JUST FOR LADIES – BY CAMILLE STAHL

Today’s Passages – Romans 4 – 7 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)

(Second Milers also read – Psalms 126 – 130; Proverbs 26)

Scripture Memorization for November – The Kenosis Passage – Philippians 2:5 – 11

Listen to this morning’s Scripture Song – James 4:10

Read a great article by Pastor Paul Chappell – “The Enemy of Gratitude“

Read the “1126 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

Read previous posts from this passage – “Imputed Righteousness” and “Peace“

Trials and Tribulations

“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope:” (Romans 5:3-4)

Have you ever wondered why you go through, such hard times, of what ever kind? I’ve heard so many times and even said it myself “If God loves me so much, why does He allow this to happen to me?” (I know why and replied “Sometimes I wish He wouldn’t love me so much!”) He allows us to go through things because He loves us so much and knows what’s best for us.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)

It’s so we can glorify Him and to help others.

“The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.” (Psalms 34:18-19)

“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.” (1 Peter 4:12-16)

You can write it down, you will go through some kind of trial before you leave this earth pokie machine online. It’s all about how you handle it and what you’re going to do with it that counts.

A while ago, I did a blog on a woman named Corrie ten Boom. She was a lady who helped the Jews flee from going to Nazi war camps. She herself, a non-Jew, found herself in one of those camps. While there she was able to have Bible studies with the ladies and I’ve heard a least one was saved if not more. She later became a well-known speaker for ladies ministries. (Read or see the movie on Youtube for free: The Hiding Place). Elizabeth Elliot was another great lady who suffered but was greatly used of God. Her missionary husband was killed by the very people they were trying to reach. She too went on to be a well-known speaker for ladies ministries, she also led the very man to Christ who killed her husband. If you’re thinking that they are not the ordinary, you’re wrong. They started out just like you and I until one day God took hold of their lives. A more resent young lady who is being greatly used of God is Bethany Hamilton. She, as a young born again teen, was surfing and lost her arm to a shark. She too asked “Why?” Since the tragic event, she has given all glory to Jesus Christ and inspired more young people for the Lord. (Read her story “Soul Surfer”).   What more can you ask for?

What can we do while in a trial?

Trust God. He has your best.

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5)

Pray.   He’s listening.

“Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?” (Matthew 7:9-11)

Wait. He will see you through.

“I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God.” (Psalms 69:3)

“Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” (Psalms 27:14)

“Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him:…” (Psalms 37:7)

“In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs3:6)

I pray you all have a blessed Thanksgiving and enjoy your families.

Thank You

1 John 5:13