Joyful Devotion

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel) — Fri, 08 May 2009 16:23:00 +0000

I'm Resolved

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel) — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 14:25:00 +0000

My typical New Year's Resolutions of the past have usually always involved getting in better shape, eating more healthily, reading through my Bible in a year...this year is different. I'm going to go a little easier on myself. I'm very determinded after Ben is born to get back in shape and I don't think I need to be any more resolved about it than I am now.

On New Year's Eve Samer and I prayed in 2009 with our pastor and his wife. It was such a blessed time. Samer and I have always done devotions together before we go to sleep, b ut last night was our first night closing them with prayer. It was wonderful! So, my New Year's Resolution is simply to PRAY. I want a life that's filled with prayer to the Lord. If I see something in someone that annoys me or they do something to hurt me instead of talking about them with someone else, I want to pray for them. I want to bring my sins before the Lord in confession more regularly. I want to take every care to Him and trust Him with every aspect of my life. I want to be attentive to the needs of others and pray for them as the Lord Jesus brings them to my heart.

Well, I hope everyone's new year is starting out wonderfully. Hope it continues that way until 2010!

Satan trembles when he sees the weakest saint upon his knees!

Becoming a Saint

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:50:00 +0000

Roman Catholic Church definition of "SAINT": A saint (from the Latin sanctus) is a human being to whom has been attributed (and who has generally demonstrated) a high level of holiness and sanctity in an exemplary life of virtuous behaviour. Such a person is often (but not always) recognized after their death by other human beings as someone who lived a divine life and who is in the Divine presence even in death.

So, it would seem by this definition the only way to become a saint is to live an exemplary holy life (even referred to as a divine life) while on this earth. Then, usually after your death someone will remember all the deeds you have done and ask that you be made a saint.

Let's look at who God calls saints in the Bible.

"Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:" Philippians 1:1

"Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you. All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household." Philippians 4:21-22

"To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ, which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." Colossians 1:2

Just looking at these few verses we see that the saints are alive. We see clearly from God's word that sainthood happens while a person is still alive; not after their death.

"Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to they saints at Jerusalem: and here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name." Acts 9:13-14

Saul, later to be called Paul (after he turns to Christ for salvation), was persecuting the saints in Jerusalem. We see in Scripture that Paul was throwing them into prison and doing all manner of evil things to them. He thought he was doing right because he did not believe that Jesus was God. He thought these saints were blasphemous because they called on the name of Jesus. We know that later Saul has a conversion experience on the Road to Damascus where he finally realizes that Jesus is God.

"Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:" 1 Corinthians 1:2

We see in this passage that saints were ones who "call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord." So according to God, a saint is one that calls upon Jesus. Let's see what else the Bible says about someone who calls upon the name of Jesus:

"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture sayeth, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Romans 10:9-13

We see that a person who calls upon the name of Jesus is referred to as a "saved" person. This is a person who has believed that they need the Lord Jesus as their Saviour from sin and have called upon Him for salvation. So, we see that God's definition of a saint is someone who has seen their lost condition and has turned to Jesus for salvation.

"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolators, nor adulterers, not effieminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, not covetous, not drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God." 1 Corinthians 6:9-10

Wow! What a list! This passage of Scripture is in the book of Corinthians; addressed to the saints at Corinth, as mentioned in some of the previous verses above. This list doesn't sound very "saintly" does it? Let's read the next verse:

"And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." 1 Corinthians 6:11

God says, "Such WERE some of you!" These saints once fit in that list of horrible sins, but something happened that made them saints. God says, "but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified." Not by good works they did or by living holy, but "in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." We see that a saint isn't someone who lives holy and attains sainthood by their own works, but rather someone who is a rotten sinner that comes to Jesus and claims HIS righteousness through salvation. The Bible says, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast." There will be no boasting in Heaven. No Christian will stand above another. Jesus Christ is the only One who will receive glory, and no man will be able to boast in his own good works getting him to heaven.

"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:" Ephesians 4:11-12

These verses show us that apostles (which we people who saw Christ after He arose...none of which are alive today), prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers are given to us for several reasons. Let us look at the first reason, for the perfecting of the saints. Now, this perfect means "complete." Someone who is complete in Christ; really grounded in the faith. We see that saints need to be taught and that they are not perfect as they live on this earth, but are learning to be complete in Christ. So we see that God's definition of a saint is not someone who is perfect in this life (living a divine life), but someone who is learning to be complete in Christ. Someone who is saved from sin by trusting Jesus Christ's righteousness alone.

"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;" Ephesians 6:18

In this verse we see that we're supposed to pray for all saints. Basically we're to pray for one another. God's definition of saint differs greatly from the Roman Catholic church definition of a saint. In the Roman Catholic church, people pray TO saints, not for them. God tells us that every person who has trusted Christ is a saint and we are to pray for one another.

I just felt that I should share this with everyone. If you really want to know what God has to say, read the Bible. Don't read a book that's been altered by man, but read His word and listen to what He has to say. One day when we all stand before Him we will have no excuse. He has given us His word and expects us to read it.

Realize that you are a sinner. It's not too hard, is it? We all do wrong every day, and the Bible tells us that when we do wrong we're sinning against God Himself. God is holy and can't accept someone who has sin. That's why He sent His son, Jesus, to pay for our sin on the cross and raised Him from the dead. Now we can come to the living Saviour and just tell him about how we need Him. Just tell Him we trust His payment for our sin. Then we will be right in the eyes of God, not condemned and unashamed. We'll be saints according to God's definition.

Mud or Stars

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 18:49:00 +0000

"Two men looked out from prison bars; one saw mud, the other saw stars."

This struck me as totally true. We can look at life as though we're always on the short end of the stick or we can enjoy being where we are and find joy in it. We can really encourage ourselves by looking (and sometimes you have to look really hard) for the good things in our lives. We can make the little things that are blessings into BIG joys by thanking God for them, OR we can make the bad things into BIG problems that keep us from enjoying the life God gave us.

Here's another quote that kinda goes along with my thoughts:

"A happy person is not a person with a certain set of circumstances, but rather a person with a certain set of attitudes."

Now, I know that the only way to have joy is to have Jesus, but sometimes even though we have Jesus we're not really happy. We won't let ourselves be happy because we focus on the bad things in our lives. I'm not saying to ignore things, but just always try to look up. We have a heavenly Father who cares and even when the bad things come we can be joyous and happy when we delight ourselves in Him and all He's done for us.

So, I'll leave you until September 8th or so. God bless you! Look up and delight yourself in the Lord!

Pope Says "No More Limbo"

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel) — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:02:00 +0000

No, he wasn't talking about the game where the horizontal pole is between 2 vertical ones and you try to shimmy under it as the pole gets lowered each time. He was talking about THIS limbo. Amazing to me that this man can just go and change something that has been taught by the Roman Cathlic Church for centuries. Something these people have held onto for years and years was changed in a few minutes by a pope's declaration. What's to stop him from decreeing that there's no real Heaven? If I were a Roman Catholic I'd be worrying a little bit. If something so widely taught by my religion could be ridded of by a pope I'd be concerned about what he was going to get rid of or change next.

I am SO glad I have the Word of God that has been given by God and preserved for us. No matter what anyone says about Christianity (and by that I mean knowing Jesus Christ as personal Saviour, NOT a religion) I can go to the Bible and know what God says. His Word never changes! It's never changed and will stand forever no matter what men say. It's great comfort to know that if I rest on His Word it will still be standing when it comes time for me to die. If something happens to my baby I know my baby will go to Heaven, not because of what some Pope decrees, but because that's what God has always said in the Bible. How wonderful it is to have the Bible!

I think it's interesting the pope got rid of limbo and one of his main reasons was because "it isn't found in the Bible". That's true, it ISN'T found in the Bible, then why was it something millions of Catholics were taught to be true? How many OTHER things have Catholics been taught that aren't actually found in Scripture? Purgatory, baptism of infants, Peter being the first Catholic priest (he was married!!), that the bread and wine become Jesus' actual flesh and blood, that Mary was the mother of God (she was the Virgin that God used to bring His Son into the world, but she acknowledges in the Bible that she needed Jesus as her Saviour! She was not sinless, but a sinner who needed the Saviour the same as we all do), confession to priests, monks and nuns (actually the Bible warns against people who forbid to marry and tell you to obstain from meats 1 Timothy 4:3) , popes (the Bible says there is ONE mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus! Thank the Lord I don't have to go through a priest, but I can speak directly to God through Jesus Christ, His Son). These are just a few of the things the Roman Catholic Church has taught for ages none of which can be found in the Bible.

I have a lot of dear Catholic friends and I wish they would stop and think about their religion. It is something than can, and has been, changed by men over and over. It's not a firm foundation.

Submission

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 14:18:00 +0000

Ephesians 5:17-22 "Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is, and be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord."

Paul, in this passage, talks about how we are to be filled with the Holy Spirit, which is the 'secret' to living a victorious Christian life. In the same passage we see an instruction to submit ourselves one to another in the fear of God, and an added instruction for wives to submit themselves to their own husbands. It is interesting the Lord put these all together in the same passage. As a newly married woman, I'm learning that being filled with the Spirit and submitting myself to my husband have a lot in common. Living filled with the Holy Spirit involves a complete death to self, wholly seeking to please and glorify the Lord without thought for myself. It is a beautiful example to women who are wives. As Christ loving the church is an ultimate example of love for our husbands (Ephesians 5:23-33), so being filled with the Holy Spirit is an ultimate example of submission. When we submit to Him, our lives have purpose, we become closer to the Lord, there is deep joy and blessing. Likewise, when we submit to our husbands, we find purpose in loving and caring for them, we draw ever closer to them and gain their trust, and find deep joy and blessing in their love as we follow them. A lot of people say that marriage is 50-50 give and take, but I don't think that's Biblical. Marriage is 100% give-give. Both parties giving 100% in love, not expecting anything in return. The only way we can submit and love our husbands as God wants us to is to be filled with the sweet Holy Spirit. God help us to seek to please Him and love our husbands with submission and honor.

Little Update

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 15:36:00 +0000

I haven't posted in a while here, but I have some devotions written down that I just haven't gotten around to putting online. The reason being I got married 3 weeks ago and moved to Pennsylvania. It's been a major adjustment, and I've been really busy.

I started a new blog; more of a personal one at: http://joyfilledpraise.blogspot.com

I plan to be a more regular poster in the next few months...it's a goal at least. :P

I've Been Tagged!

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel) — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 14:52:00 +0000

I've been tagged by The King's Daughter

The Rules are simple:

~ Link to the person that tagged you, and post the rules on your blog

~ Share seven random and/or weird facts about yourself

~ Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs

~ Let each person know they've been tagged by leaving a message on their blog

Seven Random Facts about me:

1. I hate rutabegas with a passion.
2. My favorite book in the Bible starts with the letter 'E'.
3. My favorite color is azure blue.
4. I like peanut butter and banana sandwiches.
5. My pet peeve is when people sing only part of a song and don't finish it. (I finish it in my head :P)
6. I don't like wearing socks.
7. There's a box of orange tic-tacs sitting on my computer desk. They've been there for 2 months now, and I think I've only eaten one.

Taggy Tag Tag:
Samer (My Fiance)

Jerry

Terry

Kathie

Kevin

Jason

Sarah

Be Still

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel) — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 21:16:00 +0000

"Be still, and know that I am God:" Psalm 46:10a

Sometimes we can get so caught up in the things of this life. Tasks that seem daunting, problems with family or friends, discouragement and defeated feelings can be overwhelming at times. It's in these times we must learn to be still.

Be still, and realize that we serve a God who is in control. The Lord of Glory is our helper. Too often we try to do things in our own energy. The psychologists say to look deep inside for strength. Nothing could be farther from the truth. As Christians we only need to look to Christ, who is our All in All. He can meet the needs in our heart and life.

I've been thinking a lot about this verse. Just taking the time to be still. It seems like my life has gotten very busy lately and there is value in being still. Knowing that HE is God. Blessed realization.

Like the Prodigal Son

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel) — Sun, 28 Oct 2007 20:25:00 +0000

The prodigal son, down in a far country. Away from his father's house, toiling away in the pig pen. His friends were all gone, and there was no one to help him. Hungry and destitute he begins to think of his father. His father's servants fared very well compared to him. He decides to return home and confess his sin to his father. To ask to be as one of his father's hired servants. Before he even gets to the house, his father runs out to meet him, kisses him, welcomes him home. He confesses his sin to his father, but doesn't even get to ask his father if he can be a servant. His father is so glad to have his son home he has the servants bring a robe and a ring and shoes for his son, to bring forth the fatted calf and rejoice.

As a lost person, I was out in the world. I realized my sinful state, and that no one could help me. My friends were helpless. I knew of the love of my Heavenly Father. I had heard about it all of my life. I knew that He loved me so very much He sent Christ to die in my place (just as the prepared fatted calf was slain for the prodigal). I knew I was a sinner, I'd been feasting on the pig slop of the world, and it did not satisfy me. I went to the Lord, knowing I was not even worthy to be called His child. He met me at the foot of the cross. I repented, and He claimed me as His own. He put a robe of righteousness on me (I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. - Isaiah 61:10). He put a ring on my hand (sealed by the Holy Spirit unto the day of redemption...also that every work from that day forward should be done in the energy of the Holy Spirit). He gave me shoes so that my feet were shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace that I may go and tell of God's great salvation.

In Luke 15:24 it says they began to be merry. There was rejoicing in my heart and in Heaven on the day i was saved. It was only the beginning. The rejoicing will never end. Hallelujah!

His Grace

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel) — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 18:40:00 +0000

The Grace of God
"Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but the Jews only. And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. For he was a good man and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord. Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch." Acts 11:19-26

The grace of God is something that is visible. Barnabas could see it in the lives of these Christians at Antioch. They were first called Christians in this place..where the grace of God was very apparent. Would the world call us Christians? Are we so much like Christ that His grace shines through us? Do the people we interact with every day know that we have the grace of God in our lives?

Acts 1:8 says, "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." The very fact that the word of God was preached to "the uttermost part of the earth" is grace. We are saved by grace. Everything that we lay claim to, we can only lay claim to it because of God's grace. Everything He does for us is because of Jesus. (Ephesians 2:7) That's certainly a lot to think about. How truly undeserving we are of all the grace that is given to us.

"Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 5:20 The grace of God....so amazing when a sinner realizes what grace is. When they see their sin, how great their sin abounds, it makes the grace of God abound more and more to them. Only when they see their sin in it's hideous ever-abounding state will they truly see the grace of God. As Christians, we demonstrate the grace of God by loving lost souls. We see these depraved people, we can see their sin, we know it's a stench before God. Yet we love them. THAT is the grace of God in our hearts. I think we should not forget where He brought us from, what wondrous grace He bestowed upon us! That will keep our hearts tender toward the lost.

These Christians in Antioch hungered to be taught the Word of God. That is a characteristic of someone who truly knows God's grace. Do we desire Him? Can we say as the Psalmist: "As the hart panted after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God."? Charles Spurgeon said, "An indifference tot he Word of God is one of the greatest curses on the church at this time". He said that back in the 1800s. How much worse it is now!

We should determine to recognize and appreciate God's grace in our lives.We should want His grace and love to show in our lives. We need to hunger for Him and for His Word with a veracity that will only be fully satisfied when we reach Heaven. To live denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, living soberly, righteously, godly, and with charity. Let's let Christ and His grace be demonstrated through us.

He's All We Need-from a message by Joe Arthur

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel) — Fri, 25 May 2007 02:13:00 +0000

"After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward." Genesis 15:1

This reward was after Abram had engaged in a conflict. After Abram had been faithful, God said "I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward". This was said after he'd shown compassion to Lot. After he had poured his life into the life of another. When we invest our lives into the lives of others, God will be our shield and our reward. God said this to Abram after a choice he made. Abram was not for sale! He'd made a vow to the Most High God. Abram knew where his blessings came from, and he didn't want anything from the world. He lived separated. One reason many men don't receive the blessing of God is because they're too busy being compensated by the world, the flesh and the devil. When we don't let the devil pay us off, God always does! Our citizenship is in Heaven, therefore we owe this world nothing. He didn't have Sodom's gold, but he had Heaven's God! He didn't have Sodom's riches, but he had the Redeemer. He cared not for the King of Sodom because he was cared for by the King of Salem!

This reward was a blessing. "Fear not" is the blessing of peace. The devil can try to get you to doubt that you're doing the right thing, even when you know you're doing His will. But God speaks, "Fear not!". Step out by faith. There is peace in serving God. He didn't have Sodom's possessions, but he had Heaven's peace! "I am thy shield" is the blessing of protection. Real safety is being in the perfect will of God. "I am thy exceeding great reward" is a portion. I AM! What greater reward can God give you than Himself? He didn't have Sodom's portion, but he had Heaven's portion! When you have the great I AM, you have all that you need.

This reward was binding. Abram wasn't making a covenant with God; God was making a covenant with him. Salvation is not what we did with God, but it is a work of grace God did in us. God is too rich to be a debtor to anyone.

He is faithful.

There is a river!

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel) — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 14:11:00 +0000

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High."

Knowing that sooner or later the Assyrian army would beseige Jerusalem, Hexekiah had taken wise and practical steps to ensure that Jerusalem had an unfailing water supply, no matter how long the seige. Hezekiah diverted the spring of Gihon through a conduit, 1777 feet long and hewn out of a completely solid rock, into a reservior inside the city's walls. (history taken from "Exploring the Psalms" by John Phillips)

The enemy had intentions of starving them into surrender or certain death. However the enemy didn't realize that THERE IS A RIVER! Satan and this world try to get at us. Try to dry up our spirit; to get us to come out and surrender. Dear Christian, remember, we have something that this world knows not of: There is a river. We have an ever-flowing fountain inside of us. Draw from it. Let it be your life. Let Jesus and His Word flow freely through you. It is a fountain that no enemy can take away from you for it flows through a Solid Rock, Jesus Christ.

God is so good!

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel) — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 16:00:00 +0000

Let me start by saying "God is so good!". Now I know that we say that often, and indeed it is true. However the Lord has been dealing with my heart lately about--do I really see Him as a good God in the bad times as well as the good? Now I can certainly SAY that I do, but do I really mean it? It's like that song 'The God on the Mountain': "We talk of faith when we're up on the mountain, but the talk comes so easy when life's at it's best. But then things change, and we're down in the valley..." He is an unchanging God (Hebrews 13:8), so therefore He is everything He is ALL of the time. Things have been really wonderful for me lately, and I am thankful to God for that. I am aware that there will be times of testing, as there have been all through my Christian life. When those times come will God still be good? The answer is YES!!

Look at Psalm 46:5 "God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early." This city was facing an enemy from without (as we are today), but God was WITH her. She could still say "God is good" even in this bad time for He was always with her. Here is a hard thing to understand, but totally true: God is good to us when He gives us trials. That may sound crazy, but in reality it IS true. If all we had in life were good times, we could not fully appreciate what the Lord does for us. That He is with us always, that He bears our burdens, or to know the blessedness of leaning on Him in prayer during a time of trouble. The things are good things too, the same as when he blesses us with a new job or house, or when He gives us someone special to love, or when He gives us great victory in our lives. The simple truth is that God is good ALL the time, and we just need to realize it ALL the time.

Look at Job. He had it all, and he could truly say "Wow! God is so good!", but it wasn't until God allowed all the blessings to be removed that Job could say "I have heard thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee."-Job 42:5. He could then say that he had not only heard of God's ever-abiding presence, but that he had experienced it for himself. After facing the trial Job could see that God was still God (Job 19:35), and that He was alive and there with Job even in the trials. This is something my soul longs for. Of course the mountaintop experiences are so wonderful and dear to me (probably because they are so rare), but it's those valley experiences that I remember more for those are the times when God seems nearest.

The Hebrew children in the furnace of fire. God could've kept them from ever being put into the furnace. Instead He allowed them to be thrown into the furnace to show Himself and ever present God. You'd better believe those Hebrew children could say after that day "Our God...He is a very present help in time of trouble!'. This testimony completely changed the way the King and others looked at their God. Having a testimony of a God who is always with you impacts others greatly.

Oh, that God would use the mountain and the valley experiences to bring us all closer to Him. To refine us. To help us encourage others in the way. God is so good!

More love to Thee, O Christ, more love to Thee!
Hear Thou the prayer I make on bended knee.
This is my earnest plea: More love, O Christ, to Thee;
More love to Thee, more love to Thee!

Once earthly joy I craved, sought peace and rest;
Now Thee alone I seek, give what is best.
This all my prayer shall be: More love, O Christ to Thee;
More love to Thee, more love to Thee!

Let sorrow do its work, come grief or pain;
Sweet are Thy messengers, sweet their refrain,
When they can sing with me: More love, O Christ, to Thee;
More love to Thee, more love to Thee!