Good Morning Friends

I was speaking with Gail this morning and realized I did not hear from anyone concerning what verse you are working on. We must be diligent with ourselves, our LORD and one another as we strive to commit God's Word to memory. I love this group and look forward to our time together. Gail tells me you had a wonderful time in your last class together. Melissa and I were scheduled in another meeting that night. I am sorry we missed the class. I want to share a scripture and a few thoughts with you this morning. I do not know what is going on in your lives this morning but I think this will speak to someone this morning, it did to my heart.

The words tells us, "He wounds, but he also binds up; he injures, but his hands also heal." (Job 5:18). Let that rest on you for just a moment. We look forward to the blessings, and there certainly are plenty to look forward to. But there are also times of extreme wounding and testing, that is not so much fun. But I challenge today to look back to the peace that comes almost immediately after walking through a difficult time. I think there are several reasons for the peace and complete calm that comes from our ability to yield to God and His care at that time. We realize that we are powerless to do anything in and of our own strength. We can do nothing but stop and praise the LORD that in the midst of total devastation or extreme difficulties, we are still standing , still able, if we choose to, praise the LORD and give thanks.

We only have to look to Japan and the devastation they have suffered through the recent earthquakes, look at the south and see the ruin and wreckage of the recent tornado's and look in our own backyard to see what people have lost in our area due to devastating storms and tornado's. Not once have I seen a person raise their fist to heaven and speak angry words to God. Everyone has said, it is only things, I am thankful I still have my life and my family. People who have lost loved ones are suffering grief over the loss of their loved ones and have said they could care less about things.

Some of you are going through hard days in your personal lives. People are looking for work, families are struggling to prepare for the future while living today. I want you to know I know from my own personal experience that the trials will someday end. The LORD will say that is enough and the healing will begin. Stay focused on Him and His Word, don't look to the left or to the right, only straight ahead to the face of God. Don't try to figure things out, plan what you will do "if" this or that happens. Only look to Him for strength and provision. Remember, Jehovah Jireh, my provider, His grace is sufficient for you and me. There is a calmness and peace that comes from knowing and living that truth out.

May the LORD, watch over you and keep you. May the LORD cause His face to shine upon you. May you know His peace and His care this day. I look forward to seeing each one of you tonight. Come with an anticipation of hearing from God as He speaks to your heart and that of others.

I love you and cherish you,
Marilyn