Okay, picture this....lazy evening...sitting on the couch....husband asleep..............with TV remote in hand........and of course the station is on a show that I care nothing about!!! Got the visual?? The name of the show is, "How It's Made." I dare not wake the sleeping bear by trying to steal the remote....so I concede, and watch the show.
The topic was shoelaces. I must admit, I have never wondered how they are made...but....It was intriguing. I didn't realize how much work was involved. Watching those machines intertwine the threads in what reminded me of a maypole dance was impressive. The supervisor then began to show the 'most important' part, the aglet. The aglet is the plastic part at the end of the lace. His statement was, "The aglet is the most important part of the lace. Without the aglet, it is almost impossible to insert the laces through the eyelet of the shoe."
Well, that got me to thinking.....I can see all the facets of our lives as all the different colors of the thread, it is on the 'machine' of life, being tightly spun together. Each color has a purpose, each thread is needed. Not only is every thread needed...but each thread is also needed to be of good, consistant quality or the lace will fray. All those threads spun together is very pretty, but is basically useless without the aglet. I see the aglet as the example of salvation....all we have, all we are made of..each fiber, each thread, is incapsulated into the aglet...and now is given direction and the ability to truly work in the way it is intended.
You ever have a shoelace that has lost its aglet?....frustrating to say the least, isn't it? I have twisted the ends, wet them to try to mold them together better...trimmed the ends with scissors...and even taken a match to them to try to melt them together............nothing really works, does it? Such is life....we try to do things our way, try to push through life and hope to make it through........doesn't really work too well. But if we accept Christ into our hearts and let Him lead us, let Him be the 'most important part of our lace...our life," then everything flows much easier through the eyelet of life.
Lord, please help me to stay humble and not let the lace of my life 'fray' so that life becomes so hard and unable to manage. If the aglet falls off and the shoelace comes out, then it is unable to be put back in, and the shoe then flops around and is of no use. Something so small...an aglet....is not out there in the spotlight...but vitally needed. Jesus, you are that perfect gentleman...You often are standing somewhere in the shadows...but so vitally needed in our lives.
What are the conditions of the aglets in your life? Do you step on them without thought? Do you give them no thought, no consideration until they are damaged and now your shoe is not able to function?............funny how something so small can cause such thought, huh?
Monday, September 24, 2012
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Enjoying the Sandbar of Life
I was recently at the beach........ahhh........I would love to be there again. I just love sitting under an umbrella with a good book with my toes in the sand, and the waves crashing in the background. Anyway, at this particular place, as you walk into the ocean, it was so warm and nice....but it gradually got deeper. If you kept going, you eventually would reach a sandbar that once again would put your feet firmly on the ocean floor.
I must admit, it was a little scary to keep walking out into the deeper water, with the waves coming on strong, and get to the point to where you could not reach bottom. You had to do some actual swimming, and watch those waves closely, or you were going under! But, if you kept going, you would reach the sandbar, and could relax. There you are, out in the middle of the ocean! You can still see the beach, but you are far enough away as to not hear all the commotion of people playing, talking, radios booming....all you hear are the waves and the wind.
I began to watch a certain group of people near us. All of them were enjoying the sandbar, except one. He was disgruntled at the others. You see, he wouldn't chance going into the deeper water to get to the sandbar. He would watch the others having fun....and would be angry...because they were having fun. I felt sorry for him in one way...but wanted to tell him...oh come on.....you can take the chance....go to the sandbar!!
It reminded me of Jonah. He knew God was going to forgive Ninevah. Jonah didn't like them, and knew if he obeyed God, God would forgive....and he didn't want that. You all know the story....he ran.....God definitely got his attention....and then he obeyed, and the people of Ninevah were forgiven! After all Jonah had gone through...after all Jonah had been a witness to...and had a hand in...why in the world did he then go and pout? He was angry....God, well, had been God...and forgiven Ninevah....and Jonah didn't like it.
God even loved ole Jonah enough to grow a gourd so that Jonah would have shade while he pouted....still didn't help his attitude, did it? Jonah had more compassion over the death of that gourd then the souls in Ninevah.........what a miserable small minded world Jonah lived in. I'm sure Jonah had his good moments.........and God still used him.........but that didn't mean Jonah had a right attitude.
This guy at the beach was working hard to stay afloat in the deeper water, waves crashing over his head...getting out of breath...meanwhile his friends were enjoying life at the sandbar. I envisioned the ocean as the world....we all live in it....we were all in the water...waves were hitting all of us. Most of us chose to enjoy the sandbar....where we didn't have to work hard, we could relax more, and see more. Yes, the waves came in...but they were more manageable. Meanwhile, that one guy, while he was in the same water as us, was miserable.
Sometimes we wear ourselves out in life........and it may not be in sin...it may be while doing God's work. We are so stubborn and prideful, that we hold on and cater to our anger, that we can't enjoy our lives. We want things to go like we want them to...instead of truly trusting and following God. We stop looking through God's eyes....with a Godly heart. We would rather burn all of our energy in the deeper water, rather than swimming on out to the sandbar and letting God truly bless us.
One of my favorite quotes is, 'Your attitude determines your altitude with God.' We may be 'in God's will' to a certain point...and doing God's work, too. But if we really look closer....could God really be doing so much more, if we got our own selves out of the way? We can know all about God, and we can quote His Word all day, but that doesn't mean we are fully obeying Him.
As I kept watching this young man, I could see his heart harden. Well...dadgum it...if his friends weren't going to join him in the deeper water, then..poo on them! He turned his back and raised his nose and tried to prove he was having the better time. It was so sad, it was almost laughable! If he had just softened his heart....admitted what was really going on...maybe he was a little scared...maybe he didn't like swimming alone....whatever the reason....if he had just had the faith to swim on.....or humble enough to ask a friend to help him...then he could have enjoyed the sandbar too!
He can go back home and tell everyone he enjoyed the ocean...and I know he did to a certain point...but he could've had a much better time if he had only gotten to the sandbar. Please, Lord....don't let me be that way....I don't want to let my stubborn nature, my opinion, my pride prevent me from enjoying the life you truly intended me to have. I do not want You to have to grow a gourd to give me shade while I sit in my pride...my opinions...my 'self'....and stew! I want to enjoy the sandbars of my life....I want to enjoy my family and friends...and everyone you place in my life to the fullest extend that you intended for me! Not my will, oh Father...but yours! Thank you for my contrite heart, thank you for my humble spirit...may I NEVER fail to love!
I must admit, it was a little scary to keep walking out into the deeper water, with the waves coming on strong, and get to the point to where you could not reach bottom. You had to do some actual swimming, and watch those waves closely, or you were going under! But, if you kept going, you would reach the sandbar, and could relax. There you are, out in the middle of the ocean! You can still see the beach, but you are far enough away as to not hear all the commotion of people playing, talking, radios booming....all you hear are the waves and the wind.
I began to watch a certain group of people near us. All of them were enjoying the sandbar, except one. He was disgruntled at the others. You see, he wouldn't chance going into the deeper water to get to the sandbar. He would watch the others having fun....and would be angry...because they were having fun. I felt sorry for him in one way...but wanted to tell him...oh come on.....you can take the chance....go to the sandbar!!
It reminded me of Jonah. He knew God was going to forgive Ninevah. Jonah didn't like them, and knew if he obeyed God, God would forgive....and he didn't want that. You all know the story....he ran.....God definitely got his attention....and then he obeyed, and the people of Ninevah were forgiven! After all Jonah had gone through...after all Jonah had been a witness to...and had a hand in...why in the world did he then go and pout? He was angry....God, well, had been God...and forgiven Ninevah....and Jonah didn't like it.
God even loved ole Jonah enough to grow a gourd so that Jonah would have shade while he pouted....still didn't help his attitude, did it? Jonah had more compassion over the death of that gourd then the souls in Ninevah.........what a miserable small minded world Jonah lived in. I'm sure Jonah had his good moments.........and God still used him.........but that didn't mean Jonah had a right attitude.
This guy at the beach was working hard to stay afloat in the deeper water, waves crashing over his head...getting out of breath...meanwhile his friends were enjoying life at the sandbar. I envisioned the ocean as the world....we all live in it....we were all in the water...waves were hitting all of us. Most of us chose to enjoy the sandbar....where we didn't have to work hard, we could relax more, and see more. Yes, the waves came in...but they were more manageable. Meanwhile, that one guy, while he was in the same water as us, was miserable.
Sometimes we wear ourselves out in life........and it may not be in sin...it may be while doing God's work. We are so stubborn and prideful, that we hold on and cater to our anger, that we can't enjoy our lives. We want things to go like we want them to...instead of truly trusting and following God. We stop looking through God's eyes....with a Godly heart. We would rather burn all of our energy in the deeper water, rather than swimming on out to the sandbar and letting God truly bless us.
One of my favorite quotes is, 'Your attitude determines your altitude with God.' We may be 'in God's will' to a certain point...and doing God's work, too. But if we really look closer....could God really be doing so much more, if we got our own selves out of the way? We can know all about God, and we can quote His Word all day, but that doesn't mean we are fully obeying Him.
As I kept watching this young man, I could see his heart harden. Well...dadgum it...if his friends weren't going to join him in the deeper water, then..poo on them! He turned his back and raised his nose and tried to prove he was having the better time. It was so sad, it was almost laughable! If he had just softened his heart....admitted what was really going on...maybe he was a little scared...maybe he didn't like swimming alone....whatever the reason....if he had just had the faith to swim on.....or humble enough to ask a friend to help him...then he could have enjoyed the sandbar too!
He can go back home and tell everyone he enjoyed the ocean...and I know he did to a certain point...but he could've had a much better time if he had only gotten to the sandbar. Please, Lord....don't let me be that way....I don't want to let my stubborn nature, my opinion, my pride prevent me from enjoying the life you truly intended me to have. I do not want You to have to grow a gourd to give me shade while I sit in my pride...my opinions...my 'self'....and stew! I want to enjoy the sandbars of my life....I want to enjoy my family and friends...and everyone you place in my life to the fullest extend that you intended for me! Not my will, oh Father...but yours! Thank you for my contrite heart, thank you for my humble spirit...may I NEVER fail to love!
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Learning Through The Storm
As Christians.....as humans, for that matter.....we go through storms of various shapes and sizes all of our lives. It is up to us on how we react to them, what we do while in them, and what we learn from them. Speaking from my past, I know I have done well through some....and no doubt, failed through some. But the one constant through them all has been Jesus! He loves us no matter how we react during the storms. But nothing pleases Him more than when we endure the storm through Him, by Him, and glorify Him.
Recently, I have been dealing with probably the greatest storm I have ever gone through in my entire life. I don't feel the need to share the details of this storm right now, but know that I would have never imagined that I would have to face it. Storms are put in our lives, one, because we are made of flesh, and things are going to happen....and two, storms keep us humble and remind us that we ARE flesh...and all things are done through Christ, and for His glory...and not our own! He is in control!
Through my soon to be 43 yrs of life, I have had my share of storms....as well as blessings. I have been saved for 35yrs of my life.....I've never one time regretted being saved nor have I ever been forsaken. It took some time and maturing, but I can say I have learned from past storms, and have gotten stronger.
This current storm has really taught me to lean on Him. This storm has separated the supposed to be friends from my true friends. While it is disheartening, it is a blessing to truly know who my friends are. And of course, the friend who sticketh closer than a brother has not let me down! Funny.....in a sad way.............it is some of my christian friends that want to keep the negativity of this storm swirling around me. As christians we are supposed to build our brothers and sisters up, and point the lost to Christ. Sadly, christians...or so called christians....tend to tear their fellow brothers and sisters down, judge them.....and live just like the lost!
It's easy to see the negative side of things. That seems to be our human nature. Something negative will definitely move around the rumor mill a whole lot faster than anything postive! Believe me, my family has been the talk of the town. Everyone loves to stare and whisper....and walk around me on eggshells. Satan would have me to stay focused on all of that. All the sad, bad, negative details that have happened. Where does that get me? How does that help me get closer to Christ?
Yes, this is a terrible storm. Yes, this was not God's perfect will.....it was His permissive will. Yes, I could wallow around in all the pity and sadness. But, I CHOOSE to allow Christ to shine through this storm! I want others to see how Christ has done a work through this. How He has made our mess a masterpiece for His glory! I will choose to look at the positives in this storm! We often see the dark clouds, the dark skies, the scary winds, the rough rain. We see the damage those things bring. But, the sun comes out and evaporates the rain waters, the sky gets bright and blue again. The grass, and flowers, and gardens flourish because the storm came through! The wind benefited the trees by shaking loose the limbs that needed to be pruned away.............the list of positives go on and on!
We keep a barrel to catch rain water here, so we can water our garden with it. That is a blessing! The storms come and fill that barrel. If that barrel is turned over, its just a waste. Its of no help. If we let our storms turn us sideways or turn us over........than what good will we be for Christ? When the storms come...be focused on Christ so that through that storm you can be a vessel to be used later on for Him!!!!!
So, the next time a storm hits you my friend..........CHOOSE to look at the positives in the storm, and as a result of the storm you will be stronger. Stay a vessel that God can use!!
Recently, I have been dealing with probably the greatest storm I have ever gone through in my entire life. I don't feel the need to share the details of this storm right now, but know that I would have never imagined that I would have to face it. Storms are put in our lives, one, because we are made of flesh, and things are going to happen....and two, storms keep us humble and remind us that we ARE flesh...and all things are done through Christ, and for His glory...and not our own! He is in control!
Through my soon to be 43 yrs of life, I have had my share of storms....as well as blessings. I have been saved for 35yrs of my life.....I've never one time regretted being saved nor have I ever been forsaken. It took some time and maturing, but I can say I have learned from past storms, and have gotten stronger.
This current storm has really taught me to lean on Him. This storm has separated the supposed to be friends from my true friends. While it is disheartening, it is a blessing to truly know who my friends are. And of course, the friend who sticketh closer than a brother has not let me down! Funny.....in a sad way.............it is some of my christian friends that want to keep the negativity of this storm swirling around me. As christians we are supposed to build our brothers and sisters up, and point the lost to Christ. Sadly, christians...or so called christians....tend to tear their fellow brothers and sisters down, judge them.....and live just like the lost!
It's easy to see the negative side of things. That seems to be our human nature. Something negative will definitely move around the rumor mill a whole lot faster than anything postive! Believe me, my family has been the talk of the town. Everyone loves to stare and whisper....and walk around me on eggshells. Satan would have me to stay focused on all of that. All the sad, bad, negative details that have happened. Where does that get me? How does that help me get closer to Christ?
Yes, this is a terrible storm. Yes, this was not God's perfect will.....it was His permissive will. Yes, I could wallow around in all the pity and sadness. But, I CHOOSE to allow Christ to shine through this storm! I want others to see how Christ has done a work through this. How He has made our mess a masterpiece for His glory! I will choose to look at the positives in this storm! We often see the dark clouds, the dark skies, the scary winds, the rough rain. We see the damage those things bring. But, the sun comes out and evaporates the rain waters, the sky gets bright and blue again. The grass, and flowers, and gardens flourish because the storm came through! The wind benefited the trees by shaking loose the limbs that needed to be pruned away.............the list of positives go on and on!
We keep a barrel to catch rain water here, so we can water our garden with it. That is a blessing! The storms come and fill that barrel. If that barrel is turned over, its just a waste. Its of no help. If we let our storms turn us sideways or turn us over........than what good will we be for Christ? When the storms come...be focused on Christ so that through that storm you can be a vessel to be used later on for Him!!!!!
So, the next time a storm hits you my friend..........CHOOSE to look at the positives in the storm, and as a result of the storm you will be stronger. Stay a vessel that God can use!!
Thursday, May 31, 2012
The Garden
As I look at my garden this morning...I can't help but picture a spiritual application. A storm blew in night before last. Lots of rain, wind, thunder and lightening. My garden looks good, but some of the corn was leaning over. A closer look showed no breaks in the stalks, some were just leaning over and bent. My thoughts began to take over.
My life is like that garden. I have to work hard and stay focused. If I don't, then weeds and pests can come in and reek havoc. If I keep it watered, then it will stay healthy and grow. If I am patient, it will produce wonderfully healthy food that not only will feed myself, but those around me as well. Storms will come....but if I planted correctly, the roots will hold.
The wind blew the corn over a couple nights ago. But as the sun came out, the corn began to stand back straight and tall. Some stayed a little leaned over, but it will still produce corn! And here I am day 2 after the storm...and the garden has grown...everything is greener....the garden is beautiful.
Sometimes we don't understand the reasons for the storms of life....sometimes we never know the reason....but, if we are rooted in His Word, keep focused on Him, diligently work, then when the storms of life come....we shall not be moved! The storm may bend us over, but as the Son comes out, we will straighten back up! Some storms may really work us over, and we may bear signs of that storm...we may always seem a little 'bent'. But, that doesn't mean our spiritual walk is over. Some of the most twisted, bent, stalks of corn produce the most and prettiest corn we have ever seen!!
Keep tending to that garden.....keep pulling the weeds, keep fertilizing, keep applying the dusts to keep pests away, keep watering.......there is a reward coming!!!! Not only will you reap what you sow and be blessed....but everyone around you will receive blessings as well!!
My life is like that garden. I have to work hard and stay focused. If I don't, then weeds and pests can come in and reek havoc. If I keep it watered, then it will stay healthy and grow. If I am patient, it will produce wonderfully healthy food that not only will feed myself, but those around me as well. Storms will come....but if I planted correctly, the roots will hold.
The wind blew the corn over a couple nights ago. But as the sun came out, the corn began to stand back straight and tall. Some stayed a little leaned over, but it will still produce corn! And here I am day 2 after the storm...and the garden has grown...everything is greener....the garden is beautiful.
Sometimes we don't understand the reasons for the storms of life....sometimes we never know the reason....but, if we are rooted in His Word, keep focused on Him, diligently work, then when the storms of life come....we shall not be moved! The storm may bend us over, but as the Son comes out, we will straighten back up! Some storms may really work us over, and we may bear signs of that storm...we may always seem a little 'bent'. But, that doesn't mean our spiritual walk is over. Some of the most twisted, bent, stalks of corn produce the most and prettiest corn we have ever seen!!
Keep tending to that garden.....keep pulling the weeds, keep fertilizing, keep applying the dusts to keep pests away, keep watering.......there is a reward coming!!!! Not only will you reap what you sow and be blessed....but everyone around you will receive blessings as well!!
Sunday, February 19, 2012
The Unseen Hand
Have you ever heard that old gospel song, "The Unseen Hand'? "There is an unseen hand to me, that leads through ways I cannot see. We're going through this world of woe, this hand still leads me as I go......I'm trusting to the unseen hand, that guides me through this weary land...and some sweet day, I'll reach that strain, still guided by the unseen hand....I long to see my Savior's face, and sing the story I've been saved by grace. And there upon that golden strain, I'll praise Him for his guiding hand.
Are you trusting that unseen hand? I praise God for that unseen hand. Let me tell you the latest story of that Unseen Hand in my life. Saturdays.......ahhh......thank God for Saturdays....no work, downtime, and time at home. This particular one started off cloudy, but unseasonable warm....about 2 weeks ago. I had gotten up, cleaned the house, and done laundry. My husband was in the barn doing some wood working. It was soon to rain, so I put on my running shoes and try to beat the rain. My oldest daughter was at work, and my youngest was chilled out on the sofa. I got back from my run, and started finishing supper..........some homemade beef stew. I looked out the window and the rain began to fall. I smiled and thanked God that He allowed me to get my run in, and get back home before it started.
Now, the stew was done except for simmering.........now it was time for a nice long shower. I was so looking forward to some pajama and beef stew time! I was in the bathroom, 'piddling' as we say it here in the south, lol........getting the right soap, checking to see if I need to pluck my eyebrows, etc. I was just about to start taking my clothes off, when in walks my husband. He looked in the mirror, and quietly says, "We need to go to the hospital." I looked at him, and as I was about to ask why, he took his hand down from his right cheek........my question was immediately answered. There was a gaping hole about 1 1/2 inches long, underneath his cheek bone running horizontally all the way to his ear! Blood was immediately gushing everywhere!
By the time we got to the hospital he had soaked 2 towels, and a camouflage jacket he had in the backseat of his truck, and it was still pouring! The next physician on duty to the ER was on his way, and he is a surgeon. He came in and sutured the artery that had been cut, almost in to....and then the fasia, and finally glued the outer skin. Possible nerve damage was a concern, but he looked better than he did earlier. After a liter of fluids pushed into his vein, and a bag of antibiotics...and 4 1/2 hours..........we were headed back home.
He awoke the next morning, swollen and in pain, but alive and well. He was numb around the cut and about 2 inches above it, and his right eyebrow doesn't move. Looking for the positive...his wrinkles were less noticeable on that side, lol......like he had half of a botox treatment!
I've got so much to thank God for.............you see, I could've very well have been made a widow that night..........but there was an unseen hand that was there! You see, moments earlier, I was thanking God that He took out time to hold back the rain so I wouldn't get wet while running. What I wasn't aware of, was that I was going to need dry clothes for the sudden trip to the ER! That unseen hand protected my husband through this accident, and did not let that tool hit him in the eye.....that would have taken his eye immediately! That unseen hand didn't let that hit knock him out. If it had, he would've laid on that concrete floor and bled to death. It was that unseen hand that let me be home when the accident occurred. It was that unseen hand that had that surgeon's shift to be right at the time that we would need him. It was that unseen hand that did not let him have total paralysis of the right side of his face. Even though he cannot move that right brow.........he's awfully cute when that left brow raises up by itself :).
I don't dwell for one second on why it happened........I thank God for that unseen hand that guided me..through ways I could not see. Oh........how can you not praise His name...........how can you not want to live for Him?? He answers those prayers I do pray...........and that unseen hand takes care of me when I don't even know I need to pray!!
And you OCD cleaners.....like I am, I will add this to the story...........God even helped my husband get into the house, through our beige carpeted bedroom without one drop of blood falling!! And, with our youngest daughter at home, she was able to have our bathroom sink, counter, and floor all cleaned up before we got back! Yes............I don't take anything my God does for granted!!
Oh I do long to to see my Savior's face and sing the story I've been saved by grace........and there upon that golden strain, I'll praise Him for His guiding hand!!
Are you trusting that unseen hand? I praise God for that unseen hand. Let me tell you the latest story of that Unseen Hand in my life. Saturdays.......ahhh......thank God for Saturdays....no work, downtime, and time at home. This particular one started off cloudy, but unseasonable warm....about 2 weeks ago. I had gotten up, cleaned the house, and done laundry. My husband was in the barn doing some wood working. It was soon to rain, so I put on my running shoes and try to beat the rain. My oldest daughter was at work, and my youngest was chilled out on the sofa. I got back from my run, and started finishing supper..........some homemade beef stew. I looked out the window and the rain began to fall. I smiled and thanked God that He allowed me to get my run in, and get back home before it started.
Now, the stew was done except for simmering.........now it was time for a nice long shower. I was so looking forward to some pajama and beef stew time! I was in the bathroom, 'piddling' as we say it here in the south, lol........getting the right soap, checking to see if I need to pluck my eyebrows, etc. I was just about to start taking my clothes off, when in walks my husband. He looked in the mirror, and quietly says, "We need to go to the hospital." I looked at him, and as I was about to ask why, he took his hand down from his right cheek........my question was immediately answered. There was a gaping hole about 1 1/2 inches long, underneath his cheek bone running horizontally all the way to his ear! Blood was immediately gushing everywhere!
By the time we got to the hospital he had soaked 2 towels, and a camouflage jacket he had in the backseat of his truck, and it was still pouring! The next physician on duty to the ER was on his way, and he is a surgeon. He came in and sutured the artery that had been cut, almost in to....and then the fasia, and finally glued the outer skin. Possible nerve damage was a concern, but he looked better than he did earlier. After a liter of fluids pushed into his vein, and a bag of antibiotics...and 4 1/2 hours..........we were headed back home.
He awoke the next morning, swollen and in pain, but alive and well. He was numb around the cut and about 2 inches above it, and his right eyebrow doesn't move. Looking for the positive...his wrinkles were less noticeable on that side, lol......like he had half of a botox treatment!
I've got so much to thank God for.............you see, I could've very well have been made a widow that night..........but there was an unseen hand that was there! You see, moments earlier, I was thanking God that He took out time to hold back the rain so I wouldn't get wet while running. What I wasn't aware of, was that I was going to need dry clothes for the sudden trip to the ER! That unseen hand protected my husband through this accident, and did not let that tool hit him in the eye.....that would have taken his eye immediately! That unseen hand didn't let that hit knock him out. If it had, he would've laid on that concrete floor and bled to death. It was that unseen hand that let me be home when the accident occurred. It was that unseen hand that had that surgeon's shift to be right at the time that we would need him. It was that unseen hand that did not let him have total paralysis of the right side of his face. Even though he cannot move that right brow.........he's awfully cute when that left brow raises up by itself :).
I don't dwell for one second on why it happened........I thank God for that unseen hand that guided me..through ways I could not see. Oh........how can you not praise His name...........how can you not want to live for Him?? He answers those prayers I do pray...........and that unseen hand takes care of me when I don't even know I need to pray!!
And you OCD cleaners.....like I am, I will add this to the story...........God even helped my husband get into the house, through our beige carpeted bedroom without one drop of blood falling!! And, with our youngest daughter at home, she was able to have our bathroom sink, counter, and floor all cleaned up before we got back! Yes............I don't take anything my God does for granted!!
Oh I do long to to see my Savior's face and sing the story I've been saved by grace........and there upon that golden strain, I'll praise Him for His guiding hand!!
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Redeemed!
If you are a child of God, then by all means, you should know exactly what I mean when I say WE ARE REDEEMED! To redeem means to buy back or repurchase, to recover and free from bondage. Christ certainly gave redemption that day on that cruel cross. And Praise the Lord, it is for everyone!
Isaiah 43 verses 1-3 say this, "...Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have call thee by name, thou are mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour.."
Read that passage several times and really let that sink in! We do not have to be afraid of anything...why....because He has redeemed us....He paid the price and freed us, and now we are one of His children!! That part alone is more than enough to Praise His name forever....but the writer continues.
Some people have this false idea that, if you are a christian...then life is just 'peachy'. All your worries and troubles are gone......sooo not true! The waters are symbolic of trials or troubles....and he doesn't say IF you pass through the waters............no.....he says WHEN you pass through the waters. You are going to face troubles and trials....but when you do....He says, I will be with you! What a wonderful, incomprehendable blessing......whatever troubles or trials we face....HE WILL BE THERE!
Again, if the scripture ended there, we could still spend an eternity just praising Him for that!....but the writer kept writing! He also said we will go through rivers. Sometimes our trials are like water.....scary, but small......and sometimes our trials are much bigger.....like rivers! Oh, I just love His response to this...'they shall not overflow thee;" What a definitive response....nothing meek or timid about that statement. THEY SHALL NOT OVERFLOW THEE! I don't know about you, but that makes me feel sooo safe and secure!
Oh my, when the waters come....He's there; when the rivers run, they can't overflow us. That is such a blessing, isn't it? But wait....the writer goes on......'when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned....' Oh what a Saviour!!!! Sometimes our trouble and trials are small like the water, He will be there; sometimes our trouble and trials are bigger, like the rivers, they can't overflow us..............oh but sometimes our trouble and trials are enormous...like fire.....but we shall not be burned!! Again, no wimpy statement there, not might not be, could not be....nope he says THOU SHALT NOT be burned!
And hold on to your seats.......if that's not good enough for you....He throws this in...'neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.' Are you getting it? Is it sinking in?? Kindle means to start a fire...cause to begin burning. Now are you getting it??? Okay, again, He doesn't say we might go through the fire...he said 'when thou walkest through the fire...' We are going to go through some big ole troubles and trials............but it's just a walk through...no ownership involved! And in passing through...we will NOT BE BURNED by it................Oh, I'm getting some happy bubbles here, lol.............and not only are we just passing through it and are NOT gonna get burned....but the flame CANNOT kindle upon us...............we can't get burned nor can we have a fire started on us....we cannot get burned....and we CANNOT BURN!!!! Oh my goodness......I have got to sit this computer down and do a happy dance.....right now!!! Thank you, Jesus.....thank you Jesus...thank you Jesus....thank you Jesus!!!
How is all of this possible?.....oh, because of the next statement found in verse 3....'For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour.." What peace...what sweet peace. How personal too....He is the Lord...MY God.....He is MY Saviour!! Bless the Lord.....oh Bless the Lord!
So when my day has started off badly....woke up late, car won't start....can't find my purse, had a spat with my husband or my coworker....or traffic is horrific....what ever your 'waters' may be in life....He is there. When my kids are sick, and I don't know what to do to help them, when my bank account is empty and there is still 2 weeks left in the month, when my friend is diagnosed with a serious illness, when my marriage seems shaky.....when I am at the bank of my 'river' I'm don't have to fear....they will not overflow me. When my dad passes away, or my husband says he is leaving, or my child goes astray, or a friendship ends, when my job is gone, when my world is rocked to the core...........as I walk through my 'fire'......I can hold my head up high and know that I will not be burned..............and no matter if all I think and know looks like it is disappearing before my very eyes........I'm still not to fear.....that most heated fire CANNOT TOUCH ME...the worst of the worst of flames CANNOT KINDLE upon me. Because I AM is by my side!
Are you at your water, your river, your fire?............Hang on....don't give up and succomb to any of it.....He is with you, He will will be there, He will not let the waters overflow you, He will not let you be burned, nor let a fire start on you.....let Him be your Saviour!
Isaiah 43 verses 1-3 say this, "...Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have call thee by name, thou are mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour.."
Read that passage several times and really let that sink in! We do not have to be afraid of anything...why....because He has redeemed us....He paid the price and freed us, and now we are one of His children!! That part alone is more than enough to Praise His name forever....but the writer continues.
Some people have this false idea that, if you are a christian...then life is just 'peachy'. All your worries and troubles are gone......sooo not true! The waters are symbolic of trials or troubles....and he doesn't say IF you pass through the waters............no.....he says WHEN you pass through the waters. You are going to face troubles and trials....but when you do....He says, I will be with you! What a wonderful, incomprehendable blessing......whatever troubles or trials we face....HE WILL BE THERE!
Again, if the scripture ended there, we could still spend an eternity just praising Him for that!....but the writer kept writing! He also said we will go through rivers. Sometimes our trials are like water.....scary, but small......and sometimes our trials are much bigger.....like rivers! Oh, I just love His response to this...'they shall not overflow thee;" What a definitive response....nothing meek or timid about that statement. THEY SHALL NOT OVERFLOW THEE! I don't know about you, but that makes me feel sooo safe and secure!
Oh my, when the waters come....He's there; when the rivers run, they can't overflow us. That is such a blessing, isn't it? But wait....the writer goes on......'when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned....' Oh what a Saviour!!!! Sometimes our trouble and trials are small like the water, He will be there; sometimes our trouble and trials are bigger, like the rivers, they can't overflow us..............oh but sometimes our trouble and trials are enormous...like fire.....but we shall not be burned!! Again, no wimpy statement there, not might not be, could not be....nope he says THOU SHALT NOT be burned!
And hold on to your seats.......if that's not good enough for you....He throws this in...'neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.' Are you getting it? Is it sinking in?? Kindle means to start a fire...cause to begin burning. Now are you getting it??? Okay, again, He doesn't say we might go through the fire...he said 'when thou walkest through the fire...' We are going to go through some big ole troubles and trials............but it's just a walk through...no ownership involved! And in passing through...we will NOT BE BURNED by it................Oh, I'm getting some happy bubbles here, lol.............and not only are we just passing through it and are NOT gonna get burned....but the flame CANNOT kindle upon us...............we can't get burned nor can we have a fire started on us....we cannot get burned....and we CANNOT BURN!!!! Oh my goodness......I have got to sit this computer down and do a happy dance.....right now!!! Thank you, Jesus.....thank you Jesus...thank you Jesus....thank you Jesus!!!
How is all of this possible?.....oh, because of the next statement found in verse 3....'For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour.." What peace...what sweet peace. How personal too....He is the Lord...MY God.....He is MY Saviour!! Bless the Lord.....oh Bless the Lord!
So when my day has started off badly....woke up late, car won't start....can't find my purse, had a spat with my husband or my coworker....or traffic is horrific....what ever your 'waters' may be in life....He is there. When my kids are sick, and I don't know what to do to help them, when my bank account is empty and there is still 2 weeks left in the month, when my friend is diagnosed with a serious illness, when my marriage seems shaky.....when I am at the bank of my 'river' I'm don't have to fear....they will not overflow me. When my dad passes away, or my husband says he is leaving, or my child goes astray, or a friendship ends, when my job is gone, when my world is rocked to the core...........as I walk through my 'fire'......I can hold my head up high and know that I will not be burned..............and no matter if all I think and know looks like it is disappearing before my very eyes........I'm still not to fear.....that most heated fire CANNOT TOUCH ME...the worst of the worst of flames CANNOT KINDLE upon me. Because I AM is by my side!
Are you at your water, your river, your fire?............Hang on....don't give up and succomb to any of it.....He is with you, He will will be there, He will not let the waters overflow you, He will not let you be burned, nor let a fire start on you.....let Him be your Saviour!
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Bridges
The water company is working on the waterlines where I live. They are putting down bigger pipes so that our water pressure, which is already good, even better. They had to cut a big ditch through a main road, that is very well traveled by everyone in this community. One night, when I was coming home, as I turned down the road, the car coming my way quickly flashed their headlights at me. THANK YOU.....because they saved my car! The water company had filled that huge ditch with gravel at the end of the work day............it had settled and SUNK in! It left a deep rut that could total your car! The water company quickly came back out and place 2 thick, huge pieces of metal over the gaping hole!
Well, after driving nervously slow over those sheets of metal, I was so thankful that they formed a bridge that safely got me over to the other side!................and, that got me thinking........bridge....hmmmm..........the dictionary defines a bridge as, 'a structure spanning and providing passage over a gap or barrier.' Awesome!.....why?? Because that also got me thinking.....the cross............Jesus gave His life on a structure spanning and providing passage over a gap or barrier! His cross was the bridge that allowed WHOSOEVER to be able to gain salvation through the blood of God's Son!
Now, I just love driving over those sheets of metal.....because they remind me of what a blessing a bridge can be......thank you, Jesus for building a bridge so that a wretch such as I can be eternally saved!
Well, after driving nervously slow over those sheets of metal, I was so thankful that they formed a bridge that safely got me over to the other side!................and, that got me thinking........bridge....hmmmm..........the dictionary defines a bridge as, 'a structure spanning and providing passage over a gap or barrier.' Awesome!.....why?? Because that also got me thinking.....the cross............Jesus gave His life on a structure spanning and providing passage over a gap or barrier! His cross was the bridge that allowed WHOSOEVER to be able to gain salvation through the blood of God's Son!
Now, I just love driving over those sheets of metal.....because they remind me of what a blessing a bridge can be......thank you, Jesus for building a bridge so that a wretch such as I can be eternally saved!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)