Although I have afflicted you, . . . I will afflict you no more. (Nahum 1:12)
There is a limit to our affliction, God sends it and then removes it. Do you complain, saying, "When will this end?" May we quietly wait and patiently endure the will of the Lord till He comes. Our Father takes away the rod when His purpose in using it is fully accomplished.
If the affliction is sent to test us so that our words would glorify God, it will only end once He has caused us to testify to His praise and honor. In fact, we would not want the difficulty to depart until God has removed from us all the honor we can yield to Him.
Today things may become "completely calm" (Matt. 8:26). Who knows how soon these raging waves will give way to a sea of glass with seagulls sitting on the gentle swells?
After a long ordeal, the threshing tool is on its hook, and the wheat has been gathered into the barn. Before much time has passed, we may be just as happy as we are sorrowful now.
It is not difficult for the Lord to turn night into day. He who sends the clouds can just as easily clear the skies. Let us be encouraged - things are better down the road. Let us sing God's praises in anticipation of things to come. ~ Charles H. Spurgeon
There is a limit to our affliction, God sends it and then removes it. Do you complain, saying, "When will this end?" May we quietly wait and patiently endure the will of the Lord till He comes. Our Father takes away the rod when His purpose in using it is fully accomplished.
If the affliction is sent to test us so that our words would glorify God, it will only end once He has caused us to testify to His praise and honor. In fact, we would not want the difficulty to depart until God has removed from us all the honor we can yield to Him.
Today things may become "completely calm" (Matt. 8:26). Who knows how soon these raging waves will give way to a sea of glass with seagulls sitting on the gentle swells?
After a long ordeal, the threshing tool is on its hook, and the wheat has been gathered into the barn. Before much time has passed, we may be just as happy as we are sorrowful now.
It is not difficult for the Lord to turn night into day. He who sends the clouds can just as easily clear the skies. Let us be encouraged - things are better down the road. Let us sing God's praises in anticipation of things to come. ~ Charles H. Spurgeon
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maria thanks you all for your prayers ... they are appreciated and she says she really needs them ... especially during her dialysis times ... also, the pneumonia may be returning to her lungs (she is on oxygen 24/7 now) ...
here is part of a note i wrote to fam/friends yesterday - after my telephone visit with her:
"we did get a chance to sing some choruses together ... i found my old "youth favorites" and went through the pages to pick out ones that maria knew ... though we must have sounded ODD to anyone listening - leo with his low voice, singing in the recliner - me sort of off key on the phone - and maria in her breathless voice on the other end of the phone! but i'm a thinking that we sounded sweet to the Lord *smile, with a tear* ... "
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the devotional note at the beginning of this post, was part of today's reading in Streams in the Desert ... the Lord knew that THIS would be the time i would need all the encouragement that those pages offer ... i am amazed how, daily, there is a word to glean, filled with encouragement for my need ...
dear blog buds - may you be blessed - as you bless me ...
12 comments:
One of the many blessings He bestows on our lives is "A word fitly spoken". I have seen it over and over in my own life where The Holy Spirit leads me to just what I needed to hear that day, in a writing, in a phone call, in a friend, various and numerous ways. What a God of mercy and love we serve.
Oh, I know your "music" was beautiful to the Lord!!!!
Love Surgeon and his word he has left for us.
Susan
I love how God works those things out. I'm sure your musical offering was a sweet symphony to the Father!!!
Had not read todays devotional in Streams and as usual it was just what I needed to hear.
I'm sure your music was joyful.
Blessings
and as you bless me dear friend...
Just as I was going to comment the lights went out. These days we are having frequesnt cut apart from the daily 3 hours.
I am thinking for Leo and you today,
Love, Amrita
I am sure that the songs that you and Leo sang with Maria was a real blessing to her spirit. May God be praised! I wonder if any of your family has phoned you yet today with their heartfelt singing of "Happy Birthday". I understand that that is the tradition in your family. I also would like to wish you a Happy Birthday. May you have a good day today. I continue to pray for Maria's health,as she continues to deal with the complications of diabetes. Blessings and hugs to you and Leo.
Happy birthday Manitoba Prairie Girl!
I have made a birthday greeting for you over at my blog!.........Love Terry
Thanks for the email..I will be writing to you soon.....
Happy birthday my precious friend - may God bless you each day of the year...as you have blessed me!
Wonderful post. Glad you could sing with Maria. I am sure she loved it and so did God. Hope you are finding some joy in your life today and everyday.
Dear saija,
I am praying for Leo, Maria and yourself.
May God have mercy and send his healing, comfort and strength.
Happy birthday to you, girl.
Hope there's room for some celebration too.
I wish I could hear you singing. That must have been a most touching choir.
I now it pleases the almighty hearing his children praising him midst in the storm.
From Felisol
Happy Birthday Saija...
blessings
donna
I'm thinking of the verse...'whosoever offereth praise glorifieth me'..I'm not sure where the reference is though. A sweet post...and a good testimony filled with hope. This life is so temporary and yet it can seem so long. Maria is blessed to have you for a sister...as you are to have her. *hugs & prayers*
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