...and under HIS wings shalt thou trust.

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: 

Be not dismayed; for I am thy God: 

I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee;

Yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. 

Isaiah 41:10

Sometimes I am overwhelmed with God's precious promises. This morning I read the above verse and rested in God's love. 

How beautiful to be still in the presence of the ALMIGHTY GOD!

I couldn't but think how often we  fail to to remember the promises of our God and Saviour... that He will be with us even unto the end. 

And so today I cling to the beautiful reminder that God is with me... 

... as I find rest in His power and strength,

... as I trust Him to guide and protect me,

... and wait upon Him to lead me.

UNDER HIS WINGS

Ira Sankey

Under His wings I am safely abiding;

  Though the night deepens and tempests are wild,

Still I can trust Him, I know He will keep me;

  He has redeemed me, and I am His child.

 

Under His wings, under His wings,

  Who from His love can sever?

Under His wings my soul shall abide,

    Safely abide forever.

Under His wings—what a refuge in sorrow!

  How the heart yearningly turns to His rest!

Often when earth has no balm for my healing,

  There I find comfort, and there I am blest.

Under His wings—oh, what precious enjoyment!

  There will I hide till life’s trials are o’er;

Sheltered, protected, no evil can harm me;

  Resting in Jesus I’m safe evermore.

Precious Father, Thank you for your promises that are true and faithful. Help us to rest in your presence and be comforted through your Spirit and Word. 

May you be encouraged today to rest in the Lord Jesus and trust in His care for you.
~Ellie

... I will STAND on the TOP of the hill...

"... I will stand ON THE TOP of the hill with the ROD of GOD in mine hand." Exodus 17:9

Do you ever find yourself in moments of fear, struggles, discouragements, oppositions from all sides? Sometimes we find ourselves so deep in our thoughts that we forget that we have a SHEPHERD who by HIS ROD comforts us in all our trials.

I was so encouraged a couple of days ago when I read the verse in Exodus where Joshua was fighting Amalek... and there Moses raised the "rod of God" to prevail against the enemy. 

I thought about the ROD, representing our God, the great I AM... our stronghold.

Isn't it wonderful to be able to raise and trust in the WORD of GOD as our ROD? 

The great I AM can fight our enemies... and prevail against them.   

Yes, indeed our Shepherd, the LORD JESUS CHRIST, comforts, guides and drives away all our fears... because HE protects us from all evil.

And we also know that when Moses' hands were heavy... Aaron and Hur interceded by holding them up... and Moses' hands were steady. 

" But Moses' hands were heavy: 

and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; 

and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, 

the one on one side, and the other on the other side, 

and his hands were steady 

until the going down of the sun." 

Exodus 17:12

How wonderful to know that we too can ease the "heaviness"  and intercede for those around us who are heavy in spirit and fighting battles of their own.  

PSALM 121

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.

He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: 

He that keepeth thee will not slumber.

Behold, He that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD is thy keeper: 

the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.

The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.

The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: 

He shall preserve thy soul.

The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in 

from this time forth, and even for evermore. 

Heavenly Father, Thank you for being the great I AM in our lives, Thank you for preserving our souls from all evil. We trust in your power and faithfulness to accomplish your purpose and will in our lives for your glory. Help us to raise the rod of your Word continually as we face the many battles that come our way. 

May you be encouraged today to lift up God's name and His promises... for yourself and others. 

~Ellie

For in HIM we LIVE, and MOVE, and have our being...

" Serving the LORD with all humility of mind..." Acts 20:19

These past few days I have been meditating on the need for us to draw near to God. I have been so overwhelmed with the life of Paul while reading the book of Acts. 

We know how apostle Paul was brought to light... in a most direct intervention of the Lord Jesus Christ. It was in no way that Saul (apostle Paul) was ever seeking to know the Lord Jesus... 

...why, Saul did all he could to persecute the believers and cause much turmoil. (Acts 8:3). 

And so I stand amazed at God's perfect plan to bring a sinner from darkness into light. 

As He worked with Saul, so He works with us.

This morning, while continuing my reading through the book of Acts, I was extremely blessed with a few verses.... verses that show apostle Paul's total devotion to His Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. 

His devotion was ever so strong... even when he knew he would have to suffer many things for the name of Jesus Christ... 

... and oh, what devotion and love for His Lord!

" And now, behold, I go bound in the Spirit 

unto Jerusalem,

 not knowing the things that shall befall me there." 

Acts 20:22

"Except that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, 

saying that bonds and afflictions await me." 

Acts 22:23

I am overwhelmed at Paul's total denying of self.  

His total devotion in serving His Master is written  in the following verse: 

" But none of these things move me, 

neither count I my life dear unto myself, 

so that I might finish my course with joy, 

and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, 

to testify the gospel of the grace of God."  

Acts: 20:24

I thank the Lord for the reminder this morning, that  just as He worked with apostle Paul... He works with me. Oh, that I would live for the praise of His glory...

So thankful to the Lord that I was found of Him.

I SOUGHT THE LORD

Author: Anonymous

I sought the Lord, and afterward I knew

He moved my soul to seek Him, seeking me.

It was not I that found, O Savior true;

No, I was found of thee.

 Thou didst reach forth Thy hand and mine enfold;

I walked and sank not on the storm-vexed sea.

'Twas not so much that I on Thee took hold,

As thou, dear Lord, on me.

I find, I walk, I love, but oh, the whole

Of love is but my answer, Lord, to Thee!

For thou wert long beforehand with my soul;

Always Thou lovedst me. 

Father, Thank you for bringing light in a world of darkness through your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you for making it possible that we might live through Him. 

May you purpose in your heart to live a life fully devoted to the One who redeemed us by His precious blood...

~Ellie

"... that we should not trust in ourselves, but in GOD..."

" Who DELIVERED us from so great a death, and DOTH DELIVER: in whom we trust that HE WILL YET DELIVER us." 2 Corinthians 1:10

Do you ever find yourself trusting in yourself? Trusting in your own wisdom or abilities? How often we tend to rely on our own wisdom...

I was so blessed this morning, to read the first chapter of 2 Corinthians, and find strength for the day. How wonderful to be reminded that we ought NOT to trust in ourselves... but  rather in our GOD, who raiseth the dead!

Who can bring life? Who can make the dead to rise? Who can make the blind to see, the deaf to hear? Who can comfort the downcast? Who calms the storm and makes the waves to be still?

Yes, the LORD... HE alone makes all these things to be accomplished.  

He delivered us...

He does deliver us...

AND

He will yet  deliver us...

" Blessed be GOD, 

even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 

the FATHER OF MERCIES, 

and 

the GOD OF ALL COMFORT; "

 2 Corinthians 1:3

How good to be reminded of God's power in our own lives...  for with the comfort that we are comforted, we can comfort those around us. 

Oh, the privilege to pray for the afflictions of those around us, that they too would be strengthened and comforted... that in the end, our/their thanksgiving would bring glory to GOD. 

" Ye also helping together 

by prayer for us, 

that for the gift bestowed (given) upon us

 by means of many persons 

thanks may be given 

by many on our behalf."   

2 Corinthians 1:11

Indeed, God is true... and His promises are yea... and in Him Amen! (verses 18,20)

Our gracious Father, thank you for being merciful and true. Our hearts are full of thanksgiving for the comfort with which you comfort us with. Help us to comfort those around us, that glory would be given thee. Soften our hearts, control our tongues, and place your Word in us, that Christ may be Lord of our lives.

May you be comforted today to know that God is ever merciful.

~Ellie

The LORD shall open unto thee His GOOD TREASURE....

" This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein..." Joshua 1:8

This morning while reading through Ephesians chapter 5, and while undergoing a trial that brought about unrest, I found joy and kindness from a loving Savior who desires to pour out His good treasure upon His children that hearken and obey His voice...

Such peace we gain from God's HOLY WORD... that I felt the need to write down a few points that encouraged my husband and I this morning....

Because it's not always easy to accept a trial in our lives with joyfulness... nor is it easy to give thanks for a hurt you are experiencing... I found God's gentle encouragement in His Word to be the nourishment we needed  this morning... to lift our eyes above the clouds and give thanks in ALL things.

Yes, God is faithful!

And so, chapter 5 of Ephesians was loaded with a list of reminders for us to follow...

...for just as in Joshua 1, if we observe to do according to God's Holy Word, ..." thy way shall be prosperous and thou shalt have good success." Joshua 1:8b

Encouragement that gave us rest from the unrest:

EPHESIANS 5

• Be ye therefore followers of God (v.1)
• Walk in love, as Christ also has loved us (v.2)
• Ye are LIGHT in the Lord, walk as children of light (v.8)
• See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise (v.15)
• Redeem the time, because the days are evil (v.16)
• Be filled with the SPIRIT (v.18)
• Sing and make melody in your heart to the LORD (v.19)
• Give thanks ALWAYS for ALL things (v.20)
• Submit yourselves to one another (v.21)

If we think on the things above... the things below will slowly fade away.

Father, How gracious you are towards your people. You rejoice over us to do good to us when we obey you. Help us to serve you with joyfulness and gladness of heart for indeed you've poured your abundance upon us in all things.

May you be encouraged today to put your faith and hope in a God that changest not... a God that is mighty to save.
~Ellie

Therefore I will look unto the Lord...

" He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap." Ecclesiastes 11:4

This morning was a dreary day. Clouds abounded in the sky. Looking outside, I noticed the darkness of the early hours lift up a bit. But there was no sun peeking out, just dark grey clouds. I went for a walk and felt the gloominess of the day take its toll on me. So focused was I on the clouds, that my disposition became gloomy within...

Do you ever change with the "weather" ?  Do you ever find yourself in a dark and gloomy place? Do you focus on the "clouds"  and fail to see the blessings they bring in the form of rain?

Sometimes, our surroundings... the trials and testings of the day....  keep us so focused on the "clouds"... that we begin to succumb to a state of hopelessness. A state where we are of no use... a state where there's no sowing of seeds, nor reaping of fruit.

As I kept walking, and felt myself downcast,  I heard an old familar hymn playing on a favorite online station... I caught just a single phrase:

" I ask no other sunshine than the sunshine of His face..."

Oh, how that phrase brought me back to a state of thankfulness. It was, as in an instant, that I was able to lift my head "above the clouds" and see my Lord and Saviour as the only sunshine that I'd ever need!

And so, the morning, while dreary and gloomy...  all of a sudden began to look bright and full of hope. How thankful I was for the reminder that when I sit in darkness, He is my constant LIGHT that never ceases to shine in my life.

" ... when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me." 

Micah 7:8

" ... He will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold His righteousness."  

Micah 7:9 

Yes, the clouds have a place in our lives... but how important to look beyond... and see the blessings they most surely bring. These couple of verses from the hymn I heard this morning was such a blessing to me, that I pray you too will be blessed to dwell upon the completed work of the cross...

Beneath The Cross of Jesus

Upon that cross of Jesus mine eye at times can see

The very dying form of One Who suffered there for me;

And from my stricken heart with tears two wonders I confess;

The wonders of redeeming love and my unworthiness.

I take, O cross, thy shadow for my abiding place;

I ask no other sunshine than the sunshine of His face;

Content to let the world go by to know no gain or loss,

My sinful self my only shame, my glory all the cross.

       Eliz­a­beth C. Cle­phane, 1868

Precious Father, how thankful we are for the Light that has shone in our hearts in the face of Jesus Christ.

May you delight in light of His presence today... 

~Ellie

... in Him we shall have peace.

"Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?" John 11:40

I've always wondered how peaceful my life would be if I'd see things from God's eyes. If I would be totally aware of the Father's plan for me...if I could see how all things would unveil in the end. 

Then..

...I wouldn't worry. 

...I wouldn't be fearful. 

...I wouldn't doubt.

I'd be totally at peace....knowing my Father holds eternity in His hand... and my life. 

And yet God has given us His Word... full of promises... to help us "see" His plan for our lives. He doesn't withhold His knowledge from us.  

Yes, I often struggle. I worry. I'm fearful. I doubt.

Yes, we will have tribulations.

But how wonderful to find peace in God's HOLY Word... to be reminded that not one of His promises will ever fail me. He encourages us  and reminds us that... IN HIM WE SHALL HAVE PEACE.

" These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. 

In the world ye shall have tribulation: 

but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." 

John 16:33

So today I was again encouraged to look outside of my struggles and fears... to trust my Heavenly Father and believe in His might... in His wisdom... and in His perfect plan for me.

How wonderful to rely on His Word... knowing that it will stand forever... and  all promises will be fulfilled!

" Heaven and earth shall pass away,

 but my words shall not pass away." 

Matthew 24:35

"For verily I say unto you, 

Till heaven and earth pass, 

one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law,

 till all be fulfilled." 

Matthew 5:18

"The grass withereth, the flower fadeth:

 but the word of our God shall stand for ever." 

Isaiah 40:8

God's promises never fail. It is not in His character to say something... and not fulfill it.   

"God is not a man, that He should lie;

 neither the son of man, that He should repent: 

hath He said, and shall He not do it? 

or hath He spoken, and shall He not make it good?" 

Numbers 23:19

Isn't it wonderful to be dependent on God... to allow Him to direct our steps... to believe that His way is perfect? 

For when we believe, we shall see the glory of God! 

Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, 

according to the power that worketh in us,

to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus 

to all generations forever and ever. 

Amen." 

Ephesians 3:20,21

May you trust the only wise God to direct your ways... and find peace in Him.

~Ellie

When I awake, I am still with Thee...

 "How precious also are Thy thoughts unto me, O God! How great is the sum of them!"

 Psalm 139:17

Do you ever read a verse that gives you so much comfort? Well, this past week I was overwhelmed with the verse in Psalm 139... a verse I mentioned in my previous post. 

Even when I awake,  I am still with Thee... Psalm 139:18

Such comfort the verse gave ... such peace. It has been a blanket of comfort and warmth for me these past several days... just to know my Father in heaven shall always be with me.

Yes, even while living here on this earth, in our physical bodies, our God shall encompass us... and what-more... even in the age to come... my God shall still with me be!

There's nothing to fear... when God is near... when our hope is in the One that changest not.

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, ... shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." 

Romans 8:38,39

Once again, God gives great comfort through His precious Word... reminding us that  nothing shall separate us from His love.

His thoughts are precious to us. 

His ways marvelous. 

His love infinite. 

And so I rest in His love for me...

How Marvelous Are Thy Ways 

How precious are Thy thoughts to me,

Thou understandest and knowest me well. 

Even in my lying down, Thou art with me

And when I wake, Thou still with me dwell.

There is not a word on my tongue,

Each thought altogether known unto Thee.

Where shall I flee from Thy presence?

For Thou art with me e'en to the uttermost sea!

How marvelous are Thy ways, O Lord.

Even when darkness shall 'compass me,

Thy Hand will lead and guide me alway,

For night shall be as light unto Thee.

O Lord, I am fearfully and wonderfully made,

So skillfully wrought in the most secret of place.

All members in Thy book were written therein, 

Knowledge too wonderful, such marvelous grace!

  Thy thoughts more numerous than sand unto me,

Acquainted with all, Thou indeed art my King!

Search me, try me and know my heart today,

And lead me in the way everlasting. 

Ellie 1/12/2015

May you be blessed by the Lord's promise... for He shall never leave, nor forsake us!

~Ellie

Ye that seek the LORD, look unto the ROCK whence you were hewn...

" Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; 

Fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings. " 

Isaiah 51:7

As I was reading through the 51 chapter of Isaiah this morning I suddenly read over a couple of verses I had memorized not too long ago...

It was about a year ago, or maybe even two, when I struggled with a huge bout of anxiety. It wasn't the normal anxious feeling that we all get... fears that come about and quickly go. This was much stronger. I was struggling to find peace within, from fear that  almost paralyzed me. What was I fearing? I had never experienced such anxiety...

Have you ever struggled with anxiety? Have you ever been fearful of the  future? Have the momentary struggles weighed heavily upon you that you felt you would lose control?

I remember my anxious heart weighing heavily upon me one day. My strength was weak. I was helpless. Yet in my struggle I knew my hope could only be found in my LORD. I couldn't do it alone. I needed HIS help. His power alone could deliver me. I could never have the power I needed to "get myself up" and free myself from the clutch of fear. 

There were no words that I could utter in my state of helplessness except, "Lord, please help me!"  The simple words of dependence on HIM  brought all the peace I had ever needed. A wave of calmness washed over me. And in His faithfulness, He directed me to a couple of verses in Isaiah that I took to memorizing... and repeated day in and day out.... even through the night. 

" I, even I, am He that comforteth you; 

Who art thou, that shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and the son of man which shall be made as grass;  

And forgettest the LORD thy maker, that hath stretched forth the heavens , and laid the foundations of the earth; 

And hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor as if he was ready to destroy? 

And where is the fury of the oppressor " 

Isaiah 51: 12,13

The fear that comes from the evil one... can debilitate us. But all we have to do is to look to our maker. HE alone comforts us. He alone delivers us from the hand of the oppressor. He alone strengthens us. 

Let us look unto the ROCK.

" The LORD is my ROCK and my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my strength, 

In whom I will trust...

For who is GOD, save the LORD? Or who is a rock, save our God? 

The LORD liveth , and blessed be my ROCK, 

And let the God of my salvation be exalted." 

Psalm 18:2,31,46

With thankfulness I read through Isaiah 51 today... thankful for the Lord's mercy... that endures forever. 

" Therefore hear now this, thou afflicted... thus saith thy Lord the Lord, 

and thy God that pleadeth the cause of his people, 

Behold, I have taken out of thine hand the cup of trembling... " 

Isaiah 51:21,22

Even in times of distress, our God is faithful!

May you be encouraged to cry out to the ONE who alone can save.

~Ellie

Offer the sacrifices of RIGHTEOUSNESS...

" Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: THOU hast enlarged me when I was in distress;

 Have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer." 

Psalm 4:1

For the past several days, I've been meditating on a couple of verses I read in conjunction to a parallel passage in Deutoronomy. It's a well known passage... a passage where we read about Israel's murmuring against God, and of their fear of the promised land.

But the couple of verse I read in Numbers made me stop. I read and re-read the verses. Could it be possible that we can be victorious in the "wilderness land"  and conquer the very "people" that cause us to fear? And in the end... be "fed" by the victory? 

" If the LORD delight in us, then HE will bring us into this land, and give it us: a land flowing with milk and honey.

Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land;

For they are bread for us;

Their defence is departed from them, and the LORD is with us; 

Fear them not. " 

Numbers 14:8-9   

    

As I read these couple of verse, I thought about its application in our own lives. 

How often we look at our time of distress as a burden, a fear, or even an unpleasant thing that we want removed from our lives. But if  God goes before us... and is with us in the midst of our trial... that trial is already won. And that trial and victory becomes "bread" for us.... because it causes us to grow in faith. 

Distress. Sorrow. Trials.  All work in our lives to help us grow and depend upon the ONE who goes before us.  The enemy is powerless,... all because our Lord is with us. 

And we know the sorrows of life are in themselves God's enlargements of His character in us. 

Our lives are enriched when we go through the valley of weeping. We learn tenderness. We learn humility. We learn compassion. We learn to weep with others. 

How can we ever understand those who go through the valley of weeping... if we haven't experienced the shedding of tears?

"... Thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress."

Psalm 41:1 

I don't know about you, but I look back in my life and thank God for the sorrows and trials that have strengthened my faith in Him. Yes, they hurt. Yes, they are difficult. But through them God works to strengthen, perfect, and establish us.

These temporary trials are for a moment... but they have a far greater weight in glory. Far greater.

" For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, 

worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory."

2 Corinthians 4:17

Trust. Dependence. Peace. Joy. All by-products of God's enlargements in our lives.

Oh, that I would learn to offer sacrifices of praise in time of sorrow.... and quit my murmuring.

May you offer sacrifices of righteousness... in times of distress.

~Ellie

Lo, I am with you ALWAYS, even unto the end of the world...

" The LORD your GOD which goeth before you, HE shall fight for you..." 

Deuteronomy 1:30

How often I am reminded of my weaknesses... it's not easy to face defeat or to see the flesh take control of actions or thoughts. This past week I saw myself succumb to the flesh... because I wanted to get my way ultimately. In reality, I went ahead in my own strength and placed God second. It didn't go well...

I repented and God in HIS mercy reached out to me and made me see that even when I fail, HIS compassions never faileth. Even when I falter in my faith, GREAT is HIS faithfulness.

He is just to forgive.

And while struggling with my failure, I was encouraged while reading through Deuteronomy that God is ultimately the One who goes before us and fights for us.

We are to be reminded of HIS faithfulness to us. All we have to do is to look in the past and see HIS mighty hand of protection over us. God never forsakes His own... even in the "wilderness" we often find ourselves in.

The "wilderness"... a desolate place, a place of fear. A place where others are bigger and stronger than us. A a place where we fear being defeated by the things around us. A place where discouraging words can paralyze us.

That's what the Israelites struggled with:

" Our brethren have discouraged our heart, saying, 

The people is greater and taller than we; 
The cities are great and walled up to heaven;

 And moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakims there." 

Deut. 1:28  

But the "wilderness" doesn't have to be a place of fear. It can be a place of growth. A place where our faith gets strengthened. A place where God works in us... and through us.

We need not murmur or rebel against God's work and will for our lives.

Yes, God's ways can be painful. Yes, His perfect plan for us may not be what we desire. But trusting that HE knows what's best will make us rejoice even in the midst of sorrow.

" As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing... " 

2 Corinthians 6:10

And through my reading in Deuteronomy, I came upon verse 31... where God paints such a beautiful illustration of HIS Fatherly love to HIS children.

" And in the wilderness 
Where thou hast seen how that the LORD THY GOD bare thee, 

As a man doth bear his son, 

In all the way that ye went..."

 Deut. 1:31

I could not but thank Him for His great mercy shown to me in the verse... a reminder that His compassions never fail.

HE is with us ... ALWAYS... even unto the end of the world. What a wonderful promise!

May you trust the Heavenly Father today... that HE is faithful and just to forgive, a present help in time of need.  

~Ellie

Therefore it is of FAITH, that it might be by GRACE...

" ... In the shadow of HIS hand hath HE hid me, and made me a polished shaft..." Isaiah 49:2

Today I felt like the LORD has a ton of work to do in my life. I am constantly reminded of my weaknesses throughout the day. My thoughts wander from the LORD as I focus on things below. Always concerned with doing things in my own strength...

It is a constant battle to get still before the LORD.... to allow the "dew" of HIS WORD to refresh me.  I quickly rush though the day and stop not to contemplate God's goodness to me... His faithfulness. His Mercy. His Grace.

Haste. Haste makes me miss the beauty of HIS presence in my life.

Last week as I was finishing a lovely visit with an older friend, I started gathering my things and was rushing to head on out. Lots of things awaited me... and  I needed to pick up my husband from work. My friend offered to walk me to my car.  Would I mind if she'd come along?  It was such a lovely day.

As I waited for her to find her key, then her cane, I thought of the fellowship we had enjoyed together for a couple of hours. It had been good to encourage each other from God's WORD...

We slowly made our way along the small path that led to the car. I in a hurry...  and my friend enjoying the bright yellow dandelion flowers that had sprung up so brightly in the heat of the day.

I was focusing on my need to hurry up. My friend stopped.

" Have you ever seen how perfectly the dandelion is made ? "  No. Not the dandelion. Why would I look intently at the dandelion? It's not the prettiest of flowers. And they are a bother. I suppose if they were a rose...

I went home. But I thought about the dandelion. How I treat God's blessings in my life as dandelions. They are perfect. But I rush and hardly pay attention to them. I see them...but sometimes consider them a bother. It can be a friend, a husband or wife, a sibling, a child in need... it can be work or chores that have to be done.... or it can be anything we take for granted, yet we cherish it not. We may even "trample" on them. But all are blessings from above...

How often we may consider God's blessings as "small and insignificant" . We want blessings that are big. We want to see God answering "beautifully". We want our prayers answered... immediately and in our own way.

I admit I don't always "see"  the LORD working in small things... but HE worketh.

HE perfectly polishes me... in HIS way, not mine. Through pain. Through trials. Through afflictions. Through times of loneliness, through times of fearfulness, through times of need.

I am weak. But I pray I might  show forth HIS glory.... through FAITH in HIM... and all by HIS GRACE.

Truly, HIS grace is sufficient.

" He staggered not at the promise of GOD through unbelief; but was strong in FAITH, giving glory to GOD; and being FULLY persuaded that, what HE had promised, HE was able also to perform."

Romans 4:20-21   

Lord, help me to have FAITH even in the smallest of things... and may I be still as you work  to polish and perfect your work in me. Thank you for your GRACE that carries me through the day.

May you see God's hand in your life as HE works on your behalf... trusting Him, loving Him, praising Him.

~Ellie

Thou art GOOD and doest GOOD...

" Thou hast dealt WELL with thy servant, O LORD, according unto thy WORD." Psalm 119: 65

This past week I "stumbled" upon a few verses in my daily Bible reading... verses that have made me think.

Do you ever wonder about God's goodness to you when you are afflicted? I'll admit it is quite hard to see what God is doing in my life when I feel afflicted in one form or another. No one likes afflictions.

But affliction is good for us, even though  it hurts. And yet the affliction is not in vain... it causes a marvelous work in us. It causes us to be more like Christ.

" For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory ."

2 Cor. 4:17 

If we are not afflicted, we naturally go astray. (Psalm 119:67). Our hearts need the discipline of the Lord, to keep us on the right path... and to please Him.

"Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.  So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God." Romans 8:7-8

Yes, it is difficult to be afflicted... to feel pain. One may say God isn't loving, or good or faithful when He sends afflictions. Because why would a loving God afflict us? Yet without affliction, our lives would never learn the statues of the LORD. And we would never  desire the WORD of God to dwell richly in us. We would be most miserable!

And if God says that it is good for us to be afflicted, then it must be GOOD. (Ps. 119: 71).

And we can have peace that HE is most loving:

" I know, O LORD, that THY judgements are right, and that thou in FAITHFULNESS has afflicted me."

(Psalm 119: 75)

I may not fully understand God's dealings with me. But one thing I know. He loves me enough to discipline me in faithfulness. And what assurance to know that HE never leaves HIS own.  Even when HE disciplines and afflicts us. Even then. He cares about each of His children. So much so, that a price was paid for our redemption. He bought us with the precious blood of His Son, Jesus Christ. And that is enough to trust Him.

" THY hands have made me and fashioned me: Give me understanding that I may learn Thy commandments."

Psalm 119:73  

May you know God's goodness to you... even in affliction.  May you delight in HIS word today, trusting Him.

~Ellie

For HE knoweth our frame...

" Bless the LORD of my soul and all that is within me, bless HIS HOLY name." Psalm 103:1

Ah, Psalm 103. What a beautiful, beautiful Psalm. Worth reading over and over again.

I've been trying to share some thoughts of what I have been dwelling on these past few days.  And I was sort of stuck. It's not that I haven't felt the Lord's goodness and mercy... for I have had some wonderful moments singing some old hymns and thanking the LORD for His daily provisions and faithfulness.

But after I read Psalm 103 today,  my heart was full of joy, contentment, gladness, thankfulness... all in one go!  Have you ever doubted God's love for you? Have you ever doubted God's mercy? Have you ever doubted God's tenderness? Just read Psalm 103... and you'll be amazed at GOD's beautiful tenderness towards us HIS people.

Even though we deserved death and punishment, God is ever so LOVING!

Here are just a few of His attributes towards us:

1) The LORD is merciful, 2) He is gracious, 3) He is slow to anger, 4) He is plentuous in mercy, 5) He will not always chide, 6) He will not keep His anger forever, 7) He doesn't deal with us after our sins, 8) He doesn't reward us after our iniquities 9) He pitieth us as a father does his child, 10) He removes our transgressions from us, 11) He forgives all our iniquities, 12) He heals all our diseases, 13) He redeems our life from destruction, 14) He crowns us with lovingkindness and tender mercies, 15) He satisfies our mouth with good things, 16 He executes righteousness and judgement to all that are oppressed.

Isn't it beautiful? What a LOVING FATHER.

And when we  think that GOD would have all the right to terminate us... He remembers that we are just dust! He knows how we are made. We are nothing before him... and yet ...we are EVERYTHING! HE sent HIS SON to die for us. Can we ever have enough praise?

As the Psalmist says: "Bless the LORD, O my soul... and all that is within me, BLESS His Holy name."

The neat thing is that HIS mercy is from everlasting to everlasting! It never ends...

May you be blessed as you meditate on the Father's tenderness and lovingkindness today.

~Ellie