October 22, 2005
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We all have our personal struggles against sin. If we've lived any time at all on this earth we've experienced some hardships. Yet, when I read of the sufferings of Christians in other parts of our world I realize I have very little to complain about. I realized this even more after reading Bette's (bboop) post about the suffering she and her family endured during her husband's long illness.
[Forgive me,Lord, for my fears that rob me of the joy's and blessings you have showered on me and my family this day.]
I was born in a spoiled generation although I'm not sure that can be my only excuse. The Israelites had their fears as they traveled through the desert yet they lived years before me. Yet, I have read many, many books written from Christians in generations past that endured such hardships that I can't even imagine and their heart's response was one that so glorified our God. They did not see it as a violation of their rights. They didn't expect that they deserved a life free of pain. What is the difference? Why do some Christians break under the weight of trials while others rise above them, eyes set on the Lord, and bring great glory to His name? Has our generation become so soft that we run from hardship and suffering? Do we expect to live pain free? I believe I've succumbed to this mind set.
I continued to think about this subject of suffering long after my conversation with my friend came to a close. I thought of my expectations for an 'easy' life here on earth and how I fear any type of suffering. We, as American's, do not expect to suffer do we? Comfort is up there on America's #1 list of pursuits. What a contrast to our brother Paul who knew suffering awaited him in every town yet he boldly went forward to do the Lord's work in spite of the cost to him physically. He endured much at the hands of men.. he was ridiculed, beaten, starved. Yet, he knew that his present sufferings were not worthy comparing with the glory that would be revealed in him. Romans 8:18. He rejoiced in his sufferings knowing that they produced perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3
My mind needs to be renewed. I think in many ways I have taken on a form of the world's thinking as it pertains to suffering. I made a note to spend some time this next week collecting Scriptures on suffering and to take note of the attitude taken towards it. I
My friend sent me this poem from Amy Carmichael. I'm wondering if it was written during the time that she was an invalid and unable to walk. She spent many, many years in her bed. Amy knew about suffering yet her greatest ministry came during the time of her most intense sufferings.
FLAME OF GOD by Amy Carmichael
From prayer that asks that I may be
Sheltered from winds that beat on Thee,
From fearing when I should aspire,
From faltering when I should climb higher
From silken self, O Captain, free
Thy soldier who would follow Thee.
From subtle love of softening things,
From easy choices, weakenings,
(Not thus are spirits fortified,
Not this way went the Crucified)
From all that dims Thy Calvary
O Lamb of God, deliver me.
Give me the love that leads the way,
The faith that nothing can dismay
The hope no disappointments tire,
The passion that will burn like fire;
Let me not sink to be a clod;
Make me Thy fuel, Flame of God.
Comments (8)
thank you so very much for your kind words and love in friendship...i do so appreciate them.
Yes, I get the munchies if I don't eat enough and because I can't fill up on carbs. The vegs. just don't stick with you so that means you need a little more protein. At least that is what I've found. I also eat a little more fat that I would if I was a carb eater, not a lot, but a little. It helps with that feeling of fullness. It is a delicate balance, but I'm finding by trial and error what works. Sometimes I het a really low number or a really high number and I don't know what I've done. It's frustrating, but I know God is healing me.
oh man.. so true! I have the same struggles. One of my favorite devotionals is called "streams in the desert". It was written years ago by a woman.. last name Cowman I believe. She and her husband were missionaries, and had to come back to the states because of an illness that eventually ended up taking his life. It was during the 6 years of taking care of him she wrote this.
But, as far as persecution in other countries: there is a wonderful non profit group called voice of the martyrs - it's the voice of the persecuted church.. .they put out a free monthly newsletter. I used to be a spokesperson for them. The things I learned about what other Christians go through changed me forever. They have a website at http://www.persecution.com
God bless you on your walk with Him.
Georgene,
Don't beat yourself up over this. We all are there with you. Even Paul prayed to be delivered from his affliction. He says that we will have hardships. We can just do the best we can when they come. I have fallen short so many times but I just get back up and go on again. Once, to my absolute horror, I had a real painful crisis when I was a church secretary. It wasn't until days later that I actually realized that I tried to handle the entire thing myself and never once called on the Lord. I was so ashamed of myself.
no one has suffered like our Lord did. And he did it all for us! Why it happens, we'll never know. Maybe to test our faith, maybe not. Just lean on Him like I'm sure you always do.
You are always a blessing to me. God bless you always,
Faye
I cook pretty simple now. That's why I'm looking for recipes to put in the freezer. Then I don't have to cook every day. I've looked at tons of cookbooks but don't find much that I like. I also like the traditional ones for the most part. I like to use fresh food, not something that comes in a box. I do share on my blog anything new. I don't usually post the recipe unless someone asks for it and often like with the Eggplant Roll Ups I'm using a recipe for the idea, but tweaking it to suit myself. The version I'm making is really 2 recipes put together. Hopefully it will work. I still haven't made it. I have to get the peppers. goodnight.
Hi!
The systematic Theology book is Reformational doctrine.
Your comment: I haven't liked the NIV... I'm sure I will like it in the times I bought it for.. overwhelmed, tired and somewhat braindead moments... wanting light and fluffy devotional readings....
I so understand about not being comfortable for a long time. I spent a decade.. literally.. doing translational research and studying underlying texts and translational methods. FWIW: Though 90% of my memorization is in the KJV. I LOVE the NKJV. It is quite accurate to the underlying texts. And I prefer the TR, which it translates from. For Bibles using the CT, my default is the NASB. It is solid Bible. I love the KJV too, but when I quote it to people they seem to respond "huh"? now-a-days. LOL I try to be active in evalngelistic activities and it helps me and them if I have God's word in my brain in modern speak.
Of course, God's work is not limited to mankinds translation - His Spirit speaks through much.
Have a great Lord's Day
Thanks for letting me know that you visited my site. I hope you're allowed many more years with your chosen one.
Just stopping by this morning before we get into homeschooling. Love your devotional thoughts! Have a wonderful day
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