We had our monthly Caregiver's Fellowship (although maybe to be "politically correct" I need to call it something else - LOL!, inside yoke.) This time our fellowship began even as we drove over to Ida's. We all rode with Susie...good time girls! We were greeted by our wonderful hostess, Ida. Small talk, catching up, etc. - talk, talk, talk! As always, we had scrumptious food and wonderful fellowship and of course a wonderful meditation from God's Word.
First we had wonderful worship:
GOD'S WORD:
"A Passion for Jesus" Daily Devotion with CC Pastors' Wives
COURAGE
The trees of the LORD are full of sap. Psalm 104:16
Blessed is the an who trusts in the LORD, and whose hope is the LORD. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8
As I mulled this passage over in my mind, my thoughts wandered to all the disappointments in ministry here in Utah, and it occurred to me how much like the disciples I am. Jesus said, "Let us cross over to the other side" (Mark 4:35). They all got into the boat and then a raging storm came. They thought they were going to die, like I have thought so many times since we moved here. Jesus rebuked the storm but said, "Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?" (Matthew 8:26 KJV). What did Jesus mean by that? Did He simply want them to endure the storm and know they would make it? Definitely it was an experience for them to learn from and remember.
So when the Lord says to me, "O ye of little faith," He is saying, "Everything I have promised I will bring to pass; but don't let the storm - discouragements, disappointments, impossible finances, or other circumstances - keep you from believing what I have said." He doesn't guarantee a problem-free ride on the way there. I am to totally depend on Him to accomplish His purpose. So maybe in that storm the disciples should have just joined Jesus in the hull for a nap! I wonder if He would have laughed with delight.
Lord, help me today to choose faith in You over my circumstances.
Karen Ellis (Calvary Chapel Park City, Park City, Utah)
As I pondered on this verse the word "Drought" really stood out to me...there is a drought going on isn't there? A drought in our nation, a drought in the churches, a drought in the homes, a drought in the hearts; even within our Christian families.
You know, like many I was saddened by the outcome of the election and it is grieving every time you turn on the TV and all you see is thousands of people marching and protesting for something that is so wrong. But I certainly don't let it take me down because my hope, our hope does not come from man it is in Christ Jesus. Amen!?
I chose to take that as an opportunity to pray for them instead of getting angry. And for as long as I can pray I will pray because this is the only way to have victory in these battles we face today. We need to be in deep prayer, in His Word more than ever...we need those roots to spread out into that river to get that nourishment, that strength, that empowering of the Holy Spirit that will carry us through these storms.
And not just the storms that we face with this nation but the storms in our hearts, the storms in our homes, the storms with out children, the storms in caregiving, the storms with our health. We are facing difficult times and it will get worse but as Karen Ellis put it so perfectly, "Lord, help us to choose faith in You over our circumstances."
Psalm 20 - May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble; may the name of the God of Jacob defend you; may He send you help from the sanctuary, and strengthen you out of Zion; may He remember all your offerings, and accept your burn sacrifice. Selah
May He grant you according to your heart's desire, and fulfill all your purpose. We will rejoice in your salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners! May the LORD fulfill all your petitions.
Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed, He will answer him from His holy heaven with the saving strength of His right hand.
Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. They have bowed down and fallen; but we have risen and stand upright.
Save, LORD! May the King answer us when we call.
Ida
No comments:
Post a Comment