Morning Reflections: "Made Strong In Weakness"

Spurgeon says that believers are tossed by tempests and happy is the trouble that drives us to our Father. God's strength shines most bright, when we have none of our own to offer. "The Lord thy God shall certainly, as surely as he built the heavens and the earth, glorify himself in thy weakness, and magnify his might in the midst of thy distress." What an amazing truth! The following prayer by a Puritan reflects out daily struggle with our sinful nature, but we have hope in knowing that all our sin, past, present and future, has been laid on Christ!

"Holy Lord, I have sinned times without number, and been guilty of pride and unbelief, of failure to find Thy mind in Thy Word, of neglect to seek Thee in my daily life. My transgressions and short-comings present me with a list of accusations, but I bless Thee that they will not stand against me, for all have been laid on Christ. Go on to subdue my corruptions, and grant me grace to live above them. Let not the passions of the flesh nor lustings of the mind bring my spirit into subjection, but do Thou rule over me in liberty and power.
I thank Thee that many of my prayers have been refused. I have asked amiss and do not have, I have prayed from lusts and been rejected, I have longed for Egypt and been given a wilderness. Go on with Thy patient work, answering 'no' to my wrongful prayers, and fitting me to accept it. Purge me from every false desire, every base aspiration, everything contrary to Thy rule. I thank Thee for Thy wisdom and Thy love, for all the acts of discipline to which I am subject, for sometimes putting me into the furnace to refine my gold and remove my dross.
No trial is so hard to bear as a sense of sin. If Thou shouldst give me choice to live in pleasure and keep my sins, or to have them burnt away with trial, give me sanctified affliction. Deliver me from every evil habit, every accretion of former sins, everything that dims the brightness of Thy grace in me, everything that prevents me taking delight in Thee. Then I shall bless Thee, God of jeshurun, for helping me to be upright."

~Valley Of Vision~

Morning Reflections: "True Security"

"Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God." - Psalm 20:7

I was quickly struck to the heart as I read this devotional by Elisabeth Elliot this morning. The part that hit me the hardest was when E.E. talks about how we sometimes disobey God because we think it is impossible to do what He asks. But my doubt or fear in a potential task that He is calling me to, only reveals my lack of trust in our great God and the selfishness in my own heart about not wanting to experience inconvenience in completing that task. -Lord, help me to remember that the only true security I will find, can only be found in my Heavenly Father. The world offers illusions, but You offer the real thing. Help me to fully place my life in Your sovereign hands.-

The Lust for Security
to be pilgrims and strangers on the earth, which is what Christians are meant to be, it is incongruous for us to continue to insist upon the sort of security the world tries to guarantee. Our security lies not in protecting ourselves from suffering, but in putting ourselves fully into the hands of God. The desire for physical and material security makes us sly and hard. No. We must be like little children. The child in its father's arms is not worried. It lies quietly at rest because it trusts its father.
We disobey sometimes because we say it is impossible to do what God asks. Impossible? Perhaps what we mean is impossible to do that and keep our security, impossible to obey without tremendous cost, or at least tremendous risk. Where, then, will we find safety? Is it likely that we will find it elsewhere than in the arms of the Father?
Teach me to rest in your everlasting arms. Make me know that all other security is illusion.

~Elisabeth Elliot~

The Dreaded To-Do List

You know how there are little jobs or chores that are not a big deal to do at all, but for some reason you just hate doing it? Well, I found one that I hate doing. I don't mind washing my car...in fact, I actually really like it. Washing it in the rain like I did on Sunday is even better! But...I hate vacuuming my car! I know that sounds ridiculous and I'm not quite sure why I hate it so much, but I do. So when I got up on Monday morning to do it, all I thought was "Yuck"! Anyway, it's done now and I know I should be grateful that I even have a car to vacuum instead of whining about it. This is probably one of those tasks that the Lord is using to help with my laziness and with learning to steward what He has blessed me with. Oh well, God is good!

Morning Reflections: "Nothing Is Lost"

Paul was a man who suffered the loss of everything, according to his own claim. Yet any loss he counted pure gain. The key to this transforming of earthly losses into heavenly gains is love. What do we love? If our hearts are set on people and possessions and position, the loss of those will indeed be irreparable. To the man or woman whose heart is set on Christ no loss on earth can be irreparable.

It may shock us for the moment. We may feel hurt, outraged, desolate, helpless. That is our humanity. But the Lord can show us the "long view," the incalculable gain in spiritual and eternal terms, if we love Him above all. Everything that belongs to us belongs also to Him. Everything that belongs to Him belongs also to us. What, then, can we finally lose? If we lose not Christ Himself, we have finally lost nothing, for He is our treasure and He has our hearts.

~Elisabeth Elliot~

Afternoon Reflections: "Peaceful Living & Glorious Dying"

"Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth." - Psalm 31:5

These words have been frequently used by holy men in their hour of departure. We may profitably consider them this evening. The object of the faithful man's solicitude in life and death is not his body or his estate, but his spirit; this is his choice treasure--if this be safe, all is well. What is this mortal state compared with the soul? The believer commits his soul to the hand of his God; it came from him, it is his own, he has aforetime sustained it, he is able to keep it, and it is most fit that he should receive it. All things are safe in Jehovah's hands; what we entrust to the Lord will be secure, both now and in that day of days towards which we are hastening. It is peaceful living, and glorious dying, to repose in the care of heaven. At all times we should commit our all to Jesus' faithful hand; then, though life may hang on athread, and adversities may multiply as the sands of the sea, our soul shall dwell at ease, and delight itself in quiet resting places.Thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth. Redemption is a solid basis for confidence. David had not known Calvary as we have done, but temporal redemption cheered him; and shall not eternal redemption yet more sweetly console us? Past deliverances are strong pleas for present assistance. What the Lord has done he will do again, for he changes not. He is faithful to his promises, and gracious to his saints; he will not turn away from his people.

Though thou slay me I will trust, Praise thee even from the dust, Prove, and tell it as I prove, Thine unutterable love. Thou mayst chasten and correct, But thou never canst neglect; Since the ransom price is paid, On thy love my hope is stay'd.

~Charles H. Spurgeon~

Morning Reflections: "I'm Gonna Trust in God"

Yesterday while I was at work, I had a quiet moment and suddenly found myself thinking of the song "I'm Gonna Trust In God". As I sung the words in my head, I suddenly felt a great peace wash over me and I knew that God had graciously helped me to inform my thoughts with the words of that song. May I always choose to trust in God even when the cares of life seem overwhelming!

I'm gonna trust in God

I'm gonna trust in Jesus

Without shame and without fear

I'm gonna fix my eyes on the hope of glory,

For His day is drawing near

When the cares of life seem overwhelming,

And my heart is sinking down,

I'm gonna lift my hands to the One who'll help me,

To the One who holds my crown

How great is the love of God,

How steady is His hand

To guide me through this world

And though I'm weak, in Him I stand

And you will hear me say today,

In faith, I'm gonna trust in God

"And those who know your name put their trust in you,for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you." - Psalm 9:10

"The voice of weeping shall be no more heard." - Isaiah 65:19

The glorified weep no more, for all outward causes of grief are gone. There are no broken friendships, nor blighted prospects in heaven. Poverty, famine, peril, persecution, and slander, are unknown there. No pain distresses, no thought of death or bereavement saddens. They weep no more, for they are perfectly sanctified. No evil heart of unbelief prompts them to depart from the living God; they are without fault before his throne, and are fully conformed to his image. Well may they cease to mourn who have ceased to sin. They weep no more, because all fear of change is past. They know that they are eternally secure. Sin is shut out, and they are shut in. They dwell within a city which shall never be stormed; they bask in a sun which shall never set; they drink of a river which shall never dry; they pluck fruit from a tree which shall never wither. Countless cycles may revolve, but eternity shall not be exhausted, and while eternity endures, their immortality and blessedness shall co-exist with it. They are for ever with the Lord. They weep no more, because every desire is fulfilled. They cannot wish for anything which they have not in possession. Eye and ear, heart and hand, judgment, imagination, hope, desire, will, all the faculties, are completely satisfied; and imperfect as our present ideas are of the things which God hath prepared for them that love him, yet we know enough, by the revelation of the Spirit, that the saints above are supremely blessed. The joy of Christ, which is an infinite fullness of delight, is in them. They bathe themselves in the bottomless, shoreless sea of infinite beatitude. That same joyful rest remains for us. It may not be far distant. Ere long the weeping willow shall be exchanged for the palm-branch of victory, and sorrow's dewdrops will be transformed into the pearls of everlasting bliss. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. - Charles Spurgeon

How encouraging and hope evoking are these words?! Especially the part about there being no more sin. Sin will be shut out and we will be shut in! May I live in the anticipation of that everyday and live my life in a way that shows I am living for that day.

It Is Well

I had a fun movie date with my Mom last night. We went to see a chick flick, which I was finally in the mood for. We went to see Becoming Jane and it did turn out to be a MAJOR chick flick! What do I mean by that? Well, the entire theater was packed with women! And three men. I give them big props for sticking with their girls and sitting through an entire movie, even though they were surrounded by females. It was quite comical. I don't do movie reviews...so that ends my Becoming Jane discussion!

Anyway...that's my little randomness for the day.

Oh, also, I was reading in Lisa Beamer's, "Let's Roll" and she referenced the hymn "It Is Well With My Soul" and told the history behind it. Even after hearing the story numerous times, it never ceases to strike my heart and make me more aware than ever, that God is the source of our souls well being.

In 1873, Horatio Spafford, his wife and four young, daughters decided to vacation in Europe. At the last moment Horatio was detained by business, and Anna and the girls went on ahead, sailing on the ocean liner S.S. Ville de Havre. On November 21, 1873, the liner was rammed amid ship by a British vessel and sank within twelve minutes. Anna was picked up unconscious on a floating spar, but the four children had drowned. Nine days after the shipwreck Anna landed in Cardiff, Wales, and cabled Horatio, "Saved alone." After receiving Anna's telegram, Horatio immediately left Chicago to bring his wife home. On the Atlantic crossing, the captain of his ship called Horatio to his cabin to tell him that they were passing over the spot where his four daughters had perished. While passing over that spot he sang the words,

"When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll;

Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,

It is well, it is well, with my soul"

Morning Reflections: "Instruments For His Glory"

In Elisabeth Elliot's devotional, she speaks about remaining humble when the Lord chooses to work through us. People rarely praise the instrument of a great musician, but rather the musician himself. God is our great musician and He astoundingly chooses us as His chosen instruments. I'm still amazed that the Lord chooses to work through us at all, but may He never cease to use us!

Jesus gave responsibility and power to those who were willing to take the path He took. They were to represent the kingdom wherever they went--their peace to rest on those who received them. Those who rejected them were actually rejecting Christ. His followers would have power over snakes and scorpions.
There are principles here for us today, I believe. Surely every believer represents Christ and his kingdom. We are promised power from the Holy Spirit. But as soon as his power is manifest, another spirit is there instantly to tempt us to take credit to ourselves. If we are thanked for something we were merely the instrument for, it can become a heady business. Wow! we say, imagining that we deserve the credit.
Jesus warned the disciples not to be impressed when spirits submitted to them. It was not by their might or power that the enemy was subdued. They were nothing more than bearers of the kingdom. He told them to rejoice, not that they had performed a miraculous feat, but that their names were written in heaven.
Open my eyes, Lord, to recognize that the power is always yours. What is mine is the privilege, given from above, for your glory.

Morning Reflections: "Beautiful Atonement"

"The church of God, which he has purchased with his own blood." Acts 20:28

The Deity of the Son of God imparted a Divine vitality and value to the blood which flowed from His human nature. So close and intimate was the mysterious union, that while the Deity effected the atonement by the humanity, the humanity derived all its power and virtue to atone from the Deity. There was Deity in the blood of Jesus; a Divine vitality which stamped its infinite value, dignity, and virtue.

Observe in two instances how strikingly the Holy Spirit has coupled these two truths; the Deity and the atonement of Jesus: "Who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins." "Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, against the man that is my fellow, says the Lord; smite the shepherd." Here are brought out in the strongest light, and in the most beautiful and intimate relation, Deity and atonement. It was not so much that our Lord was the Priest, as that He was the Sacrifice; not so much that He was the Offerer, as that He was the Offering; in which consisted the value of His blood. "When He had by Himself purged our sins." "Who gave Himself for us." "When He offered Himself." "What did He offer in offering Himself? He offered up His life; His twofold life. There was on Calvary the sacrifice of Deity with the humanity. The Deity not suffering, for it was incapable of suffering; nor of dying, for essential life could not die; but Deity with the humanity constituted the one offering which has perfected forever the salvation of those who are sanctified.

Profoundly and awfully mysterious as is this truth, faith can receive it. It towers above my reason, and yet it does not contradict my reason. While it transcends and baffles it, it does not oppose nor supersede it. Christian reader, the blood upon which you depend for your salvation is not ordinary blood; the blood of a mere human being, however pure and sinless; but it is the blood of the incarnate God, "God manifest in the flesh." It is the blood of Him who is Essential Life; the Fountain of Life the "Resurrection and the Life;" and because of the Divine life of Jesus, from thence springs the vitality of His atoning blood.

Oh, that is a Divine principle that vivifies the blood of Christ! This it is that makes it sacrificial, expiatory, and cleansing. This it is that enables it to prevail with God's justice for pardon and acceptance; this it is that renders it so efficacious that one drop of it falling upon the conscience, crushed beneath the weight of sin, will melt the mountain of guilt and lift the soul to God. Hold fast the confidence of your faith in the essential Deity of the Son of God, for this it is which gives to His Atonement all its glory, dignity, and virtue. - Octavius Winslow

Morning Reflections: "Amazing Mercy"

This passage from Morning and Evening was so encouraging to read. I hope I never get tired of hearing of the great mercy that God bestows on us.

"The mercy of God." - Psalm 52:8

Meditate a little on this mercy of the Lord. It is tender mercy. With gentle, loving touch, he healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. He is as gracious in the manner of his mercy as in the matter of it. It is great mercy. There is nothing little in God; his mercy is like himself--it is infinite. You cannot measure it. His mercy is so great that it forgives great sins to great sinners, after great lengths of time, and then gives great favours and great privileges, and raises us up to great enjoyments in the great heaven of the great God. It is undeserved mercy, as indeed all true mercy must be, for deserved mercy is only a misnomer for justice. There was no right on the sinner's part to the kind consideration of the Most High; had the rebel been doomed at once to eternal fire he would have richly merited the doom, and if delivered from wrath, sovereign love alone has found a cause, for there was none in the sinner himself. It is rich mercy. Some things are great, but have little efficacy in them, but this mercy is a cordial to your drooping spirits; a golden ointment to your bleeding wounds; a heavenly bandage to your broken bones; a royal chariot for your weary feet; a bosom of love for your trembling heart. It is manifold mercy. As Bunyan says, All the flowers in God's garden are double. There is no single mercy. You may think you have but one mercy, but you shall find it to be a whole cluster of mercies. It is abounding mercy. Millions have received it, yet far from its being exhausted; it is as fresh, as full, and as free as ever. It is unfailing mercy. It will never leave thee. If mercy be thy friend, mercy will be with thee in temptation to keep thee from yielding; with thee in trouble to prevent thee from sinking; with thee living to be the light and life of thy countenance; and with thee dying to be the joy of thy soul when earthly comfort is ebbing fast.

Morning Reflections: "Sweet Peace"

This morning I felt compelled to search the scriptures for "peace". The Lord is so gracious to give us a solution to our troubles, no matter the area and no matter how big or small. How amazing is that!

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. - Philippians 4:4-9

" O Lord, You hold the sands of time in Your hands, as well as my life. Thank you for not letting me go. Thank you for Your faithfulness even when I am unfaithful. Thank you for Your steadfast love when I stumble. Give me the strength to fight against the pull of this world. Let my prayer be that of David, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." May my life be eternity driven and all my ways glorifying to You. Amen"

Days

So...todays "reflections" did not get posted today. I had a morning appointment and I figured that doing my devotions was a little more important than posting them. =) After my appointment I came to work early, because a few of the agents were throwing this big lunch together for everyone in the office to show how much they appreciate everyone. Very sweet and there were tons of homemade food and desserts, so I was happy! I'm so thankful that God has placed me here in this office right now. He always knows exactly what we need and when we need it. - Because of the quote that Amber quoted on the Single Focus blog, I have been reminded about the importance of living for today and THAT day. Here are a few of my favorite quotes regarding the subject of days. Just for fun...

Yesterday is HISTORY, Tomorrow is a MYSTERY, Today is a GIFT - That's why it's called the 'PRESENT'
-Unknown

And in the end it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.
- Abraham Lincoln

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
- Unknown

Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

- Matthew 6:34

Random Happenings

Well, I got my injured car back today. It looks great...except for some mild discrepancies where they painted. But it's a lifetime guarantee so they said to just bring it back and they'll fix it. Thankfully my Dad and Mom have been amazing and taken the car to and from the repair place so I haven't had to go. It's been so helpful! Once again I am very thankful that this was the first accident my car has been in and 1. I wasn't in the car when it happened. 2. It wasn't worse. and 3. It was someone I know and they paid for everything out of pocket. God so merciful even in the little things!

In other news, last weekend was great. Friday I spent with my Mom and brother, Dad was in Orlando for the worship conference, and we hung out and went to a movie. Saturday I went shopping with my Mom and brother. Very funny things occurred. That night I went to a wedding where I hardly knew anyone. But I was glad I went with my brother and that Jenn was there! I also knew the two wedding crashers, but acquaintance was sometimes denied during the course of the evening. Sunday, church was great as always. The message on evangelism was very good and the points helpful. Lunch with the "group" was fun and Blongo that afternoon was "rewarding"! Our church picnic finally and legally happened. No comment on the Ultimate Frisbee games. =) Blongo and Boccie were fun as always. It was great seeing all the people from the church that came out. I loved seeing all the little ones running around. Hopefully it will work out to do it again.

Morning Reflections: " Remembering To Fear The Lord"

While reading in Deuteronomy, chapter five this morning, I was once again aware at how we are a people who need to be reminded. God was reminding his people, through Moses, about the ten commandments and about when they saw the Lord manifested in fire on the mountain. The result of that encounter was that they appropriately feared the Lord.

"And you said, 'Behold, the LORD our God has shown us his glory and greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire. This day we have seen God speak with man, and man still live. Now therefore why should we die? For this great fire will consume us. If we hear the voice of the LORD our God any more, we shall die. For who is there of all flesh, that has heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the midst of fire as we have, and has still lived? Go near and hear all that the LORD our God will say and speak to us all that the LORD our God will speak to you, and we will hear and do it." - Deut 5:24-27

The Lord heard what his people had said concerning Him and their encounter. He said they were right in all they had spoken, but He also knew that they would eventually forget.

"And the LORD heard your words, when you spoke to me. And the LORD said to me, 'I have heard the words of this people, which they have spoken to you. They are right in all that they have spoken. Oh that they had such a mind as this always, to fear me and to keep all my commandments, that it might go well with them and with their descendants forever!" - Deut 5:28-29

But God in His mercy is patient with us and reminds us over and over of His Holiness and commandments. God in His mercy is patient with me, who probably forgets about His Holiness and commandments more than anyone. I pray that I will remember more frequently to fear the Lord and keep all His commandments.

Morning Reflections: "Divinely Planted"

After a nearly sleepless night, it is good to be refreshed by the word of God and by the words of those who have insight into scripture. Thank goodness that we are not dependent on man for our strengthening, but on our Heavenly Father!

"The cedars of Lebanon which he hath planted." - Psalm 104:16

Lebanon's cedars are emblematic of the Christian, in that they owe their planting entirely to the Lord. This is quite true of every child of God. He is not man-planted, nor self-planted, but God-planted. The mysterious hand of the divine Spirit dropped the living seed into a heart which he had himself prepared for its reception. Every true heir of heaven owns the great Husbandman as his planter. Moreover, the cedars of Lebanon are not dependent upon man for their watering; they stand on the lofty rock, unmoistened by human irrigation; and yet our heavenly Father supplieth them. Thus it is with the Christian who has learned to live by faith. He is independent of man, even in temporal things; for his continued maintenance he looks to the Lord his God, and to him alone. The dew of heaven is his portion, and the God of heaven is his fountain. Again, the cedars of Lebanon are not protected by any mortal power. They owe nothing to man for their preservation from stormy wind and tempest. They are God's trees, kept and preserved by him, and by him alone. It is precisely the same with the Christian. He is not a hot-house plant, sheltered from temptation; he stands in the most exposed position; he has no shelter, no protection, except this, that the broad wings of the eternal God always cover the cedars which he himself has planted. Like cedars, believers are full of sap, having vitality enough to be ever green, even amid winter's snows. Lastly, the flourishing and majestic condition of the cedar is to the praise of God only. The Lord, even the Lord alone hath been everything unto the cedars, and, therefore David very sweetly puts it in one of the psalms, Praise ye the Lord, fruitful trees and all cedars. In the believer there is nothing that can magnify man; he is planted, nourished, and protected by the Lord's own hand, and to him let all the glory be ascribed. - Charles Spurgeon

Morning Reflections: "The Deeps"

Lord Jesus, give me a deeper repentance, a horror of sin, a dread of its approach. Help me chastely to flee it and jealously to resolve that my heart shall be Thine alone. Give me a deeper trust, that I may lose myself to find myself in Thee, the ground of my rest, the spring of my being. Give me a deeper knowledge of Thyself as saviour, master, lord, and king. Give me deeper power in private prayer, more sweetness in Thy Word, more steadfast grip on its truth. Give me deeper holiness in speech, thought, action, and let me not seek moral virtue apart from Thee.
Plough deep in me, great Lord, heavenly husbandman, that my being may be a tilled field, the roots of grace spreading far and wide, until Thou alone art seen in me, Thy beauty golden like summer harvest, Thy fruitfulness as autumn plenty. I have no master but Thee, no law but Thy will, no delight but Thyself, no wealth but that Thou givest, no good but that Thou blessest, no peace but that Thou bestowest. I am nothing but that Thou makest me. I have nothing but that I receive from Thee. I can be nothing but that grace adorns me. Quarry me deep, dear Lord, and then fill me to overflowing with living water.

-The Valley of Vision -

Morning Reflections: "Miracle Of Grace"

The past couple of days I have been more acutely aware of the sinner I am and what I have been saved from. I am the worst sinner I know and yet, Christ has redeemed me and called me to the highest purpose of striving to bring Him glory all the days of my life. In reading an account about Mary Magdalen by Charles Spurgeon, I was freshly amazed at all the Lord does in our lives. Mary's case reminds me of my own when he writes, "Hers was a hopeless, horrible case. But Jesus passed that way, and unsought, and probably even resisted by the poor demoniac, he uttered the word of power, and Mary of Magdala became a trophy of the healing power of Jesus." Even though I was not possessed by demonic spirits as Mary was, I was possessed by the power of sin in my life and unable to save myself. "What a happy change! From delirium to delight, from despair to peace, from hell to heaven!" Mary immediately became a follower of Jesus. Her passion and love for Him never diminished, but she followed him for the rest of Jesus' life on earth and I'm sure until her death as well. "Straightway she became a constant follower of Jesus, catching his every word, following his devious steps, sharing his toilsome life; and withal she became his generous helper, first among that band of healed and grateful women who ministered unto him of their substance." She not only looked on from afar at her Savior, but she entered in to life with him. "She could not die on the cross with Jesus, but she stood as near it as she could, and when his blessed body was taken down, she watched to see how and where it was laid. She was the faithful and watchful believer, last at the sepulchre where Jesus slept, first at the grave whence he arose. Her holy fidelity made her a favoured beholder of her beloved Rabboni, who deigned to call her by her name, and to make her his messenger of good news to the trembling disciples and Peter. Thus grace found her a maniac and made her a minister, cast out devils and gave her to behold angels, delivered her from Satan, and united her for ever to the Lord Jesus. May I also be such a miracle of grace!" Mary was grateful for the redemption she had received, but she didn't just say thank you and move on. Her life became that of service to God. Her life became one of love and devotion to her Lord. Mary truly understood what she had been saved from and her life was a reflection of that. I too am desirous of such a life of devotion!

"Holy God, thank you for the example of Mary's life. May I cultivate the kind of devotion that Mary had in my own life. May I say, 'thus grace found me a maniac and made me a minister'. May I be a constant follower of You and not of this world. May I be a messenger of good news. May I be...a miracle of grace."

Morning Reflections: "Take Strength"

Yesterday was an eventful day with first having my car backed into at work and then finding out my sister had been taken to Urgent Care. By God's grace He granted me peace throughout each circumstance and I can honestly say I was not anxious. I know that it is only the Lord's strength that sustains me and I am thankful for all the teaching I have received recently on finding my joy in God and not my circumstances. Thankfully, my car situation is in the process of being resolved and my sister is doing well at the moment. How kind of God to offer us His strength, freely. All we have to do is take it!

*"TAKE STRENGTH" These strong, simple words can be spiritual adrenaline for us when we need them. They were written by a man who knew what he was talking about, as he himself was in prison. He was writing to a young minister who was also suffering and evidently tempted by doubt, fear, even uncertainty of his call. The older man admonishes him very lovingly to take his share of suffering, take his share of hardship like a good soldier, and to take strength from the grace of God (2 Tm 2:1). Where shall I ever find the strength I need to get through this experience, this ordeal, this day, this week? The answer is Take it! Take it from the grace which is ours already, in Christ Jesus. "Here it is," He is saying, "Will you have some?" "Yes, thank You, Lord. I'll take it."* - Elisabeth Elliot

"The LORD is my strength and my shield;in him my heart trusts, and I am helped;my heart exults,and with my song I give thanks to him." - Psalm 28:7

Morning Reflections: "Waves Of Unbelief"

I was inspired this morning by something Elisabeth Elliot wrote. It was concerning faith. She spoke to a woman who told her, "I believed in nothing at all. I wished I could, but it just wasn't there. I began praying, without faith, that God would help me to believe. He did. I know He answers that kind of prayer." This made me consider how many times throughout the day I am required to exercise faith and how often my faith falls short of where it should be. But God is faithful and my prayer should be "help me where faith falls short" Mark 9:24.

Elisabeth Elliot also wrote, "Unbelief is a stronghold of such spiritual power that only mighty spiritual weapons can storm it. We have those weapons--"not merely human, but divinely potent to demolish strongholds" (2 Cor 10:4). Prayer is one of them. Must we be experts in its use? The young woman's testimony shows that we need not. We must only come, aware that our faith is not enough, aware that the Lord Himself waits to help us if only we ask. Satan trembles when he sees the weakest saint upon his knees."

If I ever lack in faith, that is not an excuse to lack in obedience. That would be a time of God calling me to grasp a hold of His objective truth, even if my subjective feelings were not there.

"O Lord, I love the feeling of Your nearness and pray I always have it. But I also pray, that if You choose to withhold the feelings of my faith for a time, that I will continue to trust You, knowing that You are using that as a way to draw me ever closer to You. When the waves of unbelief crash against me, I know that You are my stronghold and fortress. "The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth."-Psalm 145:18."

Random ramblings for today...

Summer is always a fun and busy time. By the end I'm always ready for the fall, but I do love it while it lasts. This summer I have seen God's faithfulness in every old moment remembered and in every new memory made. How kind and gracious is our Heavenly Father toward us!

Saturday was a fun beach day that was spent with friends playing Blongo. It's a new game that was recently discovered and is so much fun! Thanks to Ryan, we had a set to play with and I have to say that our unusual game drew quite a crowd. I won't say anything about which team dominated the game with multiple wins, but everyone made a valiant effort in playing. =)

Funniest moment of the week: Finding out how much guys think girls getting their hair cut and highlighted costs. The discussion occurred over lunch on Sunday and was enlightening to both guys and girls I'm sure!

Carolyn McCulley has a new article out at Crosswalk.com about what is looks like for girls to "crack twigs and stir the leaves" appropriately. Some of our very own people are quoted in the article. Here's the link if you are interested in reading it: http://www.crosswalk.com/singles/11549260/page1/

"Let those who love the LORD hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked. Light is shed upon the righteous and joy on the upright in heart. Rejoice in the LORD, you who are righteous, and praise his holy name." - Psalm 97:10-12

Morning Reflections: "Crossing Over For His Glory"

I woke up this morning and turned to where I had last left off in Daniel. It was the last chapter and I must admit that I felt a bitter/sweet feeling come over me. I had enjoyed the book of Daniel more than I had anticipated and God had graciously spoken to me through many of the passages. Now that book was ending and I was a little sad. On the other hand the end of Daniel meant the beginning for a new one and I am looking forward to what God will teach me through Deuteronomy, which is my next book to read! - Switching gears a little bit now...while reading in Morning & Evening this morning, I was freshly encouraged by today's entry which is essentially on evangelism. I thought it was very fitting, since that will be our focus in the messages at church for the next several weeks! I was freshly inspired by the message on Sunday about the example of Jesus "crossing over" in order to save those who are lost and that there is "no one" who is beyond His saving power. I pray that I will be able to boldly and obediently act on the opportunities that the Lord will grant me to share the Gospel. All for His glory.

"Let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen." - Psalm 72:19

"This is a large petition. To intercede for a whole city needs a stretch of faith, and there are times when a prayer for one man is enough to stagger us. But how far-reaching was the psalmist's dying intercession! How comprehensive! How sublime! Let the whole earth be filled with his glory. It doth not exempt a single country however crushed by the foot of superstition; it doth not exclude a single nation however barbarous. For the cannibal as well as for the civilized, for all climes and races this prayer is uttered: the whole circle of the earth it encompasses, and omits no son of Adam. We must be up and doing for our Master, or we cannot honestly offer such a prayer. The petition is not asked with a sincere heart unless we endeavour, as God shall help us, to extend the kingdom of our Master. Are there not some who neglect both to plead and to labour? Reader, is it your prayer? Turn your eyes to Calvary. Behold the Lord of Life nailed to a cross, with the thorn-crown about his brow, with bleeding head, and hands, and feet. What! can you look upon this miracle of miracles, the death of the Son of God, without feeling within your bosom a marvellous adoration that language never can express? And when you feel the blood applied to your conscience, and know that he has blotted out your sins, you are not a man unless you start from your knees and cry, Let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen. Can you bow before the Crucified in loving homage, and not wish to see your Monarch master of the world? Out on you if you can pretend to love your Prince, and desire not to see him the universal ruler. Your piety is worthless unless it leads you to wish that the same mercy which has been extended to you may bless the whole world. Lord, it is harvest-time, put in thy sickle and reap." - Spurgeon

Morning Reflections: "Redemption"

How incredible is the mercy and forgiveness of our Heavenly Father, who sent His one and only Son to die on the cross for a sinful and corrupt people. Yet even though the power of sin has been broken in my life, I still sin. Though I am justified, "a thousand clinging corruptions and infirmities" still assail me. And as I am tempted to despair over my sin, God is quick to remind me of the truth of His word, that He has paid the price for my sins and I am justified. And this world of sin is not my true home, but heaven is. I pray I will be able to live out my life in a worthy manner during my life. Here are some words from Octavius Winslow, who helped inform my thoughts this morning.

"And so, too, of "redemption." The ransom-price is paid, but the body is not yet fully redeemed. It still is fettered, and cribbed, and cabined by a thousand clinging corruptions and infirmities. But the day of its complete redemption draws near. In virtue of its ransom it will spring from the dust, its last link of corruption entirely and forever dissolved. "But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. He will take these weak mortal bodies of ours and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same mighty power that he will use to conquer everything, everywhere." Like unto Christ's glorious body! Oh, then, no deformity will mar its symmetry! no infirmity will impair its strength! no sickness, no fainting, no nervousness, no pangs of suffering or throes of death will ever assail and torment it more! For this "redemption of the body" the sons of God are waiting. Our heavenly Father has adopted it. Our Divine Savior has redeemed it. The Holy Spirit, our Comforter, has sealed it. Oh yes! The first-fruits of the "first resurrection" bloom on the grave of the holy dead. This page may arrest the eye of a sufferer, not soothed in his grief or cheered in his loneliness by such prospects as these. But there still is hope. Jesus died for sinners, and there is mercy even for the chief. Blessed suffering, hallowed sorrow, if now, in the agony of your grief, you are led to the Savior to learn, what in the sunny hour of prosperity and gladness you refused to learn, that God only can make you happy, and that God in Christ is prepared to make you happy. O heaven-sent affliction! sweet messenger of love! beautiful in your somber robes, bearing to my soul a blessing so divine, so precious as this!" - Octavius Winslow

Morning Reflections: "Look at Providence!"

By God's grace I am understanding that "Reminders" are a joy and profound means of grace in my life. Understandably there are certain reminders that I am inclined to like more than others, such as, being reminded that someone loves me or that Christ has paid for all my sins. Reminders that I am less prone to love are ones like; don't forget to clean that up, this is a pattern of sin in your life, and so on. But I am learning that reminders are for my benefit even when I don't want to hear it. God knows that we are a forgetful people and therefore need to be reminded "often" of who He is and all He has done. Today the Lord granted me a reminder that I fortunately did not struggle with, but that I love and long to be reminded of. The truth about the sovereignty and care He has over my life. How amazing is the truth that He demonstrates such tender attention to us "and that in every part of the work of grace he accomplished his purpose, and glorified his own name. "

"Who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will."-Ephesians 1:11

Our belief in God's wisdom supposes and necessitates that he has a settled purpose and plan in the work of salvation. What would creation have been without his design? Is there a fish in the sea, or a fowl in the air, which was left to chance for its formation? Nay, in every bone, joint, and muscle, sinew, gland, and blood-vessel, you mark the presence of a God working everything according to the design of infinite wisdom. And shall God be present in creation, ruling over all, and not in grace? Shall the new creation have the fickle genius of free will to preside over it when divine counsel rules the old creation? Look at Providence! Who knoweth not that not a sparrow falleth to the ground without your Father? Even the hairs of your head are all numbered. God weighs the mountains of our grief in scales, and the hills of our tribulation in balances. And shall there be a God in providence and not in grace? Shall the shell be ordained by wisdom and the kernel be left to blind chance? No; he knows the end from the beginning. He sees in its appointed place, not merely the corner-stone which he has laid in fair colours, in the blood of his dear Son, but he beholds in their ordained position each of the chosen stones taken out of the quarry of nature, and polished by his grace; he sees the whole from corner to cornice, from base to roof, from foundation to pinnacle. He hath in his mind a clear knowledge of every stone which shall be laid in its prepared space, and how vast the edifice shall be, and when the top-stone shall be brought forth with shoutings of Grace! Grace! unto it. At the last it shall be clearly seen that in every chosen vessel of mercy, Jehovah did as he willed with his own; and that in every part of the work of grace he accomplished his purpose, and glorified his own name.

- Charles Spurgeon

Morning Reflections: "The Lord Is My Strength"

As I have been tempted to feel burdened and overwhelmed this week, God has been kind and merciful to remind me not to try to bare my burdens alone. I love how the Lord is gracious to use specific scriptures and devotionals that I am going through to speak to me on the exact topic I am needing most to be instructed on! This morning I was encouraged by Daniel's story in chapter 9. In his desperate need for help, Daniel poured out his heart to the only one he knew could help him. He also prayed that his prayers be answered for their good, but ultimately for God's glory. "O Lord, pay attention and act. Delay not, for your own sake, O my God, because your city and your people are called by your name." God then sent Gabriel to Daniel to help him understand all that was going on. He also told Daniel that he was "greatly loved." How those small words must have encouraged Daniel in his distress! As I finished up with Daniel I was once again encouraged when I read today's entry from Morning & Evening. "A reed, helpless, insignificant, and weak, a bruised reed, out of which no music can come; weaker than weakness itself; a reed, and that reed bruised, yet, he will not break thee; but on the contrary, will restore and strengthen thee." Even in my moments of weakness and discouragement, God is there to be my strength!

"The LORD is my strength and my song,and he has become my salvation;this is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him." - Exodus 15:2

~Thank you Lord for Your everlasting promises. For Your specific promise to be our strength. Thank you for teaching me to find my joy in You, no matter the circumstance. When I am wounded by trials and hardships, may I bleed Your sovereignty O Lord! Amen~