endurance & encouragement

Especially during the last 2 1/2 years (can it be that long!?) with Don gone from the house for 17 hrs each week-day and studying all the time on the weekends, these verses were a real encouragement to me.

"May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 15:5-6

cast off the slave chains

I just can't get out of Romans 8. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!" I woke up this morning with thoughts of God's sovereignty on my mind. The fact that He controls everything and will let nothing go further than He has decreed. He is a kind and loving Father who I can trust. So, I don't have to worry about the events of today. Though I can't always trust other people to do the right thing (or even myself for that matter!) or put my confidence in 'things' today - I can put my confidence in my heavenly Father and rest in His adoption of me as a child. So, no need to put on the slave chains of fear again - let me just remind myself of who my Father is.

all things

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (Rom 8:28) He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things ? (Rom 8:32) all things - greek word "panta" (forgive the laziness in not using greek manuscript) I remember Lance preaching about this. He said that the word used meant literally "all things". Big things, small things, spiritual things, normal things. This is a good word to remember. Especially in the midst of this pregnancy. God is interested in using all aspects of my life to conform me more to the image of His Son.

sovereign ruler

Sovereign Ruler of the skies, Ever gracious, ever wise, All my times are in thy hand, All of events at thy command. His decree who formed the earth Fixed my first and second birth; Parents, native place, and time All appointed were by him. He that formed in the womb, He shall guide me to the tomb; All my times shall ever be Ordered by his wise decree. Times of sickness, times of health, Times of penury and wealth; Times of trial and of grief, Times of triumph and relief; Times the tempter’s power to prove, Times to test the Savior’s love; All must come, and last, and end As shall please my heavenly friend. Plagues and death around me fly; Till he bids, I cannot die. Nor a single shaft can hit, Till the love of God sees fit. John Ryland (1753-1825), Baptist minister, cited by J.I. Packer, God’s Plans for You , pg. 9.

somewhere between

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