Thought for Saturday, Marach 31st

March 31, 2012

Achieving Peace and Quiet

Upon the land of my people shall come up thorns and briers; yea, upon all the houses of joy in the joyous city: Because the palaces shall be forsaken; the multitude of the city shall be left; the forts and towers shall be for dens for ever, a joy of wild asses, a pasture of flocks;  Until the spirit be poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness be a fruitful field, and the fruitful field be counted for a forest.  Then judgment shall dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness remain in the fruitful field.  And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.  And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places;

Isaiah 32:13-18

Quote of the Day

“Peace is not an absence of war; it is a virtue, a state of mind, a disposition of benevolence, confidence, and justice.” – Baruch Spinoza

Today’s Thoughts and Insights

Many are the days when peace and quite would be such a welcome relief to the noisy chaos and disorder that seem so prevalent in our world today.  And occasionally even in our own personal worlds, especially if we have or work with children: a few moments of peace and a half on hour of quite would be a welcome treat.  Most parents have had more then one or two days when they just can’t wait for the kids to fall asleep at night.  These dynamics are all related to our physical worlds and our natural states:  what about our spiritual man/woman?  Do you ever wonder why it is so difficult for us to have peace and quite spiritually speaking?

Some might attribute the lack of calmness in our spiritual worlds to the ongoing battle of good versus evil that occurs within our lives.  We know scripture tells us that we do not fight physical foes: but rather spiritual wickedness and principalities and powers of evil.  Yet, isn’t it still possible to have peace and to have times of spiritual quietness even in the midst of the storms of life?  I believe it is.

The key to attaining, gaining and maintaining peace and tranquility in our lives both spiritually and physically is to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness:  It is to walk after the spirit and not the flesh:  It is to love God with all our heart mind and soul and to love each other just as intensely.

With God’s help; by His power and through His Spirit it is possible to have peace in the midst of chaos: to experience an inner quietness and calmness in the midst of noisy confusion.  To achieve this we must know who He is and give Him His proper place in our lives.

So are you ready for a little peace and quite?    

Today’s Prayer

Father, you speak and even the winds and waters of the sea obey your voice: you are all powerful, all knowing and all encompassing: and yet often I find myself in turmoil spiritually and physically because I don’t listen to hear the sound of your voice speaking peace be still to my life.  Forgive my disobedience, my propensity to get distracted and my failures to give you first place always in my heart and in my life.  Help me to be better at allowing you to be that peace in me and to bring that quite within.

“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.”

– Mother Teresa

“Let the poor man say
I am rich in Him
Let the lost man say
I am found in Him
Let the blind man say
I can see again
Let the dead man say
I am born again 
Holy Spirit come
Move in power“

- from ‘Let The River Flow’ by Darrell Evans

Thought for Friday, March 30th

March 30, 2012

Comfort Gained – Is Comfort to Be Given

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.

2 Corinthians 1:3-5

Quote of the Day

“I do not want the peace which passeth understanding.  I want the understanding which bringeth peace.” – Helen Keller

Today’s Thoughts and Insights

Most, if not all, of us have times in our life when we are in need of being comforted.  Generally speaking: to be comforted: usually implies that a person sympathizes with, understands or identifies with what we are experiencing or going through.

As Christians we have someone who comforts us in all things – because He understands, identifies with and often sympathizes with our circumstances and situations.  Remember Jesus was tempted in every way – like we are and yet He overcome – event to the point of death.

I believe that many of the experiences we have in life: are often for the purpose of preparing and equipping us to be able to comfort, minister to and be there for others who will face similar things somewhere down the road.

It has been my experience when God has taken me through some difficulty or trial: He generally brings others into my life somewhere down the road that need comfort and understanding in a similar situation.  Basically God takes us through and equips us to – help others get through somewhere down the line.

It would seem that when it comes to comfort, understanding and compassion – God works on the principle that we should pay it forward.  In fact, many of God’s gifts are bestowed with the understanding that it should be our duty, obligation and even responsibility to pay it forward – like love, forgiveness, mercy, blessings, kindness, compassion, comfort and the list could go on and on.

God brings us into each other’s lives for a purpose, often beyond what we may comprehend or understand.  We just need to be sensitive, attentive and obedient and we will see that as God comforts us, helps us, blesses us and meets our needs, we will be able to do the same for others in our life.

Today’s Prayer

Father, I am often, if not almost always, amazed by you: your love and grace; your plans and purposes and the way you orchestrate so many things in our lives.  Thank you for caring enough to be so attentive and meticulous with me.  Help me to be equally attentive and meticulous in paying forward all that you so graciously and generously bestow on me.

“There are the moments of revelation which compensate for the chaos, the discomfort, the toil of living.”

– Virginia Wolfe

“Let the poor man say
I am rich in Him
Let the lost man say
I am found in Him
Let the blind man say
I can see again
Let the dead man say
I am born again 
Holy Spirit come
Move in power“

- from ‘Let The River Flow’ by Darrell Evans

Thought for Thursday, March 29th

March 29, 2012

A Feast Fit for A King

Or At Least A Kings Kid

Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?  Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work?  Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.  For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.  And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.  But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not.

John 6:27-36

Quote of the Day

“Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you what you are.” – Anthelme Brillat-Savarin

Today’s Thoughts and Insights

The desire for, craving of and wanting of food: for most of us: is an issue that we deal with daily: at least when it comes to food for our bodies.  However we do not always seem to have the same hunger for food for our soul.

The Bible tells us that; we should hunger and thirst after righteousness.  Jesus refers to Himself as the Bread of Life and as Living Water: yet so often our hunger and thirst for the things of God is often satisfied with a one hour a week feeding, with no extra’s and we want God to hold the conviction and the expectations.

We need to realize that our spiritual man, just like our physical needs perpetual nourishment if it is to remain strong and healthy.  Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”

If we want to be well nourished spiritually we need to avail ourselves of the Heavenly manna made available to us.   God offers us a banquet from which to feast through prayer, reading our Bible, fellowship, ministry, sharing, caring, giving and loving both Himself and others: but do we pile our spiritual plates up until they are full to overflowing, like we most likely would at an all you can eat buffet, or do we pick and nibble like most of us would a food we did not like?

God affords us access to a feast fit for a King – are we ready and willing to taste and see that the Lord is good?

Today’s Prayer

Father you are extravagant and delectable: your power and presence are enough to sustain me and your words are ample to fill me up; while the presence of your spirit can quench my spiritual thirst if I will just drink form His cup: yet I often stay undernourished and parched spiritually because I don’t accept and consume the banquet you have offered.  Forgive me and help me to be more adept and willing to feast spiritually and less so physically.

“The best sauce for food is hunger.”

– Socrates

“Let the poor man say
I am rich in Him
Let the lost man say
I am found in Him
Let the blind man say
I can see again
Let the dead man say
I am born again 
Holy Spirit come
Move in power“

- from ‘Let The River Flow’ by Darrell Evans

Thought For Wednesday, March 28th

March 28, 2012

A Proper Perspective

O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever. Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. Let them now that fear the Lord say, that his mercy endureth for ever. I called upon the Lord in distress: the Lord answered me, and set me in a large place. The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?  The Lord taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me.  It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes. All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the Lord will I destroy them. They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the Lord I will destroy them. They compassed me about like bees: they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the Lord I will destroy them. Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the Lord helped me. The Lord is my strength and song, and is become my salvation. The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly. The right hand of the Lord is exalted: the right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly. I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord. The Lord hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death. Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the Lord: This gate of the Lord, into which the righteous shall enter. I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation. The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. This is the Lord's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Save now, I beseech thee, O Lord: O Lord, I beseech thee, send now prosperity.  Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the Lord: we have blessed you out of the house of the Lord. God is the Lord, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar.  Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee. O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Psalms 118:1-29

Quote of the Day

“Thank God every morning when you get up that you have something to do which must be done, whether you like it or not.” – Charles Kingsley

Today’s Thoughts and Insights

What possibilities might you face today?

What kind of potential could this day yield for you?

How can you be a blessing and serve as a solution not a problem for the glory of God today?

The potential possibilities are endless: yet sadly most of us will not even realize half of what is possible, by God’s power, in us today.

So often our attitudes, our opinions, our doubts and our insecurities restrict our effectiveness and minimize our efforts in serving the Lord each day.

We need to optimize our output, so to speak by allowing ourselves to be instruments in the hands of the Master to be tuned, adjusted, repaired and played, if you will: so that the output of our day will be a sweet sounding beautiful song in the ears of our Lord.

The potential for this day is beyond our ability to comprehend: but what is needed from us is a proper perspective.  And that simply is this – this is God’s day, made by Him and it needs to be for Him and all about Him and then it will be nothing short of amazing, miraculous and wonderful.

Today’s Prayer

Father you’re remarkable and amazing and your faith in my potential so far our stretches my faith in you.  Forgive my lack of faith: help my unbelief and allow me to realize the potential and possibilities that you see for me today.

“Each day comes bearing its own gifts.  Untie the ribbons.”

– Ruth Ann Schabacker

“Let the poor man say
I am rich in Him
Let the lost man say
I am found in Him
Let the blind man say
I can see again
Let the dead man say
I am born again 
Holy Spirit come
Move in power“

- from ‘Let The River Flow’ by Darrell Evans

Thought for Tuesday, March 27th

March 27, 2012

Getting It Together

Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.

2 Timothy 1:13-14

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.  For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,  Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:35-39

Quote of the Day

“Forgiving means to pardon the unpardonable, faith means to believing the unbelievable, and hoping means to hope when things are hopeless.” – G. K. Chesterton

Today’s Thoughts and Insights

If your thoughts today do not lead you to the conclusion that you are weak and God is strong – then you don’t have it all together.

If you have any notions today that you can stand in your own power or might rather than leaning on the everlasting arms and depending on God’s strength and power to get you through – you don’t have it all together.

Should you consider for a moment that your own wisdom or intellect is sufficient to resolve the issues and matters you will face today; rather than seeking His face and entreating Him for grace and wisdom – you don’t have it all together.

If you are holding grudges, harboring unforgiveness or failing to love your fellow man rather than obeying God’s word, forgiving those who mistreat or misuse you, loving your neighbor as yourself or asking God to search and try you and change what needs to be changed – then you probably don’t have it all together.

The only way to truly have it all together when it comes to our daily lives is to walk in faith: rely on grace and mercy; hope in Christ and surrender and yield to His will: and to live by allowing the Holy Spirit to have dominion and control over the things you say and do.

Having it all together is sometimes more difficult than we would like to think it is – but in reality it is really rather simple – it requires us to let go – and surrender without reservation or limitation to God.

So do you have it all together today?

Today’s Prayer

Father you’re loving-kindness, gentle mercy and abundant grace are amazing and wonderful: and yet I often fail to allow then to be all that they can be in my life.  Help me to get my act together and to be consumed by your power and presence so that my life can be all that you want it to be.

“Who would care to question the ground of forgiveness or compassion [mercy, grace and surrender]?”

– Joseph Conrad

“Let the poor man say
I am rich in Him
Let the lost man say
I am found in Him
Let the blind man say
I can see again
Let the dead man say
I am born again 
Holy Spirit come
Move in power“

- from ‘Let The River Flow’ by Darrell Evans

Thought for Monday, March 26th

March 26, 2012

Forgetting Forgiving

And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

1 John 1:4-10

Quote of the Day

“Forgiveness is the final form of love.” – Reinhold Niebuhr

Today’s Thoughts and Insights

When it comes to the issue of forgiving: Christians believe God forgives and removes all memory of the forgiven deed as far as the East is from the West – never to be remembered again.

Yet often, as Christians when it comes to being forgiving – we may be willing to forgive, but bar the door Kattie and circle the wagons if you think we are going to forget the injustice done to us.

Scripture teaches us that to whom much is given, much is required.  Stop for a moment and ponder how much have you needed to be forgiven for just this week?  And don’t’ you hope that God will forget all our transgression and not be constantly reminding us for all eternity about the mistakes we made while living on Earth.

Now I understand that if a dog bites you: your not gonna put your hand back in his mouth so he can do it again, but you can forgive that dog and move on and not hold a grudge, nor let bitterness and anger and unforgiveness eat you up inside.

I wonder if we are not willing to forget a transgressor’s transgression: if an argument night not be able to be made, that would hold a lot of merit: stating, we really aren’t willing to forgive in the first place.

Jesus taught us repeatedly to forgive so that we can be forgiven.

Is there any injustice so great or grand that it should stand between you and obedience to God?

Today’s Prayer

Father you are illuminating, masterful and tender hearted, with an abundance of grace and mercy for which I am not worthy.  Yet you love me and you forgive me and then you even forget my transgressions:  help me to be as compassionately aware of and sensitive to others around me and may I be willing to give as good as I get when it comes to forgiveness and forgetting.

“To understand is to forgive, even oneself.”

– Alexander Chase

“Let the poor man say
I am rich in Him
Let the lost man say
I am found in Him
Let the blind man say
I can see again
Let the dead man say
I am born again 
Holy Spirit come
Move in power“

- from ‘Let The River Flow’ by Darrell Evans

Thought for Saturday, March 24 2012

March 24, 2012

Necessary Changes

This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But ye have not so learned Christ; If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.  Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.  Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.  Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Ephesians 4:17-32

Quote of the Day

“I’ve never met a person, I don’t care what his condition, in whom I could not see possibilities.  The capacity for reformation and change lies within.” – Preston Bradley

Today’s Thoughts and Insights

Change is not always a bad thing, though it is often resisted, postponed and often avoided if at all possible.

Most people don’t like change, though there are a few who thrive on it.

But as Christians, change needs to be a perpetual state of being for us.

We need to be constantly growing, improving, reaching out more, reaching further, challenging ourselves to be more and do more for the Lord.

Ceasing to change when it comes to our spiritual life can have a tendency to lead to stagnation, contriteness and a sense of insincerity in our efforts.

Often things become so mechanical in our church services that we go through the motions without thought or reflection as to the meaning or significance of what we are dong or even why we are doing it.

Sadly it often seems one of the most difficult place to initiate change is in the house of God.  So often it upsets apple carts and inspires outrage.

However if you look at the history of the church and the move of God by His Spirit, down through the ages: you will note that the churches who are accomplishing the most:  the congregations who are making the greatest differences in their communities are the ones who embrace change, move with the spirit and allow God to lead them.

Change is often needful both personally and corporately.

We need to not change for change sake – but we do need to be willing to change for God’s sake.

Today’s Prayer

Father you are so much more than amazing; so much greater than great; and so much grander than glorious – and I know you never change but you do call upon your people to change.  So help me to be flexible, adjustable and changeable when you ask me to, need me to or just want me too.

“Change is not made without inconvenience, even from worse to better.”

– Richard Hooker

“Let the poor man say
I am rich in Him
Let the lost man say
I am found in Him
Let the blind man say
I can see again
Let the dead man say
I am born again 
Holy Spirit come
Move in power“

- from ‘Let The River Flow’ by Darrell Evans

Thought for Friday, March 23rd

March 23, 2012

Don’t Despise God’s Discipline

Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty: For he maketh sore, and bindeth up: he woundeth, and his hands make whole. He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee. In famine he shall redeem thee from death: and in war from the power of the sword. Thou shalt be hid from the scourge of the tongue: neither shalt thou be afraid of destruction when it cometh. At destruction and famine thou shalt laugh: neither shalt thou be afraid of the beasts of the earth.  For thou shalt be in league with the stones of the field: and the beasts of the field shall be at peace with thee. And thou shalt know that thy tabernacle shall be in peace; and thou shalt visit thy habitation, and shalt not sin. Thou shalt know also that thy seed shall be great, and thine offspring as the grass of the earth. Thou shalt come to thy grave in a full age, like as a shock of corn cometh in in his season.  Lo this, we have searched it, so it is; hear it, and know thou it for thy good.

Job 5:17-27

Quote of the Day

“The Bible warns very strongly that you are to obey your parents.  The rod is considered old-fashioned in many homes.  Psychiatrists say it will warp your personality.  When I did something wrong as a boy, my mother warped part of me, but it wasn’t my personality.” – Billy Graham

Today’s Thoughts and Insights

Sin has been around for a very long time.  And with the birth of sin came the need for discipline.

When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden (their sin being that they disobeyed God): God was compelled to initiate the use of what has become to be knows as (The Rod of His Correction).

Remember the Bible teaches us that to spare the rod is to spoil the child – and God would not go against His own word.

So just as in the beginning when mankind sinned or disobeyed, God administered discipline or correction: and that process has continued down through the ages.

We need to keep in mind that God promises to correct those He loves.  And who is there among us that doesn’t want to be loved by Him?

And while it is true that God will forgive our sins if we will repent and ask Him too – He does not always remove the consequences that are brought about by our sin or disobedience.

We like to think of God as being compassionate and forgiving: which He is; but He is also a God of correction and instruction and the Bible is resplendent with accounts of God poring out His judgment and administering His correction when His children are errant in their ways.

But be comforted in this:  God would not spend His time disciplining us if He didn’t love us so much and didn’t want us to achieve our greatest potential and live up to our fullest capabilities in Him.

So give thanks when He loves you enough to discipline you and if you don’t want to face the prospects of His discipline then cut back on the sinning.

Today’s Prayer

Father you are fair, just, gracious and compassionate but you are also loving enough that you are not willing to leave us to our own devices.  You bless us even when we don’t deserve it: but you also correct us when necessary and even discipline us if we don’t head your warnings: thank you!

“We are not punished for our sins but by them.”

– Elbert Hubbard

“Let the poor man say
I am rich in Him
Let the lost man say
I am found in Him
Let the blind man say
I can see again
Let the dead man say
I am born again 
Holy Spirit come
Move in power“

- from ‘Let The River Flow’ by Darrell Evans

Thought for Thursday, March 22nd

March 22, 2012

How to Deal With What Is Real

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

1 Peter  4:12-14

I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Philippians 4:12-13

Quote of the Day

“All that is necessary is to accept the impossible, do without the indispensable and bear the intolerable.” – Kathleen Norris

Today’s Thoughts and Insights

Every rose garden has it’s thorns and into every life a little rain must fall:  adages or clichés, whichever you will call them: but the truth remains the same: both of these statements represents a consistent in reality.

Often we like to paint the lifestyle of the saved and forgiven as being carefree, devoid of troubles and free from bothers and frustration: but to do so is not to represent or depict the reality of life.

In fact God’s word promises us just the opposite.  Our faith grows as we face trials and testing; increased patience comes by tribulation and the Bible tells us we will be persecuted in the last days.

Yet, even though we know we will face challenges and difficulties as Christians we can know that we have a help that never leaves us, we have a protector who watches over us; we have strength from a power much greater than ourselves; and we know regardless of the circumstance or situation – greater is he that is in us than he that is in the world and that we are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus who loves us and gave Himself for us.

Our duty as Christians is not to complain or whine but to embrace and rejoice.

Every challenge we face in life is but an opportunity for God’s grace, mercy and provision to be recognized and actualized in us.

So regardless of what may be – rejoice in the Lord always, give thanks and live for the glory of the Lord allowing Him to shine so that when all is said and done it will be by Him and for His glory that we face each day.

Today’s Prayer

Father you are more than amazing; bigger than all my problems and greater than any circumstance.  Forgive me when I whine or complain, and help me to trust in you, rely on you and submit to you so that you can take my trials and struggles and turn them into opportunities for you to work in my life and in the lives of others.

“There is no man in this world without some manner of tribulation or anguish.”

– Thomas a’Kempis

“Let the poor man say
I am rich in Him
Let the lost man say
I am found in Him
Let the blind man say
I can see again
Let the dead man say
I am born again 
Holy Spirit come
Move in power“

- from ‘Let The River Flow’ by Darrell Evans