Friday, November 30, 2012
Rise
Today, my devotions brought me to Micah, chapters 6&7.
In the 6th chapter, the LORD asks- "My people, what have I done to you, And how have I wearied you? Answer Me..." He goes on to account the many other times He has brought them out of slavery... already the people have become dissatisfied, and have forgotten the mighty works of the LORD. (3)
I think it more likely that we weary Him. Our pain and discomfort overwhelm our minds and cause us to see the LORD's goodness at a great distance, at best, but more often than not we forget He has saved us...
Nonetheless, His lovingkindness has not changed...and as He calls His people into rememberance of His having ransomed them, bringing them up out of bondage.."So that you might know the righteous acts of the LORD". (5)
The verses insightfully goes on to remind us that the LORD's pleasure is not in the physical sacrifices His people make- but that (8) "He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"
Wow- even wracked with Lyme- we can bring Him pleasure- in seeking Him and responding to our world (albiet a 'small world') justly, loving kindness- and with humility before God. (vs 9 "...and it is sound wisdom to fear Your name'
At the core of humility is a healthy, good 'fear of the LORD'- which is to show a very deep respect for Him, who He is... Lyme can bring a lot of fear into our lives, but 'fearing the LORD', is the only good fear we should be about entertaining.
Micah goes on lamenting- he is feeling quite alone. He can find no one, cept perhaps his wife, in whom he can place a trust. Many of us feel this way as well- we are so misunderstood in this illness; by doctors, friends, family....save but maybe a spouse.
Now, I realize Micah is speaking in a time of the Hebrews' history... his prophecy is most likely concerning Samaria and Jerusalem.... but I think there are principles that can we can apply to how we are feeling, and how our world is....
Again- Micah is feeling quite alone, even this great prophet of faith is feeling alone.
He greives for his own state, and for those around him. There is evil afoot all around him, and the people around him have given in to evil ways...
"But", Micah writes in verses 7&8,"as for me, I will watch expectantly for the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation, My God will hear me. Do not rejoice over me, O my enemy. Though I fall I will rise; Though I dwell in darkness, the LORD is a light for me."
Lyme can certainly darken our world....figuratively and literally! In my battle with the many infections of Lyme- I take the battle on in that I am fighting foes which seek to overtake me. I think in this, I identify with the battle themes of the Old Testament- and seek to glean wisdom and encouragement from the Prophets and godly Kings...
When in my own battle, the darkness presses in- I will draw close to my Light, the LORD... I will look to Him for my strength and salvation...There may be times I fall, but I will keep seeking the LORD to raise me- in whatever manner He will, in whatever way may bring Him glory.
I am forever full of gratitude for His lovingkindness. My faith is built on a confident trust in Him- and that no matter what my circumstances appear to be to my mortal eyes, He is at work, according to His goodness, and for my good. He is trustworthy.
The very definition of faith is that I believe in the LORD, regardless of my afflictions, my circumstances, my weaknessess.... I am choosing to put my trust in my God, who is Truth, who is Kind, who is Loving, who is King, who is Mighty....who is Jehovah- the One who Saves!
Blessings-
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Road Signs
Phew! I made it!
Last night I had the privilege of giving a lesson to three groups of children at our church. You only have 10-20 minutes to give you lesson to each group, children's ages in groups range from 1-2 grade, 3-4 grade, 5-6grade.
I haven't been able to do this in years, and went all out on my self-management skills to get there and do it!
With my poor memory- I'd put in days of preparation, and put my trust in God to help me remember and speak out the lesson with clarity. (yep- lookin for a miracle!)
In my preparation- I was learning the lesson as well; which is a huge benefit as a teacher, you get to learn a lot!
I am hoping the children learned something last evening...I know I learned something. And, I hope you do too. While going through this lesson, I kept thinking what a needed lesson/reminder this was for me on my faith journey, especially with Lyme affecting my life to the degree it has, and does.
For the sake of energy- I am basically going to copy/paste the lesson into this post...please understand a) it was for elementary aged children b) these are the raw notes, but delivery varied for each aged/gender group...
A long most roads- there are road signs to help us keep safe and give
us directions so we know we are headed the RIGHT way!
Now- have you ever been riding with someone who realized they were going a wrong way and they had to TURN BACK to look for the RIGHT road signs to go the RIGHT way?
There were times in Abraham's journey where he started to get off God's road for him and began to go his own way..... he had to turn himself around and get
back on the RIGHT way. And each time,
He has learned more about God telling him the TRUTH and that God is
TRUSTWORTHY.
The longer Abraham followed along God’s path- the stronger his FAITH
became because he found that what God would tell him was TRUE and TRUSTWORTHY.
Their relationship with each other was ‘RIGHT’- In fact, God called Abraham righteous (full
of rightness) because Abraham TRUSTED, and then OBEYED God.
We join Abraham when he is very old (like 100!)- and Sarah is 90
years old! And still they have not had
their own baby together- even though God told them long ago they would not only
have a baby, but that their descendents ( baby’s babies, babies..) would be
like the numbers of stars in the sky! (Genesis 15:5-6God took Abraham “outside and said, “Now look toward the heavens, and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” 6 Then he believed in the Lord; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness.”)
Tonight- I want you to learn some important things that Abraham
realized and did that were like Road Signs along his journer- that helped
Abraham be RIGHT with God, and helped him to stay on God’s chosen pathway in
his life-journey.
First road sign is TRUTH (it is very important to know that what God
has told us is always TRUE, He cannot
lie! God is truth!)
And, if we ever get off track- we can just do what Abraham did- he
turned himself around (repentance)- and got back on track by following the road
signs-
So- we want to OBEY
Him (salute)- we don't have to obey- but we want to obey this God who loves us so much, and wants good for us, and in whom we can TRUST, because He is TRUTH, and TRUSTWORTHY!
Last night I had the privilege of giving a lesson to three groups of children at our church. You only have 10-20 minutes to give you lesson to each group, children's ages in groups range from 1-2 grade, 3-4 grade, 5-6grade.
I haven't been able to do this in years, and went all out on my self-management skills to get there and do it!
With my poor memory- I'd put in days of preparation, and put my trust in God to help me remember and speak out the lesson with clarity. (yep- lookin for a miracle!)
In my preparation- I was learning the lesson as well; which is a huge benefit as a teacher, you get to learn a lot!
I am hoping the children learned something last evening...I know I learned something. And, I hope you do too. While going through this lesson, I kept thinking what a needed lesson/reminder this was for me on my faith journey, especially with Lyme affecting my life to the degree it has, and does.
For the sake of energy- I am basically going to copy/paste the lesson into this post...please understand a) it was for elementary aged children b) these are the raw notes, but delivery varied for each aged/gender group...
Before Thanksgiving break-
Mrs. G shared a bit about someone who lived thousands of years
ago, and about whom the Bible tells us~
Abraham! Remember- Mrs.
G was telling you about Abraham’s long journey to a place he’d never been before!
Raise your hand if you’ve ever been on a LONG journey- (somewher you'd not been before..)
You had to TRUST the person driving to know the way!
Now- have you ever been riding with someone who realized they were going a wrong way and they had to TURN BACK to look for the RIGHT road signs to go the RIGHT way?
Whenever Abraham was TRUSTING God by FAITH, and then doing what God
wanted him to do, or not do- (being OBEDIENT)
God was pleased with Abraham-
It is always so good to know someone we can TRUST- it is easy then
to do things they want us to do, in fact we even want to do things to make them happy, and for us to have a good
(right) relationship with them.
And God is ALWAYS full of TRUTH- He is ALWAYS TRUSTWORTHY!
The second sign is TRUSTWORTHY- because God never lies- we can always TRUST
Him…which is being TRUSTWORTHY!
Knowing God is TRUSTWORTHY we can
believe in Him to do what He says, gives us a CONFIDENT TRUST in God even if we
don’t see it right away- which is FAITH.
Because of our FAITH is in God being TRUSTWORTHY- we want to show
God our FAITH and love by OBEYING Him- because we TRUST Him.
And this makes God happy with us,
and us with Him—our relationship is good and RIGHT. And, we will be on the RIGHT path in life
too!
We need to remember: (DO WITH HAND
MOTIONS!)
God is TRUTH
(rigth hand up as if taking an oath)
And so He is TRUSTWORTHY (handshake with your buddy)
Which gives us a CONFIDENT TRUST in Him (two thumbs-up with a smile)
Which is FAITH that God will do as He says- even if we can’t
see it right away. (hands pressed together as in 'praying hands') Note- as important as FAITH is- the even bigger issue is in whom, or what, are you placing your faith-- many people have a very deep and sincere faith, but their faith is not unto salvation-- for faith that is a saving faith- it is the object of our faith which matters most....and that is that we place our faith in the Only One worthy of it- the LORD God, through His Son Jesus Christ.
Our CONFIDENT TRUST/FAITH in God- makes us RIGHT
with God. (hand-bump, high five...)
The LORD is TRUTH…
and so He is TRUSTWORTHY …
which gives me a CONFIDENT TRUST in Him….
which builds up my FAITH …
so I want to OBEY! …
This make me RIGHT with God!
Hebrews 11:11-12 says"
New Living Translation (NLT)
11 It was by faith that even Sarah was able to have a
child, though she was barren and was too old. She believed[a] that God would
keep his promise. 12 And so a whole nation came from this one man who was as
good as dead—a nation with so many people that, like the stars in the sky and
the sand on the seashore, there is no way to count them." (BTW- We read in the first chapter of Matthew that about 42 generations later, off a descendant of Abraham's, named Joseph....he marries a young woman named Mary...we'll hear a lot about this couple in December..)Romans 4: 4-8 says "
4 When people work, their wages are
not a gift, but something they have earned. 5 But people are counted as
righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who
forgives sinners. 6 David also spoke of this when he described the happiness of
those who are declared righteous without working for it:
7 “Oh, what joy for those
whose disobedience is forgiven,
whose sins are put out of sight.
8 Yes, what joy for those
whose record the Lord has
cleared of sin.”
and verses 20-25 say "
20 Abraham never wavered in believing God’s
promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God.
21 He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. 22 And
because of Abraham’s faith, God counted him as righteous. 23 And when God counted
him as righteous, it wasn’t just for Abraham’s benefit. It was recorded 24 for
our benefit, too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we
believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He was
handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us
right with God.
Those of us with Lyme all find ourselves on a LONG journey....we've not been down this road before..we are trusting the LORD to not only direct us, but to lead us in learning what He has to show us along the way...
Lyme is regularly pulling me toward the ditch, off the right pathway... I must regularly remind myself...He is Truth, Trustworthy- my Confident Trust/Faith is in Him...willing me to Obey, and giving joy and comfort to my soul that by Faith in His Son Jesus Christ, I am Right with Him... I especially need to review these principles on those very foggy days! And, it is good to have others who walk alongside me, and are willing to gently remind me- encourage me, to keep on His pathway in this journey-
May you be encouraged in your Faith Journey in Him today- As a Believer, you are not walking this journey alone- He will never leave you, stay close to Him. And as you walk through this with Him- may your own faith/confidence in the LORD increase with great measure~
Blessings-
a fellow sojourner
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Ornaments
We usually have our Christmas tree up by now; the weekend of Thanksgiving usually finds our family out in a local forest hunting for that tree which we will bring home to decorate and enjoy through Christmas, even until New Years.
Once the tree is set up, each of the children (now grown) will take their turns hanging up their special tree ornaments from their personal collection.
No, our trees would never have won a coveted show-piece award; rather they may more likely win for closest looking like a 'Charlie Brown Christmas Tree'. The tree is unique- one of a kind, and it's decorations reflect those who decorate it...
Today I was reading in Psalm 149 during my quiet time.
It is a hymn of praise. The Psalmist invites those who know of God's salvation to rejoice- in song, instrumentation and dancing!
Well, today may be one of those days that you'd feel fortunate just to get out of bed for awhile- let alone play an instrument and dance! (Ouch- just thinking about that may make you cringe!)
I think that is why I especially enjoyed verse 5, "Let the godly ones exult in glory;
Let them sing for joy on their beds." Yep, upon their beds!
And what, pray tell, can we sing about even while laying in bed...If we have nothing else- we have Him- and that dear brothers and sisters, is something to bring joy to our hearts and praise to our lips.
Perhaps you are more about 'making a joyful noise' than singing- that's fine. Maybe you are too weak to belt out a 'new song' even while resting in bed so long- that's ok; our LORD can hear the song of joy in your heart- praising Him and thanking Him for who He is- your Helper, Redeemer, Healer, Sustainer, Strength, Peace....
Back at verse 4, we read, "For the Lord takes pleasure in His people;
He will beautify the afflicted ones with salvation." So, maybe we won't be called up to American Idol to sing, but the very LORD of Eternity takes pleasure in you, and your new song today. And, in the process- He beautifies us!
Spurgeon comments that these adornments, ornaments, are such as: peace, content, joy, holiness, and respect/influence. As He makes His people meek- so He makes the meek beautiful.
The most beautiful, according to the text- is that the beauty is most marked by salvation, deliverance...with victory.
As you go through your day today- may you be encouraged that as one who has believed in Him unto salvation- to Him you are beautiful. You now reflect who He is by the ornaments He has given to you- Ones that can shine through even the Lymie-ist of days!
Whether spending the day in bed, or getting up- remember you have been clothed in His righteousness today- and in your response of giving thanks and praise to Him from your meek estate, He sees you as beautiful...valuable...shining with His glory.
Praise and glory are His~ may His beauty mark your day-
Blessings-
149 [a]Praise [b]the Lord!
Sing to the Lord a new song,
And His praise in the congregation of the godly ones.
2 Let Israel be glad in his Maker;
Let the sons of Zion rejoice in their King.
3 Let them praise His name with dancing;
Let them sing praises to Him with timbrel and lyre.
4 For the Lord takes pleasure in His people;
He will beautify the afflicted ones with salvation.
Once the tree is set up, each of the children (now grown) will take their turns hanging up their special tree ornaments from their personal collection.
No, our trees would never have won a coveted show-piece award; rather they may more likely win for closest looking like a 'Charlie Brown Christmas Tree'. The tree is unique- one of a kind, and it's decorations reflect those who decorate it...
Today I was reading in Psalm 149 during my quiet time.
It is a hymn of praise. The Psalmist invites those who know of God's salvation to rejoice- in song, instrumentation and dancing!
Well, today may be one of those days that you'd feel fortunate just to get out of bed for awhile- let alone play an instrument and dance! (Ouch- just thinking about that may make you cringe!)
I think that is why I especially enjoyed verse 5, "Let the godly ones exult in glory;
Let them sing for joy on their beds." Yep, upon their beds!
And what, pray tell, can we sing about even while laying in bed...If we have nothing else- we have Him- and that dear brothers and sisters, is something to bring joy to our hearts and praise to our lips.
Perhaps you are more about 'making a joyful noise' than singing- that's fine. Maybe you are too weak to belt out a 'new song' even while resting in bed so long- that's ok; our LORD can hear the song of joy in your heart- praising Him and thanking Him for who He is- your Helper, Redeemer, Healer, Sustainer, Strength, Peace....
Back at verse 4, we read, "For the Lord takes pleasure in His people;
He will beautify the afflicted ones with salvation." So, maybe we won't be called up to American Idol to sing, but the very LORD of Eternity takes pleasure in you, and your new song today. And, in the process- He beautifies us!
Spurgeon comments that these adornments, ornaments, are such as: peace, content, joy, holiness, and respect/influence. As He makes His people meek- so He makes the meek beautiful.
The most beautiful, according to the text- is that the beauty is most marked by salvation, deliverance...with victory.
As you go through your day today- may you be encouraged that as one who has believed in Him unto salvation- to Him you are beautiful. You now reflect who He is by the ornaments He has given to you- Ones that can shine through even the Lymie-ist of days!
Whether spending the day in bed, or getting up- remember you have been clothed in His righteousness today- and in your response of giving thanks and praise to Him from your meek estate, He sees you as beautiful...valuable...shining with His glory.
Praise and glory are His~ may His beauty mark your day-
Blessings-
149 [a]Praise [b]the Lord!
Sing to the Lord a new song,
And His praise in the congregation of the godly ones.
2 Let Israel be glad in his Maker;
Let the sons of Zion rejoice in their King.
3 Let them praise His name with dancing;
Let them sing praises to Him with timbrel and lyre.
4 For the Lord takes pleasure in His people;
He will beautify the afflicted ones with salvation.
5 Let the godly ones exult in glory;
Let them sing for joy on their beds.
6 Let the high praises of God be in their [c]mouth,
And a two-edged sword in their hand,
7 To execute vengeance on the nations
And punishment on the peoples,
8 To bind their kings with chains
And their nobles with fetters of iron,
9 To execute on them the judgment written;
This is an honor for all His godly ones.
[d]Praise [e]the Lord!
Let them sing for joy on their beds.
6 Let the high praises of God be in their [c]mouth,
And a two-edged sword in their hand,
7 To execute vengeance on the nations
And punishment on the peoples,
8 To bind their kings with chains
And their nobles with fetters of iron,
9 To execute on them the judgment written;
This is an honor for all His godly ones.
[d]Praise [e]the Lord!
Monday, November 26, 2012
Expecting
I am often accused of having too high of expectations. This has led to me also then experience much dissapointment. (Having Lyme gives you expotential opportunities for dissapointent!)
"If only" has ruined many of a day for me.... My husbands would say, "If onlys and buts were candies and nuts, we'd all have a Merry Christmas!"
Which brings me to that very thing that is the ONLY thing, or Person- in whom my expectations can truly be placed- the Lord Jesus.
The LORD has been dealing with me as of late on many things. One of which is that I have had my emotional default set on 'hurt' for a very long time. He is in the process of reprogramming my wiring so that my default setting is on 'HIM' instead!
As far as expecting this or that--- the dissapointment usually comes because I have set my hope on some particular person or thing, to happen at some particular place or time- which I think most likely, even best... NOT!
Over this past year- the LORD has been showing me what I am doing in that is misplacing Hope. Hope is not a thing, or an idea, or a human, or a particular way something is to be done, or a certain way of looking... Hope is a part of who the LORD is.
Even taking it further than putting my hope in the LORD, but realize HE IS HOPE...it is a part of who He is, a part of His being.
The more closely I am in community with Him- the more hopefilled I am. I am not setting my hope on any particular outcome I can formulate, but able to experience a satisfying hope simply by realizing that He is Hope- and as He is present, Hope is present....nothing more is needed.
Quite quieting and freeing a realization.
It is the Advent season- a wonderful season of Good Expecting- We are reminded of when Hope came to earth to dwell amoung us; to become that High Priest who understands us.
Hope has come.
In fact, Hope has always been... Hope is... and Hope is yet to come!
Perhaps this Advent season finds you sidelined- making the seasonal rushing about all the more glaring to you. Perhaps you feel lonely, isolated, sad, left-behind....dissappointed... This isn't what you expected!
Beloved- Hope understands, and is nearby. Reach out to Him today, grow closer to Him in prayer and by His Word. Delight in who HE IS this Advent season. (Not what you think He may do for you....He will do things for you- but through the grime of worldly vision we miss much of what He is doing- and then may think He isn't doing something because we don't see it being done as we'd expected it to be done...)
Read more about Hope this season- read in Isaiah, the Gospels...If you tire too easily- you can listen to passages at www.Biblegateway.com (NASB).
You will not be dissapointed by Hope.
Blessings-
http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh196.sht
http://www.aholyexperience.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Jesse_Tree_Advent_Celebration1.pdf
Titus 2:13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus,
"If only" has ruined many of a day for me.... My husbands would say, "If onlys and buts were candies and nuts, we'd all have a Merry Christmas!"
Which brings me to that very thing that is the ONLY thing, or Person- in whom my expectations can truly be placed- the Lord Jesus.
The LORD has been dealing with me as of late on many things. One of which is that I have had my emotional default set on 'hurt' for a very long time. He is in the process of reprogramming my wiring so that my default setting is on 'HIM' instead!
As far as expecting this or that--- the dissapointment usually comes because I have set my hope on some particular person or thing, to happen at some particular place or time- which I think most likely, even best... NOT!
Over this past year- the LORD has been showing me what I am doing in that is misplacing Hope. Hope is not a thing, or an idea, or a human, or a particular way something is to be done, or a certain way of looking... Hope is a part of who the LORD is.
Even taking it further than putting my hope in the LORD, but realize HE IS HOPE...it is a part of who He is, a part of His being.
The more closely I am in community with Him- the more hopefilled I am. I am not setting my hope on any particular outcome I can formulate, but able to experience a satisfying hope simply by realizing that He is Hope- and as He is present, Hope is present....nothing more is needed.
Quite quieting and freeing a realization.
It is the Advent season- a wonderful season of Good Expecting- We are reminded of when Hope came to earth to dwell amoung us; to become that High Priest who understands us.
Hope has come.
In fact, Hope has always been... Hope is... and Hope is yet to come!
Perhaps this Advent season finds you sidelined- making the seasonal rushing about all the more glaring to you. Perhaps you feel lonely, isolated, sad, left-behind....dissappointed... This isn't what you expected!
Beloved- Hope understands, and is nearby. Reach out to Him today, grow closer to Him in prayer and by His Word. Delight in who HE IS this Advent season. (Not what you think He may do for you....He will do things for you- but through the grime of worldly vision we miss much of what He is doing- and then may think He isn't doing something because we don't see it being done as we'd expected it to be done...)
Read more about Hope this season- read in Isaiah, the Gospels...If you tire too easily- you can listen to passages at www.Biblegateway.com (NASB).
You will not be dissapointed by Hope.
Blessings-
http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh196.sht
http://www.aholyexperience.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Jesse_Tree_Advent_Celebration1.pdf
Isaiah 7:14
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
14 Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a [a]virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name [b]Immanuel. (God with us.)
1 Timothy 1:1
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus according to the commandment of God our Savior, and of Christ Jesus, who is our hope,
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus according to the commandment of God our Savior, and of Christ Jesus, who is our hope,
Titus 2:13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus,
1 Peter 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
1 Peter 1:2-4 (in Context) 1 Peter 1 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
1 Peter 1:2-4 (in Context) 1 Peter 1 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
1 Peter 1:13
Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Friday, November 23, 2012
Minimalist
We had a lovely Thanksgiving Dinner at our one daughter's boyfriend's parents' house. (wow- try to say that fast three times!)
The Hostess had bounty of delights, served with warmth and generosity! The table was packed with delightful delicacies- Turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, home-pickled red-hot cucumbers, olives, homemade rolls, Swedish Hardtack, baked yams in brown sugar, greenbean casserole, jello-fruit-whipping cream salad..pies for dessert... OH MY! It was wonderful!
And yes- knowing it would cause much discomfort (at the least) if I indulged in all these goodies- I brought along a treat for myself- a plain baked sweet potato, some plain red rice, and an avocado to have with my turkey! (OK- so I confess, I did splurge and tried a small dime-sized piece of her Hardtack (it was AMAZING! I guess the recipe uses malt in it!)
What a test of fortitude and disciplin! I had a few comments thrown my away about my plate of food- not being the regular Thanksgiving fair-- but, the pay off was not feeling rotten from how the foods would affect me...I could stay longer at the gathering, and interact with people more.
So really, even though I hadn't indulged in the food-pleasures before me- I was able to indulge in community with family and friends- it was a good trade off!
My Hostess, a new friend, seemed understanding an supportive- even allowing me to smell her wonderful vanilla spiced Earl Grey tea that I was skipping on after dinner too! Wow- usually even my family isn't big on it when I ask to at least smell the food I can't eat- and here she offered me of whiff (it was wonderful!). ( I was drinking some great Ginger tea- which is really only dried ginger- it is my new favorite!)
I did find a recipe for pumpkin pie- in which you have eggs (can still get by with those), coconut milk, and Stevia... So that was my special dessert later (Yes, I had some medicinal protein at the same time!).
During the day- I was thinking of all my other Lyme Fighter pals- some being as I was last year: not able to get out, and still couch/bed bound much of the days...I felt an overwheming thankfulness for the privilege of having gotten to go to the friend's house with my family.... I also thought of those of my pals having to use great restraint and, as I, forge new ideas as to what Thanksgiving dinner looks like.
For me, the 'icing on the cake' for Thanksgiving was much less about the food- and much more about being with loved ones, being to participate in community- with great Thanks to the LORD.
I don't know how you are doing today (or how it went for you yesterday). But know that a Sister-in-the-Journey has been thinking about you. How strong you are to keep battling away- learning new things, learning new ways to do 'life', learning how to rest... learning a new appreciation for the little things in life... learning how to work through loss and grief while holding onto life-lines...
May the LORD our Mighty God, be found as your Safe Place, your Provision, your Rest, your Encourager, your Help.... May His lovingkindness so saturate your soul and mind- that you are not left longing for anything else-
Blessings-
Psalm 145 (14-16)
The Hostess had bounty of delights, served with warmth and generosity! The table was packed with delightful delicacies- Turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, home-pickled red-hot cucumbers, olives, homemade rolls, Swedish Hardtack, baked yams in brown sugar, greenbean casserole, jello-fruit-whipping cream salad..pies for dessert... OH MY! It was wonderful!
And yes- knowing it would cause much discomfort (at the least) if I indulged in all these goodies- I brought along a treat for myself- a plain baked sweet potato, some plain red rice, and an avocado to have with my turkey! (OK- so I confess, I did splurge and tried a small dime-sized piece of her Hardtack (it was AMAZING! I guess the recipe uses malt in it!)
What a test of fortitude and disciplin! I had a few comments thrown my away about my plate of food- not being the regular Thanksgiving fair-- but, the pay off was not feeling rotten from how the foods would affect me...I could stay longer at the gathering, and interact with people more.
So really, even though I hadn't indulged in the food-pleasures before me- I was able to indulge in community with family and friends- it was a good trade off!
My Hostess, a new friend, seemed understanding an supportive- even allowing me to smell her wonderful vanilla spiced Earl Grey tea that I was skipping on after dinner too! Wow- usually even my family isn't big on it when I ask to at least smell the food I can't eat- and here she offered me of whiff (it was wonderful!). ( I was drinking some great Ginger tea- which is really only dried ginger- it is my new favorite!)
I did find a recipe for pumpkin pie- in which you have eggs (can still get by with those), coconut milk, and Stevia... So that was my special dessert later (Yes, I had some medicinal protein at the same time!).
During the day- I was thinking of all my other Lyme Fighter pals- some being as I was last year: not able to get out, and still couch/bed bound much of the days...I felt an overwheming thankfulness for the privilege of having gotten to go to the friend's house with my family.... I also thought of those of my pals having to use great restraint and, as I, forge new ideas as to what Thanksgiving dinner looks like.
For me, the 'icing on the cake' for Thanksgiving was much less about the food- and much more about being with loved ones, being to participate in community- with great Thanks to the LORD.
I don't know how you are doing today (or how it went for you yesterday). But know that a Sister-in-the-Journey has been thinking about you. How strong you are to keep battling away- learning new things, learning new ways to do 'life', learning how to rest... learning a new appreciation for the little things in life... learning how to work through loss and grief while holding onto life-lines...
May the LORD our Mighty God, be found as your Safe Place, your Provision, your Rest, your Encourager, your Help.... May His lovingkindness so saturate your soul and mind- that you are not left longing for anything else-
Blessings-
Psalm 145 (14-16)
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
The One Who Hears
Today I was meditating through Psalm 145- It turns out to be a wonderful Psalm for Thanksgivng.
This past year, during my treatments, I have been drawn to discover more about who my God is. So, as I read through Scripture- I have taken to writing references to His character and being in the margins. It has been such a blessing as He reveals Himself to me through this.
I would encourage you to go through Psalm 145 today- make a list as He reveals Himself to you-
Searching through the Psalm, I found about 37 references as to who He is- like: Majestic, King, the One Who Hears, Satisfier, Worker of splendoris wonders, Sustainer, Saviour, merciful, good....
On those many days that I wanted to study the Word, but just couldn't think deeply enough from fog and fatigue- I began to just look for a phrase or a word that would show me better the attributes of this God of mine- then, I would meditate on just that attribute for that day.
So maybe my mind doesn't click as well as to allow me to memorize verses, chapters, books... but I have found great richness in the times I have lingered over a phrase, over a word, of His attributes- and simply praised Him for who He is.
How many of His children are in positions to spend hours praising Him this way...not for what He has done for us (although that is good too)...but just simply being amazed by who He is and praising Him in that...
Have a blessed time of Giving Thanks to Him for HE IS......
This past year, during my treatments, I have been drawn to discover more about who my God is. So, as I read through Scripture- I have taken to writing references to His character and being in the margins. It has been such a blessing as He reveals Himself to me through this.
I would encourage you to go through Psalm 145 today- make a list as He reveals Himself to you-
Searching through the Psalm, I found about 37 references as to who He is- like: Majestic, King, the One Who Hears, Satisfier, Worker of splendoris wonders, Sustainer, Saviour, merciful, good....
On those many days that I wanted to study the Word, but just couldn't think deeply enough from fog and fatigue- I began to just look for a phrase or a word that would show me better the attributes of this God of mine- then, I would meditate on just that attribute for that day.
So maybe my mind doesn't click as well as to allow me to memorize verses, chapters, books... but I have found great richness in the times I have lingered over a phrase, over a word, of His attributes- and simply praised Him for who He is.
How many of His children are in positions to spend hours praising Him this way...not for what He has done for us (although that is good too)...but just simply being amazed by who He is and praising Him in that...
Have a blessed time of Giving Thanks to Him for HE IS......
Psalm 145
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
The Lord Extolled for His Goodness.
A Psalm of Praise, of David.
145 I will extol You, my God, O King,
And I will bless Your name forever and ever.
2 Every day I will bless You,
And I will praise Your name forever and ever.
3 Great is the Lord, and highly to be praised,
And His greatness is unsearchable.
4 One generation shall praise Your works to another,
And shall declare Your mighty acts.
5 On the glorious [a]splendor of Your majesty
And on Your wonderful works, I will meditate.
6 Men shall speak of the [b]power of Your awesome acts,
And I will tell of Your greatness.
7 They shall [c]eagerly utter the memory of Your abundant goodness
And will shout joyfully of Your righteousness.
And I will bless Your name forever and ever.
2 Every day I will bless You,
And I will praise Your name forever and ever.
3 Great is the Lord, and highly to be praised,
And His greatness is unsearchable.
4 One generation shall praise Your works to another,
And shall declare Your mighty acts.
5 On the glorious [a]splendor of Your majesty
And on Your wonderful works, I will meditate.
6 Men shall speak of the [b]power of Your awesome acts,
And I will tell of Your greatness.
7 They shall [c]eagerly utter the memory of Your abundant goodness
And will shout joyfully of Your righteousness.
8 The Lord is gracious and merciful;
Slow to anger and great in lovingkindness.
9 The Lord is good to all,
And His mercies are over all His works.
10 All Your works shall give thanks to You, O Lord,
And Your godly ones shall bless You.
11 They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom
And talk of Your power;
12 To make known to the sons of men [d]Your mighty acts
And the glory of the majesty of [e]Your kingdom.
13 Your kingdom is [f]an everlasting kingdom,
And Your dominion endures throughout all generations.
Slow to anger and great in lovingkindness.
9 The Lord is good to all,
And His mercies are over all His works.
10 All Your works shall give thanks to You, O Lord,
And Your godly ones shall bless You.
11 They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom
And talk of Your power;
12 To make known to the sons of men [d]Your mighty acts
And the glory of the majesty of [e]Your kingdom.
13 Your kingdom is [f]an everlasting kingdom,
And Your dominion endures throughout all generations.
14 The Lord sustains all who fall
And raises up all who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all [g]look to You,
And You give them their food in due time.
16 You open Your hand
And satisfy the desire of every living thing.
And raises up all who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all [g]look to You,
And You give them their food in due time.
16 You open Your hand
And satisfy the desire of every living thing.
17 The Lord is righteous in all His ways
And kind in all His deeds.
18 The Lord is near to all who call upon Him,
To all who call upon Him in truth.
19 He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him;
He will also hear their cry and will save them.
20 The Lord keeps all who love Him,
But all the wicked He will destroy.
21 My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord,
And all flesh will bless His holy name forever and ever.
And kind in all His deeds.
18 The Lord is near to all who call upon Him,
To all who call upon Him in truth.
19 He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him;
He will also hear their cry and will save them.
20 The Lord keeps all who love Him,
But all the wicked He will destroy.
21 My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord,
And all flesh will bless His holy name forever and ever.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Giving Thanks Tool
Got this in my email today- thought I'd share the site with you-
http://www.aholyexperience.com/2011/04/when-youre-feeling-a-bit-broken-free-weekly-gratitude-journa-l/
Simple reminder for this week (can do it throughout the year) to Give Thanks.
A lot of days we may have to dig deep to come up to that place-- I dearly love that in Scripture, it is called a 'sacrifice of praise'!
God understands the choice of sacrificially giving Him the praise He is deserves- despite our current circumstance, pain, fear, unknown future....
When we boldly give a sacrifice of praise to Him in the face of pain and uncertainty- it does not go unoticed- it's fragrance is heavy, with a sweet aroma as it rises to Him.
Our LORD never requires of us something that won't also in turn bring benefit to our well-being; He is just too generous and full of lovingkindness not to.
May this Giving Thanks season (in the United States) be one richly blessed by His presence in your praise...as you lift your praise to Him, may you find your heart, soul and mind lifted as well...your soul encouraged, your LORD glorified...a wonderful cycle...
Blessings to you!
http://www.aholyexperience.com/2011/04/when-youre-feeling-a-bit-broken-free-weekly-gratitude-journa-l/
Simple reminder for this week (can do it throughout the year) to Give Thanks.
A lot of days we may have to dig deep to come up to that place-- I dearly love that in Scripture, it is called a 'sacrifice of praise'!
God understands the choice of sacrificially giving Him the praise He is deserves- despite our current circumstance, pain, fear, unknown future....
When we boldly give a sacrifice of praise to Him in the face of pain and uncertainty- it does not go unoticed- it's fragrance is heavy, with a sweet aroma as it rises to Him.
Our LORD never requires of us something that won't also in turn bring benefit to our well-being; He is just too generous and full of lovingkindness not to.
May this Giving Thanks season (in the United States) be one richly blessed by His presence in your praise...as you lift your praise to Him, may you find your heart, soul and mind lifted as well...your soul encouraged, your LORD glorified...a wonderful cycle...
Blessings to you!
- Psalm 27:6
And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me, And I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD.
Psalm 27:5-7 (in Context) Psalm 27 (Whole Chapter) - Hebrews 13:15
[ God-pleasing Sacrifices ] Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Dying to Live
Die to self- it isn’t
as much about those things which make us unique in personhood- as much as it is
allowing the LORD to continue to wash out the sin stains in our heart (sanctification)
and for us to continually submit to His revealed will for us in Scripture… (basically thing that are opposed to the
Fruit of the Spirit described in Galatians 5:22-23)
Each disciple/apostle, in surrender to Christ, did not lose
their unique personality/personhood, but rather their unique personhood was
being perfected and completed in their submission to the LORD unto their: a) cleansing of sin b) salvation c) sanctification d) submission to the will of God e)
calling
By setting our hearts and minds on Him, toward Him- and
opening, and submitting, our hearts and minds to His work through the Holy
Spirità
transformation takes place.
Instead of concerning self with ‘outcomes, activities…’, we
must continue to first seek Him, to know Him; allowing Him to do His work in
our hearts (wean us, Psalm 131). It is
paramount to pay attention in the process within our relationship to Him and
concern ourselves foremost with this. The
LORD will take care of the business of life.
Not to say we halt engaging the world as this process
progresses, but as we do- we must allow the Holy Spirit to reset our heart’s and
mind’s responsive default system which has been hair-triggered to the world’s
stimuli.
Instead of a default setting on hurt, may it be on
Him. Instead of a response default setting
on
anger-> love,
bitterness->love,
contempt->submission,
lies->
truth,
harshness-> grace,
judgment->mercy,
self-righteousness->His righteousness,
my way-> His
way,
revenge-> His vengeance,
tearing others down->humility,
self-loathing
(pride)-> humility,
speaking
out->quietness,
fear-> His
security,
anxiousness->
His peace,
hate-> His
Love,
pride-> His glory
I don’t know about you- but there are plenty more default
settings in my heart that are in need of the Chief Engineers work. I’m sure I can add to this list- perhaps you
can also (or make up your own). It helps
me though to list them out on paper…to see them more clearly, it helps me to
more concretely give them over to the LORD.
Yes, salvation comes in that moment of complete surrender to
Christ as Saviour and Lord; sanctification is ongoing until that day He brings
us before His throne and completes us.
Meanwhile, we are getting ready.
May His work be so
begun in our lives that others may be encouraged, and most of all- may God be
glorified. (Romans 8:28)
Blessings~
Friday, November 9, 2012
Bombed
Ever have a bomb dropped on you?
Out of nowhere. Blue sky. BOOM!
In my case, the shell of the bomb was an email from a confidant who was blasting me about the sin in my life (to which I'd already confessed, and have been repentive- and now am in the 're-programming stages' as the Chief Engineer re-wires me and I get used to re-routing my ways to align with His Way).
She also mentions, amoungst other things, that I need to stop hiding behind chronic illness. OUCH!
Okay- that one really stung; actually several judgements stung, but that one in particular because I'd really believed this person had understood to a goody portion of the all the challenges I have going on battling Lyme...
I don't know about you- but I have plenty of times where I am just trying to sort out my thinking and emotions- are those things related to the borrelia and babesia in my brain, or is it my whacked out endocrine system (what's left of it), or is it menopause, or is it plain faulty thinking, or am I thinking correctly;
am I 'just emotional', or is it my funky fluctuating hormonal system, lack of sun, isolation, pain, grief;
am I truly misunderstood, or is it my imagination? Is my anger related to the infections, the hormones, natural response to stimuli...or am I sinful: contemptuous, rebellious, bitter...
My confidant sees me in a pit, which I would say is fairly accurate as of late- as I've gone to her to help me deal with some things, as it gets overwhelming and discouraging... I am facing some ugly stuff in my heart- never pretty to do, or easy, or quick.
In her email, she shares how she keeps throwing different things 'down to me' and she doesn't think I want to grab hold of what she is throwing to me.
Well, I guess if it were things I could grasp, that would help. But mostly, I told her I guess what would be good is that instead of someone throwing something 'down to me'- It would be a great help to have someone who would be willing to step into the pit with me, take hold of my hand with gentleness and strength, and walk alongside of me as we (I) make my bloody way out of the pit.
Ah, and isn't that just what Jesus did for us? He humbled Himself, stepping out of Heaven- out of limitlessness onto earth, putting on the limitations of humanness....He encountered trials, being isolated, tempted, ridiculed, misunderstanding, rejection, pain.... My Lord knows all these things personally, and He is near now to take my hand and walk me out of the pit.
He doesn't call down to me and tell me to get all washed up first, and come up to Him...
He will admonish me- but He does not accuse me. And when I confess my sin, He is faithful and just to forgive me-- He will take my hand in the process of healing and renewing, lovingly and fearfully leading me in His way.
He will help me sort all these things out. Meanwhile, I will look for new counsel. One who will come alongside of me, admonish gently with understanding and humility; and give me practical help and encouragement as I get off my knees and begin taking my wobbly steps on the newly lit path.
Bombs are no fun! But once things settle down, and accounts are taken- I see that the Lord will use even this bomb to teach me something more about Him, about me, how I respond to others- how He wants me to respond to others.
LORD- heal me in this- You know my heart-of-hearts better than anyone else- You have been leading me toward healing, and I thank You that You alone are Just, Truth, and Love. Let me learn what You would have me to learn from this- that I might better serve You. Help me to sort out all the tangles in my heart- and direct me to good counsel as You reveal the roots of those tangles.
Bless Your Holy Name~
Isaiah 1:18 IJohn 1:9 Colossians 3:16 Psalm 69:20 I Thessalonians 5:14 Hebrews 4:15-16
John 1:14,17,29
Out of nowhere. Blue sky. BOOM!
In my case, the shell of the bomb was an email from a confidant who was blasting me about the sin in my life (to which I'd already confessed, and have been repentive- and now am in the 're-programming stages' as the Chief Engineer re-wires me and I get used to re-routing my ways to align with His Way).
She also mentions, amoungst other things, that I need to stop hiding behind chronic illness. OUCH!
Okay- that one really stung; actually several judgements stung, but that one in particular because I'd really believed this person had understood to a goody portion of the all the challenges I have going on battling Lyme...
I don't know about you- but I have plenty of times where I am just trying to sort out my thinking and emotions- are those things related to the borrelia and babesia in my brain, or is it my whacked out endocrine system (what's left of it), or is it menopause, or is it plain faulty thinking, or am I thinking correctly;
am I 'just emotional', or is it my funky fluctuating hormonal system, lack of sun, isolation, pain, grief;
am I truly misunderstood, or is it my imagination? Is my anger related to the infections, the hormones, natural response to stimuli...or am I sinful: contemptuous, rebellious, bitter...
My confidant sees me in a pit, which I would say is fairly accurate as of late- as I've gone to her to help me deal with some things, as it gets overwhelming and discouraging... I am facing some ugly stuff in my heart- never pretty to do, or easy, or quick.
In her email, she shares how she keeps throwing different things 'down to me' and she doesn't think I want to grab hold of what she is throwing to me.
Well, I guess if it were things I could grasp, that would help. But mostly, I told her I guess what would be good is that instead of someone throwing something 'down to me'- It would be a great help to have someone who would be willing to step into the pit with me, take hold of my hand with gentleness and strength, and walk alongside of me as we (I) make my bloody way out of the pit.
Ah, and isn't that just what Jesus did for us? He humbled Himself, stepping out of Heaven- out of limitlessness onto earth, putting on the limitations of humanness....He encountered trials, being isolated, tempted, ridiculed, misunderstanding, rejection, pain.... My Lord knows all these things personally, and He is near now to take my hand and walk me out of the pit.
He doesn't call down to me and tell me to get all washed up first, and come up to Him...
He will admonish me- but He does not accuse me. And when I confess my sin, He is faithful and just to forgive me-- He will take my hand in the process of healing and renewing, lovingly and fearfully leading me in His way.
He will help me sort all these things out. Meanwhile, I will look for new counsel. One who will come alongside of me, admonish gently with understanding and humility; and give me practical help and encouragement as I get off my knees and begin taking my wobbly steps on the newly lit path.
Bombs are no fun! But once things settle down, and accounts are taken- I see that the Lord will use even this bomb to teach me something more about Him, about me, how I respond to others- how He wants me to respond to others.
LORD- heal me in this- You know my heart-of-hearts better than anyone else- You have been leading me toward healing, and I thank You that You alone are Just, Truth, and Love. Let me learn what You would have me to learn from this- that I might better serve You. Help me to sort out all the tangles in my heart- and direct me to good counsel as You reveal the roots of those tangles.
Bless Your Holy Name~
Isaiah 1:18 IJohn 1:9 Colossians 3:16 Psalm 69:20 I Thessalonians 5:14 Hebrews 4:15-16
John 1:14,17,29
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Elasticity in Captivity
Song of the week- 10,000 reasons by Matt Redman!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jYLTn4fKYQ
This is one of those songs I keep playing over and over again! Wish my Lyme-brain could get the lyrics all together in my mind!
Some of you may be experiencing 'auditory hallucinations'- I do not wish that on anyone! But, if you had to have a song stuck in your mind on repeat- this would be a good one! :)
I was reading through Psalm 126 today. And, of course, I had to see what C.H.Spurgeon had in his commentary... In his intro, he writes, "We see here not only that Zion abides, but that her joy returns after sorrow. Abiding is not enough, fruitfulness is added. The pilgrim went from blessing to blessing in their Psalmody as they proceeded on their holy way. Happy people to whom every ascent was a song, every halt a hymn. Here the truster becomes a sower; faith works by love, obtains a present bliss, and secures a harvest of delight."
Lord, I want to me one of those 'happy people'- or might I say, joy-filled people, who carries a song with each ascent, and at every halt a hymn.
Verse 3 of the Psalm states "The LORD has done great things for us; We are glad.
I love the ending, 'We are glad.'.... you could almost say 'period' out loud at the end of it!
Today I wasn't feeling especially 'happy or glad'... and in this the LORD whispered it is because I have taken my eyes off the 'great things He has done for me'.
If I look past the struggles and afflictions of the day, using my spiritual eyes to see- I see He is providing me with shelter, food, clothing....a computer on which to share these things... But even greater- for the Psalmist states 'great things'- I look beyond the worldly, into the really great things-- His Presence, His grace, His mercy, His lovingkindness, salvation, eternal life, Protection, Shield, Strong Tower, Holy Spirit, His Word, Mansion in Glory, new life,....
These are Great Things!
So, I am help captive in many ways to Lyme Disease- but even in it, with the LORD, I have an elasticity that transcends the circumstance...allows me to be in places of Song or Hymnody- He allows me to reach beyond my circumstance, through Him, to joy. To re-bound out of captivity...
Verses 5-6 "Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting. He who goes to and fro weeping, carrying his bag of seed, Shall indeed come again with a shout of joy, bringing his sheaves with him."
Oh for the 'joy set before us'!
LORD, hide the Truth of Your great works- these 'Great Things' You have done- deeply in our heart... and so fill our heart- that our heart can no longer contain it...and so it becomes rain not only to our parched souls- but that it will spill out and bring rain to those parched souls around us. You have done Great Things for us- let us be glad!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jYLTn4fKYQ
This is one of those songs I keep playing over and over again! Wish my Lyme-brain could get the lyrics all together in my mind!
Some of you may be experiencing 'auditory hallucinations'- I do not wish that on anyone! But, if you had to have a song stuck in your mind on repeat- this would be a good one! :)
I was reading through Psalm 126 today. And, of course, I had to see what C.H.Spurgeon had in his commentary... In his intro, he writes, "We see here not only that Zion abides, but that her joy returns after sorrow. Abiding is not enough, fruitfulness is added. The pilgrim went from blessing to blessing in their Psalmody as they proceeded on their holy way. Happy people to whom every ascent was a song, every halt a hymn. Here the truster becomes a sower; faith works by love, obtains a present bliss, and secures a harvest of delight."
Lord, I want to me one of those 'happy people'- or might I say, joy-filled people, who carries a song with each ascent, and at every halt a hymn.
Verse 3 of the Psalm states "The LORD has done great things for us; We are glad.
I love the ending, 'We are glad.'.... you could almost say 'period' out loud at the end of it!
Today I wasn't feeling especially 'happy or glad'... and in this the LORD whispered it is because I have taken my eyes off the 'great things He has done for me'.
If I look past the struggles and afflictions of the day, using my spiritual eyes to see- I see He is providing me with shelter, food, clothing....a computer on which to share these things... But even greater- for the Psalmist states 'great things'- I look beyond the worldly, into the really great things-- His Presence, His grace, His mercy, His lovingkindness, salvation, eternal life, Protection, Shield, Strong Tower, Holy Spirit, His Word, Mansion in Glory, new life,....
These are Great Things!
So, I am help captive in many ways to Lyme Disease- but even in it, with the LORD, I have an elasticity that transcends the circumstance...allows me to be in places of Song or Hymnody- He allows me to reach beyond my circumstance, through Him, to joy. To re-bound out of captivity...
Verses 5-6 "Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting. He who goes to and fro weeping, carrying his bag of seed, Shall indeed come again with a shout of joy, bringing his sheaves with him."
Oh for the 'joy set before us'!
LORD, hide the Truth of Your great works- these 'Great Things' You have done- deeply in our heart... and so fill our heart- that our heart can no longer contain it...and so it becomes rain not only to our parched souls- but that it will spill out and bring rain to those parched souls around us. You have done Great Things for us- let us be glad!
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