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Paraphrased from 'Pearls of Great Price,' by Joni Eareckson Tada
The first week of the New Year is nearly behind us. Personally, I'm not a huge fan of New Year's resolutions, probably because in my experience they are short lived. I blow it before I know it. However, there is one resolution worth considering for Twenty-Ten.
II Corinthians 4:16 says, Therefore, do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
Our inner man/inner being/new creation in Christ, must be renewed daily. It must be nourished daily - every day, month & season of the year. Our fellowship with God must be renewed day to day, not just on Sunday mornings when we listen to a good sermon. Our fellowship with Jesus must be renewed on a daily basis, nourishing our souls through the Word of God. It's necessary. Quickly, we can become spiritually malnourished. It's one resolution we can't afford not to keep.
I pray "that He would grant you & I, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man." (Ephesians 3:16) May we invite His Spirit to replenish us as we spend time in His Word and in prayer. Lord Jesus, show us fresh insights every day in Your Word. Reveal Your heart to us in prayer and in so doing, renew our inner being day by day. In Jesus Name I pray. AMEN.
A quote on this theme by Elyse Fitzpatrick, author of 'Idols of the Heart' - "Pursue the happiness of knowing and loving Christ, and you will find your holiness and worship will grow."
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Closing Prayer for 2009
During the church service we attended this morning at Trinity Bible in Cedar Falls, Iowa, our Pastor, John Miller prayed this prayer from 'The Book of Uncommon Prayer' by Joseph Parker. As my husband & I held hands with heads bowed listening to the words in reverence, we cried together. After the service, Rob approached Pastor John for a copy of the prayer because it summed up so perfectly how the Lord has led us through this difficult year by His infinite grace and mercy.
Almighty God, just as we began the year in your name and in your strength, so we close it to your praise. You’ve done great things for us, and because of that, we’re glad. You’ve led us by a way that we knew not and by paths we had not known.
You’ve been eyes to the blind, and feet to the lame. You’ve cared for us with all the tender care of love. You have not forsaken us even for a moment. With everlasting mercies you’ve surrounded us and made us strong. When we feared, we heard the voice of Christ. When we wondered what would happen, you sent strength and peace.
Because of You, we can trust the Lord with our whole heart, and we need take no more care of our own life that we may save it. He that saves his life shall lose it, and he that loses his life in the love of Christ shall find it.
God, give us the gift of faith, so that we may believe all of this holy testimony, and so that we might conduct our life along these sacred lines.
We want to be quiet, resigned, perfectly tranquil. We want to rest in the Lord and wait patiently for him, and as for our heart’s desire we know that You will grant it to us.
You’ve led us by ways that startled us, and you’ve brought us right up to cliffs that have terrified us, yet by your good hand you’ve set us in Your house, given us a new song, and caused our face to be turned towards heaven.
In our houses we’ve seen You. You’ve laid bread on our table, common when we touch it, but sacramental when you break it and give it to us. By Your grace, we have not eaten it carelessly, neither for physical sustenance nor for spiritual.
God, this year is nearly over and it will soon vanish. God be merciful to us sinners. Where we’ve done wrong, let the time past be enough to bring it to an end.
Give us consciousness of your love—not so much to throw us into despair, but enough to lead to the cross where all sin may be forgiven. If we’ve done anything in your strength and in the interest of your kingdom, may You be praised for the opportunity and for the power.
If we’ve been unkind to one another let all bitterness and wrath, and anger and clamor cease now. Help us to love our enemies that we may forgive them. Give us confidence in You, increase our love toward the cross, and rule us more completely by the ministry of your Holy Spirit.
Grant all men wisdom, direction, comfort in sorrow; and show them where the fountain of life is. Help your followers to withdraw often to be refreshed by the rest and the communion that are found in Christ. Be in our lives—each one of us.
Our time on earth is a dwindling quantity, and yet our eternity in heaven is still endless because of Christ. Help us to live the rest of our time here in pureness and gentleness and usefulness, and may men take knowledge of us that we have been with Jesus and learned of Him.
Be in our homes and make them habitations of the just; go with us into our workplaces and into our cities and into our culture that we may keep a wise and understanding heart amid all the temptation and distraction of this world.
In the time of sorrow may we show Christian confidence, and in the hour of loss may we be enabled to fall back upon the riches that we treasure in Christ Jesus.
Hear your servants in these things. These supplications and praises are poured out at the foot the cross. Send us answers of peace. In Christ’s name I pray.
Adapted from: 'The Book of Uncommon Prayer: Joseph Parker’s Pulpit Pleadings.'
Almighty God, just as we began the year in your name and in your strength, so we close it to your praise. You’ve done great things for us, and because of that, we’re glad. You’ve led us by a way that we knew not and by paths we had not known.
You’ve been eyes to the blind, and feet to the lame. You’ve cared for us with all the tender care of love. You have not forsaken us even for a moment. With everlasting mercies you’ve surrounded us and made us strong. When we feared, we heard the voice of Christ. When we wondered what would happen, you sent strength and peace.
Because of You, we can trust the Lord with our whole heart, and we need take no more care of our own life that we may save it. He that saves his life shall lose it, and he that loses his life in the love of Christ shall find it.
God, give us the gift of faith, so that we may believe all of this holy testimony, and so that we might conduct our life along these sacred lines.
We want to be quiet, resigned, perfectly tranquil. We want to rest in the Lord and wait patiently for him, and as for our heart’s desire we know that You will grant it to us.
You’ve led us by ways that startled us, and you’ve brought us right up to cliffs that have terrified us, yet by your good hand you’ve set us in Your house, given us a new song, and caused our face to be turned towards heaven.
In our houses we’ve seen You. You’ve laid bread on our table, common when we touch it, but sacramental when you break it and give it to us. By Your grace, we have not eaten it carelessly, neither for physical sustenance nor for spiritual.
God, this year is nearly over and it will soon vanish. God be merciful to us sinners. Where we’ve done wrong, let the time past be enough to bring it to an end.
Give us consciousness of your love—not so much to throw us into despair, but enough to lead to the cross where all sin may be forgiven. If we’ve done anything in your strength and in the interest of your kingdom, may You be praised for the opportunity and for the power.
If we’ve been unkind to one another let all bitterness and wrath, and anger and clamor cease now. Help us to love our enemies that we may forgive them. Give us confidence in You, increase our love toward the cross, and rule us more completely by the ministry of your Holy Spirit.
Grant all men wisdom, direction, comfort in sorrow; and show them where the fountain of life is. Help your followers to withdraw often to be refreshed by the rest and the communion that are found in Christ. Be in our lives—each one of us.
Our time on earth is a dwindling quantity, and yet our eternity in heaven is still endless because of Christ. Help us to live the rest of our time here in pureness and gentleness and usefulness, and may men take knowledge of us that we have been with Jesus and learned of Him.
Be in our homes and make them habitations of the just; go with us into our workplaces and into our cities and into our culture that we may keep a wise and understanding heart amid all the temptation and distraction of this world.
In the time of sorrow may we show Christian confidence, and in the hour of loss may we be enabled to fall back upon the riches that we treasure in Christ Jesus.
Hear your servants in these things. These supplications and praises are poured out at the foot the cross. Send us answers of peace. In Christ’s name I pray.
Adapted from: 'The Book of Uncommon Prayer: Joseph Parker’s Pulpit Pleadings.'
Saturday, December 26, 2009
What Faith Can Do
My theme song for 2009. Thanks to all who responded to my request in January to join my "mustard seed" faith group who would pray for me & my family's behalf as I faced cancer.
Matthew 17:20 - He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."
Philippians 1:19-20 - for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.
What Faith Can Do Lyrics
Everybody falls sometimes
Gotta find the strength to rise
From the ashes and make a new beginning
Anyone can feel the ache
You think it’s more than you can take
But you are stronger, stronger than you know
Don’t you give up now
The sun will soon be shining
You gotta face the clouds
To find the silver lining
I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do
It doesn’t matter what you’ve heard
Impossible is not a word
It’s just a reason for someone not to try
Everybody’s scared to death
When they decide to take that step
Out on the water
It’ll be alright
Life is so much more
Than what your eyes are seeing
You will find your way
If you keep believing
I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do
Overcome the odds
You don't have a chance
(That’s what faith can do)
When the world says you can’t
It’ll tell you that you can!
I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do
That's what faith can do!
Even if you fall sometimes
You will have the strength to rise
Matthew 17:20 - He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."
Philippians 1:19-20 - for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.
What Faith Can Do Lyrics
Everybody falls sometimes
Gotta find the strength to rise
From the ashes and make a new beginning
Anyone can feel the ache
You think it’s more than you can take
But you are stronger, stronger than you know
Don’t you give up now
The sun will soon be shining
You gotta face the clouds
To find the silver lining
I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do
It doesn’t matter what you’ve heard
Impossible is not a word
It’s just a reason for someone not to try
Everybody’s scared to death
When they decide to take that step
Out on the water
It’ll be alright
Life is so much more
Than what your eyes are seeing
You will find your way
If you keep believing
I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do
Overcome the odds
You don't have a chance
(That’s what faith can do)
When the world says you can’t
It’ll tell you that you can!
I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do
That's what faith can do!
Even if you fall sometimes
You will have the strength to rise
Friday, December 25, 2009
2009 Christmas Greeting
I decided to post our Christmas greeting on the blog because it's impossible to thank all of the people who have carried us through this difficult year.
Cancer touched our family personally and has made for a long year. First, my diagnosis of breast cancer in February, then Rob's Dad passed away just days after learning he had cancer in August. We grieve Bob's absence in our lives, but we are thankful he is in heaven where there is no more suffering.
We have learned to treasure each day as a gift. Birthdays and anniversaries had deeper meaning to us this year.
In June, we celebrated our granddaughter's first birthday with lots of laughter watching her eat her birthday cake by the handfuls.
Rob & I celebrated 18 years of marriage in July. We learned it's true about looking more like your spouse the longer you're together. Rob reminded me on my birthday that "bald was the new blond."
We had the privilege of caring for our granddaughter, Sydney the weekend of Derek & Ali's 2nd wedding anniversary. We understand the meaning of grandchildren; our moments with Sydney are definitely GRAND.
I managed to pull one over on Rob with a surprise party for his BIG 4-0!!! He wore my blonde wig at the party and found out that blondes really do have more fun.
November, Derek's birthday wish came true, the Yankees won the World Series. Erin turned 14 the day before Thanksgiving and is anxious to put her driver's permit to use.
My motto this year has been, "Life is hard, but God is good." Yes, it's been difficult, but God has given us SO MUCH to celebrate and be thankful for. Your love, encouragement and prayers have carried us through. Our hearts are overwhelmed with gratitude. THANK YOU!
We pray you will experience PEACE not as the world gives. (John 14:27)Your HEALTH will be restored and your wounds healed. (Jeremiah 30:17) You will have HOPE because the Lord's compassions are new every morning. (Lamentations 3:21-23)You will have FAITH as small as a mustard seed that can move mountains. (Matthew 17:20) You will have COURAGE because the Lord is with you. (Deuteronomy 31:8)You will grasp how wide, how long, how deep the LOVE of Jesus is for you. (Ephesians 3:18-19)
Merry Christmas!
Emmanuel by Laura Story, C.F. Alexander. A new, favorite Christmas song for me this year. Lyrics below:
Once in royal David's city
stood a lowly cattle shed,
where a mother laid her baby
in a manger bed:
Mary was that mother mild,
Jesus Christ her little child.
Chorus:
Emmanuel
The promise kept
Its longing of my heart for God in flesh
Through this child, all earth is blessed
Emmanuel
He came down to earth from heaven,
who is God and Lord of all,
and his shelter was a stable,
and his cradle was a stall;
with the poor, the scorned, the lowly,
lived on earth our Savior holy.
Bridge:
Our answered prayer
Our faith’s reward
Redemption’s near
Redemption’s here
Alt Chorus:
Emmanuel
We will rejoice
We will worship you, our Savior and our Lord
We will join creation’s voice
Emmanuel
Cancer touched our family personally and has made for a long year. First, my diagnosis of breast cancer in February, then Rob's Dad passed away just days after learning he had cancer in August. We grieve Bob's absence in our lives, but we are thankful he is in heaven where there is no more suffering.
We have learned to treasure each day as a gift. Birthdays and anniversaries had deeper meaning to us this year.
In June, we celebrated our granddaughter's first birthday with lots of laughter watching her eat her birthday cake by the handfuls.
Rob & I celebrated 18 years of marriage in July. We learned it's true about looking more like your spouse the longer you're together. Rob reminded me on my birthday that "bald was the new blond."
We had the privilege of caring for our granddaughter, Sydney the weekend of Derek & Ali's 2nd wedding anniversary. We understand the meaning of grandchildren; our moments with Sydney are definitely GRAND.
I managed to pull one over on Rob with a surprise party for his BIG 4-0!!! He wore my blonde wig at the party and found out that blondes really do have more fun.
November, Derek's birthday wish came true, the Yankees won the World Series. Erin turned 14 the day before Thanksgiving and is anxious to put her driver's permit to use.
My motto this year has been, "Life is hard, but God is good." Yes, it's been difficult, but God has given us SO MUCH to celebrate and be thankful for. Your love, encouragement and prayers have carried us through. Our hearts are overwhelmed with gratitude. THANK YOU!
We pray you will experience PEACE not as the world gives. (John 14:27)Your HEALTH will be restored and your wounds healed. (Jeremiah 30:17) You will have HOPE because the Lord's compassions are new every morning. (Lamentations 3:21-23)You will have FAITH as small as a mustard seed that can move mountains. (Matthew 17:20) You will have COURAGE because the Lord is with you. (Deuteronomy 31:8)You will grasp how wide, how long, how deep the LOVE of Jesus is for you. (Ephesians 3:18-19)
Merry Christmas!
Emmanuel by Laura Story, C.F. Alexander. A new, favorite Christmas song for me this year. Lyrics below:
Once in royal David's city
stood a lowly cattle shed,
where a mother laid her baby
in a manger bed:
Mary was that mother mild,
Jesus Christ her little child.
Chorus:
Emmanuel
The promise kept
Its longing of my heart for God in flesh
Through this child, all earth is blessed
Emmanuel
He came down to earth from heaven,
who is God and Lord of all,
and his shelter was a stable,
and his cradle was a stall;
with the poor, the scorned, the lowly,
lived on earth our Savior holy.
Bridge:
Our answered prayer
Our faith’s reward
Redemption’s near
Redemption’s here
Alt Chorus:
Emmanuel
We will rejoice
We will worship you, our Savior and our Lord
We will join creation’s voice
Emmanuel
Thursday, December 3, 2009
The Fight for Hope Over Despair
This is a powerful picture and message of the fight for hope over despair in the battle against cancer. I could completely identify with it. Have your kleenex handy.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Permission to Weep
In recent days it's been difficult for me to keep on, keeping on. I've been very "weepy." I've cried tears of grief, tears of joy, tears of weariness and tears of gratitude - all wrapped up in one peculiar package.
I find comfort from God's Word about weeping from an excerpt I read recently from 'Beside Still Waters,' written by C.H. Spurgeon. In John 11, it speaks of Lazarus' death, but Jesus was going to raise him. (John 11:11) Lazarus' resurrection was at hand, yet Jesus wept. (John 11:35) Jesus knew that Lazarus' death was for God's glory. He said, "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it." (John 11:4) Still, He wept.
Have you ever thought it wrong to weep at a loss. I have. It is not wrong. It if were, Jesus would not have wept under similar circumstances. Tears, have free admission into the realm of holiness because "Jesus wept."
Friends, we may weep because "Jesus wept." He wept with the full knowledge of Lazarus' happiness, with full knowledge of his resurrection, with firm assurance that God was glorified through this death. We may not condemn what Christ allows. If we can weep, thank God. If we can weep and know that we are in His presence, then our weeping is not sinful. Let tears roll in floods. This is good instruction.
May the Holy Spirit teach us. May the Lord write it on every weeper's heart. We may weep because "Jesus wept." (John 11:35)
Even though today, I weep because this "sickness" called breast cancer is taking it's toll on me. Yet I also weep tears of joy because He's healing me and carrying me every step of the way. I weep with weariness and gratitude tied together with awe of the immense love, care and encouragement He continues to pour out upon me through so many people. I may weep, because "Jesus wept." (John 11:35)
I find comfort from God's Word about weeping from an excerpt I read recently from 'Beside Still Waters,' written by C.H. Spurgeon. In John 11, it speaks of Lazarus' death, but Jesus was going to raise him. (John 11:11) Lazarus' resurrection was at hand, yet Jesus wept. (John 11:35) Jesus knew that Lazarus' death was for God's glory. He said, "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it." (John 11:4) Still, He wept.
Have you ever thought it wrong to weep at a loss. I have. It is not wrong. It if were, Jesus would not have wept under similar circumstances. Tears, have free admission into the realm of holiness because "Jesus wept."
Friends, we may weep because "Jesus wept." He wept with the full knowledge of Lazarus' happiness, with full knowledge of his resurrection, with firm assurance that God was glorified through this death. We may not condemn what Christ allows. If we can weep, thank God. If we can weep and know that we are in His presence, then our weeping is not sinful. Let tears roll in floods. This is good instruction.
May the Holy Spirit teach us. May the Lord write it on every weeper's heart. We may weep because "Jesus wept." (John 11:35)
Even though today, I weep because this "sickness" called breast cancer is taking it's toll on me. Yet I also weep tears of joy because He's healing me and carrying me every step of the way. I weep with weariness and gratitude tied together with awe of the immense love, care and encouragement He continues to pour out upon me through so many people. I may weep, because "Jesus wept." (John 11:35)
Friday, November 20, 2009
The More I Seek
Over the course of this year, in my distress, I have turned to the the Lord. He has been so incredibly near to me. The more I seek Him, the more I find Him, the more I find Him, the more I love Him.
This year I've been set aside to focus on my health and many days have felt useless. Yet, I've discovered the richness of my salvation in Jesus, the joy of His constant, unconditional love in a deeper more profound way than ever before.
Too often I have judged myself based on how I look, behave and feel. I've felt unworthy of love much of my life. If I liked what I saw in the mirror or if things in my life were going smoothly or my "performance" seemed "adequate" I found it easier to believe I was loved and accepted.
As I've rested in the presence of the Lord for several months, I've come to realize that He loves me as I am, not for what I "do" or look like. He desires me to stop judging myself and "fixing" myself, so that I will be accepted or loved by people. He wants me to redirect my thoughts to see myself clothed in His righteousness, radiant in His perfect love. Not by ANYTHING I can do, but by His incomparable richness of grace, love and mercy - all free gifts from Him.
He is teaching me to release my idol of approval of man for the Lord's affirmation that is not dependent upon achievement or outward appearance. He is reminding me to be at peace with the way He has created me. My ultimate purpose on this earth is to love and worship Him. It seems too simple, yet so complex. From the overflow of my love and devotion to Him I can love others more freely without fear of rejection.
While my body continues to heal from the scars of cancer and emotional wounds, I am to be still, rest in His presence, cease striving, relax. That is so counter cultural, our society defines our "value" if we're busy, striving, doing more to prove our worth.
Lord, thank you for drawing near to me as I've drawn nearer to You. Your love is so deep, it's more that I can understand. I melt in your peace. It's overwhelming.
Deuteronomy 4:29-31 But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul. When you are in distress and all these things have happened to you, then in later days you will return to the Lord your God and obey him. For the Lord your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon you...
This year I've been set aside to focus on my health and many days have felt useless. Yet, I've discovered the richness of my salvation in Jesus, the joy of His constant, unconditional love in a deeper more profound way than ever before.
Too often I have judged myself based on how I look, behave and feel. I've felt unworthy of love much of my life. If I liked what I saw in the mirror or if things in my life were going smoothly or my "performance" seemed "adequate" I found it easier to believe I was loved and accepted.
As I've rested in the presence of the Lord for several months, I've come to realize that He loves me as I am, not for what I "do" or look like. He desires me to stop judging myself and "fixing" myself, so that I will be accepted or loved by people. He wants me to redirect my thoughts to see myself clothed in His righteousness, radiant in His perfect love. Not by ANYTHING I can do, but by His incomparable richness of grace, love and mercy - all free gifts from Him.
He is teaching me to release my idol of approval of man for the Lord's affirmation that is not dependent upon achievement or outward appearance. He is reminding me to be at peace with the way He has created me. My ultimate purpose on this earth is to love and worship Him. It seems too simple, yet so complex. From the overflow of my love and devotion to Him I can love others more freely without fear of rejection.
While my body continues to heal from the scars of cancer and emotional wounds, I am to be still, rest in His presence, cease striving, relax. That is so counter cultural, our society defines our "value" if we're busy, striving, doing more to prove our worth.
Lord, thank you for drawing near to me as I've drawn nearer to You. Your love is so deep, it's more that I can understand. I melt in your peace. It's overwhelming.
Deuteronomy 4:29-31 But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul. When you are in distress and all these things have happened to you, then in later days you will return to the Lord your God and obey him. For the Lord your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon you...
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Grieved
The apostle Paul wrote, "Though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials" (I Peter 1:6). Not only do we have various trials, they also grieve and depress us. It happens to the best of God's servants. I know several people who love the Lord, and the Lord loves them. They are precious to Him. They are humble, gentle, and gracious people, but they have come into deep trouble or some heavy cloud rests upon them. It is especially to these individuals that I write.
Dear troubled friends, you may have grief or sorrow that is not known to anybody. You od not want to reveal it. You would not whisper it to the dearest confidant that you have on earth. You keep it to yourself. Perhaps this is the reason that it becomes so bitter. Communicating to some Christian friend might be a real help. There is relief in shedding tears when you are in great anguish. If you can have a good cry, you can get over the trouble more readily.
Yet sometimes you cannot find expression for grief and the pent-up flame becomes more fierce. If you have a grief that you cannot tell to any human being, let me affectionately invite you to look to Jesus. Tell the Lord all about your sorrow, and ask Him to give you help in your time of need. Whatever it is, tell it to Him. As surely as Jesus lives, He will hear and answer, and you will go your way in peace.
I do not know the details of your situation. "The heart knows its own bitterness, and a stranger does not share its joy" (Proverbs 14:10. There are depths and there are heights where we must be by ourselves. Do not be surprised if, as far as human beings are concerned, you sometimes have to sail alone. BUT if Christ is in the vessel, you cannot be in better company. You're NOT ALONE.
Excerpt from 'Beside Still Waters' by C.H. Spurgeon, Edited by Roy H. Clark
I Peter 1:6-7 - In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
Dear troubled friends, you may have grief or sorrow that is not known to anybody. You od not want to reveal it. You would not whisper it to the dearest confidant that you have on earth. You keep it to yourself. Perhaps this is the reason that it becomes so bitter. Communicating to some Christian friend might be a real help. There is relief in shedding tears when you are in great anguish. If you can have a good cry, you can get over the trouble more readily.
Yet sometimes you cannot find expression for grief and the pent-up flame becomes more fierce. If you have a grief that you cannot tell to any human being, let me affectionately invite you to look to Jesus. Tell the Lord all about your sorrow, and ask Him to give you help in your time of need. Whatever it is, tell it to Him. As surely as Jesus lives, He will hear and answer, and you will go your way in peace.
I do not know the details of your situation. "The heart knows its own bitterness, and a stranger does not share its joy" (Proverbs 14:10. There are depths and there are heights where we must be by ourselves. Do not be surprised if, as far as human beings are concerned, you sometimes have to sail alone. BUT if Christ is in the vessel, you cannot be in better company. You're NOT ALONE.
Excerpt from 'Beside Still Waters' by C.H. Spurgeon, Edited by Roy H. Clark
I Peter 1:6-7 - In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
My Father
My dear friends, remember that you have a Father in heaven. When all is gone and spent, you can still say, "My Father." Your relatives may be gone, but your Father lives. Friends may leave, just as the birds fly south for the winter, but you are not alone because the Father is with you. Cling to this blessed promise, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5) In every moment of distress, anxiety and perplexity, you have a Father on whose wisdom, truth, and power you can rely.
If your children have needs, they go to you. If they have questions, they ask you. If they are ill-treated, they appeal to you. If a thorn is in their finger, they run to you for relief. Little or great, your children's sorrows are your concern. This makes their life easier, and it should make our lives easier if we acted as God's children. Imitate Jesus. In your Gethsemane, pray as He did, "O My Father" (Matthew 26:42). This is a better defense than shield or sword. Jesus' resource was to approach the Father with prevailing prayer.
There are times when, moved by the Holy Spirit, we pray with a power of faith that can never fail at the mercy seat. Without this impulse, we must not push our will. There are many occasions when, if we had all the faith to move mountains, we would choose wisely if only by saying, "Your will be done." (Matthew 26:42)
Prayer is always an open door. There is no predicament in which you cannot pray. If, like Jonah, you are at the bottom of the ocean and the weeds are wrapped around your head, you may still pray. If you are between the jaws of the lion, you may still pray. Prayer is a weapon that can be used in every position and every conflict. Do not look to the arm of flesh (II Chronicles 32:8), but look to the Lord your God.
Excerpt from 'Beside Still Waters' C.H. Spurgeon, Edited by Roy H. Clarke.
If your children have needs, they go to you. If they have questions, they ask you. If they are ill-treated, they appeal to you. If a thorn is in their finger, they run to you for relief. Little or great, your children's sorrows are your concern. This makes their life easier, and it should make our lives easier if we acted as God's children. Imitate Jesus. In your Gethsemane, pray as He did, "O My Father" (Matthew 26:42). This is a better defense than shield or sword. Jesus' resource was to approach the Father with prevailing prayer.
There are times when, moved by the Holy Spirit, we pray with a power of faith that can never fail at the mercy seat. Without this impulse, we must not push our will. There are many occasions when, if we had all the faith to move mountains, we would choose wisely if only by saying, "Your will be done." (Matthew 26:42)
Prayer is always an open door. There is no predicament in which you cannot pray. If, like Jonah, you are at the bottom of the ocean and the weeds are wrapped around your head, you may still pray. If you are between the jaws of the lion, you may still pray. Prayer is a weapon that can be used in every position and every conflict. Do not look to the arm of flesh (II Chronicles 32:8), but look to the Lord your God.
Excerpt from 'Beside Still Waters' C.H. Spurgeon, Edited by Roy H. Clarke.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Lord, Have Mercy
When pain goes through you again until the tears unwillingly fall from your eyes, pray this prayer, "Lord, have mercy on me."
Psalm 41:3-4 says, The Lord will sustain him on his sickbed and restore him from his bed of illness. I said, "O Lord, have mercy on me; heal me..."
I have found when medicine fails, or when sleep is chased away, or when pain becomes unbearable, it is good to appeal directly to God. Say, "Lord, I am Your child. Did You not say, 'As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him?" (Psalm 103:13) Therefore, "Lord, have mercy on me."
When hurting with pain of any sort, you may find quiet resignation, holy patience and childlike submission will enable you to pray this simple prayer, "Lord, have mercy on me." This often brings better relief than anything that the most skilled physician can prescribe. You are permitted and encouraged to look up into Your Heavenly Father's face and say, "Lord, have mercy on me."
Paraphrased from an excerpt titled, 'Be Merciful' from the book titled, 'Beside Still Waters' by C.H. Spurgeon, Edited by Roy H. Clarke.
Psalm 41:3-4 says, The Lord will sustain him on his sickbed and restore him from his bed of illness. I said, "O Lord, have mercy on me; heal me..."
I have found when medicine fails, or when sleep is chased away, or when pain becomes unbearable, it is good to appeal directly to God. Say, "Lord, I am Your child. Did You not say, 'As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him?" (Psalm 103:13) Therefore, "Lord, have mercy on me."
When hurting with pain of any sort, you may find quiet resignation, holy patience and childlike submission will enable you to pray this simple prayer, "Lord, have mercy on me." This often brings better relief than anything that the most skilled physician can prescribe. You are permitted and encouraged to look up into Your Heavenly Father's face and say, "Lord, have mercy on me."
Paraphrased from an excerpt titled, 'Be Merciful' from the book titled, 'Beside Still Waters' by C.H. Spurgeon, Edited by Roy H. Clarke.
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