“Praise
God From Whom All Blessings Flow”
This
phrase from the doxology has been running through my head over and over
in the past few months. So as I usually do, I asked God, “Why”? Is
it so that I will recognize the truth in this phrase? Lord, who else have
I given credit for what only you could have done?
I remember
when I was in early discipleship, you know, just learning how to walk.
Basically I was a toddler falling quite a bit. There were lots of bumps
on my head and elsewhere. Well, I attended a Women’s Retreat at Highland
Lakes Baptist Encampment. The speaker, Barbara O’Chester, sang a song and
then shared from her heart the things of God. Afterward, I went to
thank her for her words. She said, ‘Don’t thank me Martha, that was God
speaking.’ I was so embarrassed at the time. I was put off
by her response. It hurt my feelings. I knew it was from God but I just
wanted to thank her for saying it.
As I
look back on that evening, I realize that she was right. I was young. The
‘grown-up’ believer response would have been to fall on my knees as I heard
His message and thank and give Him the praise and glory. I’m not
so hard on myself because that was then and now is now, but I’m not so
stubborn to not learn a new way of having a thankful heart toward God’s
message.
In your
relationship with Jesus Christ – Emmanuel - God with us – Savior – Redeemer
– Friend - Holy One - Almighty God, please remember this: It is an
ongoing process in a growing relationship. Your relationship won’t happen
overnight. When you planted that seed outside it took some other events
in its life to bring about growth. Sunlight and rain. Good soil. Time.
Remember to wait on the Lord and watch what He will do in your life. And
in mine.
Today,
I love just spending time with Him. I smile and giggle to think He
loves me so. I sit alone and it’s just the two of us. I sense His
presence. I feel so loved.
He patiently
raised me as His child and He hasn’t forgotten me or you. I will
live forever with Him in the home Jesus has prepared for me. He’s getting
your house ready too! I am loved and so are you. Keep striving
for the goal that is set before you. Never-never-never give up.
Keep
me Lord. Keep us Lord - everyone who reads these words. We
sheep need a shepherd. Lord, you are our Shepherd. We have everything that
we need.
The Holy
Spirit will teach you-comfort you-guide you. Think eternal life, not earthly.
Your prayer life will change. Your focus will alter.
I love
you,
Martha
Shipman
Romans
8:33
“Who
can accuse the people God has chosen? No one, because God is the one who
makes them right!”
2
Peter 3:18
“But
grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
Isaiah
58:11
“The
Lord will always lead you.”
