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Archive for April, 2015

DARKNESS OF DESPAIR

Posted in Bible Studies, Christian Growth, Devotionals, tagged , , , , , , , , on April 30, 2015| 6 Comments »

I can understand why young children are afraid of the dark. I wouldn’t say I have a fear of the dark; it is more of a loathing. I have seldom found myself in total darkness; when I was, I wanted the lights to come back on,  pronto!SEPTEMBER 2014 002

The darkness of despair is traumatic and tragic. Eavesdrop on a conversation with Job…

“Oh, that I were as in months past, as in the days when God watched over me; when His lamp shone upon my head, and when by His light I walked through darkness (Job 29:2-3 NKJ).”

Job suffered through despair of debilitating illness; alas, he saw no light-only darkness. The LORD did not leave him in the dark. He shed His light of healing and new beginnings. Job would recover and walk in light during his latter days…

“Now the LORD blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning (Job 42:12 NKJ).”

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DAY LABOR

Posted in Christian Growth, Devotionals, tagged , , , , , , , on April 25, 2015| 2 Comments »

Are you familiar with day-labor employment agencies? My husband worked for one on several occasions. One of the most memorable assignments was shoveling sand out of FL Gulf beachfront condominiums following Hurricane Opal.SEPTEMBER 2014 002

He liked the flexibility of working when he wanted and receiving a payment at the close of every workday. It is not for the slacker. The agency expected a day’s labor for a day’s pay. As God’s children, daily labor reaps eternal rewards!

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith (Galatians 6:9-10 NKJ).”

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CESSATION OF WARS

Posted in Christian Growth, Devotionals, tagged , , , , , , , , , on April 20, 2015| 4 Comments »

When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again SEPTEMBER 2014 002
[1863/Louis Lambert/Public Domain]

When Johnny comes marching home again, Hurrah, Hurrah,
We’ll give him a hearty welcome then, Hurrah, Hurrah;
The men will cheer, the boys will shout,
The ladies, they will all turn out,
And we’ll all feel gay,
When Johnny comes marching home.
Let love and friendship on that day, Hurrah, Hurrah,
Their choicest treasures then display, Hurrah, Hurrah,
And let each one perform some part,
To fill with joy the warrior’s heart,
And we’ll all feel gay,
When Johnny comes marching home.
Isaiah prophesied cessation of wars…
“He shall judge between the nations, and rebuke many people; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore (Isaiah 2:4 NKJ).”

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FORD JALOPY

Posted in Christian Growth, Devotionals, Family, Marriage, tagged , , , , , , , on April 13, 2015| Leave a Comment »

My husband Norm and I have owned many a jalopy [junker] and used them for both local jaunts and long distance trips. I am a Ford by birth; though crank oil does not run through my veins, I have an affinity with Ford Motor Company by name only. Yet, I hadn’t the foggiest idea that I would one day consider myself a jalopy.

Last night before turning in, I was sitting on the edge of the bed. My husband was sitting up and leaning against his pillow at the headboard. Our conversation went something like this…SEPTEMBER 2014 002

He said, “Grandchildren would ask, ‘Were you young once?”

With a thoughtful expression, he continued.

“You were young once.”

Agreeing I replied, “Yes, I was young once. Now I’m old.”

He was too eager to agree. “Yes, now you’re old.”

Of course, I could say the same thing of him. I don’t think either of us are contemplating a trade of our jalopies for newer models.

I am getting older; I hope I will leave behind a legacy of love and faithfulness.

“Write: ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’” ‘Yes,’ says the Spirit, ‘that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them (Revelation 14:13b NKJ).”

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DO VALIANTLY!

Posted in Christian Growth, Devotionals, tagged , , , , , , , on April 7, 2015| 2 Comments »

Pick your battles.

                                                                                            SEPTEMBER 2014 002

I admit that unknown speaker’s advice was easier for him or her to say than followed by me. Some things are not worth debate, let alone battles; yet, in a lifetime, most of us do become involved in disputes. Personalities clash and our tempers flare. Everyone will not respect our opinions; like it or not, we have enemies. Satan leads the pack.

He is a foe; that’s true enough. What a Mighty God we serve; He vanquishes the enemy!

“Give us help from trouble, for the help of man is useless. Through God we will do valiantly, for it is He who shall tread down our enemies (Psalms 60:11-12 NAS).”

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