Changing Places

Dear friends, I posted the following account on my Pilgrim Scribblings site but thought it might be encouraging to you to read because of God's intimate dealings with me over the weekend. In the midst of the terror and uncertainty there was a precious sense of His loving presence. I pray that you, too, will experience all that our Father has to offer you today. In the midst of our storms He speaks "PEACE".

Be encouraged today, dear ones!

Here's the CHANGING PLACES post:

This past weekend was one of those bittersweet occasions when the joy and excitement of doing something meaningful for God, family and friends was tempered by the edginess of financial insecurity and the persistent fear of possible ruin.

Throughout the weekend I had an incredible sense that the Father was with me as I walked the tightrope between where I am and where I want to be, occasionally glancing downwards at the frightening rocks and billows below.

During the long, dark night on Saturday, God was dealing with my heart and graciously reminding me that I’m never out of His care or His sight. What a precious sense of His presence and His providential care! Normally terror would have been my dreaded companion but during the night watches I could trace God’s hand as He dealt with my pain.

A reflective piece of prose or poetry kept coming to my mind as I threw myself into the Father’s arms.

Today (Monday) I hesitate to post this for fear that you, my readers, friends and fellow pilgrims, might think that I have finally “arrived”. That I have actually “got it”. That I’ve turned the corner. I wish I could say that I have but I know that there are many more mountains to cross, valleys to stumble through and deep, churning waters to navigate.

Here, then, is what I penned over the weekend. Verses two and three came to me this morning. Please note that the place I’m in hasn’t changed. It’s only my perspective that has…my understanding of a sovereign God’s dealings with His perplexed servant. As we understand Him aright, He can turn the valley of Baca into a refreshing stream. May it be so for each of us as we trust His heart.

CHANGING PLACES

Teetering on the precipice
O God…don’t let me slip…
Just above the murky mire
Begging You to take me higher
...Free me from this hellish place
...Where darkness hides Your radiant face.

Father as I contemplate
Reviewing where I am…
This is not what I’d have planned
But I’m held by Your strong hand
...Keep me in this scary place
...Where all I have is sovereign grace.

Learning here to trust Your heart
With nothing left but You…
The vain things that charmed me most
Gradually have all been lost
...Lord I love this sacred place
...Where we commune now…face to face.

- David Fisher

1st verse – April 14th, 2007
2nd & 3rd verses – April 15th, 2007

Note: This post should be read in conjuction with the revelations made in my recent post entitled FAITHFUL FRIENDS in mind.

Comforting Words

What comfort can be found in the Word of God! Isaiah's prophetic words still speak loud and clear today...especially TODAY. May you be encouraged today knowing that He really cares.

"But now, this is what the LORD says—he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead. Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you, and people in exchange for your life." - Isaiah 43:1-4 (NIV)

Fears and Doubts

Greetings, friends. Thanks for your visit. I trust that you will be refreshed as you take a moment here. May this be an oasis in the midst of a hectic day...or evening.

Elisabeth Elliot in her book, Secure in the Everlasting Arms quotes Thomas Carlyle who commented, "Doubt of any sort cannot be removed except by action." Elliot adds, "There is wonderful therapy in taking oneself by the scruff of the neck, getting up, and doing something. While you are doing, time passes quickly. Time itself will in some measure heal, and "light arises in the darkness" - slowly, it seems but certainly."

She continues, "I myself have been hauled out of the Slough of Despond by following the advice of the simple Saxon in an old English parsonage: 'Doe the nexte thynge'."

Many a questioning, many a fear,
Many a doubt hath its quieting here.
Moment by moment, let down from heaven,
Time, opportunity, guidance are given.
Fear not tomorrows, child of the King -
Trust them with Jesus. Do the next thing!

Whatever is happening today, know that as a believer, a follower of "the Way", you are secure in the everlasting arms."

"The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms." - Deuteronomy 33:27 (NIV)

Comforting Words

Dear friends, I've returned from my travels and I've missed writing these daily notes of encouragement. I'm blessed as I post these thoughts and I trust that you are as well. I'll try to make up for the days I've missed. Have a great weekend and I trust that you will be enriched in your spirit as you worship the King on Sunday!

He's Leading the Way
(Comforting words by Moses)

"Do not be terrified, do not be afraid of them. The Lord your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as He did for you in Egypt, before your very eyes, and in the desert. There you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place. In spite of this, you did not trust in the Lord your God, who went ahead of you on your journey, in fire by night and in a cloud by day, to search out places for you to camp and to show you the way you should go." - Deuteronomy 1:29-31

He still leads the way today! Why do we fear? He is the Lord our God and He bids us follow Him.
Be encouraged today, dear friends!

Powerful Words

Yesterday I visited a friend who is battling for his life. He is resting at home and he wanted me to come and pray with him. What a privilege to share God's Word with this beloved brother who knows Jesus and is going to see Him soon. After taking his hand and praying, I read this favorite verse of mine from Isaiah. What words of comfort! What encouragement! I pray that you will find strength in God's inspired, inerrant word today!

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." - Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)