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1997-07-30 - The Joy of the Lord is My Strength
Habakkuk 3:17&18 - "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 no herd be in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy
in the God of my salvation." (KJV)
My favorite character in the Bible is Job. A lot of people talk about the
"patience of Job", and yet there was more than just patience at risk. One
after another, messengers brought news, "While he was still speaking …".
And yet, after losing his herds, his home, his servants, and finally his
family, he still praised God.
Satan's one desire is to break us Christians, troubles and trials are always
coming our way! It seems that sometimes the more we follow God's plan for
our lives, the harder things get.
And yet, God is the God of circumstances, too. No matter how bleak it seems,
He is in control.
How we face the trials and troubles that come our way determine whether we
win or lose the battle. The war is already won, but the battles are ours.
It's easier to face today when we know that God has promised us tomorrow.
Isaiah 64:4 says, "For since the beginning of the world men have not heard,
nor perceived by the ear, neither eye seen, O God, beside Thee, what He hath
prepared for him that waiteth for Him."
Fight on, Oh Christian, remember that our God reigns, He has already determined
the outcome. Hold fast, O Warrior, keep your eye on tomorrow, and Praise
the Lord.
It's Not an Easy Road
by John W. Peterson
It's not an easy road we are traveling to heaven, For many are the thorns
on the way
It's not an easy road, but the Savior is with us His presence gives us joy
every day.
It's not an easy road - there are trials and troubles And many are the
dangers we meet
But Jesus guards and keeps so that nothing can harm us We'll rest in peace
over there.
Tho I am often footsore and weary from travel, Tho I am often bowed down
with care
A better day is coming when home in the glory We'll rest in peace over there.
No, no, it's not an easy road. No, no, it's not an easy road;
But Jesus walks beside me and brightens the journey, And lightens every heavy
load
My dear Lord, sometimes it seems as if I can't keep going under the pressures
of the world. Lord, sometimes it seems as if my shoulder are bowed with loads
that are put there by the Destroyer. Help me to remember, Father, that although
You allowed the devil to throw his worst my way, Lord, help me to remember
that You are in control, that no matter what happens, YOU have already won.
Help me to keep my eye on the Cross, hold my head up, and press on. Thank
You for Your love. Thank You for Your grace. Thank You for fighting the battles
before me and for me. Amen
Sandi
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