Thursday, July 13, 2006
Storms......
Severe thunderstorms moved through our area this evening. Throughout the day I've been reflecting on the storms that the Sovereign Lord brings our way.
Sometimes Christians debate among themselves whether God causes storms, suffering or calmity. That is not the purpose for this post. I'm not a theologian or will I ever inspire to be. I am as much an eclectical mix of theology as I am an eclectical mix of homeschooling style. Tonight my heart is heavy for those in pain. The storm is raging, the thunder heads are mounting. But even in these times, we must run to the open arms of our loving Heavenly Father.
I love these verses:
Psalm 62:5-8
My soul, wait in silence for God only.
For my hope is from Him,
He only is my rock and my salvation,
My stronghold: I shall not be shaken,
On God my salvation and my glory rest;
The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.
Trust in Him at all times O people;
Pour out your heart before HIm:
God is a refuge for us...Selah.
I highly encourage the reading of this sermon by John Piper. It is from the title message from the conference The Suffering of Christ and the Sovereignty of God.
I appreciate this song.
Casting Crowns
Praise You In This Storm
I was sure by now
That You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say “Amen”, and it’s still raining
As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
“I’m with you”
And as You mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away
I’ll praise You in this storm
And I will life my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I’ve cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm
I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry
You raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can’t find You
As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
“I’m with you”
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away
I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth
So if you are in the middle or beginning of a storm. Take refuge dear one in the loving arms of one who knows all of your pain. And even when it doesn't "feel" like He is there, He is. Keep burying your head deeper into His loving embrace, cry your tears. He is always wanting to dry your tears. There is no limit to His desire to show you His lovingkindness, mercy and grace.
Yes, a christian should live in joy and victory. But hard things happen in our lives. And God, He wants us to use these times to find the joy that only comes from Him. It is sad for me that to many Christians are made to feel like they need to be happy. When inside they are in so much pain. There are raw issues in people's real lives. And God, He wants to be a part of it. Even if we have sinned against Him.
In the garden of Eden, I honestly believe that God knew that Adam and Eve had eaten the forbidden fruit. For Him to not know would be contrary to His character. Yet, God still sought them out. He went looking for them. He wants to have a relationship with each of us, no matter what we've done. He loves us so much that He watched His son suffer through a painstaking death for our sake.
I hope that I don't sound like I am on some soap-box or that I want to debate any theological issue. But I desire that someone might read this, and find the hope they are so desperately longing for. The hope that there is someone that understands all of their pain.
My trials have been few, and I'm even a little hesitant to write this entry. I don't need a testing, Lord, "Please". I just want to be an encouragement, and something is stirring me to write this.
~~~~~you remain in my prayers and on His heart,
Linda
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Thursday, July 13, 2006 - Hi Linda
Posted by ThreeLittleLadies
No, I don't have to cook much. We eat most of our meals at the base. When we are home, the girls want the simple favorites: mac and cheese and so forth.
I'm feeling good these days. Praise God!
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Thursday, July 13, 2006 - Maybe for me it was inspired to be writen
Posted by Canadagirl
I am facing challanging times for our house that God is building. We have hit a snag with our neighbor. We might have to build in total faith that it will come together in time. Our water situation is at a stand still and we can't cross our neighbor's corner of property for our water system. We have the full rights to the water but our neighbor is prolonging us from putting in the new pipe and we are nervous of winter coming before we can finish the top of the water system before the ground freezes. I have had a calming spirit till this last week and I am trying not to worry and keep putting it at the Lords feet. He is in Control and I need prayer from anyone who is willing.
In Him,
-Canadagirl
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Friday, July 14, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by AcceptanceWithJoy
Until my next storm, I have come to terms with the sovereignty of God. But, I remember having to hold on to my faith by sheer will when Marissa was first diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. I didn't understand why God would not have protected her from the alcohol that her birth mother drank. But as I have watched her grow, I am reminded over and over of the miracle that is Marissa. I love the pictures of the storm. We did FINALLY get a little rain. It even thundered and lighteninged ~ but my it has been dry!
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Friday, July 14, 2006 - it must be for me -
Posted by PinayMom
- i am in the middle of this *storm*. i am struggling with forgiveness issues towards my family back in the philippines... be praying for me... ~ melanie <><
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Friday, July 14, 2006 - Encouraging Words
Posted by trinaleah
You know if you feel pressed to do something that the Lord puts on your heart you better do it...so good for you!
I thought those words were beautiful and very encouraging. I love to hear about God's infinite mercies and how he is there for us in every way, no matter what. I hold fast to those promises, and have had to lean on them more times than I care to count. God is good!
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Friday, July 14, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by JavaMama
Amazing post! This is such a good reminder and encouragement for those who are in the midst of storms and for those who are not for they are coming. We need to keep a God centered perspective during them, and not loose sight of His soveriegnty..........many times we will not see His hand in our situations until years later we must be willing to trust Him know that He is God.
I am going to listen to that sermon today during my quite time!
JOYfully in Him,
Kelli
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Friday, July 14, 2006 - I love it too!
Posted by DreweLlyn
"Praise You in this Storm" is awesome. There is a story behind it which I have posted on our church's blog of which I'm the manager. I also have the song playing in the background.
(www.clearbranchinspirations.blogspot.com)
Be blessed!
~ Drewe Llyn
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Friday, July 14, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Canadagirl
New contest at Canadagirls blog !!!!
Spread the word if you can ! (0;
In Him,
-Canadagirl
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Sunday, July 16, 2006 - Great job
Posted by Mamma1420
I know you're not looking for compliments but I hope that if someone is having a hard time right now they will read this post.
I tell my children that God pushes the clouds together to squeeze out the rain for his plants. The thunder comes from clouds that are so full of water when they hit together they make a sound.
I thought that was better than God is bowling...
Thank you for taking the time to visit and comment, I always love a visit from you!
God Bless You and your family
Jessica
ps. dd's violin is a little big for her, she can't hold it properly but she loves it nonetheless.
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Monday, July 17, 2006 - Praise You in this Storm
Posted by cricket313
I heard this song about one month ago, while I was dealing with some trials in life. I truly love the words and clung to this song while I was dealing with stuff.
There are some awesome Christian song writers out there today. Praise the Lord. My top group for awesome songs if MercyMe, but Casting Crowns is becoming a close second. I think Bart Millard of MercyMe is the Rich Mullins of this decade.
Michelle
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Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - Thanks for visiting my blog!
Posted by TRINITYPREPSCHOOL
Yes, the storm knocked out everything and no I didn't have back ups! I just love learning lessons the hard way! Now, I have a whole new system andwe're paying a technician to try to get data out of the old system into the new one. He believes it's possible. Praise the lOrd! All in all a $1350 lesson! Ouch!
Maureen
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Thursday, July 20, 2006 - Obedience Brings Blessings
Posted by daybydaygrace
May God send you the blessings you are due. Thanks for your encouragement. Right now, the storm is raging in my life. The thunder is popping and the lightening is striking. The only thing that is keeping me going is knowing who's hand the storm is in the palm of. I am so glad that tears is a language that God understands.
Pray for me and my family? Blessings, Traci
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Friday, July 21, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by lindafay
I love those storm pictures.
I am reading Don't Waste Your Life right now. Just love Piper's words.
Be blessed today,
linda
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