Valuing The Lost

Luke 15:4, 6  NKJV  (from the parable of the lost sheep)

v. 4 -What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?

v. 6 - And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, "Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!"

Luke 15:8-9  NKJV (from the parable of the lost coin)

v. 8 - Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it?

v. 9 - And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, saying, "Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost!"

Luke 15:24, 32  NKJV (from the parable of the lost son)

v. 24 - " for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found." And they began to be merry. 

v. 32 - "It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found."

Luke 15 is all about the value of the lost. Tax collectors and sinners had drawn near to Jesus so they could hear Him. The Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, “This Man receives sinners and eats with them.” They didn't value the lost. Jesus then gives 3 examples of the joy people have when that which was lost is found - the lost sheep, the lost coin and the lost son.  

The fact that I call something lost implies that it has value to me.  I don't lament that trash is lost, but I will lament if something I consider valuable is lost in the trash.

Luke 19:10 reads - for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.  

The value Jesus gave the lost was His life.

Reference – I heard my pastor preach that seeking something lost implies that it has great value.  When I read Luke 15 today, I was reminded of his sermon.

 

Copyright 2012  Leah Lambert Smith

Don't Kill Yourself

I tended to be an analytical, critical thinker.  When focused on my life, that kind of thinking would exacerbate the negative.  Pondering my future, I would project that negativity forward...  It was depressing.  I saw no reason to walk into a future with no hope.

I've crossed paths with a lot of critical thinkers lately.  Given the opportunity, I encourage them to never project their perceived present into their future.  Life changes too quickly and easily. 

I prefer to expect the wonders of life to come my way.  Honestly, they often do.

I love this life.

Copyright 2012  Leah Lambert Smith

Don't Be Like That Child

Keep your eyes upon Me; keep your ears tuned to what I say.
Don't be like that child.  The child that goes on a field trip with his class.  He remains aware of his classmates so that he doesn't feel left behind, but he daydreams and lets his eyes wander all around.  While the rest of the class pays attention to the leader by keeping their eyes upon the leader and keeping their ears tuned to what the leader says, this child doesn't see or hear.  
This child's mother will ask him tonight, "Did you go on the field trip today?"  The child will answer, "Yes, I did."  However, the child has deceived himself.  He was not there for the purpose of the trip.  He was only geographically present.
Don't be like that child.  Keep your eyes upon Me; keep your ears tuned to what I say.
   
This word the Lord gave me years ago keeps coming to my remembrance.  I can get so busy and distracted, but that's not the purpose of this trip.  The purpose is to keep my eyes upon my God and to keep my ears tuned to what He is saying.  

Copyright 2012  Leah Lambert Smith

 

Lift Your Voices

In a course about the physics of music I learned about each individual's unique voiceprint. Even the best impersonators cannot fool science. The lesson reminded me of an occurence (a God-vision?) which happened many years before. 

It was late at night and I couldn't sleep for the sheer joy of my blessings. I was beside the greatest husband ever. My amazing toddler was asleep in the adjoining room. A precious about-to-be-born child wriggled within me. I was silently singing worship songs and telling God of my thankfulness and joy. 

Suddenly, my body rose from the bed, went up into heaven and - plop! I was standing on a circular riser in a spot which I knew had been designated just for me. The risers went up as far as I could see and went down to a bright light. All around me were various creatures, angels and people praising God together. I couldn't understand what they were singing, but the song I was singing fit right in. 

Overwhelmed by the sights and sounds, my singing wavered.  Until, in the midst of the bright light, God turned his head to the right and said, 

"Do you hear that voice? That's my daughter, Leah. Isn't she beautiful?"

I couldn't believe it! He noticed when my voice joined the throng!

I threw my shoulders back and lifted my head!  I sang as loud and strong as I could!  My God was paying attention to my voice!

I love this life!!! 

Copyright 2012 Leah Lambert Smith

Do I Melt?

My husband's voice melts me.  

I just realized that the voice of God isn't melting me as often as it should.  I hear my friend, my counselor, my king...I'm not hearing my lover.  I have to change that!  

I must protect time and energy to love Him - to sing to Him and dream of Him.  I should always see Jesus as the lover of my soul, as my betrothed.  He died out of love for me.  He lives out of love for me.  I must open my eyes and ears to stay aware of His Love.  End from beginning, that's who He is and this passion is the basis of our relationship.

I should continually experience every blessing of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.

I love this life! 

Copyright 2012  Leah Lambert Smith

Hope?

Proverbs 13:12
Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire is fulfilled, it is a tree of life.

Could this scripture be telling me to protect my heart by placing my hope carefully?  Is this a warning to keep me from placing my hope in circumstances, people, etc.?

I will place my hope in the most high God.

I love this life.

Copyright 2012  Leah Lambert Smith

Needs - Met!

I questioned God regarding a lack I had once felt.  He said I'd forgotten about the lack because He'd been taking care of it.  

I often revisit this insight into the character and love of my Father.  He doesn't always blatantly meet my need.  Sometimes He so gently meets it, I'm unaware of the change. 

It reminded me of a TV show highlighting the tasks servants perform for guests of England's queen.  Their work was generally done behind the scenes.  The guests were often unaware of what was being done because their needs were  anticipated and met before being discerned.

I love this life.

Copyright 2012  Leah Lambert Smith