The Remnant Online
Testimony and Prayer => Testimonies => Topic started by: Mimi on September 17, 2010, 07:25:36 PM
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Christ would elevate and refine man's mind, purifying it from all dross, that he may appreciate the love that is without a parallel. He leads them up to the higher grade, unfolding before them the treasures of eternity. He opens before them the volume of his providence, and bids them, as far as possible, take in the whole revelation. He tells them that in this book is written the name of every individual, that in the page assigned each individual is written every particular of his history, even to the numbering of the hairs of the head. He leads the human agent to think of the love of God manifested by giving his only begotten Son to die for the world. "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
When God our Father, in love and infinite mercy sends a "controlled burn" to save us, to refine us, our response to the test given holds eternal consequences. God is a consuming fire yet He controls the temperature. The dross must be removed and it produces a testimony, a witness, that can convict the coldest heart. He sends us trials, not to cause needless pain, but to lead us to look to Him, to strengthen our endurance, to teach us that if we do not rebel, but put our trust in Him, we shall see of His salvation.
When trial comes, as it will, do not worry or complain. Silence in the soul makes more distinct the voice of God. "Then are they glad because they be quiet" (Psalm 107:30). Remember that underneath you are the everlasting arms. "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him" (Psalm 37:7). He is guiding you into a harbor of gracious experience. {HP 269.5}
Recently God touched the temperature gauge. Do you feel it? Is it producing in you a testimony of grace? If you are prompted by the Holy Spirit to encourage the saints with a testimony, share with us your experience of how He walked with you through the fire.
And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The Lord is my God. Zechariah 13:9.
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"Controlled burns". Amen!!! Christ has His eye on the temperature and will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear. This is a promise! But, it is only to those who abide in Christ. If we are outside of Christ, if self is alive, then we cannot resist the smallest temptation. In the middle of the storm, if not supported by Christ, we shall be blown over.
In Christ, we can do all things.
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Amen. Do you have a testimony?
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:) I daily have a testimony! The closer we get to the soon coming of Jesus, the more Satan presses his attack. And, I am not alone. We do not see even a half of what is happening around us. As I share with others, the truth as it is in Jesus, I find that many are being tested fiercely. Do we think this unusual? Yes, to a degree. All are allowed to be tried, but now it is at an increased level. It is a sign that the end is near. We do not think it strange. We have been told that trials will come. "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you." 1 Peter 4:12. "Fiery trial"! Why does God allow this? We glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. Romans 5:3-5.
My testimony is that while this testing time is painful, it is not to disturb our patience. Jesus gives us grace to rise above the trial. In this we are His witnesses. When things are going well, it is easy to smile, but when the world is falling apart, then the world can see a difference between him who loves Jesus supremely and him who does not. It has reached the point where when some trials come, I just laugh. It is so obvious that Satan is pulling the strings. It helps to get through the test. It causes me to turn to Christ quickly as I know He is my only hope. I see the spiritual battle as never before.
I have learned to rejoice! "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. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy [are ye]; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or [as] a thief, or [as] an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. Yet if [any man suffer] as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. For the time [is come] that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if [it] first [begin] at us, what shall the end [be] of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? Therefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls [to him] in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. 1 Peter 4:13-19.
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It has reached the point where when some trials come, I just laugh. It is so obvious that Satan is pulling the strings. It helps to get through the test. It causes me to turn to Christ quickly as I know He is my only hope. I see the spiritual battle as never before.
Amen! Oh, how I can relate.
The other day while reading, these little paragraphs caught my attention in a most dramatic way. I personalized it, replacing "teachers" with "Mothers" although we know mothers are teachers in the truest sense:
Teachers [Mothers] will meet with trials. Discouragements will press upon them as they see their work unappreciated. Satan will strive to afflict them with bodily infirmities, hoping to lead them to murmur against God, to close their eyes to His goodness, His mercy, His love, and the exceeding weight of glory that awaits the overcomer. At such times let teachers [Mothers] remember that God is leading them to more perfect confidence in Him. If in their perplexity they will look to Him in faith, He will bring them from the furnace of trial refined and purified as gold tried in the fire. {CT 317.3}
Let the hard-pressed, sorely tried one say, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him." "Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation." Job 13:15; Habakkuk 3:17, 18.
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Amen! And where you have substituted "mothers" we may also substitute fathers, husbands, wives, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, ministers, church members, etc.
When he was in affliction, he besought the Lord his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers. 2 Chronicles 33:12. In the world ye shall have tribulation" says Christ; but in Me ye shall have peace. The trials to which Christians are subjected in sorrow, adversity, and reproach are the means appointed of God to separate the chaff from the wheat. Our pride, selfishness, evil passions, and love of worldly pleasure must all be overcome; therefore God sends us afflictions to test and prove us, and show us that these evils exist in our characters. We must overcome through His strength and grace, that we may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. "For our light affliction," says Paul, "which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal" 2 Corinthians 4:17, 18. Afflictions, crosses, temptations, adversity, and our varied trials are God's workmen to refine us, sanctify us, and fit us for the heavenly garner.
Many of our afflictions have been visited upon us, in the wisdom of God, to bring us closer to the throne of grace. He softens and subdues His children by sorrows and trials. This world is God's workshop, where He fashions us for the courts of heaven. He uses the planing knife upon our quivering hearts until the roughness and irregularities are removed and we are fitted for our proper places in the heavenly building. Through tribulation and distress the Christian becomes purified and strengthened, and develops a character after the model that Christ has given.
Let the afflictions which pain us so grievously become instructive lessons, teaching us to press forward toward the mark of the prize of our high calling in Christ. Let us be encouraged by the thought that the Lord is soon to come. Let this hope gladden our hearts
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When facing great trials, I have received great encouragement from reading the Book of Job. Here was a man perfect who served God with an undivided heart. God saw that he still needed a little work to strengthen his character. He needed to polish this beautiful stone so that it would shine more brightly with the reflection of Christ. Job learned the lesson. Notice what Satan was allowed to do to this great man of God. Don't think it strange when fiery trials come upon you! God loves us and is preparing us for something very special. He does not waste His time on worthless stones. He is preparing homes for us in heaven, but He must also prepare us for those homes. There will be no selfishness in heaven.
His grace is sufficient!
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"Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercy." [Psalm 103:1-4.]
I love the whole of Psalm 103, don't you? Usually I quote the entire chapter but will try to resist today and even now resistance is waning because there are so many statements about God's love toward us we need to be reminded of every single day - just like this one:
Verses 10-14: He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remebereth that we are dust."
He knows our heart, for He reads every secret of the soul. He knows the end from the beginning. We have but a brief lifetime here, and we know not how soon the arrow of death may strike our hearts. We know not how soon we may be called to give up the world and all its interests. Eternity stretches before us. The curtain is about to be lifted. Could we but see what lies in store for each one of us I dare say we would live very differently.
How do I begin this except with a prayer on my lips? God's controlled burns continue and though we be astonished when we should not be, for we are told ahead of time these trials will come, we are none-the-less exceedingly astonished when a trial of enormous proportions knocks on our door. He gives us the trial, nay allows it, yet He does not leave us hopeless and this is my testimony because He has more work to do within my heart and I willingly submit to be laid waste for Him to accomplish it.
God reasons from cause to effect. There is no action on our part that does not hold a consequence, small or large. Early in my life I should have paid more heed to God's law of cause and effect but that was a time when I lived a Godless existence and conscience was thrown to the wind. The time of reaping is at hand and on many levels this is a very difficult pill to swallow. Logically, through the laws of nature, it was inevitable. Through the grace of God I accept it.
I was given a diagnosis of diseased lungs for which there is no cure. Comfort treatments abound but there is no cure. Statistics indicate a prognosis of two to five years if the progression is within normal ranges. Depending upon the individual and other health indicators, the time could also be relatively short. God knows the end from the beginning so I do not fear those numbers. He is my daily rest.
The health message God has given anyone who reads Scripture works to our great advantage and if implemented can be curative in most circumstances. I have been blest by it for the past 10 years and going forward will become even more specific in its application. My body was built by our Creator. He knows the best fuels upon which it can best operate, even after we have abused it beyond reason, much can be regained.
Trust in God in whatever comes your way. Never, not even for a minute, doubt that He is not able to carry you through the controlled burn happening in your life. He loves you and wants you for His own. Never let go of His hand.
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Joh 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
Joh 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
Joh 10:29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
Isa 41:13 For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.
Sybil, this is hard news to hear. Not only for you but for your friends here. God allows these things (controlled burns) and we don't always understand why or even like it. We've talked a lot here at TRO about glorying in tribulation. It's one thing to talk about it, it's another thing to experience it. We've all experienced (most are experiencing right now) some very hard times and situations. I will be praying for the Lord's will to be done and for Him to give you the peace that surpasses all understanding as we abide in Him.
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Often our plans fail that God's plans for us may succeed. {MH 473.3}
In the future life the mysteries that here have annoyed and disappointed us will be made plain. We shall see that our seemingly unanswered prayers and disappointed hopes have been among our greatest blessings. {MH 474.1}
Sybil, I have been pondering and praying about what to write since I read your post. It is difficult to find words sufficient to respond to your situation. I just want you to know what a tremendous blessing your words, your life, your influence is to me. Even though there hasn't been much interaction between us, I am always encouraged and inspired by what you share on a daily blessing. There is no value that can be placed on your ministry. You are letting God shine through you, and others are being blessed.
We don't know what's ahead for any of us, but as long as God gives us breath, we can bless others. As you cling to Jesus and share your trials and pains with us, I know He will use you to speak to our hearts, increasing our faith and devotion to Him. While we would all hope for complete healing, and a long and bountiful life for you, we do trust that our loving Father knows best. What a blessing it is to know we can trust our lives completely into His hands. Each moment is precious, and we should all consider our lives as a holy offering to Him, however long or in whatever condition He grants us life.
Sybil, I love you, and I know I speak for each member here on this forum. You will be in our constant prayers, that God will be glorified in your life, as He already has been. Cling to Jesus! When Satan comes with a discouraging thought, bask in God's love for you.
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God is love. He has a care for the creatures he has formed. "Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him" John exclaims, "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God." What a precious privilege is this, that we may be sons and daughters of the Most High, heirs of God and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ. Then let us not mourn and grieve because in this life we are not free from trials, disappointments, and afflictions. Let us not complain at inconvenience and suffering. If in the providence of God we are called upon to endure trials, let us accept the cross, and drink the bitter cup, remembering that it is a Father's hand that holds it to our lips. Let us trust him in the darkness as well as in the day. Can we not believe that he will give us everything that is for our good? "He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" Even in the night of affliction, how can we refuse to lift heart and voice in grateful praise, when we remember the love to us expressed by the cross of Calvary? {BEcho, January 1, 1888 par. 5}
Meditate on the beneficence of God, dear reader; you will find it most profitable to recount your blessings. Let the language of your heart be, "God had been very good to me. He delights in mercy; therefore I may trust in him. His love, his patience, his long-suffering, have followed me all the days of my life. I will believe and watch and pray; and unworthy and helpless as I am, exposed to disappointment and sorrow, and the temptations of a wily foe whom I cannot resist in my own strength, Jesus will be my helper, and will fight my battles for me. He loves me. He has given the fullest evidence of his love in dying for me. He will withhold no real blessing." {BEcho, January 1, 1888 par. 6}
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God reasons from cause to effect. There is no action on our part that does not hold a consequence, small or large. Early in my life I should have paid more heed to God's law of cause and effect but that was a time when I lived a Godless existence and conscience was thrown to the wind. The time of reaping is at hand and on many levels this is a very difficult pill to swallow. Logically, through the laws of nature, it was inevitable. Through the grace of God I accept it.
God's grace is sufficient, but I would not trust in the doctors prognosis. It does not take into account a God who is in control of every little thing that happens to us and around us. If we were to reap what we have sown, we should all have perished long ago. Your life is very different from what it was a short time ago. God is in the business of changing us and then using us to help others come to Him. You are a blessing to your family, your neighbors, and all who come here looking for a blessing.
It may be appealing to go home and be with the Lord, but there are great needs here on this planet. We do not want to be selfish and keep you here away from your permanent home, but we shall try through much prayer. May God's will be done.
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Jim ... you are my brother, indeed.
Isa 41:13 For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.
We are creatures trained to fear the unknown because on some occasions Satan has been given vantage ground and we believed him. We let him linger and instill doubt. As a consequence we contemplate our next moves based upon very sketchy suppositions and faulty reasoning because we bought into the lies he persuaded us to believe. Ed could probably tell us how many times Jesus said, "Fear not" in the Scriptures and we would be surprised that in Genesis alone He said it three times that I could count, maybe more, but the hour is late and the eyes are dim.
The question is: How many times does God have to tell us to "Fear not" before we actually believe it? It is the most encouraging thing in this world to have you quote these verses assuring us that nothing can pluck us from the safety of God's hand and it is all a result of heeding and trusting in His words: "Fear not."
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LindaK, I read and weep at the love you express in your beautiful message. That it should even be possible to be so is my prayer. LindaRS once wrote upon the bitter cup of blessing she was willing to drink. It was an odd thought for me in the beginning because I lacked "the experience" to understand how it could be so. Evidently God saw my lack and supplied an experience that topped all the others so I could sympathize with my sister - not given in the same way, but both experiences in the same Spirit.
Thank you for your extraordinary love.
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Richard ... :'(
We do not want to be selfish and keep you here away from your permanent home, but we shall try through much prayer. May God's will be done.
Jas 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Pray without ceasing, dear brother. His will will be done.
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All around us are miracles happening every day! God is preparing a people to live with Him for eternity. It does not happen without trials. These difficulties in life are what cause us to cling to our Lord. Our nature demands that we have trials. :( It is sad, but it is reality. So, we glory in our tribulation knowing it works for our good and God's glory as we abide in Christ. Righteousness by faith is real. It is our great desire to become righteous by faith in Christ. Then we are His faithful witnesses, just as were and are those who are martyred for His name.
Our prayer for you, Dear Sybil is that you have peace knowing that God is with you each step of the way. You are His witness.
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God's grace is sufficient, but I would not trust in the doctors prognosis. It does not take into account a God who is in control of every little thing that happens to us and around us.
Amen! I can testify to that. The surgeon who transplanted my son as a baby was hesitant to do so, but bowed to pressure. I later found out that she had uttered the words that it would be "doomed to fail". How wrong she was! The transplant itself never did fail.
We can rest in the sure knowledge that our Heavenly Father is ultimately in control of all things. :) He has even graciously given you an example of this just last week with your beloved Elder Bonnie. I am sure many were convinced that this was his time to go to his rest. Who even expected him to be teaching Sabbath School at the end of the week?
We do not want to be selfish and keep you here away from your permanent home, but we shall try through much prayer. May God's will be done.
Yes, indeed we shall, my precious Sister! ;)
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I was anointed today. It was being planned with another pastor, another group of elders, but it happened today much to my surprise. Our pastor asked about my daughter and I also told him of this diagnosis and to please pray for us. He insisted upon prayer and anointing during church service so it was done.
May God's will be done.
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One thing that causes us to suffer more than when we ourselves are hurt, is knowing a loved one is hurting. :'( Here I am all teary-eyed again.
Fear of the grave or fear of the unknown can be taken away by God. Trusting in Him, as I know you do, will get you through to the other side of this trial - whether it be through the grave or not, only God is in charge of that decision. Don't let it encumber your thoughts. Live the life of Jesus while you are still here. We should all have that goal. None of us know how long or short our life shall be.
We do not want to be selfish and keep you here away from your permanent home, but we shall try through much prayer. May God's will be done.
I am selfish. I want you here. However, God's will be done for you is my prayer as that is always best.
...I have loved thee with an everlasting love... Jeremiah 31:3
Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me. Isaiah 49:16
You posted while I was working on mine...
It's not the pastor or elders that have the "special touch" but God in following His directions.
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May God's will be done.
Amen. Many are lifting you up in prayer.
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Wow, I had not been following this thread, and did not know about your situation, Sybil. I am so sorry to hear about this. Will be praying for you, of course, especially that the Lord will give you the strength needed to get through this, no matter how it turns out.
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Bless you - thank you, Wally.
It's not the pastor or elders that have the "special touch" but God in following His directions.
Yes, it is God, yet in my experience this is possibly where James 5:13-16 comes alive in my heart.
Jas 5:13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.
Jas 5:14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
Jas 5:15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
Jas 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
It is my duty to call the elders. I didn't have that opportunity but had it in the works. This may sound petty, small-minded yet this battle for health is with my favorite partner, God and He has been leading me relative to the persons and the timing. It is so personal (although I share it here with my spiritual family) that the anointing service needed planning and spiritual preparation. Nothing could be more personal, at least for me.
My experience with God is that the spirituality of the minister matters. The same goes for the elders. It was not my desire to have a woman elder up front in the circle of male elders, yet one was there because the district churches were in attendance. I would not have had it be so. It was not that I wanted such a tight control over matters but that the men gathered around me in this most serious appointment with God for healing, include those men I know who have been tried and tested by God and have emerged victorious: holy men of Israel with none of the fruits of the Spirit missing. "By their fruits ye shall know them." We studied together ten years ago and it was they and the Holy Spirit who led me to the foot of the Cross for the first time and to be among them for this solemn service was my heart's desire.
God could have preempted it, for right now I do not know. Maybe the plan was my plan and not His. I only wanted to enter into it with the best I knew. May He forgive me if this was not His plan and what happened today, being such a surprise, completely unplanned, will bring about the same result. He knows my heart and those gathered round about. Not my will but His be done.
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Jas 5:13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.
Jas 5:14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
Jas 5:15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
Jas 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
It is my duty to call the elders. I didn't have that opportunity but had it in the works. This may sound petty, small-minded yet this battle for health is with my favorite partner, God and He has been leading me relative to the persons and the timing. It is so personal (although I share it here with my spiritual family) that the anointing service needed planning and spiritual preparation. Nothing could be more personal, at least for me.
I whole-heartedly agree. I could tell you were disappointed about what happened and hoped to change that somewhat.
The pastor had no business calling for an anointing service - it is very personal & there are preperations to make before hand. I doubt there was anything standing between you and God. You seem like the type of person to clear things quickly. A time for meditation, preparation, to search your heart completely would have been ideal. I am sorry that was denied you.
Having people participate who you would rather not be there is very troublesome. But, there were men present who you do have faith in being righteous before God - The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. That I would lean on for affirmation that God was present and heard the prayers.
I am sorry you were disappointed. If you don't think you were ready for anointing perhaps consider going through with your plans for the other service. Something to pray about, consider.
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I think I'll leave it alone for a while. God will need to tap me on the shoulder on this one.
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I don't remember the offical name. The item is a soft sturdy cloth device whereby the baby can be cuddled and sleep upon the mother's heart, while she finishes her work.
I will call it a cuddle sling.
Father God has a unique "cuddle sling" that not only holds close, but preserves. He is called Jesus. Jesus called death > sleep. That's all it is to Him, dreamless sleep, preserved in His cuddle sling, close to His heart > while He finishes His closing work.
Psalms 37:28 For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved <08104> for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.
Matthew 9:17 Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved<4933>.
Luke 5:38 But new wine must be put into new bottles; and both are preserved<4933>.
1 Thessalonians 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved <5083> blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Jude 1:1 Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved <5083> in Jesus Christ, and called:
08104 rmv shamar shaw-mar’
a primitive root; v; {See TWOT on 2414}
AV-keep 283, observe 46, heed 35, keeper 28, preserve 21, beware 9, mark 8, watchman 8, wait 7, watch 7, regard 5, save 2, misc 9; 468
1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to keep, have charge of
1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life
1a2a) watch, watchman (participle)
1a3) to watch for, wait for
1a4) to watch, observe
1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory)
1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain
1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow)
1a8) to keep, preserve, protect
1a9) to keep, reserve
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be on one’s guard, take heed, take care, beware
1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain
1b3) to be kept, be guarded
1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed
1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
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4933 sunthrew suntereo soon-tay-reh’-o from 4862 and 5083; TDNT-8:151,1174; v AV-preserve 2, observe 1, keep 1; 4
1) to preserve (a thing from perishing or being lost)
2) to keep within one’s self, keep in mind (a thing, lest it be forgotten)
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5083 threw tereo tay-reh’-o
from teros (a watch, perhaps akin to 2334); TDNT-8:140,1174; v AV-keep 57, reserve 8, observe 4, watch 2, preserve 2, keeper 1, hold fast 1; 75
1) to attend to carefully, take care of
1a) to guard
1b) metaph. to keep, one in the state in which he is
1c) to observe
1d) to reserve: to undergo something
Christ's true followers will represent Him in character. They turn aside from worldly policy and are being trained for everyday service in the cause of God. In active service they find peace and hope, efficiency and power. They are conscious that they are breathing the breath of heaven, the only atmosphere in which the soul can live. By obedience they are made partakers of the divine nature. The doing of the living principles of the law of God makes them one with Christ. And He has pledged Himself to raise them up at the last day. Because He lives they will live also. He will raise them up as a part of Himself. {21MR 347.4}
He declares, "As the living Father hath sent Me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth Me, even he shall live by Me" [John 6:57]. This is the will of Him that sent Me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on Him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day" [verse 40]. Christ became one with us in humanity in order that we might become one with Him in life everlasting. Thus our life is united with His life. He proclaimed over the rent sepulchre of Joseph, "I am the resurrection, and the life." {21MR 348.1}
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Amen. Thank you, Ed. I believe God keeps us all in His cuddle sling until that Great Day, whether we are above the ground or below it.
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I am sorry you were disappointed. If you don't think you were ready for anointing perhaps consider going through with your plans for the other service. Something to pray about, consider.
You know, I have been thinking the same. I'm sure the whole thing took you completely by surprise and you had no time to really think it over and react the way you might have otherwise. Sometimes folks are rebaptized, so why not reanointed?
I just wanted to lend my support should you decide this is the direction you need to proceed. Not that you need it! ::) It is between you and God after all. :)
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HERO EVERLASTING
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Isaiah 40:26 Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth.[/glow]
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Isaiah 43:1 But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.
Isaiah 44:24 Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself;
Hosea 13:14 I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: repentance shall be hid from mine eyes.
Revelation 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
Christ's true followers will represent Him in character. They turn aside from worldly policy and are being trained for everyday service in the cause of God. In active service they find peace and hope, efficiency and power. They are conscious that they are breathing the breath of heaven, the only atmosphere in which the soul can live. By obedience they are made partakers of the divine nature. The doing of the living principles of the law of God makes them one with Christ. And He has pledged Himself to raise them up at the last day. Because He lives they will live also. He will raise them up as a part of Himself. {21MR 347.4}
He declares, "As the living Father hath sent Me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth Me, even he shall live by Me" [John 6:57]. This is the will of Him that sent Me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on Him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day" [verse 40]. Christ became one with us in humanity in order that we might become one with Him in life everlasting. Thus our life is united with His life. He proclaimed over the rent sepulchre of Joseph, "I am the resurrection, and the life." {21MR 348.1}
2nd Peter1:
1 ¶ Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:
2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
5 ¶ And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
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I like the cuddle sling analogy. I had one for our baby and it was very comforting to have him snuggled along - for me, and for him.
This morning, as son was rubbing up against me during worship (wanting to get closer & closer) I was reminded that God wants a closer relationship than that, too:
Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. 16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 1 John 4:15,16
As someone who was raised without good family relationships or friendships it continues to amaze me how close God wants me to be to Him. Learning to accept that was difficult. Now it is the longing of my heart to have that expereince moment by moment. And when a family member expresses their love to me in that way, like this morning, it thrills my heart.
Can't get closer than that. :)
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I believe God keeps us all in His cuddle sling until that Great Day, whether we are above the ground or below it.
Facing death is our portion in this world of sin, because of sin; and, with the acknowledgement of our mortality, we often naturally fear it... However, to the degree we by faith relish being "in Christ", we may (with King David), be comforted with the thought that, Psalm 73:26 My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
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Amen, Glen!
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Rejoice with me, my brothers and sisters. The results are conclusive from the CT scan. I do NOT have pulmonary fibrosis! It is not there! Praise the Lord! Bless His holy name!
It was appropriate that I was in the sanctuary with Rusty when the doctor called. We were reduced to tears in thanksgiving! This year found me with three (3) lower respiratory infections and they are the ONLY explanation for the continued cough and shortness of breath. I cannot explain the initial diagnosis so I won't even try except to say, it was wrong AND it brought me closer to the Throne of Grace.
At this moment I can say no more except thank you, dear Father in heaven, and you, my family, for your prayers and support through this horrendous ordeal.
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Praise the Lord!!! Sybil I do rejoice with you!!! The Lord is good to us and as a friend once told me recently the Lord doesn't allow us to be tempted beyond what we are able. The initial diagnosis may have been wrong but it very well could be that the Lord worked a miracle also. Either way... He is good!!
Lam 3:22 It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
Lam 3:23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
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Amen! What great news! Our prayers have been answered.
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Pulmonary Fibrosis is living death by degrees. I think the One spoken of in reply # 27 took your lungs in His hands and killed that living death sentence if it was in there. It might not have been a diagnostic mistake but rather an intervention .
Ask Him.
Glad you have a new lease on life.
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Our prayers have been answered.
Amen! Hallelujah!
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Praise the Lord! What a wonderful answer to prayer!
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I am thankful for the good news as well a for your work on this website, my dear sister.
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Thank you, Jesus!!
Now, if you want to be really distressed, listen to this. I am in the car and see that I missed a call. I retrieve my voice mail and there is our dear sister sharing that she has the results from the CAT scan. It is a BAD diagnosis. I am having a hard time hearing, but I hear the bad news. She got a bad diagnosis. I am imagining that the CAT scan turned up something much worse than the original diagnosis. It must be advanced cancer. :( It is very distressing. But, I continue to listen and see that no, it is not a current bad diagnosis, but a previous wrong diagnosis! :) From great distress to great relief!!! :)
God is GOOD! When we are in need of the Great Physician, we call on the elders and get anointed. And the results are a blessing when we are right with God. He knows best and answers our prayers in the very best way He can. And in the process of trial our faith is made stronger. And other's faith is also made stronger!!! We are His witnesses in our trial. Thank you, Sister Sybil for being His witness in your distress. He is preparing and us for something very very good!! Whatever the price.....dear Lord, whatever the price, it is well worth being with you!!!
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Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty who delivers us from the pit in our darkest hours.
"Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercy." [Psalm 103:1-4.]
Speechless. Humbled. Grateful. Dependent. Joyous.
Thank you, you most precious people. Thank you.
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... whatever the price. Amen. Whatever the price.
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Praise God!!!! I am so thankful! Whatever the reality was in the diagnosis, I consider this a miraculous intervention. To God be all the glory and praise! Sybil, you are greatly beloved both by God and by God's people.
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Whatever the reality was in the diagnosis, I consider this a miraculous intervention.
Me, too. I knew something was different last Sabbath when Rusty and I were preparing last-minute adjustments to music for church. With the original diagnosis, the thought of singing for church was completely out of the question yet the song we worked on was not good as an instrumental so I added voice and could breathe - full load to the lungs without spawning a cough. While singing it for church I knew Jesus' angels were there because I was lost to everything around me. That has never, ever happened.
God intervened just as you, Ed and others said. He simply intervened.
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As I have been having some rather severe pain from an old leg injury, I have not been on the computer as much. I thought tonight I would check out TRO, and was so excited I could hardly speak! I called to Elizabeth, "She doesn't have it, she doesn't have it!" And after explaining, I just had to call dear Sybil! Praise God! Praise God! I know He healed her, and by this "controlled burn" has brought her even closer to Him.
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Can we say that a "controlled burn" is the same as being pruned?
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We surely can. It is the same.
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Reading the Testimonies today, I thought of "controlled burns," "pruning," when I came across this in 5T, page 682, 683:
When the Spirit of God, by message of reproof, declares this to be his condition, he cannot see that the message is true. Is he therefore to reject the warning? No. God has given sufficient evidence, so that all who desire to do so may satisfy themselves as to the character of the Testimonies; and, having acknowledged them to be from God, it is their duty to accept reproof, even though they do not themselves see the sinfulness of their course. If they fully realized their condition, what would be the need of reproof? Because they know it not, God mercifully sets it before them, so that they may repent and reform before it shall be too late. "Those who despise the warning will be left in blindness to become self-deceived; but those who heed it, and zealously go about the work of separating their sins from them in order to have the needed graces, will be opening the door of their hearts that the dear Saviour may come in and dwell with them." [VOL. 3, P. 257 (1873).] Those who are most closely connected with God are the ones who know His voice when He speaks to them. Those who are spiritual discern spiritual things. Such will feel grateful that the Lord has pointed out their errors." [VOL. 5, P. 134.] {5T 682.1}
"David learned wisdom from God's dealings with him and bowed in humility beneath the chastisement of the Most High. The faithful portrayal of his true state by the prophet Nathan made David acquainted with his own sins and aided him to put them away. He accepted counsel meekly and humiliated himself before God. 'The law of the Lord,' he exclaims, 'is perfect, converting the soul.'" [VOL. 4, PP. 14, 15 (1876).] {5T 683.1}
"If ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye . . . not sons." Our Lord has said: "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten." "No chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby." Though bitter the discipline, it is appointed by a Father's tender love, "that we might be partakers of His holiness." {5T 683.2}
What a blessing.
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Amen!! A very hard lesson to learn, but look at the blessing that comes. We surely need the blessing and the experience. God loves us and all things work together for good to those who love the Lord and keep His commandments!
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Dear Sybil. I have only just know coaught up with this news. I am thrilled for you but I am also very encouraged because I guess I have not been hearing too many accounts of this kind of divine intervention. It am so happy for you.
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Thank you, dearest. God is going to move on issues mightier than mine. We will be astounded as these last few days roll by.
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Amen!! And we thank God for controlling the fires of affliction. All things work together for our good! Yes, all things, as we rest in Christ.
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I believe that God allowing the WC and SF phenomina to come into the SDA church is a controlled burn. It allows those who love not the truth to believe a lie and tests those who love the truth to see if they will rise to meet the occasion.
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Agree Colporteur..
Just getting caught up myself....so very pleased Sybil for your,"Intervention"....God is so good to reward each one of us with your timely posts and counsel....i love the idea of the "controlled burns"...
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Yes, divinely controlled burns.
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Yes, divinely controlled burns.
With man's controlled burns they sometimes get out of control. It is good to remember when things seem out of control that God's burns never cross the boundaries of His divine providence.
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I love the book, Bible Readings for the Home. Mine was published in 1963, the large one with the blue spine, and I often read it. On page 405 is "Comfort in Affliction." In it is a beautiful quote I wanted to share with you. It is under the heading of Sorrow's Possibilities:
Why is sorrow better than laughter?
Answer: "Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better." Ecclesiastes 7:3.
Note - Many of the loveliest songs of peace and trust and hope which God's children sing in this world have been taught in the hushed and darkened chambers of sorrow....Afflictions, sanctified, soften the asperities of life. They tame the wildness of nature. They temper human ambitions. They burn out the dross of selfishness and worldliness. They humble pride. They quell fierce passions. They reveal to men their own hearts, their own weaknesses, faults, blemishes, and perils. They teach patience and submission. They discipline unruly spirits. They deepen and enrich our experience. - J. R. Miller, Week-Day Religion, pp. 90, 91.
Psalm 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.
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I believe that God allowing the WC and SF phenomena to come into the SDA church is a controlled burn. It allows those who love not the truth to believe a lie and tests those who love the truth to see if they will rise to meet the occasion.
Amen and we are in the thick of it. God is at the helm of this controlled burn. Who will be untouched by it? None. All will be affected, directly or indirectly.
Neither will I be with you any more, except ye destroy the accursed from among you. Joshua 7:12. {CC 120.1}
The sin of one man caused Israel to be beaten before the enemy. Something more than prayer was required. They were to get up and cleanse the camp of Israel. {CC 120.2}
Have you considered why it was that all who were connected with Achan were also subjects of the punishment of God? It was because they had not been trained and educated according to the directions given them in the great standard of the law of God. Achan's parents had educated their son in such a way that he felt free to disobey the Word of the Lord; the principles inculcated in his life led him to deal with his children in such a way that they also were corrupted. . . . The punishment . . . reveals the fact that all were involved in the transgression. {CC 120.3}
The history of Achan teaches the solemn lesson that for one man's sin the displeasure of God will rest upon a people or a nation till the transgression is searched out and punished. Sin is corrupting in its nature. One man infected with its deadly leprosy may communicate the taint to thousands. Those who occupy responsible positions as guardians of the people are false to their trust if they do not faithfully search out and reprove sin. . . . {CC 120.4}
The church is suffering from the prolonged presence of sin in the camp. God is longsuffering, merciful and full of grace. He is also just in igniting a controlled burn at His pleasure.
Consider Eli's sons and the faithfulness of Samuel during that corrupt time:
Death before dishonor or the transgression of God's law should be the motto of every Christian. As a people professing to be reformers, treasuring the most solemn, purifying truths of God's word, we must elevate the standard far higher than it is at the present time. Sin and sinners in the church must be promptly dealt with, that others may not be contaminated. Truth and purity require that we make more thorough work to cleanse the camp from Achans. Let those in responsible positions not suffer sin in a brother. Show him that he must either put away his sins or be separated from the church.166 {CCh 109.3}
The youth may have principles so firm that the most powerful temptations of Satan will not draw them away from their allegiance. Samuel was a child surrounded by the most corrupting influences. He saw and heard things that grieved his soul. The sons of Eli, who ministered in holy office, were controlled by Satan. These men polluted the whole atmosphere which surrounded them. Men and women were daily fascinated with sin and wrong, yet Samuel walked untainted. His robes of character were spotless. He did not fellowship, or have the least delight in, the sins which filled all Israel with fearful reports. Samuel loved God; he kept his soul in such close connection with heaven that an angel was sent to talk with him in reference to the sins of Eli's sons, which were corrupting Israel.167 {CCh 109.4}
What did God allow and how did He act as we continue to see a parallel course with that of our ancient past? Inspiration answers:
The sin of Eli had consisted in passing lightly over the iniquity of his sons in sacred office, and over the evils prevailing throughout the land. His neglect to correct these evils had brought upon Israel a fearful calamity. His sons had fallen in battle, Eli himself had lost his life, the ark of God had been taken from the land of Israel, thirty thousand of the people had been slain--and all because sin had been allowed to flourish unrebuked and unchecked. Israel had vainly thought that, notwithstanding their sinful practices, the presence of the ark would ensure them victory over the Philistines. In like manner, during the days of Jeremiah, the inhabitants of Judah were prone to believe that a strict observance of the divinely appointed services of the temple would preserve them from a just punishment for their wicked course. {PK 416.1}
What a lesson is this to men holding positions of responsibility today in the church of God! What a solemn warning to deal faithfully with wrongs that bring dishonor to the cause of truth! Let none who claim to be the depositaries of God's law flatter themselves that the regard they may outwardly show toward the commandments will preserve them from the exercise of divine justice. Let none refuse to be reproved for evil, nor charge the servants of God with being too zealous in endeavoring to cleanse the camp from evil-doing. A sin-hating God calls upon those who claim to keep His law to depart from all iniquity. A neglect to repent and to render willing obedience will bring upon men and women today as serious consequences as came upon ancient Israel. There is a limit beyond which the judgments of Jehovah can no longer be delayed. The desolation of Jerusalem in the days of Jeremiah is a solemn warning to modern Israel, that the counsels and admonitions given them through chosen instrumentalities cannot be disregarded with impunity. {PK 416.2}
I cannot fail but to look upon this photo from Ed with great longing. For the day will soon come when God will require no more controlled burns. If we are found faithful to the end, we will travel through that very galaxy and further through the Orion Nebula to the Eternal City. That great and awful fallen angel, Satan, will have one thousand years to contemplate what he did to the Son of God, His creation, and His people. And after that time, God will remove His hand from the gauge and consume to the uttermost Satan, sin and sinners who loved not the truth. I cannot comprehend that day. Who among us is not accustomed to the effects of sin in the camp? One day it will be removed. In the meantime, there is the distinctive smell of smoke. God’s men and women in leadership, the watchmen on the walls of Zion, are calling for a return to righteousness. Let us support them with our prayers.
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... whatever the price. Amen. Whatever the price.
Some do not think they will have to pay the price. They can read and maybe understand the principle, maybe, but they do not wish to make the application in their own life. Why? Because it is painful, it requires sacrifice. The sacrifice is not just the things of this world, but it is the sacrifice of pride. Many refuse to give up their pride. It is very sad to realize that many who will not give up pride have suffered as little children and have a great need to be recognized, to be seen, to be something, to be loved. When all along, the One who loves them most is the One calling them to Himself. If one would take time to behold this matchless love, they would then willingly give up their pride in exchange for so very much, not the least of which is peace that passes understanding.
When we counsel others to pick up their cross and carry it, the message always comes back to me, yes, and yours will come too. And come it does. None know the burden that many carry. But, if we will allow Christ to rule in our lives, the fire is carefully controlled so that we are not consumed, but rather will manifest all of the fruits of His Spirit. They are love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. Some will benefit from knowing that temperance is self control. Such blessings that come with giving up pride.
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Update.
When the Lord heals, he heals.
My physician insisted on a followup CT, so I indulged her to quiet her pleas. And if the truth be known, it also quieted some of my long-term concerns as a former smoker.
Nodules discovered 4 years ago are stable and in fact, most are significantly smaller than shown in 2010. Nothing suspicious. No followup needed.
What a blessing.
What a Great Physician!
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This is great news Mimi! We rejoice with you in the blessings of the great Physician.
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Very good to hear,
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Amen!! Our lives are in His hands as we abide in Him. We are to be His witnesses in this perverted world! He is pouring out His glory upon His people. We certainly have much to witness when it comes to reflecting Christ. May God grant us grace for this one Sabbath Day to do His will that others might better know our great God!
Have a blessed Sabbath, dear fellow workers.
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Wonderful news, Mimi! We are rejoicing here, too! :-*
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Mimi I didn't know that there was a problem before but I'm so happy to hear the latest news. I'm rejoicing with you dear sister.
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Amen :)