Taste and See
“Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good!
Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.” Psalm 34:8
The garden lessons of the summer have been rich and deep for me. This morning finds me with a bucket full and overflowing. During these last couple weeks of summer I would just like to share some incredible truths that are sown into my heart and bringing forth glorious fruit. You can take it for yourself if you choose.
A wonderful experience from many years ago comes to mind as I type these words. A friend invited a group of women to spend the weekend at her daughter’s house on the lake. It was a weekend filled with joy, fun and unforgettable experiences with the Lord. Before going to bed on Saturday night, she invited any who wanted to go to her Daddy’s garden to pick grapes, to be dressed and ready early the next morning. A few of us loaded into the car and drove a little distance to the vineyard. The vines were vast and heavy laden with delicious, sweet grapes. She gave each of us a bucket and joyfully said, “These belong to my Daddy and you can pick as many as you want. He doesn’t care how many you take.” As his daughter, she was free to make this offer to her friends. Some picked a few for eating while others picked several buckets full for making jams and jellies. It was up to us to decide how much we wanted.
This morning, I believe I can make the same offer to you. As my Heavenly Father’s daughter, I have freedom and authority given to my by Jesus, to offer you to come to my Father’s vineyard and take all that you want. He owns it all and it is available to all who will come and take. Take as much or as little as you want.
Taste and see that my God is good!
His LOVE is vast, wide, high and deep. It is yours to receive or reject. He chose you to be the recipient of His great and lavish love. I love the lyrics from “How Deep The Father’s Love”:
How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure,
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure.
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! (1 John 3:1)
His FORGIVENESS is yours. You don’t have to carry the burden of all your slip-ups and mess-ups. You don’t have to spend another day attempting to pay for it yourself. He paid the price for you on the cross. His forgiveness is yours. Receive it.
He extends His arms with bountiful ACCEPTANCE. Though everyone else rejects you, He accepts you. He not only loves you, he likes you. He created you for His own good pleasure.
“Though my father and mother [husband, child or friend] forsake me, the LORD will receive me.” Psalms 27:10
His PRESENCE awaits you. Draw near to Him and HE will draw near to you. (James 4:8) In His presence is joy, healing, wisdom, love, acceptance and really everything that you need.
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.“ Psalms 16:11
His REST is yours. No need to keep striving; rest in Him. Lean back into His loving arms and accept His every provision for you.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
His STRENGTH waits for you. Accept and acknowledge your weakness and find His amazing strength and power. He gives divine strength to face the impossible.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
Please don’t pick and choose…take it all. Fill your bucket.
TO BE CONTINUED….