TRUST HIM

TRUST HIM-
Don't worry for your life...
I don't know what's ahead!

TRUST HIM-
During storms and strife...
The birds by Him are fed!

TRUST HIM-
Daily, for each day's need...
He will surly give!

TRUST HIM-
Depending on His grace...
Empowering me to live!

n.waite

"OIL AND WINE"

Romans 5:3 tells us to "REJOICE IN OUR AFFLICTIONS"! How can I possibly do this? How can I rejoice or celebrate that I am going through afflictions???

As I have been thinking about this I found that the Greek word used here for "afflictions" is the word used for "pressure" - like that of a press squeezing the fluid from olives or grapes!
I began to think about what takes place with making oil and wine...
... Pressing changes the olive or grape FOREVER! They no longer look like the did before! They no longer ARE the same! Without the pressing there would be no oil or wine!

Both oil and wine are medicinal.
Oil is helpful in daily life...like making bread!
Wine is a refreshing drink!

Am I like oil and wine?
Am I submissive to the squeezing in my life, the pressure, the pressing???

Do I bring healing and encouragement to the hurting? (or do I sting like vinegar?)
Do I bring refreshment to others?
Am I faithful in the daily tasks of life? (like making bread)
Bread can be so ordinary...in fact boring on one hand, and yet it can sustain life and be irresistible! (who can resist the smell of freshly baked bread, and can't wait to butter and eat it?!)

Do I give myself up fully to be pressed and squeezed by the afflictions that God brings into my life? If I do, the result will be like oil and wine!!

LORD, PRESS ON!

Under Your Wings

My Son, Mark Daniel, shared his thoughts with us on Genesis 45. Well worth reading and taking to heart!


Gensis 45 - Joseph announces himself to his brothers. This is a comparison between Joseph and Christ.

First of all, in this time, Joseph was the savior of Israel, a picture of Chist being the Savior of Israel and the World.

• 45:1-3 Joseph's brothers came to him, seeking only his benefits (grain) not him. They did not recognize him for who he was. Joseph had to reveal himself to his brothers for them to understand. Before Christ revealed Himself to us, we too were only seeking His benefits, not Him. We did not recognize the beauty of Christ until He revealed Himself to us.
  
• 45:3-4 Joseph's brothers were dismayed at Joseph's presense, because they knew their guilt. Similar to us. Joseph asks his brother (even saying "Please") to come close to him. Because of Joseph's love and kind words, his brothers were able to draw near to him. Joseph had to draw them near to himself. God's kindness leads us to repentance (Romans 2). J
  
• Joseph's brothers could not repay him for his forgiveness. They could only throw themselves on his mercy. We cannot repay Christ, but only throw ourselves on His mercy.
  
• 45:5-8 Joseph does not blame his brothers for their sin against him, but gave glory to God for saving Israel. Joseph preached the gospel (in a way) and was grounded in God's soveriegn plan of salvation.
  
• 45:9-24 Joseph reconciles his brothers to himself and sends them to save Israel and bring Israel to him. Joseph sent 11 men to save Israel. Christ sent 11 men (the 11 apostles after Judas left) to preach the gospel to Israel and the world.
  
• 45:9-11 Joseph was lord and told Israel to not delay in coming to him. Then, Israel would have Joseph's benefits and blessings. Jesus is Lord, we must come to Him, and we will receive His benefits.
  
• 45:12-15 Joseph loved his brothers more than they loved him. Christ loves us more than we can ever love Him.
  
• 45:26 At first Israel did not believe. Verse 27 - Through the ministry of the 11 sons, repeating Joseph's words to Israel, and from what he saw Joseph had sent, he came to believe. We must repeat Jesus' words for people to believe.
  
• Joseph revealed himself to his brothers, but then sent his brothers on a journey. A journey to save Israel and get back to the savior. Joseph provided everything they would need for the journey. Jesus has sent us on a journey, to rescue the lost world, and get back to Him. Jesus has given us everything we need for this Journey.

GOD IS...

The night sky is filled with low hanging clouds -
Not what a soldier hopes for.
The sound of a backfire or the shrill whistle of an "incoming"...
Keeps muscles tense... minds racing...spirits uneasy...

My mind is ever thinking...wondering...praying for you...
That in the midst of your life on the battlefield,
Jesus our LORD GOD would reveal Himself to you...
And bring you strength of body, peace of mind, and a steadfast spirit -
Trusting in His Sovereign Control.

God, He is your REFUGE.
He, Himself is your peace.
Have confidence that HE IS GOD!
And from your striving cease.
(Psalm 46)

God is your PROTECTOR,
As you sleep upon your bed.
He is a SHIELD about you,
And the lifter of your head.
(Psalm 3)

God, He is your FORTRESS,
Your STRONGHOLD and your ROCK!
He is your LOVING SHEPHERD,
Caring for His flock!
(Psalm 18,23)

God, He is your SHELTER,
A place in which to hide!
He guards you in the battle,
And strength He will provide!
(Psalm 91)

So do not fear the terror by night,
Or the "arrow" that flies by day!
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
He will direct your way!
(Psalm 91; Proverbs 3:5-6)

Let all who take refuge in God, BE GLAD!
REJOICE! And ever sing!
God's favor surrounds you as a SHIELD,
Be thankful in everything!
(Psalm 5)