Tuesday, September 26, 2006

September 26, 2006

It is a beautiful day here in Minnesota. The leaves are changing color, and I confess it makes me a little sad. Soon, there will be snow on the ground and I will have to wait at least five months for spring to return. I think this sadness is a bit like the discouragement so many feel when facing a difficult time in their lives. Their world is changing; how long will it be before things get better?

Whenever I feel this way I always go to the Bible for comfort. Two years ago I made a commitment to God that His Word would be the first thing I read every day . . . and I kept my promise. It has transformed my life. I learned the truth and power of this verse:

"For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Heb 4:122

The Bible is so much more than just a book; it reveals the heart of Elohim, the great God of Creation. Every verse is infused with supernatural power that digs deep into the soil of the heart and tills, plants, waters, and weeds it. It enriches the spirit with wisdom, strength, and discipline. I cannot imagine my life without it. When I think of all the years I did not draw from this power, I am sad. There is so much I wish I could go back and change in my life, but I praise God for His forgiveness and His patience with me. "For He knows our frame;He remembers that we are dust." Ps 103:14 It is so comforting to know that I can go to God's Word and draw from His power anytime I need it. I may struggle sometimes with the changing seasons of life, but God has provided a way to triumph.


"Teach me to love thee as thine angels love,
One holy passion filling all my frame;
The baptism of the heaven-descended Dove,
My heart an altar and thy love the flame."

--George Croly and Frederick Atkinson
"Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart"

2 Comments:

Mrs Pilgrim said...

Hi there! I came here through crossroad.to, about the "Local Church" fiasco.

Since you ask for positive comments regarding your late, thrice-blessed father, I wanted to share with you.

My husband has one of the first printings of "Kingdom of the Cults." I've read it front-to-back, and it certainly clarified some things for me. (As one with an English degree, I also admire his to-the-point writing style that doesn't sacrifice felicity for brevity.)

I'm finding that the opening chapters of the book are currently even more relevant than they were back then: in application to the Emerging Church movement. Based on his assessment of what constitutes a cult, I'm starting to think that the EC is not what they think they are.

(Do you know Rev. Ken Silva? I also visit his "Apprising Ministries" and "Slice of Laodicea," which deal with just that. Rev. Silva remembers your father with respect and admiration.)

I'll be adding this site to my "favorites," and I will pray for you.

11:07 AM  
Jill Martin Rische said...

Thank you so much, fearless, for your kind comments. They mean a lot. And yes, I do remember Ken Silva--in a very positive way. :)

11:46 AM  

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