paravanes:meditations

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." -Jesus Christ, in Matthew 11:28-30. In the earlier part of this chapter, Jesus critiques the abusive dishonesty so common among religious leaders of his--and our-- day. He ends his analysis by saying if you're tired of all of the fraud and emptiness, leave it all behind and come to him. Let him guide you (his yoke) and let him give you a purpose (his burden). These are light and easy because they are based on eternal truth, given by him, for your eternal blessing and benefit. Compared to what the world order offers, his way is easier because he never pressures you and he never leaves you to do anything on your own. It is his joy to be with you, to teach you, and to keep you safe. He is the Good Shepherd. His yoke is easy, and h...

Psalm 23 (KJV) 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.  6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. ***************************************** Am I doubting how, where, and why God leads me? It's tempting to do this, because I have been trained to believe I must plan my own life, plan my course of action, and determine to accept only certain outcomes that meet my standards and my preferences. When the Psalmist David writes "The Lord is my...