One of the daily online games I play is called Connections. You’re given sixteen words among which you find relationships in groups of four.
It can be tricky because, of course, words can have more than one meaning. Is “train” a vehicle or a piece of clothing, or is it a verb? You can see how your initial reflexes might need correction. It’s a fun lesson in the layers of meaning and ambiguity.
Paul isn’t describing a game here but real life, with its own layers and mysteries. We might initially interpret an experience of suffering or confusion in one way that seems obvious at the time, but listening to Paul, another dimension occurs to us as we discern the surprising meaning that the Lord can bring out of all things.
Amy I too try Connections my mind does not get them. Probably because of hemisphere of left and right brains. My left brain left and my right brain isn't right. Thanks Cheryl, Jane for birthday wishes. Hopefully we will hear from a Sinner and Marco. Ken Ken
Good morning LFF, some intentions for today. Irene, I pray that your surgery goes smoothly and your recovery will be smooth and speedy. Rusty, as I read your posts, my heart goes out to you with understanding and compassion. My prayer for you is that you remember that after being forgiven, you will refresh yourself every day knowing that you’ve been freed from the past and the guilt of prior life situations. Jesus loves you so much and He is that warm feeling you’re experiencing as you reach out to Him every day in prayer. Have a beautiful summer day, Dear Living Faith Family Friend.
*** Yes, I find it paradoxical in God's economy as I grow older (I didn't know any better when I was younger) just as Paul described in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, "We are pushed hard from all sides. But we are not beaten down. We are bewildered. But that doesn’t make us lose hope. Others make us suffer. But God does not desert us. We are knocked down. But we are not knocked out!" And else where in Scripture: you are poor then you are rich (2 Co 4:9); you are last then you are first (Matthew 20:16); you are dead then you are alive (Ephesians 2:5); you are fool then you are wise (1 Co 3:18); *** This is how Paul described this treasure of the Good News in 2 Corinthians 4:7, "Treasure is kept in clay jars. In the same way, we have the treasure of the Good News in these earthly bodies of ours. That shows that the mighty power of the Good News comes from God. It doesn’t come from us!" *** This is how Paul described what to do with this spirit of faith in 2 Corinthians 4:13, "It is written, “I believed, and so I have spoken.” (Psalm 116:10) We have that same spirit of faith. So we also believe and speak!" ******* Pual described the reasons for speaking/showing God's Good News in these earthly bodies of ours by His power in 2 Corinthians 4:14-15, "We know that God raised the Lord Jesus from the dead. And He will also raise us up with Jesus. And He will present both you and us to Himself. All this is for your (our) benefit. God’s grace is reaching more and more people. So they will become more and more thankful. They will give glory to God!" *** Paul described the reality of our earthly bodies and encouragement to keep believing and speaking in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, "We don’t give up. Our bodies are becoming weaker and weaker. But our spirits are being renewed day by day. Our troubles are small. They last only for a short time. But they are earning for us a glory that will last forever. It is greater than all our troubles. So we don’t spend all our time looking at what we can see. Instead, we look at what we can’t see. That’s because what can be seen lasts only a short time. But what can’t be seen will last forever!" Amen!!!
Amy---Connections really works my mind to think outside the norm. Appreciate your reflection and "connection" with today's reading. Going through something with my son that really brings more understanding through your writing. Thank you Amy. Always enjoy your reflections
Thank you so much!
Happy birthday to you, dear, Ken... another year ahead filled with love, peace, blessings, health and strength
Good morning LFF.... this is truly beautiful Amy... thank you
As a big Connections fan, bravo Amy. Great connection you made. Thank you for sharing. So many things in our lives appear and are interpreted as one thing and after reflection or more time are understood or honored as something different with potentially deeper meaning or offering greater access to growth. May we all be blessed with the ability to experience this. Thank you all for your prayers and my work situation. I believe I will find out next week and know that God has a plan for me here. I am open to it and excited about new possibilities. Ken, happiest of birthdays. We wish you an exciting and fulfilling new decade. Continuing to lift Kirnon in his transition. Celebrating Cass! Asking God to be with Irene in her surgery today. Lifting Clarence Clark in prayer to heal and head home from the hospital. Asking God to be with Roman’s family as they begin the funeral process this evening. Continued prayers for Karen and my children. Amen.
Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those experiencing natural disasters, and those in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur, the Sudan, in addition to all those suffering around the world - also for their strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.
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Sharing with you, “ DAY TWENTY-THREE “The Lamb will triumph over them…” *** READ “They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because He is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with Him will be His called, chosen and faithful followers.” Revelation 17:14 *** REFLECT After watching the seven angels empty seven bowls of God’s wrath upon the earth, John finds himself taken away to a wilderness. Here, he sees a woman (also known as Babylon) seated on a scarlet beast. The woman’s glamorous outward attire conceals a filthy and ugly inward spirit. This great prostitute depicts all that entices human beings away from a right relationship with God. These powerful temptations blind people to their need for God. But Revelation promises that “the Lamb will triumph over them because He is Lord of lords and King of kings.” Nothing can ultimately stand against God. This world and Satan’s forces cannot steal from God’s children what He holds secure. The power within those who belong to Christ is stronger than any evil that permeates the world. *** PRAY God intends for His people to trust Him and live differently than the self-indulgent world. How might God be calling you to live differently? God has placed each one of us in our families, our jobs, and our communities so we can represent Him to a world blinded by sin. Pray for an opportunity to demonstrate your faith this week.”