His trust in me was measured by my abilities to follow through, produce, and not give in when things were tough, or times were bad.”
–Chris Mullen (Rowdy: Wild and Mean, Sharp and Keen)
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose hope is the LORD.”
–Jeremiah 17:7 (NKJV)
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“Because He lives, I can face tomorrow…” –Bill Gaither
I trust that you had a grand Easter weekend…took time to reflect upon the cross and Christ’s sacrifice–then rejoiced on Easter, the day of resurrection. We have a glorious hope; it’s a shame that those in the world shun it, shame it, mock it and some actually blaspheme it. They want hope and peace, yet when it is offered it is spurned. Because He lives we can truly live – Psalm 112.
6 — Surely he will never be shaken; the righteous will be in everlasting remembrance.
7 — He will not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
8 — His heart is established; he will not be afraid, until he sees his desire upon his enemies.
9 — He has dispersed abroad, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever; his horn will be exalted with honor.
10 — The wicked will see it and be grieved; he will gnash his teeth and melt away; the desire of the wicked shall perish. (NKJV)
Because of Christ we can take a firm stand in Him and His Word. Being deeply rooted, we will never be shaken! “He is not given to panic or overreaction in the face of adversity. Rather, he is marked by stability and strength of heart.” (Steven Lawson) Read those words carefully. They are words whereby we can walk through this world with faith and strength and courage. Bad news may, and will come, but we do not have a bad report. We trust in the Lord, just as the psalmist did.
I really like, “his heart is established…”. It is steadfast; it will not be moved; it is anchored to an infinite, unmovable God. In this we have security, for our heart is established by God; it is no longer subject to the whims of the world or our own emotions. George Wood puts it this way, “Look at the images of security–never shaken, remembered forever, no fear of bad news, steadfast heart, trusting in the Lord, no fear, triumph over foes.” He knows, we know, that God will deal with our problems and our foes.
The one who is steadfast, who is secure, will be a giving person. Remember, giving is not always monetary. Giving can be of time (important), resources, knowledge, or even a smile. Take a moment and think how you may give. I had a wonderful professor, Dr. Holsinger, who told me that he was not physically able to help others or do missions trips, but instead he would give of his knowledge, wisdom, and expertise to students by teaching a class without pay. That should give us hope, because as we “age” and go through this life things change. Our means of giving and helping might have to change as well. However, it is well to remember that, “Charity empties the heart of one gift that it may make room for a larger.” (Joseph Parker)
“A whispered word may touch the heart and call it back to life.
A look of love bid sin depart and calm unholy strife.
No act falls fruitless; none can tell how vast its power may be.
Nor what results enfolded dwell within it silently.”
–unknown
————————————–
“Because He lives, I can face tomorrow…” –Bill Gaither
I trust that you had a grand Easter weekend…took time to reflect upon the cross and Christ’s sacrifice–then rejoiced on Easter, the day of resurrection. We have a glorious hope; it’s a shame that those in the world shun it, shame it, mock it and some actually blaspheme it. They want hope and peace, yet when it is offered it is spurned. Because He lives we can truly live – Psalm 112.
6 — Surely he will never be shaken; the righteous will be in everlasting remembrance.
7 — He will not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
8 — His heart is established; he will not be afraid, until he sees his desire upon his enemies.
9 — He has dispersed abroad, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever; his horn will be exalted with honor.
10 — The wicked will see it and be grieved; he will gnash his teeth and melt away; the desire of the wicked shall perish. (NKJV)
Because of Christ we can take a firm stand in Him and His Word. Being deeply rooted, we will never be shaken! “He is not given to panic or overreaction in the face of adversity. Rather, he is marked by stability and strength of heart.” (Steven Lawson) Read those words carefully. They are words whereby we can walk through this world with faith and strength and courage. Bad news may, and will come, but we do not have a bad report. We trust in the Lord, just as the psalmist did.
I really like, “his heart is established…”. It is steadfast; it will not be moved; it is anchored to an infinite, unmovable God. In this we have security, for our heart is established by God; it is no longer subject to the whims of the world or our own emotions. George Wood puts it this way, “Look at the images of security–never shaken, remembered forever, no fear of bad news, steadfast heart, trusting in the Lord, no fear, triumph over foes.” He knows, we know, that God will deal with our problems and our foes.
The one who is steadfast, who is secure, will be a giving person. Remember, giving is not always monetary. Giving can be of time (important), resources, knowledge, or even a smile. Take a moment and think how you may give. I had a wonderful professor, Dr. Holsinger, who told me that he was not physically able to help others or do missions trips, but instead he would give of his knowledge, wisdom, and expertise to students by teaching a class without pay. That should give us hope, because as we “age” and go through this life things change. Our means of giving and helping might have to change as well. However, it is well to remember that, “Charity empties the heart of one gift that it may make room for a larger.” (Joseph Parker)
“A whispered word may touch the heart and call it back to life.
A look of love bid sin depart and calm unholy strife.
No act falls fruitless; none can tell how vast its power may be.
Nor what results enfolded dwell within it silently.”
–unknown