In spite of the fact we complain and lament
And view this old world with much discontent, Deploring conditions and grumbling because There's so much injustice and so many flaws, It's a wonderful world, and it's people like you Who make it that way by the things that they do. For a warm, ready smile or a kind, thoughtful deed Or a hand outstretched in an hour of need Can change our whole outlook and make the world bright Where a minute before just nothing seemed right. It's a wonderful world and it always will be If we keep our eyes open and focused to see The wonderful things we are capable of When we open our hearts to God and His love. -Helen Steiner Rice There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us. 1 John 4:18, 19
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I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20
"No one is ever united with Jesus Christ until he is willing to relinquish not sin only, but his whole way of looking at things. To be born from above of the Spirit of God means that we must let go before we lay hold, and in the first stages it is the relinquishing of all pretense. What Our Lord wants us to present to Him is not goodness, nor honesty, nor endeavor, but real solid sin; that is all He can take from us. And what does He give in exchange for our sin? Real solid righteousness. But we must relinquish all pretense of being anything, all claim of being worthy of God's consideration. Then the Spirit of God will show us what further there is to relinquish. There will have to be the relinquishing of my claim to my right to myself in every phase. Am I willing to relinquish my hold on all I possess, my hold on my affections, and on everything, and to be identified with the death of Jesus Christ? There is always a sharp painful disillusionment to go through before we do relinquish. When a man really sees himself as The Lord sees him, it is not the abominable sins of the flesh that shock him, but the awful nature of the pride of his own heart against Jesus Christ. When he sees himself in the light of The Lord, the shame and the horror and the desperate conviction come home. If you are up against the question of relinquishing, go through the crisis, relinquish all, and God will make you fit for all that He requires of you." -Oswald Chambers "My Utmost for His Highest" "There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful than that of a continual conversation with God. Those only can comprehend it who practice and experience it; yet I do not advise you to do it from that motive. It is not pleasure which we ought to seek in this exercise; but let us do it from a principle of love, and because God would have us."
-Brother Lawrence (1614-1691) The Practice and The Presence of God "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled." Matthew 5:6 "We cannot escape the dangers which abound in life without the actual and continual help of God. Let us then pray to him for it continually. How can we pray to Him without being with Him? How can we be with Him but in thinking of Him often? And how can we often think of Him but by a holy habit which we should form of it? You will tell me that I am always saying the same thing. It is true, for this is the best and easiest method I know; and as I use no other, I advise the all the world to it. We must know before we can love. In order to know God, we must often think of Him; and when we come to love Him, we shall then also think of Him often, for our heart will be with our treasure. This is an argument which well deserves your consideration."
-Brother Lawrence (1614-1691) The Practice of The Presence of God But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews11:1 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17 In the begining was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1 We love Him, because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil." John 3:16-19 "Since by His mercy He gives us still a little time, let us begin in earnest, let us repair the lost time, let us return with a full assurance to that Father of mercies, who is always ready to receive us affectionately. Let us renounce, let us generously renounce, for the love of Him, all that is not Himself; He deserves infinitely more. Let us think of Him perpetually. Let us put all our trust in Him; I doubt not but we shall soon find the effects of it, in receiving the abundance of His grace, with which we can do all things, and without which we can do nothing but sin."
-Brother Lawrence (1614-1691) When dark days come-and they come to us all-
We feel so helpless and lost and small. We cannot fathom the reason why, And it is futile for us to try To find the answer, the reason or cause, For the master plan is without any flaws. And when the darkness shuts out the light, We must lean on faith to restore our sight, For there is nothing we need know If we have faith that wherever we go God will be there to help us to bear Our disappointments, pain, and care. For He is our Shepherd, our Father, our Guide, And you're never alone with The Lord at your side. So may the great Physician attend you, And may His healing completely mend you. -Helen Steiner Rice Be glad that your life has been full and complete,
Be glad that you've tasted the bitter and sweet. Be glad that you've walked in sunshine and rain, Be glad that you've felt both pleasure and pain. Be glad that you've had such a full, happy life, Be glad for your joy as well as your strife. Be glad that you've walked with courage each day, Be glad you've had strength for each step of the way. Be glad for the comfort that you've found in prayer. Be glad for God's blessings, His love, and His care. -Helen Steiner Rice They way we use adversity is strictly our own choice,
For in God's hands, adversity can make the heart rejoice. For everything God sends to us, no matter in what form, Is sent with plan and purpose; for by the fierceness of a storm, The atmosphere is changed and cleared, and the earth is washed and clean, And the high winds of adversity can make restless souls serene. And while it's very difficult for mankind to understand God's intentions and His purpose and the workings of His hand, If we observe the miracles that happen every day, We cannot help but be convinced that in His wondrous way God makes what seemed unbearable and painful and distressing Easily acceptable when we view it as a blessing. -Helen Steiner Rice Be Strong!
We are not here to play, to dream, to drift; We have hard work to do and loads to lift; Shun not the struggle-face it; 'tis God's gift. Be Strong! Say not, "The days are evil. Who's to blame?" And fold the hands and acquiesce-oh shame! Stand up, speak out, and bravely, in God's name. Be Strong! It matters not how deep intrenched the wrong, How hard the battle goes, the day how long; Faint not-fight on! Tomorrow comes the song. -Maltbie Davenport Babcock O God, the Rock of Ages,
Who evermore hast been, What time the tempest rages, Our dwelling-place serene: Before Thy first creations, O Lord, the same as now, To endless generations, The Everlasting Thou! Our years are like the shadows On sunny hills that lie, Or grasses in the meadows That blossom but to die: A sleep, a dream, a story, By strangers quickly told, An unremaining glory Of things that soon are old. O Thou who canst not slumber, Whose light grows never pale, Teach us aright to number Our years before they fail! On us Thy mercy lighten, On us Thy goodness rest, And let Thy Spirit brighten The hearts Thyself hast blessed! -Edward H. Bickersteth |
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