My Journey 7/13 - 7/14/2010

God's insight to me:

I like this devotional by A. B. Simpson for it states what is most important for a Christian walk. As a pastor of mine once said, "We must learn to put ourselves down as we lift Jesus up!" Self-forgetting is an interesting way of putting it. We live today in a very "me" orientated world. If "we" don't get what "we" want "we" try to make someone else feel "our" pain. May we strive to follow Christ's example so as the author writes, "so shall we find our highest joy, divine love, the more blessed "to give" than "to receive."

This devotional by Charles Spurgeon ties in well with A. B. Simposn's devotional. For if we are to be "self-forgetting" that would leave us defenseless. If we are not looking out for ourselves then who will? Well, I thought Charles Spurgeon answered that very well, God. These two lines in Spurgeon's devotional I thought were awesome, "Oh, that we could in all things live by faith, then should we be delivered in all time of danger! No one ever did trust in the LORD in vain, and no one ever shall."

The devotional Pure Gold speaks of trials. So many people, are being tested daily through these trials. To me life is a learning experience and God permits us to go through these trials so we can be stronger from them. I always like the saying, "If it was easy anybody could do it!" Also what is amazing is when we are experiencing one of many life's trials, you think that only you are having problems today. But what we don't realize is our neighbors, friends and so many people we don't know is having a worse day than we are. So don't despair and look for the lesson to be learned from your trials. Also remember God is using our life trials to draw us closer to Him.

From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott

*************************************************
July 13

Days of Heaven Upon Earth
a devotional by A. B. Simpson

"Even Christ pleased not Himself" (Rom. xv. 3).

Let this be a day of self-forgetting ministry for Christ and others. Let us not once think of being ministered unto, but say ever with Him: "I am among you as He that doth serve." Let us not drag our burdens through the day, but drop all our loads of care and be free to carry His yoke and His burden.

Let us make the happy exchange, giving ours and taking His. Let the covenant be: "Thou shalt abide for Me, I also for thee." So shall we lose our heaviest load--ourselves--and so shall we find our highest joy, divine love, the more blessed "to give" than "to receive." Let us do good to all men as we have opportunity.

Let us lose no opportunity of blessing, and let us study ingenious ways of service and usefulness. Especially let us seek to win souls.

The Days of Heaven are busy days,
They serve continually,
So spent for Thee and Thine, our days,
As the Days of Heaven would be.

The Days of Heaven are loving days,
As one they all agree,
So linked in loving unity
May our days as Heaven be.
*************************************************
July 13

Implicit Trust
by Charles Spurgeon

"For I will surely deliver thee, and thou shalt not fall by the sword, but thy life shall be for a prey unto thee: because thou hast put thy trust in Me, saith the LORD" (Jeremiah 39:18).

Behold the protecting power of trust in God. The great men of Jerusalem fell by the sword, but poor Ebed-melech was secure, for his confidence was in Jehovah. Where else should a man trust but in his Maker? We are foolish when we prefer the creature to the Creator. Oh, that we could in all things live by faith, then should we be delivered in all time of danger! No one ever did trust in the LORD in vain, and no one ever shall.

The LORD saith, "I will surely deliver thee," Mark the divine "surely." Whatever else may be uncertain, God's care of believers is sure. God Himself is the guardian of the gracious, Under His sacred wing there is safety even when every danger is abroad. Can we accept this promise as sure? Then in our present emergency we shall find that it stands fast. We hope to be delivered because we have friends, or because we are prudent, or because we can see hopeful signs; but none of these things are one-half so good as God's simple "because thou hast put thy trust in me." Dear reader, try this way, and, trying it, you will keep to it all your life. It is as sweet as it is sure.
*************************************************
July 14

Pure Gold
by Katherine Kehler

“These trials are only to test your faith, to see whether or not it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests gold and purifies it – and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold; so if your faith remains strong after being tried in the test tube of fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day of His return” 1 Peter 1:7

I have to admit I love jewelry - gold, silver, diamonds and gems of all kinds. I don’t know why I like them. Maybe because they sparkle and shine brightly when the light catches them - maybe because they are valuable. I am pleased that in heaven we will be surrounded with gold, sapphires, rubies and pearls.

Last night, while in the bathtub, I was reading and meditating on the above verse. We have gone through some major trials this past year and it felt like we were being tried in the test tube of fiery trials.

The Bible tells us that our faith is more valuable than pure gold. He is willing to put us through trials so we will be strong and pure. The impurities are burned out of our hearts so that we reflect Him who is glorious.

Recently my husband and I discussed whether or not we are different as a result of the months of testing. We agreed that we are more joyful. We are also more tender and in love with Christ and each other. Christ has become more real to us. And that is a good thing.

Would we have chosen these trials? No. Are we thankful for what He has done and is still doing in our lives? Absolutely.

How about you? If you are going through a time of testing right now, don’t despair. God is purifying you so you will reflect on Him more. And that is a good thing.

Father, purify our hearts. Make us wholly Yours. May our lives reflect Your radiance wherever we go. Amen.