Apron Strings Devotional for11/24/99

11/24/99

Good Morning....
Jesus loves You!!

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There is no pit so deep that God is not deeper still.
-Corrie Ten Boom-

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Hi Dear Friends!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

I pray this finds your holidays blessed and filled with God's Spirit and His wonderful love!! He loves you soo much and He wants to fill any void in your life with Himself.

God bless you all soo much and ( here it comes ) see you at the end!! ( smile )

1 Pet 4:12-13
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.

Some time ago, a few ladies met in a certain city to read the scriptures, and make them the subject of conversation. While reading the third chapter of Malachi they came upon a remarkable expression in the third verse.

"And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver."

One lady's opinion was that is was intended to convey the view of the sanctifying influence of the grace of Christ. Then she proposed to visit a silversmith and report to them what he said on the subject. She went accordingly and without telling the object of her errand, begged to know the process of refining silver, which he fully described to her.

"But Sir" she said, "do you sit while the work of refining is going on? "Oh, yes madam," replied the silversmith; "I must sit with my eye steadily fixed on the furnace, for if the time necessary for refining be exceeded in the slightest degree, the silver will be injured."

The lady at once saw the beauty, and comfort too, of the expression, "He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." Christ sees it needful to put His children into a furnace; His eye is steadily intent on the work of purifying, and His wisdom and love are both engaged in the best manner for them. Their trials do not come at random; "the very hairs of your head are all numbered."

As the lady was leaving the shop, the silversmith called her back, and said he had still further to mention, that he only knows when the process of purifying was complete, by seeing his own image reflected in the silver.

-Author Unknown-
Received from: Hissong777@aol.com
Thanks Jan!

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When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure.

-Peter Marshall-
Received from: JerrezGirl@aol.com
Thanks Sis!

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IF YOU'LL TAKE ONE STEP

If you'll take one step toward the Lord
He'll take two steps toward you.
Don't ever turn or run from the things you've said and done;
Just turn to Him and He'll know what to do.

And when your heart's filled with pain
And you need a little love to see you through;
If you'll take one step toward the Lord
He'll take two steps toward you.

-Author Unknown-
-Received from: Curler7@aol.com
Thanks Glendia!

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Me again!

As we lift up a voice of thanks this week, let us keep in remembrance those who have an empty place setting at their table this year. May the Lord touch the hearts of every family that has suffered loss and may He bring peace through the pain.

Look around you, Dear Friends! See the meaning of "Thanksgiving" in that nagging relative or that "someone" that knows just the right buttons to set you off. Give thanks that you have the opportunity to lift up this person to the Lord and rejoice because He hears you. It is better to give than to receive. As you pour out His love to them, don't be on the "receiving" end of their negativity. It's your choice. As the earlier poem beautifully stated: "Take one step toward the Lord and He will take two steps towards you." He really will!

Why not set an extra place at the table for Him this year? Make room at the table for Jesus! He so desires fellowship with us!

My Thanksgiving prayer for you is that the "eyes of your heart" will be enlightened, and you will find yourself thankful for the most trivial things. Never take for granted the blessings that are bestowed upon you, no matter how big or small. Thank Him for the dirty pots and pans! Thank Him for the little ones running around, and as they get underfoot while you are making last minute preparations, kiss them on their way out and remember that they are a heritage of the Lord! Thank Him for the pets that give you unconditional love, and instead of throwing them out the back door while everyone is mingling, go sit with him for a minute and give him a biscuit ( unless you have a goldfish ) while you pet him and speak with a loving tone that he will be grateful for.

If you are spending Thanksgiving alone this year, I pray that God will put someone on your heart to call, "just because." If that is not possible, then ask God to put someone on your heart and then pray for them. Ask Him to direct your steps this holiday. Be wary of the enemy called "self-pity." He thrives on your thought life and there is a way out from his vice and it is in the Book of James.

James 4:7-8
Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.

Be a blessing to someone and you will be blessed in return. I remember a relative that once said that he never hears from his brother. It came to my heart that the brother may be sitting over at his house thinking the same thing. Don't let pride get in the way of making the first move. God has a way of flowing through His "vessels" just as soon as they step out on faith. Hmm..reminds me of that poem again..!

Well, enough "tips" from Ole Justy! ( smile ) Be blessed this holiday and spend the first moments of your day with Jesus! It will ripple out to those you touch and you will find yourself involuntarily giving thanks and that will be the Holy Spirit interceding through you! Thank You Lord!!

God Bless You All!!
And remember..
Jesus loves you and I do too!

In Christ!!
Carol
Justaservn@aol.com

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