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Friday, February 22, 2008

Currently Watching
Amazing Grace
By Rick Wakeman
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TRUSTING GOD'S ANSWERS TO OUR PRAYERS

I get many "forwards" -- some funny, some touching, some political, and some with lessons that are truly needed to be learned and remembered. Here's one such item that I would like to share with others.

Romans 8:26-29 (from the Amplified Bible) So too the [Holy] Spirit comes to our aid and bears us up in our weakness; for we do not know what prayer to offer nor how to offer it worthily as we ought, but the Spirit Himself goes to meet our supplication and pleads in our behalf with unspeakable yearnings and groanings too deep for utterance. And He Who searches the hearts of men knows what is in the mind of the [Holy] Spirit [what His intent is], because the Spirit intercedes and pleads [before God] in behalf of the saints according to and in harmony with God's will. We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose. For those whom He foreknew [of whom He was aware and loved beforehand], He also destined from the beginning [foreordaining them] to be molded into the image of His Son [and share inwardly His likeness], that He might become the firstborn among many brethren. PRAYER FOCUSfor perscuted Christians in Pakistan,in Egypt, in India, and in Chad.Go here for specific details and current requests.Thank you.
TRIPLES with EMMA

Tuesday, February 05, 2008

TRUSTING GOD

As I've been reading from Exodus, over and over again I see God teaching the children of Israel lessons in trusting Him -- no matter what. Just one of the examples that stood out to me as I have journaled, I am noting below using the NLT text, (underlining to emphasize what God did, & why).

Exodus 13:17-18, 21-22 ~ When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the main road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest route to the Promised Land. God said, "If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” So God led them in a roundabout way through the wilderness toward the Red Sea. Thus the Israelites left Egypt like an army ready for battle.

The Lord went ahead of them. He guided them during the day with a pillar of cloud, and he provided light at night with a pillar of fire. This allowed them to travel by day or by night. And the Lord did not remove the pillar of cloud or pillar of fire from its place in front of the people..

How well our Lord knows us, and how merciful He is! For He knew the need of assurance that was needed to see that He Himself was leading them into this difficult path. But soon the people were worried and upset, because they were backed up against the Red Sea, with Pharaoh's armies giving chase to them. They complained to Moses, and he told them,

14:13-14 ~ "Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”

Easier said than done, right? In fact, right after Moses said that, God told Moses to follow those words with some action, and HE gave Moses (& the people) instructions - evidence of the trust that they were placing in the LORD.

14:15-21 ~ Then the Lord said to Moses, "Why are you crying out to me? {time for action} Tell the people to get moving! Pick up your staff and raise your hand over the sea . . . And I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they will charge in after the Israelites. My great glory will be displayed through Pharaoh and his troops . . . all Egypt will see my glory and know that I am the LORD!"

Then the angel of God, who had been leading the people of Israel, moved to the rear of the camp. The pillar of cloud also moved from the front and stood behind them. The cloud settled between the . . . camps . . . As darkness fell, the cloud turned to fire, lighting up the night. But the Egyptians and Israelites did not approach each other all night.

Here comes a tough test of their trusting the LORD! For now, the visible presence of God has moved behind the people for the first time. Yet, God had a perfect plan in mind -- He was still protecting and saving His children in a way that they could not even imagine. He not only opened up the way through the sea to get them all safely across the river, but He confused the Egyptians, sabotaged their chariots, & closed up the sea upon them.

14:30-31 ~ That is how the LORD rescued Israel from the hand of the Egyptians that day . . . When the people of Israel saw the mighty power that the LORD had unleashed against the Egyptians, they were filled with awe before him. They put their faith in the LORD and in his servant Moses.

What follows is a prayer song of dedication to God, & to following His leading in my life.

~ PRAYER FOCUS ~

Please pray for all Christians living in Muslim countries. Many of them are facing lethal persecution.

Please pray that all Muslim countries would be opened up to the Gospel. Pray for the salvation of all Muslims.

Also, please pray that God will rebuke and bind the spiritual forces of evil behind Islam.

[The above requests were taken from this website. To learn more, please go to the link. Thank you.]

TRIPLES with EMMA

Friday, February 01, 2008

Currently Reading
Streams in the Desert
By L. B. Cowman, James Reimann
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JUST SHARING A GOOD DEVOTIONAL I READ....

I am reading through the Bible this year, and as so often happens, I really get more out of a slower, more careful reading and start taking notes, & then get behind. I plan to share more of that in a future post, but today I'd like to share from the devotional book that I'm reading this year.

I highly recommend it to everyone... especially if you are going through difficult times, as so many who are very close to me are. Streams in the Desert by L.B. Cowman wrote and gathered this 366 days collection of Scriptures, poems, songs, devotionals, quotes, etc. back in 1925. It has been updated in today's language & edited into a newly updated edition by James Reimann, published by Zondervan in 1997. Here is today's reading. (February 1st)-- My prayer is that everyone who reads it is as blessed as I was.

This Thing Is From Me
by Laura A. Barter Snow

“This thing is from me.” 1 Kings 12:24

“Life’s disappointments are veiled love’s appointments.” -- Rev. C. A. Fox.

My child, I have a message for you today; let me whisper it in your ear, that it may gild with glory any storm clouds which may arise, and smooth the rough places upon which you may have to tread. It is short, only five words, but let them sink into your inmost soul; use them as a pillow upon which to rest your weary head. This thing is from me.

Have you ever thought of it, that all that concerns you concerns Me too? For, “he that toucheth you, toucheth the apple of mine eye.” (Zech. 2:8) You are very precious in My sight. (Isa. 43:4) Therefore, it is My special delight to educate you.

I would have you learn when temptations assail you, and the “enemy comes in like a flood,” that this thing is from Me, that your weakness needs My might, and your safety lies in letting Me fight for you.

Are you in difficult circumstances, surrounded by people who do not understand you, who never consult your taste, who put you in the background? This thing is from Me. I am the God of circumstances. Thou camest not to thy place by accident, it is the very place God meant for thee.

Have you not asked to be made humble? See then, I have placed you in the very school where this lesson is taught; your surroundings and companions are only working out My will.

Are you in money difficulties? Is it hard to make both ends meet? This thing is from Me, for I am your purse-bearer and would have you draw from and depend upon Me. My supplies are limitless. (Phil. 4:19)

I would have you prove my promises. Let it not be said of you, “In this thing ye did not believe the Lord your God” (Deut. 1:32).

Are you passing through a night of sorrow? This thing is from Me. I am the Man of Sorrows and acquainted with grief. I have let earthly comforters fail you, that by turning to Me you may obtain everlasting consolation. (2 Thess. 2:16,17) Have you longed to do some great work for Me and instead have been laid aside on a bed of pain and weakness? This thing is from Me. I could not get your attention in your busy days and I want to teach you some of my deepest lessons. “They also serve who only stand and wait.” Some of My greatest workers are those shut out from active service, that they may learn to wield the weapon of all-prayer.

This day I place in your hand this pot of holy oil. Make use of it free, my child. Let every circumstance that arises, every word that pains you, every interruption that would make you impatient, every revelation of your weakness be anointed with it. The sting will go as you learn to see Me in all things.

“This is from Me," the Saviour said,

As bending low He kissed my brow,
"For One who loves you thus has led.

Just rest in Me, be patient now,
Your Father knows you have need of this,

Tho’, why perchance you cannot see--

Grieve not for things you’ve seemed to miss.

The thing I send is best for thee."

Then looking through my tears, I plead,

"Dear Lord, forgive, I did not know,
Twill not be hard since Thou dost tread,

Each path before me here below."
And for my good this thing must be,

His grace sufficient for each test.
So still I’ll sing, "Whatever be,

God’s way for me is always best.”

TRIPLES with EMMA

Saturday, January 19, 2008

Currently Listening
Giving My Life Away
By Damaris Carbaugh
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JOURNAL: WILLINGNESS TO BE USED BY GOD

In my devotional reading today, part of the passage of scripture that I read from was Exodus 4:10-19. The context of this passage is that God had just met with Moses, and commisioned him to return to Egypt to bring the Israelites out of Egypt. He has given Moses three miracle signs to perform for Pharoah. I have copied from the New Living Translation, verses 10-19 below, followed by the thoughts that were impressed on my mind by God as I read through it. I hope that you are as blessed and challenged by these words as I am.

10 But Moses pleaded with the Lord, “O Lord, I’m not very good with words. I never have been, and I’m not now, even though you have spoken to me. I get tongue-tied, and my words get tangled.” 11 Then the Lord asked Moses, “Who makes a person’s mouth? Who decides whether people speak or do not speak, hear or do not hear, see or do not see? Is it not I, the Lord? 12 Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say.” 13 But Moses again pleaded, “Lord, please! Send anyone else.” 14 Then the Lord became angry with Moses. “All right,” he said. “What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he speaks well. And look! He is on his way to meet you now. He will be delighted to see you. 15 Talk to him, and put the words in his mouth. I will be with both of you as you speak, and I will instruct you both in what to do. 16 Aaron will be your spokesman to the people. He will be your mouthpiece, and you will stand in the place of God for him, telling him what to say. 17 And take your shepherd’s staff with you, and use it to perform the miraculous signs I have shown you.” 18 So Moses went back home to Jethro, his father-in-law. “Please let me return to my relatives in Egypt,” Moses said. “I don’t even know if they are still alive.” “Go in peace,” Jethro replied. 19 Before Moses left Midian, the Lord said to him, “Return to Egypt, for all those who wanted to kill you have died.”

What follows are the thoughts that came to me, and are taken from my journal.
What we may see as a problem obstacle, or handicap - the Lord claims full ownership of these with no apology or explanation needed. HE chooses to use the weak to make HIS glory be seen all the more brightly. Instead of our making excuses about our personal failings, we should lean more heavily upon our Lord for HIS strength, realizing that this is what honors HIM. We can also be secure in the realization that HE gives us what we need in order to do HIS bidding (as in Moses' case ~ the staff - the symbol of God's presence & power), and even at times what is needed to help us in our insecurities ("I'll send Aaron with you"). But HE can be angered by our inventing of one excuse after another.

And yet, how merciful our God is! HE even went before Moses -- for when Moses went to his father-in-law (& employer) to ask permission to be free to go to Egypt, Jethro gave his blessing. God also gave a further assurance to Moses ~ one that he hadn't even asked God about (but of course God knew anyway). HE told Moses that those in Egypt who had wanted to kill Moses, were no longer living.

Lord, help me to praise YOU for whatever YOU have entrusted to me ~ even those things which may be the things which may make me weakest, to YOU they are a means to be able to do Your bidding. Thank YOU for YOUR mercies & compassion to me. May I not to make excuses, but just trust and rely on YOU all the more. Thank YOU for YOUR promises to be always near me to provide YOUR wisdom and strength. May YOU be glorified in me. In the name of Jesus ~ Amen.

Unreached People of the Day

Please pray for the ...

Mina of India

Population:	4,417,000
Language:	Hindi
Religion:	Hinduism
Evangelical:	0.00%
Status:	Unreached (1.2 )

TRIPLES with EMMA

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Currently Reading
Streams in the Desert
By L. B. Cowman, James Reimann
see related

NEW YEAR --- NEW APPROACH . . .

CHANGE

As some may know, this site is a secondary one to my primary site on Xanga. My other site is devoted mainly to family & friends, hobbies & other interests, pictorials, memories, brief sharing of Scripture & devotional thoughts, dedications to family & friends, & more.

I have found that it is very difficult for me to keep up with two sites. Yet, I didn't want to give up this one entirely. In the past, I tried to write mainly original posts -- Bible studies, devotionals, poems, etc. I also have had an emphasis on prayer for countries around the world and the needs and ministries of various missionaries.

Just today, the Lord gave me an idea. Since I read my Bible and devotionals daily, and pray daily this will be the impetus of what I will share now. I am hoping that I will be able to keep up better with this format.

I will share some of the devotional readings (including poems & songs), Scripture with some of the insights that come to me, etc. ... in other words, this will be a reflection of my private journaling, which I shall share with anyone who cares to come read them.
I shall continue to have a prayer emphasis on missions: countries, individual missionaries, urgent needs, etc., as this too is part of what I care about.
I invite you to leave specific prayer requests for me to pray for on this site. (Either in public comments for others to see & pray for as well, or in private messaging if you want the request to remain private).

I am reading the daily devotional book Streams in the Desert by L.B. Cowman, edited by James Reimiann. It is full of much encouragement for us all. Many times the author of the items are unknown...like the following little gem.

God is in every tomorrow,Therefore I live for today,Certain of finding at sunrise,Guidance and strength for my way;Power for each moment of weakness,Hope for each moment of pain,Comfort for every sorrow,Sunshine and joy after rain.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (Amplified)

He said to me,'My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me!

So for the sake of Christ, I am well pleased and take pleasure in infirmities, insults, hardships, persecutions, perplexities and distresses; for when I am weak [in human strength], then am I [truly] strong (able, powerful in divine strength). Psalm 30:4 &5 (KJV) Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
Prayer today for ~ The soldiers who are still serving our country. They leave behind spouses, children, parents, and other family members. Pray that God would protect them, help them accomplish what needs to be done, & bring them home safely. Pray that those who are Christians would have a strong witness for Jesus Christ. Those who are "away from a close relationship to God" would come back home to Him. Pray for those who need Jesus in their lives, would turn to Jesus, & accept Him as their Savior and Lord. Pray for our chaplains, that those who are true Christians would impact the soldiers (who may be more tender, & open to spiritual truth).