This morning I was reading Genesis chapters 1-3 in my Bible and I noticed something I hadn't noticed before. After Adam and Eve sinned (chapter 3 verses 1-7), we read in verse 8 "And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day." This got my attention...maybe because I struggle with anger responses when someone offends me, but I noticed that God was not running hastily, as one controlled by the influence of angry feelings but rather he was walking and calm. That is where I need to be. When my kids disobey, even in the same things over and over, I need to respond in a walking pace...not in a running ready to battle pace. When someone speaks lies about me and I want to lash out (I speak of this one because I am there) in revenge, I need to stay calm and think about how my response will affect not only me, but my relationship with God and with others as well. I long to be like the words penned by Thomas Chisholm "O to be like Thee! lowly in spirit, Holy and harmless, patient and brave; Meekly enduring cruel reproaches, Willing to suffer others to save."
Looking forward to reading through the Bible in a year with friends via the following Facebook page started by my friend Diane: Daily In The Word. We are using this book as a guide Woman's Guide to Reading the Bible in a Year, A: A Life-Changing Journey Into the Heart of God [Kindle Edition] but you do not need the book if you don't want to purchase it (1.99 on Kindle) as Diane will be posting the reading schedule each week. It is a closed group so that there is some control over discussion, but if you want to join, please go to the link and click join.
OH TO BE LIKE THEE!
Hymn by Thomas Obediah Chisholm, 1866-1960
1 O to be like Thee! blessèd Redeemer,
This is my constant longing and prayer;
Gladly I’ll forfeit all of earth’s treasures,
Jesus, Thy perfect likeness to wear.
Refrain
O to be like Thee! O to be like Thee,
Blessèd Redeemer, pure as Thou art;
Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness;
Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart.
2 O to be like Thee! full of compassion,
Loving, forgiving, tender and kind,
Helping the helpless, cheering the fainting,
Seeking the wandering sinner to find.
3 O to be like Thee! lowly in spirit,
Holy and harmless, patient and brave;
Meekly enduring cruel reproaches,
Willing to suffer others to save.
4 O to be like Thee! Lord, I am coming
Now to receive anointing divine;
All that I am and have I am bringing,
Lord, from this moment all shall be Thine.
5 O to be like Thee! while I am pleading,
Pour out Thy Spirit, fill with Thy love;
Make me a temple meet for Thy dwelling,
Fit me for life and Heaven above.
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