritual seeds.
We love you Lord, and we are very grateful, For the sacrifices your Son made for us, long ago. He gave his life for the sins of mankind, So that eternal life, we might someday know.
Well, I’ve bent your ear long enough, Lord, Because I know you have others to hear. I won’t wait so long to talk again, For I know you are always near.
Lord, thank you again for your many blessings, For, I’m just a sinner, saved by your grace.
Amen December. 2005 Inspired by God Penned by Gary Ricketts
Christ didn’t enter this world as the multitudes expected. In fact, he entered in the exact opposite way. Instead of a mighty warrior to lead the Israelites in battle, he came as a defenseless babe that needed to be cradled in his mother’s arms, nourished and loved. In addition, there was no room for Joseph and Mary in the Inn and Jesus was born in a lowly stable. What a humble beginning for one whom was fully human, but also fully divine. An exceptionally bright star marked his place of birth. He was born on earth just like you and I in our birth. Why did God have his son arrive on earth in this manner? I believe it was so people could see how much he loves and cares for each of us, because we are his children. The image of Christ cradled in Mary’s arms (loving, nourishing, and protecting), is the image God wants us to have of his relationship to each of us. Mighty God who can do all things, gently holds us in his loving arms, protects us, encourages us and provides for us. Everyone is a child of the most-high God. We can be 2 or 102, but we are still children in God’s sight. Thank you Lord, for being a true Heavenly Father.
Inspired by God Penned by Gary Ricketts October 9, 2006
To you Lord I come again, Asking for your help, Giving thanks for your blessings, And I do it all on bended knee.
Hear my prayers O Lord, My cries of anguish, And my shouts of joy; For I do it all on bended knee.
Things in this world seem upside down, And at times I am both distraught and confused. Where is love, care and concern? I cry out in despair on bended knee.
You want me to be humble Lord. You want me to love and be open To the needs of those around me. My preparation works best on bended knee.
You prayed a lot O Christ, To give you direction and spiritual strength. You needed to talk with your Heavenly Father, And you did it on a regular basis.
Humble me O Lord. Guide me in your path. Help me to never forget, The power of prayer on bended knee. |
