He commonly brings His help in our greatest extremity, that His finger may plainly appear in our deliverance. And this method He chooses that we may not trust upon anything that we see or feel, as we are always apt to do, but only upon His bare Word, which we may depend upon in every state. -C. H. Von Bogatzky
Remember, it is the very time for faith to work when sight ceases. The greater the difficulties, the easier for faith; as long as there remain certain natural prospects, faith does not get on even as easily as where natural prospects fail. -George Mueller
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Lemons of Lifeby Roxanne
This past week, I have been learning about the amazing health benefits of lemons. After some research, I discovered that lemons are like cleansing agents that helps to rid your body of impurities. Lemons are high in Vitamin C, and give a high dosage of that vital nutrient. (A much more natural Vitamin supplement!) They are also high in alkaline, which is better for the body than acid found in many other foods. When lemon juice goes through the system, it detoxes and cleans. Many people have gone on a lemon "detox" because of this. One lady's grandmother stated, "The juice of a lemon taken before breakfast is worth its weight in platinum ... taken before lunch it's worth its weight in gold ... and before dinner it's worth its weight in silver."
This morning, the Lord brought my lemon research to mind, and gave to me a Spiritual application. The common worldly phrase is, "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade". However, it should be, "when life gives you lemons, let them do their work!" In other words, in those circumstances of life that seem to us to be "lemons", may we look unto Jesus the Author and finisher of our faith, and "let patience have her perfect work". Those lemons are there to purify and cleanse! The Bible says, "Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee." Psalms 51:1-13
I've never spoken to anyone that went on a detox who said it was a pleasant experience. In fact, they were laid up for several days because of the toil and strain it put on their body. However, they were willing to suffer the pain and discomfort, and afterward reaped the benefits. How much more in the Spiritual! "But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold." Job 23:10 Oh that we could simply let God do the work! He knows the way we are taking. Notice the verse doesn't say "if" He tries us, it's "when" he tries us. It says "when", because trials are necessary. They are necessary for our Spiritual health. Though quite unpleasant at times (speaking from experience) they could be the best thing that ever happened to us. Lord, help me to remember this!
God reveals to us the way of cleansing in His Word. The Bible says in Psalms 119: 9-10 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments." When we seek God and obey His Word, then our battlegrounds become our training grounds, and true victory comes when Christ is given all. If we truly desire to be conformed to the image of Christ, then we must run the race that is set before us, looking unto Him. Consider His life. He is our example, and the way that He took, we must also take.
For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 1 Peter 2:20-21
His way is a way of cleansing. He told one of the Pharisees, "Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also." Matthew 23:26 David said, "Who can understand his errors? Cleanse thou me from secret faults". Most of the time, it is the everyday trials of life that bring those faults to the surface. How vital it is that we not allow those things to pollute our system, and defile our spirit! We must allow the Word of God and the Holy Spirit to do a cleansing work, and oh, the victory that comes when we do! "Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." 2 Corinthians 7:1 ...When life gives you lemons, let them do their work!
This morning, the Lord brought my lemon research to mind, and gave to me a Spiritual application. The common worldly phrase is, "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade". However, it should be, "when life gives you lemons, let them do their work!" In other words, in those circumstances of life that seem to us to be "lemons", may we look unto Jesus the Author and finisher of our faith, and "let patience have her perfect work". Those lemons are there to purify and cleanse! The Bible says, "Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee." Psalms 51:1-13
I've never spoken to anyone that went on a detox who said it was a pleasant experience. In fact, they were laid up for several days because of the toil and strain it put on their body. However, they were willing to suffer the pain and discomfort, and afterward reaped the benefits. How much more in the Spiritual! "But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold." Job 23:10 Oh that we could simply let God do the work! He knows the way we are taking. Notice the verse doesn't say "if" He tries us, it's "when" he tries us. It says "when", because trials are necessary. They are necessary for our Spiritual health. Though quite unpleasant at times (speaking from experience) they could be the best thing that ever happened to us. Lord, help me to remember this!
God reveals to us the way of cleansing in His Word. The Bible says in Psalms 119: 9-10 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments." When we seek God and obey His Word, then our battlegrounds become our training grounds, and true victory comes when Christ is given all. If we truly desire to be conformed to the image of Christ, then we must run the race that is set before us, looking unto Him. Consider His life. He is our example, and the way that He took, we must also take.
For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 1 Peter 2:20-21
His way is a way of cleansing. He told one of the Pharisees, "Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also." Matthew 23:26 David said, "Who can understand his errors? Cleanse thou me from secret faults". Most of the time, it is the everyday trials of life that bring those faults to the surface. How vital it is that we not allow those things to pollute our system, and defile our spirit! We must allow the Word of God and the Holy Spirit to do a cleansing work, and oh, the victory that comes when we do! "Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." 2 Corinthians 7:1 ...When life gives you lemons, let them do their work!
The Law of the Lord
by Roxanne
"O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day." Psalm 119:97 Can I make this declaration before God honestly and with a sincere heart? No doubt when David made this statement, he did not do so flippantly, or lightly. It was the cry of his heart. Notice the second part of the verse says, " it is my meditation all the day." David had made the Word of God the sovereign reign of his thoughts, and this brought about a love for the Truth that is only satisfied by a deeper understanding of the Truth. Prayer and reading the Bible cultivates the ground of our hearts , and "breaks up the fallow ground", preparing the way for the seeds of truth to be sown and to bring forth fruit unto God.
"The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer." Psalms 19:7-14
"Great is Thy Faithfulness"
by Roxanne
"All I hath needed thy hands have provided, great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me."
This is a quote from an old song in my hymn book that has come to mind during many circumstances of life. When we become burdened with the cares of this life, by the influence of Satan, our eyes shift from our loving Saviour to the situations at hand. At this time we begin to feel the weight of worry, and wonder why certain needs that seem so very important are not filled. However, if you are serving God in full assurance that there is no sin separating you from Him, and you walk and talk with the Lord Jesus daily, then truly every need you have is presently provided! This is a wonderful truth that will cause us to depend fully on Him and trust in His resources moment by moment!
There are times when we may not think we have all that we need...we must trust God! Whatever is lacking in your life could very well be the thing that will teach you to trust God to the very fullest. What a blessing this would be to the soul! A great man of God once said that "When God puts a problem in your life, most of the time He is trying to work something out in you. He is after you!" The problem is just the tool that molds the vessel. If you can stand the test, and not waver or become distant from God, but seek Him like never before in your life, He will bring you through any situation. He has promised to pour out His blessings! This doesn't always mean financial or earthly blessings, but great spiritual blessings, and a greater abundance of Himself. That truly is all that matters and everything else that is required to live is extra. We don't need much of what people of today say we need. God promised to give us what we need. Jesus and the disciples were some of the poorest men on earth, and Jesus didn't even have a place to lay His head, and He was the Son of God! What an example of humility and simple trust, that whatever He would need while here on earth, God would lovingly provide it.
"Therefore take no thought, saying, what shall we eat? or, what shall we drink? or, wherewithal shall we be clothed? (for after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.." Matthew 6:31-34
Lord, please help me to rest content in your promise!
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