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 5/6/98 Good morning.... +†+ +†+ +†+ +†+ +†+ +†+ +†+ +†+ +†+ +†+ +†+ +†+ +†+ +†+ The strength that we claim from
God's Word does not depend on our circumstances.
Circumstances will be difficult, but our strength will be
sufficient. +†+ +†+ +†+ +†+ +†+ +†+ +†+ +†+ +†+ +†+ +†+ +†+ +†+ +†+ Good Morning Brethren!! Lots to tell, but I am saving it for the bottom! I hope this finds your week well. I sense a strong leading to send the devo out early this week. Please...read on and enjoy!! For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Tim 1:7 There was a man who was walking through the wilderness. It was completely dark and he couldn't see a thing. As this man walked, blindly forward, he began falling. He had reached the edge of the forest and a great cliff! As he fell down the cliff, he reached for anything. Suddenly he grabbed onto a branch. Uncertain how strong this branch is, he cried out to God, "Help me!" Listening intently, he heard a voice call back to him, "Let go!" This voice astonished him, so he yelled, "Is there anyone else out there?!" >From fear, this man hung onto the branch all night long. When the sun began to rise, he looked down and noticed he was six inches from the ground! The hardest thing isn't always hanging on, it's letting go. Trust God and do what He says. What is He telling you to let go of? "Let Go" JE§U§><<>@<><JE§U§><<>@<><JE§U§><<>@<><JE§U§ When we face struggles, we often wonder, Why? Years from now, though, we may realize that it was those struggles that taught us something we could not have otherwise learned---that there was a purpose in our pain. God's purpose is greater than your pain, and He has a greater purpose than your problems. Your crises are not going to slow down the purpose of God--have confidence in that. TEACH US to set our hopes on heaven, to hold firmly to the promise of eternal life, so that we can withstand the struggles and storms of this world. May your holy Word be a soothing medicine to the wounded heart. -Max Lucado- JE§U§><<>@<><JE§U§><<>@<><JE§U§><<>@<><JE§U§ CHANGE You tell me today it is time for a change JE§U§><<>@<><JE§U§><<>@<><JE§U§><<>@<><JE§U§ Me again Brethren! Wow..I tell ya, I don't even know where to begin. My mind is reeling with so much! I guess most of you know that I was in Colorado last week for an Online Pastor's Wife retreat, and while there, my youngest son, Noah, <16 months old> had an accident. My thoughts last week regarding the devo, were that I was gonna share some things about this retreat...and perhaps with the Lord's leading, I still may do so in the future. It was one of the most awesome experiences of my life! But I am strongly impressed to share with you what happened "after" the retreat...which leads up to Noah's accident. I was staying with my friend, Shannon, in Denver, before and after the "mountain retreat." We were just pulling into her driveway, after an emotional "goodbye" with some of the other Pastor's Wives that we met in the flesh. These were "Online PW's," and I had known most of them online for quite awhile. The love in my heart for these gals was bursting at the seams! As we were getting out of the van, Shannon's husband, Dewayne met me and told me to call home immediately. It seems there has been an accident. Noah put his finger into the chain and sprocket of an exercise bike at my in-laws home...while my older son was riding it. It tore off the first joint of his ring finger...and they rushed him to the emergency room. My first thought was disbelief. It took some time to sink in...that this was "really happening." After a few emotional phone calls..and many moments of comfort from my dear, sweet friends...the verdict was in: He was going into surgery and there were no planes going out of Denver that day...at least, not for me. As I swallowed my grief, and faced this horrendous situation, while my arms were greatly aching to hold my son at all costs....I remembered something that a Christian Comedian, Patsy Clairmont said on a tape..that we heard on the retreat. Her son had cut his head and needed stitches. He was scared, and asked his mom what to do. She said, "Son, you are gonna have to reach into yourself, and pull up your courage, because you received Jesus as your Personal Savior." So, with all the emotions still very much raw...that's what I did. As I continued to stay focused on my sweet Lord..and forced my trembling lips to sing praises to Him, the strength came in stronger. And I have to throw in this plug. My friend Shannon sent out a prayer request...and I literally "felt carried" by the ones that read it...and prayed...and I thank you <and her> soo much from the bottom of my heart. As I departed from the airport the next day...I boarded the plane with all that courage. I sat down for the three hour ride...and the emotions came swirling back, unannounced. I was sitting there...sobbing softly for a good while..with my face turned toward the window. I prayed and prayed, seeking the Lord, for another dose of "relief." The plane landed in Atlanta, and as I disembarked it, in search of the gate that led to my connecting flight...there it was: "MY SIGN!" For the second time...in my life..the Lord gave me a real "Sign." And both times..it was in an airport terminal. It was really funny, because, here is this strange person...with a large bag hanging over her shoulder...stopped midstream in the middle of an airport terminal...gawking at this sign that read: "Are you making the most of all your strengths?" And on the accompanying picture..there was this mountain stream, with beautiful mountains in the background...<coincidence? I don't think so!> In the stream was approximately six birds...and these birds were "jointly" raising a fish out of the water...and those feathered dudes looked sooo focused on their mission! At that moment, an involuntary smile formed on my face, as the tears began to dry. Once again, I had purpose, and a strong resolve to face what lie ahead. As I was reading the logo on the sign...two scriptures formed in my mind...and it was these Babies: Phil 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. 2 Cor 12:9 My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. <emphasis mine on both> I walked to my gate, with such a release...and peace, that passes all understanding. I had opportunity to share Jesus with a girl that was experiencing fear about her flight. She had concerns..that she, her young son, and her husband...might not make it. And the scripture in Isaiah came to mind...that goes: Isa 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: I shared the scripture with her. It was still so fresh on my heart from the retreat, and the impartation felt timely and appropriate. She looked at me with amazement. She stated that someone else quoted the same scripture to her two weeks before. I said, <with that same goofy smile> "Well, here's your confirmation." Man, that smile was blowing me away, because I couldn't wipe it off if I wanted to! It felt good to be held in the arms of Jesus...and know that His purposes were being accomplished...despite the gravity of my circumstances. Anyway...to make a long story longer, this southern chick once again, with God's Grace and Mercy, looked into the eyes of her beautiful family..and nuzzled her face in the soft, curly hair of her injured son. If I was a bettin woman, I would bet that I felt a whole lot better than someone who won a million bucks. The doctors couldn't reattach the joint, because it was pretty messed up. But, with God's leading...we CAN deal with this....as we continue to "make the most of all our strengths." And that is <quote from Patsy Clairmont> the "glue that holds this cracked pot together!" God Bless You Guys! I love you bunches!! In Christ!!
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