Does not life often feel as if the captain of the ship has died and you are the one left at the helm, a helm untrained, a helm that is being beaten down and tossed by turbulent waves, being left to pilot a storm battered vessel with no direction of true north. At least for me, I know that it does sometimes feel exactly like this.
In the later 1600’s John Flavel wrote this picture of God the Father talking with His dear Son regarding the hopeless and sinless state. This has come to be known as, “The Father’s Bargain.”
Early this morning, between imaging patients, I was praying and asking the Lord a specific question concerning myself, my focus, and weighing out the balance in life that the He would have of me.
No praise has ever been so sweet as the praise that is given unto God, while walking with Him, in the midst of trials. And the specific trials themselves, by their type, need not a name. It is that they are trials unto you and unto me, being specific in their nature, even divinely appointed, and piercing deeply, that we might come to rest fully in the absolute sovereignty of His very being.
What can you learn about the fires of afflictions, standing fast, holding onto truth? Have you embraced Jesus as most precious and most treasured in your life? There is a difference. Regarding truth faith and the power of God, for instance, consider the difference between that of the son of Sceva in Acts 19:11-20. They were mere professors at best, without truth, power and working reality. Then consider the three Hebrew young men as found in Daniel 3:13-30 - MASSIVE difference and a GOOD reminder, help and hope for us today in standing against ALL tyranny. Don't forget, Jesus Himself prophesied Matthew 7:21-23.
I have been so busy with so many other things that I have yet to share a little Living History project that I have begun studying, noting and piecing together. I have a long ways to go on this little project, but is tentatively titled, "One Beautiful Evening: The Night Grace Became Sweet Unto My Soul."
Recently I preached a few messages all centered around Hebrews 12:1-3. Many of the verses that were included I have been collecting over the last several years. I have been personally studying, applying and repenting of my disbelief in God being absolutely sovereign through these very passages.
I am not sure exactly when I started following BeautyBeyondBones' (Caralyn's) blog page, but over the years she has written some great help for the youth today, especially young girls and young women. It was maybe when I noticed her like something on my first blog (ASimpleWalk.com), regardless of how and when, it may be the "why" I have followed her that matters the most.
Greetings and Merry Christmas!
See how the Lord blessed His faithful servants. Algerius was burned at the stake in Rome during the year 1557. Thus he writes, a short time before his martyrdom:—
Forge Flower 