daisyrlb
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Inspired by "Exercise: Hikers, Walkers, Crawlers" weekly posts started by kgg and "Thoughts for the Day" started by lightfoot I add this post.
May you be encouraged.
The steadfast love of the Lord never fails. His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning.
Daisy
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kam
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Good idea
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kam
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When You Are Low on Hope
by Max Lucado
Water. All Noah can see is water. The evening sun sinks into it. The clouds are reflected in it. His boat is surrounded by it. Water. Water to the north. Water to the south. Water to the east. Water to the west. Water.
He sent a raven on a scouting mission; it never returned. He sent a dove. It came back shivering and spent, having found no place to roost. Then, just this morning, he tried again. With a prayer he let it go and watched until the bird was no bigger than a speck on a window.
All day he looked for the dove's return.
Now the sun is setting, and the sky is darkening, and he has come to look one final time, but all he sees is water. Water to the north. Water to the south. Water to the east. Water to the ...
You know the feeling. You have stood where Noah stood. You've known your share of floods. Flooded by sorrow at the cemetery, stress at the office, anger at the disability in your body or the inability of your spouse. You've seen the floodwater rise, and you've likely seen the sun set on your hopes as well. You've been on Noah's boat.
And you've needed what Noah needed; you've needed some hope. You're not asking for a helicopter rescue, but the sound of one would be nice. Hope doesn't promise an instant solution but rather the possibility of an eventual one. Sometimes all we need is a little hope.
That's all Noah needed. And that's all Noah received.
Here is how the Bible describes the moment: ``When the dove returned to him in the evening, there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf!'' (Gen. 8:11 NIV).
An olive leaf. Noah would have been happy to have the bird but to have the leaf! This leaf was more than foliage; this was promise. The bird brought more than a piece of a tree; it brought hope. For isn't that what hope is? Hope is an olive leaf--evidence of dry land after a flood. Proof to the dreamer that dreaming is worth the risk.
Don't we love the olive leaves of life? ``It appears the cancer may be in remission.'' ``I can help you with those finances.'' ``We'll get through this together.'' What's more, don't we love the doves that bring them? Perhaps that's the reason so many loved Jesus.
To all the Noahs of the world, to all who search the horizon for a fleck of hope, he proclaims, ``Yes!'' And he comes. He comes as a dove. He comes bearing fruit from a distant land, from our future home. He comes with a leaf of hope.
A Love Worth GivingHave you received yours? Don't think your ark is too isolated. Don't think your flood is too wide. Receive his hope, won't you? Receive it because you need it. Receive it so you can share it.
Love always hopes. ``Love ... bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things'' (1 Cor. 13:4-7 NKJV, emphasis mine).
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Dekrator48
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"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
Galatians 6:2 NIV
-------------------- The fibromyalgia I've had for 32 years was an undiagnosed Lyme symptom.
"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future". -Jeremiah 29:11 Posts: 6076 | From Pennsylvania, USA | Registered: Nov 2008
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daisyrlb
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Kam,
Thanks for sharing that from Max Lucado. Olive leaves are very good. And doves. Smile. I like that (talking about His hope), "Receive it so you can share it."
I saw Max Lucado and Michael W. Smith at a church several years ago. It was one of their "Come Thirsty" services. I'll never forget it.
Have a hope-filled week-end.
Daisy
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daisyrlb
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Dekrator,
Amen!
"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" Ephesians 2:10 (NIV).
Sowing and reaping--may your burdens by lifted as the Lord brings "olive leaves" and "doves" into your life.
Daisy
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daisyrlb
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I just looked outside.
The sun is shining on the autumn leaves making their colors even more brilliant. What a blessed sight. WOW!
Makes me think, today I want the Son to shine on me so that others may be blessed as they see Him in me.
We are blessed to be a blessing.
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kam
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Worry doesn't empty tomorrow of it's sorrows it empties today of it's strength C Ten Boom
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kam
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This is written on a billboard outside a local church:
If you are down in the mouth, just look at Jonah.
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kam
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Daisy
Wondering how many are able to attend church or a Bible Class?
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daisyrlb
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Kam
Great question. Hmmm has me thinking. There are even church services online.
A person who is not able to get out of the house can still be encouraged and blessed. And, hey, we all need that.
This church not only has many "campuses", they have a huge worldwide "congregation" online, too.
It's neat, during the message you can blog with people from around the world.
Have great Lord's Day, Daisy
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kam
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Daisy,
I will look into that web site.
I watched a bit of the message on Hour of Power this am. I was thankful I was able to watch it.
I can hear all of the message on line too which I might do when I am able.
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daisyrlb
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Kam,
My husband and I watched Hour of Power this am too. We watch it most Sundays and have for years. Today's was really great--music, special guy and the preacher. As they say, "Wow!"
That was neat the guy that had his dog named, Prophet Dog, with him, and he was using Prophet as an illustration. I need to be more like Prophet. Smile.
Sometimes I watch Hour of Power online if I miss Sunday.
Did you see the Hour of Power when Nick Vujicic, 27 year old born without arms and legs was on? Oh--my--goodness. What an inspiration!
Amazing!
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MDW005
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I was getting ready for bed And looked at the time,
I realized i have been here for an hour. thank
you for opening my eyes befor I lay down to sleep.
I have been trying so hard to keep the faith, and not
be a grumpy person because i hurt so much. Im raising
my grandchildren 10 and 8, boys, and iam only 48 Sat.
I have had them since they were babies. I pray almost
every night that God gives me the stength and courage
and patients that i had 2yrs ago. These 2 little boys
are my life and they are my gift from God. I am a newbie
and still awaiting my blot results.
Thank you again for olive leaves and doves.
-------------------- God's promises mean you always have something wonderful to look forward to. Posts: 2150 | From Georgia | Registered: Oct 2009
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daisyrlb
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Good Morning Mdwoo5,
You certainly have your hands full as you raise your precious grandchildren and you're so young. (I have two granddaughters and one grandson.)
Children and grandchildren ARE a gift from God.
It's amazing how God leads us to the right place at the right time. Hope you had a good night's rest and have a blessed day.
Praying God give you peace and strength.
Look forward to hearing the results of your blot.
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kam
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Daisy...thanks for the video on Nick.
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"For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come."
1 Timothy 4:8
That was an awesome story by Max Lucado. He is brilliant and I am so jealous daisy that you got to see him as well as M. Smith!
When we lived in San Antonio I always wanted to go see Max preach. The only thing that held me back was that my husband was an organist at another church.
Hard to get away!!
Max Lucado's radio show UPWORDS was my very favorite. I don't ever hear it anymore. Used to listen to it in SA.
PS.. I just happened upon the verse in Timothy. One of those obscure verses no one ever quotes. But I thought it was good!
PSPS .. My husband and I just started a Bethel Series Bible Study. It's a 2 yr study and we already did a "quick study" of it 2 yrs ago.. now will do the more indepth one.
Hey daisy... The theme of Bethel is "Blessed to be a blessing.!" Interesting that you posted that!!
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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daisyrlb
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Kam, that video of Nick, no arms or legs--I figured someone had to brush his hair, teeth, etc. Talk about creative! And he even swims! He has so much faith and it's great how God is using him.
When I see a pity party on the horizon I need to remember Nick.
Lymetoo, your husband plays organ at church--that's great.
The theme for that Lucado/M. Smith service was "Come Thirsty". It was so neat everyone was given a bag with stuff in it. At one point during the service Max asked everyone to take a card (I think) out of the bag.
The bag was made of very unique plastic material and with everyone opening the bag at the same time, it sounded exactly like rain falling. I'll never forget that. What a great illustration. "Come Thirsty, get ready for the down pour".
Thanks for sharing the verse in Timothy. What a blessed promise we have. Thank You, Lord!
Bethel Series Bible Study (I'd love to attend one of those, have to check out my area)...blessed to be a blessing...could God actually be leading this post?
I pray so.
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." (James 1:17).
Daisy
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Thank you Daisy for sharing the following quote from Max:
"Come Thirsty, get ready for the down pour".
Praying for Gods fresh outpouring on my body, soul, and mind. I thirst and hunger.
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daisyrlb
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Just read Psalm 57:9-11 (NIV). Now going to sleep. May you sleep well tonight.
9 I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples.
10 For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.
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treepatrol
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Philippians 4:13 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
-------------------- Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Remember Iam not a Doctor Just someone struggling like you with Tick Borne Diseases.
treepatrol
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Heres one i just got in a email its good.
Everything I need to know about life, I learned from Noah 's Ark .
One : Don't miss the boat.
Two : Remember that we are all in the same boat.
Three : Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark.
Four : Stay fit. When you're 600 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.
Five : Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.
Six : Build your future on high ground.
Seven : For safety sake, travel in pairs.
Eight : Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.
Nine : When you're stressed, float a while.
Ten : Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.
Eleven: No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting.
-------------------- Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Remember Iam not a Doctor Just someone struggling like you with Tick Borne Diseases.
daisyrlb
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posted
tree patrol,
Thanks for sharing that. I'm starting this week's "God Thought" with your "Noah's Ark". Good stuff to think about and do. ("God Thought" is Friday - Thursday, give or take. Smile.)
Have a great week.
Daisy
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kam
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Good to hear that this week's God Thing will be the Noah's Ark.
I have tried reading that and have yet to have the brain and vision work well enough to read it.
So hopefully soon.
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