Wrestling With Wolves

"Search me, O God, and know my heart;test me and know my anxious thoughts.See if there is any offensive way in me,and lead me in the way everlasting."-- Psalm 139:23-24

The Wolves Within
a Cherokee legend

A boy sat thoughtfully by his grandfather’s side, waiting for the old man to speak.

"A fight goes on inside me,” the grandfather began, “a terrible fight between two wolves, each as different as day and night. One is evil - he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego. The other is good - he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside each of us."

The grandson pondered these things and then asked, "Grandfather, which wolf wins?"

The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."

Simple Feelings

Your love is a healing kiss to my soul
Your truth is what sets me free
Your grace is like hope to this failing heart
Your joy is a blessing to me

Tuesday Observations

1. The sunshine came out to play this morning. I rejoiced greatly at its brilliance, and did a little happy dance.

2. Gracious truth telling is possible and can produce some marvelous 

effects.

3. A long time ago I took a trip to a far away place. It was a ten day missions trip that changed my life. During those memorable days, I experienced a closeness to God I thought I would never reach again. I told myself it was because of the extreme circumstances of being in a third world country, doing to work Of God that caused this deep feeling of contentment, peace, and safety in the arms of my Jesus. I didn't think I'd ever reach that place again. God felt like something in the distance I had a hard time reaching. I saw my daily normal life as drudgery. I was wrong. My daily quiet time these last two weeks has shown me just how wrong I was. I can be as close to God on the mountaintop as I can while I'm making the bed.

"Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast."
-- Psalm 139:7-10