Apron Strings Devotional for2/3/2000

2/3/00

Good Morning....
Jesus loves You!!

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Sometimes we try to move a giant tree when God only expects us to plant a seed. You do what you can, and God will do what you cannot.
-Diane Hampton-

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Hi Dear Friends!!

I pray this finds you doing well in our Lord Jesus! Please forgive me for being "a day late and a dollar short," ( That's southern talk for "Sorry I missed the deadline!" ) but a few things happened that delayed my getting on here and pouring out.

I had a peace about it though, because I am learning more and more about how God's timing supersedes my own, and right now I have that "knowing" that this one is most definitely "right on time." ( smile ) God Bless and see you at
the end!

Prov 3:25-26
Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.

We live in a most uncertain life. Any hour can bring disaster, danger and distress from unknown quarters. Life is full of hazards. No one can tell what a day will produce in new trouble. We live either in a sense of anxiety, fear and foreboding, or in a sense of quiet rest. Which is it?

Generally it is the "unknown," the "unexpected," that produces the greatest panic. It is in the grip of fear that most of us are unable to cope with the cruel circumstances and harsh complexities of life. We feel they are foes which endanger our tranquility. Often our first impulse is simply to get up and run from them.

Then in the midst of our misfortunes there suddenly comes the awareness that He, the Christ, the Good Shepherd is there. It makes all the difference. His presence in the picture throws a different light on the whole scene. Suddenly things are not half so black nor nearly so terrifying. The outlook changes and there is hope. I find myself delivered from fear. Rest returns and I can relax.

This has come to me again and again as I grow older. It is the knowledge that my Master, my Friend, my Owner has things under control even when they may appear calamitous. This gives me great consolation, repose, and rest. "Now I lay me down in peace and sleep, for Thou God keepest me."

-By: Phillip Keller-
From: "A Shepherd looks at Psalm 23"

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How can I not trust You?
When You calmed the raging sea,
You can calm this raging storm
That's within me.

How can I not trust You?
When You split the sea in two,
You can mend this broken heart.
You will carry me
Through the battles I can't see,
You will carry me
Carry me now.

How can I not trust You?
When you fed 5,000 men,
You can feed this hunger that's within.
How can I not trust You?
When you command the dead to raise,
I will always sing your praise.

You have carried me
Through the battles I can't see
You have carried me
Carry me now.

In Your Word it says you will not
Give me more than I can bear.
But sometimes it seems like life
Just isn't fair.

Lord, give me strength and wisdom
As I face another day,
For I know that you are with me all the way.

For you will carry me,
Through the battles I can't see
You will carry me,
Carry me now.

Lord I don't always understand,
But I'll always hold tightly to Your hand.

-By: Rebecca LaCount-
Received from: Curler7@aol.com
Thanks Glendia!

John 6:68
"Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.

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Is it possible to make God glad?
We make God glad by our love.
See, loving heart, how He delights in you.
When you lean your head on His bosom,
you not only receive, but you give Him joy.
When you gaze with love upon His all-glorious face,
you not only obtain comfort, but impart delight.
Our praise too, gives him joy-- not the song of the
lips alone, but the melody of the heart's deep gratitude.

-C. H. Spurgeon-
Received from: JerrezGirl@aol.com
Thanks Friend!

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Me again!

I praise God for my king-sized bed. Not only because of the luxury of space, but because it is a place of refuge for my little ones when things go "bump" in the night. This refuge has been available for the last 15 years and the welcome mat is in the form of rolled back blankets.

What "they" say is true. ( "They" sure have a lot of knowledge, don't "they?" ) You know, about your kids being different, yet in some ways alike. During this night time ritual, Ben always stood silently by the bed and stared at me until I "sensed" his presence, while Joseph and Noah would ask in hushed whispers, "Can I sleep with you?" Now, I have to say that Sam is the sneakiest of the bunch. He crawls in on his hands and knees like a soldier in combat and quietly slinks in without waking us. The next morning, as Jimmy reaches over to hug me, he awakens with the shocked realization that I shrank six sizes. "No, Honey, it's just Sam."

He sighs, then gives a little smile and snuggles up to Sam. And this is the way it goes in the life of "our children and us." It makes me see just how much a part of us they truly are. They know that we are nearby when the lights go out and all the shadows and noises are enhanced. It's that "knowing" that brings on a sense of peace and security. And IN that knowing they can face the adversities of life because when that "darkness" gets too overwhelming, they have a "king-sized" refuge. I think it's interesting to note that there is a huge "comforter" on our bed, because that is the exact term that Jesus uses in regards to the Holy Spirit. ( John 14:26 )

As soon as my kids request a closer touch, even at 2 o'clock in the morning, that comforter is wrapped around them quicker than a southern housewife can set a table for Sunday dinner. ( Unless she can talk her Sweet Thang into taking her out, but that's another devo. )

Where do you go when the darkness gets overwhelming, or when things go "bump" in the night? Where do you go when things go "bump" in the DAY? That happens frequently for a lot of us. We need to know that there is a place of refuge and we don't have to "go it" alone. I think the most important point to realize is there is something WE must do. We must get out of "our own beds" and go look for Dad's King-sized Bed. You know, the one with the huge warm Comforter. Unlike the earthly Dads, our Heavenly Father never sleeps or slumbers. ( Psalm 121:4 ) He is always ready to invite you into His place of rest. I notice a sense of humility in my children when they make the request to sleep with us. It's that same humility that melts the heart of our precious Lord Jesus.

"Dad, I realize that I can't handle this thing alone, and I am really scared. Would You mind if I bask in the warmth of Your Comforter while You hold me? I really need You Dad. Please forgive me for trying to handle the darkness on my own. I know I don't deserve to sleep with You, but I also know that I am not worthy within myself. You see Your own Son, Jesus when You look at me and for that I am grateful. Through His blood, I am made worthy. Through the power of the Cross, I am redeemed. Sometimes I forget that I only need to "see" that. Please Dad, can we bond for a while? Can we have some "me and You" time? I need Your presence more than ever right now and I just want to rest in Your arms."

Suddenly, you sense the Comforter roll back like a red carpet. The Father says with a gentle voice, "Come on in, My Son, My Daughter. I've been waiting for you. And just like Ben, Joe, Sam, and Noah, you come bouncing in like Tigger and position yourself so that you and Jesus are like two spoons in a drawer. Nice visual, huh? It could happen! It happens all the time to those who finally realize that Dad is in the same house and His place of rest is within a cry's reach.

Don't stay in your own bed and "tough" it out. He WANTS you to come to Him. This very minute. And I guarantee this. In His arms, you will find peace, comfort and a "knowing" that He will take care of you. So go ahead. Snuggle a little closer. It's OK. He's right there to snuggle you back. You may enter in with cold feet but you will wake up with a warmed heart.
( smile )

Ps 3:4-5
I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah. I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.

God Bless You All!!
And remember..
Jesus loves you and I do too!
In Christ!!
Carol
Justaservn@aol.com

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