Tag: adversity

NO PROBLEM ~

On By francesrogersIn CONTENTMENT, GOD'S GLORY, GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD2 Comments

We often hear the reply “No Problem” to a “Thank You” ~meaning that the good deed was no big deal, something perhaps done just in the line of duty, not requiring much from the giver.

Can we imagine this response from God? Whatever He does is as He has planned and for which He has prepared to give, and for us to receive.

Let’s take this thought a little further and apply it to all things, not just the good that He gives but also to all of life.

The word problem is not in the Bible ~ not in the original KJV. This gives us a clue as to who gave us this word and why it has become a major word in the English language. God’s and our adversary would have us go from day to day as if all of life is a problem.

This is life focused on men and self ~ striving through and barely surviving because our view of God seems to be what we would naturally say is problematic.

I want to suggest that we change our vocabulary to one that is compatible with God’s. Let us consider the Psalmist view ~ 103:190001OU

In our heavenly Father’s view there is no problem. Let us think with the mind of Christ who came to reveal the Father to us. Instead of problems what can we know and see in this physical world of God’s creation?

We are faced with :

Abnormalities and uncertainties

Absurdities and obscurities

Adversities and necessities

Atrocities and monstrosities

We encounter:

Authorities and majorities

Calamities and subtleties

Complexities and perplexities

Difficulties and anxieties

We are confronted with:

Iniquities and inequities

Insincerities and insecurities

Sensitivities and inabilities

But none of these are a problem to God. More so, they are all part of His overall plan. These are all the underside of God’s tapestry, as He is weaving all things together with His presence and power in us.  These are all His means of bringing His will to be made known; and to work His own life and joy in us.  All things are for our good, so as to conform us to the image of His dear Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (Romans 8:28-29) He endured all these that we too might endure to the end and enjoy His victory and glory.

It is not meant that we are to understand His plan ~ it is too much for us to comprehend; but in faith to believe what He says and reveals to us as He works in us, in others, and all circumstances. When we, as His children, know Him and see His great and mighty power in His creation and redemption we will no longer view things as problems, but accept all things as opportunities and possibilities in how we are to live and fulfill our purpose to glorify our heavenly Father. Read the whole Psalm with this mind-set and you will begin to think differently so as to glorify Him and enjoy Him forever.

It matters not whether I sleep or wake ~ God is God.

All that matters is for His sake ~ God is God.

Glorious Father, you planned according to your sovereign will all that you wanted to do in your creation and redemption.  And now in this generation, as always, you are working through your providence for all that you planned.  THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.  And I hear Him answer, “No Problem; it is all my pleasure to give you the kingdom.

God Blows Us Away

On By francesrogersIn CONTENTMENT, GOD'S GLORY, GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD, HUMILITY, PRAYERLeave a comment

When have you been stunned by a revelation of God? When is the last time that you were speechless, standing in awe of what you knew only God can do? When have the mouths of God’s people been shut so as to hear and see Him? He is still in the process of sifting His wheat and blowing away the chaff, so that He can use His grain to feed His people.

This is the way He has been dealing with me for many years, but especially in the last few days. Such a time as this Thursday led me to spend Friday morning in fellowship with the Father. As I said “Amen” I pushed up on the sides of the chair, but was unable to stand, feeling that my feet were being held.   Sitting back, wondering at my inability, I asked Him what was happening. His silent answer, through His Spirit seemed to be, “I have planted your feet in the field of humility; so that you can receive from me and be a means of sharing what I give you.” After a few minutes of pondering what that meant I stood and went about my work for the remainder of the day.

Saturday was a seemingly usual day, and the Lord’s Day was again that special day ~ the eighth day and the first day of the week when we enjoy the fellowship of God’s family in worship and in private worship and reading and however He leads for the rest of the day.

This morning from about two the Spirit of the Lord has been continuing to bring His Word to bear in my mind and heart. The vision of standing with my feet covered with dirt in a wheat field was prominent as I wondered what it was leading to.

For years my ministry has not been public, relegated to the home only with Jerry. His ministry to me has continually been fulfilled. Every promise, every hope given has been real and shared with others wherever He opened a door. He continues to amaze me, and open heaven as if it is here on earth. So phenomenal it is, that it seems unbelievable at times, and unexplainable. He blows me away, and I don’t know what to say; sometimes He takes my breath away and I stand in awe and reverence, receiving, and praying to share what He wants me to.

My thoughts this morning ~ as I was planted in the field of wheat ~ the reminder of Jesus’ words, “I came to cast fire on the earth, and would that it were already kindled!” Luke 12:49; and in Mark 9:49, “Everyone will be salted with fire.”

Fire in the Bible refers to God’s judgment, and in my thoughts came this vision of the wheat field wherein I am rooted being set fire by the breath of God. Again I am blown away by the revelation that He makes us usable by removing the dross in our lives with whatever He chooses. How did the vision end? What was revealed in this new open field? I had been blown away and all that was left was a fresh loaf of bread that He can share wherever He desires.

In addition to His working in my own life I see Him working in others also. This applies to how He may be working in this nation and the world. From His Word and recent sermons I believe that God is able and will reveal Himself in such a way that will make us stand in awe, to know His presence and power at work to cleanse His temple and His people. The apostle Paul knew this presence and power as He wrote to the Corinthian church, “For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building.” 1 Corinthians 3:9

Jesus said in Matthew 13:24 “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field.” He sows the good seed of His Word in us as His field. Our bodies are the temple of His Holy Spirit to do with as He pleases, so that we may share Christ, the bread of life.big_thumb_fb317feed7b7129b6f4c8db3604b0f2c

It may be the time for Him to start fresh again in this nation. We see the cloud of persecution looming and wonder what His plans are. When He blows by the breath of His nostrils and speaks the Word we shall see and praise Him though we as His people have to endure His wrath upon the whole. The fire that brings judgment upon the rest of the world will be that which removes the dross of His church.

Listen to a recent sermon based on the book of Habakkuk, which the minister speaks of as the closest book of the Bible to the conditions of our nation today.

“When God Does Not Respond As We Expect” ~ Dr. C.

Music ~ Yet I Will Rejoice ~ Habakkuk 3:17-18
Dear Father, I pray that you would reveal your truth, your Word, to your people today; that you would prepare us for days ahead as we need such a revelation of your presence and power in our midst. Rend the heavens and come down as the melting fire burneth to make your name known among the adversaries. Show us your mercy and mighty hand upon us as you remove all that hinders your working in and through us. Make us loaves of the bread of life for your glory, for others and our joy. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen

Related Article: Yet I Will Rejoice

Give Your Marriage at Least Fifty-years

On By francesrogersIn CONTENTMENT, GOD'S GLORY, GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD, PRAYER3 Comments

slide_191808_853093_largeWhat happens after the honeymoon?  Reality sets in.  The husband and wife begin to let down their guard and show their true colors.  The marriage vows were laid on a sure foundation of true love and commitment or on the sand of lust and deception.

How well do a man and woman know each other before saying “I do?”  In a way the stages of marriage can be compared to this life and preparing for the next.  As the Bride of Christ, the church is always going through difficult times, as we anticipate and contemplate the developing of this relationship and the final consummation.

For whatever reason you married ~ for love or lust ~ it can develop into a holy relationship.  By this I mean, a relationship in which God, through Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit, does a miraculous work in both hearts; bringing two people to enjoy a time together that was impossible at the beginning.

It takes commitment, from both, or at least one.  This too is His work.  We must give ourselves first to the Lord Jesus Christ, as part of His Bride.  We experience a spiritual marriage in our relationship with Him; and a physical marriage in our relationship with a husband or wife.  A wife’s submission to the husband is “as unto the Lord.”  Ephesians 5: 22-24, 33.  The husband’s love to the wife, is as “Christ loves His church.”  Ephesians 5:23, 25, 33.   This is a supernatural work.

Twenty years is a miracle for most marriages today.  We have heard of broken vows and divorce after thirty years of marriage.  The duration of fifty years is one of brokenness of hearts and spirits, for things unforeseen, for hurts and adversity; much prayer and searching for wisdom through God’s word.

All of these bring with them the needed character of patience, longsuffering, and forgiveness, with  a multitude of the Lord’s blessings.  They are used of God to turn lust into true love, as we endure with the one to whom we are united and committed.

 Jerry and I (as one) are a good example of this truth of perseverance.  Had we depended on ourselves, or just on each other, we would not still be together.  Forgetting ourselves, we had to look past our own feelings, to what God willed for us, and to the needs of the other.

There is no perfect marriage, except the one that our heavenly Father is preparing us for in heaven with Christ.  What a glorious day and eternity that will be.  In the meantime, He is revealing it to me, giving me a taste of it, in my own marriage.

 (Jerry, in case I haven’t told you today  ~  I love you.   Thank you for putting up with me all these years, for enduring all my anger, impatience, discontent and frustrations; for your forgiveness, for providing for me, for loving me. )

 Lord Jesus,  I love you.  Thank you for your patience and longsuffering,  your physical suffering and sacrifice for me, your provisions for now and eternity; your loving me now and forever.  Thank you heavenly Father for creating me to be Jerry’s, to see His needs above my own; to live for you and him.  Spread abroad your love in our hearts, by your Spirit, which you have given us; that we may love you with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and our neighbor as ourselves. Continue to fill me with your Spirit of joy, fulfilling your purpose for Jerry and me ~ for your glory and our joy.  In Jesus name I pray.  Amen.

Waiting is Not a Game

On By francesrogersIn CONTENTMENT, GOD'S GLORY, GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD, MUSIC, PRAYER3 Comments

(How well our  heavenly Father  teaches us this truth as we experience the trials of this life.
The original article with this title (below) was written almost five years ago while we were waiting for Jerry’s healing after the amputation of his leg.
(It took 4 1/2 years and a third surgery. Now almost six years later, he is able to wear a prosthesis a few hours a week.
~~~~~~~~~~
October 24, 2007

Today is exactly a year since Jerry’s amputation.  He has been three weeks in rehab, wearing the prosthesis a couple of hours a day, more just for sitting and getting used to it, a few minutes of exercise to put weight on it, and a few minutes walking on it with a walker.  Because of soreness he has not worn it the last two days.  Monday the prosthetist put in a small pad to help buffer the sore area.  It was feeling better, so he wore the prosthesis for about forty-five minutes this afternoon.  When he took it off, his leg was bleeding.  We have to wait again for healing before he can wear the prosthesis again.

Sixty-eight years takes its toll on those who have not learned how to wait.  By this time most think that they have arrived at the point of having all things under their control, getting things done when they want them done, settling down to the golden years, and being happy in all their progress.  This is not our case, but we can attest to something better.

How do you explain to those who are impatient that waiting is good for you?  Whether it is for a response to a letter, the arrival of a guest, a special event, for our children to grow up, or healing, the process of waiting is a part of life.  True waiting is the essence of hope, and a means to the end of obtaining contentment in this life as we wait for glory.

Waiting is a natural trait for God, but not for man.  Impatience was born in the Garden of Eden, and plays itself out in every person’s life, from the time of birth until death; except as we are given new hearts that know how to wait.  We learn from experiences that as we wait we receive blessings we did not expect.

Why do we not want a baby to be born before its full term? It will not be fully developed, or, not live at all.  Why do we not get a diploma until we have finished the required courses?  Why do we not marry at the age of eight?  Why do we not eat green bananas?  Waiting is not only necessary for life, but, the means to attaining true life.  It is not something we play at, or think about when we want to.  It is not a game, but a reality, that when practiced enough will become the beauty of life, without wanting to be the winner.

Waiting is serious business, in the same family as endurance, the big brother of patience.

Waiting is the will of God for us, and serves His purposes. “For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.” (Hebrews 10:36)

Waiting gives Him time to accomplish His work in us to His glory. God waits for the precious fruit of His husbandry, and so must we. (James 5:17)

Hope, and quietly waiting for the salvation of the Lord is synonymous with patience, the characteristic of the saints mentioned in the Book of Revelation. (13:10, 14:12)

 “I had fainted, unless I had believed
to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
Wait on the LORD: be of good courage,
and he shall strengthen thine heart;
wait, I say, on the LORD.
Psalm 27:13-14

Waiting strengthens our faith, letting patience have its perfect work, that we may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. (James 1:4)

I praise the Father for teaching me to wait. It comes more naturally now.  He is waiting with us, teaching us, loving us through it all.  I thank Him for all of you who have waited with us. I pray for more patience, more strength, more faith, more grace for us all—for His glory and our joy.

“The LORD is good to them that wait for Him.” (Lamentations 3:25)

Fran 10/07
(Excerpt from In Prayer and In Touch~ Articles and Stories of Faith)
Music:  Wait on the Lord Psalm 27:14 
They That Wait Upon the Lord Isaiah 40:31

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The Spirit and Heart of God’s Grace

On By francesrogersIn GOD'S GLORY, GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD, GRIEF, MUSIC, PRAYER1 Comment

Dear child of God,

As I look upward to our Lord Jesus Christ,
Who sits enthroned in sovereignty and majesty,
Ruling over all things,

My spirit cries, “Abba, Father.”

 My hope and trust is in Him.

 At the same time my heart is aching for, and with you.

“This is my (our) affliction,
yet we will remember the days of the Most High.”
Psalm 77:11

All of this life is sandwiched between God’s promises revealed,
and His power to fulfill—
His presence always with us to make it palatable.

How well Paul knew the promise of the Father, that “everything works together for good, to those who love Him, to those who are called according to His purpose—that we might be conformed to the image of Christ, His Son.”  Romans 8:28-29.

~~~~~~

Christ while here on earth looked to the Father in His sovereignty for all things. Knowing His promises, presence and power, His heart was, is, and has always been with us.  As one of us He knows, feels, and cares for us in all our heartaches.   As He reigns in heaven today His heart still bleeds for us, and bids us to come to Him.  He bears the yoke of this life and all its adversity with us.           Music: Whispering Hope

Father, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit, make us to know your presence with us today. Open our eyes to see you in the midst of all this life.  In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen. 

The Saints of God are Never Lucky

On By francesrogersIn GOD'S GLORY, GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD, MUSIC1 Comment

 The saints—children of God— are never lucky. We are blessed, whether in good times or adversity. And since we depend on God and not “luck” we are never “unlucky,” so Friday the 13th, which is supposed to be an “unlucky” day for some, has no meaning for us.

You will not find the word “luck” in the Bible; but you will find many references to “blessings” throughout God’s Word; and they always bear witness of God who promises them, and gives them.

 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who, in Christ,
has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places.”
Ephesians 1:3

 Superstition
We continue to hear Christians using the word “luck,” without realizing what they are saying.  It is a common expression in our culture, one that has held over through many generations of superstition.  I grew up in the 40’s & 50’s hearing the old wives’ tales, and the things that were supposed to be “bad luck”—“don’t let a black cat cross your path,” “don’t walk under a ladder,” etc.  And while they do not mean anything to us today, they were very real to people who believed in these sayings.

In the Reader’s Digest Illustrated Encyclopedic Dictionary printed in 1987 we found the meaning of “luck” —“The fortuitous happening of fortunate or adverse events; fortune.  The word “fortuitous” means “accidental or unplanned.” The online dictionary defines “luck” as “good fortune, chance, event determined by chance.”

 Those who accept life that is controlled by chance are negating the sovereignty and power of God.  According to His Word these have been, before the foundation of the world, through its creation and the maintenance thereof, its only means of survival and its completion.  What hope do we have if the only thing we can depend on is chance?  If “luck” is all we have wherein is our faith?  This is the religion of those who will not accept “the whole counsel of God”—we are but as a clock wound by the creator and left to run on its own.  What happens when the clock runs down?  What use is a clock if that is all we have?   What use is God if all He gives us is a clock?

 No!  God, Almighty God, our heavenly Father, is an “ever present help in trouble.”  He is “the strength of my life.”  (Psalm 27)  Whatever He has “predestined is according to the counsel of His will,” (Ephesians 1:11) with a definite purpose and plan in mind for each of His children—that we should be to the praise of His glory.”

 The Almighty Has Afflicted Me
Though I have not lost a husband and two sons, I relate well to Naomi, in the book of Ruth.  Was she bitter, or understanding the hand of God ruling in her life when she said, “I went out full and the LORD hath brought me home again empty: why then call ye me Naomi, seeing the LORD hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me?”  Ruth 1:21
And from the Psalmist we read “And I said, This is my infirmity: but I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High.” Psalm 77:10

 There is a great purpose in the adversity we experience in this world.  Knowing this gives us hope and faith in what lies beyond this world and our circumstances.

 John 16:33 “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

James 1:2-4 “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”     Count It All Joy

1 Peter 1:7 “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:”

Romans 8:28-29 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.”

Acts 14:22 “Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.”

Hebrews 12:11 “Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.”

1 Peter 3:14-15 “But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

1 Peter 4:12-13 “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

Father, I thank you that you leave nothing to chance for us as your children, but that you know your plans for us, and that you will bring all things to completion for us in Christ, our Lord and Savior.  In Jesus name I pray.  Amen.
(Join us for devotions at agoldentreasury.com)

A Burst of Grace

On By francesrogersIn GOD'S GRACE, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Adversities and events of the last several years kept me wondering if Jerry and I would celebrate a 50th year together.  Even as we planned and neared that day on July 28 it was with a little anxiety.  Lee, our daughter, called two days before all the family was to meet in S.C. for the weekend —Olivia had strep, and Emma, her younger sister had broken her arm.  Not to worry—Olivia was getting a prescription for an antibiotic, and Emma had an appointment to get her cast early on Friday morning; in time for them to arrive at our destination before Jerry and I got there. We had a blessed weekend with our family, returning home in time for the Lord’s Day morning worship. (To respond to the questions,  “What do you think about being married 50 years?”  “What is your secret?”  “What words of wisdom would you give us who are younger?” would require another post.)

On Monday my 72nd marker was passed; and for every milestone that I reach, there is a new, or renewed, vision of what may be ahead. When, by God’s grace, he gives another day it is usually accepted with a heart of gratitude, and a determination to know and to do His will that was not evident in my younger years.  We used to count years, then decades; now we “number our days” desiring to “gain a heart of wisdom” for the time we have left here.

These are all days of grace, and even with the grace that is given I often do not have the energy to accomplish all that I need to do.  Fulfilling my role as Jerry’s caregiver, keeping the home, cooking, gardening, shopping, etc. requires something beyond my capabilities.  When I look back on each day at what was done, I know, and praise the Lord, that it was by His grace.

There are special times, that, without any notice beforehand, I have a sudden strengthening to go about a task, and with a glad heart accomplish it with ease. From the first time this happened I described it as a “burst of grace.”  There have not been many; and now I pray for them, so that I can stop looking at something that needs to be done, and cross it off my list.

I think that the Lord may be planning to bless me with another “burst.”  Looking at windows that need to be cleaned, especially the kitchen windows, I see myself doing this.  Over and over, when I am at the sink during the day I picture how I will go about this; and so my prayer is for this “burst of grace” which, when it comes I know it will be of Him, and for Him—for His glory, and for my joy.

Amazed by His grace; caught up in His Glory  ~   Fran