I received a call this morning
from my surgeon’s office. They want to
move my ablation from the 18th to the 3rd. I have a lot to do to make that happen. Frankly, I would much rather go in earlier, I
am going in and out of a-fib with the slightest bit of irritation or stress –
even walking too fast, or even getting out of my chair too quickly might set it
off. Not a way to live, fruitfully.
Garden is suffering, both from
the heat and from Carla trying to do it all herself. Frustrating, hopefully the operation will
take the first time – we have a lot of canning and other things to do before
winter sets in.
Psalm 119:46-51 I will
speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be
ashamed.
47 And I will delight
myself in thy commandments, which I have
loved.
48 My hands also will I
lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy
statutes.
49 Remember the word unto
thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to
hope.
50 This is my comfort in my
affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.
51 The proud have had me
greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy
law.
For the purpose of this
discussion let us change the word law to His Word (Bible) and it will basically
say I have not declined from the Words Jesus commanded of us in order to serve
Him.
The Psalmist knew of the pain of
being a member of God’s chosen people, yet continued to praise Him and desired
to obey His Word. God’s Word gave him
peace and strength to carry on his obligations to God.
So it is with us.
Mathew
10:22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my
name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be
saved.
Jesus told us that we would have
trials and tribulations as we live for Him.
As He suffered, He reminded us that we are not greater than Him. We should not expect all roses and praise
from the world as we serve Christ. An
unrepentant sinner doesn’t want to hear what we have to say.
But He also told and showed us
how to respond.
Lord, when I feel as if I am in
the deepest of dungeons and there is no one who cares and there is no way out,
may I remember you are with me always, even unto the ends of the world.
Lord, when I am discouraged
because those in my community do not listen to my voice about you, may I
remember your disappointment when you went to Nazareth and your prior friends
and neighbors rejected you.
Lord, when I have told people of
your love and salvation they either turn away after a short time, or forget
their commitments to you, may I remember that after you had ministered to many,
they still did not receive your Word and soon forgot who you were.
Lord, as I question my ability
to serve you to the fullest, may I remember your plea to the Father that not
your will but His be done.
Lord, when someone I am close
to, someone who shares all my secrets turns on me, may I remember that a trusted
friend betrayed you.
Lord, when I am brought before
the authorities because I have preached your Gospel, may I remember that you
were brought before the authorities and placed on trial for your teachings.
Lord, when my words are falsely
interpreted or lies about me are made to undermine my relationship with God, may
I remember they introduced false statements against you.
Lord, as I am being derided for
my trust and faith in you, may I remember they taunted you.
Lord, as I am being humiliated
and made to look the fool, may I remember they placed a crown of thorns upon
your head and mocked you as ‘their king.’
Lord, as I go through pain and
suffering from service to you, may I remember that you were beaten and
scourged.
Lord, as I feel the burden of
the cross I must bear and feel I can no longer go on, may I remember that you
had to carry the cross that would lead to your agony and death.
Lord, as I struggle with
forgiving others for the wrongs they have done to me, may I remember you forgave
those that placed you on the cross in humiliation and mocked you as you
died.
Lord, as I go through the threat
of death because of my relationship with you, may I remember your death upon the
cross.
Lord, when I breathe my last and
am ready to leave this earthly body, may I remember that you have gone before me
and made a place for me in your heavens.
Lord, Thank you.
Later, Art :-)
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